kibla
KEE-blah
How to say it
SwahilikiblaKEE-blah
Frenchqibla, direction de la prière
Meaning
In Islam, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer. In a mosque it is marked by a niche in the wall.
Good to know
Used with kuelekea, to face: kuelekea kibla. It may take ki/vi agreement (kibla cha msikiti). From Arabic; also spelled kibula.
Examples
- Waumini walisimama wakielekea kibla wakati wa sala.The worshippers stood facing the qibla during prayer.
- Mafundi walijenga msikiti mpya ukielekea kibla.The builders put up the new mosque facing the qibla.
- Imamu aliwaonyesha wageni kibla.The imam showed the visitors the direction of prayer.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.