Quba Mosque
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The Quba Mosque (Quba' Masjid or Masjid al-Quba, Arabic: مسجد قباء) just outside Medina, Saudi Arabia, is the first Islamic mosque ever built. Its first stones were positioned by the prophet Muhammad on his emigration from the city of Mecca to Medina and the mosque was completed by his companions. Muhammad spent more than 20 nights in this mosque (after migrating) praying qasr (a short prayer) while waiting for Ali whose house was behind this mosque.
Masjid-al-Haram (Mecca), Masjid-e-Nabvi (Medina) and Masjid-al-Aqsa (Jerusalem), are the holiest sites in Islam.
According to Islamic tradition, offering 2 Raka'ahs of nafl prayers in the Quba Mosque is equal to performing one Umra.
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[edit] Architecture
When Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil was commissioned, in the 20th century, to conceive a larger mosque to replace the old mosque, he intended to incorporate old structure into his design. But the old mosque was torn down and replaced with a new one.
The new mosque consists of a rectangular prayer hall raised on a second storey platform. The prayer hall connects to a cluster containing:
- residential areas,
- offices,
- ablution facilities,
- shops, and
- a library
Six additional entrances are dispersed on the northern, eastern and western façades. Four minarets mark the corners of the prayer hall. The minarets rest on square bases, have octagonal shafts which take on a circular shape as they reach the top.
[edit] Prayer Hall
The prayer hall is arranged around a central courtyard, characterised by six large domes resting on clustered columns. A portico, which is two bays in depth, borders the courtyard on the east and west, while a one-bayed portico borders it on the north, and separates it from the women's prayer area.
The women's prayer area, which is surrounded by a screen, is divided into two parts as a passageway connects the northern entrance with the courtyard.
When Quba Mosque was rebuilt in 1986, the Medina architecture was retained - ribbed white domes, and basalt facing and modest exterior - qualities that recalls Madina's simplicity. [1] The courtyard, is flagged with black, red and white marble. It is screened overhead by day from the scorching heat with shades. Arabesque latticework filters the light of the palm groves outside.
[edit] Mentions in the Qu'ran and hadith
The prophet Muhammad frequented the mosque and prayed there. This is referred to in a number of hadith:
- Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Dinar:
- Ibn 'Umar said, "The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba every Saturday (sometimes) walking and (sometimes) riding." 'Abdullah (Ibn 'Umar) used to do the same. Vol 2, Book 21, Number 284 Sahih Bukhari [2]
- Narrated by Ibn 'Umar:
- The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba (sometimes) walking and sometimes riding. Added Nafi (in another narration), "He then would offer two Rakat (in the Mosque of Quba)." Vol2, Book21, Number 285 Sahih Bukhari [3]
- Whoever purifies himself (take wudhu') in his house then comes to Masjid Quba' and prays in it has the reward like that of Umrah. (an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah)
It is mentioned in the Qur'an as the mosque founded on piety and devoutness (Masjid al-Taqwa):
- Never stand (to pray) there. A place of worship which was found upon duty (to Allah) from the first day is more worthy that thou shouldst stand (to pray) therein, wherein are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loveth the purifiers.
- (At-Tawbah Sura 9:108). Pickthal translation [4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Muhammad: The Messenger of Islam by Hajjah Amina Adil (p.286)
- The Naqshbandi Sufi Tradition Guidebook of Daily Practices and Devotions by Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani (p.301)
- Happold: The Confidence to Build by Derek Walker and Bill Addis (p.81)
