وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ 149
Translations
So from wherever you go out [for prayer, O Muḥammad], turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, and indeed, it is the truth from your Lord. And Allāh is not unaware of what you do.
Transliteration
Wa min hayithu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shatra al-masjidi al-harami wa innahu lil-haqqu min rabbika wa ma Allahu bi-ghaflin amma ta'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad and believers to face the Ka'bah (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) in prayer from wherever they are, affirming that this direction is the truth from Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this verse establishes the Qiblah (direction of prayer) as a binding religious obligation, and the concluding phrase assures believers that Allah is fully aware of their obedience and actions, underscoring divine oversight and justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Medina during a transitional period regarding the Qiblah. Initially, Muslims faced Jerusalem in prayer, but this verse marks the command to change direction toward the Ka'bah in Makkah—a significant shift that reinforced Islamic identity and unity. The verse occurs within the broader context of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion of religious obligations and community practices.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari: The hadith of the Isra' and Mi'raj describes the spiritual journey and divine commandments. Additionally, Sahih Muslim contains hadiths about the importance of facing the Qiblah correctly during prayer and the consequences of neglecting this obligation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that religious practices have divine purpose and meaning beyond mere ritual; by establishing a unified direction for prayer worldwide, Islam creates spiritual cohesion. It also reminds us that Allah's awareness of our obedience is constant, encouraging sincerity and conscientiousness in fulfilling our duties.
Related Ayahs
تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ
These are the verses of Allāh which We recite to you, [O Muḥammad], in truth. And indeed, you are from among the messengers.
لَّا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِٱللَّغْوِ فِىٓ أَيْمَـٰنِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا كَسَبَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ
Allāh does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned. And Allāh is Forgiving and Forbearing.
كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Battle has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you know not.
ٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ يُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتُ يُخْرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ ۗ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
Allāh is the Ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve - their allies are ṭāghūt. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.