Qibla as a direction of prayer is a trick of devil

[Ajinomoto]

Salam alaykum,

The key word of 2:142 is "the fools ones".

If qibla means prayer direction, then the fools one will not ask on "why" the direction was changed, the smart one will do.

2:142 is not talking about changes of prayer direction, but changes of mindset.

To God belongs the light and the darkness, He guides whom He wills to the right path.

No where in Al Quran that God guides people to the west or to the east.

People of Muhammad is an idol worshiper (three deities), Jewish and Christian, and the next verse (2:143) confirmed that God let them go astray with their wrong mindset, but He appointed Muhammad as a messenger among them with the right mindset, for God to make evident who follow the messenger and who denied him. It is very difficult to change the mindset but not for those who are guided by God.

The next verse (2:144), God gives Muhammad right mindset by being a part of the inhabitant of "the blessed land which they are bound with the covenant", as Al Quran is part of the covenant that bound "bani Israel". People of the previous scriptures know well that Al Quran is the truth from God.

The next verse (2:145), most of the people of the previous scriptures will not follow Al Quran, and Muhammad was ordered not to follow their mindset.

Next verse (2:146-148), the people of the previous scriptures know the truth in Al Quran, as they know well their own children. is true from God, but a group of them hide the truth, while they know.

Next verse (2:149-150), Muhammad and the believers were order to be apart of the inhabitant of "the blessed land which they are bound with the covenant", which is to follow what God revealed to them (Al Quran).

Physical prostrating needs an object, while God is not an object. That is why idol worshiper need something for them to physical prostrate that could be anything, and one of it is "qibla".

"qibla" as a direction of prayer is a trick of devil. "qibla" is just a casing but what is in it is black cube stone. Don't you all realize it??

Warm Regards,

[jkhan]

Salam alaykum,

The key word of 2:142 is "the fools ones".

If qibla means prayer direction, then the fools one will not ask on "why" the direction was changed, the smart one will do.

2:142 is not talking about changes of prayer direction, but changes of mindset.

To God belongs the light and the darkness, He guides whom He wills to the right path.

No where in Al Quran that God guides people to the west or to the east.

People of Muhammad is an idol worshiper (three deities), Jewish and Christian, and the next verse (2:143) confirmed that God let them go astray with their wrong mindset, but He appointed Muhammad as a messenger among them with the right mindset, for God to make evident who follow the messenger and who denied him. It is very difficult to change the mindset but not for those who are guided by God.

The next verse (2:144), God gives Muhammad right mindset by being a part of the inhabitant of "the blessed land which they are bound with the covenant", as Al Quran is part of the covenant that bound "bani Israel". People of the previous scriptures know well that Al Quran is the truth from God.

The next verse (2:145), most of the people of the previous scriptures will not follow Al Quran, and Muhammad was ordered not to follow their mindset.

Next verse (2:146-148), the people of the previous scriptures know the truth in Al Quran, as they know well their own children. is true from God, but a group of them hide the truth, while they know.

Next verse (2:149-150), Muhammad and the believers were order to be apart of the inhabitant of "the blessed land which they are bound with the covenant", which is to follow what God revealed to them (Al Quran).

Physical prostrating needs an object, while God is not an object. That is why idol worshiper need something for them to physical prostrate that could be anything, and one of it is "qibla".

"qibla" as a direction of prayer is a trick of devil. "qibla" is just a casing but what is in it is black cube stone. Don't you all realize it??

Warm Regards,

Only purpose of Qibla in Modern day conventional Muslims life is Direction for Prayers... that's their take...
Meanwhile Salat doesn't need a direction according to Quran...

[Ajinomoto]

People of modern days follow blindly their ancestor, because they thought their lord guide them to the west or to the east, which is in fact, they worship black cube stone.

