Details of King Salman's project to expand the historically largest Quba Mosque
In a historic step reflecting the deep care for Islamic holy sites, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - announced the launch of the King Salman Project to expand the Quba Mosque and develop the area surrounding it, during his blessed visit to Madinah and his performance of the two rak’ahs of greeting the mosque in the first mosque established in Islam.
The largest expansion in history
This massive project is the largest in the history of Quba Mosque since its construction in the first year of the Hijra. The project aims to increase the mosque's total area to 50,000 square meters, with ancillary facilities bringing the total area to 72,000 square meters – ten times its current size. This expansion will increase the mosque's capacity to 66,000 worshippers, making it easier for visitors and worshippers to perform their religious duties with ease and tranquility.
The historical and spiritual significance of Quba Mosque
The Quba Mosque holds exceptional importance in the Islamic consciousness, as it was the first mosque laid out by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with his own blessed hand upon his arrival in Medina after migrating from Mecca. Numerous Prophetic traditions speak of its virtues, including that praying in it is equivalent to the reward of performing Umrah. Throughout history, the mosque has received great attention from the Rightly Guided Caliphs, through the Umayyad and Abbasid eras, up to the prosperous Saudi era, which has bestowed exceptional care upon the Two Holy Mosques and the sacred sites.
Reviving the architectural and prophetic heritage
The expansion is not limited to increasing capacity; it also encompasses an important cultural and civilizational aspect: the development and revitalization of the historical sites surrounding the mosque. The project includes documenting and developing 57 historical sites, including numerous wells, farms, and orchards that were part of the urban and agricultural fabric of the city during the Prophet's era. The project also aims to connect three Prophetic routes, enhancing the cultural and religious experience for visitors and bringing the Prophet's life to life on the ground.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This ambitious project is perfectly aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically within the "Serving the Guests of God" and "Quality of Life" programs. The Kingdom seeks to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims and Umrah performers while providing them with the highest quality services. The project also reflects the wise leadership's commitment to preserving the architectural identity of Madinah and enhancing its urban landscape, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world and a global cultural destination.
