Christian missionaries often shout out loud, 'Prostrating towards The Holy Kaaba is a pagan ritual!' However, it's clear they are unaware that this tradition is actually an ancient Abrahamic ritual. They clearly don't know the concept of Qibla. Well before delving into the concept of Qibla, let's explore some verses of the Bible.
Psalm 138:2 - "I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness."
Psalm 5:7 - "But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple."
Psalm clearly mentions bowing towards the Holy Temple just like Muslims bow towards the Holy Kaaba!
Daniel 6:10 (NIV) - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
This verse describes Daniel praying towards Jerusalem, which was the location of the holy temple in his time. It reflects a similar act of reverence and devotion as described in Psalm 5:7.
1 Kings 8:38-39 (NIV) - "and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple—then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart)."
This verse says the practice of spreading out hands toward the temple when making a prayer or plea.
1 Kings 8:44 (NIV) - "When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the Lord toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name,"
This verse, spoken by Solomon during the dedication of the First Temple, acknowledges the tradition of facing the chosen city (Jerusalem) and the temple during prayer.
So you can see bowing down towards something also exists in the Bible!
Now about the Qibla: In Islam, "Qibla" refers to the direction Muslims face during their prayers, specifically towards the Kaaba in Mecca. Just as mentioned in the Bible, prophets used to worship by bowing down to Al Aqsa or the Holy Temple. Muslims' first Qibla was also Al Aqsa, where they used to prostrate. Then it changed towards the Kaaba. It's not like worshiping the Holy Temple or the Kaaba, but only the direction of prayer for God Almighty.
Now compare Muslims' ritual of Prostrating with Prophets who are mentioned in the Bible:
1. Moses: Exodus 34:8 - "Moses quickly bowed low to the ground and worshiped."
2. Joshua: Joshua 5:14 - "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence."
3. Daniel: Daniel 6:10 - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
4. Abraham: Genesis 17:3 - "Abram fell facedown, and God said to him..."
5. Jesus: Matthew 26:39 - "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'"
Abraham Prayed like this!
Moses prayed like this!
Jesus prayed like this!
Muslims pray like this!
If you are wise, you certainly got your answer!
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