Ron-Kid
HasbunAllahu wa ni`mal Wakil '
The foolish will ask: "Why did they turn away from the Qiblah (the direction in prayer) towards which they used to face?" O Muhammad, say: "East and West belong to Allah; He guides whomever He wishes to the Right Way." [2:142]
O Muhammad, many a time We noticed you turning your face towards heaven; now We will make you turn towards a Qiblah that will please you. Turn your face during Salah towards the Sacred Mosque (Ka'bah); wherever you are turn your face in that direction. The people of the Book know this to be the truth from their Lord. Allah is not unaware of what they do.[144] Even if you give every proof to the people of the Book, they will not accept your Qiblah, nor will you accept theirs. Neither of them (the Jews and Christians) are the followers of each other’s Qiblah. If, after all the knowledge you have been given, you yield to their desires then surely you will be among the wrongdoers.[145] Those to whom We have given the Book (Jews and Christians) recognize this fact as they recognize their own children.[146] Nevertheless, a group of them deliberately conceal the truth. The truth is from your Lord; therefore, you should never be among the doubters.[147] Al-Quran 2:[144-147]
From whatever place you come forth, turn your face during Salah towards the Sacred Mosque; this is in fact a commandment from your Lord. Allah is not unaware of what you do.[149] Again, whatever place you come forth, turn your face during Salah towards the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you are, face towards it, so that people will not have any argument against you, except those among them who are wrongdoers. Do not fear them; fear Me, so that I may perfect My favors to you and that you may be rightly guided,[150] just as We bestowed Our favor upon you when We sent among you a Messenger of your own who recites to you Our revelations, sanctifies you, teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you that which you did not know.[151] Therefore, remember Me, and, I will remember you, be grateful to Me and never deny Me.[152] Al-Quran 2:[148-152]
From these few words one can immediately identify the divine approach in educating Muslims and preparing them, from that early stage of their development, for the role of custodian of Allah’s message and the leadership of mankind. As part of that transformation, it was essential for that nascent community to be freed of all traces of paganism and ethnocentricity, and to become totally obedient and dedicated to the new religion of Islam. The early Muslims had to realize that their values and standards in life must, from then on, be derived from the divine revelations being regularly communicated to the Prophet Muhammad.
In pre-Islamic days, certain elements of polytheism and racism had crept into the Arabs’ understanding of the faith of Abraham and the status of the Sacred House in Makkah. The Ka`bah had come to be venerated as an exclusively Arab shrine. This was contrary to its intended purpose, since it had been established by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael (may Allah ‘s peace be upon them) as a symbol of purely monotheistic faith and for the reverence and worship of Allah alone.
To correct the situation and to test their faith and loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah commanded the Muslims to adopt Jerusalem as the direction they face in prayer. Although it was not clear to the Muslims at the time, the measure was meant to be a temporary one, specifically intended to decide where their allegiance would really lie.
It was a delicate decision, but Islam is a complete and self-sufficient religion. It does not need to be supplemented or augmented by other religious beliefs. It does not accept any lingering traces of un-Islamic ways, serious or trivial. This is indeed the point implied in the Qur’anic statement:
{We appointed the direction of prayer which you formerly followed in order that We might distinguish those who follow the Messenger from those who turn on their heels.}(Baqarah 2: 143)
Allah certainly knows everything before it happens. However, He wishes that what is kept deep in people’s hearts should first appear in action before He holds them accountable for it. His grace means that He does not hold man answerable for his thoughts and feelings; He only holds man accountable for what he does.
It was also a critical decision because Allah was aware that it was going to be a hard test for some Muslims, still fresh from idolatry. But He was also there to provide help and support for the sincere ones:
{It was indeed a hard test except for those whom Allah has guided.}(Al-Baqarah 2: 143) With Allah’s guidance every difficulty becomes easy.
For yet further reassurance, Allah affirms that the prayers the Muslims had performed facing Jerusalem were valid and the reward for them guaranteed.
{Allah would never have let your faith be in vain. Allah is Compassionate and Merciful to mankind.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 143)
Allah would have never burdened the Muslims with more than He knew they would be able to bear. As long as their intentions were genuine and their determination sincere, Allah was sure to come to their assistance and lighten the tasks expected of them. If a certain hardship or test is meant to reflect Allah’s wisdom and purpose, passing such a test is indicative of His mercy and compassion. Thus the Muslims could feel content, confident and free of worry about the past and the future.
And indeed ALLAH has spoken the Truth...
Subhan ALLAH