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
Hujjah (Proof/Divine Authority)
Allah's proof over humanity — a title for the Prophet and the twelve Imams.
Du'a al-Faraj (The Supplication of Deliverance)
A short, powerful supplication for Imam al-Mahdi's appearance and deliverance from suffering.
Imamat (Divine Leadership)
The doctrine of the twelve divinely appointed Imams who lead the community after the Prophet.
Khutbah (Sermon)
The Islamic sermon delivered before the Friday prayer and at the Eid prayers.
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in the last third of the night.
Qasr (Shortened Prayer)
The permission to shorten the four-rak'ah prayers to two rak'ah during travel.