Built by Sawad ibn Ghanam ibn Ka'ab in 623 CE, Masjid Al Qiblatayn is situated in The Blessed City of Madinah and is one of the most important mosques in Islamic history. Masjid Al Qiblatayn translates to Mosque of the two Qiblas and is believed to be the Mosque where The Blessed Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) received the revelation to change the Qibla (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem to Makkah.
Masjid Al Qiblatayn was one of the earliest mosques in Madina and was named after the historic event of 15th of Shaban, 2 AH, when the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) turned towards the Kaaba while leading the Dhuhr prayer and the companions followed suit out of obedience and respect. The Prophet (PBUH) later explained that he had received revelation from Allah to change the Qibla from Temple Mount in Jerusalem to Kaaba in Makkah.
Architecture
Masjid Al Qiblatayn was one of the very few mosques in the world that had two mihrabs (a niche to indicate the Qibla). However, in 1987 the mosque was completely restructured and the old Mihrab facing Jerusalem was removed. The Mosque now only has one Mihrab that faces Kaaba although you can see the direction to Jerusalem marked in the ceiling architecture.
The main prayer hall of the mosque boasts a modern 21-century design with beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a Mihrab that is designed to look like a giant prayer mat. The ablutions area for worshippers is in the sub-basement level towards the southeastern corner whereas a block to the west of the main structure serves as the residence for the Imam, the Muezzin, and the caretaker.
Every year hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all over the world come to visit this historic mosque and other nearby attractions including Jannatul Baqi, Masjid Quba, and Mount Uhud - Archers' Hill.
