Masjid Zu Qiblatain is situated in__________?

The correct answer is Madina.

Masjid Zu Qiblatain is located in the Al-Qiblatain district of Madina, Saudi Arabia, specifically toward the northwest of the city. Historically, this site belonged to the tribe of Banu Salamah. The mosque is not just a place of worship but a monumental landmark that represents one of the most transformative moments in Islamic history: the permanent change of the Qibla (the direction of prayer).

The Historical Context of the Two Qiblas

For the first thirteen years of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mission in Makkah, and for approximately 16 to 17 months after the Hijra (migration) to Madina, Muslims offered their prayers while facing toward Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). This direction was shared with the People of the Book and held immense spiritual weight. However, while in Madina, the Prophet (PBUH) deeply desired that the Qibla be redirected toward the Kaaba in Makkah, the first house of monotheism built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS).

The event that gave the mosque its name, "Zu Qiblatain" (The Mosque of the Two Qiblas), occurred in the second year of the Hijra, around 624 CE. During the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) was leading the congregation at the residence of the Banu Salamah tribe. While they were in the middle of the prayer, a divine revelation descended upon him.

The Revelation and Immediate Obedience

The Quranic command came through Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 144: "We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qibla with which you shall be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram."

In a remarkable display of faith and discipline, the Prophet (PBUH) did not wait for the prayer to end. He immediately turned 180 degrees from the direction of Jerusalem in the north to the direction of the Kaaba in the south. The companions, witnessing his movement, followed suit instantly without questioning or breaking their state of prayer. This meant that within a single prayer service, two different directions were faced, a unique occurrence in Islamic jurisprudence that forever marked this specific location.

Architectural Evolution Over Centuries

Originally, the mosque was a simple structure built of mud bricks and palm trunks, typical of the early Madinan period. However, because of its immense historical value, it has been renovated and expanded by various Islamic dynasties. The Umayyad Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz was among the first to formally reconstruct the mosque. Centuries later, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent oversaw further enhancements to preserve the site for pilgrims.

In the modern era, the mosque underwent a massive reconstruction during the Saudi reign, particularly under King Fahd. The current structure is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, featuring two distinct domes and two minarets. For a long time, the mosque physically maintained two mihrabs (prayer niches)—one facing Jerusalem and one facing Makkah—to commemorate the event. However, during the most recent renovations, the niche facing Jerusalem was removed to avoid confusion for worshippers, though its historical position is still subtly indicated within the interior design.

The Significance of the Site Today

Today, Masjid Zu Qiblatain stands as a symbol of the "Middle Nation" (Ummah Wasat). It serves as a reminder of the transition from the old era to the new Islamic identity. For millions of pilgrims who visit Madina for Hajj or Umrah, visiting this mosque is a way to connect with the physical reality of the Quranic revelations. It stands on a high ground in the Khalidiyyah area and remains one of the most visited sites in the holy city, preserved as a testament to the moment the Muslim Ummah received its unique spiritual orientation.