Masjid Quba (The First Mosque of Islam)
A visit to Madinah is incomplete without stepping onto the grounds of Masjid Quba, the very first mosque built in the history of Islam.
Founded by the blessed hands of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself, this mosque stands as a timeless symbol of piety (Taqwa), community, and the dawn of a new era for the Muslim Ummah.
Its significance is not just historical; it is a place of immense spiritual blessing, offering a unique and profound reward to every visitor.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A Unique Spiritual Opportunity
Masjid Quba is conveniently located just a few kilometers from Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. It is an essential and easily accessible part of any Madinah Ziyarat tour. The primary etiquette for maximizing the blessing of this visit is to perform your Wudu (ablution) at your hotel before you depart for the mosque.
The Spiritual Significance:
A Foundation of Taqwa and Immense Reward
A Mosque Praised in the Quran
“…a mosque founded on righteousness (Taqwa) from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves.”
(Quran, Surah At-Tawbah 9:108)
This divine praise elevates Masjid Quba to a special status, marking it as a place built not just of stone and mortar, but of sincere faith and devotion to Allah.
The Reward of an Umrah
“Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to the Quba Mosque and offers a prayer therein, will have a reward like that of an ‘Umrah.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith transforms the visit from a simple historical tour into a profound act of worship with an immeasurable reward.
Exploring the Site: The Experience
The Mosque ArchitectureThe current structure is a beautiful, brilliant white building with multiple domes and minarets, reflecting serene Islamic architecture. It has large prayer halls for men and women, as well as a peaceful courtyard.
The Primary Act of WorshipThe primary purpose of the visit is to follow the Sunnah by offering two Rakat of Nafl (voluntary) prayer. Upon entering, one can pray Tahiyyatul Masjid (the prayer of “greeting the mosque”) or any other voluntary prayer to seek the promised reward.
The Prophetic Sunnah of VisitingIt is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to visit Masjid Quba every Saturday, sometimes riding and sometimes walking, to pray two Rakat. Many pilgrims try to emulate this Sunnah by planning their visit on a Saturday.
Gallery: Masjid Quba – The First Mosque in Islam
Practical Information and Logistics
Travel Time from Masjid an-NabawiA short 10 to 15-minute drive, making it a very convenient trip.
Best Time to VisitThe mosque is open for all prayers. Visiting after Fajr or Asr allows for a comfortable experience in pleasant weather.
Essential Etiquette1) Perform Wudu Before Leaving: To gain the full reward mentioned in the Hadith, it is essential to perform ablution at your place of residence (your hotel) before heading to the mosque.
2) Intention: Make a sincere intention to visit the mosque and pray, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the reward of Umrah.
3) Reverence: Maintain the sanctity of the mosque with quiet reflection and prayer.
Visiting with Umrah.cab
Pilgrim Reflections: Blessings at Masjid Quba
Visiting Masjid Quba was the highlight of my Ziyarat. Praying two Rakat here, knowing its reward equals an Umrah, brought tears to my eyes.
Abdul Kareem – South Africa
The atmosphere at Quba is indescribably calm, pure, and filled with light. Our Umrah.cab driver reminded us to make Wudu before we came, and it made the visit even more meaningful.
Sarah Al-Farsi – Oman
Quba feels like a place where time stops. The moment we entered, we felt a deep connection to the Prophet’s Hijrah and the beginnings of Islam.
Ahmed & Yasmin Khan – United Kingdom
