Qiblatain Mosque

The mosque is located northwest of Madinah, near Al-Aqiq Valley. It was known as Bani Salima Mosque because it is located in their quarters. Bani Salima is a subtribe of the helpers (ansar). Later it was renamed the Qiblatain Mosque because the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, came to Bani Salima neighborhood and led the local residents in prayer. While he was leading his companions in zuhr prayer, he received revelation commanding him to turn towards the Kaaba. In the first two rak'as, he was facing Jerusalem, and in the last two rak'as he turned towards the Kabbah. Hence, this mosque becomes a monument that bears witness to one of the most important events in the history of Islam.

The mosque was built with mud bricks, palm fronds, and palm trunks. It was renewed by Omar ibn Abdulaziz in 87 AH, and was repaired several times afterwards, the last of which in 950 AH. Then it was neglected until its restoration by King Abdulaziz Al Saud.

During the reign of King Abdulaziz, it was renewed and a minaret and a wall were built. After this expansion, it had an area of 425 square meters. Then, King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz ordered it to be demolished, rebuilt and expanded. So, the mosque was expanded to 3,920 square meters and re-planned. During the reign of King Salman ibn Abdulaziz, Al Madinah Region Development Authority has implemented a huge project to improve the mosque, including increasing its capacity to accommodate a larger number of worshipers and visitors, facilitating access to visitors, ensuring their safety, establishing a cultural centre, an exhibition building and a shopping centre, creating more green spaces and putting up informative and interactive signs to highlight the mosque history.

The mosque is characterized by its bright white color and Islamic architectural design. It has two domes and two minarets. A series of arches were erected in the prayer hall which can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. A 400 m2 arcade serves as a women's prayer area. The decorative copper chandeliers add a traditional, aesthetic touch. The mosque courtyard is planted with palm trees.