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
Qalb Salim (The Pure Heart)
The pure, sincere heart — the ultimate goal of prayer and worship.
Taqwa (God-Consciousness)
God-consciousness and piety — the ultimate goal of prayer and worship.
Rak'ah (Prayer Cycle)
A single cycle of movements and recitations in the Islamic prayer.
Sunan Ibn Majah (Ibn Majah's Hadith Collection)
The sixth of the canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with unique narrations.
Tarawih (Ramadan Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in congregation during Ramadan.
Sujud al-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation)
A prostration performed when reciting or hearing specific Quranic verses.