In this guide you will find the history and significance of Masjid al-Qiblatain, where it is and how far it is from the Haram, the best time to visit, simple etiquette, practical tips and how to get there comfortably with a private Zikr Cabs car. It is part of our Madinah Ziyarat Guide.

History and significance of Masjid al-Qiblatain

For the first months after the Hijrah, Muslims prayed facing Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). The Prophet ﷺ longed to face the Kaaba, and Allah revealed: “We have certainly seen the turning of your face towards the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face towards al-Masjid al-Haram” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:144). This happened in about the second year after the Hijrah (624 CE).

According to well-known reports, news of the change reached a group of Muslims while they were praying in this mosque, the mosque of Banu Salimah, and they turned towards the Kaaba in the middle of their prayer. Because of this, the mosque became known as the mosque with two qiblas. A similar account of a congregation turning mid-prayer is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari about the people of Quba.

For a long time the mosque had two prayer niches. In the late 1980s it was rebuilt and expanded, and today it has a single mihrab facing the Kaaba.

Where is Masjid al-Qiblatain? Location and distance

Masjid al-Qiblatain is in the north-west of Madinah, roughly 4–5 km from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes.

Distances and travel times are approximate and depend on your hotel, the route and traffic, especially in Ramadan and the Hajj season.

Best time to visit and etiquette

Mornings after Fajr or between Dhuhr and Asr in cooler months. It is usually less crowded than Quba.

Pray two rak’ahs if you wish, and reflect on the obedience of the companions who changed direction immediately on hearing Allah’s command.

As with all ziyarat, it helps to keep the right intention. Visiting historical places is not part of the rites of Umrah or Hajj. It is a chance to learn, to reflect on the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and to make du’a. Scholars remind us not to seek blessing from rocks, walls or soil, and to follow the Sunnah in what we say and do. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.

Combining Masjid al-Qiblatain with other ziyarat

Most pilgrims visit Masjid al-Qiblatain as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include The Seven Mosques (Khandaq), Masjid Quba, Jabal Uhud & the Martyrs of Uhud, Masjid al-Ghamama and Bir Uthman (Well of Rumah). Each has its own guide, linked at the end of this page. A good plan is to choose three or four places for one morning, starting with the one that needs the most walking while it is still cool, and to leave time for rest and prayer. If you only have one free morning, our suggested route in the Madinah Ziyarat Guide shows a practical order that avoids driving back and forth across the city.

Visiting Masjid al-Qiblatain with family, children and elderly pilgrims

Ziyarat with family is a special memory, but it is easy to try to do too much. Keep the day short and gentle: plan around prayer times, take water and light snacks, and let anyone who is tired rest in the air-conditioned car while others step out. For wheelchair users, ask your driver to stop as close as the rules allow, and remember that some paths and steps are not suitable for wheelchairs. Teach children a short story about each place before you arrive, so the visit becomes a lesson they remember. Above all, keep the visit calm and respectful, as others around you may be in quiet prayer or reflection.

Practical tips for your visit

• Visit together with the Seven Mosques, which are close by.
• There is parking near the mosque for tour cars.
• Women’s prayer areas have separate entrances.
• Dress modestly and carry water, especially from May to September, when temperatures can pass 45°C.
• Keep your ID and the Nusuk app with you, as some areas have checkpoints, and access rules can change, so follow the instructions of officials on site.

How to get to Masjid al-Qiblatain with Zikr Cabs

The easiest way to visit Masjid al-Qiblatain is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Masjid al-Qiblatain and other nearby sites at your own pace, and brings you back in time for prayer. You never have to bargain with street taxis or wait for a crowded bus.

Masjid al-Qiblatain is included in our Madinah Ziyarat taxi tour, which starts from SAR 190 for a sedan. Fares are fixed per vehicle, not per person, and larger cars such as the GMC Yukon, Hyundai H1/Staria, Toyota Hiace and Coaster are available for families and groups. See all vehicles and prices on our routes and prices page. * Rates exclude VAT.

Frequently asked questions about Masjid al-Qiblatain

Nearby ziyarats

• The Seven Mosques (Khandaq)
• Masjid Quba
• Jabal Uhud & the Martyrs of Uhud
• Masjid al-Ghamama
• Bir Uthman (Well of Rumah)

← Back to the Madinah Ziyarat Guide

Sources and further reading

• Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah 2:144
• Sahih al-Bukhari 403 (change of qiblah)
• Encyclopaedia Britannica – Qibla
• Nusuk – official platform for Umrah, Hajj and Rawdah

This guide is general information for pilgrims. Official rules on permits and access change often; please check Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.

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