what was the first qibla in Islam? Over 1.8 billion Muslims pray toward Mecca today—but it wasn’t always this way. Did you know the original direction was Jerusalem? This surprising shift, commanded in the Quran (2:144), reshaped Islamic identity overnight. So why did Allah change the qibla? And how did it unite a scattered community? Let’s explore the pivotal moment when Islam’s prayer direction turned—and what it means for believers now.
What was the first Qibla in Islam? A Simple and Clear Guide
Before Muslims faced the Kaaba in Makkah, they prayed in a different sacred place. This shift wasn’t just a change in direction. It shaped Muslim identity and unity. So, what was the first qibla in Islam?
- Jerusalem’s Masjid Al-Aqsa served as the first Qibla.
- Muslims endured it for 16–17 months in Madinah and during prayers in Makkah.
- This direction honored prophets like Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus).
- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often looked to the sky, hoping for divine guidance.
- Then, the command came in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144) to face the Kaaba in Makkah. ( Indeed, We see you ˹O Prophet˺ turning your face towards heaven. Now We will make you turn towards a direction ˹of prayer˺ that will please you. So turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque ˹in Mecca˺—wherever you are, turn your face towards it. Those who were given the Scripture certainly know this to be the truth from their Lord. And Allah is never unaware of what they do.)
- The change happened during a prayer in Masjid Al-Qiblatayn in Madinah.
- Mid-prayer, the Prophet turned toward the Kaaba. The congregation followed him immediately.
- From that moment on, the Kaaba became the permanent Qibla for all Muslims.
- This shift gave Muslims a clear identity while still honoring earlier revelations.
- Though the direction changed, Masjid Al-Aqsa remains a deeply respected and holy site in Islam.
This moment wasn’t just historical. It symbolized spiritual independence and brought the Muslim community together—facing one Qibla with one purpose.
First qibla of Islam in which country?
Before Muslims began praying toward the Kaaba in Makkah, they faced a different direction. This pivotal shift in prayer direction marked a defining moment in Islam. If you’re asking, “what was the first Qibla in Islam?”, here’s a simple and clear answer. Let’s explore the first qibla of Islam the country it was in, and why it’s still significant today.
Location of the First Qibla:
- The first qibla of Islam was Masjid Al-Aqsa, located in Jerusalem, which is in modern-day Palestine.
- Before the qibla shifted to the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Muslims faced this location during prayer.
Historical Context
- Muslims prayed toward Masjid Al-Aqsa during the early years of Islam, including the Prophet Muhammad’s time in Makkah.
- After the Hijrah (migration to Madinah), this continued for about 16–17 months.
Transition to the Kaaba
- After this period, Allah commanded the Muslims to change their qibla, directing them to face the Kaaba in Makkah, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144).
Significance of Masjid Al-Aqsa:
- Despite the qibla change, Masjid Al-Aqsa remains the third holiest site in Islam, following Makkah and Madinah.
- The unique spiritual status of Masjid Al-Aqsa is highlighted in a famous hadith narrated by Abu Sa’eed and ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin ‘As:
وَعَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” لَا تُشَدُّ الرِّحَالُ إِلَّا إِلَى ثَلَاثَةِ مَسَاجِدَ: مَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَالْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى وَمَسْجِدِي هَذَا ”
Abu Sa ‘id AI-Khudri (RAA) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“One should not undertake journeys except to three mosques: al-Masque al-Haram (in Makkah ), the Aqsa mosque, or this mosque (in Madinah).” Agreed upon.
- This hadith underscores the significance of Masjid Al-Aqsa, one of the most revered mosques in Islam, holding immense historical and spiritual value. It was the first qibla for Muslims before the direction shifted to the Kaaba.
Why Does It Matter?
- Masjid Al-Aqsa’s deep spiritual significance remains integral to Islamic history. Despite the fact that the Kaaba is now the qibla, Al-Aqsa remains an essential component of Islamic culture. First qibla of Islam in which country? The answer is Palestine, where Masjid Al-Aqsa is located, continues to hold immense historical and spiritual value in Islam.
| Site Name | Location | Significance |
| Kaaba | Makkah | The first House of Worship was built for humanity, the direction of prayer (qibla). |
| Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) | Madinah | The second holiest site, the burial place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). |
| Al-Aqsa Mosque (Masjid Al-Aqsa) | Jerusalem | The third holiest site, the site of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) night journey (Isra and Mi’raj), initial qibla. |
The Change of Qibla in Quran: A Clear Shift That Shaped Muslim Prayer
Before Muslims faced the Kaaba, they prayed toward Jerusalem. This change wasn’t small. It marked identity, unity, and divine instruction. If you’re wondering what was the first Qibla in Islam or curious about the change of qibla in Quran, here’s what you need to know—short, simple, and to the point.
- Muslims first faced Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
- This direction was followed in Makkah and for 16–17 months in Madinah.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) longed to turn toward the Kaaba.
- He often looked to the sky, waiting for Allah’s guidance.
- Then, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144) revealed the command.
- The verse told Muslims to face the Kaaba in Makkah.
- This shift happened mid-prayer at Masjid Al-Qiblatayn.
- The Prophet turned toward the Kaaba. Companions followed instantly.
- From that moment, the Kaaba became the permanent qibla.
- This marked a clear identity for Muslims worldwide.
- Masjid Al-Aqsa, however, remains sacred and highly respected.
