TIMES JABAR, JAKARTA – Thousands of Indonesian pilgrims gathered at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to witness the phenomenon known as Rashdul Kiblat (27/5/2024). This event occurs when the sun passes directly over the Kaaba, allowing Muslims around the world to align their prayer direction, or qibla, with precision.

What is Rashdul Kiblat?

Rashdul Kiblat, which literally means "the straightening of the qibla," happens twice a year. During this phenomenon, the sun is positioned directly above the Kaaba in Mecca.

This provides a unique opportunity for Muslims worldwide to determine the accurate direction of the qibla without needing sophisticated tools or extensive knowledge. By simply observing the shadows cast by a vertical object at the exact time of Rashdul Kiblat, one can align themselves with the precise direction of the Kaaba.

Significance of Rashdul Kiblat

For Muslims, facing the qibla during prayers is a crucial aspect of their daily worship. The Rashdul Kiblat event simplifies the process of verifying and adjusting the qibla direction. It underscores the unity of the Muslim ummah, as millions of believers worldwide turn towards the same point during their prayers.

The Indonesian Pilgrims' Experience

Ahead of Rashdul Kiblat, waves of Indonesian pilgrims streamed into the Masjid al-Haram. Despite the scorching heat with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees Celsius, the enthusiasm of the pilgrims remained undiminished. They came equipped with various sun protection gear such as UV-protective sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas.

Many Indonesian pilgrims were not only at the Grand Mosque to perform the Dhuhur prayer but also to witness Rashdul Kiblat. Murniati, a 65-year-old pilgrim from Medan, North Sumatra, shared her excitement: "I came to Masjid al-Haram to see Rashdul Kiblat. I got the information from my worship guide," she said after completing her Dhuhur prayer and making supplications near the Kaaba.

Broader Implications and Future Observations

This year's Rashdul Kiblat offered a valuable opportunity for the pilgrims and highlighted the importance of such celestial events in Islamic practice. The event's simplicity and the natural method of aligning the qibla ensure that all Muslims, regardless of their location or resources, can participate in this aspect of their faith.

As the world moves towards the Hajj season, phenomena like Rashdul Kiblat remind the global Muslim community of the centrality of Mecca and the unity it symbolizes. This event not only strengthens individual spiritual experiences but also reinforces communal bonds through shared religious practices.

Rashdul Kiblat is more than a celestial occurrence; it is a profound moment that connects Muslims worldwide. The event's ability to draw thousands of Indonesian pilgrims to Masjid al-Haram in extreme heat conditions speaks volumes about its significance.

It allows Muslims and Hajj 2024 pilgrims to align their prayers with unparalleled accuracy, fostering a sense of unity and devotion that transcends geographical boundaries. (*)