[Wakas]

peace,

https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-masjid-al-haram-Quran.html
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/qiblah.html

change of qiblah - an understanding based on Quran
The information we can extract about the meaning of "qiblah", and the change, from these verses is as follows:
this new change is in some way related to guiding to a straight/establishing path, and making the believers a balanced/moderate community
the qiblah which they were on was a great test (i.e. difficult), except those God guided, and their belief in such was not going to be for nothing, hence this new qiblah pleased the messenger (i.e. less hardship/difficulty)
in this case the qiblah happens to be AMAH, but there are potentially many other qiblah, as individuals could have their own qiblah
in 2:148 the usage of "wherever" is the ONLY time it appears without a close link to "turn+wajh+AMAH"  therefore likens "wijhatun (direction/course/goal/motive)" with "qiblah" and consequently likens AMAH to "race to the good" or at least we can say AMAH involves this. Furthermore, AQ implies each person may have their own "qiblah" in 2:145 then later in 2:148 says "for each is a wijhatun he turns towards it", strongly suggesting "qiblah" and "wijhatun" are being related as similar terms/concepts. Please re-read these verses as this is a key finding.
those who have been given the kitab/book/decree know that it is the truth, and recognise it like they recognise their sons but hide the truth. Their qiblah is likely based on desires
the effects of this change will be less debate from the people (implying the former qiblah produced more debate), lead to God completing His favour, aid guiding, and bringing you all together wherever you are.
wherever one is they should turn their wajh/purpose/consideration in the direction of AMAH, and from wherever they depart, from the contexts that likley involves being oriented towards the truth of your Lord, the good, and uniting of believers
    To me, "turning one's wajh in the sky" in 2:144 comes across as an idiom, so whilst it could be literally translated as "turning one's face IN the sky" it is implying one is directionless, aimless, floating/blowing in the wind, i.e. no plan/goal to progress, looking/searching for a way/resolution. Interestingly it is listed in 'Verbal Idioms of Quran' by Mustansir Mir but explained as he turned his face towards the heaven so often that it is added emphasis to say his face was IN the heaven, even though it literally is not. Perhaps, but that does not change the fact that it is taken by all to mean he was seeking guidance. The new qiblah resolves this, and is also pleasing, implying a possible easing of argumentation/hostility for the believers, which would tie in with "no debate against you".
    As a side note, the only other use of "wly/turn" in these verses other than "turn+wajh" is 2:148 "...he turns towards it (wijhatun/course/goal)", which is primarily figurative and not taken physical-directional by anyone. This may help indicate the type of turning being referred to in these verses.

Based on the above, usage of the root QBL in AQ, CAD meanings, and the only other occurrence of "qiblah" in 10:87, in terms of likelihood for the meaning of "qiblah", in my view, are:
1) focal-point - focus of interest/attention or activity
2) direction - general aim or purpose; a general way in which someone/something is developing
3) point-of-approach - a way in which to approaching something
4) counteraction - to oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary action

    Further, "to God is the east and the west" in 2:142 implies God encompasses all things, and the use of "God is Able/Powerful" in 2:148 seems to restate this theme, i.e. this change is perhaps part of a bigger plan, and only the foolish will not understand this. This is reinforced with "God will bring you (all) together" and "that I may complete My favour upon you". Note, "God will bring you all together" which implies many/all believers coming together, and it is not something easy/ordinary, as it says "God is Able/Powerful" implying something a little out of the ordinary. Whatever this new change in qiblah is, i.e. AMAH, should be able to accomplish this.
    The use of "wherever" in "wherever you all are" and "wherever thou start/come forth" is interesting. We can reasonably assume that at the time of revelation all followers of the messenger (mumineen/believers) were not all in one place, thus could imply a coming together, a unification of sorts will result if this new qiblah is followed. The implication is these verses are discussing something that will help bring this about.
    2:150 implies "race (to yourselves) the good" and the change in focal-point to AMAH took place BEFORE the completion of God's favour. The singular use in 2:149 and 2:150 "wherever thou start/come forth" implies the messenger would have to depart from somewhere, whilst others may not necessarily have to do so. Bringing you all together could be a reference to an ushering towards one place/event at one time. Interestingly, the root of the term "shatra (in the direction of)" has some links to things distant/remote and journeying to a distant/remote country/land. This may be a coincidence but it may explain a connotation this term has and the reason for its unique usage in these verses, especially so considering the use of "wherever you depart" and "God will bring you all together".

[Ajinomoto]

Salam Wakas,

Before we go to 2:142-150, please see some verses behind it:

1.   2:124 – 133, these verses are talking about Ibrahim and his descendants, and the next verse says:

       2:134 Those are the people that has passed, to them is what they have earned, and to you is what you have earned, and you will not
       be asked for what they did.

2.   2:135 – 140, these verses are talking about Jewish and Christian at the time of Muhammad, and the next verse says:


       2:141 Those are the people that has passed, to them is what they have earned, and to you is what you have earned, and you will not
       be asked for what they did.


