Muslims around the world must face Al Masjid Al Haram or the Kaaba in Makkah while praying, no matter where they are. Because of this, you may see worshippers looking at shadows or using their phones to find the Qibla, which means direction in Arabic and refers to the Kaaba’s location for prayer.
So what is the story behind the Qibla, and how is it determined?
Was Kaaba the First Qibla?
The answer is no. Before Makkah, the Quran explains that Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was the first Qibla for Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers initially prayed toward Al Aqsa during the early days of Islam. However, this changed, and the Quran later guided Muslims to face the Kaaba, built by Prophet Ibrahim.
The Quran states, “And from wherever you go out (for prayer), turn your face toward Al Masjid al Haram. And wherever you [believers] may be, turn your faces toward it,” which is found in the second chapter of the Quran. This guidance made it important for Muslims to determine the direction of Makkah when praying.
How Does Modern Technology Help Muslims Today?
In 2017, Google introduced the Qibla Finder, a web service that helps users find the Qibla direction using augmented reality. Google clarified that this service uses the Kaaba’s location and the user’s current location, provided by GPS or manually, to calculate the shortest path between the two points on Earth, known as the great-circle distance.
For best results, users should calibrate their device’s compass before using the service. Here’s how to use it step-by-step:
- Search for “Google Qibla finder” in your browser.
- Once the page opens, select your preferred language from 17 options, including Arabic, English, French, Hindi, and Filipino.
- Allow the service to access your device’s motion and orientation.
- Permit access to your camera and current location.
- Move your phone in different directions until a white circle appears on your screen, confirming you are facing the Qibla.
- Stand in that direction to pray.
Top Qibla Finder Apps
Several apps also help find the Qibla direction. Here are some popular options for iOS and Android that use GPS or compass technology to locate the Kaaba:
- Muslim Pro (iOS and Android)
- Qibla Connect (iOS and Android)
- Qibla Compass (iOS)
- iSalam: Qibla Compass (iOS)
- Al-Moazin Lite (iOS and Android)
Using a compass and knowing your approximate location can also help you find the Qibla without an app or website. Generally, the Qibla is toward:
- East-southeast in North America
- Southeast in Europe
- Northeast in Africa
- Northwest in Southeast Asia
- West in South Asia
What If the Qibla Direction Is Incorrect?
While it is important for worshippers to find the Qibla as accurately as possible before praying, a Quranic verse states, “To Allah belong the east and the west, so wherever you turn yourselves or your faces there is the Face of Allah.” Many scholars agree that minor deviations from the Qibla direction are acceptable.
One such scholar is Nasir Badran, the director-general of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs. He references a fatwa from the Senior Scholars’ Council, which allows for flexibility on this matter, indicating that small errors will be forgiven.
