The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray towards Bait-ul-Maqdis, that it was revealed (to him):" Indeed We see the turning of the face to heaven, wherefore We shall assuredly cause thee to turn towards Qibla which shall please thee. So turn thy face towards the sacred Mosque (Ka'ba)" (ii. 144). A person from Banu Salama was going; (he found the people) in ruk'u (while) praying the dawn prayer and they had said one rak'ah. He said in a loud voice: Listen! the Qibla has been changed and they turned towards (the new) Qibla (Ka'ba) in that very state.
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 527
This narration from Sahih Muslim details the momentous occasion when the Qibla direction was changed from Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah by divine command.
Divine Revelation and Qibla Change
The Prophet's frequent turning towards heaven demonstrated his earnest desire for a Qibla specifically ordained for his Ummah. Allah responded to this unspoken yearning by revealing the command to face the Ka'ba, the ancient house built by Ibrahim and Ismail.
This shift marked a crucial distinction for the Muslim community, separating them from the People of the Book while reestablishing connection with the pure monotheism of Ibrahim.
Immediate Implementation in Prayer
The incident with Banu Salama demonstrates the immediate obedience of the Companions to divine commandments. Despite being in the middle of Fajr prayer, they adjusted their direction without hesitation.
This illustrates the principle that when new revelation arrives during prayer, Muslims must implement it immediately, even if it requires changing physical orientation during the prayer itself.
Legal Rulings Derived
Scholars deduce from this hadith that if a praying person realizes they are facing the wrong direction, they must turn toward the correct Qibla immediately, and their prayer remains valid.
The incident also shows the permissibility of speaking during prayer when necessary to convey important religious information that affects the prayer's validity.
Spiritual Significance
The change of Qibla represents Allah's mercy in granting the Muslim Ummah its own distinct direction of worship, fulfilling the Prophet's inner desire and establishing complete independence in religious practice.