Fatwa ID: 08177

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 realizing 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.

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
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]

In contemporary society, many mosques changed direction due to slight miscalculations in 2008 — due to them being built before the satellite technology.[2]
Such as Masjid E Saajideen.[3]

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.

I hope that this answers the question.

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

[2] https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/2254438.change-in-direction-for-mosque/

[3] https://islamicportal.co.uk/fatwa-of-mufti-ahmad-khanpuri-on-masjids-deliberately-applying-the-qiblah-allowance/?utm_source