Traditionally the first mosque in Islam, founded in 622 on the Prophet's arrival at Quba.
Quba Mosque is traditionally held to be the first mosque of Islam, founded in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad rested at Quba on his way into Madinah during the Hijrah. The earliest building was a simple courtyard of palm trunks and mud. The Umayyad governor Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz rebuilt it in 706 and added the first minaret. The Ottoman sultan Suleiman ordered works on the minaret and ceiling in the 16th century, and the structure was rebuilt again in the 20th century. The present building, with white domes, four minarets and canopies over the courtyard, was designed by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil in the 1980s and brought capacity to about 20,000. A King Salman project announced in April 2022 is planned to expand the surrounding area to about 50,000 square metres and a capacity of about 66,000, and to develop nearby heritage sites. Quba is open 24 hours and free. The interior is for Muslim worshippers; sources disagree on non-Muslim access, so visitors should confirm on site.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Quba Mosque, Al Hijrah Road, Quba, Madinah |
Why it matters
Traditionally the first mosque built in Islam
Location
Quba Mosque, Al Hijrah Road, Quba, Madinah
24.4392, 39.6172 View on map
Highlights
- Founded 622 CE during the Hijrah
- Rebuilt 706 under Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz
- Modern design by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil
- Expansion project announced April 2022
Tips for visiting
- Visit after Fajr to avoid Saturday crowds.
- Photograph the courtyard, not the prayer hall.
- Confirm interior access if not Muslim.
- Pair with Masjid al-Qiblatayn and Masjid al-Jumu'ah.
When to visit
After Fajr or weekday mornings; Saturdays are the busiest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Quba the first mosque in Islam?
Tradition holds that it is, founded in 622 CE by the Prophet.
Is there a fee?
No. It is free and open 24 hours.
Who designed the present building?
Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, in the 1980s.
Is an expansion planned?
Yes, a King Salman project announced in April 2022.