Ministry Of Religion Urges Muslims To Check Qibla Direction When The Sun Crosses The Kaaba

Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Sharia Development of the Ministry of Religion, Adib. (PHOTO BETWEEN/HO-Kemenag)

The Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance (Ditjen Bimas Islam) of the Ministry of Religion appealed to Indonesian Muslims to check the direction of the Qibla on Saturday and Sunday (15 and 16 July) 2023 in line with the position of the sun passing over the Kaaba. "This is the right time for us, Indonesian Muslims to re-check the direction of the Qibla," said Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Sharia Development of the Ministry of Religion, Adib, in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, July 10. He said checking the direction of the Qibla needs to be done. Because on the date that coincides with 26 and 27 Zulhijah 1444 Hijriah, there will be an A’zam or Rashdul Kiblat event. Adib explained that Istiwa A’zam is a time when the sun will pass right above the Kaaba. Therefore, the direction of the Qibla will also be in the same direction as the sun, marked by a shadow of a upright object that will turn his back on the direction of the Qibla. It is based on a review of astronomy/lumu Falak. "The incident of Istiwa A'zam or Rashdul Kiblat will occur on Saturdays and Sundays, July 15 and 16, 2023, to coincide with 26 and 27 Zulhijah 1444 Hijriah at 16.27 WIB," he said. According to him, there are various techniques that can be used to verify the direction of the Qibla, such as using compasses and geodolites. However, Muslims can also ensure the direction of the Qibla by looking at the object's shadow direction.

"In conditions like this, what needs to be considered in the Qibla direction guidelines is, make sure the object that is the benchmark must really stand upright or use lots/bundles, the base surface must be flat and flat, the measurement hours must be adjusted to the BMKG, RRI, and Telkom," said Adib.