Qibla finder / Senegal
Qibla direction from Dakar, 73.9° east-northeast
From Dakar, face 73.9° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 6,071 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 79.7°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 6,071 km (3,772 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 79.7°
- Magnetic declination
- 5.8° west
- City centre
- 14.7167, -17.4677
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 79.7°. That is 73.9° from true north, adjusted for the 5.8° west magnetic declination in Dakar. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Dakar. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is east-northeast from Dakar
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Dakar that path leaves heading east-northeast, at 73.9° 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 Dakar is 5.8° west of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 79.7°, 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
| City | Qibla | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Agadir | 89.3° | E |
| Marrakesh | 91.4° | E |
| Casablanca | 93.7° | E |
| Rabat | 94.6° | E |
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 Dakar?
The qibla from Dakar is 73.9° from true north, which is east-northeast. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 79.7°.
How far is Dakar from Makkah?
About 6,071 km (3,772 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla east-northeast from Dakar?
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.