Qibla finder / Iraq
Qibla direction from Basra, 220.0° southwest
From Basra, face 220.0° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 1,285 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 216.0°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 1,285 km (798 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 216.0°
- Magnetic declination
- 4.0° east
- City centre
- 30.5085, 47.7804
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 216.0°. That is 220.0° from true north, adjusted for the 4.0° east magnetic declination in Basra. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Basra. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is southwest from Basra
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Basra that path leaves heading southwest, at 220.0° from true north. Flat maps distort this route, so it can look wrong on a map even though it is the true direction.
A compass points to magnetic north, which in Basra is 4.0° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 216.0°, differs from the true bearing.
Someone far from Makkah faces the direction (jihah) of the Kaaba. A small turn to the left or right does not affect the prayer, and a prayer made after a genuine effort stays valid even if you later learn you were slightly off.
Other madhhabs
- Shafi'i
- The stronger view is to aim at the Kaaba itself by your best effort, even from far away.
- Maliki, Hanbali
- Facing the direction is enough, as in the Hanafi school.
Qibla from other cities in Iraq
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar.
Questions
Good to know
What is the qibla direction from Basra?
The qibla from Basra is 220.0° from true north, which is southwest. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 216.0°.
How far is Basra from Makkah?
About 1,285 km (798 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla southwest from Basra?
The qibla follows the shortest route over the curved Earth to the Kaaba, called a great circle. On a flat map this route looks curved, so the direction can look different from what a map suggests.
How exact do I need to be?
In the Hanafi school, someone far from Makkah faces the general direction of the Kaaba. A small turn to either side does not affect the prayer. Do your best, or follow the direction of your local masjid.