Qibla

Qibla direction finder

Quick Answer

Use GPS for the great-circle bearing to the Kaaba (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E). From the UK that is southeast — London is about 119° from true north. Skip this tool if you need today’s prayer times (open a city page) or a fatwa because you cannot determine direction — pray your best estimate; the prayer is valid if you tried.

Desk-reviewed 2026-08-13. The compass runs on your device; we do not store your coordinates.

Should you use this compass or a city prayer page?

Use this URL when you are travelling, in a hotel, or in a new workplace and need the bearing. It is the wrong tool if you already know the mosque’s mihrab, or if you only wanted Maghrib — that is a city clock.

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Or select a city:

What is Qibla, and why a great-circle?

Qibla (قبلة) is the direction of Salah — toward the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, Mecca. It was first Jerusalem, then changed to Mecca in the second year after Hijra (Quran 2:144). The shortest path on a globe is a great-circle, not a straight line on a flat map, which is why “southeast from London” is not the same number as a rhumb line on some aviation charts.

How to use this compass

Allow location access when prompted — Qibla is calculated from your GPS coordinates to the Kaaba (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E).
On mobile, hold your device flat and slowly rotate until the Qibla indicator aligns with the arrow.
On desktop without a compass, use the bearing angle shown and a physical compass or landmark.

Accuracy tips

Calibrate your phone compass by moving it in a figure-8 motion
Stay away from metal objects, speakers, and magnetic cases
GPS works indoors but compass accuracy improves near a window
When travelling by plane or ship, Qibla direction changes continuously — recheck regularly

What is the approximate Qibla from major cities?

Illustrative true-north bearings. Use the GPS tool above for your exact location.

City	Bearing	Facing
London, UK	~119°	Southeast
New York, USA	~58°	Northeast
Toronto, Canada	~54°	Northeast
Cape Town, South Africa	~16°	North
Istanbul, Turkey	~148°	Southeast
Karachi, Pakistan	~266°	West
Dubai, UAE	~259°	West
Jakarta, Indonesia	~295°	Northwest
Sydney, Australia	~277°	West

Qibla FAQ

What direction is Qibla from the UK?

From the UK, Qibla is approximately southeast — roughly 118–125° from true north depending on your city. London faces about 119°. Use the compass on this page for your exact bearing from GPS.

Why do Muslims face the Kaaba when praying?

Allah commanded Muslims to turn toward the Sacred Mosque in Mecca (Quran 2:144). Facing the Kaaba unifies the Ummah in worship — we do not worship the stone, but face the direction Allah appointed.

What if I cannot determine Qibla direction?

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whatever is between the east and west is Qibla” when unsure (Tirmidhi). Make your best effort (ijtihad) — your prayer is valid if you tried sincerely. Apps and compasses help but are not infallible.

Is Qibla the same everywhere?

No — Qibla is a great-circle bearing from your location to Mecca (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E). Muslims in Indonesia face northwest; in the USA face northeast; in South Africa face north. Only those at the Haram face the Kaaba directly.

Does Qibla matter for dua outside prayer?

Facing Qibla is required for Salah. For dua at other times, facing Qibla is recommended but not obligatory.

Related Islamic Guides

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How to Pray Salah

Face Qibla, then the fard skeleton — Wudu, rakats, recitation.

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Prayer Times Near Me

Today’s clock for the city nearest your GPS.

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Wudu and Ghusl

Purity before Salah — the compass does not replace Wudu.

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