The Lajnah ad-Da’imah was asked the following question:

Question: 

What is the wisdom behind facing the honorable Ka`bah in Salah (Prayer)?

Answer: 

The wisdom behind this is perhaps that it is the Qiblah of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him), as mentioned regarding the event when the Ayah was revealed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had hoped to be ordered to face the Ka`bah during Salah instead of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Thus, Allah granted his wish. It might also be a refutation of the claim made by the Jews that we share their Qiblah. It may be for another reason and only Allah knows.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Excerpted from alifta.net.