Definition
The direction every Muslim faces in ṣalāh — toward the Sacred Mosque (al-Masjid al-Ḥarām) in Makkah. The qiblah was changed from Bayt al-Maqdis to the Ka‘bah in the second year of Hijrah.
Pronunciation: QIB-lah
Etymology & Root
From ق-ب-ل (q-b-l), meaning 'to face, to be in front.' The qiblah is what one 'faces.'
Usage in the Qur'an
'So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, and wherever you are, turn your faces toward it.' (al-Baqarah 2:144)
Practical Application
Use a reliable compass or app when uncertain. If still unable to determine, pray in your strongest estimation — the prayer is valid.
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Related Terms
More from Fiqh Terms
Analogical reasoning in fiqh.
Major ritual purification — full body washing.
Scholarly effort to derive rulings from evidence.
The complete revealed law of Allah.
The lesser pilgrimage — performed any time of year.
The state of consecration entered into for hajj or umrah.