Integrating Geospatial Technology and Islamic Jurisprudence: An Analysis of Qibla Deviation in Mosques

Reno Ismanto    -  Institut Agama Islam Negeri Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia
Ahmad Fadholi*    -  Institut Agama Islam Negeri Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia
Priyanggo Karunia Rahman    -  Institut Agama Islam Negeri Syaikh Abdurrahman Siddik, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia
Sahibzada Muhammad Waseem Jan    -  Sukkur IBA University, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Pakistan
Hasna Tuddar Putri    -  Universitas Islam Negeri Sultanah Nahrasiyah Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia

(*) Corresponding Author
DOI: 10.30659/jua.v9i2.51900

Purpose - Accurate orientation towards the qibla is a fundamental requirement for the validity of prayer in Islam. However, many mosques, particularly those constructed in earlier periods, may exhibit discrepancies in their qibla orientation due to the limited technology and directional methods available at the time of construction. Previous studies on qibla direction have generally focused on technical and astronomical aspects, while integrative studies combining geospatial analysis with Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) evaluation remain limited. Recent developments in geospatial technology and digital astronomy provide new opportunities to reassess qibla accuracy with greater precision, while also necessitating normative evaluation from the perspective of Islamic law. This study aims to analyse the degree of qibla deviation in mosques in Pangkalpinang City, Indonesia, and to examine its legal implications based on relevant fiqh principles.

Methodology/approach - The research employs an empirical-normative approach. Empirical data were collected through field measurements using Islamic Astro, GPS Test, Google Earth Pro, and Istiwaaini applications, as well as solar-position tracking to obtain highly accurate coordinate and qibla azimuth data. The results were then compared with the physical orientation of the mosque buildings. The normative analysis was conducted by examining fiqh perspectives regarding the acceptable tolerance limits for qibla deviation.

Findings - The findings reveal that the qibla deviations of the twelve surveyed mosques range from 0.54° to 38.63°, indicating that several mosques do not fully meet the tolerance standards recognised in fiqh.

Conclusion - The integration of modern geospatial technology with Islamic legal analysis provides a more comprehensive framework for evaluating mosque qibla accuracy, while encouraging higher precision through modern scientific verification. This study contributes to the development of science-based fiqh studies of worship and reaffirms the relevance of the principle of easing hardship for legally responsible persons (at-taysīr 'alā al-mukallaf) in the context of technological advancement. Furthermore, the study recommends that religious authorities and mosque administrators verify qibla orientation using scientific approaches that remain consistent with sharia principles in order to ensure confidence and stability in worship.

