The change of the Qiblah took place in the month of Sha'ban in the 2nd Hijri, roughly 16 to 17 months after the Holy Prophet (SAW) migrated from Makkah to Madinah. This event is considered one of the most significant... Read More
The change of the Qiblah took place in the month of Sha'ban in the 2nd Hijri, roughly 16 to 17 months after the Holy Prophet (SAW) migrated from Makkah to Madinah. This event is considered one of the most significant milestones in the early history of the Islamic faith, as it established a unique spiritual and physical orientation for the Muslim Ummah.
For the entire thirteen-year period of the Prophethood in Makkah, and for the initial months in Madinah, the Muslims offered their prayers while facing Bait-ul-Maqdis (Jerusalem). During the Makkah period, the Holy Prophet (SAW) would often position himself to face both the Kaaba and Jerusalem at the same time. However, after the migration to Madinah, the geography made it impossible to face both locations simultaneously. Facing Jerusalem was a symbol of the continuity of the Abrahamic tradition, yet the Holy Prophet (SAW) held a deep, silent yearning to face the Kaaba, the first house of worship built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Historical accounts, including those in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, detail that the Holy Prophet (SAW) would frequently look toward the heavens, anticipating a divine command to change the direction of prayer. This wish was granted while he was leading the Dhuhr prayer (some accounts suggest Asr) at the house of Bishr ibn al-Bara. During the second Rakat of the prayer, the following verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144) was revealed:
"We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram..."
Immediately upon receiving this revelation, the Holy Prophet (SAW) turned 180 degrees from the North (Jerusalem) toward the South (Makkah). The congregation, displaying absolute devotion and discipline, followed his lead and shifted their rows without breaking the prayer. This event gave the mosque where it happened its name: Masjid al-Qiblatain (The Mosque of the Two Qiblas).
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