Masjid Quba – History, Location and How to Visit
Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ laid its foundations when he arrived at Quba, on the outskirts of Madinah, during the Hijrah. Today it is one of the most visited places on every Madinah ziyarat, and pilgrims go there to pray two rak’ahs and follow the Prophet’s ﷺ practice. This guide covers Masjid Quba history, its virtues, its location and how far it is from Masjid an-Nabawi.
Table of Contents
Masjid Quba History
When the Prophet ﷺ migrated from Makkah to Madinah, he stayed in Quba for several days before entering the city. During this time the first mosque was built, and the companions worked alongside him carrying stones.
The Qur’an refers to a mosque “founded on piety from the first day” (Surah at-Tawbah 9:108), which many scholars associate with Masjid Quba. The mosque has been rebuilt and expanded many times over the centuries; its present form dates largely from a major expansion in the 1980s, and a further expansion project has been announced in recent years.
Why Masjid Quba Is Called the First Mosque
Masjid Quba was built before Masjid an-Nabawi, making it the first mosque established by the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslim community. For this reason it is often searched as “Islam ki pehli masjid” (the first mosque of Islam).
Virtues of Praying in Masjid Quba
The Prophet ﷺ used to visit Quba regularly, riding or walking, especially on Saturdays. According to the hadith, whoever purifies himself at home and then prays in Masjid Quba receives a reward like that of an Umrah. This is why many pilgrims make wudu at their hotel before leaving.
Visit Masjid Quba, Qiblatain and Mount Uhud in one morning with a private driver. Madinah ziyarat tour from SAR 200 per car.
Masjid Quba Location
Masjid Quba is in the Quba district, south of Masjid an-Nabawi.
Masjid Nabawi to Masjid Quba Distance
| Way to travel | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | About 3.5 km | About 10 minutes |
| Walking (Quba Walkway) | About 3 km | 35–45 minutes |
A pedestrian walkway connects the two mosques. In summer, walk early in the morning or after Maghrib.
Masjid Quba Prayer Times
Masjid Quba (Quba Mosque) holds all five daily prayers in congregation and follows the same prayer timetable as the rest of Madinah, so the times change a little every day with the sun. For today’s exact times, check a prayer-times app set to Madinah or ask at your hotel reception.
- Five daily prayers: same times as Masjid an-Nabawi, with the adhan called from Quba’s own minarets.
- Jumu’ah (Friday prayer): held at Dhuhr time. The mosque fills up quickly, so arrive at least 45–60 minutes early.
- Ramadan: Taraweeh is prayed after Isha. Expect large crowds and plan your taxi back in advance.
- Eid prayers: held shortly after sunrise. Arrive before Fajr ends if you want a place inside.
Best time to pray at Quba: between Fajr and Dhuhr, especially on a Saturday morning, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ. Our drivers can take you from your hotel in about 10 minutes and wait while you pray. See the Madinah Ziyarat Tour.
Tips for Visiting Masjid Quba
- Make wudu at your hotel before you go.
- Visit in the morning, when it is calmer and cooler.
- Women have a separate entrance and prayer area.
- Combine it with the dates market nearby to buy Ajwa dates.
Masjid Quba – FAQs
Why is Masjid Quba important?
It is the first mosque built in Islam, founded by the Prophet ﷺ himself during the Hijrah.
How far is Masjid Quba from Masjid an-Nabawi?
About 3.5 km, roughly 10 minutes by car.
Can you walk from Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba?
Yes, along the Quba walkway, about 35–45 minutes.
What is the reward for praying in Masjid Quba?
According to the hadith, the reward of an Umrah for one who purifies at home and prays there.
When is the best time to visit Masjid Quba?
In the morning, ideally on a Saturday, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
What are the Masjid Quba prayer times?
Masjid Quba follows the normal Madinah prayer timetable, the same as Masjid an-Nabawi. Times change daily, so check a prayer app set to Madinah. On Fridays, arrive 45–60 minutes before Dhuhr for Jumu’ah.
Is Quba Mosque the same as Masjid Quba?
Yes. Masjid Quba, Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Quba and Masjid e Quba are all names for the same mosque, about 3.5 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi.
Add Comment