Qibla (Prayer Direction)
The direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer.
Qibla (Arabic: قبلة) is the direction that Muslims face during prayer. The Qibla points toward the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In the early years of Islam, the qibla was directed toward Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis). Approximately 16-17 months after the hijra, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received a revelation that changed the qibla to the Kaaba in Mecca. This event is mentioned in the Quran: "We have seen you turning your face toward the heaven. Now We will turn you toward a qibla that will please you. Turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144).
The precise qibla direction varies depending on which city you are in. Today, you can easily find your qibla direction using compass apps and online tools.
It is important to try to find the correct qibla direction, but if one is unsure and has no means of verification, the prayer is accepted as long as one has made their best effort.
Related terms
Ziyarat Ashura (Ashura Visitation Prayer)
A powerful visitation prayer to Imam Husayn, recited daily by many Shia Muslims.
Minaret (Prayer Tower)
The mosque's tower, from which the adhan (call to prayer) is traditionally recited.
Al-Kafi (The Sufficient)
The most important Shia hadith collection, with extensive chapters on prayer.
Ijtihad (Independent Legal Reasoning)
The independent interpretive effort to derive legal rules from the Islamic sources.
Imam (Prayer Leader)
The person who leads the congregational prayer at the mosque.
Salawat (Blessings Upon the Prophet)
Blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family.