Qiblah Direction is the first thing we try to determine when praying in a new place to us because the first thing we do when we start praying is facing the right direction.
However, sometimes, or many times we are in a situation where we don’t know where is the right direction and there is no one to ask, especially if you are in a non-Muslim country. Therefore, in this article, we will learn about the essential tools to help you find the Qiblah direction easily. So, let’s get started.
What is qibla in Islam?
Qiblah is the direction toward which all Muslim face when praying daily prayers. The Qiblah direction refers to Kaaba which is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Wast is the first qibla of Islam?
Was the qibla always the Kaaba? No, the Qibla direction was towards the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. However, it was changed to the Kaaba when the prophet and his followers migrated to Madinah. That’s because Allah ordered our beloved prophet to face the Kaaba when praying: “Turn your face towards Masjid Al Haram”.
Allah says,
“Thus, we have made you real believers in Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his legal ways, a just nation, witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger a witness over you. And We made the Qibla (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed, it was great (heavy) except for those whom God guided. And God would never make your prayers be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, God is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards humankind.”
As Muslims, we are instructed to follow the guidance of our beloved prophet.
“Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad) face towards the Heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qibla (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Haram (at Mecca). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction…} (Quran 2:143-144)
Understanding the Importance of Qiblah Direction in Islam.
Allah ordered us to face the Qiblah Direction when praying, which we can see clearly in the following verse:
“So from wherever you go out [for prayer, O Muhammad], turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Ḥaram, and indeed, it is the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.” [Al-Baqarah: 149]
Secondly, it is important to note that Allah is present everywhere, the Muslim prayer direction is not related to where Allah is. Or a sign of worshipping the Qibla as some people think. Allah is present everywhere as we can see from the following verses:
“And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So, wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and knowing.” – Al-Baqarah: 115
“To Allah belongs the east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a straight path.” – Al-Baqarah: 142
Kaba is the first sacred house built for worshipping Allah, it was built by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) as Allah said in the holy Quran:
“Most surely the first house appointed for men is the one at Bakkah [Makkah], blessed and a guidance for the nations.” (Aal `Imran 3:96)
“In it are clear signs, the standing place of Abraham, and whoever enters it shall be secure, and pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, (upon) everyone who is able to undertake the journey to it; and whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, above any need of the worlds.” (Aal `Imran 3:97)
Furthermore, it is a matter of testing our faith in Allah and his prophet, as Allah says in the holy Quran:
“Thus, we have made you real believers in Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his legal ways, a just nation, witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger a witness over you. And We made the Qibla (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed, it was great (heavy) except for those whom God guided. And God would never make your prayers to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, God is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards humankind.”
“We decreed your former qiblah only in order that We might know the Prophet’s true adherents and those who were to disown him. It was indeed a hard test, but not for those whom Allah guided.” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:143)
The Significance of Accurately Determining the Qiblah Direction.
It is essential for all Muslims to Determine the Qiblah Direction and face it in every prayer because Allah instructed us to do so and the validity of prayers depends on it. Additionally, it is a way of testing our face in Allah and the ability to follow our beloved prophet’s orders. Allah said in the Holy Quran:
“Thus, we have made you real believers in Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his legal ways, a just nation, witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger a witness over you. And We made the Qibla (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed, it was great (heavy) except for those whom God guided. And God would never make your prayers to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, God is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards humankind.
We decreed your former qiblah only in order that We might know the Prophet’s true adherents and those who were to disown him. It was indeed a hard test, but not for those whom Allah guided.” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:143)
How to find Qiblah?
There are many ways to find the right Qiblah direction and we will discover each one of them in this section so let’s get started.
Traditional Methods for Finding the Qiblah Direction.
Here are some of the traditional methods to find the Muslim prayer direction easily:
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Using the sun.
Knowing when the sun rises and when it sets can greatly help you determine the Qibla direction, but that is only if you know if the Qiblah is toward east or north. Use the sun to determine the east, west, north, and south directions, and then pray to face the east if you know that the Qiblah is towards the east.
The qiblah may be determined by means of the sun, by finding out the direction from which it rises and in which it sets; from that it is possible to determine all four directions (east, west, north, and south). Then the direction of the qiblah may be determined. If you know that it is towards the north then face the north.
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Find the Qibla direction using a watch.
If you are in the northern hemisphere then hold your analog watch horizontally and point the hour arrow towards the sun. the direction that falls midway between the hour arrow and the 12 o’clock is the south based on that determine the other three directions and you will be able to find the Qiblah direction.
Utilizing Modern Technology to Determine the Qiblah Direction
The easiest way to determine the Qiblah direction is by downloading the Qiblah finder application on your smartphone and using it to find the right direction wherever you are at any time. there are many apps that you could download to help you determine the Qiblah like Muslim Pro, Athan, Muslim Assistant, iSalam: Qibla Compass, and more.
What are the situations in which we can face a direction other than the Qiblah?
We know that in order for our prayers to be valid we must face the Qiblah direction as Allah ordered us in the holy Quran. However, there are certain situations in which the obligation to face the Qiblah is waived, and these situations include:
- if the person is sick and in a state that he can’t move his body to face the Muslim prayer direction. Therefore, in this situation, the person can pray to face any direction and his prayer will be valid. Allah said in the Holy Quran:
“Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope” [al-Baqarah 2:286]
Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If I command you to do a thing, then do as much of it as you can.” [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 7288; Muslim, 1337.]
- if the person is in fear or running from something. For instance, if the person is running from a wild animal, then he can pray facing any direction and his prayer will be accepted. Allah said in the Holy Quran:
“And if you fear (an enemy), perform Salaah (pray) on foot or riding. And when you are in safety, offer the Salaah (prayer) in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (before)” [al-Baqarah 2:239]
- Praying Nafil prayer when traveling. In this case, you don’t have to face the Qiblah direction instead you can offer your prayers facing any direction.
It is important to note that if you prayed in a direction and then found out that it is not the right direction then you don’t have to repeat your prayers. Allah knows that you did your best to find the right direction and failed to do so.
Facing Qiblah direction is essential because it is a sign of our unity. When praying every single prayer all Muslims around the world are facing the same direction, no matter our differences, whether rich or poor, old or young, we all face the same direction. And now you know how to determine the direction of Qibla no matter where you are.
