If one prays facing a direction other than the qiblah by mistake or forgetfulness, does he have to repeat the prayer?

The Shaykh : Does a person who prays facing a direction other than the qiblah by mistake or forgetfulness have to repeat the prayer?
Answer: No. I mentioned in my book "The Description of the Prophet's Prayer" the story of the Companions who prayed one day when the sky was cloudy. When the time for prayer arrived, the fog was so thick that they could not distinguish the direction of the qiblah, so each of them prayed according to his own effort. When the fog cleared, it became apparent that they had been facing different directions to the greatest extent, and that many of them had been deviating from the qiblah. When they mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), he did not order them to repeat the prayer. The important point in this matter is that a person should make an effort and aim for the direction he must face. If he makes a mistake, there is no harm after that. This is among the meanings of His saying (the Exalted): .