Masjid Qiblatain – The Mosque of Two Qiblas: History and How to Visit
Masjid al-Qiblatain (also written Masjid e Qiblatain or Qiblatayn) is the Mosque of the Two Qiblas in Madinah. According to well-known reports, it is where the Muslims were praying when Allah commanded them to change the qibla from Bayt al-Maqdis in Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah, and they turned around in the middle of the prayer. This guide covers the history of Masjid Qiblatain, its location and how to visit it on your Madinah ziyarat.
Table of Contents
Masjid Qiblatain History
After the Hijrah, the Muslims in Madinah prayed facing Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for about 16–17 months. The Prophet ﷺ hoped for the qibla to be turned towards the Kaaba, and Allah revealed:
“We have certainly seen the turning of your face towards the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qibla with which you will be pleased. So turn your face towards al-Masjid al-Haram.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:144)
This happened in 2 AH (624 CE). The mosque stood in the area of the Banu Salamah tribe, which is why it was also known as Masjid Bani Salamah.
Why Is It Called the Mosque of Two Qiblas?
According to the reports, the news of the change reached the worshippers here while they were in the middle of a prayer. They turned from facing Jerusalem in the north to facing Makkah in the south and completed the same prayer towards the Kaaba. Because one prayer was offered towards two qiblas, the mosque became known as Masjid al-Qiblatain, “the mosque of the two qiblas”.
Visit Masjid al-Qiblatain, Masjid Quba and Mount Uhud in one morning with a private driver who waits at every stop. Madinah ziyarat tour from SAR 200 per car.
Masjid Qiblatain Today
The mosque has been rebuilt and expanded several times. Today it is a large white mosque with two minarets and domes, and prayer is offered only towards the Kaaba. It holds all five daily prayers and Jumu’ah, with separate areas for men and women, and it is a regular stop on every Madinah ziyarat.
Masjid Qiblatain Location and Distance
Masjid al-Qiblatain is in the north-west of Madinah, on Khalid ibn al-Walid Road, about 4–5 km from Masjid an-Nabawi.
| From | Distance | Time by car |
|---|---|---|
| Masjid an-Nabawi | About 4–5 km | About 10 minutes |
| Masjid Quba | About 7–8 km | About 15 minutes |
| Mount Uhud | About 6–7 km | About 15 minutes |
The Seven Mosques (Sab’a Masajid), where the Battle of the Trench took place, are a short drive away and are often visited on the same trip.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit in the morning, ideally combined with Quba and Uhud in one ziyarat tour.
- Pray two rak’ahs of tahiyyat al-masjid when you enter.
- Remember the lesson of the qibla change: immediate obedience to the command of Allah.
- Women have a separate entrance and prayer area.
Masjid Qiblatain – FAQs
Why is Masjid Qiblatain famous?
It is known as the mosque where the qibla was changed from Jerusalem to the Kaaba during a prayer, so one prayer was offered towards two qiblas.
When did the qibla change?
In 2 AH (624 CE), about 16–17 months after the Hijrah, with the revelation of Surah al-Baqarah 2:144.
Where is Masjid Qiblatain located?
In the north-west of Madinah, about 4–5 km from Masjid an-Nabawi, roughly 10 minutes by car.
What was the old name of Masjid Qiblatain?
It was known as Masjid Bani Salamah, after the tribe that lived in the area.
Can I pray at Masjid Qiblatain?
Yes. It holds all five daily prayers and Jumu’ah, with separate areas for men and women.
Add Comment