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.