Muslims, why was the Qeblah changed?

Question

Muslims first prayed towards Jerusalem, then when Mohammed gained control of Mecca he changed the direction of the qeblah to Mecca. It is also at this time that the Hajj, a ritual performed by the pagan Arabs in the Arabian peninsula, became incorported into Islam.
Why did God change his mind about the qeblah?

For azmurath: It was not, but that is not the question. Can you answer the question?

For losar_aira: How can a man (Mohammed) decide what is right for a religion?
Also, why was the Hajj incorporated into Islam only at this time. Since it is one of the Pilars of Islam, how come it was only "discovered" when Mohammed became sad that Muslims shared a qeblah with Jews?

For Veronica///: Looks to me as if someone is covering his back! Why is it foolish to ask why God would change his mind about something? It seems a very valid question to me.

Answer 1

are u asking why mohammed changed the direction? he wanted to convert the jews to his religion- thats why the 2 are so similar-- he stole most of their beliefs and practices- inculding worshiping their temple- figuring they would be more likely to convert if it wasnt such a stretch between the 2- but when the jews wouldnt convert- he got pissed of and went all anti-jew

Answer 2

Refer to verses 142-151 in Surah al-Baqarah as they are related to the
changing of the Qiblah from Baytul-Muqaddas to the Holy Ka'bah. Verse 143
states:

"And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the
bearers of witness to the people and (that) the Apostle may be a bearer of
witness to you; and We did not make that which you would have to be the
Qiblah but that We might distinguish he who follows the Apostle from he who
turns back upon his heels, and this was surely hard except for those whom
Allah has guided aright; and Allah was not going to make your faith to be
fruitless; most surely Allah is Affectionate, Merciful to the people."

In the commentary of Qur`an scholars quote many statements with regard to
why the Qiblah was changed to Baytul-Muqaddas. Apparently, as the verse
suggests, the change of Qiblah back to the Holy Ka'bah would cause those
who were not sincerely following the Holy Prophet (S) to be exposed due to
their lack of contentment with the "changing" of the Qiblah. Many Ulamaa
suggest that this act of distinguishing those who follow the Apostle from
those who do not was directed at both Muslims and the Ahlul-Kitaab (i.e.
Jews and Christians).

Naturally, the fact that the Muslims were facing toward Baytul-Muqaddas did
not go unnoticed by the Ahlul-Kitaab and perhaps it had the natural and
positive effect of showing some linkage and common ground between Islam and
these faiths. Keeping in mind that the Ahlul-Kitaab were also awaiting a
Prophet, the turning away from Baytul-Muqaddas toward Makkah was symbolic
of the turning away from these previous faiths toward a new promised faith.
The Prophet of this 'new' faith (Islam) summoned the followers of previous
Prophets, like Ibrahim (AS), Isma'il (AS) and 'Isa (AS) to his new faith
and they were obliged to follow. Those who did not turn toward Makkah,
however, clearly exposed their non-acceptance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(S) and their rejection of him as a Prophet, thereby providing a clear
argument against themselves in Allah's court on the Day of Judgment.

Verse 146 states: "Those whom We have given the book recognize him
(meaning, the Prophet Muhammad -S) as they recognize their sons and a party
of them most surely conceal the truth while they know it."

Meaning, that the Ahlul-Kitaab can offer no excuse for not accepting and
following the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) since they had been given the good
news of his coming and the signs by which they could recognize him as
easily as a person can recognize his own son. They are condemned by Allah
for turning away from the Holy Prophet (s) while knowing he was indeed the
Prophet that they were promised.

Unfortunately, the orientalist often portray the Holy Prophet (S) in such a
manner that his actions appear spontaneous and or worst, resultant from
confusion or uncertainty. As the Ahlul-Kitaab of past times disbelieved in
him being the Prophet of God, orientalist also reflect the same disbelief
and try to portray the Holy Prophet (S) as being unconnected to the source
of guidance, Allah Ta'ala. As you mentioned, they portray the Holy Prophet
(S) as trying something which did not produce the intended results,
therefore, he abandoned it.

However, it appears that Allah's aim was to complete His proof against
those who disbelieved among the Ahlul-Kitaab and those whose belief was
insincere among the Muslims. When we look at this event in this light, it
gives Allah the position which He rightfully deserves, meaning that He
plans and guides the Holy Prophet (S) accordingly. There is wisdom in His
plan and guidance for those who follow it. Those who turn away, turn away
from the right path.

Allah knows best.

Answer 3

God didnt change his mind about the Qiblah
before changing to Mecca the qibla was directed towards Bayt Al Maqdes which jews also used as their qibla
the prophet PBUH felt sad bec Muslims didnt have their own qibla and they shared it with the jews so God changed it to Mecca as it was the dearest to the prophet's SAW heart

Answer 4

This was done for a year and four months after migrating to Madinah. It was the desire of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that the Ka`bah be made the qiblah for Prayers. The reason for this was that the Ka`bah (built by Prophet Ibrahim and Isma`il, peace and blessings be upon them) was held by all as the holiest of sites, incomparable in sanctity to any other sanctum or shrine. It was a great test for the earlier Muslims by being asked to face Jerusalem instead of the Ka`bah, but they withstood this trial by dutifully obeying the Divine command.

In demonstrating their devotion to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) they would always reply, regardless of any reservation they had against any particular ordinance: (We hear, and we obey) (An-Nur 24: 51) and (We believe therein: The whole is from our Lord.) (Aal `Imran 3: 7)

Thus, after passing this test, with flying color, the qiblah for the Prayer was changed to the Ka`bah.

Also on this issue, Al-Bara’ ibn `Azib narrated that Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed facing Bait ul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for 16 or 17 months, but due to his vehement desire to face the Ka`bah, Allah revealed: (Verily, We have seen the turning of your face to the heaven!) (Al-Baqarah 2: 144)

The moment the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) began facing the Ka`bah the Jews started exclaiming, (What has turned them from their qiblah (Bait ul-Maqdis) which they formerly observed?" Allah revealed in reply: "Say: 'To Allah belongs the East and the West. He guides whom he will to a straight path.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 142)

In conclusion, it's clear that it was prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) wish to face Ka'bah, and Allah turned his wish into command to please him. Why Muhammad (pbuh) wished so? Because it would enhance Islam's uniqueness a greater extent. It's not a matter of God's sudden changing mind, and actually God does whatever He wants. So many things evolved in Islam gradually depending on situational stress. Like, drinking was allowed for a long time, then drinking was made forbidden during prayer times, and eventually it was fully forbidden.

Answer 5

The answer to your questin about the qiblah can be found in the quran Chapter 1 verses 142-151 here is a link for the translation
http://www.road-to-heaven.com/quran/english/2.htm

Answer 6

oo god islamic studies class..shoulda paid more attention umm
the reason is unclear allah ordered us to chagnge the qiblah but do not think he just did it for no reason. in the quran allah says that we may not understand ev he does but it is always good and pointfull and a true belieever should follow his orders also it is believed to be a test for the believers.i have abook about ti it il read it and answer according to that book 2 but later on.

Answer 7

Allah once reveal in the Quran,'those foolish people will asked you(oh Muhammad):why does those people(Muslim) change their praying direction,then answer,'the east and the west belong to Allah,He show anyone he want to the Way.'

Answer 8

Why was the Bible changed?

Yes it was changed. Compare the Dead Sea Scrolls, or a Lutheran or an ancient Hebrew Bible to a KJV. They are not the same.

Answer 9

I don't think God honors the Quran. The Bible is God's Word and it shall be changed.

Answer 10

That's what you get when certain amounts of time pass by