What is the ruling for a Mujtahid (independent jurist) who begins prayer based on their Ijtihad (independent reasoning) and then realizes they erred in the direction of prayer (Qibla)?
Chapter on Facing the Qiblah
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The Mujtahid must continue the prayer based on what they have already completed, as it is more appropriate to rely on their own subsequent Ijtihad rather than the Ijtihad of another. If the Mujtahid then turns toward the correct direction, their prayer is invalidated. However, if a reliable informant, certain of the error, informs the praying person, they must return to the correct direction. If the informant relies on their own Ijtihad, no return is required, adhering to the principle established.
Supporting text
If the Mujtahid, while praying based on Ijtihad, is informed of their error based on certain knowledge, they must return to the correct direction. If the informing party relies on their own Ijtihad, there is no obligation to follow their correction.