None of the many Prophets sent down, since Moses was made
manifest, as Messengers of the Word of God, such as David, Jesus, and others
among the more exalted Manifestations who have appeared during the intervening
period between the Revelations of Moses and Muhammad, ever altered the law of
the Qiblih. These Messengers of the Lord of creation have, one and all,
directed their peoples to turn unto the same direction. In the eyes of God, the
ideal King, all the places of the earth are one and the same, excepting that
place which, in the days of His Manifestations, He doth appoint for a
particular purpose. Even as He hath revealed: “The East and West are God’s:
therefore whichever way ye turn, there is the face of God.” [Qur’án 2:115]
Notwithstanding the truth of these facts, why should the Qiblih have been
changed, thus casting such dismay amongst the people, causing the companions of
the Prophet to waver, and throwing so great a confusion into their midst? Yea,
such things as throw consternation into the hearts of all men come to pass only
that each soul may be tested by the touchstone of God, that the true may be
known and distinguished from the false. Thus hath He revealed after the breach
amongst the people: “We did not appoint that which Thou wouldst have to be the
Qiblih, but that We might know him who followeth the Apostle from him who
turneth on his heels.” [Qur’án 2:143] “Affrighted asses fleeing from a lion.”
[Qur’án 74:50]
(Baha'u'llah, 'The Kitab-i-Iqan')
