The bearing is computed via the great-circle initial bearing formula from Mecca's coordinates (21.42°N, 39.83°E) to the Ka'bah (21.422°N, 39.826°E) in Makkah. This is the shortest real-world path across Earth's surface — the same direction a plane would fly. On a flat Mercator map this line often appears curved; on a globe it's a straight arc. Standing in Mecca and facing 0° clockwise from true north orients you toward the Ka'bah for prayer.
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All Things Muslims
Prayer Times · Qibla · Hijri
Location
Mecca
Saudi Arabia
NESW
🕋
Bearing
0.0°N
Distance
0KM
From Mecca, face 0° clockwise from true north — roughly north. The Ka'bah lies 0 kilometres away in Makkah.
About this direction
Frequently Asked
What direction is the Qibla from Mecca?+
From Mecca (21.42°N, 39.83°E), the Qibla is 0.0° clockwise from true north — roughly north. The straight-line distance to the Ka'bah is 0 kilometres.
How do I use the live compass?+
Tap "Enable compass" above. On iPhone, Safari will prompt for motion-sensor permission once — tap Allow. On Android Chrome it works immediately. Then hold your phone flat in front of you; the dial rotates with your physical heading, and the arrow points toward the Ka'bah. When your direction matches (within 5°) the indicator turns green.
Is this bearing the same one my mosque uses?+
Essentially yes. All standard Qibla calculations use the great-circle (spherical) initial bearing formula. Small differences of under a degree can occur depending on rounding and whether Ka'bah coordinates are taken from the black-stone corner or the Ka'bah centre; the practical impact on prayer direction is zero.
Why doesn't the bearing match a straight line on Google Maps?+
Google Maps uses a Mercator projection, which distorts direction at large distances. The true shortest path — the great-circle route that planes fly — often curves noticeably on a flat map. The bearing shown here is the correct real-world direction to face.