3.   From the above verses, we can see that there are two kinds of people's mindset, the first one is in the light and the second one is in
        the darkness.


4.    Those verses are the subject of "qibla" that is talking in 2:142, where Muhammad and the believers who follow him, have changed
       their "mindset/qibla" to "millata Ibrahim", which is guided by God.


       God guides people to the light and darkness and not to the west or to the east.


5.   The verse of 2:143 - For me, "ummatan wasathan" is an independent group of religion: not Jewish, not Christian and not any group of
        religion (Islam today), just like Ibrahim (3:67), as God does not want any form of religion in the world (11:118, 16:93, 42:, and Islam
        is only in the side of God (3:19).

        The meaning of balance/moderate community as you said is not clear and confusing, and you will not find any evident from Al Quran
        to proof it.

        Until here, there is no sign at all that "qibla" is related to any direction or anything like that.

       So, God did not make "al qibla" (Al Quran) that Muhammad hold, except for God to make evident who follow the messenger and who
       denied him. The word of "al qiblata" appears only in this verse, means Al Quran is "al qiblata".

       It is very difficult to change the mindset but not for those who are guided by God. So, please tell me how hard to change the direction
       that can make the fools ask?

6.    The verse of 2:144 start talking about AMAH.

    1.     This verse does not mention anything about shalat.

    2.     Muhammad and his people came from "gentile people" which they are idol worshiper of three deities (53:19-20, 93:7).


    3.    Muhammad not happy because only a few from his people follow him (29:47), and he wanted to live with the previous scriptures who
         know better about God revelations (10:94, 21:7).


    4.    God directed him to migrate from Non-AMAH to AMAH (AMAH is the blessed land ex people of ark and Noah where "bani Israel"
         lived), and this make Muhammad happy.


    5.    They were welcomed by the believers from the previous scripture, called "al anshari" (9:100).


    6.    His house was used as base ("qiblatan"), like Moses was instructed in the past (10:87), for teaching Al Quran to the believers or
         organizing them and others.


    7.   Muhammad and all believers were ordered to be part of the inhabitant of AMAH, which to hold The covenant that bound "bani Israel"
       and to remind them.


    8.   "syathra" means "divided into equal parts", "half", "part".

     Here is part of The Convenant that bound "bani israel":

    1.    Believe in God and maintain the relationship with God and purify the relationship (5:12).

    2.   Believe in God's messengers and to support them (5:12).


    3.   Do righteous due to God (5:12).

    4.   Make God Scripture as a clear prove for the people (3:187).


    5.   Uphold the "seven things forbidden" (al sabat) – 4:154, 16:124, but they changed the context of al sabat to be the seventh day for rest
         and worship (7:162, 2:59):

        1.  Do not devote anyone except God (2:83).
        2.  Do not talk about God except the truth (7:169).
        3.  Do not conceal God's Revelations (3:187, 2:174).
        4.  Do not trade God's revelations (2:41).
        5.  Do not shed the blood each other (2:84)
        6.  Do not drive others out from their home (2:84).
        7.  Do not distinguish among the messengers of God (4:152-154, 2:285).
   
   Al Quran make clear the disputing among "bani israel" (27:76).

       People of the scriptures know well that this is the truth from their Lord, and this verse is supported by 2:26, 11:17, 18:29, 22:54, 47:2,
        to proof that 2:144 is talking about Al Quran and nothing to do with changed direction at all.

        7   The verse of 2:145: Most people of the scriptures will not follow Al Quran, and Muhammad was ordered not to follow their mindset,
             if he follows, he would be of the wicked.

             -     This verse is supported by 3:61, 6:153 to proof that 2:145 is talking about Al Quran.

       8.   The verse of 2:146: People of the scripture recognize Al Quran, like they recognize their own children, but a group of them hides
              the truth while they know.

              -    This verse is supported by 6:20, 5:15 to proof that 2:146 is talking about Al Quran and not direction.

       9.    The verse of 2:147: Muhammad was confirmed not to hesitate.

              -    This verse is supported by 3:60, 7:2, 10:94, to proof that 2:147 is talking about Al Quran.


      10.    The verse of 2:148 is supported by 5:48 to proof that those verses are talking about Al Quran.

               -  The main idea of these verses are for the believers at the time of Muhammad, because
                  The believers from people of the scripture were still allowed to use their scripture at the time Al Quran was revealed, as Al
                  Quran was sent down piece by piece (5:43-48, 5:66, 5:68, 2:113, 3:113).

