Masjid al-Qiblatain
مسجد القبلتين
Masjid al-Qiblatain
Overview
Masjid al-Qiblatain, the Mosque of Two Qiblahs, is a historically unique mosque in the northwestern part of Madinah. It is the only mosque in the world associated with two prayer directions and features a distinctive modern design with twin domes representing the two qiblahs. The mosque has been beautifully renovated with clean white architecture.
Historical significance
In the second year of Hijrah (624 CE) the divine command came to change the direction of prayer from Bayt al-Maqdis in Jerusalem to the Ka'bah in Makkah, and the congregation turned mid-prayer. This mosque is traditionally identified as the place where it happened, though the identification is disputed: al-Bukhari's report locates the event at Masjid Bani Salima, and classical sources differ over whether the prayer in question was Dhuhr or Asr. The mosque's twin domes commemorate the two qiblahs.
Did you know?
According to the tradition attached to this site, the congregation completed the second half of their prayer facing a different direction from the first - which would make it the only prayer performed facing two qiblahs. Both the location and the prayer involved are debated among classical scholars.
Hadith
The command to change the qiblah was received during prayer, and the congregation turned to face Makkah.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 4486-4494 (on the change of qiblah); the identification of this mosque is traditional
Du'as
When entering a mosque
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Bismillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik
In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.
When leaving a mosque
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
Allāhumma innī asʾaluka min faḍlik
O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.
General supplication
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanah, wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanah, wa qinā ʿadhāb an-nār
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.
Nearby sites
المسجد النبوي
The Prophet's Mosque is the second holiest site in Islam and the spiritual heart of Madinah. It houses the Rawdah ash-Sharifah, a garden of Paradise between the Prophet's pulpit and his noble chamber, as well as the iconic Green Dome marking his blessed resting place. The mosque has been expanded many times throughout history and can accommodate over one million worshippers.
بيوت الصحابة
The area along the present Qiblah wall near Bab as-Salam marks where homes of several companions were located. Four are specifically identified: House of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, House of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, House of Ammar bin Yasir, and House of Nawfal bin Haris.
حجرات أمهات المؤمنين
Originally 9 chambers for the Prophet's wives. The chamber of Aisha became the Sacred Chamber. Other chambers were on the eastern and northern sides but have been incorporated into mosque expansions over the centuries.