The qibla is the Islamic prayer direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca.
Muslims face the qibla during the obligatory salat prayers and many other acts of worship. In a mosque, the direction is indicated by the mihrab, a niche in the prayer wall. Individual worshippers can use a compass, a phone application, local mosque guidance, or astronomical methods to determine the direction.
Early Muslims prayed toward Jerusalem, but Islamic tradition records a later change toward the Kaaba. This change is associated with Muhammad’s time in Medina and is commemorated in Islamic scripture and historical accounts. The qibla therefore has both practical and religious significance.
The qibla is a direction, not a single line that must be measured with perfect precision everywhere. Muslims in different parts of the world face different compass bearings while all orienting toward Mecca. Mihrab, minbar, and ihram are related terms but do not mean the prayer direction.