               -  Same thing for believers were allowed to marry the woman from the previous scriptures, only valid at the time Al Quran was
                  revealed (5:5). Today no longer valid, because all religion are polytheist (30:31-32).


               -  Once Al Quran had completed as a Holy Book, Torah and Gospel no more valid, because Al Quran is the fulfilment of The
                  Covenant that bound "bani israel" (7:156-158).

               -   Torah, Gospel, and Al Quran is 100% the same scriptures, devil from jenny and human made them 100% looks not the same
                    (3:93, 9:111, 48:29).


              -     Torah and Gospel had been written by the people of the scriptures at the time Muhammad came (6:91), while Al Quran was
                  sent down written on paper (6:7) complete with the punctuation (16:103), written by the Angles (68:1, 80:15), as Muhammad is
                  well educated (44:14).

              o   Anyone can memorize Al Quran, but no one will be able to rewrite it complete with the punctuation.


               -       That is why only Al Quran can be maintained the original scripts, because the era has been ready (15:9).


Notes:


1.   The word of "wijhatun" in 2:149 is explained in 5:48 as "syir'atan minhajan", and it's nothing to do with a direction.


2.   The statement of "God will bring you all together" is simply for Judgment, and nothing to do with AMAH, and God Powerful to do that.
        Many verses talk the same thing (3:9, 3:25, 6:12, 6:128, 10:28, 34:40, 58:6).

3.   AMAH had been annihilated, because God have fulfilled His Covenant to "bani israel" by sending Muhammad with Al Quran for the
        world (7:156-158).



o   Muhammad had warned his people about calamities, just like the calamities which destroyed *"ad"* and *"tsamud"* (41:13, 14:44).

o   Muhammad begged in order for God to hasten the punishment that was promised to his people, but God rebuked him, because it
        must be happened at the appointed time (46:35, 6:35, 16:1, 19:84, 3:128, 13:40).


o   Just like what happened to the previous peoples to whom were the messengers were sent to, people of Muhammad had been
        annihilated, because God's systems never changed (40:84-85, 35:43, 10:46-47).

11.   The verse of 2:149 – 150

1.   Those verses are ordered to Muhammad and the believers at the time of Muhammad.


2.   Those verses are ordered to them to be part of the inhabitant of AMAH, because they were bound with The Covenant.


3.   No one would argue them because it is the truth from God, except the transgressor among the disbelievers, and this verse was
        supported by other verses for the same thing (3:175, 5:3).


I have read your article, and the way you do is like ones digging for treasure that never exist. I am sorry to say so.

AMAH and Ka'bah and others in Al Quran are just a scripture language on how God explaining His Revelations, and that is what I call a "code". "israel" and "bani Israel" is just exist in the scripture, but previous people created nation and named themselves till today as Israel.

People in the past created AMAH and Ka'bah in Mecca, because they knew that future people will think the same way you think, and you will have no choice but accept what they have created for you.


God has taken into account every single thing, so that is why He uses scripture language in His scriptures, to avoid previous people deceived future people.

Sorry for my bad English, but hope you understand.

[jkhan]

Salama Everyone...

19:18 She (Maryam) said, "Indeed, I seek refuge in (Ar Rahman) the Most Merciful from you, if you should be fearing of Allah."
27:30 Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,(Bislmillahi Arrahman Arraheem)

Above two verses are not at all relevant to Al Masjid Al Haram... But the reason I brought here to make a statement. In above two verses two manifest and well-known words and phrases as you can see...
But these two were spoken Maryam and Sulaiman respectively. Most probably they were believing Jews. So Jews have their own language and that is not Arabic unless one is Arabic Jew.. But we cannot expect Maryam and Sulaiman to be Arabs unless anyone claims so with evidence...
But the point, Marayam said She seek refuge in AR RAHMAN... Did she really say AR RAHMAN or she uttered in her mother tongue which is identical to to AR RAHMAN in Arabic...
Similarly Did Sulaiman in fact write BISMILLAHIR RAHAMANIR RAHEEM? Or He wrote what is identical to the phrase in his own language...
That's why I say AL MASJID AL HARAM is a name in Arabic to a SANCTUARY which already existed and that is well known as RESTRICTED... so no one changed the name but they called in their mother tong what it deserved...

That's my understanding... and i am satisfied with it unless anyone brings with tangible research to claim otherwise..
thank you..

