EVALUATION OF MOSQUE QIBLA DIRECTION DEVIATIONS BASED ON ASTRONOMICAL ACCURACY AND ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENTIAL TOLERANCE LIMITS

Authors

  • Irfan Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia
  • Wildan Mukhtari Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30863/arrisalah.v6i1.6250

Keywords:

Qibla Direction, Qibla Azimuth, Astronomical Accuracy, Islamic Jurisprudential Tolerance

Abstract

Accurate qibla direction is essential because it serves as a permanent reference for congregational prayers in mosques. However, the orientation of several mosques is still determined using an approximate westward direction or simple methods, potentially causing deviations from the astronomical qibla azimuth. This study aims to evaluate the actual orientation of five mosques in Bone Regency based on astronomical accuracy and Islamic jurisprudential tolerance limits. This field study employed a descriptive quantitative approach combined with normative Islamic jurisprudential analysis. Data were collected through observation, direct measurement, documentation, interviews, and a literature review. The analysis compared the actual orientation of each mosque with the qibla azimuth calculated from its geographical coordinates and evaluated the difference using an operational tolerance limit of 2°. The results showed deviations of 8°19?00? at Nurut Tijarah Mosque, 10°00?36? at Al-Munawwarah Mosque, 0°51?36? at Al-Hijriah Mosque, 9°26?24? at Nurul Aeni Mosque, and 8°38?24? at Al-Muhajirin BTN Pepabri Mosque. Only Al-Hijriah Mosque remained within the tolerance limit, while the other four exceeded it and required prayer-row realignment. This study concludes that the concept of jihat al-Ka‘bah must be applied alongside astronomical calculations so that Islamic jurisprudential tolerance does not justify significant deviations. These findings can guide mosque administrators and the Ministry of Religious Affairs in verifying and correcting prayer-row directions without altering mosque structures.

References

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Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Volume 6 Nomor 1 Tahun 2026

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