In a monumental move aimed at preserving Islamic heritage and enhancing the experience of pilgrims, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has initiated a grand expansion and redevelopment project around the historic Quba Mosque in Madinah. This initiative, which forms part of the broader efforts to enrich religious tourism and deepen the spiritual journey of visitors to the Kingdom, is regarded as one of the most ambitious undertakings in the mosque’s long and revered history.
Quba Mosque, the very first mosque built in Islam, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It was established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself shortly after his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah, more than 1,400 years ago. With its foundations laid by the Prophet’s own blessed hands, the mosque is not just a site of prayer but a sacred monument steeped in the seerah (life and legacy) of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Under the directive of King Salman, the expansion project is set to dramatically transform the mosque’s capacity and surrounding infrastructure. The development will enable it to accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers at a time, particularly during peak seasons such as Hajj and Ramadan. The project also includes the enhancement of public facilities, pedestrian pathways, landscaping, and access roads to ease movement and ensure comfort for worshippers.
Saudi authorities have explained that the goal is to preserve the mosque’s religious and historical identity while also meeting modern-day needs. Advanced architectural techniques and sensitive urban planning are being applied to ensure that the mosque’s original sanctity is maintained throughout the renovation. In keeping with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and promote Islamic heritage, this project is being prioritised as a key religious and cultural landmark.
Beyond its physical expansion, Quba Mosque’s spiritual significance continues to resonate deeply within the global Muslim community. A well-authenticated hadith from Sahih Ibn Majah quotes the Prophet ﷺ as saying: “Whoever purifies himself in his home, then comes to Quba and prays therein, will have a reward equivalent to that of an ʿUmrah.” It is this divine promise that draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the mosque every week, many of whom walk from Masjid an-Nabawi to Quba in a beautiful expression of devotion.
The expansion, once completed, is expected to greatly improve the spiritual experience and accessibility of this sacred site. For a location whose walls carry the echoes of the Prophet’s first days in Madinah, this development is not merely about physical structures—it is a profound reinforcement of Islamic identity, history, and reverence.
