Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam, established by the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in the Madinah area during the Hijrah (622 CE). The Quran describes it as 'a mosque founded on righteousness' (9:108). The Prophet said praying there equals the reward of an Umrah (Tirmidhi).
Masjid Quba holds the distinction of being the first mosque built in Islam. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in the Quba area (a village on the southern outskirts of Madinah) during the Hijrah from Makkah in 622 CE, he stayed there for several days and laid the foundations of this mosque before proceeding to the center of Madinah. The mosque was originally a simple structure, and the Prophet and his companions physically participated in its construction. The Quran refers to Masjid Quba: 'A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves' (9:108).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to visit Masjid Quba every Saturday, either walking or riding, and would pray two rak'ahs there (Bukhari and Muslim). He said: 'Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, he will have the reward of an Umrah' (Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah). This hadith establishes Masjid Quba as one of the most rewarding places for prayer in the world — each visit with prayer carries the reward equivalent to an Umrah. This makes visiting Quba during a stay in Madinah an opportunity that pilgrims should not miss.
The modern Masjid Quba has been expanded significantly from its original humble structure. The current mosque, rebuilt and expanded during Saudi rule, is a large, elegant facility with white minarets, marble courtyards, and modern amenities. It is located approximately 5 kilometers south of Masjid al-Nabawi and is easily accessible by taxi or public transport. The mosque is open for all five daily prayers and is particularly popular on Saturdays, following the Prophet's sunnah of visiting on that day. Pilgrim groups typically include a Quba visit as part of their Madinah ziyarah (tour of historical sites).