Intro: Historical Origins

Understanding the meaning and origins of prayer orientations in the Abrahamic faiths requires us to dive into the earliest traditions, following the directions of the Holy Scriptures, and analyzing historical traditional practices. Judaism, Christianity and Islam have their own set of customs and textual references associated with the direction in which the faithful should turn during prayers.

At Abrahamic Study Hall (ASH), we highly value and respect each tradition and opinion of thought, yet while acknowledging the depth of each belief within our different communities, we argue most emphatically that the essence of prayer transcends one’s orientation.
Delving into the roots of our traditions and understanding the origins of our faiths undoubtedly enriches the Soul and the mind. However, it is imperative to remember that the first priority is to address our prayers to the Creator, with genuine sincerity and humility. The heart with which we pray takes precedence over the direction in which we turn. Although the direction in prayer has its theological and spiritual weight, it must always remain a supplement, and never overshadow the spirit of our devotion.

Jewish direction: Jerusalem

In the Jewish faith, the practice of turning toward Jerusalem, particularly the site of the Holy Temple (Bet HaMikdash), during prayer is deeply rooted in tradition. The Book of Kings quotes Solomon’s prayer:

“… let your eyes be open night and day to this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ to hear the prayer that your servant addresses to this place” (1 Kings 8:29).

This verse indicates the central role that the Temple in Jerusalem plays in Jewish worship. Even after its destruction, Jews in the Diaspora prayed facing Jerusalem, signifying their connection to the land and their hope for the eventual rebuilding of the Temple.

The significance of Jerusalem, particularly the Temple Mount, within the Jewish faith is immense. This importance is reflected in the ritual practices, scriptures and historical events associated with this holy city. When understanding the direction of Jewish prayer, one cannot overlook the deep spiritual, cultural and historical connection that Jerusalem represents for the Jewish people.

Biblical Foundations

The connection between Jerusalem and Jewish prayer can be traced back to biblical times.King Solomon, who built the First Temple in Jerusalem, made a profound invocation during its dedication:”…that your eyes may be opened to this Temple night and day, to the place that you said, ‘There shall be my name,’ that you may hear the prayer that your servant addresses to this place” (1 Kings 8:29).

This reference establishes Jerusalem, particularly the Temple, as the focal point of Jewish worship and prayer.

Historical Continuity

Throughout time, even as the Jewish people faced exile, persecution, and the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the tradition of turning to Jerusalem continued.During the Babylonian exile, the prophet Daniel is described praying toward Jerusalem:”When Daniel heard that the scripture had been signed, he returned home. And in his upper room, with the windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down three times that day and prayed and gave thanks to his God, as was his custom from the first days” (Daniel 6:10).

This gesture by Daniel, despite being in a foreign land, symbolized the eternal connection and hope of returning to Jerusalem.

Modern practices

Today, wherever in the world a Jew is, he will try to determine the direction of Jerusalem for his prayers.Synagogues are traditionally built with the Aron Kodesh (the Holy Ark where the Torah scrolls are kept) facing Jerusalem to ensure that worshippers pray in that direction. This practice serves as a daily reminder of the Jewish connection to the Holy Land, the desire for the coming of the Messiah and the hope for the rebuilding of the Temple.

Spiritual and cultural significance

The phrase “Next year in Jerusalem” is traditionally recited at the end of the Passover Seder and Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This reflects the deep longing that has been embedded in the Jewish psyche for millennia. Jerusalem is more than a city or a historical site: it represents the spiritual heart of the Jewish people, its divine connection and the culmination of its historical journey.The act of addressing Jerusalem during prayer is therefore more than just ritual. It encapsulates the collective memory, hopes and aspirations of the Jewish people, binding past, present and future generations in a shared spiritual bond.

Christian perspectives on the direction of prayer

Early Christian practices related to prayer direction were influenced by both Jewish traditions and emerging Christian beliefs. In many early Christian communities, especially in the East, there was a custom of praying facing east.The eastward orientation is seen symbolically as facing the “new Jerusalem” of the Book of Revelation and also as the direction from which Christ, the “Sun of Righteousness” spoken of in Malachi 4:2, will return.

“As the thunderbolt comes out of the east and shines as far as the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:27)

This eastward orientation has not been universally adopted, and over time various Christian denominations have developed their own traditions.

The rich tapestry of Christianity, woven over millennia, includes diverse traditions, rituals and beliefs.One aspect of this diversity is the direction of prayer. Although the importance of prayer direction in Christianity may seem less pronounced than in other Abrahamic faiths, it has symbolic and historical weight in several Christian denominations.

Spiritual and cultural significance

The phrase “Next year in Jerusalem” is traditionally recited at the end of the Passover Seder and Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This reflects the deep longing that has been embedded in the Jewish psyche for millennia. Jerusalem is more than a city or a historical site: it represents the spiritual heart of the Jewish people, its divine connection and the culmination of its historical journey.The act of addressing Jerusalem during prayer is therefore more than just ritual. It encapsulates the collective memory, hopes and aspirations of the Jewish people, binding past, present and future generations in a shared spiritual bond.Christian perspectives on the direction of prayer

Early Christian practices related to prayer direction were influenced by both Jewish traditions and emerging Christian beliefs. In many early Christian communities, especially in the East, there was a custom of praying facing east.The eastward orientation is seen symbolically as facing the “new Jerusalem” of the Book of Revelation and also as the direction from which Christ, the “Sun of Righteousness” spoken of in Malachi 4:2, will return.”As the thunderbolt comes out of the east and shines as far as the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:27)This eastward orientation has not been universally adopted, and over time various Christian denominations have developed their own traditions.

