The term "Keblah," also spelled "Qibla," refers to the direction of prayer towards Mecca in Islam. The spelling of this word is based on its Arabic origin and is pronounced /ˈkɪblə/. The "k" sound in Keblah is pronounced with the back of the tongue against the soft palate, followed by a short "i" sound pronounced in the middle of the mouth, and an "a" sound pronounced with an open mouth. The final "h" is silent, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Keblah (also spelled Qibla or Qiblah) refers to the direction that Muslims around the world face during their prayers. Specifically, it is the point towards which Muslims turn their faces to perform the ritual prayer known as salah or salat. The term "keblah" is derived from the Arabic word "qibla," which means "direction."
The keblah plays a significant role in Islamic worship, as it symbolizes the unity of Muslims worldwide, irrespective of their physical location. The keblah points towards the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba is believed to be the first house of worship built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ismail and is considered the center of the Islamic universe.
To determine the keblah, Muslims use various methods, including visual alignment with landmarks or the use of compasses. The direction of the keblah may vary depending on geographical location, requiring Muslims in different regions to face different directions during their prayers.
The keblah holds immense religious and spiritual significance for Muslims, as it symbolizes their devotion, submission, and connection to Allah, the Islamic deity. It serves as a unifying force, promoting a sense of community and belonging among Muslims from diverse backgrounds worldwide. The concept of keblah is deeply ingrained in Islamic religious practices and reflects the centrality of the Kaaba as a key element in the faith.
The point towards which a Mohammedan turns his face in prayer, being the direction of the temple at Mecca.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Keblah" originated from Arabic, specifically from the term "qibla" (قِبْلَة). In Arabic, "qibla" is derived from the root word "qabala" (قَبَلَ), which means "to face" or "to turn towards". "Qibla" is used to refer to the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims face towards the Kaaba during their prayers, so the term "keblah" became an English transliteration and is sometimes used to describe the direction Muslims face when praying.