Keywords: Fiqh; Geospatial; Qibla Direction; Technology Integration

  1. Abdullah, Choirul, Muhammad Falah, Taufiqurrahman Taufiqurrahman, and Mahfazul Alam bin Abdullah. “The Contribution of Astronomy in Determining the Direction of the Qibla and the Hijri Calendar in the 8th–14th Centuries CE.” Al-Qarawiyyin: Jurnal Ilmu Ushuluddin. Yayasan Albahriah Jamiah Indonesia, 2025. https://doi.org/10.64691/3ww03e18.
  2. Afidati, Nadya, and Nuril Atfiani. “Peran Ibnu Abbas Dalam Perkembangan Hadis Di Makkah.” CENDEKIA: Jurnal Studi Keislaman 11, no. 1 (2025): 121–38. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37348/cendekia.v11i1.545.
  3. Aini, Shofwatul. “Uji Akurasi Rasd Al-Qiblat Global Sebagai Metode Penentuan Arah Kiblat.” Al-Ahkam: Jurnal Ilmu Syari’ah Dan Hukum 7, no. 1 (2022): 57–71. https://doi.org/10.22515/alahkam.v7i1.5412.
  4. Al-Haskafi, Muhammad bin Ali bin Muhammad bin Abdurrahman al-Hanafi. Ad-Dar Al-Mukhtar Syarh Tanwirul Absar Wa Jami Al-Bihar. Beirut: Dar Al-Kutub Al- Ilmiyyah, 2002.
  5. Alwan, Ahmed Aboud, Iman Jalil Ibrahim, and Shifa Rasheed Hussein. “The Impact of Technology on Contemporary Jurisprudential Ijtihad: Worship as a Model.” Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change 10, no. 2 SE-Articles (November 2025): 118–27. https://doi.org/10.64753/jcasc.v10i2.1569.
  6. Amahoru, Abd. Haji, Riski Walli, Sri Rahmadani Pullu, Harni Kelderak, and Agil Surkan Asahri. “Identification of Mosque Qibla Azimuth Accuracy Based on Four-Direction Laser System in Seram Utara Timur Kobi.” Jurisprudensi: Jurnal Ilmu Syariah, Perundang-Undangan Dan Ekonomi Islam. IAIN Langsa, 2025. https://doi.org/10.32505/jurisprudensi.v17i2.11226.
  7. Amin, Muhammad Habibul, Dhiauddin Tanjung, and Hasan Matsum. “The Use Of Kompas In Determining The Accuracy Of Qibla Direction (Case Study On Mosques In Serdang Bedagai Regency).” Sosioedukasi : jurnal ilmiah ilmu pendidikan dan sosial 14, no. 1 (2025): 601–12. https://doi.org/10.36526/sosioedukasi.v14i1.5701.
  8. Djamaluddin, Thomas. “Tidak Ada Perubahan Arah Kiblat.” Wordpress, 2010. https://tdjamaluddin.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/tidak-ada-perubahan-arah-kiblat/.
  9. Fakhrurrazi, Fakhrurrazi, Nur Wasilah, and Hendra Jaya. “Islam and Knowledge: Harmony between Sciences and Faith.” Journal of Modern Islamic Studies and Civilization 2, no. 01 (2023): 45–57. https://doi.org/10.59653/jmisc.v2i01.416.
  10. Fatmawati, Emyllia. “Perspektif Hadis Arah Kiblat Tanah Haram.” AL-AFAQ: Jurnal Ilmu Falak Dan Astronomi 3, no. 1 (2021): 59–76. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.20414/afaq.v3i1.2335.
  11. Gordon, Ari M. “The Qibla: Ritual Orientation in the Formation of Islamic Collective Identity.” In Routledge Handbook of Islamic Ritual and Practice, 1st Editio., 409–21. London: Routledge, 2022. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003044659.
  12. Hasjun, Iyan, Andi Jusran Kasim, and Nur Astaman Putra. “Uji Akurasi Hasil Pengukuran Arah Kiblat Pegawai Kemasjidan Kua Menggunakan Aplikasi Google Earth.” Astroislamica: Journal of Islamic Astronomy 3, no. 1 (2024): 114–35. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.47766/astroislamica.v3i1.2796.
  13. Hidayatullah, Dimas Syarief, Fatmawati, Ahmad Sholih Zanuar, and Ahmad Adib Rofiuddin. “Accuracy Analysis of Gps Technology in Identifying the Qibla Direction of Darussalam Mosque, Makassar.” ELFALAKY. Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, 2025. https://doi.org/10.24252/ifk.v9i2.63083.
  14. Hosen. “Tagyîr Mawdhî’ Inhirâf Qiblat Al-Masjid Fî Bamîkasân ‘Alâ Asasi Al-Tiknôlôjiyya Al-Mutaqaddimah: Al-Tahlîla Al-Ijtimâ’î Wa Al-Tsaqafî.” Al Ihkam Jurnal Hukum Dan Pranata Sosial 18, no. 2 (2023): 591–625. https://doi.org/10.19105/al-lhkam.v18i2.8939.
  15. Hussain, S. “The Mosque’s Primary Spaces and the Required Direction of the Mosque Building.” Journal of Islamic Architecture 7, no. 4 (2023): 719–35. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.18860/jia.v7i4.21497.
