3. Originally, the qiblah for Muslims was toward the Noble Sanctuary in Jerusalem. This qiblah was used for over 13 years, from 610 CE until 623 CE.
4. Seventeen months after Prophet Muhammad’s 622 CE arrival in Medina,the qiblahbecame oriented towards the Kaabaa in Makkah. The change happened very suddenly during the noon prayer in Medina, in a mosque now known as Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of the Two Qiblahs). Prophet Muhammad(saw) was leading the prayer when he received revelations from Allah (swt) instructing him to take the Kaaba as the Qiblah (literally, "Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque:"). Prophet Muhammad (saw), who had been facing Jerusalem, upon receiving this revelation, immediately turned around to face Makkah, and those praying behind him also did so... Masjid al-Qiblatain is significant as the place where the qiblah was switched towards Mecca
5. Allah Says in the Holy Qur’an And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do. (Al-Baqarah 2:149)
6. Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Harâm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what they do. (Al-Baqarah 2:144)
7. The fools (pagans, hypocrites, and Jews) among the people will say, "What has turned them (Muslims) from their qiblah [prayer direction (towards Jerusalem)] to which they were used to face in prayer." Say, (O Muhammad ) "To Allâh belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a Straight Way." (Al-Baqarah 2:142)
8. And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allâh), then indeed you will be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.). (Al-Baqarah 2:145)
9. Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islâmic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. And We made the qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allâh guided. And Allâh would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allâh is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind. (Al-Baqarah 2:143)
10. Say (O Muhammad SAW): My Lord has commanded justice and (said) that you should face Him only (i.e. worship none but Allâh and face the qiblah, i.e. the Ka'bah at Makkah during prayers) in each and every place of worship, in prayers (and not to face other false deities and idols), and invoke Him only making your religion sincere to Him by not joining in worship any partner to Him and with the intention that you are doing your deeds for Allâh's sake only. As He brought you (into being) in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being (on the Day of Resurrection) [in two groups, one as a blessed one (believers), and the other as a wretched one (disbelievers)]. (Al-A'raf 7:29)
