Astronomical Measurement and Fiqh Review of Qibla Deviation: A Case Study of Mosque and a Cemetery Complex in Timbuseng, Takalar

Abstract

This research addresses the issue of inaccurate Qibla direction by evaluating the degree of deviation at the Assalam Mosque and the public cemetery in Timbuseng Hamlet, Takalar, and analyzing it based on tolerance limits established in Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Astronomy (Ilmu Falak). The study aims to examine the conformity of the Qibla direction at these case study locations with the actual direction towards the Ka'bah. The methods employed include measuring the existing azimuth using Google Earth, followed by field measurements with a compass and Istiwa'aini to obtain real values for the existing azimuth and the Qibla azimuth. The measurement results were then analyzed by applying Qibla tolerance theories. The findings reveal that the Qibla direction of the Assalam Mosque has a deviation of 12°, which, according to the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence, far exceeds the tolerance limit. Similar results were found in the grave orientations within the cemetery complex, which showed deviation variations between 21° and 30°. However, from the perspectives of the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, the deviations occurring in both the mosque and the graves remain within permissible limits. These findings confirm a discrepancy between field conditions and sharia standards, particularly when referring to the Shafi'i school, which is predominantly adhered to by Muslims in Indonesia, including in Takalar. Therefore, this study recommends correction and massive socialization regarding the importance of Qibla accuracy, as well as the use of more precise calibration tools such as theodolites dan Istiwa'aini.