English

KFGQPC HAFS

Mahmoud Khaleel Al-Husary

Ibn Kathir (Abridged)

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Dr. Mustafa Khattab

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. The companions were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on a dark night during a campaign. They did not recognize the prayer direction (qiblah), so each person made a mark in front of him and prayed. In the morning, they found that they had not prayed towards the qiblah. They mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, so Allah revealed this verse. [Narrated by ʿĀmir ibn Rabīʿah]
2. It was revealed concerning the person performing voluntary prayers (nawāfil), meaning: while traveling. [Ibn ʿUmar]
3. When Allah's verse "Call upon Me; I will respond to you" (40:60) was revealed, they asked, "In which direction?" so this verse was revealed. [Mujāhid]
4. When the Negus (Najāshī) died, the Prophet ﷺ instructed them to pray for him. They said that he did not pray towards the qiblah, so this verse was revealed. [Qatādah]

What is the context of revelation for this āyah?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It means that Allah is there, that is to say: His knowledge is with you wherever you are. [Ibn ʿAbbās, Muqātil]
2. It means the direction of prayer (qiblah) which Allah has provided. [ʿIkrimah, Mujāhid]

What is the meaning of "there is God's Face/Direction (*Wajh*)"?