Sun Aligns with Kaaba, Offering Precise Qibla Direction for Global Muslims
At exactly 12:27 p.m. local time in Mecca, the sun will reach its zenith above the Kaaba, resulting in the complete absence of shadows for vertical objects in the holy city. This rare astronomical event, which occurs twice each year, creates a natural alignment tool for Muslims seeking to accurately determine the direction of prayer, known as the Qibla.
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that the phenomenon is caused by the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees. As the sun moves back toward the equator from the Tropic of Cancer, it passes directly over Mecca’s latitude, measured at 21.4 degrees north.
“This occurs when the sun reaches an elevation of 89.5 degrees,” Abu Zahra noted, adding that the moment coincides with the Dhuhr (noon) call to prayer at the Grand Mosque.
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The event was last observed on May 28, 2025, and will not recur until July 16, 2026. In addition to its religious significance, the alignment provides scientists a chance to study atmospheric refraction near the zenith point.
Saudi Arabia plans to air the event live from the Grand Mosque.
In regions of Africa, Asia, and remote areas with limited access to technology, believers can use the sun’s position to adjust or confirm their prayer direction with accuracy.
Source: Agencies
