kiblah

[kib-luh]

noun Islam.

qibla.

Also keblah, kib·la.

Origin of kiblah

First recorded in 1730–40, kiblah is from the Arabic word qiblah

qibla

or qib·lah

[kib-luh]

noun Islam.

the point toward which Muslims turn to pray, especially the Kaʿba, or House of God, at Mecca.

Often kib·la, kib·lah.

Origin of qibla

From the Arabic word qiblah

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for kibla

Historical Examples of kibla

He described the visit of the French pilgrims to this spot—their Kibla—as most affecting.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction
Various
The sheik squats in the kibla or niche, and we sit on chairs ranged round the wall.
Forty Thousand Miles Over Land and Water
Lady (Ethel Gwendoline [Moffatt]) Vincent
The Kibla in this mosque is a picturesque domed structure higher than the rest of the building.
Architecture
Thomas Roger Smith

British Dictionary definitions for kibla

qibla

noun

a variant of kiblah

kiblah

kibla

noun

Islam the direction of Mecca, to which Muslims turn in prayer, indicated in mosques by a niche (mihrab) in the wall

Word Origin for kiblah

C18: from Arabic qíblah that which is placed opposite; related to qabala to be opposite

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