In which mosque was the Qibla changed from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah?

The change of Qibla, the direction Muslims face during Salah (prayer), is one of the most significant events in early Islamic history. Initially, Muslims were instructed to pray facing Jerusalem as their Qibla. However, after the migration (Hijrah) to Madinah, the Qur’an commanded a change of Qibla from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah. This important directive was revealed in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144), emphasizing the spiritual significance of the Kaaba as the central house of worship established by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S).

The Mosque where this change was implemented is Masjid an-Nabawi, the mosque built by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Madinah. When the revelation came, the Prophet ﷺ instructed all Muslims in the mosque to turn towards the Kaaba during prayers instead of Jerusalem. This change was not only a matter of direction but also a profound spiritual and symbolic shift. It emphasized the connection to the sacred heritage of the Kaaba, reinforcing the unity of the Muslim Ummah and their shared faith in monotheism.

Masjid an-Nabawi, being the central mosque of Madinah, became the first location where Muslims performed Salah facing the Kaaba. This event also had social and historical significance, as it distinguished the Muslim identity from other communities and marked the establishment of an independent religious framework in Madinah. Today, Masjid an-Nabawi remains a place of immense religious importance, commemorating early Islamic developments and the leadership of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.