“We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased.” (2:144)
“فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةًۭ تَرْضَىٰهَا”
The Qiblah is the direction that Muslims face when they perform their prayers. It is a crucial aspect of our religious practice and spirituality. Initially, the Qiblah pointed towards Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. However, in the month of Shaʿbān, 16 months after the Prophet migrated to Medina, the direction was divinely commanded to shift towards the holy mosque in Makkah. Allah could have designated the Kaaba in Makkah as the initial Qiblah. However, changing it later carries significance and wisdom within the Islamic tradition, as explained in Sūrah Al-Baqarah verses 142-157. This article explores the wisdom behind the change in Qiblah from Al-Aqsa to the holy mosque in Makkah.
Firstly, changing the Qiblah emphasizes the ultimate authority of Allah over all directions, places, and people. It signifies Muslims’ full submission to Allah’s commands and acknowledges His authority over every aspect of their lives. This change reaffirms Muslims’ commitment to Allah as they align their faces towards His face alone. Allah says, “And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So, wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-encompassing and knowing” (Q.2:115).
Secondly, changing the Qiblah symbolizes the centrality of Islam and the Muslim ummah. The shift in Qiblah from Al-Aqsa to the Kaaba signifies that the Muslim community has received custody of all the holy sites and mosques. It establishes the sacred mosque in Makkah as the final Qiblah for the believers, symbolizing the unity of the Ummah and its role as a witness to all nations. Allah says, “And so We have made you [believers] an upright community so that you may be witnesses over humanity” (Q.2:143).
Thirdly, delaying the change in Qiblah purifies believers’ hearts from any attachments to tribal or cultural affiliations or attachments. It redirects their focus and intention toward Allah and His mission, fostering a more profound spiritual connection and commitment to the final religion. Allah says, “We assigned your former direction of prayer only to distinguish those who would remain faithful to the Messenger from those who would lose faith. It was certainly a difficult test except for those [rightly] guided by Allah” (Q.2:143).
Fourthly, changing the Qiblah serves as proof of the authenticity and accuracy of Islam as the final revelation with the last sayings and directions. By aligning with the practices of the previous prophets and confirming their previous contributions, it demonstrates continuity in divine guidance while distinguishing Islam as the ultimate final truth. Allah says, “Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture [i.e., the Jews and the Christians] well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do” (Q.2:144).
Fifthly, changing the Qiblah distinguishes the followers of the final revealed message from the followers of the previous revelations. Especially after the Muslim community migrated to Medina and met the people of the book, the change signifies the establishment of a new religious community distinct from the Jews and Christians. Allah says, “And if you brought to those given the Scripture every sign, they would not follow your Qiblah. Nor will you be a follower of their Qiblah. Nor would they be followers of one another’s Qiblah. So, if you followed their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would be among the wrongdoers” (Q.2:145).
Lastly, changing the Qiblah informs Muslims about the significance of Al-Aqsa as the First Qiblah, and its centrality in the ongoing struggles associated with safeguarding it. This prepares them for the challenges they may face in defending sacred sites and upholding justice in the face of oppression. Allah promises a great reward for those who will stand firmly for this holy place, sacrificing all their livelihood. Allah says, “And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not” (Q.2:154).
In summary, changing the Qiblah from Al-Aqsa to the holy mosque holds profound significance within Islamic tradition. It signifies Muslims’ complete submission to Allah’s commands, solidifies the centrality of Islam and the Muslim community, purifies believers’ hearts from any affiliations, serves as proof of authenticity and accuracy of Islam, distinguishes the followers of the final message from the followers of the previous messages, and prepares Muslims for the challenges they may face in upholding justice and defending sacred sites.
May Allah make us among those who establish prayer and work for justice.
