New Book Release: Let The Stones Speak Download PDF



Mosque Name: Quba Mosque

Country: Saudi Arabia

City: Medina

Year of construction (AH): 1 AH

Year of construction (AD): 622 AD

GPS: 24.46’83.33°N 39.610833°E

ArchNet: http://archnet.org/sites/548

Gibson Classification: unknown

Rebuilt facing Mecca: 435 AH


Description:

The Quba Mosque just outside of Medina is the first and oldest mosque ever built in Saudi Arabia, and the oldest existing mosque anywhere. It is believed that first stones were positioned by the prophet Muhammad on his emigration from the city of Mecca to Medina, and the mosque was completed by his companions. Muhammad spent more than 20 nights in this mosque (after migrating) praying qasr (a short prayer) while waiting for Ali whose house was behind this mosque. The mosque was originally built around 622 AD, but subsequent renovations and rebuilding have so changed it that it is not possible to examine the original foundations and determine the direction of the original qibla.

Caliph Uthman made the first renovations to this mosque. It was renovated again in 435 AH, then in 555 AH and 671, 733, 840, 881 and 1245 AH. In 1985 it was again demolished and rebuilt.

With so many renovations, it is no longer possible to determine the original qibla direction. Gibson classified this mosque Qibla as Unknown because he could not identify any part of the original mosque construction.


The new mosque was built in 1985

The new mosque was built in 1985


The old mosque before 1985

The old mosque before 1985

Page Discussion

Membership is required to comment. Membership is free of charge and available to everyone over the age of 16. Just click SignUp, or make a comment below. You will need a user name and a password. The system will automatically send a code to your email address. It should arrive in a few minutes. Enter the code, and you are finished.

Members who post adverts or use inappropriate language or make disrespectful comments will have their membership removed and be barred from the site. By becoming a member you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy, Cookies & Ad Policies. Remember that we will never, under any circumstances, sell or give your email address or private information to anyone unless required by law. Please keep your comments on topic. Thanks!