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Quba Walk – Path Of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Sign at Masjid Quba
Sign at Masjid Quba

The Quba Mosque, located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, is one of the Islamic world’s oldest and most significant mosques, which as accessed by passing through Jeddah.

This historic mosque holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, not only for its religious importance but also for its rich history.

Following is a short guide that will educate on the history of Masjid Quba:

 

What is the Quba Walk?

The Quba Walk is known as the Path of the Prophet. It is the path that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took to reach the Quba Mosque and offer prayer.

Today, the new Quba Road, Madinah, is lined with restaurants, cafés and hotels, making it more of a tourist attraction.

However, its significance still holds, and many pilgrims make the journey on foot from Masjid Nabawi to the mosque.

 

What is Quba Mosque?

The Quba Mosque in Madinah, accessed through Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of the strong bond between the early Muslim community and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The mosque was constructed on the foundation of piety, unity, and brotherhood among the Muslims.

The Prophet himself actively participated in building the mosque, laying the foundation stones, and establishing it as one of the places for spiritual and communal activities.

Masjid Quba overhead view
Aerial view of Masjid Quba – Photo: makkahmadeenah (Instagram)

Why is Masjid Quba Special?

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) positioned the first stone for constructing Masjid Quba in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The construction occurred during the first year of the Islamic calendar, known as 1 AH (After Hijra).

The Hijra marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah, a pivotal event in Islamic history.

The people of Yathrib had long awaited the arrival of the Prophet. Every day, they would go into the field, beyond the palm groves, hoping to catch a glimpse of Him. They only left when it was no longer possible to stand in the sun’s intense heat.

One day, as they were returning home and, once again, waiting for Prophet Muhammad’s arrival, a Jew caught a glimpse of him amongst a group of white-robed travelers. 

He called out: “O people of Arabia! What you have been waiting for has arrived!”

The reason Masjid Quba in Madinah is considered special is because it is where The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stayed for three days with his companion Abu Bakr.

During his stay, the camel the Prophet was riding on knelt on the ground and drank water from a well belonging to Hazrat Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari. 

The Prophet used to visit Masjid Quba in Madinah every Saturday by walking or riding his camel to offer two Rakats.

Masjid Quba was the first mosque built in Islam’s history. It is said that this mosque is where the first Friday Prayer (Jumma Namaz) was held.

 

Quba Mosque Opening Times

Masjid Quba in Madinah, Saudi Arabia is open only for prayer five times daily.

Pilgrims are allowed to enter the mosque 15 minutes before prayer time. Late attendees are not allowed entrance. The mosque’s door closes 15 minutes after the prayer. 

What Did the Prophet Say About Masjid Quba?

The Prophet (ﷺ) said

“He who purifies himself at his home and comes to Masjid Quba and offers two rakats therein, will be rewarded the reward of an Umrah (lesser pilgrimage).” 

Sunan ibn Majah

Sign at Masjid Quba
Sign at Masjid Quba

Is Praying in Masjid Quba Equal to Umrah?

Praying in Masjid Quba in Madinah is a significant and highly esteemed act of worship in Islam. Sahl ibn Hunayf reported that the Messenger of Allah – Prophet Muhammad (SAW), told the people of Madinah that whoever prays in Masjid Quba will be rewarded the same reward of performing an Umrah.

 

Quba Mosque Walking Track

The Quba Mosque walking track is located at the Quba Square in Saudi Arabia. It starts from Masjid Nabawi and connects to Quba Mosque in Madinah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It takes around 45 minutes to complete the walk. Pilgrims can enjoy cafés and small restaurants on the walking track or have a small picnic in the Quba Walkway Park.

The Importance of the Quba Walk Route

“The Prophet used to go to the Mosque of Quba (sometimes) walking and sometimes riding. He then would offer two Rakat (in the Mosque of Quba).”

Ibn ‘Umar

The construction of the Quba Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, marked a momentous occasion in Islamic history.

It was the first mosque the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions built upon their arrival in Madinah.

The importance of the route from Masjid Nabawi to the Mosque cannot be overstated. It was “THE” path the Prophet took to pray two Rakat.

After passing a few hotels, when you come out of Masjid Nabawi, you arrive under the King Faisal Ring Road and arrive at the Quba Front. 

This is known as the Al Jummah Neighborhood Gateway, where the new walkway passes. 

The Quba Walk allows Muslims to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet himself, as he used to travel from his house to Masjid Quba.

 

Quba Square

Quba Square and the Quba Mosque in Madinah have profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.

It is a place of immense blessings, and a single prayer offered in this mosque is said to carry the reward of performing an Umrah.

It is no wonder that Quba Mosque and Square are visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually.

 

Masjid Nabawi to Masjid Quba Distance

It takes 11 minutes by car to cover the 4.4 km track of the Quba walk in Madinah.

There are three routes you can take to reach your destination, including Abdul Muhsin Ibn Abdul Aziz Road, Ali Ibn Abi Talib Road, or Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal Road.

