DIVERSITY OF TIME ZONES AT BURJ KHALIFA IN PERFORMING PRAYERS AND FASTING IN SKYSCRAPERS

Abstract

Determination or prayer and fasting times is an obligation for Muslims as one of the requirements for the validity of the worship rituals. The period of time for the implementation of prayer and fasting is set following the movement of the sun resulting from the Earth revolution about its axis. Earths 24-hour revolution from west to east bringing about the apparent rising of the sun from the east and its setting in the west is an important factor in determining the time. However, a confusing situation arises for Muslims in determining the actual time for performing worship rituals when they are in high-rise buildings which are in the same position coordinates but at different heights as in towers and skyscraper buildings. This study intends to discuss the time zones with respect to determination of the worshipping time at the tallest skyscraper building in the world at this time i.e., Burj Khalifa. This study is qualitative research using an approach of document analysis. The results of the study found that height difference at Burj Khalifa gives rise to three different time zones according to the altitude. This can serve as a guide to other countries especially Malaysia which also has skyscrapers in the determination of prayer times in such buildings.