Qiblatain mosque (Masjid al-Qiblatain), the mosque of two qibla, so called as it is the mosque in which the qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Mecca (the ka`ba).
1 . When Prophet (S.A.W) came to madina, muslims used to pray facing their directions towards Masjid-e-Aqsa (first Qibla).
2 . Prophet (S.A.W) used to see sky and begs Almighty Allah to make "KABBA" ,the Qibla of Muslims. They repeated this prayer so many times. Once Prophet (S.A.W) was leading the ZOHAR prayer facing towards Masjid-e-Aqsa and two rakats had been finished. JIBRAEL came and delivered the message of Almighty Allah
"WE KNOW WHY YOU ARE LOOKING REPETEADLY TOWARDS SKY. BECOME HAPPY-TURN YOUR FACE TOWARDS KABBA."
After receiving this message (vahee) prophet (S.A.W) turned his direction towards Kabba, just against masjid-e-aqsa, in praying condition. Followers (muqtadees) followed prophet’s action in prayer condition without any hesitation. It would really be an exciting moment-when the direction of Qibla has been changed from Masjid-e-Aqsa (in North of madina) to entirely against direction of kabatullah (in south of Madina).
3 . Since this historical event was occurred here, so it is called the mosque of two Qiblas (Masjid-e-Qiblateen). Here, at present, two "mahrabs" (place of Imam's standing to lead a prayer),entirely on different directions can been seen. One of them represents the direction of kabatullah which is, now a days ,used by Imam whereas the other shows the direction of Masjid-e-Aqsa(First Qibla) where the event of "changing Qibla" occured. This Mahrab is now filled (covered) in this way that no one can stand under it .In many languages ,It has been written over this Mahrab, that before the order of changing Qibla, this was the direction where Muslims used to offer prayer but now this Qibla has been cancelled and the new and the last Qibla is now Kabatullah (Makkah).
4 . Pilgrims must visit this mosque .It is really a place of great Islamic historical nature, Taxis/Busses outside Masjid-e-Nabvi takes pilgrims for Ziarat in which this mosque is also shown. Upper level of this mosque is reserved for women whereas Gents are allowed in lower level.
