Qibla
The Qibla (Arabic: قبلة, "direction"), also transliterated as Qiblah, Qibleh, Kiblah, Kıble or Kibla, is the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays during salat. It is fixed as the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Most mosques contain a wall niche, known as mihrab, that indicates the Qiblah. Most multifaith prayer rooms will also contain a Qibla, although usually less standardized in appearance than one would find within a mosque.
Muslims all praying towards the same point is traditionally considered to symbolize the unity of the Ummah, or all Muslims worldwide, under Sharia (Law of God).
The Qiblah has importance beyond salaat and plays a part in various ceremonies. The head of an animal that is slaughtered using halal methods is usually aligned with the Qiblah. After death, Muslims are usually buried with the body at right angles to the Qibla and the face turned right towards the direction of the Qiblah. Thus, archaeology can indicate an Islamic necropolis if no other signs are present.
Qibla (group)
Qibla is a Shi'a and Sunni Muslim organisation in South Africa founded in the 1980s. The group is known for its fight against apartheid in the 80's and 90's, as well as for its continuing struggle for social, economic and political justice for all South Africans.
Qibla is one of the most well-established Muslim organizations in South Africa. Formed in 1980 by Imam Ahmed Kassim to lend a voice to Muslims who were disillusioned by the tendency of the then traditional leadership to "steer away from politics". Qibla's doctrine is drawn from the Quran and other sources.
Qibla is not the only group with which Ahmed Kassim is involved. In 1995, he was appointed chair of the Islamic Unity Convention (IUC), an umbrella organization for over 250 South African Muslim groups.
To spread its message, the IUC set up the Cape Town-based Radio 786. The station, which claimed 135,000 listeners in a 2000 survey, it presents programs focusing on social issues that concern the Muslim community as well as the broader public to South Africa's Muslims. The organisation also has two affiliated sister organisations working on charity and education respectively. Mustadhafin Foundation is reported to be the first relief agency to respond in areas affected by a nineties typhoon in Cape Town. This Qibla affiliated organisation is currently still offering support and relief services to various disenfranchised communities in South Africa. The other affiliated organisation known as Iqraa Foundation, is an education based agency also working among disenfranchised communities.
