The mosque where the direction of prayer is traditionally said to have changed from Jerusalem to Makkah. Free and open around the clock.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, marks the place where, according to tradition, the direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in the second year after the Hijrah (about 623-624 CE). It was originally known as the mosque of Bani Salamah, after the local tribe. The current mosque was rebuilt in 1987 under King Fahd to a design by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, with twin domes, twin minarets and a small replica mihrab marking the earlier Jerusalem direction. Capacity is about 2,000 worshippers, with an expansion reported to raise it to 3,000. A royal directive in October 2025 ordered the mosque to be open 24 hours a day for worshippers. It is free to enter and sits about 4 km north-west of Masjid an-Nabawi near Wadi al-Aqiq. Prayer areas are separate for men and women, and modest dress is expected. Entry to the interior is for Muslim worshippers; non-Muslim access has not been confirmed in official sources, so visitors can view the domes and grounds from outside.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Best time | Morning or evening |
| Getting there | Taxi or ride-hail (about SAR 15-25, roughly $4-7, from the centre, estimate); Hop-On Hop-Off Red Route stop |
| Address | Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Al Khalidiyyah, Madinah |
Location
Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Al Khalidiyyah, Madinah
24.4841, 39.5789 View on map
Highlights
- Twin domes and twin minarets
- Replica mihrab recalling the Jerusalem direction of prayer
- Open 24 hours since October 2025
- Close to the Seven Mosques and Wadi al-Aqiq
- Hop-On Hop-Off Red Route stop
Tips for visiting
- Go in the morning or evening; midday is hot in summer.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before the prayer hall.
- Combine with the Seven Mosques, about 1 km away.
- Non-Muslim visitors should view from the grounds unless staff confirm interior access.
- Use ride-hailing; parking is limited at prayer times.
- Check for expansion works that may close sections.
When to visit
Early morning or evening, outside prayer times.
Accessibility
Step-free entry and level prayer halls are reported; wheelchair users should confirm assistance on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Mosque of the Two Qiblas?
Tradition says worshippers here turned from facing Jerusalem to facing the Kaaba during prayer.
Is it open 24 hours?
Yes. A royal directive in October 2025 ordered round-the-clock access for worshippers.
Is there an entrance fee?
No.
Can non-Muslims enter?
Interior access for non-Muslims is not confirmed officially; the grounds and exterior can be viewed.