65/2.18. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 4492 — Facing Al-Masjid Al-Haram
"For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers)..." (V.2:148)
Hadith About Facing Al-Masjid Al-Haram as Qibla
Sahih Bukhari : 4492
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 4492
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ الْبَرَاءَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ صَلَّيْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَحْوَ بَيْتِ الْمَقْدِسِ سِتَّةَ عَشَرَ ـ أَوْ سَبْعَةَ عَشَرَ ـ شَهْرًا، ثُمَّ صَرَفَهُ نَحْوَ الْقِبْلَةِ.
Al-Bara Narrated from:
We prayed along with the Prophet (ﷺ) facing Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months. Then Allah ordered him to turn his face towards the Qibla (in Mecca):--"And from whence-so-ever you start forth (for prayers) turn your face in the direction of (the Sacred Mosque of Mecca) Al-Masjid-ul Haram.." (2.149)
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 4492In-book reference : Book 65, Hadith 19USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 19
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 4492
This hadith about facing Al-Masjid Al-Haram is a concise report from Al-Bara. He says they prayed with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم toward Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months. Then Allah ordered him to turn his face toward the Qibla in Makkah. The quoted verse tells believers to turn their faces in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram wherever they start forth for prayer. The hadith is about the change of prayer direction and the authority of Allah's command over worship. It does not focus on the emotions of the people or later debates. Its main message is that prayer follows the Qibla chosen by revelation.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his Companions prayed toward Jerusalem for a set period.
- The change to the Qibla in Makkah came by Allah's order.
- The verse commands facing Al-Masjid Al-Haram for prayer.
- The hadith keeps the focus on obedience in salah.
