Is facing the Qibla a condition for the validity of prayer?

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Facing the Qibla is a mandatory condition for the validity of prayer, with the exception of two specific scenarios mentioned by Al-Khirqi. The primary evidence for this requirement is the verse: {And wherever you are, turn your face toward it} (Quran 2:144), where "toward it" (shatrhu) means near or facing it. Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, stated that "shatruhu" means facing it. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, initially prayed facing Jerusalem for sixteen months before being commanded to turn toward the Kaaba, a transition confirmed by the narration of Al-Bara, who reported the companions immediately turning toward the Kaaba when informed of the change. (Narrated by Al-Nasa'i).