- Address: Khalid Ibn Al Walid Rd, Al Qiblatayn, Medina 42351, Saudi Arabia
- Phone: +966 11 223 6222
- Official website: amana-md.gov.sa
The Kiblatayn Mosque is located in Medina and is known for having two mihrabs (the so-called niche in the wall indicating the direction to Mecca ). This makes it unique in its kind in terms of both architecture and religion. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit Kiblatayn.
The Kiblatayn Mosque is located in Medina and is known for having two mihrabs (the so-called niche in the wall indicating the direction to Mecca ). This makes it unique in its kind in terms of both architecture and religion. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit Kiblatayn.
Why does the mosque have two Qiblahs?
Kiblatayn accompanies the tradition, which is known to every Muslim. In the 6th century BC, Muhammad received a revelation from Allah during the prayer. He told the prophet to change direction during prayer. Kiblah should look not at Jerusalem, but at Mecca. Islamists consider it a great miracle not only the instruction of Allah, but also that Muhammad was able to recognize the truth in the message, and not the intrigues of the infidels. It is thanks to this legend that Kiblatayn has this feature. Literally the name Masjid al-Kiblatayn translates as "two Qiblahs."
Architecture
Looking at the Kiblataine Mosque, one could say that it has a traditional architecture for Muslim temples, but the presence of two mihrabs prevents it from doing so. Both niches in the wall are decorated with two columns and an arch, but one should pray, turning to the one that points to the Kaaba .
The main prayer hall has a rigid orthogonal symmetry, which is expressed in double minarets and domes. The room is raised above the ground level. The entrance to it is both from the inner courtyard, where the mihrabs are located, and from the outside.
It is known that significant changes in the Kablatayn passed during the reign of Suleiman the Great. He very much appreciated this mosque and spent a lot of money on its restoration and reconstruction. However, the exact date of construction of the temple is unknown.
How to get there?
Near the mosque there are no public transport stops, so you can get to it only by taxi or car. Kiblatayn is 300 meters from the crossroads of the major roads Khalid Ibn Al Walid Rd and Abo Bakr Al Siddiq. Orientation will serve as a city park Qiblatayn Garden, which is located next to the mosque.