From dawn till the quiet hours of the night, worshippers in Madinah can now step into Masjid Al-Qiblatain anytime they wish. On October 6, 2025, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal directive opening the historic mosque 24 hours a day, ensuring that Muslims can pray, reflect, and connect with their faith whenever the moment calls. This landmark decision highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making spiritual devotion accessible to all, whether locals, pilgrims, or visitors from across the globe.
King Salman’s royal directive: 24-hour access to Masjid Al-Qiblatain in Madinah
On October 6, 2025, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a historic royal directive to open Masjid Al-Qiblatain in Madinah around the clock. This landmark order allows Muslims to pray, reflect, and perform religious rituals at any time of day or night, removing all previous restrictions on visiting hours.The decision underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to serving worshippers, from local residents to pilgrims and international visitors. By making the mosque accessible 24/7, Saudi Arabia is enhancing both spiritual convenience and cultural heritage access, ensuring that this iconic site remains open for devotion, contemplation, and religious connection whenever the faithful seek it. This initiative also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of promoting religious inclusivity and accessibility across its historic mosques, making it easier for everyone to engage with Islam’s rich traditions without limitations.
Masjid Al-Qiblatain: A historic landmark
Masjid Al-Qiblatain, or the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, holds profound historical and spiritual significance in Islam. It is renowned for being the site where the direction of prayer (qibla) was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah during the Prophet Muhammad’s time. This pivotal moment in Islamic history makes the mosque a revered destination for Muslims worldwide.
Explore other Saudi Arabia’s mosques open 24 hours for worshippers
- Saudi Arabia’s dedication to facilitating worship at all hours is evident in its expansion of
24-hour mosque access beyond just Masjid Al-Qiblatain. Here’s a look at other mosques in the Kingdom that offer round-the-clock facilities for worshippers:
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque), Madinah As one of Islam’s holiest sites, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi has been open 24/7 for centuries. Its continuous accessibility allows millions of Muslims to perform prayers, especially during peak seasons like
Ramadan andHajj . The mosque’s illumination and facilities ensure a serene environment for worship at all times.
- Al-Haram Mosque, Makkah: Home to the Kaaba, the focal point of Islamic worship, Al-Haram Mosque operates 24/7, accommodating the needs of pilgrims and locals alike. Its expansive courtyards and numerous prayer halls ensure that worshippers can perform their rituals without time constraints.
- King Khalid Airport Mosque, Riyadh: Situated within
King Khalid International Airport , this mosque provides 24-hour access to travelers and airport staff. Its location underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that even those on the move can maintain their spiritual practices.
- Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, Riyadh: As one of the largest mosques in Riyadh, Al Rajhi Grand Mosque offers 24-hour access, serving the spiritual needs of the city’s residents and visitors. Its architectural grandeur and facilities make it a prominent place for worship.
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, Riyadh: Located in Deera Square, this mosque operates 24/7, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to providing accessible worship spaces in urban centers. Its historical significance adds to its appeal for both locals and tourists.
By extending the mosque’s hours, the Kingdom aims to provide a tranquil environment for worshippers to engage in prayer and contemplation. The serene atmosphere of Masjid Al-Qiblatain, coupled with its rich history, offers a unique setting for spiritual growth and reflection, especially during the blessed hours of the night. This decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to religious inclusivity and the facilitation of worship for Muslims from all walks of life. By removing time constraints, the Kingdom demonstrates its unwavering support for the spiritual well-being of its people and visitors, aligning with its broader vision of promoting religious harmony and accessibility.