Change of qibla and leadership in religion for the nation of the master of the messengers (peace and blessings be upon him)

The foolish will now ask and say: "What has made the faithful turn away from the Qiblah towards which they used to pray?" Say: "To God belong the East and the West. He guides who so wills to the path that is straight."

We have made you a temperate people that you act as witness over man, and the Prophet as witness over you. We decreed the Qiblah which you faced before that We may know who follow the Apostle and who turn away in haste. And this was a hard (test) except for those who were guided by God. But God will not suffer your faith to go waste, for God is to men full of mercy and grace.

We have seen you turn your face to the heavens. We shall turn you to a Qiblah that will please you. So turn towards the Holy Mosque, and turn towards it wherever you be. And those who are recipients of the Book surely know that this is the truth from their Lord; and God is not negligent of all that you do.

Even though you bring all the proof to the people of the Book they will not face the direction you turn to, nor you theirs, nor will they follow each other's direction. And if you follow their whims after all the knowledge that has reached you, then surely you will be among transgressors.

Those to whom We have sent down the Book know this even as they know their sons. Yet a section among them conceals the truth knowingly.

The truth is from your Lord, so be not among those who are sceptics.

Each has a goal to which he turns. So strive towards piety and excel the others: God will bring you all together wheresoever you be. God has power over everything.

Wherever you come from turn towards the Holy Mosque: This in truth is from your Lord. God is not negligent of all you do.

Whichever place you come from turn towards the Holy Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your faces towards it so that people may have no cause for argument against you, except such among them as are wicked. But do not fear them, fear Me that I may accomplish My favours on you, and you may find the right way perchance.

Even as We sent a messenger from among you to convey Our messages to you and cleanse you, and teach you the Book and the wisdom, and what you did not know;

So, therefore, remember Me, and I shall remember you; and give thanks and do not be ungrateful.

O you who believe, seek courage in fortitude and prayer, for God is with those who are patient and persevere.

Do not say that those who are killed in the way of God, are dead, for indeed they are alive, even though you are not aware.

Be sure We shall try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and the fruits (of your labour); but give tidings of happiness to those who have patience,

Who say when assailed by adversity: "Surely we are for God, and to Him we shall return."

On such men are the blessings of God and His mercy, for they are indeed on the right path.

Truly Safa and Marwa are the symbols of God. Whoever goes on pilgrimage to the House (of God), or on a holy visit, is not guilty of wrong if he walk around them; and he who does good of his own accord will find appreciation with God who knows everything.

They who conceal Our signs and the guidance We have sent them and have made clear in the Book, are condemned of God and are condemned by those who are worthy of condemning.

But those who repent and reform and proclaim (the truth), are forgiven, for I am forgiving and merciful.

But those who deny, and die disbelieving, bear the condemnation of God and the angels and that of all men,

Under which they will live, and their suffering will neither decrease nor be respite for them.