Surah Al-Baqarah 2:148

Every Nation has a Qiblah

Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said:

(For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers))

"This talks about followers of the various religions. Hence, every nation and tribe has its own Qiblah that they choose, while Allah's appointed Qiblah is what the believers face."

Abul-`Aliyah said, "The Jew has a direction to which he faces (in the prayer). The Christian has a direction to which he faces. Allah has guided you, O (Muslim) Ummah, to a Qiblah which is the true Qiblah." This statement was also related to Mujahid, `Ata' Ad-Dahhak, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, As-Suddi, and others.

This last Ayah is similar to what Allah said:

(To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so compete in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah.) (5:48)

In the Ayah (2:148), Allah said:

(Wheresoever you may be, Allah will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allah is able to do all things.) meaning: He is able to gather you from the earth even if your bodies and flesh disintegrated and scattered.

Setiap umat mempunyai kiblat masing-masing. Nabi Ibrahim dan Nabi Ismail a.s, menghadap ke Ka'bah. Bani Israil menghadap ke Baitulmakdis dan orang Nasrani menghadap ke timur, yang prinsip ialah beriman kepada Allah dan mematuhi segala perintah-Nya. Karena Allah telah memerintahkan agar kaum Muslimin menghadap ke Ka'bah dalam salat, maka fitnah dan cemoohan dari orang yang ingkar itu tidak perlu dilayani, tetapi hendaklah kaum Muslimin bekerja dengan giat, beramal, bertobat dan berlomba membuat kebajikan. Allah nanti akan menghimpun umat manusia untuk menghitung serta membalas segala amal perbuatannya, dan Allah Mahakuasa atas segala sesuatu; tidak ada yang dapat melemahkan-Nya untuk mengumpulkan semua manusia pada hari pembalasan.