Medina, the City of the Prophet, is the second holiest city in Islam, after Makkah. It is the Land of Migration and Sunnah, the Heart of Faith, and a place where the hearts of Muslims around the world yearn to visit. The city is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi)—the second mosque in Islam where prayers are highly meritorious after Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah. Beyond this, Medina houses over 30 historic mosques where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions (RA) prayed, each carrying profound Islamic historical significance.
The Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi)
Upon arriving in Medina, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) personally chose the location of Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, which was originally a drying ground for dates belonging to two orphaned boys from the Banu Najjar tribe, Sahl and Suhail ibn Amr. The Prophet purchased the land for ten gold dinars, which Abu Bakr (RA) paid on his behalf.
The mosque was initially built using palm trunks, with a foundation of four cubits of stone. It remained a simple structure for four years before being expanded due to the increasing number of Muslims migrating to Medina. Following the Battle of Khaybar (7 AH), the Prophet expanded the mosque, making it 40 cubits wide and 30 cubits long. Later, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) led the first major expansion, followed by Uthman ibn Affan (RA), who in 29 AH added a mihrab, using stone, plaster, and wooden columns.
Through the ages, successive Islamic rulers expanded the mosque, with the largest expansion in history undertaken by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. In Shaban 1433 AH (2012 CE), King Abdullah ordered another major expansion, increasing the capacity to accommodate 1.6 million worshippers.
Other Notable Mosques in Medina
1. Masjid Quba – The First Mosque in Islam
Masjid Quba is the first mosque built by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) upon arriving in Medina. It is located in Quba village, southwest of the city. The Prophet regularly visited Masjid Quba every Saturday, either on foot or on horseback, and performed two rak’ahs of prayer. Praying at Masjid Quba holds immense virtue, as narrated by the Prophet:
“Whoever performs ablution at home and then prays two rak’ahs at Masjid Quba will receive the reward of an Umrah.” (Ibn Majah)
2. Masjid Al-Jumu’ah – The First Friday Prayer
Masjid Al-Jumu’ah is named after the first Friday prayer (Jumu’ah) led by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) after migrating from Quba to Medina. It is also known as Masjid Bani Salim, as it is located in the Banu Salim ibn Awf neighborhood.
3. Masjid Al-Qiblatain – The Mosque of Two Qiblas
Located in the village of Banu Salimah, Masjid Al-Qiblatain is where the Qibla changed from Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) to the Kaaba in Makkah while the Prophet and his companions were in prayer. The mosque stands on an elevated hill northwest of Medina, covering 3,920 square meters.
4. Masjid Al-Fath and the Seven Mosques
Masjid Al-Fath is part of the Seven Mosques (As-Sab’ah Masajid), located near Jabal Sila’, a strategic site during the Battle of the Trench. The Seven Mosques include:
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- Masjid Al-Fath (named after the Prophet’s supplication for victory in the Battle of the Trench)
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- Masjid Salman Al-Farsi
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- Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq
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- Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab
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- Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib
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- Masjid Sa’d ibn Mu’adh
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- Masjid Banu Haram
5. Masjid Al-Sajdah (Masjid Abu Dhar)
This mosque is located north of Al-Masjid An-Nabawi. It is named Masjid Al-Sajdah (The Mosque of Prostration) because the Prophet (Peace be upon him) performed a long prostration of gratitude (sujood al-shukr) here. It is also known as Masjid Al-Shukr.
6. Masjid As-Suqya
Masjid As-Suqya is situated near B’ir As-Suqya (the Well of Suqya). It is historically significant as the location where the Prophet (Peace be upon him) supplicated before the Battle of Badr.
7. Masjid Al-Sheikhein
Located between Medina and Uhud, this mosque is also known as Masjid Al-Bada’i. It is believed to be the place where the Muslim army camped the night before the Battle of Uhud.
8. Masjid Al-Ghamama (Masjid Al-Musalla)
Located southwest of Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, this mosque is where the Prophet (Peace be upon him) prayed Eid prayers. Its name, Masjid Al-Ghamama (Cloud Mosque), comes from an incident where clouds provided shade for the Prophet while he prayed.
9. Masjid Al-Ijabah (Masjid Bani Mu’awiyah)
Situated north of Jannat Al-Baqi’, this mosque is where the Prophet (Peace be upon him) supplicated for three things—two of which Allah granted and one He did not.
10. Masjid Dhu’l-Hulayfah (Masjid Al-Shajarah / Masjid Miqat)
Located south of Medina, Masjid Dhu’l-Hulayfah is the Miqat (station) for pilgrims from Medina. It is also called Masjid Al-Shajarah, named after the tree under which the Prophet camped.
Other Notable Mosques in Medina
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- Masjid Bani Zuraiq (near Harrah Waqim, east of Medina)
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- Masjid Al-Fudaykh (Masjid Al-Shams) (near Al-Awali)
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- Masjid Bani Dinan (Masjid Al-Mughaysilah)
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- Masjid Al-Sabaq (used for horse racing in preparation for battle)
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- Masjid Al-‘Asbah (west of Quba)
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- Masjid Al-Qushla (Masjid Al-‘Askar)
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- Masjid Al-Manaratayn (in Wadi Al-Aqiq)
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- Masjid ‘Arounah (near Wadi Al-Aqiq)
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- Masjid Al-Mu’arras (near Dhu’l-Hulayfah)
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- Masjid Banat Al-Najjar (near Quba)
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- Masjid Arafat (Masjid Al-‘Umrah in Quba)
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- Masjid Al-Mustarah (on the route to Uhud)
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- Masjid Sayyid Al-Shuhada (in Uhud)
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- Masjid Al-Thanyah (Masjid Qubbah Al-Thanyah)
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- Masjid Jabal Uhud (Masjid Al-Fash)
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- Masjid Al-Baqi’ (Masjid Ubayy ibn Ka’b)
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- Masjid Bani Qurayza
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- Masjid Bani Sa’idah
These historic mosques reflect the rich Islamic heritage of Medina, serving as reminders of the Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) blessed footsteps. Visiting them is not only a spiritual experience but also an opportunity to connect with the history of Islam.
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