- According to the Quran, the shift put the believers’ faith to the test (2:143).
- It also set Islam apart from earlier religious groups.
- Prophet Ibrahim constructed the Kaaba, which became the focal point of Islam.
- This event united Muslims with one prayer direction—wherever they live.
- The change still affects Islamic rituals, mosque design, and daily worship.
This shift in direction was more than a turn. It was a turning point in faith, history, and spiritual unit
Why Was Qibla Changed in Islam?
Here’s why was qibla changed the Direction Shifted and What It Means for Muslims
The change in the qibla, or direction of prayer, marked a significant moment in the history of Islam. But what was the first Qibla in Islam , and why was it changed? Let’s break down this momentous event in simple terms to help you understand why it was so important for the Muslim community.
The First Qibla: Facing Jerusalem
- At the beginning, Muslims faced Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem during their prayers.
- This direction was not just a practical choice but had deep religious meaning.
- It established a link between Islam and past prophets such as Jesus and Moses.
- For Muslims, and Christians alike, Jerusalem was a sacred place.
The Prophet’s Longing for the Kaaba
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had always hoped to face the Kaaba in Mecca while praying.
- His link to the Kaaba, which was constructed by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ishmael, was the source of this longing.
- He gazed up at the sky, anticipating Allah’s direction to set the Kaaba as the qibla.
The Divine Command in the Quran
The change came through a clear revelation in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:144), where Allah commanded: “We have certainly seen your face turned toward the sky, so We will surely turn you toward a qibla that pleases you…” This divine instruction made the Kaaba in Mecca the new qibla for all Muslims.
A Test of Faith for Early Muslims
- The shift was not easy for all Muslims.
- It tested their faith and obedience.
- Some early followers struggled with this change, but the faithful accepted it immediately.
The change marked a moment of separation from previous practices and strengthened the bond between Muslims and their faith.
A Clear Muslim Identity
- By changing the qibla to the Kaaba, Islam was given a distinct identity, separate from Judaism and Christianity.
- No longer did Muslims face Jerusalem like the other two faiths.
- The Kaaba became the symbol of this new, unified path.
The Kaaba’s Spiritual Significance
- Prophet Ibrahim, the founder of monotheism, constructed the Kaaba.
- The first place of worship devoted to the one God was this one.
- Choosing it as the qibla linked Islam to Ibrahim’s legacy and monotheism.
Unifying the Muslim Ummah
- This shift was not just about facing a different direction.
- It unified the Muslim Ummah, creating a global community of believers who now all face the same sacred place during prayer.
- This unity became a defining feature of Islam.
Masjid Al-Aqsa’s Continued Importance
- While the qibla changed, Jerusalem and Masjid Al-Aqsa remained deeply important.
- Al-Aqsa, which is connected to the Prophet’s night journey, Isra, and Mi’raj, is still regarded as the third-holiest place in Islam.
- It maintains a respected place in Islamic history.
- The change in qibla was a transformative event that unified the Muslim community and marked the beginning of a distinct identity.
- The Kaaba in Mecca became the focal point for prayer, reinforcing the faith, devotion, and unity of Muslims worldwide.
| Reason for Qibla Change | Supporting Evidence | |
| Fulfillment of Prophet’s Desire | Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) deeply desired the Kaaba to be the Qibla. | |
| Divine Revelation | The change was mandated by a specific verse in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144). | |
| Historical Significance of Kaaba | Prophets Abraham and Ishmael (peace be upon them) are credited with constructing the Kaaba, which is thought to be the first house of worship devoted to the one God. | |
| Test for the Believers | The change served as a test to distinguish true believers from those with wavering faith. | |
| Distinguishing Muslim Identity | The shift differentiated the Muslim community from Jewish and Christian communities who prayed towards Jerusalem. | |
| Symbol of Unity | The Kaaba unifies Muslims worldwide in their worship of one God. |
Summary
What was the first Qibla in islam and Why Did It Change? Jerusalem was the original qibla—until Allah’s command shifted it to Mecca (Quran 2:144), uniting Muslims worldwide. This wasn’t just about direction; it reshaped Islam’s heart. Think about it: every prayer today echoes that divine moment. Do you want to pray as though you were a member of that tradition? Rahiq Academy teaches thousands how to recite the Quran with meaning. Don’t just read about faith—live it. Start your Quran journey here. Your connection to Islam deepens now.
FAQ’s
When and why was the qibla changed to Mecca?
The qibla changed 16 months after Hijrah by Allah’s command,The Quran instructed Muslims to face Makkah forming a clear Muslim identity.
Where did the shift occur?
While praying at Madinah’s Masjid Al-Qiblatayn.
How did Muslims respond?
They turned mid-prayer, showing obedience and unity.
Is there a Quranic verse addressing the change of qibla?
Yes, Quran 2:144 clearly commands the shift from Jerusalem to Mecca.
How do Jews and Christians view the change of qibla?
Some saw it as a break from tradition, but Muslims saw it as divine guidance.
What impact did the shift in qibla have on the Muslim community?
It tested their obedience and brought unity under one prayer direction.
What did this change symbolize?
A new, distinct Muslim identity, and spiritual unity under one direction.
What role does Masjid al-Aqsa play in modern Islam?
It is still regarded as the third-holiest place in Islam and has great spiritual significance.
How can understanding the first qibla enrich a Muslim’s faith?
It fortifies believers’ spiritual ties and ties them to Islamic history.
