Page 98 - Basic Tenets of Islam

BASIC TENETS OF ISLAM

How is the Qibla to Be Established?

The qibla is not the building of the Kaaba; it is its building
plot. That is, that space from the earth to the 'arsh is the qibla.
For this reason, a person who is under the sea, or up in the
air can perform prayer in that direction.
The qibla can be determined by means of mathematical
calculations or with the assistance of a compass or Polaris (the
Polestar). Even if the exact position cannot be determined in
calculations using various equipment, a likely estimate can be
made. Such estimates regarding the qibla are acceptable.
At places where there is no mihrab and qibla cannot be

identified by calculation or with the help of the Polestar, one
must consult other Muslims who know the qibla.
A Muslim travelling on a ship or train must begin the
prayer by standing towards the qibla and put a compass
somewhere near the place he or she will prostrate. As the
vehicle changes direction, so should the worshiper turn
towards the qibla. Alternatively, someone else should make
the worshiper turn to the right or left.

If someone who does not know the qibla performs the
prayer without looking at the mihrab, or asking someone else
who knows, or trying to identify it, then he has actually
failed to fulfil the conditions of the prayer, even if he
happens to face in the right direction.

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