Is it obligatory to face west or the Kaaba when praying, given that the direction of west does not align with the direction of the Kaaba at the questioner's location?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Facing the Qiblah is an individual obligation for one who can see the Kaaba. As for others, they should face its direction, based on the Almighty's saying: "And from wherever you depart, turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque; and wherever you may be, turn your faces toward it." Exceptions to this are the sick person who cannot turn, and in cases of extreme fear. Turning away from the Qiblah while being able to face it invalidates the obligatory prayer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/45032
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 45032
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy