Masjid Quba holds the distinction of being the first mosque ever built in Islam. Located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, this sacred site offers profound spiritual lessons and tremendous rewards for visitors. This guide covers everything you need to know about its history, virtues, and significance.
Historical Background
The Prophet’s Migration to Medina
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Mecca and lived there for 50 years. Before receiving revelation at age 40, he was beloved by his people, known as “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy). However, after his prophethood, the Quraysh began persecuting Muslims, eventually forcing them to migrate.
At age 50, Allah granted the Prophet ﷺ permission to migrate to Medina, accompanied by Abu Bakr. This was the first migration in prophetic history since Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ.
Building the First Mosque
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived at Quba (named after a local shrub), he stayed for several days and built the first mosque in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ personally participated in construction, carrying bricks alongside his companions.
Note: While the Kaaba is the first house of worship on earth (built by angels and Prophet Adam ﷺ), Masjid Quba is the first mosque built specifically for the Muslim community in Islam.
The Story of Two Mosques: A Lesson in Sincerity
Masjid Quba – Built on Piety
The Quran describes Masjid Quba as a mosque founded on taqwa (piety) from its very first day. It was built with pure intentions:
- To worship Allah alone
- To create community space for believers
- To strengthen Islamic brotherhood
Masjid Dirar – Built on Hypocrisy
The hypocrites built a mosque next to Quba and invited the Prophet ﷺ to pray there, seeking his approval. The Prophet ﷺ initially agreed, but Allah revealed verses commanding him not to pray there even once.
The Quran exposed that Masjid Dirar was built to:
- Divide the believers
- Wage war against Allah and His Messenger
- Cause harm to Muslims
The companions destroyed this mosque. It didn’t last, while Masjid Quba stands strong after 1,400+ years.
The Profound Lesson
Pure intention = Preserved deed: Masjid Quba was built sincerely for Allah, so Allah preserved it forever.
Corrupt intention = Destroyed deed: Masjid Dirar had filthy motives, so it was destroyed and became evidence against its builders.
This teaches us that every deed done purely for Allah’s pleasure will be preserved and rewarded. Deeds with corrupt intentions will not be accepted.
The Amazing Reward: Equal to Umrah
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever makes wudu in his house and prays two rakaat in Masjid Quba will earn the reward of an Umrah.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 1412
Why This Reward?
When the Sahaba migrated from Mecca to Medina, they were heartbroken thinking they might never perform Umrah again. From His infinite mercy, Allah replaced their Umrah with two rakaat at Quba. This reward remains valid today and has never been removed.
How to Earn This Reward
- Make wudu at your home/hotel
- Travel to Masjid Quba (maintaining purity)
- Pray two rakaat in the mosque
- If you lose wudu during travel, renew it at the mosque facilities
Details of the Two Rakaat
- No specific recitation required, recite what you’re comfortable with
- Preferably recite complete surahs (following the Prophet’s ﷺ practice)
- Can be prayed as Salat al-Ishraq or any voluntary prayer
- No specific dua before or after (though personal dua is encouraged)
- Any prayer upon entering serves as Tahiyyat al-Masjid
Quranic Praise for Quba’s People
Allah praised the people of Quba in the Quran for loving to purify themselves. Remarkably, this referred to their hygiene practice: they used both stones and water to clean themselves after using the restroom (while others used only stones).
This teaches us that Allah notices even our most private acts of worship and cleanliness.
Islam: A Religion of Complete Purity
The praise for Quba’s purification practices reveals Islam’s comprehensive approach to purity:
Physical Purity: Proper hygiene, wudu, ghusl, cleanliness
Spiritual Purity: Cleansing the heart from sins through repentance and seeking forgiveness
Social Purity: The Prophet ﷺ said: “A person follows the religion of his friend, so be careful who you befriend”
Financial Purity: The Prophet ﷺ emphasized earning halal income and avoiding haram
Ideological Purity: Believing in one God, rejecting false beliefs
Relational Purity: Lawful marriage between man and woman
Powerful Point for Dawah
By human nature, people love cleanliness and purity. Islam is the purest religion in every aspect of life. This makes an excellent approach when inviting others to learn about Islam.
Nearby Historical Sites
Masjid al-Jumu’ah: Located close to Masjid Quba, this marks where the first Friday congregational prayer in Islam took place.
After Quba: The Prophet’s Journey Continues
Ten to twelve days after building Masjid Quba, the Prophet ﷺ traveled to central Medina. Though many Sahaba invited him to stay at their homes, he declined, explaining that Allah commanded him to settle at a specific location. His camel, Al-Qaswa, walked freely and sat where Masjid al-Nabawi now stands.
Special Acts of Worship on Friday
Recite Surah Al-Kahf
Complete it before Jumu’ah prayer, or anytime before Maghrib.
Increase Salawat on the Prophet
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid.”
Give Sadaqah
Charity on Friday carries greater reward than other days.
The Accepted Hour of Dua
Two scholarly opinions on timing:
- During Jumu’ah: Between the two khutbahs, during the imam’s final dua, in sujud, and before taslim
- Before Maghrib: Approximately 45 minutes before sunset
Arrive early and make sincere dua during these blessed times.
Etiquette of Entering and Leaving Mosques
Entering (right foot first):
“Bismillah, wa salatu wa salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.”
(O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy)
Leaving (left foot first):
“Bismillah, wa salatu wa salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlik.”
(O Allah, I ask You for Your favor and blessing)
Prayer Leads to Provision
The Quran teaches that establishing prayer opens doors of rizq (provision):
- Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ prayed: “Make us establish prayer and provide for us”
- Allah told the Prophet ﷺ: “Command your family to prayer—We will provide for you”
Practical application: When facing financial difficulty, enter the mosque, pray sincerely, exit with the dua for Allah’s favor, and await His blessings.
Conclusion
Masjid Quba represents the importance of sincere intention, the centrality of mosques in Islam, and Allah’s tremendous mercy in granting abundant rewards. Whether visiting physically or learning from afar, its lessons apply to every Muslim’s daily life.
May Allah grant us sincerity, purity in our deeds, and the opportunity to visit this blessed mosque. Ameen.
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