Face the Sacred Mosque in prayer
Verse: 2:149-150
Arabic Text
مِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَإِنَّهُ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ وَمَن يُرِدْ أَن يَهْتَدِيَ فَلَنَفْتَحَنَّ لَهُ سُبُلًا ۚ وَمَن يُضِلْ فَلَنَجْعَل لَّهُ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا
Translation
So from wherever you go out [for prayer], turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Harām, and indeed it is the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. And whoever desires to guide himself—We will surely facilitate for him the ways of guidance; and whoever turns away—We will surely make his burden [of sin] heavy.
Description
Always face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca when you are praying, as it is an essential part of performing the prayer properly.
Detailed Explanation
In these verses, Allah instructs Muslims to face the Kaaba in Mecca whenever they perform their prayers, no matter where they are in the world. This direction is known as the Qibla. For Muslims, the Kaaba is considered the most sacred place on Earth, and turning towards it during prayer unifies the Muslim Ummah, or community, across the globe in a symbolic expression of unity and submission to Allah.
The change of Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca was a significant event in early Islamic history. Initially, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers would face Jerusalem during prayer, as was the practice inherited from earlier Prophets. However, about 16–17 months after migrating to Medina, the direction was changed to the Kaaba. This shift was revealed in these very verses as a test of faith and to establish the unique identity of the Muslim community, marking an important moment of spiritual direction. Referencing authentic tafsirs like Tafsir Ibn Kathir, it is explained that the change was meant not only as a divine command but also as a means to unite Muslims around the world with a distinct religious identity.
By understanding and following this rule, you are actively participating in your religious duties and expressing your connection with Muslims around the world, all of whom turn towards the Kaaba as a demonstration of their faith and obedience to Allah. It reminds you that prayer is not just about the physical act, but the spiritual connection with Allah, and the discipline and obedience that Islam advocates for its followers.