What should be done if the rows are crooked?

Question

There is an old mosque in which the rows are laid somewhat crookedly, because its orientation is not correct. We need to know: is it necessary in the prayer [to face] the Ka'ba itself ('ayn al-qibla) or [is] the direction of the qibla (jihat al-qibla) [sufficient]? [It is said that] mosques [built] according to the poles are correct, and those that deviate slightly from this are incorrect. Are these Pole Stars a proof in the Sacred Law or not?

Answer

It is better to invite an experienced scholar ('alim) who is skilled in determining the qibla direction and have him inspect [the mosque], so as to [establish] whether this much discrepancy can be tolerated or not.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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