How are the four main cardinal winds used to determine the Qibla direction?
Chapter on Facing the Qiblah
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are many winds, but four originating from the corners of the sky are useful for indication. The South wind (Al-Janūb) blows from the corner between the Qibla and the East, facing the left lower part of the worshipper's shoulder, leaning towards their right face. The North wind (Ash-Shamāl) is opposite it, blowing from the corner between the West and the North, passing towards the South wind's direction. The West wind (Ad-Dabūr) blows from the corner between the West and the South, facing the right side of the worshipper's face, passing toward the opposite corner. The East wind (As-Ṣabā) is opposite it, blowing from behind the worshipper. These winds are recognized by their characteristics and properties, and this is the soundest method for indicating the Qibla.
Supporting text
Winds that blow between walls and mountains may shift direction, and they are not to be relied upon. Between every two main winds is an intermediate wind called Al-Nakbā' because it deviates from the known paths of the main winds.