Definition
Masjidu ʾT-Taqwā (مسجد التقوى) — The Mosque of Piety, situated in Qubāʾ, near al-Madīnah, holds historical and spiritual significance as the first mosque established in Islam by the Prophet Muḥammad.
Etymology
Derived from Arabic:
- Masjid (مسجد): Mosque.
- Taqwā (التقوى): Piety or God-consciousness.
Background
Masjidu ʾT-Taqwā was constructed during the Hijrah (Flight) from Makkah to al-Madīnah. The Prophet Muḥammad’s camel, al-Qaṣwā, rested in Qubāʾ, where he decided to build this mosque.
Construction Story
- The Prophet Muḥammad laid the first brick himself.
- An iron javelin was used to mark the Qiblah (direction for prayer).
- Notable companions like Abū Bakr, ʿUmar, and ʿAlī contributed to its construction.
Cultural Significance
- Merit of Prayer: A prayer in Masjidu ʾT-Taqwā is considered equivalent to a Lesser Pilgrimage (Umrah).
- Weekly Visits: The Prophet used to walk to Qubāʾ every week.
- Ramaẓān Tradition: Particular importance is given to prayer on the 17th of Ramaẓān.
Transformations
Over centuries, it has been rebuilt and expanded:
- Caliph ʿUthmān’s Enlargement: Initially a small square structure.
- Sultan ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamīd’s Rebuild: Retained simplicity despite expansion.
Description
Originally modest, the mosque lacks the grandeur of other significant Islamic architectures but is revered for its historical roots.
Synonyms & Related Terms
Synonyms
- Qubāʾ Mosque
Related Terms
- Hijrah (الهجرة): The migration of Prophet Muḥammad from Makkah to al-Madīnah.
- Qiblah (قبلة): The direction Muslims face during prayer.
- Umrah (عُمرة): The Lesser Pilgrimage to Makkah.
- Masjid al-Ḥaram (المسجد الحرام): The Grand Mosque in Makkah.
- Masjid an-Nabawi (المسجد النبوي): The Prophet’s Mosque in al-Madīnah.
Exciting Facts
- First Mosque Ever Built: An iconic spiritual monument, initiated by the Prophet himself.
- Prayer Equivalence: A single prayer here equals the merit of an Umrah.
- Weekly Pilgrimage: A tradition effective till this day, emulating the Prophet’s weekly visits.
Notable Quotes
“The mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are rightly guided.” — Al-Qurʾan (9:18)
Suggested Literature & Sources
- Books:
- “Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah and Meccah” by Richard Francis Burton.
- “The Sealed Nectar” by Saif-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri.
- Scholarly Articles:
- “The Historical Significance of Quba Mosque” in Islamic Studies Quarterly.
- Inspirational Visits:
- Visit to Masjid an-Nabawi to experience the profound spirituality and historic importance.
Quizzes to Test Your Knowledge
May the exploration of Masjidu ʾT-Taqwā inspire you to delve deeper into the roots of Islamic heritage and cherish the legacy of Prophet Muḥammad’s initial steps towards building a community of faith.
— Tariq Al-Rahman
