The Saudis won't like this, but I am toying with the idea of recommending to the ummah that the direction of prayer for Muslims should move from time to time so no Muslim country gets a monopoly of pilgrimage, like Saudi Arabia. I recommend that this works along the lines of tenders for the Olympics. It should always go to the most Islamically advanced country in the world. No country may vote for itself.
No reason why the Qiblah has to stay in Mecca, is what I am saying.
The verse seems to suggest that the Qiblah may change direction when circumstances dictate as long as it is in a direction dear to the Prophet's heart.
Why would a place of worship in a land judged to be Islamic and enlightened by the ummah not be dear to the Prophet?
If he were alive, would he not wish to visit it himself?
These are my reasons for suggesting that the Qiblah can be changed to foster an international spirit of competitiveness for enlightened Islamic government.
No Islamic reason why it cannot one day be London, Paris, New York, Rome or Beijing ...
Its direction has changed once, so it can change again. A precedent has been set. (It was Jerusalem before it was Mecca.)
It might one day be Britain, who knows. Be nice to think of all Muslims in the world praying in the direction of Britain, while British Muslims have the privilege of praying in any direction ...
There is also a huge money-making opportunity for those makers of those prayer direction thingies ("QiblahNav"? Qiblah Compass?) that tell Muslims which way to face when they are abroad.
I suggest it changes every 4 years, just like the Olympics and the World Cup.
No reason why the Qiblah has to stay in Mecca, is what I am saying.
002.144
YUSUFALI: We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens: now Shall We turn thee to a Qibla that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.
PICKTHAL: We have seen the turning of thy face to heaven (for guidance, O Muhammad). And now verily We shall make thee turn (in prayer) toward a qiblah which is dear to thee. So turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship, and ye (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may be, turn your faces (when ye pray) toward it. Lo! Those who have received the Scripture know that (this revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do.
SHAKIR: Indeed We see the turning of your face to heaven, so We shall surely turn you to a qiblah which you shall like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your face towards it, and those who have been given the Book most surely know that it is the truth from their Lord; and Allah is not at all heedless of what they do.
The verse seems to suggest that the Qiblah may change direction when circumstances dictate as long as it is in a direction dear to the Prophet's heart.
Why would a place of worship in a land judged to be Islamic and enlightened by the ummah not be dear to the Prophet?
If he were alive, would he not wish to visit it himself?
These are my reasons for suggesting that the Qiblah can be changed to foster an international spirit of competitiveness for enlightened Islamic government.
No Islamic reason why it cannot one day be London, Paris, New York, Rome or Beijing ...
Its direction has changed once, so it can change again. A precedent has been set. (It was Jerusalem before it was Mecca.)
It might one day be Britain, who knows. Be nice to think of all Muslims in the world praying in the direction of Britain, while British Muslims have the privilege of praying in any direction ...
There is also a huge money-making opportunity for those makers of those prayer direction thingies ("QiblahNav"? Qiblah Compass?) that tell Muslims which way to face when they are abroad.
I suggest it changes every 4 years, just like the Olympics and the World Cup.
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| A new one every 4 years - an excellent commercial opportunity for Qiblah compass manufacturers. |
3 comments:
An old post I know but, The verse as you have posted is clear. "Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction" This appears to be a command by the almighty to the people of the scriptures. Although it may seem that this was changed to please the Prophet, (Peace be upon Him), It was changed by the Lord
not a person, therefore your statement that there is no Islamic reason why it cannot change is without foundation. As for Saudi I agree that many believe it is not nor should it be the center of Authority for all that is "Islamic, neither are they "Islamically advanced". Regarding the position of the Qiblah Muslims do not have to like it they just have to accept it. Love, Care and PEACE for everyone...Abi, Smart World
An old post I know but, The verse as you have posted is clear. "Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction" This appears to be a command by the almighty to the people of the scriptures. Although it may seem that this was changed to please the Prophet, (Peace be upon Him), It was changed by the Lord
not a person, therefore your statement that there is no Islamic reason why it cannot change is without foundation. As for Saudi I agree that many believe it is not nor should it be the center of Authority for all that is "Islamic, neither are they "Islamically advanced" but Muslims do not have to like it they just have to accept it.
It would be nice to have a competition worldwide to see which nation is the most Islamic and for Muslims from all over the world to visit that nation though!
They can also take in Mecca if they have the time and money, but I think tour operators and hotels would like my idea, and also qiblah manufacturers.
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