The prayer times in Compiègne vary according to the season, but also according to the calculation method used by each site or mosque. This dual variable creates sometimes significant discrepancies, particularly regarding Fajr and Isha, the two prayers most sensitive to astronomical angles. Understanding these differences allows for the selection of a reliable reference and adherence to it.
Discrepancies between prayer calculation methods in Compiègne: what the numbers show
Most platforms display prayer times for Compiègne, but few explain why the times differ from one site to another. Fajr is the prayer where the discrepancy is most visible.
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According to available data, Fajr can vary by more than thirty minutes between the MWL (Muslim World League) method and that of UOIF (Union of Islamic Organizations of France). For example, Al-Hamdoulillah shows a Fajr at 6:07 according to MWL and at 6:41 according to UOIF for the same date in Compiègne. This difference is explained by the solar depression angle used: 18 degrees for one, a different angle for the other.
To find the prayer times in Compiègne with the exact times for each salat, one must first identify the calculation method displayed. Al-Kanz uses angles of 18 and 15 degrees, the Great Mosque of Compiègne on Masjidway indicates the UOIF method, and IslamicFinder offers several configurable options.
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Isha experiences the same type of discrepancy, accentuated in summer when astronomical twilight extends under the latitudes of Compiègne (approximately 49.4 degrees north latitude). Field data diverge on this point according to the sources consulted.
Today’s prayer times in Compiègne: reference table
The table below lists the times as displayed by Guide Musulman for Compiègne at the end of May 2026, based on the geographical coordinates of the city (latitude 49.39, longitude 2.85).
| Prayer | Time |
|---|---|
| Subh (Fajr) | 04:16 |
| Shurouq (sunrise) | 05:55 |
| Dhuhr | 13:50 |
| Asr | 17:58 |
| Maghrib | 21:41 |
| Isha | 23:16 |
These times correspond to a calculation for May 23, 2026. They change daily by a few minutes. In the height of summer, Subh is pushed back further and Isha can exceed midnight, raising the question of combining prayers for some practitioners.
Al-Kanz, for the same date, shows a Subh at 03:50 and an Isha at 23:41, marking a notable discrepancy with Guide Musulman. The difference is due to the angles used: the 15-degree angle advances Fajr compared to the 18-degree angle.
Great Mosque of Compiègne: what role in determining local times
The Great Mosque of Compiègne has a page on Mawaqit that displays the times with iqama (actual start times for congregational prayer). These iqama are not just simple astronomical calculations: they incorporate the choices of the imam and the practical constraints of the local community.
Masjidway also references this mosque and specifies that it uses the UOIF calculation method. For a practitioner who wants to align their home times with those of the mosque in their neighborhood, this method is the local reference.
Some online aggregators still display contradictory data regarding the number of mosques in Compiègne. The available data do not allow for a definitive conclusion about the exact number of active Muslim places of worship in the city, but the Great Mosque remains the main reference point.
Iqama and displayed times: two distinct pieces of information
The calculated prayer time corresponds to the beginning of the allowed time window. The iqama corresponds to the moment when the collective prayer actually begins in the mosque. Between the two, there can be a gap of about fifteen minutes, sometimes more for Dhuhr or Asr.
- The calculated Subh gives the earliest time at which the prayer becomes valid, but the iqama at the mosque may be set later to facilitate the attendance of the faithful
- Maghrib is generally the prayer where the gap between calculated time and iqama is the smallest, as it is directly linked to sunset
- Isha during the summer may see its iqama advanced compared to the theoretical time, with some mosques applying a cutoff time to avoid praying too late
North latitude and summer prayers: the specific constraint of Compiègne
Compiègne is located at a latitude comparable to that of cities like Reims or Laon. At these latitudes, the astronomical night almost completely disappears around the summer solstice. The evening twilight merges with that of the morning, making the calculation of Fajr and Isha particularly tricky.
Several approaches coexist to manage this situation:
- The strict angle calculation, which can yield a very late Isha (after midnight) or a very early Fajr (before 3 AM)
- The method known as “seventh of the night,” which divides the duration of night into fixed fractions, regardless of the solar angle
- Alignment with the times of Mecca or a reference city, practiced in some northern communities but rare in France
Field feedback diverges on this point. Some practitioners follow strict astronomical calculations, while others align with the iqama of the local mosque that incorporates a pragmatic adjustment. No single religious authority resolves this issue in France, which explains the coexistence of several time grids for the same city.
For the longest days of the year in Compiègne, the window between Maghrib and Fajr can shrink to less than six hours. Checking the times weekly rather than relying on a printed monthly calendar remains the most reliable practice, as the minutes gained or lost each day accumulate quickly over a fortnight.