The orientation of mosques is an important aspect of Islamic architecture and religious practice.
The mosques are oriented towards Mecca, which is considered the sacred place of Islam and the place where the Kaaba is located, a black cloth-covered structure that is considered the holiest site in Islam.
Where the mosques are oriented:
The orientation towards Mecca is known as qibla and is determined by using a compass or a mobile phone application that shows the direction towards Mecca.
Muslims pray towards the Kaaba during their daily prayers, so it is important that mosques face the right direction to facilitate this practice.
Furthermore, the orientation of the mosque is also important from the symbolic point of view.
What does the orientation of the mosque represent:
The orientation towards Mecca symbolizes the union of all Muslims in the world, regardless of where they are, in the practice of their faith.
It also represents the search for closeness to God and faith in divine guidance.
It is important to note that not all mosques are oriented towards Mecca exactly due to factors such as geographical location of the mosque and the topography of the land.
However, this does not prevent religious practice from being carried out in the mosque.
Use this tool to find the orientation to Mecca.
⚠️ Some important facts about the Kaaba
The Kaaba is a structure covered in black cloth found in the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.
It is believed to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael as a place of worship for God and has been revered by Muslims for centuries.
The Kaaba is the holiest place in Islam and is the point towards which all Muslims in the world must orient their prayers .
The Kaaba is also the center of the annual Muslim pilgrimage, known as the Hajj.
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj and make offerings to God at the Kaaba.
Historical changes to the Kaaba over time
Throughout history, the Kaaba has undergone several modifications and renovations.
During the time of Muhammad, important changes were made to the structure of the Kaaba, including the addition of sacred stones and the installation of a gate called the “Gate of Faith.”
In the 7th century, the Kaaba was looted and destroyed by a group of Persians, but was rebuilt and renovated by the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid I.
In the 18th century, the Kaaba was renovated again by the Saudi Sultan Abdulaziz, who also built the great mosque of Mecca around it.
Today, the Kaaba remains a sacred site and an important symbolism for Muslims around the world.
Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Mecca to perform the Hajj and make offerings to God at the Kaaba.