Respect for the Qiblah

Author: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (Hafizahullah)

Arabic Text:

إِذَا أَتَيْتُمُ الْغَائِطَ فَلَا تَسْتَقْبِلُوا الْقِبْلَةَ وَلَا تَسْتَدْبِرُوهَا، وَلَكِنْ شَرِّقُوا أَوْ غَرِّبُوا


“When you go to relieve yourselves, do not face the Qiblah nor turn your back to it. Instead, face east or west.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Salah: 394]

Key Points:​

Contextual Guidance for Regions:
  • Medina’s Geography:
    Medina is located to the north of Mecca, so people there are instructed to face east or west while relieving themselves.
  • Modern Application:
    In regions where the Qiblah is towards the west (e.g., in the Indian subcontinent), individuals should face north or south while observing this etiquette.
General Prohibition:
  • Rasulullah ﷺ prohibited directly facing or turning one’s back to the Qiblah while relieving oneself, whether in open spaces or constructed areas.
  • This emphasizes the sanctity and respect of the Qiblah in all situations.
Narration of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (RA):
Abu Ayyub (رضي الله عنه) stated:
“When we reached the Levant (Syria), we found toilets built facing the Kaaba. Out of respect for the Kaaba, we would turn away from it and seek Allah’s forgiveness.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Reference Above]

This highlights the Companions’ efforts to maintain respect for the Kaaba even in challenging situations, turning as much as possible from the direction of the Qiblah.

Rasulullah ﷺ’s Practice:
  • It is reported that Rasulullah ﷺ once relieved himself facing Syria with his back to the Kaaba while in a walled area.
    [Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Wudu: 145]
Difference Between Open and Urban Areas:
  • Open Spaces: The prohibition of facing or turning away from the Qiblah is strict.
  • Urban Areas/Constructed Spaces: The prohibition is less strict in enclosed environments like buildings or toilets, though the preferred practice remains to avoid facing or turning away from the Qiblah to maintain its sanctity.
Companions’ Reverence for the Qiblah:
  • The Companions sought forgiveness from Allah for unintentional breaches and adhered to the etiquette to the best of their ability. This reflects the importance of intention and effort in respecting the Qiblah.
Sanctity of the Qiblah:
Although certain actions of Rasulullah ﷺ demonstrate concessions, his overall guidance emphasizes the importance of respecting the Qiblah in all aspects of life.

Conclusion:​

Respect for the Qiblah is a clear Islamic teaching. While the prohibition is particularly strict in open areas, the spirit of honoring the Kaaba remains paramount. Muslims are encouraged to adhere to this etiquette as much as possible, reflecting their reverence for the House of Allah.

And Allah knows best.
 
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