Masjid Al-Qiblatain

by Zinah Nur Sharif - July 25, 2012

Masjid al-Qiblatain is a masjid in Medina that is historically important for Muslims as the place where the Islamic prophet Muhammad, leading the prayer, is said to have been commanded to change the direction of prayer (qibla) from Jerusalem to Mecca. Thus it uniquely contained two prayer niches (mihrabs). Recently the masjid was renovated, removing the old prayer niche facing Jerusalem and leaving the one facing Mecca.

The Qiblatain Masjid is among the three earliest masjids in Islam's history, along with Quba Masjid and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi.

I took these pictures last year in Medina, during my stay in Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Couldn't take better picture inside, as I did not feel comfortable taking a lot of pictures…you know respecting sisters privacy, and giving them space to pray and feel comfortable. Oh how I miss Mecca and Medina!