Masjid al-Usba (Masjid al-Nur) & Bir al-Hajin
The place where the first Emigrants (Muhajirun) prayed before the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah. Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him), used to lead them in prayer.
View photos and video (7)Translated from the reviewed Arabic text. The English translation has not yet had a scholar's review.
Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah, used to lead them in prayer, and he knew more of the Quran than any of them.
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Visit information
Distance from the Prophet's Mosque
Driving time
How to get there
Transport cost
- Regular taxi12–18 SAR
- Ride apps (such as Uber)18–28 SAR
Prices rise and traffic gets heavier in the area during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, the Eid holidays and the blessed month of Ramadan.
Best time to visit
Opening status
Photo gallery
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Story and history
This is one of the old, historic mosques in the south of Madinah (al-Madinah al-Munawwarah). It is also known as Masjid al-Nur and Masjid Bani Jahjaba. Its historical importance is that it is the place where the first Emigrants (Muhajirun) used to pray. They had reached Madinah before the Prophet ﷺ. Their prayer leader was the eminent Companion Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him), because he knew more of the Quran than any of them. The Prophet ﷺ also prayed here after he arrived in Madinah. Next to the mosque is Bir al-Hajin, a historic well.
Virtue of visiting
'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) said: "When the first Emigrants arrived at al-Usba — a place in Quba — before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came, Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah, used to lead them in prayer, and he knew more of the Quran than any of them." (Sahih al-Bukhari) No special virtue for worship is stated for this mosque by name. But visiting it and praying in it is recommended (sunnah), to feel close to the scenes of the Seerah (the Prophet's biography) and the places where the first Emigrants prayed.
Visiting tips
Length of visit: 15 to 25 minutes is enough to get to know the place and read its history. Photography: Allowed. It is a good place for souvenir photos and for photos of its historic features. Dress and etiquette: Wear modest clothing suitable for a mosque, and respect the calm and quiet of the place. Tip: Try to include it in your tour of the historic Quba area and the farms around it.
Ask the Guide
An automated guide powered by AI. It answers from Wafa al-Wafa, using only material approved after review, and says “I don't know” when it finds no source. It may make mistakes; the references are shown under each answer. Do not write personal information in your question.
In English, the guide translates the reviewed Arabic facts itself; only some of them have a reviewed translation.
Continue your journey with the Prophet's biography (Seerah)
You are now at the sites of the Seerah. The “Seerah” app is a free, interactive audio journey through the life of the Prophet ﷺ. It completes what you have seen here.
The app is in Arabic only.
