Masjid al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the Two Qiblas)
AbrahamicIslamicmosqueHejaz623 CE - present
Loading map…
Location
Modern Name
Northwestern Medina
Country
Saudi Arabia
Region
Hejaz
Coordinates
24.4798, 39.5951
Era
623 CE - present
Site Type
Mosque
About
A mosque in Medina where the divine command to change the prayer direction (qibla) from Jerusalem to Mecca was received during prayer in 623 CE — the only mosque originally having two mihrabs.
Significance
Marks the pivotal moment Islam redirected its liturgical orientation from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Mecca, symbolizing Islam's distinct identity from earlier Abrahamic traditions.
History & Historical Arc
Muhammad was leading prayer here when Quranic revelation (2:144) commanded him to turn toward Mecca; he and the congrega…
Archaeological Notes
The mosque has been rebuilt and expanded; the Saudi renovation in the 1980s removed the original Jerusalem-facing mihrab…
Key Features & Structures
- Two mihrabs (historically)
- White dome and minarets
Visitor Information
Open to Muslims; located about 5 km northwest of Masjid al-Nabawi.
Related Figures
MuhammadCompanions present at the prayer change
In the Bible
Source References
- Quran 2:144
- Sahih Bukhari 1:8:392