What is a kibla?

A kibla refers specifically to the direction that Muslims face during prayer, which is typically directed towards the Kaaba in Mecca, not Jerusalem. This orientation is significant in Islamic practice, signifying the unity of Muslims in their worship of Allah. The concept of facing a fixed point during prayer reinforces the idea of community and shared faith among practitioners of Islam across the globe.

The other options do not accurately define a kibla. The start of a pilgrimage pertains to the Hajj, which is a different religious obligation. A specific prayer ritual could refer to various aspects of Islamic prayer, but it does not denote the geographical orientation of the prayer itself. Lastly, while historical mosques are significant in Islamic history, they do not define the concept of a kibla, which is strictly about direction during prayer.