02-07-2007, 04:34 AM
Bismillah:
Quote:On a serious note, what's the significance of facing Mecca? You're praying to Allah & you noted recently that Allah transcends time & place & we can't "locate" Him on earth!
Mecca where the Kaaba located which is our <b>Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers</b>. For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah, it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. <b>In order to unite Muslims in their worship </b> <b>of the One True God</b>, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka'ba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Ka'ba they face the west.
However, the Ka’ba is very important because of its location, it is exactly located under <i>Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur </i> (The much-frequented Fane), and identical to it in the seventh heaven. We perform tawaf on earth, and right above us, the angels perform tawaf around Al-Bayt al-Ma'mur, <b>and above them both is Allah’s throne</b>. You have to feel it when you go to Makkah; Insh a Allah.
Quote:It is obligatory on every Muslim except women, children... and travelers. They can pray Friday but it is not obligatory on them.
Any particular reason why they're not obliged (excluding the seriously ill)?
For women the Prophet said that the best place for them to pray is their home, and the best place in their home to pray is their room, but they are totally free to perform prayers in the mosque if they wish. For children they may go and perform prayer but since they are still children prayers are not made obligatory on them unless they pass the age of 10.
And God knows best.
I hope my sisters and brothers correct me if am worng.
Salam
Wael.