Qibla finder / Afghanistan
Qibla direction from Herat, 242.5° west-southwest
From Herat, face 242.5° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 2,618 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 238.6°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 2,618 km (1,627 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 238.6°
- Magnetic declination
- 3.9° east
- City centre
- 34.3529, 62.2040
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 238.6°. That is 242.5° from true north, adjusted for the 3.9° east magnetic declination in Herat. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Herat. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is west-southwest from Herat
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Herat that path leaves heading west-southwest, at 242.5° 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 Herat is 3.9° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 238.6°, 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 Afghanistan
| City | Qibla | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Kabul | 250.8° | WSW |
| Kandahar | 252.5° | WSW |
| Mazar-i-Sharif | 244.7° | WSW |
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 Herat?
The qibla from Herat is 242.5° from true north, which is west-southwest. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 238.6°.
How far is Herat from Makkah?
About 2,618 km (1,627 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla west-southwest from Herat?
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.