Qibla finder / Egypt
Qibla direction from Tanta, 137.7° southeast
From Tanta, face 137.7° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 1,363 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 132.9°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 1,363 km (847 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 132.9°
- Magnetic declination
- 4.8° east
- City centre
- 30.7865, 31.0004
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 132.9°. That is 137.7° from true north, adjusted for the 4.8° east magnetic declination in Tanta. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Tanta. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is southeast from Tanta
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Tanta that path leaves heading southeast, at 137.7° 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 Tanta is 4.8° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 132.9°, 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 Egypt
| City | Qibla | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 136.1° | SE |
| Alexandria | 135.4° | SE |
| Giza | 135.9° | SE |
| Luxor | 121.4° | ESE |
| Aswan | 111.3° | ESE |
| Port Said | 143.8° | SE |
| Mansoura | 139.8° | SE |
| Suez | 140.9° | SE |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 141.2° | SE |
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 Tanta?
The qibla from Tanta is 137.7° from true north, which is southeast. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 132.9°.
How far is Tanta from Makkah?
About 1,363 km (847 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla southeast from Tanta?
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.