On foot, it takes around 45 to 55 minutes via the same routes.

 

Masjid Nabawi to Masjid Quba by Bus

Al Haram-Quba-Al Haran is a Green Bus that pilgrims can take near Gate 22 at the Clock Tower to visit Masjid Quba for 5 Riyals (subject to change according to season). It takes about an hour to reach the destination. 

You can also take the Red Hop. However, this bus offers a complete tour that includes breakfast, visiting several historical sites, such as Masjid Al-Dirar, and then arriving at Masjid Quba in Madinah. It is four times the price of taking the Green Bus. 

masjid al nabawi mosque located in madinah

Hotels Near Masjid Quba

Sidrathul Aaliya Hotel

Sidrathul Aaliya Hotel is 3 minutes away from Masjid Nabawi and 1.1 miles from Quba Mosque.

It offers single and double bedrooms and amenities, including an elevator, multilingual staff and a 24-hour front desk.

There’s also complimentary parking available nearby, a designated smoking area, and bellhop services. 

There are a total of 20 rooms available with attached bathrooms (with complimentary toiletries), and all of them are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV.

You can even prepare meals in the communal kitchen. Despite the few reviews, the hotel is often full because of its proximity to Masjid Nabawi.

 

Al Andlus Palace 2 Hotel Kurban

Al Andlus Palace 2 Hotel Kurban is a 3-star hotel. It is 1.4 miles away from Masjid Nabawi and 1.6 miles from Masjid Quba.

It’s only 10 miles away from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, making it an ideal hotel for travelers.

The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with different levels of amenities. All rooms contain a flat TV screen and offer access to free Wi-Fi.

Some rooms even have a safety deposit box. You can make meals in the shared kitchen and tea in your room using the electric pot. There are no reviews posted about the hotel’s service on any website. 

 

Pullman Zamzam Madina

Pullman Zamzam Madina is a 5-star hotel. It is 5 minutes away from Masjid Nabawi and 1.7 miles from Masjid Quba. It has 835 upscale luxury rooms and suites.

The hotel stands at the threshold of the Prophet’s Mosque. It offers a business center with internet access, free Wi-Fi in rooms, complimentary indoor parking and 4 restaurants on the premises.

You will find dozens of positive reviews about the hotel on TripAdvisor.

 

Crown Plaza Madinah

Crown Plaza Madinah is a luxurious 5-star hotel. It is located 2 minutes away from Masjid Nabawi and 1.7 miles from Masjid Quba. The hotel has 506 rooms and suites, some of them facing Masjid Nabawi.

There are plenty of onsite facilities, including a café, a gym, a lounge area and free parking space. 

In-room amenities are designed keeping in mind a guest’s comfort. These include blackout curtains, a minibar, a TV, an attached bathroom with a bidet, and air conditioning. To know more about the hotel’s service, check out their reviews. 

Restaurants Near Masjid Quba

Al Fatheh Restaurant

Al Fatheh is a Middle Eastern restaurant that is known for its Kabli Rice, Bukhari and Kuzi Meat. It is located in Al Jummh District and is 0.4 miles away from Masjid Quba.

Many people have left positive reviews about the restaurant’s food and service on TripAdvisor.

 

Al Baik Restaurant

Al Baik is a fast-food restaurant located on King Faisal Road. It is 1.4 miles away from Masjid Quba and is open late night.

It is known for offering freshly fried crunchy chicken and seafood. 

 

Arabesque Restaurant

Arabesque Restaurant is a 3-star eatery located on King Fahad Road. It is 2.3 miles away from Masjid Quba.

The restaurant offers various delicacies from North Africa, Southeast Asia and Iran that professional chefs prepare. In the evening, the restaurant turns into a dining hall lit by Mashrabiya-inspired lamps.

 

Kyoto

Kyoto is located in the Oberoi Hotel. It is the first-ever Japanese restaurant in Madinah. It is 2.2 miles away from Masjid Quba and overlooks Masjid Nabawi.

One of the best things about this restaurant is that it offers private dining rooms with a personal chef who prepares sushi and other dishes according to your taste. 

 

Al Modeef Restaurant

Al Modeef Restaurant offers halal Italian and Indian cuisine. It is located 2.3 miles away from the Quba Mosque on Sa’ad bin Muath Road.

The restaurant is known for its pizza and pasta and quality service. If you are in the mood for something sweet, don’t forget to try their Movenpick ice cream. 

 

How Far is Masjid Quba from Haram?

Masjid Quba is 445.9 km away from Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It will take around 4 hours and 17 minutes to reach Haram by road. 

 

Summary – Quba Walk

The Quba Mosque has a long tradition of providing hospitality to travelers and visitors because the Prophet stayed here after migrating from Mecca.

His travel tells a story of hardship when he and his followers were forced to leave Mecca. Since then, many people have walked on foot to Masjid Quba and offered prayer there to receive sawab, which is equal to that of performing an Umrah

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