The First Mosque
In Arabic the word used for mosque is Masjid , which means a place of
worship or prostration. Muslims believe that the first place of worship
ever built in this world was the Ka’aba in Arabic, the most holy
place of Islam, towards which millions of Muslims all over the world turn
their faces five times a day during their Prayers, and to which each one
of them endeavours to make Pilgrimage at least once in a life time.
The Holy Quran says:
“Surely the first House founded for all mankind is that at Becca
(Valley of Mecca) abounding in blessings and guidance for all peoples.
In it are manifest Signs; it is the place of Abraham and whoso enters
it is safe. Pilgrimage to the House of Allah is a duty which people, those
who can afford the journey, owe to Allah. He who rejects this should know
that Allah is independent of all creatures.” (3:97-98)
In the early days of Islam the Muslims, under Divine command, used to
turn their faces towards the temple of Jerusalem during the prayers, but
the Holy Prophet of Islam had a desire that the Qiblah should be changed
to the Ka’aba. It was after the migration to Medina that God revealed
to the Holy Prophet:
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