Masjid Al-Rayah

Overview

Masjid Al-Rayah, the Banner Mosque, is a small active mosque in Madinah on the hill of Dhubab, north of the Prophet’s Mosque and north of Jabal Sala. It has a single dome and no minaret, and four windows in its qibla wall. In a straight line it is about 1.5 km from the Prophet’s Mosque by our calculation; Saudi Press Agency reports speak of about 1,300 metres.

Why it is called Al-Rayah

The name means “the banner”. According to Saudi reports, tradition places the planting of the banner here during the expeditions to Khaybar and Tabuk. Other sources connect the site with the Battle of the Trench instead and say that a tent stood here while the trench was dug. Because the accounts differ, treat the origin as tradition rather than as a documented fact.

History and restoration

Madinah historians attribute the first building to the Umayyad period, and the mosque was rebuilt several times afterwards. In March 2024 Saudi Press Agency and Saudi media reported that the mosque was being restored under the programme of the Madinah Region Development Authority for historic mosques, which also covers the Seven Mosques area. Completion has not been announced, so the state of the building can change.

Getting there

The mosque is a short drive north of the Prophet’s Mosque. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest way; give the driver the name Masjid Al-Rayah or Dhubab hill.

Tips for visitors

• Ask at your hotel or your driver whether the mosque is open on the day, because restoration work is under way.
• Go early in the morning or before sunset, as there is little shade on the hill.
• Follow the posted rules and keep your voice low near the mosque.

Nearby

• Jabal Sala, to the south
• The Seven Mosques (Al-Khandaq) area
• The Prophet’s Mosque, about 1.5 km away