LatestMiddle East and North AfricaNews

King Salman Orders 24/7 Access to Qiblatain Mosque, Enhancing Spiritual Life in Madinah

Riyadh – In a landmark initiative reflecting Saudi Arabia’s steadfast dedication to Islam and the welfare of its followers, King Salman has directed that the historic Qiblatain Mosque in Madinah remain open 24 hours a day, allowing worshippers to pray at any time.

This decision underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to providing convenient and continuous access to one of Islam’s most significant religious sites, ensuring that worshippers can engage in prayer, reflection, and spiritual connection around the clock.

The Qiblatain Mosque, revered for its historical and religious importance, is a symbol of faith and devotion. Its name, which translates to “the mosque of the two Qiblas,” commemorates the moment in Islamic history when the direction of prayer (Qibla) was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.

By opening the mosque 24/7, Saudi Arabia not only honors this historical heritage but also enhances the spiritual experience for Muslims from across the Kingdom and around the world.

Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah, expressed his deep gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued focus on the Kingdom’s mosques.

He highlighted that the directive reflects Saudi Arabia’s enduring commitment to serving Islam and providing exceptional facilities for worshippers. Work has already commenced to implement round-the-clock access, with planning underway to ensure a safe, welcoming, and spiritually uplifting environment for all visitors.

Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, emphasized that this decision exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to maintaining and developing mosques, particularly those of historical and religious significance.

“By allowing worshippers to access the Qiblatain Mosque at any time, the leadership demonstrates a profound respect for Islam and its followers,” he said. “This initiative strengthens the spiritual bond between worshippers and one of the most revered sites in the world.”

The 24/7 access initiative is part of broader efforts under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which aims to modernize and enhance religious, cultural, and social services across the Kingdom. Vision 2030 prioritizes improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, while preserving and promoting the nation’s rich Islamic heritage.

Enhancing mosque accessibility aligns with these objectives, ensuring that mosques continue to serve as centers of spiritual enrichment, education, and community engagement.

Saudi authorities are taking a comprehensive approach to implementing the round-the-clock access. This includes upgrading mosque facilities, ensuring the safety and comfort of worshippers, and providing additional staff to maintain cleanliness and security.

Such steps guarantee that the mosque remains a serene and organized environment, where visitors can perform their prayers and religious duties without disruption.

The Qiblatain Mosque’s continuous accessibility is expected to benefit a wide range of worshippers. Locals, residents, and pilgrims visiting Madinah will now have the flexibility to pray according to their schedules, accommodating night prayers, early morning prayers, and late-night devotionals.

The decision also supports international visitors who come to Madinah throughout the year, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s role as a global center of Islamic faith.

Beyond providing convenience, this initiative reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a leader in promoting Islamic values and supporting worshippers. By prioritizing accessibility, Saudi Arabia demonstrates that it places the spiritual needs of its citizens and visitors at the forefront of its national development plans.

The Qiblatain Mosque, already a symbol of faith, will now become even more central to the religious life of Madinah, attracting more visitors who can experience its historical and spiritual significance at any hour.

The move also highlights the collaborative efforts between different branches of the government and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. By combining leadership, planning, and resources, the Kingdom ensures that religious institutions are maintained to the highest standards and continue to meet the needs of worshippers.

This initiative aligns with ongoing projects to enhance mosque services, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives across Saudi Arabia.

In conclusion, King Salman’s directive to keep the Qiblatain Mosque open 24 hours a day represents a milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to serve Islam and Muslims worldwide. By providing round-the-clock access, Saudi Arabia strengthens its role as a guardian of Islamic heritage, enhances spiritual opportunities for worshippers, and demonstrates its unwavering commitment to faith and devotion.

Worshippers visiting Madinah can now enjoy uninterrupted prayer and reflection, further enriching their spiritual journey and experiencing the Kingdom’s dedication to religious excellence.