Masjid Al Qiblatayn (The Mosque of the Two Qiblas) is one of the most historically significant mosques in Islam. It holds immense religious importance as it marks the location where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the divine command to change the direction of prayer (Qibla) from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah. This event is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:144) and is a pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Location & Directions:

Address:
Masjid Al Qiblatayn, Khalid bin Al Waleed Road, near Banu Salamah, Medina, Saudi Arabia.

How to Get There:

• From Masjid an-Nabawi: The mosque is about 4 km northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque. Visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Uber or Careem) for a 10-minute drive.

• Public Transport: Medina’s public buses have routes passing near the mosque, but taxis are more convenient.

• Walking: For those staying nearby, it’s a 30-40 minute walk.

Historical Background

Masjid Al Qiblatayn was built during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the year 623 CE (2 AH). The mosque’s name derives from the moment when, during the Dhuhr prayer, the Prophet received a revelation from Allah to change the Qibla from Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) to the Kaaba in Makkah.

The original structure was simple, made of palm trunks and mud walls, but it has been renovated multiple times over the centuries. The current modern structure was rebuilt in the 1980s under Saudi rule, blending contemporary architecture with traditional Islamic design.

Religious Significance

The mosque is a living testimony to a major event in Islamic history:

• The Change of Qibla: Muslims initially prayed towards Jerusalem, but Allah commanded the shift to the Kaaba, unifying the Muslim community under one direction.

• Mention in the Quran:
  “We see the turning of your face to the heavens. Now We shall turn you to a Qiblah that shall please you. Turn then your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque…” (Quran 2:144)

• A Symbol of Unity: The mosque represents the unity of Muslims in worship and obedience to Allah’s command.

Nearby Places of Interest

1. Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) – 4 km away.

2. Quba Mosque – The first mosque in Islam, about 6 km away.

3. Mount Uhud – Historical battle site, 8 km away.

4. Al-Baqi Cemetery – Burial site of many companions of the Prophet (PBUH).

5. The Seven Mosques (Sab’a Masajid) – A group of historic mosques near the Battle of the Trench site.