Question 1

What is the Qibla direction?

Accepted Answer

The Qibla (القبلة) is the direction that Muslims face during prayer (salah). It points toward the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. All Muslims around the world face the same point — the Kaaba — but the direction differs based on their location on Earth.

Question 2

How do I find the Qibla direction from my location?

Accepted Answer

Use this online Qibla finder — tap 'Find Qibla Direction' to use your device's GPS. The compass will show the exact bearing in degrees from true North. You can also search for your city manually if GPS is unavailable.

Question 3

Which direction is Mecca from my location?

Accepted Answer

The direction of Mecca varies depending on where you are. In North America, the Qibla is generally northeast (45–60°). In Europe, it's southeast (100–140°). In Southeast Asia, it's west-northwest (290–295°). In Sub-Saharan Africa, it's northeast (40–70°). Use our Qibla finder for your exact bearing.

Question 4

Is the Qibla the same direction everywhere?

Accepted Answer

No, the Qibla direction is different for every location on Earth. It always points toward the Kaaba in Mecca via the shortest great circle route on the Earth's surface. Two people in different cities will face different compass directions, but both point toward the same destination.

Question 5

What is the Qibla direction in North America?

Accepted Answer

In most of North America, the Qibla direction is northeast. New York: 58° NE. Los Angeles: 24° NNE. Chicago: 49° NE. Toronto: 55° NE. Houston: 47° NE. The great circle route to Mecca from North America passes over the Atlantic.

Question 6

What is the Qibla direction in Europe?

Accepted Answer

In Europe, the Qibla generally faces southeast. London: 119° ESE. Paris: 119° ESE. Berlin: 136° SE. Amsterdam: 123° ESE. Rome: 134° SE. Stockholm: 147° SSE. The bearing increases (more southward) as you move north and east.

Question 7

What is the Qibla direction in Southeast Asia?

Accepted Answer

In Southeast Asia, the Qibla direction is generally west-northwest. Jakarta: 295° WNW. Kuala Lumpur: 293° WNW. Bangkok: 284° WNW. Manila: 292° WNW. This is because Mecca is located to the west of Southeast Asia.

Question 8

How accurate is this Qibla finder?

Accepted Answer

Our Qibla finder uses the great circle formula (spherical trigonometry) to calculate the shortest path to the Kaaba (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E). When using GPS, accuracy is within 1–3 degrees, depending on your device. The mathematical formula is exact — any variation comes from GPS positioning.

Question 9

What if I can't find the exact Qibla direction?

Accepted Answer

Islamic scholars agree that facing the general direction of the Kaaba is sufficient when the exact direction cannot be determined. The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'Between the East and the West lies the Qibla' (for those in Medina). Make your best effort to determine the direction, and your prayer is valid.

Question 10

Can I use my phone compass for Qibla?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use your phone's built-in compass along with the bearing from this Qibla finder. Note that phone compasses show magnetic north, which differs slightly from true north. Our Qibla finder calculates the bearing from true north. For most locations, the difference (magnetic declination) is small.

Qibla Direction Finder

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How is the Qibla Direction Calculated?

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