What is the validity of prayer when the required means of determining Qibla are available but neglected?

Chapter on Facing the Qiblah

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 5 · Bab 4

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one finds someone to follow (Muqallid) or someone to inform them, but neglects to seek information or follow, or intentionally opposes the informant or the Mujtahid and prays, their prayer is invalid in all circumstances. Similarly, if a Mujtahid prays without exercising Ijtihad, or if their Ijtihad leads them to one direction but they pray facing another, their prayer is invalid in all circumstances, regardless of whether they were correct or incorrect, because they did not fulfill what was commanded, resembling someone who knows the Ka'bah but neglects facing it.