What is the ruling regarding a niche whose association (Muslim or otherwise) is unknown?

Chapter on Facing the Qiblah

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 4

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a niche is found whose association is unknown, one must use independent legal reasoning (Ijtihad) and disregard the niche. This is because using a niche for determining the Qibla is permissible only for the niches of Muslims, and the presence of a Muslim niche cannot be assumed.