Traditionally the first mosque built in Islam, with white domes and a free, 24-hour courtyard. Prayer-hall access is for Muslims.
Quba Mosque, south-west of the city centre, is widely described as the first mosque built in Islam. Tradition holds that the Prophet Muhammad founded it in 622 CE on arriving at Quba during the Hijrah. The present building is a late 20th-century rebuild by the architect Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, with white domes, four minarets and retractable canopies over the courtyard. A King Salman project announced in April 2022 is planned to expand the area to roughly 50,000 square metres and a capacity of about 66,000 worshippers, so building works may affect access. The mosque is open 24 hours and is free to enter. Visitors who are Muslim commonly pray two rak'ahs here, a practice linked to a hadith, and Saturday is a traditionally popular day. Guides disagree on whether non-Muslims may enter the prayer hall: the courtyard and surrounding avenue are reported open to everyone, but visitors who are not Muslim should confirm on site before entering. Men wear long trousers, women an abaya and headscarf, and shoes are removed before the prayer hall. Photography is not permitted inside the mosque; courtyard photos are generally fine.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Best time | After Fajr or weekday morning |
| 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 | Quba Mosque, Al Hijrah Road, Quba, Madinah |
Location
Quba Mosque, Al Hijrah Road, Quba, Madinah
24.4392, 39.6172 View on map
Highlights
- Believed to be the first mosque of Islam, founded in 622
- White domes and four minarets in a modern design by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil
- Retractable canopies over the courtyard
- Quba Boulevard dining strip to the south
- Open 24 hours
Tips for visiting
- Go after Fajr or on a weekday morning to avoid Saturday crowds.
- Men wear long trousers; women an abaya and headscarf.
- Take photos in the courtyard, not inside the prayer hall.
- Non-Muslim visitors should confirm interior access on site and stay in the courtyard unless told otherwise.
- Pair with Masjid al-Qiblatayn and the Hop-On Hop-Off Red Route.
- Check for construction hoardings linked to the ongoing expansion.
When to visit
After Fajr or on weekday mornings; Saturdays are busiest.
Accessibility
The courtyard is level and the entrance is step-free; elevators in newer sections are unconfirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Quba Mosque free?
Yes. It is open 24 hours with no ticket or booking.
Can non-Muslims visit Quba Mosque?
Guides disagree. The courtyard and avenue are reported open to everyone, while the prayer hall is for Muslims; visitors should confirm on site.
How long does a visit take?
A prayer visit takes 20 to 30 minutes, and a full visit about an hour.
How far is it from the Prophet's Mosque?
About 3.5 km south-west by road.