OCCASION OF REVELATION. (VERSE NO. 115)

      IBN-ABBASS said: This verse revealed about the change of QIBLA; when Muslims were commanded to turn their face in their prayer towards KABBA instead of the Temple in Jerusalem. When it happened so, the Jews objected saying; it is not possible to change QIBLA! Then the verse was sent down saying, wherever you turn your face there is the presence of Allah to whom belongs the East and the West

      The ARABIC ``WAJH'', literally means FACE, but as a physical face cannot be proved for Him, it was taken to mean His PRESENCE.

COMMENTS

      The preceding verse, mentioned of ruining the house of God, and the center of worship; by invading the freedom of worship in them; and now the same argument is continued saying: East and West belongs to God, and wherever you turn your face you will be face to face with Allah, because He is OMNIPRESENT and ALL-KNOWING. That is to say: God is not chained or bound in a private place, such as mosque or church in order to be worshipped therein only. No where is empty of the presence of the OMNIPRESENT; and wherever you look to, you will find HIM present there.