Fatwa ID: 01587

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

How should a traveller determine the Qiblah

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

It is necessary for a person living in Makkah Mukkaramah to face exactly to the Kabah whilst praying.   (Bahrur Raaiq p.300 v.1)

For a person who lives far away from Makkah Mukkaramah, it could sometimes be very hard to predict the exact direction of Qiblah; therefore scholars gave different rulings to how many degrees out from the direction of the Qiblah one could be allowed in order for their salah to be valid. Scholars agree that anyone whilst facing in the direction of the Masjidul Haram, moves away from the 45⁰ mark, then his prayers would become invalid.  (Marrifus Sunan p.377 v.3)

How should one determine the Qiblah if one is travelling

If one does not know the direction of prayer and there is no one to inform him about it, then one must investigate using personal reasoning and other evidence to determine the location of the Qiblah. If he later learns that he was incorrect, he is not required to repeat the Salah.

If one realises his error during the prayer, he must turn to the correct direction and continue with the prayer.

If a person begins with his prayer to a particular direction with NO investigation then:

• If he realises after the prayer that he was correct, his prayer would be done.
• If he finds out during the prayer that he was incorrect or after the prayer that he was incorrect, his prayer will be invalid. (Extracted from Nurul Idah p.124)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.