[ade_cool]

Salam Ajinomoto,

The key word of 2:142 is "the fools ones".

If qibla means prayer direction, then the fools one will not ask on "why" the direction was changed, the smart one will do.

2:142 is not talking about changes of prayer direction, but changes of mindset.

To God belongs the light and the darkness, He guides whom He wills to the right path.

No where in Al Quran that God guides people to the west or to the east.

Checking the meaning from Project Root List:
Qaf-Ba-Lam = to accept/admit/receive/agree, meet anyone, to face/encounter someone/something, advance/approach, correspond, counteract/compare/requite/compensate, the front part (12:26), accept with approval, show favour.

In the context of 2:142, I would translate Qiblat as conviction as it corresponds to acceptance or reception.

So I agree with you that 2:142 is talking about the change of conviction and not the change of direction of prayer.

[2:142] The foolish from among the people will say: "What  has turned them away from the conviction that they were on?" Say: "To God is the east and the west, He guides whomsoever  He wishes to a straight  path."

People of Muhammad is an idol worshiper (three deities), Jewish and Christian, and the next verse (2:143) confirmed that God let them go astray with their wrong mindset, but He appointed Muhammad as a messenger among them with the right mindset, for God to make evident who follow the messenger and who denied him. It is very difficult to change the mindset but not for those who are guided by God.

[2:143] And as such, We have made you a balanced  nation  so that  you may  be witness  over the  people,  and  that  the  messenger  may be witness over you. And We did not make the conviction  that you came on except that We may know who is following the messenger from those who will turn on their heels. It was a great thing  indeed  except for those whom God had guided;  God was not to waste your belief. God is Merciful and Compassionate over the people.


Change of direction of prayer while everything else remains the same is a trivial thing (for example from a cuboid in one city to a cuboid in another city) and not a great thing. In contrast, change of conviction is a great thing (you can lose your family, you can lose your friends, become extreme minority, etc) and perhaps many people stay in their current belief due to "peer pressure".

The next verse (2:144), God gives Muhammad right mindset by being a part of the inhabitant of "the blessed land which they are bound with the covenant", as Al Quran is part of the covenant that bound "bani Israel". People of the previous scriptures know well that Al Quran is the truth from God.

Checking from Project Root List:
Ra-Dad-Ya/Waw = he was pleased/content/satisfied with him; regarded him with good will or favour or liked or approved him, choose/prefer, consent to, agreeable/acceptable, loved it, liked it, inclined to it, had a desire for it. ridzwanun - grace, acceptance, favour, that which is pleasing.
One who is responsible, accountable, or answerable, loving; a lover; or a friend, obeying, or obedient.

Waw-Jiim-ha = to face/encounter/confront, face, will, course/purpose/object one is pursuing, place/direction one is going/looking, way of a thing, consideration/regard.

[2:144] Indeed, We see your purpose/consideration shifting in the heaven; so We will surely turn you to a conviction that you will be pleased/satisfied/agreeable with it: so turn your purpose/consideration in the direction (of) Al Masjid Al Haram and wherever that you are so turn your purposes/considerations in its direction and indeed those who have been given the Book know that it is the truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what they do.

Wherever we are in our conviction, the command is to always turn our purposes/considerations in the direction of Al Masjid Al Haram.

The next verse (2:145), most of the people of the previous scriptures will not follow Al Quran, and Muhammad was ordered not to follow their mindset.

[2:145] And if you come to those  who have been given the Book with every sign  they  will not  follow your conviction,  nor  will you follow their conviction,  nor will some of them even follow each others conviction. And if you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that  has come to you, then  you would be one of the wicked.
[2:146] Those to whom We have given the Book know it as they know their own children; and a group of them hides the truth while they know.


Those who have been given the Book have different convictions. Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, etc do not follow each others' conviction. And those whom God has given the Book know this very well like they know their own children.

Next verse (2:146-148), the people of the previous scriptures know the truth in Al Quran, as they know well their own children. is true from God, but a group of them hide the truth, while they know.

[2:147] The truth is from your Lord, so do not be one of those who doubt.
[2:148] And for each is a direction he turns towards it, so race (toward) the good. Wherever you may be, God will bring you  all together. God is capable of all things.

Next verse (2:149-150), Muhammad and the believers were order to be apart of the inhabitant of "the blessed land which they are bound with the covenant", which is to follow what God revealed to them (Al Quran).

