Qibla (قِبْلَة) is an Arabic word that can be translated as “direction.” In Islamic studies, the phrase “Qibla” is specifically used for the direction of the Ka’aba, which is situated in the center of the Grand Mosque, “Masjid Al-Haram,” in Mecca.
It is the direction towards which one has to face for the performance of various religious obligations, the most important being the five regular daily prayers.
In the earlier days of Islam, the Qibla of Muslims was the direction of Masjid Al-Aqsa, situated in Jerusalem. That’s why it is often referred to as Qibla Awwal (the first Qibla). After the Prophet’s migration to Medina, prayers continued to be offered while facing towards Jerusalem. It was during the 2nd Hijri year when the Qibla was changed from Masjid Al-Aqsa to Ka’aba.
It happened right during a prayer, led by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. He implemented the divine orders revealed upon the Prophet, and his companions followed him straightaway without raising any queries. Hence, the Qibla also reflects the obedience, faith, and unity of the believers.
Spiritual Connection of Qibla
Facing the direction towards the Ka’aba is not like worshiping it; rather, it is a spiritual symbol for all Muslims worldwide. Every Muslim prays and performs various other rituals while facing Qibla, no matter where they live.
Qibla: The Symbol of Unity
Qibla is a symbol of unity among the Muslims. It also brings in a sense of discipline while performing religious obligations.
The significance of the Qibla is evidenced in the Quran multiple times, such as in the 144th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah:
Translation: We have seen you (O Muhammad), turning your face over and over again towards Heaven. Now, therefore, we turn you towards the qiblah that you like best, so turn your face towards the Masjid Haram. Henceforth, wherever you may be, turn your face in prayer towards it. The people who were given the book know well that the commandment (about the change of qiblah) is in fact from their Lord and is based on the truth, but Allah is not unaware of what they are doing (in spite of this).
It is re-emphasized in the 149th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah as under:
Translation: At whatever place you may be, turn your face towards Masjid Haram (at prayer time), for this is, in fact, a commandment of your Lord, and Allah is not unaware of what you do.
So, these two verses and many others on this topic indicate the importance of Qibla as the one direction towards which everyone needs to face when praying, and most importantly, it is applicable in every part of the world. This brings a sense of discipline and unity among all Muslims, irrespective of location, nation, or country.
Baitul Mamoor – The Home of Allah Almighty
The location of the Ka’aba is right under the Baitul Mamoor (the frequented house). Baitul Mamoor is a prototype of the Ka’aba, situated exactly above it, in the highest place in the seventh heaven. Baitul Mamoor is mentioned in the 4th verse of Surah At-Tur:
Translation by the much-frequented House
It is further explained in Hadith 3207 of Sahih Al-Bukhari as under:
Translation of relevant part: Then we ascended to the seventh heaven, and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham, who said, ‘You are welcome, O son and a prophet.’ Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma’mur (i.e., Allah’s House). I asked Gabriel about it, and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma’mur, where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily, and when they leave, they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).’
Hence, the importance of Qibla direction towards the Ka’aba is spiritually associated with facing the Baitul Mamoor (the house of Allah), as the Ka’aba is located right under the exact location of Baitul Mamoor, which is situated on the seventh heaven. So, when Muslims face towards Qibla, they spiritually turn their faces towards Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
The Symbol of Monotheism (Tawheed)
Monotheism (Tauheed) is the basis of Islamic theology. Faith in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is one of the five pillars of Islam. While performing the five regular prayers on a daily basis, every Muslim faces one Qibla. It is a confirmation of one’s faith that there is only One Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and everyone has to worship Him.
Turning the faces of the sacrificial animals towards Qibla also carries the same significance. Similarly, the tradition of turning the face of the dead towards Qibla when burying him is also a reflection of the faith in monotheism. It is also a common practice among Muslims, irrespective of their location, to turn in the direction of Qibla while supplicating. Hence, Qibla symbolizes one’s faith in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
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The Most Revered Direction Among Muslims
Qibla is the most respected and revered direction in Islamic practices. Muslims turn their faces in Qibla’s direction while performing various religious rituals as well as other common daily practices.
There are many such traditions commonly observed among Muslims worldwide, such as the preference to face Qibla while reciting the Quran. Similarly, a pilgrim faces Qibla while entering the state of Ihram for the purpose of performing Hajj or Umrah.
Many Muslims do not extend their feet towards the Qibla direction when sleeping. Although some of these traditions might not be supported by any authentic reference from the Quran or Hadith, they reflect the respect and devotion of a Muslim for the Qibla.
Why Does Direction Matter in Islamic Practices?
- It represents unity among the Muslims.
- It brings a sense of discipline while performing the religious rituals, especially the prayers. Everyone, irrespective of their location, has to turn their faces towards one Qibla. The impact of this action is enormous. Imagine the scenario where there was no such restriction; everyone would have been offering the prayer in a haphazard manner. Therefore, facing the right direction of Qibla is a source of synchronization and discipline.
- It symbolizes the Oneness of Allah (SAW).
- It develops a spiritual connection with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
- Facing Qibla establishes a spiritual association with the Ka’aba while performing the most important religious practices, such as offering prayers.
- The physical aspect of facing the correct direction towards the Ka’aba inflicts a sense of responsibility and obedience, as well as following the correct procedures while offering prayers five times a day.
- There are two concepts of Qibla’s directions in the Islamic teachings: Ayn al-Ka’ba and Jihad al-Ka’ba. Ayn al-Kaaba means facing the Qibla visually. This can be practiced only when a Muslim is in Mecca. He can then turn his face towards Qibla while physically seeing the Ka’aba. On the other hand, Jihat al-Ka’aba is the most practiced method of facing Qibla outside Mecca. When away from Mecca, anywhere in the world, one cannot physically see the Ka’aba. Here, it is required to turn the face in the known direction of Mecca. This method of facing Qibla is commonly practiced in the entire world, with the help of the latest technologies, such as mobile applications and Ka’aba compasses.
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