As long as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) lived in Makkah Mukarramah (prior to the hijrah), he performed salaah in the direction of Bayt-ul-Muqaddas, but in such a manner that he would face the Ka’bah Shareef as well.

When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, he was unable to maintain this practise of facing both qiblahs simultaneously (as Makkah Mukarramah is to the south of Madinah Munawwarah, while Bayt-ul-Muqaddas is to the north of Madinah Munawwarah). It is for this reason that with the divine command of Allah Ta‘ala, he performed his salaah while facing Bayt-ul-Muqaddas for about sixteen to seventeen months.