The Indonesian Qibla is used as a reference for prayers by Muslims worldwide, including Indonesia. When performing prayers, Muslims are required to know the direction of the Qibla, which points directly to Mecca.

However, over time, the determination of the direction of the Qibla has undergone changes that can be seen from time to time. The following explains the direction of the Qibla in Islam in Indonesia and the issues surrounding the direction of prayer.

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Direction of Qibla in Islam in Indonesia

The Qibla is the direction indicated by a large circular arc and serves as the connection between the prayer place and the Kaaba. In Arabic, the word "qibla" comes from the Arabic word "qiblah," meaning "to face.".

Meanwhile, according to astronomical terms, it is stated in the word 'qibla azimuth', namely the angular distance calculated in the direction of the rotation of the clock hands to the point of the Kaaba.

Regarding the direction of prayer in Indonesian Islam, it must be directed to the nearest point. This means that the direction of prayer is the closest point to the direction of prayer and passes through a great circle on the Earth's surface.

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The Problem of Prayer Direction According to the Qibla in Indonesia

Essentially, the method for determining the direction of the Qibla in Indonesia is closely tied to the West. This is based on the belief that the location of the Kaaba, in Saudi Arabia, is located in western Indonesia.

In fact, the direction is indicated without any calculations, simply by estimating the qibla based on sunset. This has raised many questions and concerns about the correct direction of prayer according to the Indonesian Islamic qibla .

1. Where is the Qibla actually headed?

In some places, particularly in Indonesia, the direction of the Qibla tends to vary. This difference in Qibla direction naturally raises the question of which direction is the correct one

Several Islamic sources state that the qibla remains the same in all parts of the world, facing the Kaaba. However, the direction of prayer usually depends on one's location.

In this regard, it is crucial to know direction of prayer in Indonesian Islam, even when you are in a different location. However, if you are in a place where it is difficult to find the direction of prayer, prayers can be performed without facing the Kaaba, as stated in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Based on the hadith narrated by HR. Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi, Muslims are allowed to pray without facing the Kaaba if it is really not possible to face it.

Usually, this condition is often experienced by someone when they are in a vehicle while traveling or in a place where they cannot recognize the direction of prayer (qibla).

2. How many degrees is the correct direction of the Qibla for prayer?

Although it is known that the true qibla faces the Kaaba, its exact direction remains questionable. Generally, the direction of the qibla in Indonesia is approximately 295.15 degrees.

So, Muslims living in Indonesia can pray facing West. But you have to tilt about 24 degrees north to get the right direction.

However, the direction of prayer can vary slightly in some regions in Indonesia. However, if you're still unsure about the direction of the Qibla, you can easily resolve this by using a compass or a special app that can accurately of the Qibla in Indonesia

3. How to Read a Compass for Prayer Direction?

As time goes by, technology will also become more sophisticated. Nevertheless, using a compass to determine the correct prayer position remains an effective and widely used method.

If you're in a location where it's difficult to determine the direction of the Qibla, you can use a highly accurate compass to determine direction. Here's how to read a compass correctly:

· North : 0/360 ^o

· Northeast : 45 ^o

· East : 90 ^o

· Southeast : 135 ^o

· South : 180 ^o

· Southwest : 225 ^o

· West : 270 ^o

· Northwest : 315 ^o

So, to determine the direction of prayer in Indonesia and the problem of prayer direction, you can use a compass as an alternative solution.