Azerbaijan Prayer Times
Islamic prayer times (namaz and salah) for every city in Azerbaijan: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Azan times, updated daily.
Islamic prayer times for Azerbaijan. PrayerAll provides accurate daily prayer schedules for 5 cities across Azerbaijan. Prayer times in Azerbaijan are calculated using the Muslim World League method. Main timezone: Asia/Baku. All prayer times include Fajr, Sunrise, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Times are updated daily and calculated based on each city's geographic coordinates. Source: PrayerAll.com – Global Islamic prayer time reference for Muslims worldwide.
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Islamic Resources for Azerbaijan
Muslims in Azerbaijan can check prayer times (namaz and salah) for cities like Baku, Ganja, Sumqayit, updated daily with the trusted method.
Popular Cities in Azerbaijan
General Prayer Time Questions
How accurate is the prayer time for Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan primarily uses the Muslim World League (MWL) method for prayer time calculations, with Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. Some mosques, particularly Shia ones, may use methods closer to Tehran University standards. The Caucasus Muslims Board publishes official prayer calendars that are followed nationwide. Azerbaijan operates on Azerbaijan Time (AZT, UTC+4) year-round, having discontinued daylight saving time in 2016. Being at relatively high latitudes (around 40°N), summer Fajr prayers can be quite early and Isha prayers quite late. The mountainous terrain creates slight variations in prayer times between the Caspian coast and inland regions. Friday prayers are well-attended, particularly in Baku and major cities.
Why are prayer times different between apps and mosques?
Prayer times can vary slightly due to different calculation methods, angles for Fajr and Isha, and whether the location uses summer time adjustments. We use the most widely accepted method for each region.
Which prayer time should I use to break my fast during Ramadan?
You should break your fast at Maghrib (sunset) time. This is when the sun has completely set below the horizon. The Maghrib time shown is calculated precisely for your location.
Is the sunrise time shown a prayer time?
No, sunrise is not a prayer time. It marks the end of Fajr prayer time and the beginning of the prohibited time for prayer. You cannot pray when the sun is rising until it has risen completely (about 15-20 minutes after sunrise).
About Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, known as the 'Land of Fire,' is a secular nation with a Muslim-majority population of approximately 10 million, where 96% identify as Muslim. Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has a unique Islamic character shaped by its Shia majority (around 65%), Sunni minority, and Soviet-era secularism. The country balances its Islamic heritage with modern secular governance.
Islamic Heritage in Azerbaijan
Islam arrived in Azerbaijan during the 7th century Arab conquests, with the region becoming part of the Umayyad and later Abbasid caliphates. The Shirvanshahs (861-1538) established a powerful Muslim dynasty that left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani culture and architecture. The Safavid Empire (1501-1736), which originated in Ardabil (now in Iran but historically connected to Azerbaijan), established Shia Islam as the dominant faith in the region.
The country's Islamic heritage is visible in its historic mosques, madrasas, and Sufi shrines. The walled city of Baku (Icherisheher) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and numerous medieval Islamic structures. The Bibi-Heybat Mosque, rebuilt after Soviet destruction, is one of the most important Shia shrines in the Caucasus and is believed to contain the tomb of a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
Soviet rule (1920-1991) significantly impacted religious practice, with many mosques closed or destroyed. Since independence, Azerbaijan has experienced an Islamic revival while maintaining strict secularism. The Caucasus Muslims Board (Qafqaz Müsəlmanları İdarəsi), headquartered in Baku, oversees Islamic affairs for both Shia and Sunni communities. The country follows a moderate interpretation of Islam and actively promotes interfaith dialogue.
Prayer Time Practices in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan primarily uses the Muslim World League (MWL) method for prayer time calculations, with Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. Some mosques, particularly Shia ones, may use methods closer to Tehran University standards. The Caucasus Muslims Board publishes official prayer calendars that are followed nationwide.
Azerbaijan operates on Azerbaijan Time (AZT, UTC+4) year-round, having discontinued daylight saving time in 2016. Being at relatively high latitudes (around 40°N), summer Fajr prayers can be quite early and Isha prayers quite late. The mountainous terrain creates slight variations in prayer times between the Caspian coast and inland regions. Friday prayers are well-attended, particularly in Baku and major cities.
