SAEDNEWS: Farsakh, measured in cubits, is equivalent to 12,000 cubits. In kilometers, it is approximately estimated to be between 5 and 5.5 kilometers.
According to Saednews, A farsakh (فرسخ / فرسنگ) is an old Persian unit of distance. Its length varied depending on the historical period and region, but the Shar‘i farsakh (farsakh shar‘i) used in Islamic jurisprudence is approximately 5 to 5.5 kilometers.
According to the traditional calculation:
1 Shar‘i farsakh = 3 miles
1 mile = 4,000 cubits (dhirāʿ)
Therefore, 1 farsakh = 12,000 cubits
Using the traditional measurement of the cubit, the Shar‘i farsakh has been estimated at approximately 5–5.5 km. Some sources give a more specific traditional figure of about 5.4 km.
For Islamic rulings concerning travel, the commonly cited distance is eight Shar‘i farsakhs:
Approximately 40 km according to calculations using 5 km per farsakh
Approximately 43 km according to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi
Approximately 44 km according to Ayatollahs Khoei, Tabrizi, Vahid, and Sistani
Approximately 45 km according to several other contemporary authorities
Thus, eight Shar‘i farsakhs are roughly 40–45 kilometers, depending on the jurisprudential authority followed.
The term farsakh did not always refer to the same distance:
Shar‘i farsakh: approximately 5–5.5 km
Indian farsakh: approximately 12 km
Qajar and Pahlavi-era farsakh: approximately 6 km
Khorasani farsakh: traditionally about twice the Shar‘i farsakh
The term farsang (فرسنگ) was also sometimes used for farsakh.
For the purposes of Islamic travel rulings, the distance is generally calculated from the end of the person's city of origin to the beginning of the destination city, rather than simply measuring the total distance traveled inside the city.
Travel within one's own city—even a very large city—does not normally count as Shar‘i travel. Likewise, unnecessary detours or sightseeing at the destination do not necessarily contribute to the required Shar‘i distance.
1 Shar‘i farsakh ≈ 5–5.5 km
4 Shar‘i farsakhs ≈ 20–22 km
8 Shar‘i farsakhs ≈ 40–45 km
The exact figure depends on the marjaʿ (Islamic jurist) whose ruling is being followed.
