A rare astronomical event will give Muslims in Indonesia a short but useful window to verify the direction of the qibla. The Sun will be directly over the Kaaba again from 15-17 July 2026, allowing shadow-based calibration with greater ease and precision.
At the peak moment, a standing object will cast a shadow that points straight toward the qibla. For many worshippers, this is one of the most practical ways to recheck prayer direction without complicated equipment.
Why the moment matters
The method relies on a simple principle: when the Sun is positioned exactly over the Kaaba, the shadow of a vertical object aligns with the qibla direction. The event is known in Islamic astronomy as Rashdul Qiblat and is regarded as a direct, practical, and precise way to verify direction.
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has also encouraged Muslims to make use of the phenomenon to confirm their qibla alignment. His appeal reflects the event’s value as a straightforward check that can be done with basic tools.
What to prepare for the observation
| Required item | Purpose | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stick or pole | Creates a clear vertical shadow | Place it on a flat surface |
| Accurate clock | Ensures timing matches the peak moment | Sync with official time |
| Compass or GPS | Helps confirm the direction | Use as a supporting check |
BMKG recommends synchronizing the clock with official time through ntp.bmkg.go.id so the observation can be timed more accurately. The ideal setting is an open area with a level surface, clear skies, and no nearby shadows from other objects.
Observers in western Indonesia and the western part of central Indonesia should prepare around the peak time of 16.27 WIB, or 17.27 WITA for those in the WITA zone. BMKG advises being ready about 5 minutes earlier so the shadow can be captured at the right moment.
Times to note by region
| Region | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indonesia and western Central Indonesia | 27-29 May at 16.18 WIB | Occurs twice a year |
| Western Indonesia and western Central Indonesia | 15-17 July at 16.27 WIB | Observation window for July 2026 |
| Eastern Indonesia and part of eastern Central Indonesia | 14 January at 06.30 WIT | Based on the Sun above the Kaaba’s antipode |
| Eastern Indonesia and part of eastern Central Indonesia | 29 November at 06.09 WIT | Based on the Sun above the Kaaba’s antipode |
For the observation itself, the shadow must be clearly visible before any line is drawn. The line should run from the tip of the shadow to the base of the standing object, as that is the calibrated qibla direction.
Why this happens only at certain times
From an astronomical perspective, the event occurs when the Sun’s declination matches or comes very close to the geographic latitude of the Kaaba, which is 21°25’20,01″ N. At that point, the Sun can appear directly overhead at local midday.
BRIN explains that this is linked to the tilt of Earth’s rotational axis relative to its orbital plane, or ecliptic. Because of that tilt, the Sun appears to move annually with declination ranging from -23°26′ to +23°26′ relative to the equator.
That seasonal motion is why the Sun-over-Kaaba phenomenon happens only at specific times each year. Since the window is brief, precise timing is essential if the resulting shadow is to be used for a reliable qibla check.
