The Accuracy of Qibla Direction Applications Used by the Public

Abstract

The Qibla direction is a fundamental concept in Islam, holding significant religious and spiritual importance, as it is the direction Muslims face during the five obligatory daily prayers towards the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. Beyond prayer, the Qibla also plays a role in various other daily activities, underscoring its importance in the lives of Muslims. Given the geographical diversity of the global Muslim population, this direction can vary based on one's geographical location. However, with the rapid development of technology, modern tools such as smartphone applications have made it easier to determine the Qibla direction.  Despite their convenience, there remain concerns regarding the accuracy of these applications, which can vary due to differences in algorithms and data used. This study aims to assess the accuracy of the twenty most downloaded and highly rated Qibla direction applications available on the Play Store and App Store for Android and iOS. This study employed the theodolite method, which involves solar observations and surveying equipment to measure horizontal and vertical angles, thus accurately obtaining the Qibla direction of 292° 57' 44". This study found the differences in degrees between the actual Qibla direction, and the directions provided by five of ten Android and iOS applications. In conclusion, while most Android and iOS applications accurately provide the Qibla direction at 292 degrees, there are a few exceptions with minor variations. However, it is still functional as it falls within the allowed limits of degrees.