Is it permissible to face the Qibla while relieving oneself in the open desert?
Chapter on Cleaning oneself (Istitabah) and Impurity (Hadath)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Facing the Qibla while relieving oneself in the open is forbidden, according to the majority of scholars, based on the hadith of Abu Ayyub where the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded: 'When one of you comes to relieve himself, he should neither face the Qibla nor turn his back to it, but rather face east or west.' This prohibition is established by sound hadiths.
Supporting text
There is a report from Jabir indicating permission to face the Qibla, which some consider evidence of abrogation. However, the prohibitive hadiths are sounder and are reconciled by interpreting the permission as pertaining to a structure or when shielded. Additionally, regarding structures, there are two views: one holding it is still impermissible due to the general prohibition, and the second holding it is permissible based on the practice of Ibn Umar and Al-Abbas, and supported by the sound hadith of Aisha where the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicated acceptance of facing the Qibla with the rear end in structures.