Deviated Qibla?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:

I have read a fatwa stating that one is allowed to face up to 45 degrees deviant of the qibla in salaah. However, is this only if it is done unintentionally or can one intentionally face a deviant direction? If the qibla at our local musallah is off by about 41 degrees so as to face parallel to the front wall for convenience, would this be acceptable?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

I asked Shaykh Mahmoud Usmani about this: It is valid, but blameworthy. You should continue to pray there, but encourage them to face the qibla itself.

For details about the qibla in North America, please check Shaykh Nuh Keller's Port in a Storm: A Fiqh Solution to the North American Qibla.

Wassalam,
Faraz

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