Juz 2: Al-Baqarah 142–252
Section 2 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
2. Change of Qibla Direction
The second juz begins with one of the most significant developments in the early history of Islam: the change of the prayer direction (qibla) from Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis) to the Ka'bah in Makkah. This change occurred approximately sixteen months after the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) migration to Madinah and represented a pivotal moment in the establishment of Islamic identity.
سَيَقُولُ السُّفَهَاءُ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَا وَلَّاهُمْ عَن قِبْلَتِهِمُ الَّتِي كَانُوا عَلَيْهَا
“The foolish among people will say, 'What has turned them away from their qiblah which they used to observe?'" (2:142) [2:142]”
Allah (swt) preemptively addresses the criticism that would arise from this change, particularly from three groups: some of the Jewish community who felt a connection to Jerusalem as their spiritual center, the polytheists who would use any excuse to criticize the Muslim community, and the hypocrites (munafiqun) who sought to sow discord.
The historical context of this change is significant. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was in Makkah, he would position himself to face both the Ka'bah and Jerusalem simultaneously by standing with the Ka'bah between him and Jerusalem. However, after migrating to Madinah, these two directions were diametrically opposed, making it impossible to face both at once. During this interim period, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would often glance upward during prayer, awaiting divine guidance regarding the qiblah.
قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَاءِ ۖ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَاهَا ۚ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ
“We have been seeing you turning your face to the heavens. So We will certainly assign to you a qiblah that you would like. Now, turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-ul-Harām." (2:144) [2:144]”
What is particularly noteworthy about the Prophet's attitude during this period was his respectful submission to divine will. Despite his personal desire for the Ka'bah to become the qiblah—it being the house built by his forefather Ibrahim (peace be upon him)—he never explicitly requested this change from Allah (swt). This demonstrates his perfect adab (etiquette) with his Lord, avoiding asking for something that might be contrary to divine wisdom.
Allah (swt) emphasizes that ownership of all directions belongs to Him:
وَلِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ ۚ فَأَيْنَمَا تُوَلُّوا فَثَمَّ وَجْهُ اللَّهِ
“To Allah belongs the East and the West. So, whichever way you turn, there is the Face of Allah." (2:115)”
This verse clarifies that Allah (swt) is not physically limited to any direction. The qiblah is not meant to indicate Allah's location but serves as a unifying direction for the community of believers. The change of qiblah was about establishing the distinct identity of the Muslim community while connecting it to the monotheistic legacy of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). [2:115]
Following the announcement of the new qiblah, Allah (swt) reminds believers of His greater blessings upon them:
كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولًا مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْلَمُونَ
“As We sent among you a messenger from among you, who recites to you Our verses, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and the wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know." (2:151)”
This indicates that the change of qiblah was part of a greater divine plan to establish a complete way of life for the believers. The ultimate objective was not merely to change the physical orientation during prayer but to orient the hearts, beliefs, actions, dealings, and character of believers toward Allah (swt). [2:151]
The qiblah change serves as a powerful reminder that while symbolic acts of worship are important for community identity and unity, the true purpose of these rituals is to facilitate the proper orientation of the heart toward Allah (swt).