[2:149] And from wherever you go out so turn your purpose/consideration in the direction (of) Al Masjid Al Haram, and indeed it is surely the truth from your Lord, and God is not unaware of what you do.
[2:150] And from wherever you go out so turn your purpose/consideration in the direction (of) Al Masjid Al Haram and wherever that you are so turn your purposes/considerations in its direction so that not will be for the people against you debate, except those who are wicked among them. So do not fear them, but fear Me and that I may complete My favour upon you and so that you may be guided.


People can come from different background (Sunni, Shia, Ibadhi, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Jews, Buddha, etc). From wherever we are, the command is to always turn our faces in the direction of Al Masjid Al Haram.

Al Masjid Al Haram = The Inviolable Institution/Time of Sujud, itself is a common name. It can refer to different thing in different verses depending on the context. In the context of 2:142-2:150, it is being linked to straight path (2:142).

Some verses on straight path:
[6:151] Say: "Come let me recite what your Lord has forbidden for you: that you should not set up anything with Him; and do good to  your parents; and do not kill your children for fear of poverty, We  provide for you and for them; and do not come near immorality,  what is public of it and private; and do not kill the life, as God has  forbidden this, except in justice. That is what He enjoined you  that you may comprehend."
[6:152] "And do not come near the money of the orphan, except for what is best, until he reaches his independence; and give honestly full  measure and weight equitably. We do not burden a soul except  with what it can bear, and if you speak then be just even if against  a relative; and regarding the pledges made to God, you shall  observe them. This He has enjoined you that you may remember."
[6:153] And this is My path, a straight one. "So follow it, and do not follow the other paths lest they divert you from His path. That is  what He has enjoined you to that you may be righteous."


Let me give illustration:
Let's say A's current religion allows him to kill innocent people. If A is turning his consideration toward AMAH, he will realize that something is wrong with his current religion (as it violates the inviolable institution of Sujud) and if A follows God's guidance he will change his conviction.

Let's say B's current religion allows him to commit adultery. If B is turning his consideration toward AMAH, he will realize that something is wrong with his current religion (as it violates the inviolable institution of Sujud) and if B follows God's guidance he will change his conviction. 

Let's say C's current religion says that God has partners. If C is turning his consideration toward AMAH, he will realize that something is wrong with his current religion (as it violates the inviolable institution of Sujud) and if C follows God's guidance he will change his conviction.

As long as we turn our considerations toward AMAH, then people will have no debate against us except for the wicked ones. In our examples:
- people will have no room to debate that it is OK to kill innocent people (anyone who argues it is OK to kill innocent people must be wicked one)
- people will have no room to debate that it is OK to commit adultery (anyone who argues it is OK to commit adultery must be wicked one)
- people will have no room to debate that God has partners (anyone who argues God has partners must be wicked one)

Physical prostrating needs an object, while God is not an object. That is why idol worshiper need something for them to physical prostrate that could be anything, and one of it is "qibla".

"qibla" as a direction of prayer is a trick of devil. "qibla" is just a casing but what is in it is black cube stone. Don't you all realize it??

Good observation brother!




Wassalam,

[Wakas]

peace ade,

Please see:
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/qiblah.html

And:
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9611722.msg437222#msg437222

[ade_cool]

Salam Wakas,

peace ade,

Please see:
https://mypercept.co.uk/articles/qiblah.html

Let me try to explain my understanding and hopefully it can clarify that the understanding is able to address the problems pointed out in the article. The color red and green are intended to match the ones in the article.

To give illustration, let's have an example of X who was Sunni and Y who was Christian. Both X dan Y are turning to God alone.

[2:142] The foolish from among the people will say: "What has turned them away from the conviction that they were on it?" Say: "To God is the east and the west, He guides whomsoever  He wishes to a straight  path."

X changed his conviction from Quran + sahih hadith books to Quran. The foolish among Sunni people will ask: "what has turned X away from believing in sahih hadith books to Quran alone?".

Y changed his conviction from believing that Jesus is God to Jesus is just God's messenger. The foolish among Christian people will ask: "what has turned Y away from believing Jesus as God to believing Jesus as God's messenger?"

[2:143] And as such, We have made you a balanced  nation  so that  you may  be witness  over the  people,  and  that  the  messenger  may be witness over you. And We did not make the conviction that you were on it except that We may know who is following the messenger from those who will turn on their heels. It was a great thing except for those whom God had guided;  God was not to waste your belief. God is Merciful and Compassionate over the people.

