Mahdi Abassiyan
Press TV, Medina
As part of my visit program to Medina, I visited the first mosque in the world that dates to the lifetime of the Islamic prophet Mohammed PBUH in the 7th century CE.
With its shining white minarets, the Quba mosque is a sacred place of worship for Muslims.
It’s believed that it was built by the prophet himself in the city of Medina following his migration from Mecca to this city. Therefore, this mosque holds a very special place in the hearts of Muslim devotees.
Quba Mosque is the second-largest and most prestigious mosque in the city after the Prophet’s Mosque. It is a unique landmark and its white building can be clearly seen from a distance. The mosque has gone through several rounds of renovation during the years and now has four minarets and 56 domes.
This mosque is said to be where the first Friday prayer was held, led by the holy prophet Mohammed. It holds value to millions of Muslims around the world who wish to visit it at least once in their lifetime.
The Islamic traditions have highly recommended performing prayers in this mosque.
At the end of my visit, I joined pilgrims from several countries in the courtyard of the mosque for eating food votives. Pieces of bread, yogurt, dates, and coffee are the simple treats that Muslims offer to pilgrims to thank God or in the memory of the holy prophet.