The rich tapestry of Christianity, woven over millennia, includes diverse traditions, rituals and beliefs.One aspect of this diversity is the direction of prayer. Although the importance of prayer direction in Christianity may seem less pronounced than in other Abrahamic faiths, it has symbolic and historical weight in several Christian denominations.

Historical context

Early Christians, living in the shadow of Jewish and Roman traditions, cultivated their own worship practices. Historically, many Christian communities adopted the practice of praying eastward. This eastward orientation has roots in early Christian writings and liturgical practices.

– Facing East: Meaning and Symbolism:

The tradition of turning prayer eastward is widespread in many ancient Christian denominations, particularly in Orthodox Christianity. Underlying this are several reasons:

1. Symbolism of Christ’s return: East is often associated with the second coming of Christ. As we read in the New Testament:
> “As the thunderbolt comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:27)

2. Resurrection and light: The east, where the sun rises, symbolizes Christ’s resurrection and the new light and hope he brought to the world. Turning to the east, Christians are reminded of the resurrection every morning.

3. Paradise lost and regained: The east also has symbolic value as the site of the Garden of Eden, representing humanity’s original state of innocence and its potential redemption through Christ.

– Variations between denominations:

Not all Christian denominations emphasize the direction of prayer. For example:

1. Roman Catholicism: Although some liturgical aspects, such as altar placement, may reflect an eastward orientation, the emphasis is more on communal gathering and Eucharistic celebration than on a specific direction of prayer.

2. Protestantism: Given the diversity of denominations, practices can vary widely. Some Protestant churches may maintain traditional church architecture with an eastward orientation, while others, especially modern evangelical and non-denominational churches, may not emphasize any particular direction.

3. Orthodox Christianity: Maintains a strong tradition of eastward prayer, as mentioned above.

The Qibla in Islam: Toward the Kaaba

For Muslims, the direction of prayer (Qibla) has deep meaning and is oriented toward the Kaaba in Mecca. The importance of the Qibla is rooted in the Qur’an:

“We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heavens, and we shall certainly turn you toward a Qibla with which you will be pleased. Therefore turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram.And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer].”
(Qur’an, 2:144)

Initially Muslims prayed facing Jerusalem, but this direction was later changed to Mecca after the above revelation.This change marked a significant event in the history of Islam, emphasizing the centrality of Mecca in Muslim worship and the unity of the Muslim community.

By exploring the scriptures and traditions of each Abrahamic faith, we can see the depth of meaning and scope associated with prayer orientations. These orientations are not simply ritual practices, but deeply symbolic gestures that connect believers to the history, beliefs and future aspirations of their faith.

Islam, one of the world’s major religions, bases its worship on deeply symbolic practices, prominent among which is the prayer direction, or Qibla, to the Kaaba in Mecca. This direction not only serves as a point of union for all Muslims, but also has deep spiritual and historical significance.

Historical context

Muslims believe that the Kaaba, often called the House of God (“Bait Allah”), was originally built by the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) and his son Ishmael.The city of Mecca, which houses the Kaaba, is of great importance as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of key events in Islamic history.

In the early years of Islam, Muslims prayed facing Jerusalem, a direction known as “First Qibla.” However, this changed after a Qur’anic revelation already mentioned (Qur’an, 2:144). Thus, following the revelation of this verse, the direction shifted toward the Kaaba, solidifying Mecca’s central role in Muslim worship.

The significance of the Kaaba

The Kaaba serves as a unifying focal point for Muslims. When they turn to pray to it, they are heading not only to a physical structure, but to a symbol of monotheism, unity and continuity of the Abrahamic tradition. The Kaaba is also the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage, a pillar of Islam that every Muslim should strive to make if he or she is physically and financially able.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#4476a2″ class=”” size=”16″]We have seen you turn your face, to the sky. Well, we will give you an orientation that will please you. Turn, therefore, toward the Holy Mosque. Wherever you are, turn your face in its direction. Certainly, those who have been given the Book know that this is the truth that comes from their Lord. Allah is not heedless of what you do.
Quran 2:144[/perfectpullquote]

Determination of the Qibla

In early Islam, determining the direction of the Qibla required geographical knowledge and observational skills. Today, thanks to technological advances, Muslims have access to tools such as compasses, mobile apps, and online platforms to accurately locate the Qibla from anywhere in the world.

However, it is important to note that although precision is sought, it is the intention (niyyah) that is crucial. If a person prays mistakenly in a slightly wrong direction, his prayer is still valid because of his sincere intention.

Difference from other religions

While many religions have specific guidelines for prayer, the Qibla is unique in its universal application. Regardless of where a Muslim is in the world, he or she faces the same point: the Kaaba. This creates a deep sense of unity and brotherhood among the global Muslim community. In contrast, other religions may have different centers or directions based on various factors, historical events or regional variations.

In conclusion, the Qibla is not just a direction for prayer, but a testimony to Islam’s unity, history and commitment to monotheism. It binds Muslims together in a shared act of worship, strengthening the community spirit and reminding them of the basic tenets of their faith.

Bibliography

• Lang, Uwe Michael (2009). Turning Towards the Lord: Orientation in Liturgical Prayer. Ignatius Press. pp. 36–37. ISBN 978-1-58617-341-8
• Kalleeny, Tony. “Why We Face the EAST”
• Arthur Serratelli (28 February 2017). “Praying Ad Orientem”. Catholic News Agency
• Almakky, Ghazy; Snyder, John (1996). “Calculating an Azimuth from One Location to Another A Case Study in Determining the Qibla to Makkah”. Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization.
• Bonine, Michael E. (1990). “The Sacred Direction and City Structure: A Preliminary Analysis of the Islamic Cities of Morocco”. Muqarnas.