Sun to pass directly over Kaaba on July 15, offering natural Qibla alignment

A rare astronomical phenomenon will occur on July 15, when the Sun will be positioned directly above the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, causing the Kaaba's shadow to disappear briefly and allowing Muslims around the world to accurately determine the direction of the Qibla without using a compass, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.

According to international media reports, the Jeddah Astronomical Society said the Sun will be exactly overhead the Holy Kaaba at 12:26:44 pm local time in Makkah, reaching an altitude of 90 degrees.

At that moment, the Sun and the Kaaba will align on the same vertical axis, leaving the Kaaba without a visible shadow for a few moments.

For Pakistan, the phenomenon will occur at 2:26:44 pm (PST).

Astronomers say the event provides a simple and reliable way for Muslims across the globe to verify the correct direction of the Qibla.

By placing a straight stick or rod vertically on a flat surface at the exact time of the alignment, the direction opposite to the shadow will point toward the Holy Kaaba.

The phenomenon occurs only twice each year and has historically been used to determine the Qibla before the availability of modern navigation tools.

Even today, it remains one of the simplest and most scientifically accurate astronomical methods for checking the direction of prayer.