The mosque where the direction of prayer is said to have changed from Jerusalem to Makkah in 624.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn, 'the Mosque of the Two Qiblas', stands in the Al-Qiblatayn area of northwest Madinah, on Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah region. Islamic tradition holds that in 624 CE, about sixteen or seventeen months after the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad was leading prayer here when the revelation came to turn from Jerusalem towards the Kaaba in Makkah, and the congregation turned mid-prayer. The site is therefore associated with the change of the qibla, the direction of prayer, one of the defining moments in the formation of early Muslim practice. It was then part of the territory of the Banu Salimah, and the mosque is sometimes also linked to their name.
The present building is a modern reconstruction. After earlier rebuildings in the medieval and Ottoman periods, the mosque was completely rebuilt in 1987 in a design that combines traditional forms with contemporary materials. It has two minarets, twin domes and a spacious prayer hall in pale stone, with a large courtyard and surrounding gardens. Before the rebuild the prayer niche pointed in two directions, representing both qiblas; the current design uses a single orientation towards Makkah, and signage and guides explain the earlier arrangement.
Like Quba Mosque, this is a functioning place of worship rather than a museum. There are no formal exhibits inside, and interpretation is limited to explanatory panels in Arabic and English. Visitors can pray in the hall, view the architecture and walk through the surrounding grounds. Respectful dress and quiet behaviour are expected, and prayer times may restrict movement in the main hall. Non-Muslim visitors should check current access rules, which differ between Madinah's holy sites.
The mosque is open around the clock and free to enter. It is a standard stop on ziyarat tours that also include Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud and the Seven Mosques, and it is a short drive from the Prophet's Mosque. Because it lies close to busy roads, tour buses and taxis are the usual means of access, and the surrounding area offers parking, ablution facilities and small shops. State-funded maintenance keeps the building in excellent condition, and the area is lit at night.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street, Madinah |
Why it matters
Change of qibla
Location
Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street, Madinah
24.4842, 39.5789 View on map
Highlights
- Site of the change of prayer direction from Jerusalem to Makkah in 624 CE
- Twin domes and two minarets in a 1987 stone reconstruction
- Open 24 hours with free entry
- Easy to combine with Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud on one ziyarat route
Tips for visiting
- Visit between prayer times if you want to walk through the main hall quietly.
- Go early or after sunset for cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.
- Dress modestly and keep voices low; this is an active mosque.
- Hire a taxi or join a ziyarat tour, as the site sits on a busy road with limited walking access.
- Read the explanatory panels to understand the former two-direction prayer niche.
When to visit
Early morning or evening is best, avoiding midday heat and the crowds of ziyarat tour groups.
Accessibility
The modern mosque has step-free entrances and a level courtyard, and wheelchair users can generally reach the main hall. Prayer-time crowds can make movement harder.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Mosque of the Two Qiblas?
Tradition says the congregation here turned from Jerusalem to Makkah during prayer in 624 CE. The name means two prayer directions.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The mosque is free and open 24 hours a day.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Around 20 to 40 minutes is typical, longer if combined with prayer.
Are signs available in English?
Yes, explanatory panels are provided in Arabic and English, though detail is brief.