How is the requirement for facing the Qibla determined for those who cannot visually perceive the Ka'bah?
Chapter on Facing the Qiblah
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Those who are physically present in Mecca but unable to see the Ka'bah (e.g., due to a barrier) or those who originated there must strive to face its exact self with certainty. Similarly, those praying in the Prophet's Mosque must face its confirmed Qibla, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not affirm an error. The level of certainty required is categorized into four types. The second category requires relying on reports (Khabar) if one is in Mecca but outside sight, or in a city and informed by reliable sources regarding the direction of the local Mihrabs, as these are established by knowledgeable individuals, making reliance on them sufficient instead of independent judgment (Ijtihad). The third category requires independent judgment (Ijtihad) if the first two conditions are absent and the person possesses knowledge of the evidence. The fourth category, which includes the blind and those incapable of Ijtihad, requires following the judgment (Taqlid) of those capable of Ijtihad.
Supporting text
For the latter two categories (Ijtihad and Taqlid) and all others distant from Mecca, the obligation is to seek the general direction of the Ka'bah, not necessarily the exact point, according to Imam Ahmad and Abu Hanifa, who stated that the area between East and West is the Qibla if one deviates slightly, they should strive for the center without repeating the prayer.