Determining the Qibla Direction by Astronomical and Geometrical Methods

TL;DR

This paper explores astronomical and geometrical methods, including historical techniques and computational models, to accurately determine the Qibla direction for Muslim prayer using modern and traditional tools.

Contribution

It combines historical methods with modern computational models to improve the accuracy of Qibla direction determination.

Findings

Historical methods reviewed and analyzed.

A computational model in C++ developed for precise calculation.

Interdisciplinary approach enhances practical application.

Abstract

This paper investigates the determination of the Qibla direction using both astronomical and geometrical approaches. The study reviews historical and classical methods employed by Muslim scholars and astronomers including the use of instruments such as the astrolabe and compass. It further explores spherical trigonometry techniques to precisely calculate the Qibla azimuth from any given location on Earth. The research clarifies geometric constructions and presents a computational model implemented in C++ to facilitate accurate Qibla determination. This interdisciplinary analysis underscores the rich tradition of Islamic astronomy and geometry in solving practical religious requirements, providing both theoretical frameworks and practical algorithms for modern application.