PERAN KEMENTERIAN AGAMA DALAM MENANGANI KEKELIRUAN PENENTUAN ARAH KIBLAT KUBURAN DI KABUPATEN GOWA

Abstract

Determining the direction of the Qibla is an important aspect in the
implementation of Islamic worship, both in prayer and in burial. Mistakes in
determining the direction of the Qibla, especially in burials, can affect the
solemnity and validity of worship procedures. In Gowa Regency, there are still
a number of graves that do not face the Qibla correctly. This study aims to
examine the factors causing the wrong direction of the Qibla of graves and to
analyze the role of the Ministry of Religion of Gowa Regency in dealing with this
problem. This type of research is field research with a qualitative approach,
which is carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. In
addition, a sharia approach is used because it is related to Islamic law, as well
as a falaky approach based on Islamic astronomy. The results of the study
indicate that the wrong direction of the Qibla of graves is caused by limited
measuring instruments, lack of public understanding of the importance of the
correct direction of the Qibla, and geographical conditions that make
measurement difficult. The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Gowa Regency has
taken strategic steps such as socialization, re-measurement using the falakiyah
method, and the use of modern technology to determine the direction of the
qibla accurately. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of
increasing public awareness of the direction of the qibla and the need for active
involvement of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in standardizing the direction
of the qibla in cemeteries. These efforts can be strengthened through ongoing
counseling and the application of measuring instruments based on falakiyah
technology
Keywords: Qibla Direction, Ministry of Religion, Cemetery