Turning toward the Sacred Mosque

This verse establishes the qibla, the direction toward the Sacred Mosque, for all believers.

فَوَلِّ وَجۡهَكَ شَطۡرَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِۚ

So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram.

Quran, Al-Baqara 2:144

Allah addresses the Prophet ﷺ and commands him to turn toward the Sacred Mosque in prayer. He then extends this command to all believers: wherever you are, you should face this direction. This creates unity in prayer.

Facing the qibla is a simple act of obedience. It reminds us that we are all connected to a single center, despite our differences. Today, we can check the direction of the qibla at home or work.

Before your next prayer, check the direction of the qibla using a compass or an app, and perform your prayer with awareness of this orientation.