While the people were offering the Fajr prayer at Quba' (near Medina), someone came to them and said: "It has been revealed to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) tonight, and he has been ordered to pray facing the Ka`ba." So turn your faces to the Ka`ba. Those people were facing Sham (Jerusalem) so they turned their faces towards Ka`ba (at Mecca).
The Event of Qibla Change
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 403 describes the momentous occasion when the direction of prayer (qibla) was changed from Jerusalem to the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. This occurred approximately sixteen or seventeen months after the Prophet's migration to Medina.
Divine Revelation & Immediate Obedience
The phrase "revealed to Allah's Messenger tonight" indicates this was a fresh revelation from Allah, demonstrating that Islamic rulings come solely from divine instruction, not human preference.
The immediate compliance of the companions—turning mid-prayer—exemplifies perfect submission to Allah's command without hesitation or question.
Significance of Ka'bah as Qibla
The Ka'bah, built by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail, represents the original monotheistic tradition. Its establishment as qibla restored the Abrahamic legacy and gave Muslims a distinct spiritual identity.
This change also symbolized the transition from the earlier prophetic missions to the final, universal message of Islam centered around Mecca.
Legal Implications
Scholars derive from this hadith that prayers are valid even if the qibla direction changes during prayer—worshippers must immediately reorient themselves.
It also establishes that news of religious importance should be conveyed to the community promptly, even during congregational prayers.
Spiritual Unity
The single qibla fosters global Muslim unity, as millions worldwide face the same spiritual center five times daily, transcending ethnic, linguistic, and geographical boundaries.