Rashdul Qiblat Phenomenon Becomes Momentum to Align Qibla Direction of Places of Worship
Twice a year, Muslims have a special opportunity to determine the qibla direction accurately without needing sophisticated equipment. Through the Rashdul Kiblat or Istiwa A’zam astronomical phenomenon, when the sun is positioned directly above the Kaaba, the shadow of a vertical object can serve as a reference for verifying and correcting the qibla direction of homes and mosques.
Communities in various regions, including Tasikmalaya and West Aceh, have made use of this moment as part of the National Indonesia Berkiblat Movement 2026, initiated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The management of the Al Wasilah mosque committee (DKM) measured the qibla direction using traditional instruments in Cintarasa village, Tasikmalaya city, West Java, on Wednesday (15/7/2026). The measurement was carried out during the Rashdul Kiblat phenomenon, when the sun is directly above the Kaaba, so the shadow of a vertical object can be used as a guide for determining the qibla direction.
The measurement process was conducted in an open area so that sunlight struck the markers directly. The Rashdul Kiblat phenomenon occurs only twice a year and is an astronomical method known for its high level of accuracy in verifying the qibla direction.
Officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) office in West Aceh guided a compass while measuring the qibla direction during the National Indonesia Berkiblat Movement 2026 at the Nurul Huda mosque in Kampung Belakang village, Johan Pahlawan, West Aceh, on Wednesday (15/7/2026). The ministry invited the public to take advantage of the Istiwa A’zam or Rashdul Kiblat phenomenon on 15–16 July 2026 at 16:27 Western Indonesia Time (WIB) to verify, calibrate, and correct the qibla direction as the reference for performing prayers.
The community followed the qibla measurement process as part of education in the science of falak (Islamic astronomy). In addition to using simple equipment, the measurement can also be carried out by ensuring a flat surface, an upright vertical object, and clear weather at the time the Rashdul Kiblat phenomenon takes place.