RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched a ten-fold expansion project for Quba Mosque, the first mosque established by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).

The crown prince paid a visit to the mosque, where he offered prayers and made the announcement, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

According to Arab News, the new project will result in the mosque’s largest expansion in its history, with an area of 50,000 square metres.

The goal of the project is to increase the mosque’s capacity to 66,000 worshipers so that it can handle a lot of people during peak season when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. This way, the kingdom can handle a lot of pilgrims when the restrictions are lifted.

The initiative, which bears King Salman’s name, will ensure that the mosque’s religious value is displayed while maintaining its architectural character.

The history of Quba Mosque

It is the first mosque in Islamic history, located 5 kilometres south of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina. It was constructed in the year 1 AH (622 AD).

According to the Arab News report, “there will be shaded courtyards on four sides, which will connect to prayer spaces that are not structurally attached to the current mosque building.”

The initiative, according to the crown prince, intends to improve the landmark’s efficiency for visitors’ devotional and cultural experiences.

It will also address the issue of overcrowding and improve worshipers’ safety.

Within the mosque and its courtyards, restoration work will necessitate the preservation of a number of places and prophetic monuments.

“As many as 57 sites, including wells, farms and orchards, are to be developed or rehabilitated as part of the project,” the report added.

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