  16. Ismail, Ismail, and Dikson T Yasin. “Toleransi Pelencengan Arah Kiblat Di Indonesia Perspektif Ilmu Falak Dan Hukum Islam.” Al-Mizan (e-Journal) 17, no. 1 (2021): 115–38. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.30603/am.v17i1.2070.
  17. Ismail, Nurul Naziha, Aimi Musa, and Othman Zainon. “The Accuracy of Qibla Direction Applications Used by the Public.” International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development. Human Resources Management Academic Research Society (HRMARS), 2024. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v13-i4/23813.
  18. Izzuddin, Ahmad, Muhammad Habibur Rahman, and Muhammad Himmatur Riza. “Teleskop Ioptron Cube II Dalam Penentuan Arah Kiblat.” AL - AFAQ : Jurnal Ilmu Falak Dan Astronomi 3, no. 1 (2021): 25–40. https://doi.org/10.20414/afaq.v3i1.2776.
  19. Kementerian Agama, R I. “Ephemeris Hisab Rukyat 2020.” Jakarta: Direktorat Jendral Bimbingan Masyarakat Islam, 2019.
  20. Khairunnisa, Ariba, Muhammad Adam, Muhammad Haikal Rivaldi, and Muhammad Fajri Kholili Zain. “Qibla Direction Determination in Historical Mosques: Methodological and Accuracy Assessment at Al-Anwar Grand Mosque, Bandar Lampung.” Al-Hilal: Journal of Islamic Astronomy. UIN Walisongo Semarang, 2025. https://doi.org/10.21580/al-hilal.2025.7.2.28139.
  21. Muhajir, Muhajir, Misbah Khusurur, Frangky Suleman, Suud Sarim Karimullah, Lina Kuklienė, and Supaprawat Siripipatthanakul. “Traditional Wisdom and Modern Methods in Qibla Direction: A Multicultural Study of Sunan Geseng Great Mosque, Indonesia.” Kawanua International Journal of Multicultural Studies 5, no. 2 (2024): 186–98. https://doi.org/10.30984/kijms.v5i2.1178.
  22. Muhalling, Rusdin, Najmah ST., Nur Azizah Huzaimah, and Mesut Idriz. “The Qibla Directional Accuracy Determination Analysis Using Spherical Trigonometric Method and Google Earth.” NeuroQuantology 20, no. 5 (2022): 107–14. https://doi.org/10.14704/nq.2022.20.5.nq22153.
  23. Muhammad Az-Zuhaily. Al-Mu’tamad Fi Al-Fiqh Asy-Syafii. Damaskus: Dar Al-Qolam, 2011.
  24. Muslim, Ahmad Bukhari, Rodhy Harisca, and Ahmad Basyori. “The Impact of Arabic Literacy on Understanding Quranic Verses.” KnE Social Sciences 9, no. 12 (2024): 564–78. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v9i12.15881.
  25. Muslim, P P. “Assuring Worship Accuracy: Engaging Classical Islamic Jurispurdence and Modern Falak Sudies.” KANUN: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum 27, no. 3 (2025): 727–44. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24815/kjih.v27i3.141.
  26. Nanaridwan, Mau’idhatul Hasanah Ridwan, Ahmad Izzuddin, and Fatmawati Hilal. “The Concept of Qibla Direction in Sayyid Usman’s Tahrir Aqwa Al-Adillah Fi Tahsil ‘Ain Al-Qiblah.” AL - AFAQ : Jurnal Ilmu Falak Dan Astronomi. State Islamic University (UIN) Mataram, 2025. https://doi.org/10.20414/afaq.v7i1.13400.
  27. Nihayah, U, R Umami, A S Mursid, and ... “Mosque Management for the Prosperity of the Congregation in Mosque Typology in Kendal Regency, Community Empowerment Perspective.” Prosperity: Journal of … 5, no. 2 (2025): 136–58. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.21580/prosperity.v5i2.25673.
  28. Nizam, A, Romli SA, and Yazwardi. “Divergence in Qibla Direction Determination: A Fiqh-Based Analysis and Its Societal Implementation.” Nurani: Jurnal Kajian Syari’ah Dan Masyarakat 25, no. 2 (2025): 363–76. https://doi.org/10.19109/nurani.v25i2.27891.
  29. Nizam, Ahmad, S. A. Romli, and Yazwardi. “Divergence in Qibla Direction Determination: A Fiqh-Based Analysis and Its Societal Implementation.” Nurani 25, no. 2 (2025): 363–76. https://doi.org/10.19109/nurani.v25i2.27891.
