qibla

The qibla is the direction that Muslims face during ritual prayer (salah). It is the direction toward the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building at the center of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The qibla provides a single, unified orientation for Muslim worship offered anywhere in the world.

Historically, Muslims initially prayed toward Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). In the second year of the Hijra, around 624 CE, a revelation instructed believers to turn toward the Kaaba. This change is associated with Qur’an verses such as 2:144 and is regarded as affirming the unity of the Muslim community and its direction of worship.

Determining the qibla can be done through various methods. In practice, it is defined as the bearing from a given location to Mecca. Astronomical calculations and geographic tools are commonly used to establish the correct direction. In mosques, the mihrab—a niche in the wall—indicates the qibla and helps worshippers align themselves during prayer. Modern technology, including qibla compasses and smartphone applications, is frequently used to determine precise bearings.

The concept of the qibla also informs Islamic architecture and practice, guiding the layout of mosques and the arrangement of prayer boards and screens. The qibla remains a central symbol of unity and direction in Islam, reflecting both religious doctrine and the spatial experience of communal worship. The term qibla itself comes from Arabic, meaning “direction” or “face toward.”