Qibla Direction

What is the Qibla?

The Qibla (القبلة) is the direction a Muslim faces during salah (prayer). All Muslims around the world face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Kaaba is located at coordinates 21.4225° N, 39.8262° E in Mecca. The shortest path (great-circle route) from your location to the Kaaba gives the Qibla direction.

How to Use a Compass for Qibla

• Hold your phone or compass flat and level
• Allow the magnetic needle to settle and point to magnetic North
• Rotate yourself until you are facing the Qibla bearing shown above
• In most countries, there is a slight difference between magnetic north and true north (magnetic declination) — for salah purposes, the difference is generally negligible

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whatever is between East and West is Qibla." (Tirmidhi) — This shows the Qibla is an approximate direction, not a precise angle.