The sun's alignment with the Kaaba: the timing of the phenomenon and how to determine the Qibla
Introduction to the phenomenon of the sun's perpendicularity to the Kaaba
In a remarkable astronomical event of great interest to specialists and Muslims worldwide, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, revealed that the sky above Mecca will witness the phenomenon of the sun aligning directly over the Kaaba on Thursday, May 28, 2026. This alignment will occur approximately at noon, specifically at 12:17 PM Mecca time.
This phenomenon is considered one of the most prominent astronomical events linked to precise geographical calculations, as the sun reaches its apparent position directly above the Kaaba, with its rays falling precisely perpendicularly upon it. This cosmic event is not only a magnificent sight, but also offers a practical and direct opportunity to verify the accuracy of determining the direction of the Qibla without the need for complex measuring instruments or electronic applications.
Scientific and astronomical details of the phenomenon
Astronomical calculations indicate that the sun's altitude on Wednesday, May 27, will reach approximately 89.89 degrees, just 0.11 degrees away from being directly overhead. On Thursday, May 28, the sun's altitude will reach 89.94 degrees, a very slight difference of approximately 0.06 degrees (equivalent to 3.6 arcminutes) from being directly overhead. This makes May 28 the closest day to the sun being directly overhead the Kaaba that year.
The phenomenon of the sun's zenith occurs due to the Earth's axial tilt of 23.44 degrees, causing the sun to appear to move between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Since Mecca is located at 21.4 degrees north latitude, the sun passes directly overhead twice a year: once during its northward journey in late May, and again during its southward journey in July. At the moment of the sun's zenith, the shadows of vertical objects in the vicinity of Mecca almost completely disappear.
The historical context of the use of astronomy in Islam
Historically, astronomy played a vital role in Islamic civilization, with early Muslim scholars excelling in studying the movement of the stars and the sun to determine prayer times and the direction of the qibla. Before the invention of the compass and GPS, the phenomenon of the sun's alignment with the Kaaba was used as a gold standard for correcting the direction of prayer niches (mihrabs) in ancient mosques stretching from Andalusia in the west to the far reaches of Asia in the east. The continued reliance on this natural phenomenon reflects the perfect harmony between scientific facts and religious practices passed down through generations.
Practical importance and how to determine the Qibla
This phenomenon is of great practical importance, locally, regionally, and internationally. Locally, it confirms the accuracy of astronomical calculations and spherical geographic models of the Earth. Regionally and internationally, it provides millions of Muslims in the Gulf States, other Arab countries, and regions where the sun is visible at the time of the event, with a free, natural tool for determining the direction of prayer (Qibla) with extreme precision.
To apply this method, simply place a vertical object (such as a stick or wooden pole) in an open area at the time of the zenith (12:17 PM Mecca time). The shadow cast by this object will point in the exact opposite direction to the Kaaba. This method is one of the simplest and most accurate natural techniques and is still used today in astronomical schools to illustrate concepts of celestial coordinates and the Earth's movement, highlighting the magnificence of the universe and the precision of its design.
