In this guide you will find the history and significance of Masjid Quba, 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 Quba

When the Prophet ﷺ reached the outskirts of Madinah in 622 CE, he stayed for several days in the village of Quba, among the tribe of Banu Amr ibn Awf. During this time he laid the foundations of a mosque, working alongside his companions. Many scholars connect this mosque with the verse: “A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in” (Surah al-Tawbah 9:108).

The Prophet ﷺ continued to visit Quba regularly. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim report that he used to go to Quba every Saturday, walking or riding, and pray two rak’ahs there. In a hadith reported by Ibn Majah and others, he said that whoever purifies himself at home, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, will have a reward like that of an Umrah.

The mosque has been rebuilt many times. Its current form dates from a major reconstruction in the 1980s, and a large expansion project has been under way in recent years to increase its capacity.

Where is Masjid Quba? Location and distance

Masjid Quba is about 3–4 km south of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. By car it takes 10–15 minutes. There is also a pleasant pedestrian route, the Quba Walk, that connects the two mosques in about 40–50 minutes on foot.

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

Many pilgrims follow the Sunnah of visiting on a Saturday morning. Early mornings after Fajr are cool and peaceful, and late afternoon is also pleasant. Fridays and weekends can be busy.

Following the hadith, make wudu at your hotel before leaving, then pray two rak’ahs in the mosque. Women have a separate prayer area with its own entrance.

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 Quba with other ziyarat

Most pilgrims visit Masjid Quba as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include Masjid al-Qiblatain, The Seven Mosques (Khandaq), Jabal Uhud & the Martyrs of Uhud, Masjid al-Ghamama and Masjid al-Jumu’ah. 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 Quba 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

• Make wudu before you leave the hotel to follow the hadith.
• The Quba Walk is lovely in cooler months but hot in summer; a taxi is easier for elderly pilgrims.
• There are date and gift shops around the mosque.
• Quba is the first stop on most Madinah ziyarat tours.
• 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 Quba with Zikr Cabs

The easiest way to visit Masjid Quba is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Masjid Quba 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 Quba 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 Quba

Nearby ziyarats

• Masjid al-Qiblatain
• The Seven Mosques (Khandaq)
• Jabal Uhud & the Martyrs of Uhud
• Masjid al-Ghamama
• Masjid al-Jumu’ah

Related reading

• Masjid Quba Guide: History, Virtues and How to Visit

← Back to the Madinah Ziyarat Guide

Sources and further reading

• Qur’an, Surah al-Tawbah 9:108
• Sahih al-Bukhari 1193 (visiting Quba every Saturday)
• Sunan Ibn Majah 1412 (reward of praying in Quba)
• Encyclopaedia Britannica – Medina
• 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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