Using a compass
Turn until a magnetic compass reads 71°. A compass points to magnetic north, which in Paterson is 12° west of true north (magnetic declination, World Magnetic Model 2025); the Qibla is 58° from true north, so a compass app set to true north should read 58°.
If you are elsewhere in United States, the Qibla finder uses your phone's location and compass.
The sun over the Kaaba in 2027
Twice a year the sun passes directly over the Kaaba. Wherever it is above the horizon, it then points to the Qibla:
- 28 May 2027 at 5:18 AM Paterson time — face the sun.
- 16 July 2027 at 5:27 AM Paterson time — face the sun.
Finding the Qibla from the sun in Paterson
On these days the sun lines up with the Qibla from Paterson. At "face the sun" times the sun is in front of you; at "shadow" times your shadow points to the Qibla.
| 15th of | Face the sun | Shadow points to Qibla |
|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | — | 3:54 PM |
| December 2026 | — | — |
| January 2027 | — | — |
| February 2027 | — | 4:00 PM |
| March 2027 | — | 4:18 PM |
| April 2027 | — | 3:30 PM |
| May 2027 | — | 2:52 PM |
| June 2027 | — | 2:38 PM |
| July 2027 | — | 2:52 PM |
| August 2027 | — | 3:20 PM |
| September 2027 | — | 3:48 PM |
| October 2027 | — | 4:18 PM |
Times are when the sun is within 1° of the Qibla bearing; nearby days are within a minute or two.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Qibla direction in Paterson?
The Qibla in Paterson is 58° clockwise from true north (ENE). Makkah is about 10,306 km away.
How do I find the Qibla with a phone compass?
Hold the phone flat, away from metal and magnets. If the compass app is set to true north, turn until it reads 58°; if it shows magnetic north (the iPhone Compass app's default) or you use a handheld compass, turn until it reads 71°, because magnetic north in Paterson is 12° west of true north.
How can I find the Qibla using the sun?
On 28 May 2027 and 16 July 2027 the sun is directly above the Kaaba at 5:18 AM and 5:27 AM Paterson time; at that moment, face the sun (or stand with your shadow behind you) to face the Qibla. The table on this page gives other days when the sun lines up with the Qibla in Paterson.