In 2:143, Quran reveals the reason why people were put on the wrong conviction to begin with. And this is so that God knows who is following messenger and who is not. In our illustration, X and Y are following messenger as they changes their conviction. Those among Sunni people who don't follow messenger will stay Sunni and those among Christian people who don't follow messenger will stay as Christian. Additional observation, it is interesting to note that "you" and "the messenger" are mentioned in the same verse.

[2:144] Indeed, We see your purpose/consideration shifting in the heaven; so We surely will turn you to a conviction that you will be pleased/satisfied/agreeable with it: so turn your purpose/consideration in the direction (of) Al Masjid Al Haram and wherever that you are so turn your purposes/considerations in its direction and indeed those who have been given the Book know that it is the truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what they do.

Verse 2:144 is the continuation. In case of X, he might be still performing 5 times per day ritual as this is what he inherited from Sunni belief but at the same time X is not so pleased/satisfied/agreeable anymore to this as in Quran there is no detail that supports what he is still performing. X is searching for answer/way/resolution. In case of Y, he might be still coming to church every Sunday as this is what he inherited from Christian belief but at the same time Y is not so pleased/satisfied/agreeable anymore to this. Y is searching for answer/way/resolution. Wherever you are at your current conviction, we are commanded by God to turn our faces to AMAH. By turning our faces to AMAH, God will guide us (if one's belief violates AMAH, then the belief is wrong and need to continue to find answer).

In the context of the verses, AMAH is linked to straight path.

Some verses on the straight path:
[6:151] Say: "Come let me recite what your Lord has forbidden for you: that you should not set up anything with Him; and do good to  your parents; and do not kill your children for fear of poverty, We  provide for you and for them; and do not come near immorality,  what is public of it and private; and do not kill the life, as God has  forbidden this, except in justice. That is what He enjoined you  that you may comprehend."
[6:152] "And do not come near the money of the orphan, except for what is best, until he reaches his independence; and give honestly full  measure and weight equitably. We do not burden a soul except  with what it can bear, and if you speak then be just even if against  a relative; and regarding the pledges made to God, you shall  observe them. This He has enjoined you that you may remember."
[6:153] And this is My path, a straight one. "So follow it, and do not follow the other paths lest they divert you from His path. That is  what He has enjoined you to that you may be righteous."

Back to our illustration of X and Y, previous belief of X and Y violates "that you should not set up anything with Him" and God is guiding both of them so they change their conviction.


Wassalam

[Wakas]

peace ade,

Sorry I still don't follow. Can you tell us for the prophet and his followers what was the "first" qiblah which was changed to AMAH (which you liken to "the straight path"). Until this is clarified I do not see how your take on it makes sense.

[jkhan]

Salam..

Let me rejuvenate this topic as jt is very much under discussed but some of the researches here are overwhelming.. But only who has knowledge will perceive...
But I do appreciate good research with very point oriented comments on this  ..

But one thing absolutely sure... Salat has no Qibla and Qibla is not at all direction for Salat... But these set of verses 2:142-150 is much undervalued with direction for prayer while these verses are connected from Ibrahim's story itself from earlier verses...

So logical and profound replies to learn for those who still not clear by these verses of 2:142-150 is welcome and in fact commendable...

[jkhan]

@ Ajinomoto,  Waqas,  Ade,

Salam all..

For me very interesting  what all of you wrote... For me the main reason tfor he statement of "Fools " is below verse...

2:136 "Say,  "We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."

That's why why they fools asked why turned them from their Qibla on which they they were.. Here yes.. All of you three perhaps right giving the meaning to Qibla ad you said..
The verse 2:136 is not easy except only to those guided...

Similar verse in 3:84 ..very identical.. And the very next verse 3:85 states.. "And whoever seeks other than Surrendering /Submission (Islam ) as Deen / system - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers."

So...  The essence of 2:136 and 3:84 are in fact Islam... And that is real Qibla which was exposed...  Now one would ask then what is AL masjid AL haram connected with these verses 2:142-150.. Yes.. AMAH may have different aspects in different verses.. But much welcome strong brickbats so that we learn within Quran the truth...

One of the option for AMAH is same verse 2:136 in which one unassailable or inviolable acceptance is constituted that every believer has to accept and it will be hard except to true believers as God says.. So.. Ibrahim was intentionally chosen as leader to humanity and that is the path to follow...