FACING QIBLAH (Istiqbal-Qiblah)

FACING QIBLAH (Istiqbal-Qiblah)

(Sixth pre-condition for Salat)

Q.   What does the term Istiqbal of Qiblah mean?

  Istiqbal of Qiblah means facing the Qiblah.

Q.   What do we mean by its (facing Qiblah) being as one of the pre-conditions for Salat?

  It means that it is imperative to face Qiblah for one who offers the Salat.

Q.   What is Qiblah (the direction that must be faced in Salat by a Muslim)?

  The Ka'bah is Qiblah for Muslims. It is a house very much like a room in structure. It stands in the holy city of Makka in Arabia. It is variously called Ka’batul-lah, Baitul-lah and Bait-ul-haram.

Q.   To which direction is Qiblah?

  For India, Burma, Bengal and many other countries of the region it is to the west because all these countries are to the east of the holy city of Makka.

Q.   What should a person do if he is ill and unable to turn his face towards the Qiblah?

  If there is someone else near the patient who can help him turn his face towards the Qiblah without the fear of much pain to him, his face should be turned towards the Qiblah. If, however there is no other such person or the patient is likely to be subjected to great pain, he may offer the prayer with face on any direction, without moving.