What is the ruling on praying in two mosques in Algeria, one of which deviates from the Qibla by 32 degrees to the north, and the other by 43 degrees to the south? And can it be said that it is obligatory for mosques to face the Kaaba directly, given the advancement of science and the ease of determining the Qibla with programs like "Google Earth"?
The preponderant opinion is that a person far from the Kaaba is required to face its direction, not its exact location. A slight deviation from the direction of the Qibla does not invalidate the prayer, as long as a straight line can be drawn from the worshipper to the Kaaba. If the deviation is slight according to this criterion, the prayer is valid. However, it is preferable to correct the deviation in mosques. Facing the Qibla is a condition for the validity of prayer, due to Allah's saying: ﴿So turn your face toward Al-Masjid Al-Haram. And wherever you are, turn your faces toward it.﴾ A person far away is not required to face the exact location of the Kaaba, as that might be impossible, such as in a long row where its two ends cannot face the exact location of the Kaaba.
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