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"What has turned them (Muslims) from their Qiblah [prayer direction (towards Jerusalem)] to which they were used to face in prayer." Say, (O Muhammad ) "To Allh belong both, east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a Straight Way."

143. Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islmic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad ) be a witness over you. And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad ) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allh guided. And Allh would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allh is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.

144. Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's ) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Harm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allh is not unaware of what they do.

145. And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allh), then indeed you will be one of the Zlimn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.).

146. Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recongise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it - [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad which are written in the Taurt (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)].

147. (This is) the truth from your Lord. So be you not one of those who doubt.

148. For every nation there is a direction to which they face (in their prayers). So hasten towards all that is good. Wheresoever you may be, Allh will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allh is Able to do all things.

149. And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harm (at Makkah), that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allh is not unaware of what you do.

150. And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harm (at Makkah), and wheresoever you are, turn your faces towards, it (when you pray) so that men may have no argument against you except those of them that are wrong-doers, so fear them not, but fear Me! - And so that I may complete My Blessings on you and that you may be guided.

151. Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you) We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad ) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses (the Qur'n) and sanctifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'n) and the Hikmah (i.e. Sunnah, Islmic laws and Fiqh - jurisprudence), and teaching you that which you used not to know.

152. Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.

153. O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salt (the prayer). Truly! Allh is with As-Sbirin (the patient ones, etc.).

154. And say not of those who are killed in the Way of Allh, "They are dead." Nay, they are living, but you 
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