Masjid Quba Madinah – The First Mosque in Islam

Masjid Quba (مسجد قباء) in Madinah holds a special place in Islamic history as the first mosque ever built in Islam. It was established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself upon his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in the year 622 CE (12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, 14 years after Prophethood).

Accompanied by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), the Prophet ﷺ stayed in Quba for several days and laid the foundations of this mosque, carrying stones with his own blessed hands. The event marks not only the beginning of the Islamic calendar but also the establishment of the first dedicated place of communal worship in Islam.

Virtues of Masjid Quba

Masjid Quba is praised in both the Qur’an and Hadith:

• Allah ﷻ describes it in the Qur’an:
  “…Certainly, a masjid founded on piety from the very first day is more deserving that you should stand in it…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:108).

• The Prophet ﷺ said:
  “He who purifies himself at his home and comes to Masjid Quba and offers two rak‘ahs therein, will be rewarded the reward of an ‘Umrah.” (Sunan Ibn Majah).

This makes a visit to Masjid Quba highly recommended for every pilgrim in Madinah.

Arrival of the Prophet ﷺ in Quba

When the Prophet ﷺ migrated from Makkah, the people of Yathrib (later renamed Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah) eagerly awaited his arrival daily, scanning the horizon until the sun forced them to return home. One day, a Jewish man spotted a group of white-robed travelers and shouted: “O people of Arabia! What you have been waiting for has arrived!”

The Muslims rushed out joyfully, welcoming the Prophet ﷺ. At first, some mistook Abu Bakr (RA) for the Prophet because of his gray hair, but when they saw him shading the Messenger ﷺ, the truth became clear.

The Prophet ﷺ stayed in Quba village at the home of Kulthoom bin Hadm (RA), where he laid the foundations of Masjid Quba. Many Muhajirun (emigrants from Makkah) were also present in Quba at this time.

Construction of Masjid Quba

The Prophet ﷺ himself carried stones, sand, and rocks with his companions to build the mosque. Al-Tabarani narrates from Al-Shimous bint Al-Nu‘man:
“I saw the Prophet when he constructed this mosque. He used to carry stones on his back until it was bent. Dust covered his clothes and body, but when someone tried to take the load from him, he would refuse and tell them to carry their own.”

This personal involvement of the Prophet ﷺ makes Masjid Quba unique among all mosques in the world.

Connection with Other Companions

• Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA): After settling the Prophet’s affairs in Makkah, Ali (RA) traveled on foot and joined the Prophet ﷺ in Quba.

• Sa‘ad ibn Khaithamah (RA): Before the Hijrah, Muslims sometimes gathered for Jumu‘ah prayer at his house near Quba, which later became part of the mosque’s extension.

• The Prophet ﷺ led his first group prayer in Quba, when the qiblah was still towards Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.

The Prophet’s Regular Visits

Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated:
“The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba every Saturday, sometimes walking and sometimes riding.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

This shows the Prophet ﷺ himself encouraged visiting Quba regularly.

Architecture and Expansion

• Original Structure: A simple open-air construction of mud bricks and palm trunks.

• Later Expansions: Over centuries, rulers and caliphs expanded and maintained the mosque.

• Modern Structure: Today’s Masjid Quba is a beautiful, spacious mosque with four elegant minarets and a large central courtyard. It preserves its spiritual significance while accommodating thousands of worshippers.

Visiting Masjid Quba

• Location: Around 3 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah.

• Reward: Offering two rak‘ahs of prayer here equals the reward of an Umrah.

• Best Time: Early morning or after Fajr for a peaceful experience.

• Transport: Easily accessible by taxi, shuttle buses, or on foot for those staying nearby.

FAQs about Masjid Quba

Q1. Why is Masjid Quba important?
It is the first mosque in Islam, built by the Prophet ﷺ himself, and holds great spiritual and historical value.

Q2. What is the reward for praying in Masjid Quba?
Praying two rak‘ahs here after performing wudu at home grants the reward of an Umrah.

Q3. Did the Prophet ﷺ live in Quba?
Yes, he stayed for several days at the house of Kulthoom bin Hadm (RA) before proceeding to Madinah.

Q4. Is Masjid Quba still standing today?
Yes, it has been expanded into a large, beautifully designed mosque that welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Q5. How far is Masjid Quba from Masjid an-Nabawi?
It is about 3 kilometers away, easily reached by car, shuttle, or even walking for those who prefer.