- What is the Qibla?
- The Qibla is the direction Muslims face when praying: toward the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It depends on where you are.
- How is the direction calculated?
- We calculate the initial great-circle bearing between your location and the Kaaba (21.4225° N, 39.8262° E). It's the shortest path across the Earth's surface, and the method used by most religious authorities.
- Why does my compass point in a different direction than a flat map?
- On a flat map (Mercator projection), a straight line to Mecca isn't the shortest path. From North America, for example, the Qibla points northeast, even though Mecca appears to the southeast on the map.
- Is my phone's compass reliable?
- Yes, to within a few degrees. Keep away from metal objects and magnets, and calibrate the sensor by moving your phone in a figure-eight if the needle seems stuck.