Qibla facts for kids
The qibla is a special direction that Muslims around the world face when they pray. This direction points towards the Kaaba. The Kaaba is a very important building inside the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, a city in Saudi Arabia.
Muslims believe the Kaaba is a holy place built by the prophets Abraham and Ishmael. They also believe that God chose the Kaaba as the qibla. This was revealed to the prophet Muhammad in the Quran. Before this, Muhammad and his followers in Medina used to pray facing Jerusalem.
Most mosques have a special niche in the wall called a mihrab. This mihrab helps people know which way the qibla is, so they can all face the correct direction for their prayers.
Contents
What is the Qibla?
The qibla is the direction Muslims face during their daily prayers, called salah. It helps all Muslims pray in the same direction, no matter where they are in the world. This creates a feeling of unity among them.
Why is the Kaaba Important?
The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building in Mecca. It is considered the most sacred site in Islam. Muslims believe it was built as a house of worship by prophets Abraham and Ishmael long ago. Facing the Kaaba during prayer is a way to show devotion and connect with other Muslims globally.
How Do Mosques Show the Qibla?
Inside almost every mosque, you will find a special arch or niche in the wall. This is called a mihrab. The mihrab always points towards the qibla. This makes it easy for everyone praying in the mosque to know which way to face.
Finding the Qibla Direction
For centuries, people have used different ways to find the qibla. Early Muslims used astronomy and geography to figure out the exact direction.
Old Ways to Find Qibla
In the past, scholars used the sun, moon, and stars to find directions. They also used maps and mathematical calculations. Some even created special tables that listed the qibla direction for many different cities. This helped travelers and people in new places know where to face for prayer.
Modern Ways to Find Qibla
Today, finding the qibla is much easier. People use compasses, special apps on their phones, and websites that can show the direction based on their location. Even astronauts in space have to figure out the qibla! For example, when Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor went to the International Space Station in 2007, he had to consider how to pray facing the qibla from orbit.
Images for kids
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A pilgrim makes a supplication in the direction of the Kaaba, the Muslim qibla, in the Sacred Mosque of Mecca.
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A prayer congregation in the United States prostrates in the same direction: the qibla.
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A map generated using the Craig retroazimuthal projection centered on Mecca. Unlike most map projections, it preserves the direction from any other point on the map to the center.
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A portion of the qibla table compiled by astronomer and muwaqqit Shams al-Din al-Khalili of Damascus in the 14th century. The qibla directions are listed in the Arabic sexagesimal notation.
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A map of an area in modern Cairo. Note that the mosques have slightly different orientations.
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The Islamic Center of Washington (founded 1953), one of the early mosques in the United States. Its qibla faces the northeast in line with astronomical calculations.
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The issue of the qibla in outer space arose publicly in 2007, with Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor's spaceflight to the International Space Station.
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See also
In Spanish: Alquibla para niños
