Qibla finder / Sri Lanka
Qibla direction from Colombo, 294.8° west-northwest
From Colombo, face 294.8° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 4,589 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 296.7°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 4,589 km (2,852 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 296.7°
- Magnetic declination
- 1.9° west
- City centre
- 6.9271, 79.8612
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 296.7°. That is 294.8° from true north, adjusted for the 1.9° west magnetic declination in Colombo. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Colombo. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is west-northwest from Colombo
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Colombo that path leaves heading west-northwest, at 294.8° 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 Colombo is 1.9° west of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 296.7°, 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 cities nearby
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 Colombo?
The qibla from Colombo is 294.8° from true north, which is west-northwest. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 296.7°.
How far is Colombo from Makkah?
About 4,589 km (2,852 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla west-northwest from Colombo?
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.