The first mosque built in Islam, founded by the Prophet on arrival in the Madinah area in 622. Prayer halls are for Muslims; the surrounding plaza and the Quba Road shops are public areas.
Quba Mosque in the Quba district of south Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is regarded as the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad founded it in 622 CE when he reached the Madinah area after the Hijra, and the site has been rebuilt and enlarged several times since. The present building is a modern structure of white stone with four minarets and a series of low domes arranged around a broad courtyard, set among palm trees and landscaped gardens just off Quba Road.
The prayer halls are open to Muslims, who often pray two rak'ahs here following a tradition that links a visit with reward. The surrounding plaza, gardens and the shops along Quba Road are public areas that can be walked by anyone, making the exterior a worthwhile stop for non-Muslim visitors interested in the architecture and the atmosphere. Dates, perfumes, prayer beads and snacks are sold on the approach streets.
A visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, including time for prayer and photographs. The best vantage points for photos are the front courtyard, which frames the minarets and domes against the sky, and the gardens to the side, where the palms soften the stone. Early morning offers cooler air and gentle light, while the hours around the midday and evening prayers can be busy with tour groups and pilgrim buses. Weekends and the Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah seasons bring the heaviest crowds.
The mosque is about 4 km from the Prophet's Mosque and is reached by taxi, ride-hailing app, or the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which stops here. The mosque is open around the clock apart from short prayer-time closures for cleaning, so visitors should check the schedule on arrival. Modest dress is expected, and visitors should keep voices low around worshippers.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; check prayer-time closures |
| Typical visit | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning |
| Getting there | Taxi or Uber about SAR 15-25 (~$4-7) from the centre; Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops here |
| Address | Quba Road, Quba, Madinah |
Location
Quba Road, Quba, Madinah
24.4388, 39.6166 View on map
Highlights
- The first mosque built in Islam, founded in 622 CE
- White-stone architecture with four minarets and a courtyard of palms
- Public plaza and Quba Road shops open to all visitors
- Easy stop on the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus route
Tips for visiting
- Go early in the morning for cooler weather and softer light.
- A taxi or ride-hailing trip from central Madinah typically costs about SAR 15-25.
- Prayer halls are for Muslims; non-Muslims can enjoy the plaza and exterior.
- Dress modestly and keep voices low near the prayer areas.
- Check prayer-time closures on arrival, as access to the halls pauses briefly.
When to visit
Early morning offers cool air and fewer crowds. Weekends and the Ramadan, Hajj and Umrah seasons are the busiest.
Accessibility
The courtyard and entrances are largely level, and ramps serve the prayer halls. Wheelchair access is generally manageable, though crowds around prayer times can slow movement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Quba Mosque take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes, including prayer and photographs.
Can non-Muslims visit Quba Mosque?
The prayer halls are for Muslims, but the surrounding plaza, gardens and Quba Road shops are public areas open to everyone.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior and courtyard is common. Visitors should avoid photographing worshippers at prayer.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Yes. The open courtyard and gardens are easy for families, and the visit is short.