Detailed Account

After praying toward Jerusalem for 16-17 months in Madinah (and throughout the Makkan period), the Prophet ﷺ received divine revelation changing the qiblah (prayer direction) to the Ka'bah in Makkah. This momentous change occurred during the noon prayer at Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of the Two Qiblahs) in the area of Banu Salimah. The Prophet ﷺ had completed two rak'ahs facing Jerusalem when verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:142-150) were revealed. He immediately turned 180 degrees mid-prayer, as did the entire congregation behind him, continuing the remaining rak'ahs toward the Ka'bah. This dramatic shift carried multiple significant meanings: 1) It distinguished Muslim identity from Jewish practice, important at a time when some Jewish tribes were becoming openly hostile; 2) It affirmed Abraham's monotheistic legacy at the Ka'bah, reclaiming it from polytheistic associations; 3) It demonstrated the importance of divine command over personal preference (as the Prophet ﷺ had hoped for this change but waited for revelation); 4) It tested believers' obedience to revelation despite established habit. The Quran addressed this change extensively, responding to objections from both Jews (who criticized it as inconsistency) and polytheists (who claimed it validated their attachment to the Ka'bah). Allah declared the east and west belong to Him, emphasizing that righteousness lies in obedience rather than specific directions, while explaining that the Ka'bah—as Abraham's house of worship—was the original and final qiblah. This event also demonstrated the companions' immediate compliance with revelation, regardless of established practice, setting a pattern for Islamic responsiveness to divine guidance.