Qibla direction recalibrated during Rashdul Qibla phenomenon

Officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs observed the sun’s shadow during the Rashdul Qibla phenomenon in the courtyard of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Tulungagung, East Java, on Wednesday (15/7/2026). The annual astronomical phenomenon, when the sun is directly above the Kaaba, is utilised to accurately verify and correct the Qibla direction so that it faces the Kaaba in Mecca as a guide for Muslims performing prayers. The management of the Al Wasilah Mosque Prosperity Council (DKM) measured the Qibla direction using traditional tools in an open area on the upper floor of a building in Cintarasa Village, Tasikmalaya City, West Java, on Wednesday (15/7/2026). The Ministry of Religious Affairs invited Muslims to take advantage of the Rashdul Qibla phenomenon, which occurs only twice a year, to ensure the Qibla direction of their homes and places of worship accurately without special equipment. The Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office for West Aceh Regency, Khairul Azhar, measured the Qibla direction during the 2026 National Indonesia Berkiblat Movement at the Nurul Huda Mosque in Kampung Belakang Village, Johan Pahlawan, Aceh Barat, Aceh, on Wednesday (15/7/2026). The Ministry of Religious Affairs called on the public to utilise the Istiwa A’zam or Rashdul Qibla phenomenon on 15-16 July 2026 at 16:27 WIB to verify, calibrate, and align the Qibla direction as a reference for performing prayers. Officers from the West Aceh Ministry of Religious Affairs Office directed a compass while measuring the Qibla direction during the 2026 National Indonesia Berkiblat Movement at the Nurul Huda Mosque.