always been the Divine Law among the servants, as revealed in the Books.
Likewise consider the verse of "Kiblah."[1] After the Hegira of the Sun of Mohammedic Prophethood from the Day-spring of Bat'ha (Mecca) to Yathrib (Medina), He (Mohammed) turned toward Jerusalem at the time of prayer, until the Jews spake some unseemly words which are not fit to be mentioned in this place and will lead to prolongation. To be brief, Mohammed greatly distressed, was gazing toward the sky with the eye of reflection and perplexity. Then Gabriel descended and chanted the following verse: "We have seen thee turn thy face toward heaven, but we will cause thee to turn thyself toward a Kiblah which will please thee" (K. S. 2) . Another day he was engaged in the mid-day prayer with a number of his followers. They had performed the first two rak'ats (prostrations), when Gabriel descended and said: "Turn therefore thy face toward the Sacred Mosque (at Mecca)" (K. S. 2). During the prayer, His Holiness, turning away from Jerusalem, faced Ca'aba. Instantly such an agitation and excitement arose among the companions that a number of them discontinued the prayer and left Him.
This test was only for the trial of the servants; otherwise that Ideal King need not have changed the Kiblah but would have appointed Jerusalem even
- ↑ The direction toward which the face must be turned when praying.
