Quba Mosque: The Mosque Where a Single Prayer Holds the Reward of an Umrah

Masjid Quba is one of the most cherished destinations for pilgrims visiting Madinah. Alongside the Prophet’s Mosque, this historic site has a deep spiritual connection to the journey of Rasulullah ﷺ. Its virtues are exceptional, and one of them is the promise that performing prayer inside it carries a reward equal to that of an umrah. What makes Masjid Quba so special? Here is a comprehensive look.

The First Mosque Built by Rasulullah ﷺ

Masjid Quba was established in the first year of Hijrah, when Rasulullah ﷺ migrated from Makkah to Madinah. Upon reaching the area of Quba, he stayed for several days and worked with the companions to build the mosque. Because it was founded at the very beginning of the Hijrah, Masjid Quba holds the honor of being the first mosque in Islamic history.

The importance of this mosque is clearly highlighted in the Qur’an, specifically in Surah At-Taubah verse 108, where Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala describes it as a mosque built on the foundation of piety from its very first day. This is a distinction no other mosque of that era possessed.

Its establishment became a symbol of gratitude, resilience, and unwavering faith after the challenging migration from Makkah. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Muslim community and the strengthening of the message of Islam.

Unique Architectural Character

Although Masjid Quba began as a simple structure, it carried a character distinct to mosques of its time. The earliest form followed the basic design of early Islamic architecture: an open prayer area protected by walls and designed to comfortably accommodate worshippers.

One of its early features was a courtyard shaded by date palm trees, creating a cool and calming atmosphere. The northern area had a prayer space made from palm trunks, branches, and clay—materials commonly used in that period. At the center of the mosque was a well once used for ablution, adding historical value seldom found in other mosques.

Over the centuries, Masjid Quba underwent significant renovations. During the rule of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, four minarets were added. Later renovations during the Mamluk era and the major expansion in 1986 under King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz transformed the mosque into a more spacious and comfortable place of worship for visitors from around the world.

The Virtue of Praying in Masjid Quba: A Reward Like Umrah

The most well-known virtue of Masjid Quba is the tremendous reward associated with praying there. A hadith narrated by Tirmidhi states:

“Whoever performs ablution at home, then goes to Masjid Quba and performs prayer in it, will receive a reward like that of an umrah.”

This narration shows that praying in Masjid Quba brings immense blessings. It is not an ordinary act of worship; it carries a spiritual merit equivalent to performing an umrah. This is why pilgrims from various countries always make time to visit and pray in this mosque when they are in Madinah.

The First Congregational Prayer After Hijrah

Masjid Quba is also recorded as the place where Rasulullah ﷺ first led a congregational prayer after arriving in the Madinah area. At that time, the qiblah was still directed toward Masjid Al-Aqsa in Palestine. It was here that the first adhan in Madinah was called, delivered by Bilal bin Rabbah, known for his strong and beautiful voice.

Although the mosque continued to evolve architecturally throughout the centuries, its historical and spiritual essence remains guarded. Today, the mosque stands as a witness to the early days of Islamic da’wah and the unity of the first Muslim community.

Masjid Quba Today

Today, Masjid Quba has the capacity to accommodate thousands of worshippers. Despite the modern facilities and improved design, the mosque still carries a strong sense of history. Many visitors make a special intention to perform ablution, walk to the mosque, and perform prayer to gain the reward promised by Rasulullah ﷺ.

Masjid Quba is more than a historic structure. It represents devotion, resilience, and the steadfastness of Rasulullah ﷺ in spreading Islam. Built on the foundation of faith from the first day of Hijrah, it remains a place of immense virtue for anyone who prays within its walls.

May you be blessed with good health and the opportunity to visit Masjid Quba someday, and experience the serenity of worshiping in one of the most meaningful mosques in Islamic history. Let’s start preparing today with iB Hijrah Term Savings Account, Dana Impian, or iB Hijrah Hajj Saving Account.