Of Islamic history: Madina's Masjid al-Qiblatayn
Famously known as the Mosque of the two Qiblas, the white coloured mosques history dates back to the time of Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), when he received a revelation from Allah to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca, where the entire congregation changed their direction during their prayer. Photo: File
(Dunya News) – Masjid al-Qiblatayn in Madina is one of the most important historical mosques for Muslims.
Famously known as the ‘Mosque of the two Qiblas’, the white coloured mosque’s history dates back to the time of Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), when he received a revelation from Allah to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca, where the entire congregation changed their direction during their prayer.
Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received the revelation from Allah, during the afternoon prayers and hence, while the entire congregation changed their direction from Jerusalem to Mecca they offered two rakats towards Jerusalem and two towards Mecca. After this revelation, the mosque was called Masjid al-Qiblatayn.
The Qiblatain Mosque also had two mihrabs (niches), one facing Jerusalem, and the other facing Mecca, but the older mihrab was covered during recent renovation of the mosque. Photo: File
Masijd al- Qiblatayn once contained two Mihrabayn, one facing towards Jerusalem, the other towards Mecca was later renovated, and the one facing towards the Jerusalem was removed.
With such historical significance, many visitors pay their visit to this mosque when they are performing Hajj or Umrah.
The mosque where this change of direction of the Qibla took place takes its name from the incident. Photo: File
This beautifully constructed mosque has twin minarets and two domes and is spread on 4000 sq. metres of land. With new and innovative geometric and Islamic architecture, the mosque is open 24/7.
For more on this, watch a report by Dunya News below.
