Qiblah

The Qiblah is the direction that Muslims face when performing salat, which is the ritual prayer performed five times daily. It is also the direction towards which the dead are laid in their graves and the direction that should be faced when reciting the Quran. The Qiblah is universally recognized as the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The precise direction of the Qiblah was established during the early years of Islam. Initially, the direction of prayer was towards Jerusalem. However, a revelation in the Quran, believed by Muslims to have been delivered to the Prophet Muhammad, instructed a change in the Qiblah to Mecca. This event is a significant moment in Islamic history, signifying a shift in the focus of Muslim worship.

Determining the Qiblah accurately is important for Muslims worldwide. Mosques are oriented to face the Qiblah, and prayer rugs often have markings to help individuals align themselves correctly. In places where the exact direction may be uncertain, various methods are employed, including astronomical calculations and compasses. The concept of the Qiblah unites Muslims in prayer across the globe, symbolizing their shared faith and devotion.