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Fatwa CenterDetermining the direction of the Qiblah
Question
How can I know the Qiblah if I go some country that has no sun?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. The direction of the Qiblah in the country where the sun rises and in the country where the sun does not rise is the same. The Muslim must try to identify the direction of the Qiblah through the possible means, like the prayer niche of the Masjid, compass, stars or by asking the trustworthy inhabitants of the town. If none of these are possible, he should make an independent reasoning and try to know the Qiblah as much as he can. Of the fixed stars that can be relied on in identifying the Qiblah is the North Star. This star is existent everywhere and does not move. In Egypt, it is located behind the left ear of the praying Muslim; in Iraq, it is located behind his right ear; in Syria, it is located directly behind him; and in most part of Yemen, it is located on the left side in front of him. Let it be clear that, whoever is far from the Kaaba should face its direction. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {…turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah),…}[2: 149]. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "The Qiblah is between the East and the West" [Reported by Abu Dawood , Al-Tirmizi , Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim . Al-Hakim confirmed it as authentic and he is supported by Adh-Dhahabee and Al-Al-baani ]. Allah knows best.
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