The Mosque of the Two Qiblas, where tradition places the change of prayer direction from Jerusalem to Makkah. It was rebuilt in a modern style in the 1980s.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, sits on Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street in the Al-Qiblatayn district of northwest Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Tradition places here the moment when the Prophet Muhammad, leading prayer, was directed to turn from facing Jerusalem to facing the Kaaba in Makkah, which is why the mosque holds two prayer-direction memories in a single name. The building seen today is a modern reconstruction dating to the 1980s, finished in pale stone with twin minarets and a pair of domes that echo the two directions.
Visitors approaching the mosque see a broad forecourt, a clean white facade and a prayer hall decorated in a restrained contemporary style. A small adjoining area marks the old orientation, and the building is a popular stop on Madinah's historic mosque circuit, which also includes Quba Mosque, the Seven Mosques and Uhud. Prayer halls are for Muslims, while the exterior and surrounding courtyard can be viewed by other visitors who respect the site.
A visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Photo angles are best from the forecourt looking back at the twin minarets, particularly in the late afternoon light when the stone turns warm. Mid-morning and evening are practical times to visit, since the middle of the day is hot and prayer times draw congregations. Tour buses arrive in waves, so the compound can feel busy during the Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah seasons and on Fridays.
The mosque lies roughly 5 km from the Prophet's Mosque and is reached by taxi, ride-hailing app (about SAR 15-25), or the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which has a stop here. Modest dress and quiet conduct are expected, and visitors should be ready to remove shoes before entering the prayer area.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning or evening |
| Getting there | Taxi or Uber about SAR 15-25 (~$4-7); Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop |
| Address | Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street, Al Qiblatayn, Madinah |
Location
Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street, Al Qiblatayn, Madinah
24.4842, 39.5789 View on map
Highlights
- The mosque associated with the change of prayer direction toward Makkah
- Twin minarets and domes in a 1980s reconstruction
- Stop on the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off historic mosque route
- Open forecourt suited to photographs at golden hour
Tips for visiting
- Visit mid-morning or in the evening to avoid midday heat.
- Taxi or ride-hailing from the centre costs about SAR 15-25.
- Pair the visit with Quba Mosque and the Seven Mosques in one outing.
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall and dress modestly.
- Prayer halls are for Muslims; the exterior is viewable by all.
When to visit
Mid-morning or evening gives cooler conditions. Fridays and the pilgrimage seasons are the busiest.
Accessibility
The forecourt is level and the entrances have ramps. Wheelchair access to the prayer hall is generally possible with assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visits take 20 to 40 minutes, including photographs of the exterior.
Why is it called the Mosque of the Two Qiblas?
Tradition holds that the Prophet's congregation changed prayer direction from Jerusalem to Makkah during prayer here.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior is common. Visitors should avoid photographing worshippers inside.
Is the original building still standing?
No. The present mosque was rebuilt in a modern style in the 1980s.