"Wherever You Turn There Is the Face of Allah" — Prayer on a Mount

asbab Level: intermediate makki-events as-063

فَأَيۡنَمَا تُوَلُّواْ فَثَمَّ وَجۡهُ ٱللَّهِ

— البقرة 115

Verse: "Wherever you turn, there is the face of Allah." (2:115)

Occasion (Sahih): Muslim narrated from Ibn Umar: the Prophet ﷺ used to pray voluntary prayers on his mount wherever it faced, nodding toward east or west. This verse was then revealed.

Authenticity: Sahih (Muslim)

Fiqh benefit: Voluntary prayers on a mount during travel are permitted toward any direction; facing the qibla is not required for nafl prayers on an animal.

Source: Lubab Al-Nuqul by Al-Suyuti; Sahih Muslim

Question: What was the occasion of the verse "wherever you turn there is the face of Allah"?

Answer: The Prophet ﷺ praying voluntary prayers on his mount toward any direction — the verse was revealed permitting it.