Facing the Qibla: general direction and when traveling…

Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

1. It is obligatory to seek to be within 45 degrees either way of the Qibla, and blameworthy (but neither sinful nor invalidating) to face away from the exact direction when known. [Binnori, Bulghat al-Areeb]
2. When you don’t know the direction of the qibla, take the means to determine the general direction. Ask a local, when possible. Otherwise, make a reasoned estimation. After this, if you erred, your prayer will be valid.
3. If after having made a reasoned judgement, you continue. If without this, you have to start over. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
4. For makeup fasts, the intention must be made before Fajr time enters. For details, see: The Essentials of Fasting at www.sunnipath.com.

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam.
Faraz Rabbani