MCQ Detailed View

The change of Qibla took place during the Zuhr prayer in Madinah, approximately 16–18 months after the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah. Initially, Muslims were commanded to face Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem during prayers. However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ longed to face the Kaaba in Makkah, the sacred house built by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and his son Prophet Ismail (A.S).

Allah (SWT) revealed the command to change the Qibla in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144), instructing the Prophet ﷺ to turn his face towards Masjid Al-Haram. The incident occurred while the Prophet ﷺ was leading the Zuhr prayer. Upon receiving the revelation, he immediately turned from facing north towards Jerusalem to facing south towards Makkah, and the companions followed him in prayer.

This event holds great significance in Islamic history as it symbolized the independence of the Muslim Ummah’s identity and established the Kaaba as the permanent Qibla for all Muslims around the world.

Key Facts:

• 
  

  The change of Qibla occurred during Zuhr prayer in Madinah.

  
  


• 
  

  Initially, Muslims faced Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.

  
  


• 
  

  Command to change Qibla is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144).

  
  


• 
  

  Took place around 16–18 months after the Hijrah.

  
  


• 
  

  The Qibla was changed towards Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah.

  
  


• 
  

  Marked a distinct religious identity for the Muslim Ummah.