Over 1,400 years ago, in a small village on the outskirts of Madinah, a man picked up a stone and placed it on the ground. That single act began the construction of the most historically significant mosque in all of Islam. That man was Prophet Muhammad (SAW). And that mosque was Masjid Quba.
The Prophet (SAW), accompanied by Abu Bakr (RA), arrived at Quba on Monday, 12th Rabi al-Awwal, the very date that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, corresponding to 16th July 622 CE. It was here that the very first mosque in Islam was established.
The original structure was built with raw bricks and a roof made from date palm leaves, simple in appearance but extraordinary in meaning. The Prophet (SAW) himself laid the foundation stones, and his companions joined him to complete the construction together.
Historical accounts record that the Prophet (SAW) personally carried stones and rocks on his back during construction. When companions offered to take the load from him, he would refuse and ask them to go carry their own load instead, a beautiful example of his humility and dedication.
The Prophet (SAW) would return to Masjid Quba every Saturday, sometimes walking, sometimes riding, and offer two rakats of prayer. He encouraged all Muslims to do the same, saying that whoever makes ablution at home and prays two rakats in Masjid Quba will earn a reward equal to that of performing Umrah.
The Prophet (SAW) also led the very first congregational group prayer at Masjid Quba, at a time when Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was still the direction of prayer. He later left Quba on a Friday morning, and his very first Jumu’ah prayer was offered on the road to Madinah.
Today, the mosque has been greatly expanded. In 1984, King Fahd ordered its full reconstruction and expansion, growing the mosque’s area from just 1,225 square metres to an impressive 6,100 square metres, with an additional 4,000 square metres of open space in front.
Even today, Masjid Quba sees a large influx of visitors all year round, with the number increasing dramatically during the holy month of Ramadan, as millions of Muslims travel to Madinah seeking its blessed reward.
