Fatwa ID: 08162

 

Answered by: Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

 

Question:

 

Have any of the esteemed Scholars/Imams in this group dealt with the Qibla changing in their respective Masjid after realising it wasn’t correct?

 

An issue has emerged at a local Masjid here that has been offering Salaah towards the SE for decades, but they wish to change to the NE.

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

The most significant Qibla change occurred during the Prophet’s ﷺ time when the Qibla was changed from Masjid al-Aqsa (Jerusalem) to Masjid al-Haram (Makkah).

 

This change happened in Masjid Qiblatain (Medina), where the congregation was informed mid-Salah, and they physically turned to face the new Qibla.[1]

 

Since your masjid is currently facing SE and wants to change to NE, here’s what can be done:

 

1: Verify the Correct Qibla

 

Use modern technology (Google Earth, Qibla Finder Apps, GPS coordinates).

 

Consult local Ulama and the relevant Islamic authorities to confirm the change if need be.

 

2: Issue a Scholarly Decision (Fatwa)

 

Gather local scholars, Imams, and your local Mufti to issue a fatwa confirming the need for correction.

 

Address community concerns with proof as to why this change is taking place.

 

3: Educate the Congregation

 

Organize a Friday Khutbah or community meeting explaining:

 

Why the Qibla needs to change.

 

That past prayers remain valid.

 

4: Implement the Change

 

Physically reorient the prayer rows in the masjid.

 

Make an official announcement so worshippers understand the new alignment.

 

If needed, allow an adjustment period to help worshippers adapt.

 

 

 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] قَدْ نَرَى تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَآءِ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَاهَا فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ

Surah Baqarah 144