How to Estimate the Qibla Direction using Google Maps
In one previous post, we discussed how to calculate namaz timings without depending upon tables. In this article, I'll discuss how to estimate the direction of the Qibla at Mecca for Namaz using Google Maps.
Suppose you're on a journey, like I often am, and find yourself without a compass. I find that by using the Google Maps app on my phone, I can easily estimate the direction of the Qibla without having the need of a compass. And it works even on cloudy days and at nights...:D
Using a paper helps, but you can do it mentally as well once you get used to the idea. The idea behind the method is that Google Maps always shows the map with the north at the top and west on the left. Taking the reference of any nearby road, you can find out which way the Qibla would be. Of course, it would not be 100% accurate, but it would be within reasonable accuracy. Allah is most forgiving and knows best about our efforts.
Step 1: Determine the direction of the Qibla with respect to the direction West.
Go to Google maps -> My Location, and zoom out till you see Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Makkah is just next to Riyadh. The left side of your screen is West, and now you can relate the direction of the Qibla with respect to the direction West.
Draw this out on a paper.
Remember that the left of your screen is West.
Since most of us don't travel too many longitudes north or south, you may not even need to check this direction the next time. It would be approximately same whether you're in Delhi or a few 100 KMs about it.
Step 2: Determining the direction of a reference road with respect to the direction West
Zoom in to your location, and mark the direction of a reference road closest to you with respect to the direction West. Mark this on the same paper.
Be very sure about the direction of the road, or you'll be praying 180 degrees in the opposite direction!
Step 3: Determining Qibla direction.
Now place the paper on the ground such that the line pointing to your reference road is parallel to it. If you have been doing it correctly, your paper should look something like this (without the background of the map ofourse!).
Voila! You would now have the approximate Qibla direction in front of you.
Once you understand the procedure, next time you can simply see the direction of the road on Google Maps, and turn the requisite degrees to face the Qibla. Without a paper, you could do it with just a look at the map.
From the pic above, the direction West is looking to be around 45 degrees from the road where i lived. And the Qibla direction is approx. half of that, i.e.22.5 degrees. As it happens, and I swear I Googled this after writing, the direction of the Qibla as per www.islamicfinder.org is 267.2424 degrees from North, or 22.7576 degrees below West!
You could do all this mentally on your cell phone using the any Maps app, and it should work fine if you calculate correctly. But then again, as with everything, this has limitations too. You could find yourself in a situation like below, and then I guess it would be better to ask the locals :D
Disclaimer: Women can't read maps[1]. This is recommended only for the men.
[1] Refer Allan and Barbara Pease's book :D
Suppose you're on a journey, like I often am, and find yourself without a compass. I find that by using the Google Maps app on my phone, I can easily estimate the direction of the Qibla without having the need of a compass. And it works even on cloudy days and at nights...:D
Using a paper helps, but you can do it mentally as well once you get used to the idea. The idea behind the method is that Google Maps always shows the map with the north at the top and west on the left. Taking the reference of any nearby road, you can find out which way the Qibla would be. Of course, it would not be 100% accurate, but it would be within reasonable accuracy. Allah is most forgiving and knows best about our efforts.
 |
| Google Maps - Top of screen is North |
Go to Google maps -> My Location, and zoom out till you see Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Makkah is just next to Riyadh. The left side of your screen is West, and now you can relate the direction of the Qibla with respect to the direction West.
Draw this out on a paper.
 |
| Step 1: Finding general direction of Makkah w.r.t your location |
Since most of us don't travel too many longitudes north or south, you may not even need to check this direction the next time. It would be approximately same whether you're in Delhi or a few 100 KMs about it.
Step 2: Determining the direction of a reference road with respect to the direction West
Zoom in to your location, and mark the direction of a reference road closest to you with respect to the direction West. Mark this on the same paper.
Be very sure about the direction of the road, or you'll be praying 180 degrees in the opposite direction!
 |
| Step 2: Take a reference road on map and mark it w.r.t. West (left of mobile screen) |
Now place the paper on the ground such that the line pointing to your reference road is parallel to it. If you have been doing it correctly, your paper should look something like this (without the background of the map ofourse!).
 |
| Step : Determine Qibla direction on map |
 |
| Post Step 3: Place paper on ground parallel to road to get the Qibla direction |
Once you understand the procedure, next time you can simply see the direction of the road on Google Maps, and turn the requisite degrees to face the Qibla. Without a paper, you could do it with just a look at the map.
From the pic above, the direction West is looking to be around 45 degrees from the road where i lived. And the Qibla direction is approx. half of that, i.e.22.5 degrees. As it happens, and I swear I Googled this after writing, the direction of the Qibla as per www.islamicfinder.org is 267.2424 degrees from North, or 22.7576 degrees below West!
You could do all this mentally on your cell phone using the any Maps app, and it should work fine if you calculate correctly. But then again, as with everything, this has limitations too. You could find yourself in a situation like below, and then I guess it would be better to ask the locals :D
 |
| Quite a soup, eh? |
Disclaimer: Women can't read maps[1]. This is recommended only for the men.
[1] Refer Allan and Barbara Pease's book :D
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