The Qibla is the direction that Muslims face when performing their daily prayers. It points toward the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure in the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Facing the Qibla is a requirement for the validity of salah, making it essential for every Muslim to know this direction from wherever they are.
Why the Qibla Matters
The Quran commands Muslims to face the Sacred Mosque during prayer: "So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you are, turn your faces toward it" (Quran 2:144). This unifies the global Muslim community — over 1.8 billion people facing a single point on Earth five times a day.
Method 1: Using a Compass
The most traditional method is to use a physical compass. To find the Qibla, you need to know the bearing from your location to Makkah. For example, from New York the Qibla direction is approximately 58 degrees northeast, while from London it is roughly 119 degrees southeast. These bearings vary based on your exact position on the globe because the shortest path (great circle) between two points on a sphere is not a straight line on a flat map.
Method 2: Using the Sun
If you know the approximate time when the sun is directly over Makkah, you can face that direction at that moment. The sun passes directly above the Kaaba twice a year — on May 28 and July 16 at approximately 12:18 PM local Makkah time (9:18 AM UTC). At that exact moment, the sun's position in the sky indicates the Qibla from anywhere on the sunlit side of the Earth.
Method 3: Digital Tools
Modern technology makes finding the Qibla effortless. Siraat's built-in Qibla finder uses your device's GPS to determine your exact coordinates and calculates the precise bearing to the Kaaba. It works anywhere in the world — whether you are at home, traveling, or in a completely unfamiliar location. Simply open the Qibla feature, allow location access, and the compass will point you in the right direction.
Tips for Accuracy
Always calibrate your device's compass by moving your phone in a figure-eight pattern before using a digital Qibla finder. If you are indoors, move near a window or open area, as metal structures and electronics can interfere with compass readings.