Masjid Quba, Madinah: The First Mosque in Islam

Snapshot

• Location: Quba, on the southern outskirts of Madinah, Saudi Arabia
• Significance: traditionally regarded as the first mosque built in Islam, established when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived in the Madinah area after the Hijrah

History

After the Hijrah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stayed in Quba before entering Madinah and took part in building the mosque with his Companions. The mosque has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries.

The Quranic reference

Many scholars connect Quran 9:108, which speaks of a mosque founded on piety from the first day, with Masjid Quba. Some scholars understand the verse to refer to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah; both views are recorded in the books of tafsir. Read the verse at Quran.com.

Visiting etiquette

• Perform wudu at home or the hotel before you go, then pray two rak’ahs in the mosque, as reported in the Sunnah.
• Keep your voice low and respect those praying.
• Follow the posted rules and the instructions of the mosque staff.
• Check the current visiting arrangements on official Saudi sources before you travel.

Sources

1. Quran 9:108 and its tafsir, via Quran.com
2. Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on Quba mosque and Madinah