Qibla finder / Sudan
Qibla direction from Omdurman, 49.2° northeast
From Omdurman, face 49.2° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 1,006 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 45.6°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 1,006 km (625 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 45.6°
- Magnetic declination
- 3.6° east
- City centre
- 15.6445, 32.4777
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 45.6°. That is 49.2° from true north, adjusted for the 3.6° east magnetic declination in Omdurman. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Omdurman. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is northeast from Omdurman
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Omdurman that path leaves heading northeast, at 49.2° 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 Omdurman is 3.6° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 45.6°, 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 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 Omdurman?
The qibla from Omdurman is 49.2° from true north, which is northeast. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 45.6°.
How far is Omdurman from Makkah?
About 1,006 km (625 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla northeast from Omdurman?
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.