On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, the sun will be directly above the Kaaba in Makkah, marking the second and last solar zenith of the year. This special event means that, at that exact time, objects in Makkah will not cast any shadows because the sun will be almost exactly overhead.
This rare event is very helpful for Muslims around the world. It allows them to check and adjust the qibla, which is the direction Muslims face when they pray. By using this moment, they can be sure they are facing the Kaaba with complete accuracy.
Majed Abu Zahra, who is the President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained why this happens. The Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees. Because of this tilt, the sun appears to move between the Tropic of Cancer in the north and the Tropic of Capricorn in the south during the year.
As the sun moves back down from the Tropic of Cancer towards the equator, it will pass directly over Makkah. Makkah is located at a latitude of about 21.4 degrees north. When the sun reaches this point, it will be at an angle of about 89.5 degrees in the sky—almost perfectly vertical.
This perfect alignment with the Kaaba only happens twice a year, making it a special moment for Muslims everywhere to check their prayer direction. Many people look forward to this natural event as it helps them connect with Makkah in a unique way, no matter where they live.
