What is the correct tolerance for qiblah?
The correct tolerance for determining the qiblah, or direction of prayer, is a topic addressed in the hadith literature as well as in tafsir. According to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the area that lies between the east and the west is considered a valid qiblah. He stated: What is between the east and the west is a qiblah.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2:196 This indicates a broad allowance for the direction in which one can pray.
Furthermore, in the Shia tradition, it is noted that seeking to confirm the direction for the qiblah is always sufficient if the direction is unknown. Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) stated: Seeking to confirm the direction for the Qibla is always sufficient if the direction of the Qibla is unknown.
Al-Kafi 4:83 This implies that while there may be a general direction to aim for, the intention and effort to face the qiblah are what ultimately matter.
In summary, the tolerance for the qiblah direction allows for a range between east and west, and the emphasis is on the effort to face the qiblah rather than achieving an exact alignment.
Sources
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2:196
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 2, Hadith 196 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'That which lies between the east and the west is a qiblah.'
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Al-Kafi 4:83
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 83
The Imams are the deputies of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, on His earth. — OR — The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) said, "When a man sneezes, say 'Bless you,' even if he is from the other side of an island." And in another narration, "Even if he is from the other side of the sea." — OR — Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) said: Seeking to confirm the direction for the Qibla is always sufficient if the direction of the Qibla is unknown. — OR — I heard Abu Abdullah say: There is no harm in eating fish caught by the Zoroastrians. — OR — I asked: A man married a woman, but on the consummation night she brought in a close friend of hers and hid him in the bridal chamber. When the man entered to have intercourse with his wife, the friend rose up and fought him in the house. The husband killed the friend and then the woman rose and struck the husband, killing him along with the friend. He said: The woman is liable for the blood-money of the friend but she is to be killed for killing the husband.
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