Praying Toward Mecca from London: Face Southeast (119° from True North)

The qibla (direction to the Kaaba in Mecca) from London is approximately 119° clockwise from true north — i.e., East-Southeast (ESE).

Precise Calculation

• London: 51.5074° N, 0.1278° W
• Mecca (Kaaba): 21.4225° N, 39.8262° E
• Great-circle initial bearing: 118.7° (≈ 119°)

How to Find It

1. Compass: Set to 119° (adjust for magnetic declination: London ~0° now, but check).
2. Smartphone apps: Muslim Pro, Qibla Finder, Google Maps (measure from your location to Kaaba).
3. Mosque: Visit any London mosque — mihrab marks qibla. East London Mosque, Regent's Park Mosque, Finsbury Park Mosque.
4. Analog: Sun at solar noon (approx 1 PM BST) → shadow points north → qibla is ~119° right of shadow.

Common Errors

• Using magnetic north without declination correction (small in UK, but matters).
• Assuming "East" — Mecca is SE, not due E.
• Flat-map rhumb line (constant bearing) ≠ great-circle (shortest path). Prayer uses great-circle.

Variation Across London

Negligible (<0.1°) for intracity distances. One bearing serves all.

Face ~119° (ESE). That's the qibla from London.