Quba: The Prophetic Walkway

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to the Quba’ Mosque and offers one prayer therein, will have a reward like that for ‘Umrah.”

During the famous migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet ﷺ from his birthplace, Makkah, to Madinah, he arrived at Quba alongside his closest companion, Abu Bakr, who would become the leader of the Muslims after his passing. They stayed in Quba before proceeding to the heart of Madinah. This was a historical journey that changed the trajectory of the world.

Many remarkable events occurred along the way. Among them was the encounter with Suraqah, who wanted to claim the bounty of 100 camels placed upon the Prophet ﷺ. After several unsuccessful attempts, Suraqah recognised that the Prophet ﷺ was under divine protection. He turned back and began protecting the travellers by directing other pursuers away from their path. The man who had set out to capture the Prophet ﷺ became the one helping to conceal his whereabouts. This happened in the first year of the Hijrah, and the Hijri calendar stands today at 1448.

The Prophet ﷺ stayed in Quba for several days, during which Masjid Quba was established, marking it as the first mosque he founded upon arriving in the Madinah area. The mosque is associated in Qur’anic commentary with the description of a mosque whose foundation was laid upon piety from its first day, making it worthy of prayer. The verse also praises those within it who love to purify themselves, and reminds us that Allah loves those who purify themselves.

Among the notable historical sites surrounding the mosque is the location of the house of the companion Sa‘d ibn Khaythamah. His home hosted companions during their migration and was a place where the Prophet ﷺ received people during his stay in Quba. Sa‘d ibn Khaythamah was later martyred at the Battle of Badr, the first major battle between the Muslims and Quraysh. His father, Khaythamah, would also be martyred at the Battle of Uhud.

There is also Al-Mustadhal Garden, traditionally associated with the Prophet’s arrival from Makkah. Its name recalls the moment when Abu Bakr spread his cloak over the Prophet ﷺ to shield him from the sun. This gesture also helped those who had never seen the Prophet ﷺ recognise him among the people. Within the garden is the historic well of Ethiq (عَذْق), which remains associated with the memories of those early days in Quba and still contains water today.

The Prophet ﷺ continued to visit Masjid Quba regularly. Abdullah ibn Umar reported that he would visit on Saturdays, sometimes walking and sometimes riding. These visits strengthened his connection with the place that had first welcomed him upon his arrival in Madinah.

There is a lesson for us in this continued relationship with Quba and its people. Although the Prophet ﷺ now lived further within Madinah, his visits remind us to remember those who welcomed us at the beginning of our journey. Moving forward in life should not become an excuse to forget those who received us along the way.

This Sunnah was followed by the Sahabah, and Muslims continue to practise it today. A clean, accessible walkway now connects the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque with Masjid Quba, welcoming Muslims who strive to follow the example of the most honourable Messenger ﷺ.

The walkway is beautifully maintained, providing space for those making the journey on foot. Electric carts also make the journey easier for visitors who need transport, bringing to mind the narration that the Prophet ﷺ used to visit Quba both walking and riding. 

Whenever we visit such places, we are reminded to reflect on his Sunnah ﷺ and pray that Allah continues to grant us the strength to uphold it.

Ameen.