Masjid-e-Quba is said to be one of the oldest Mosques in Islamic history. Masjid-e-Quba falls in the list of those places which, despite being established for so long, has a special place in every Muslim’s heart. The reason of this place having utmost importance is that the foundation of this mosque was laid by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) built this mosque when he was migrating from Makkah to Madina along with his companion Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA). Since then this mosque has become a place of pride and honour for Muslims and whoever visits Madina makes sure that they pray in this mosque of Quba. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said: “He who purifies himself at his home and comes to Masjid Quba and offers two rakats therein will be rewarded the reward of an Umrah (lesser pilgrimage).” [Sunan ibn Majah]     

WHEN AND HOW THE MASJID WAS BUILT:

In the year 622, The Holy Prophet (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madina because of the conspiracies of Quraish. Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) accompanied him on his journey. Upon reaching Madina the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stayed 14 days in a village named Quba. During the stay, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) initiated the construction of Masjid-e-Quba and it is said that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself placed the first stone for the construction of this mosque. Al-Tabarani narrated that Al-Shimous Bint Al-Nauman said,
“I saw the Prophet (PBUH) when he constructed this mosque. He used to carry stones and rocks on his back until it was bent. I also saw dust on his dress and belly. But when one of his companions would come to take the load off him, he would say no and ask the companion to go and carry a similar load instead.”  

 LOCATION OF MASJID-E-QUBA:

Masjid-e-Quba was built in a village named Quba. This village was at a distance of 6 kilometers from the city of Madina but after the expansion of Madina, the mosque has now become a part of the city and one of the famous landmarks of the city.

IMPORTANCE OF MASJID E QUBA:

Muslims have love and respect for every mosque but the Holy Mosque of Quba has a special place in every Muslim’s heart. The reason for this abundant love and respect is that this mosque is the first mosque built in Islamic history and that too by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Another reason why this mosque is so much important for every Muslim is that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) performed his first salah here after reaching Madina and also the first Friday Prayer was also held in this mosque. Also, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to perform prayers there every Saturday. , Ibn ‘Umar (RA) said,
“The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba every Saturday (sometimes) walking and (sometimes) riding.”  

RENOVATION OF MASJID-E-QUBA:

Masjid e Quba has been renovated numerous times. The initial changes were made by the third Caliph of Islam Hazrat Usman (RA). The first minaret was constructed by Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, better known as Umar II, who was the eighth caliph of the Umayyad dynasty in 435 AH. Abu Yali Al-Hussain added the Mihrab, or praying niche. A well-known Muslim poet named Kamal Al-Din Al-Isfahani made some adjustments to the mosque also in the year 555 AH. It then experienced numerous revisions over the years, specifically in 671 AH, 733 AH, 840 AH, and 881 AH.

CURRENT INTERIOR OF THE MASJID:

The interior of Masjid-e-Quba now has a rectangular prayer hall that connects to several residential offices, shops, libraries, etc. The mosque is surrounded by 56 miniature domes and features seven main doors, twelve side entrances, and four parallel minarets. Marble in shades of white, red, and black is used in the courtyard of the mosque. Whereas the mihrab and the minbar are made of white beautiful marble. The minarets are built on square bases with octagonal shafts, which come together to form a circle as they rise. The masjid has different places for men and women for praying their salahs. Masjid-e-Quba is one of the most honored places in Islamic History. Every Muslim wants to visit this place and offer prayers there. The Muslims who visit Madina make sure to visit this mosque and offer prayers at the place where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) offered prayers. The rewards of performing Salah in this mosque are so high. Offering prayers in this holy mosque is considered to be equal to performing Umrah –the holy pilgrimage.