What is the correct direction of the Qibla in Canada, is it northeast or southeast, in order to resolve the ongoing dispute among Muslims?
People, concerning facing the Qibla, are of two types: the first are those who are required to face the Kaaba directly, namely those who can see it or are close to it, based on the words of the Almighty: ﴿So turn your face toward Al-Masjid Al-Haram.﴾ The second are those who are required to face the direction of the Kaaba, namely those who are far from it, based on the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "What is between the East and the West is a Qibla."
The intent of this Hadith is for the people of Madinah and those who are in a similar geographical position. So, for those who are to the east or west of the Kaaba, their Qibla is what is between the North and the South.
As for Montreal, the Qibla is towards the East with a slight deviation to the South. A slight deviation from the direction of the Kaaba does not matter as long as the general facing is not completely lost.
The rule for facing the Qibla is to turn the face towards its direction, even if the center of the face does not perfectly align with it.
If experts confirm that a device or instrument accurately determines the Qibla, there is no harm in using it; in fact, it may become obligatory if the worshipper has no other means of determining it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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