Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prayed facing Baitul-Maqdis for sixteen or seventeen months but he loved to face the Ka`ba (at Mecca) so Allah revealed: "Verily, We have seen the turning of your face to the heaven!" (2:144) So the Prophet (ﷺ) faced the Ka`ba and the fools amongst the people namely "the Jews" said, "What has turned them from their Qibla (Baitul-Maqdis) which they formerly observed"" (Allah revealed): "Say: 'To Allah belongs the East and the West. He guides whom he will to a straight path'." (2:142) A man prayed with the Prophet (facing the Ka`ba) and went out. He saw some of the Ansar praying the `Asr prayer with their faces towards Baitul-Maqdis, he said, "I bear witness that I prayed with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) facing the Ka`ba." So all the people turned their faces towards the Ka`ba.
The Change of Qibla: A Divine Guidance
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 399 recounts the momentous transition in Islamic prayer direction from Jerusalem (Baitul-Maqdis) to the Ka'ba in Mecca. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), while in Medina, initially prayed towards Jerusalem for approximately sixteen months, demonstrating continuity with previous Abrahamic traditions and seeking to invite the People of the Book to Islam.
The Prophet's Heartfelt Desire
The text reveals the Prophet's innate love for facing the Ka'ba, the sacred house built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. This heartfelt inclination was not merely personal preference but reflected the divine wisdom that would soon be revealed. Allah, in His infinite knowledge, responded to this unspoken yearning of His Messenger's heart.
Divine Revelation and Its Implementation
Allah revealed Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144), acknowledging the Prophet's frequent glances toward heaven in anticipation of divine command. The immediate obedience of the Prophet upon receiving revelation demonstrates the principle of prompt compliance with divine instruction. The companion who witnessed the Prophet praying toward Ka'ba then corrected the Ansar, showing how prophetic practice (Sunnah) was transmitted and implemented within the community.
Response to Criticism and Divine Wisdom
The "fools amongst the people" - identified as the Jews - questioned this change, revealing their obstinacy despite having witnessed the truth. Allah's response in verse 2:142 establishes fundamental theological principles: all directions belong to Allah, and true guidance comes only from Him. This change also served to distinguish the Muslim community and test the believers' obedience.
Scholarly Reflections
Classical scholars note that this incident demonstrates Islam's independent identity while maintaining connection to Abrahamic roots. The Ka'ba represents the original monotheistic sanctuary, thus its restoration as qibla signifies the completion of Abraham's mission. The episode also illustrates how divine legislation responds to the circumstances and needs of the community while maintaining eternal principles.