What does qibla mean?
A qibla is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, the sacred site toward which Muslims face during ritual prayer. Its direction changes with the observer's location, so it is not a fixed compass bearing for everyone. Mosques commonly orient their prayer halls toward the qibla, often marking that direction with a mihrab, a niche in the wall. The word is also used more broadly when discussing Islamic prayer, religious architecture, and navigation. Although it has a specialized religious meaning, the concept is geographically universal: from any point on Earth, the qibla points toward the same destination. The term comes from Arabic, where it denotes the direction or face toward which a person turns.
nounThe direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, toward which Muslims face during prayer. The qibla varies according to a worshipper's location on Earth.
- The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, toward which Muslims face during prayer.
"The mosque was designed so that worshippers could face the qibla from every part of the prayer hall."
"Travelers used the stars and the sun to determine the qibla."
"The prayer hall's orientation toward the qibla is marked by a mihrab."
Plural forms are uncommon because the word normally refers to a single directional concept.
"The maps show the qiblas from several cities."
From anywhere on Earth, a qibla is a direction that points toward the same place: Mecca.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does qibla come from?
The word comes from Arabic qibla, meaning “direction” or “the direction faced,” ultimately associated with the Arabic root q-b-l, relating to facing or turning toward. English borrowed it in the context of Islamic prayer. Related Arabic forms include qābala, meaning to face or meet, and qābil, meaning acceptable or pleasing.
Related word forms
How qibla is actually used
The term is chiefly used in Islamic contexts and is often discussed in connection with prayer, mosques, and religious orientation.
Easily confused with qibla
Kiblah is a variant spelling of qibla; both refer to the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.