Jummah Mosque in Madinah: where the first Friday prayer was performed
A historic mosque known by three names, marking the location of the first Friday prayer in Islamic history.
Jummah Mosque, also known as Al-Wadi Mosque and Atikah Mosque, is one of the historic mosques in Madinah. The mosque is located in Wadi Ranuna, near Quba Mosque, and is associated with the Friday prayer performed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at this location during his journey from Quba to Madinah.
Because of its connection to the early Islamic history of Madinah, the mosque is an important historical landmark for visitors exploring the city. The mosque is known by several names, and visitors may come across any of these names when researching the site or looking at historical references and maps.
The First Friday Prayer
The mosque is called Jummah Mosque because it is associated with the Friday prayer performed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at this location during his journey from Quba to Madinah. This event marks the first Friday prayer in Islamic history, making the site significant for Muslims worldwide.
The prayer took place when the Prophet ﷺ was travelling from Quba, where he had stayed upon arriving in Medina, to the city itself. As the time for Friday prayer arrived, he stopped in Wadi Ranuna and led the congregation in prayer, establishing the Friday congregational prayer as a regular practice in Islam.
The Three Names of the Mosque
The mosque is known by three names: Jummah Mosque, Al-Wadi Mosque, and Atikah Mosque. Each name reflects a different aspect of the site’s history and location.
Jummah Mosque refers to the Friday prayer performed here. Al-Wadi Mosque, meaning "the valley mosque," is named for its location in Wadi Ranuna. Atikah Mosque is another historical name used for the same mosque, with Atikah being a name associated with the area.
Location and Visiting
Jummah Mosque is located in Wadi Ranuna, near Quba Mosque in Madinah. Its proximity to Quba Mosque makes it convenient to visit both sites during the same tour, as they are both on the southern side of the city.
Jummah Mosque can be included in a private Madinah Ziyarat or historical tour, particularly because of its location near Quba Mosque. The area around the mosque contains other historic landmarks, making it possible to explore multiple sites during the same visit.
