Al Bara bin Azib said: The messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to Al-Madinah and prayed toward Bait-al-Maqdis for sixteen months, then he was commanded to pray toward the Ka'bah. A man who had prayed with the prophet (peace be upon him)passed by some of the Ansar and said: "I bear witness that the messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has been commanded to face toward the Ka'bah. So they turned to face the Ka'bah".
The Book of the Qiblah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 742
This narration from Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) concerns the momentous event of the changing of the qiblah from Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed towards Jerusalem for sixteen months after his migration to Madinah, maintaining this direction despite his deep love for the Ka'bah, in accordance with divine wisdom.
Divine Wisdom in the Change
Scholars explain that facing Jerusalem initially served to distinguish Muslims from polytheists who faced the Ka'bah, while also establishing common ground with the People of the Book. This period tested the believers' obedience to divine command regardless of personal inclination.
The change to the Ka'bah established it as the eternal qiblah for the Muslim nation, fulfilling Abraham's prayer (peace be upon him) and distinguishing the final message from previous revelations.
Immediate Obedience to Revelation
The Companions' immediate response upon hearing the news demonstrates perfect submission to Allah's command. They turned during prayer without hesitation, showing that when authentic revelation reaches believers, they must act upon it immediately without delay.
This incident establishes the principle that facing the Ka'bah is an essential condition for the validity of prayer, except in specific exceptional circumstances detailed in Islamic jurisprudence.