What is Masjid Quba?
Masjid Quba is a mosque on the edge of Medina, and it is the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ laid its foundations when he arrived from Mecca in 622 CE, and praying there carries a reward like that of an Umrah.
The first mosque in Islam
On the migration from Mecca, the Prophet ﷺ stopped in the village of Quba, a few kilometres south of Medina, and stayed there for several days. During that stay he and his companions built a small mosque, the first one founded by the Muslim community. Only after that did he continue into Medina and build his own mosque. Quba has been rebuilt and enlarged many times; today it is a bright white mosque with four minarets and several domes.
Many commentators say this verse refers to Quba, praising its people for their care with cleanliness. Others apply it to the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. Both were founded on God-consciousness, so the lesson fits either way.
The reward of praying there
The Prophet ﷺ used to visit Quba regularly, walking or riding, and pray there (Sahih al-Bukhari 1193). Some narrations add that he went every Saturday. He also said that whoever purifies himself at home, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, gets a reward like that of an Umrah (Sunan Ibn Majah 1412). That's why most visitors to Medina make wudu at their hotel before heading out.
How to visit
- Make wudu before you leave to follow the hadith closely.
- Pray two rak'ahs once you arrive. Any time outside the disliked times works.
- Getting there: it's about 3–4 km from the Prophet's Mosque, so a taxi, bus or a long walk along the Quba walkway.
- Saturday mornings are popular with people following the Prophet's ﷺ habit, so expect crowds.
Visiting Quba is a recommended extra, not part of Hajj or Umrah. See What is Umrah? and, if you are new and planning a trip, Can I visit Mecca as a new Muslim?
- Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam, just outside Medina.
- The Prophet ﷺ visited it regularly, often on Saturdays.
- Wudu at home plus prayer at Quba brings a reward like an Umrah.
- The visit is recommended, not a required part of pilgrimage.
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