Someone asked Imam Taqi (A.S): O son of Allah’s Messenger, why was Baitul Maqdas made the first Qibla?
His Eminence (A.S) replied: Allah Himself mentions the reason:
…and We did not make that which you would have to be the qiblah but that We might distinguish him who follows the Apostle from him who turns back upon his heels…
Simply: And we made Baitul Maqdas the Qibla, which you faced previously, to know who follows Our Messenger and who turns on both his heels (that is disobeys the Messenger). As we knew from before what would happen later.
Its story is that the Meccans preferred Kaaba, so Allah decided to see who follows His Eminence and who are against him. In such a way that in spite of their aversion, if they obey the orders of Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P), it would mean that they are obedient, otherwise they would have been his opponents. Whereas the people of Medina preferred Jerusalem. That is why, they were asked to oppose it and face the Kaaba, so that it may be known who in spite of his aversion follows the order of Muhammad. Thus one who does so, would be his supporter and obedient one. Thus Allah says:
…and this was surely hard except for those whom Allah has guided aright …
Simply: In spite of the fact that at that time it was difficult for them to face Baitul Maqdas; but those whom Allah guided were not in this condition.
This shows that Allah wants the people to obey Him even though they may have to act their own likes and wishes so that their obedience against selfish desires may be tested.
[Source: Tafseer-e-Askari, Sura Baqara, Verse 106-107]
source : sibtayn
