The Quba Mosque in the outlying environs of Madina is the first mosque built in the history of Islam. Its first stones were positioned by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on his emigration from Makkah to Madina. Offering two raka'h of nafl prayers in the Quba Mosque is equal to performing one Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to go there, riding or on foot, every Saturday and offer a two-rak'ah prayer. He advised others to do the same, saying, “Whoever makes ablution at home and then goes and prays in the Mosque of Quba, he will have a reward like that of an Umrah.” (Ahmad, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim.) It is mentioned in the Qur'an as the mosque founded on piety and devoutness (Masjid Al-Taqwa). Qur'an says: “Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray). In it are men who love to clean and purify themselves. And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure....” (9:108). __