  30. Primadhany, Erry Fitrya, Novita Mayasari Angelia, Novita Angraeni, and Baihaki. “Maḥāsin Al-Syarī‘ah on the Implementation of Mahḍah Worship: Overview of Islamic Legal Philosophy.” Samarah 6, no. 2 (2022): 634–54. https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v6i2.12394.
  31. Riza, Muhammad Himmatur, Thomas Djamaluddin, and Ahmad Izzuddin. “Transformation of Prayer Time Schedules: From A Static-Passive to A Dynamic-Variative Perspective.” Ulul Albab: Jurnal Studi Dan Penelitian Hukum Islam 6 (n.d.): 39–58. https://doi.org/10.30659/jua.v6i1.22826
  32. Sakirman, Sakirman, A Jamil A Jamil, and Moelki Fahmi Ardliansyah. “Dynamics of Qibla Direction of the Great Mosque:(Study of Accuration and Verification of Geographic Coordinate Points).” KULMINASI: Journal of Falak and Sharia 1, no. 1 (2023): 1–21. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22373/kulminasi.v1i1.
  33. Sanjaya, W. S. Mada, Akhmad Roziqin, Dyah Anggraeni, and M. Fauzi Badru Zaman. “Designing an Autonomous Qibla Finder Mobile Robot Utilizing the Second Al-Biruni’s Method from Kitab Tahdid Nihayat Al-Amakin.” In IEEE 9th Information Technology International Seminar (ITIS), 1–6. Batu Malang indonesia, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1109/ITIS59651.2023.10420068.
  34. Sartika, Sartika, Hisbullah Salam, and Fakhruddin Mansyur. “Revitalizing Traditional Astronomical Instruments: Developing a Local Dial Model for Accurate Prayer Time Determination.” Al-Hilal: Journal of Islamic Astronomy 7, no. 2 (2025): 241–52. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.21580/al-hilal.2025.7.2.28952.
  35. Soufi, Youcef L. The Rise of Critical Islam: 10th-13th Century Legal Debate. Oxford University Press, 2023. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197685006.003.0007.
  36. Taman, Badrun, Fatimah, Friska Linia Sari, and Abdul Gafar Olawale Fahm. “Time-Related Rulings in Fiqh Munakahat: A Contemporary Integration of Astronomical and Jurisprudential Analysis.” MILRev: Metro Islamic Law Review 4, no. 2 SE-Articles (2025): 797–821. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32332/8pvnz650.
  37. Wahyuni, Sri, Samsuddin Samsuddin, and Ekawati Hamzah. “Qibla Direction Accuracy Analysis Based on Astronomy (Google Earth), Perspective of Islamic Law.” Journal of Islam and Science. Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar, 2022. https://doi.org/10.24252/jis.v9i1.30111.
  38. Wardoyo, Girindra Sulistiyo, and Ahmad Azhari. “K-Nearest Neighbors for Fast and Accurate Qibla Direction Determination.” Mobile and Forensics. Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, 2025. https://doi.org/10.12928/mf.v7i1.12781.
  39. Yildirim, F. “The Qibla Direction Problem in Large-Scale Maps and Its Representation with Geodetic Accuracy: The Case of Türkiye.” International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences 10, no. 2 (2025): 151–63. https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1531806.
  40. Yunta, Akhmad Hanafi Dain, Ahmad Syaripudin, and Junaedi Junaedi. “Arah Kiblat Dalam Salat: Menyikapi Perbedaan Antara Mazhab Hanafi Dan Syafi’i: Qibla Direction in Prayer: Responding to the Differences Between Hanafi and Shafi’i School.” BUSTANUL FUQAHA: Jurnal Bidang Hukum Islam 2, no. 3 SE-Articles (n.d.): 380–95. https://doi.org/10.36701/bustanul.v2i3.404.

Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Reno Ismanto, Ahmad Fadholi, Priyanggo Karunia Rahman, Sahibzada Muhammad Waseem Jan, Hasna Tuddar Putri
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

ULUL ALBAB: Jurnal Studi dan Penelitian Hukum Islam
Published by Department of Sharia, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang
Jl. Kaligawe Ray KM. 4 Semarang, Indonesia
Website: https://jurnal.unissula.ac.id/index.php/ua
Email: jurnalululalbab@unissula.ac.id

ULUL ALBAB stats

ISSN: 2597-6168 (Print)
ISSN: 2597-6176 (Online)
DOI : 10.30659/jua

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Get a feed by atom here, RRS2 here and OAI Links here

apps