AssalamAlaikum Respected Mufti Saab, Since the construction of our masjid ten years ago, the qibla was assumed to be exactly eastwards i.e 90 degrees clockwise. (using a standard 360 degree rotation) Using more accurate and reliable calculations, we have calculated the qibla again and it is in fact 66.52 degrees clockwise. It means therefore that our present qibla direction is off by approximately 23.48 degrees to the actual qibla. Is this amount of variation allowed? What should we do henceforth? An urgant reply will be most appreciated as this issue is of utmost importance to our entire community. JazakAllah.
Answer
(Fatwa: 1057/860=L/1430)
Ahsanul Fatawa volume 2 contains a detailed discussion about Qiblah how much difference is allowable and how much is not allowable. Keeping the same in view, the local Ulama and Muftis can reach to a certain decision about the mosque.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband