Masjid Quba: The First Mosque in Islam

Masjid Quba holds the distinction of being the first cami built in Islam. When Hz. Peygamber Muhammad (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) arrived in the Quba area (a village on the southern outskirts of Medine) during the Hijrah from Mekke in 622 CE, he stayed there for several days and laid the foundations of this cami before proceeding to the center of Medine. The cami was originally a simple structure, and Hz. Peygamber and his companions physically participated in its construction. The Kur'an refers to Masjid Quba: 'A cami 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).

Hz. Peygamber Muhammad (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) 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 Umre' (Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah). This hadith establishes Masjid Quba as one of the most rewarding places for namaz in the world — each visit with namaz carries the reward equivalent to an Umre. This makes visiting Quba during a stay in Medine an opportunity that hacilar should not miss.

The modern Masjid Quba has been expanded significantly from its original humble structure. The current cami, 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 cami is open for all five daily namazs and is particularly popular on Saturdays, following Hz. Peygamber's sunnah of visiting on that day. Pilgrim groups typically include a Quba visit as part of their Medine ziyarah (tour of historical sites).