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Falak Application: Using Shadow to Determine Kiblat Direction on May 28

Above: Facing about west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of vertical column during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.
Above: Facing about west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of vertical column during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.

Bandar Seri Begawan – On May 28 every year, at 5:16 pm local Brunei time (09:16 UT), the sun will be precisely overhead (at Zenith) in Makkah and exactly above the Kaabah. At that instance, the Sun in other areas will be directly aligned to the direction of Kiblat.

This phenomenon known as “istiwa adzam” is useful as an easy Islamic astronomical method to determine the exact direction of prayers (Kiblat).  Only half part of the world that receives the daylight can apply this method.

Light areas of the world (daylight) will be able determine the Kiblat using the sun on May 28 at 5.18 pm Brunei Time.
Light areas of the world (daylight) will be able determine the Kiblat using the sun on May 28 at 5.16 pm Brunei Time.

In a year, the sun will be directly above the Kaabah twice, on every 28th May at 5:16 pm and again on July 16th at 5:28 pm Brunei time.

Follow the following ways to check the Kiblat from your area:

1. You must use a straight objects such as a pole or side of the house. It must be vertical which must be checked with a weight tied to a thread (plumbline).

2. The object must not be in places under shade, such as under a tree or in the house. It must be placed in areas that receive direct sunlight, for example, in a spacious yard.

3. Exactly at 5:16 pm May 28, the shadow’s line produced by the sun is the Kiblat direction which is facing toward the sun.

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Astronomy Application: An Easy Way to Determine Kiblat Direction on July 16

Facing west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of column during the "istiwa adzam" in Makkah.
Facing west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of column during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.

Above: Facing west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of column during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.

Bandar Seri Begawan – On July 16 of each year, at 5:28 pm, the sun will be at Zenith and exactly above the Kaabah, Makkah.

This phenomenon known as “istiwa adzam” can be used by Muslims from almost all over the world as an easy Islamic astronomical method to determine the exact direction of Kiblat.

In a year, the sun will be directly above the Kaabah twice, on every 28th May at 5:16 pm and again on July 16th at 5:28 pm Brunei time.

Follow the following ways to check the Qiblah from your area:

1. You must use a straight objects such as a pole or side of the house. It must be vertical by checking with weights tied to a thread (plumbline).

2. The object must not be in places under shade, for example do not put under the tree or in the house. However, it must be be placed in areas that receive direct sunlight, for example, in a spacious yard.

3. Exactly at 5:28 pm July 16, the line shadow produced by the sun is the Kiblat direction which is facing toward the sun.