Pilgrims who completed this year's Hajj are continuing to arrive in Madinah, where many are making their way to the historic Quba Mosque, the first mosque established in Islam. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the mosque and its courtyards have seen heavy visitor movement in recent days as pilgrims include it in their programs to visit landmarks tied to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Quba Mosque sits a short distance south of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. For pilgrims, it represents both a spiritual stop and a living connection to the earliest days of Islam.

The First Mosque Founded on Piety

Quba Mosque is considered the first mosque established in Islam and the first founded on piety. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he reached the area during his migration from Makkah to Madinah.

The mosque is connected by the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah to the verse: "Certainly a mosque founded on piety from the first day is more deserving that you stand in it" (Surah At-Tawbah 9:108). This standing in the tradition gives Quba a special place in the hearts of pilgrims and visitors.

Praying at Quba and the Sunnah

Visiting and praying at Quba Mosque is an established Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet used to go to the Quba Mosque, sometimes walking and sometimes riding, and would pray two units of prayer there (Sahih al-Bukhari 1193).

The reward for praying at Quba is also emphasized in the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to the Quba Mosque and prays in it, will have a reward like that of an Umrah" (Sunan Ibn Majah 1412). For this reason, many pilgrims make a point of performing wudu at their accommodation before traveling to the mosque to pray.

It is worth noting that visiting Quba is a recommended act, not an obligation of Hajj or Umrah. Pilgrims undertake it as a virtuous deed following the example of the Prophet, not as a required rite.

Organized Services for Visitors

Saudi authorities have put in place an integrated system of services and crowd organization at Quba Mosque to help pilgrims pray and move around the site with ease. The arrangements aim to allow worshippers to perform their prayers in tranquility despite the large numbers arriving after Hajj.

Quba is one of the most prominent destinations for pilgrims in Madinah, alongside the Prophet's Mosque and other Islamic and historical landmarks. Through these visits, pilgrims learn about the city's rich religious and cultural heritage and deepen their connection to the history of Islam.

Beyond Quba, pilgrims in Madinah commonly visit other sites linked to the Prophet's biography, including the area of Mount Uhud, where the Battle of Uhud took place. As with Quba, these visits are undertaken to reflect on Islamic history and the example of the early Muslims, and they are recommended rather than obligatory acts.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

  • Follow the Sunnah: Perform wudu at your accommodation before heading to Quba, in keeping with the hadith on the reward of praying there.
  • Keep it in context: Visiting Quba is a recommended act, not an obligatory part of Hajj or Umrah.
  • Time your visit: Times outside the five daily prayers are often less crowded. Follow staff guidance during busy periods.
  • Observe mosque etiquette: Dress and behave modestly, and avoid disturbing others who are praying.
  • Plan transport: Quba is a short ride south of the Prophet's Mosque. Use organized transport options and allow time for traffic after Hajj.