QIBLAH

FACING THE QIBLAH

It is obligatory to face the Qiblah during Salah. Our Qiblah is in the direction of Baitullah which is found in Makkah Mukarramah. If one finds oneself in a place where there is no means to ascertain the direction of Qiblah, then one should perform Salah in the direction that one’s heart inclines to. If in Salah, one’s idea has changed, then one should turn to that direction during the Salah itself. If after completing the Salah, one came to know that the Qiblah was in another direction, that Salah should not be performed again. The Salah is correct and valid.

RESPECT FOR QIBLAH

It is not permissible to extend one’s feet in the direction of Qiblah while sitting or sleeping. It is not permissible to face the Qiblah or give the back to it when answering the call of nature. This also applies to children. That is, children also should not be allowed to do this. It is also not permissible to spit in the direction of Qiblah.

QIBLAH AND IDOLATRY 

Idolatry means worshipping an idol or a statue. To worship anything else besides Allah Ta’ala is called Shirk and Kufr. A person, who dies on Shirk and Kufr, will not enter Jannah. Such a person will go to hell for eternity. To face the Qiblah is not idolatry as we do not worship the Ka'bah or Baitullah. The Baitullah or Ka'bah is made of stone and it is not permissible to worship stones. Salah is valid if it is performed inside the ka’bah or above it - although it is not good to perform Salah on the Ka’bah. Similarly, if there is no building at the place where the Kaaba is situated, then too, one must perform Salah in that direction and the Salah will be valid.

"... If you worship Allah only, then do not prostrate to the sun, nor to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who has created them." (S 41: V 37) 

"And your Lord has commanded that you worship only Him ..." (S17:V23)

[English version of "Qiblah" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.5]