Submission, Unity, & Identity: Lessons learned from changing the Qiblah
By Sheikh Hassan Aly, Imam & Religious Director, The Mecca Center

After the Migration of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) from Mecca to Madina, he used to face Bayt al-Maqdis in his prayer, and that remained the case for sixteen or seventeen months, as in the hadeeth of al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib, who said: “The Prophet (pbuh) prayed towards Bayt al-Maqdis for sixteen or seventeen months, and he was hoping that the Qiblah would be towards the House (i.e., the Ka’bah)…” Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Later, in the month of Rajab or Sha’ban of the second year of the migration, Allah (swt) has commanded him to face the direction of the Ka’bah (the Sacred House at Mecca). Allah said: “… so turn your face in the direction of al-Masjid al-Haraam (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction…” [Al-Baqarah 2:144]. Yet, there are many lessons we can learn from this unique occasion, like submission, unity, and identity.

When we Muslims hear of a command from Allah (swt), we must accept it and submit to it, even if the wisdom behind it is not clear to us, as this is the true meaning of Islam or submission. Allah (swt) says: “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, that they should have any option in their decision…” [Al-Ahzaab 33:36]. This is one of the fundamental qualities of the believer, which we can find it as a major theme repeated throughout the Qur’an: “Obey Allah and Obey the Messenger…” An unconditional and complete submission to their commands is the essence of being a Muslim. Changing the Qibla was also a test for the true believer, Allah (swt) has spoken of this in the Qur’an: “… And We made the Qiblah which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels. Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allaah guided…” [al-Baqarah 2:143]

Allah (swt) does not give any command without there being great wisdom behind it – even if we do not understand it – as He says: “… That is the judgement of Allah. He judges between you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” [al-Mumtahinah 60:10]

The community of Madina was very new and unique community, people from different cultural backgrounds, different social classes and educational backgrounds, but despite all of this; they had one main cause to unite for: Allah (swt) and His beloved Prophet (pbuh). Allah says: “If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but Allah brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and Wise.” [Al-Anfal 8: 63].

Coexistence instead of dependency and fusion should be the way of Muslims anywhere. We should avoid blind imitation of others, Muslims or non-Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “You will indeed follow the ways of those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too.” Allah (swt) says: “Thus We have made of you (true Muslims) a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation…” [al-Baqarah 2:143]. Some meanings of “Wasat” are justice and fairness with balance. So Allah (swt) has chosen for this us goodness in all things and the best commands and rules, and thus He chose for us the Qiblah of Ibraaheem (pbuh).

And Allah knows best.