Masjid Quba: The First Mosque in Islam

Masjid Quba holds the distinction of being the first مسجد built in Islam. When نبی کریم Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) arrived in the Quba area (a village on the southern outskirts of مدینہ منورہ) during the Hijrah from مکہ مکرمہ in 622 CE, he stayed there for several days and laid the foundations of this مسجد before proceeding to the center of مدینہ منورہ. The مسجد was originally a simple structure, and نبی کریم and his companions physically participated in its construction. The قرآن refers to Masjid Quba: 'A مسجد 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).

نبی کریم Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) 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 عمرہ' (Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah). This hadith establishes Masjid Quba as one of the most rewarding places for نماز in the world — each visit with نماز carries the reward equivalent to an عمرہ. This makes visiting Quba during a stay in مدینہ منورہ an opportunity that حجاج should not miss.

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