Major Mosques in Azerbaijan
Heydar Mosque
Baku
The largest mosque in the South Caucasus, completed in 2014 and named after former president Heydar Aliyev. This stunning contemporary mosque blends classical Islamic architecture with modern design, featuring four 95-meter minarets and a 55-meter central dome. It serves both Shia and Sunni worshippers.
Capacity: 7,000 worshippers
Bibi-Heybat Mosque
Baku
One of the most significant Islamic monuments in Azerbaijan, originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1998-99 after Soviet-era destruction. The mosque complex includes the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, believed to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. It is a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims.
Capacity: 3,000 worshippers
Taza Pir Mosque
Baku
Built between 1905-1914 by philanthropist Nabat Khanum Ashurbeyova, this is one of the few mosques that remained partially open during Soviet times. Its unique architecture combines Islamic and European styles, and it serves as a center for both Shia and Sunni prayers.
Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
Juma Mosque
Shamakhi
One of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, originally built in the 8th century during the Arab conquest. Located in the historic town of Shamakhi, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history. The current structure dates from 2013 and serves as a major Friday prayer venue.
Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
Palace of the Shirvanshahs Mosque
Baku
Part of the UNESCO-listed 15th-century palace complex in Baku's Old City. This historic mosque served the Shirvanshah dynasty and represents medieval Azerbaijani Islamic architecture. The complex includes a mausoleum, divankhana, and other royal structures.
Capacity: 500 worshippers
Əjdərbəy Mosque
Baku
Also known as the Ajdarbey Mosque, this is one of Baku's oldest surviving mosques, dating to the 19th century. Located near the Fountain Square, it represents traditional Azerbaijani mosque architecture and serves the local Sunni community.
Capacity: 1,500 worshippers
Ramadan in Azerbaijan
Ramadan in Azerbaijan reflects the country's unique blend of Islamic devotion and secular society. While not all Azerbaijanis fast, a significant portion of the population observes the holy month. The government officially recognizes Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. Mosques see increased attendance, particularly for Taraweeh prayers, and many restaurants remain open during daylight hours due to the secular nature of society.
Traditional Azerbaijani iftar features national dishes such as piti (lamb and chickpea stew), dolma, plov (pilaf), and various kebabs. Dates and sharbat (fruit drinks) are common to break the fast. The Bibi-Heybat Mosque and Heydar Mosque host large iftar gatherings. Charitable activities increase during Ramadan, with organizations providing food packages to those in need. The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is observed with special prayers, and Eid celebrations include family gatherings and the exchange of sweets like pakhlava.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azerbaijan Shia or Sunni?
Azerbaijan has a Shia majority (approximately 65%) with a significant Sunni minority (around 35%). The country is unique in being one of the few Shia-majority nations outside Iran, though it maintains a secular government and mosques often serve both communities.
What prayer calculation method is used in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan primarily uses the Muslim World League (MWL) method, with Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. Some Shia mosques may use methods closer to Tehran University standards.
Does Azerbaijan observe daylight saving time?
No, Azerbaijan discontinued daylight saving time in 2016 and now operates on Azerbaijan Time (AZT, UTC+4) year-round.
What is the Caucasus Muslims Board?
The Caucasus Muslims Board (Qafqaz Müsəlmanları İdarəsi) is the religious authority overseeing Islamic affairs in Azerbaijan. Based in Baku, it coordinates activities for both Shia and Sunni Muslims and is led by the Sheikh ul-Islam.
What is the significance of Bibi-Heybat Mosque?
Bibi-Heybat Mosque is one of the most important Shia shrines in the Caucasus. It contains the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, believed to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, making it a major pilgrimage destination. The original 13th-century structure was destroyed by Soviets and rebuilt in 1998-99.
Is Azerbaijan a religious country?
Azerbaijan is constitutionally secular but culturally Muslim. While Islamic heritage is valued and major religious holidays are observed, the country maintains strict separation of religion and state. Religious practice is a personal choice, and society is generally tolerant of varying levels of observance.