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2:142 CHANGE OF QIBLAH (THE DIRECTION FOR PRAYERS)

2:142 “ These are the fools only from the people (of the Book,

hypocrites,…) who say what has reverted them (i.e. the Muslims)

from their (First) Qiblah on which they remained up till now

(for prayers). Say: ‘ To Allah alone belongs the East & West;

and He guides those, whom He pleases, to the Straight Path.’”

(See also 2:177)

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NEW QIBLAH

(The direction for prayers towards Kaba/MasjidHaram):

The Holy Prophet faced towards Al-Aqsa Mosque (Jerusalem) in prayers for 16 or 17 months, before facing towards Kaba/Masjid Haram located in Mecca. (Bukhari:390). The People of the Book and the hypocrites made a hue and cry over such a change, and thus exposed themselves as the enemy of the Muslims. (2:143).

The Holy Prophet wished from the core of his heart to face Kaba (Mecca)

(built by Prophet Ibrahim) in prayers , and he looked towards the heaven for the new instructions (revelation) in this connection. Almighty Allah accepted the prayer of His beloved Prophet, and instructed him to face Kaba when he was leading the prayers. The Holy Prophet was quite pleased with it, and he immediately, right in his prayers, turned his face towards Kaba. (2:144). His companions also followed him without any hesitation, showing their total obedience towards him. (Zia-ul-Quran).

The people of the Book knew it with certainty that the change of Qibla by the Last Prophet was a fact (2:144), since it was written as such in their Books, and they, of course, recognized the Holy Prophet (2:146) with his qualities, and knew that he will be the Prophet of two Qiblahs. Just like the other values and characteristics of the Muslims, the new Qiblah was the best/optimum in all aspects . (See ahead)