Qiblatain

Qiblatain Mosque, also known as Masjid al-Qiblatayn, is a historic mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is best known for the Qur’anic event in which the direction of Muslim prayer, the qibla, was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca. According to Islamic tradition, during a prayer in Medina, the Prophet Muhammad received the command to turn toward the Kaaba in Mecca, and a second wall with a second mihrab was established in the same mosque.

The mosque earns its name from its two mihrabs, which point to two different qiblas. One mihrab faces Jerusalem and the other faces Mecca, reflecting the transitional moment in early Islamic practice. This architectural feature remains the defining characteristic of the site.

Historically, Qiblatain Mosque is regarded as one of the early mosques in Medina. The original structure has undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the centuries, with major work during Ottoman times and subsequent modern restorations. It is located in the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque, forming part of Medina’s rich Islamic heritage.

Significance and legacy: The mosque is a major religious and historical landmark in Islam, cited in Islamic tradition as the place where the qibla was altered to face the Kaaba. It is a focus of historical study and pilgrimage within the broader context of Medina’s sacred sites. As with other religious sites in the region, visitors are advised to observe local customs and regulations during any visit.