Sun to align directly above the Kaaba on Day of Arafat in rare event occurring after 33 years

Astronomers said the sun will appear directly above the Holy Kaaba on Eid al-Adha, creating a rare celestial event that can help Muslims around the world accurately determine the direction of the Qibla without the use of modern instruments.

According to Arab media reports, the phenomenon occurs when the sun reaches a vertical position directly over the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah.

A rare astronomical alignment is set to coincide with one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar this year, as the sun is expected to align directly above the Kaaba in Mecca on the Day of Arafat, a phenomenon that occurs only once every 33 years.
According to astronomers, the event will take place at noon on May 27, 2026, corresponding to the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah 1447H, when the sun will stand directly above the Kaaba, causing shadows to disappear completely in Mecca at the precise moment of alignment.

Experts said the event does not increase the risk of a heatwave despite the sun’s overhead position and described it as a rare astronomical occurrence.

Astronomers explained that during the alignment, Muslims in any part of the world can identify the direction of the Qibla simply by observing the position of the sun at the specified time according to Makkah time.

They said the direction in which the sun appears at that moment will correspond to the direction of the Kaaba, allowing worshippers to accurately determine the orientation for prayers.

The phenomenon is considered significant for both astronomers and Muslims worldwide, as it combines scientific observation with practical religious guidance linked to Islamic worship.