Mosque where the direction of prayer is traditionally held to have turned from Jerusalem to Makkah in 2 AH.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn, the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, commemorates the change of the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in the second year after the Hijrah, about 623 to 624 CE. It was originally the mosque of the Bani Salamah tribe, with Sawad ibn Ghanam credited as the founder in tradition. Caliph Umar maintained it, and the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent carried out the last pre-modern renovation. In 1987 King Fahd's government demolished the old building and rebuilt it to a design by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil with twin domes, twin minarets and a small replica of the Dome of the Rock's lower mihrab marking the earlier Jerusalem orientation. Capacity is about 2,000, with an expansion reported to raise it to 3,000. In October 2025 a royal directive ordered the mosque to be open 24 hours a day. It is free to enter. Interior access for non-Muslims is not documented officially.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Al Khalidiyyah, Madinah |
Why it matters
Site of the change of qibla from Jerusalem to Makkah
Location
Masjid al-Qiblatayn, Al Khalidiyyah, Madinah
24.4841, 39.5789 View on map
Highlights
- Change of qibla in 2 AH
- Rebuilt 1987 by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil
- Twin domes and replica mihrab
- 24-hour access since October 2025
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning or evening.
- Combine with the Seven Mosques, about 1 km away.
- Dress modestly.
- Non-Muslim visitors can view the grounds from outside.
When to visit
Early morning or evening, outside prayer times.
Frequently asked questions
What does Qiblatayn mean?
It means two qiblas, referring to the two directions of prayer.
When was it rebuilt?
In 1987, under King Fahd.
Is it open 24 hours?
Yes, by a royal directive of October 2025.
Is there a fee?
No.