How do I find the Qibla without the internet?
The Qibla is the direction of the Ka'ba in Mecca. You can find it even when you have no internet.
Use your phone
Your phone's compass and GPS work without internet. An app like Shia Namaz can show you the Qibla anywhere, even with no signal.
If the arrow looks wrong, wave your phone in a figure eight a few times. Keep it away from magnets and metal.
Use the sun
Two days a year, the sun is right above the Ka'ba at midday in Mecca. On those days, a shadow points away from the Qibla.
In 2027, the days are 28 May and 16 July. Look at 12:18 pm Mecca time on 28 May, or 12:27 pm on 16 July. Stand a stick straight up and the shadow shows you the direction. The Qibla is the opposite way.
This works where it is daytime at that moment, like Europe, Africa and Asia. It will not work in the Americas, because it is night there.
If you are not sure, follow your marja's advice.
Get the app Shia Namaz shows the Qibla for wherever you are, and works offline.
See today's prayer times for your city →
Next guide: why Shia Maghrib is after sunset →
Sun times are worked out for 2027 from standard sun-position formulas, and are right to within a minute or two.