Definition of QUBĀʾ (قباء)
Qubāʾ (قباء) is a distinguished location situated approximately three miles from al-Madīnah, renowned for being the place where Prophet Muhammad established the foundations of what is considered the first mosque in Islam upon his migration from Makkah. This mosque holds profound spiritual significance and is regarded as the fourth most important mosque after those in Makkah, al-Madīnah, and Jerusalem.
Etymology
The term Qubāʾ is believed to originate from Arabic, possibly relating to the settlement’s name before the mosque was established. It now refers to both the modern-day district and the historic mosque.
Background and Historical Context
The mosque at Qubāʾ is deeply intertwined with the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madīnah in 622 CE. Upon reaching Qubāʾ, his she-camel knelt, indicating this specific spot. The Prophet Muhammad initiated the construction of the mosque, which later became exemplary in Islamic architecture and devotion. Its mention in the Qurʿān, Sūrah at-Tawbah (9:108), underscores the mosque’s foundation in piety and aspiration for purity, further solidifying its revered status.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Culturally, mosques around the globe draw inspiration from the humility and simplicity of Qubāʾ in their structural devotion to prayer and purity. Despite variations in architectural grandeur, the values seeded at Qubāʾ—dedication to prayer, community, and cleanliness—remain shared sentiments across all Islamic cultural contexts.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Qubāʾ Mosque (Arabic: مسجد قباء)
- Mosque of Qubāʾ
Antonyms
- Secular spaces
- Non-religious sites
Related Terms with Definitions
- Hijrah (هِجْرَة): The migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madīnah, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawī (المسجد النبوي): The second holiest mosque in Islam, located in Madīnah.
- Umrah (عمرة): A pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at any time of the year, distinct from the obligatory Hajj.
Exciting Facts
- First Prayer Assembly: Prophet Muhammad himself laid the first brick and directed the qiblah (prayer direction).
- Equivalent Reward: According to tradition, a single prayer offered in Qubāʾ Mosque holds the merit equivalent to performing a lesser pilgrimage (Umrah).
- Historical Architecture: From modest beginnings, the mosque was expanded over centuries, most notably during Sultan Abdel Hamid’s rule.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Richard Burton (1857): “No longer mean and decayed, the mosque of Qubāʾ stands as a testament to the enduring faith and solemnity of its initial foundations.”
- John Lewis Burckhardt: “The simplicity of Qubāʾ’s design is overpowered only by its profound historical and spiritual significance.”
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq: An early biography detailing significant events, including the construction of Qubāʾ Mosque.
- “The Sealed Nectar” (Ar-Raheeq al-Makhtum) by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri: A comprehensive biography with detailed accounts of prophetic milestones.
- “Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning” by Robert Hillenbrand: Covers Islamic architectural evolution, including Qubāʾ.
Inspirational Thought and Farewell
Exploring Qubāʾ (قباء) we uncover the spirited solidarity and devoutness that laid the bedrock of modern Islam. As we study these historical monuments, let’s aspire towards the same purity and commitment to community embodied by Prophet Muhammad’s humble creation.
Farewell with faith and inspirations, Ayesha Noor, October 2023
