Qiblah 2:142 – 2:150

Abolition of Bigotry and Prejudice *

2:142 The fools among the people would say, “Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?”* Say, “To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path.”

Footnote: *2:142-145 “ Qiblah” is the direction one faces during the Contact Prayers (Salat). When Gabriel conveyed to Muhammad the command to face Jerusalem instead of Mecca, the hypocrites were exposed. The Arabs were strongly prejudiced in favor of the Ka`aba as their “Qiblah.” Only the true believers were able to overcome their prejudices; they readily obeyed the messenger.

2:143 We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful.