The Role of Istiwa' A'dzam as A Practical Verification of the Qibla Direction

The Istiwa' A'dzam phenomenon is an astronomical event when the sun is directly above the Kaaba in Mecca, causing the shadows of perpendicular objects at various locations to point directly towards the qibla. This study aims to model this phenomenon and assess its accuracy in determining the direction of the qibla. Using a mathematical approach and computer modeling, the position of the sun and the direction of the shadow were analyzed during Istiwa' A'dzam. The results show that this phenomenon occurs twice a year in Malaysia: on 28 May at approximately 5:16 pm. and on 16 July at approximately 5:27 pm. In leap years, this phenomenon occurs slightly earlier, around 27 May and 15 July, with approximately the same duration. At this time, the shadows of upright objects can be used as indicators of the direction of the qibla with a very high level of accuracy. Apart from being a practical method for confirming the direction of the qibla, this phenomenon also has educational value in demonstrating the relationship between astronomy, the movement of the sun, and Islamic religious practices.