As an expert in religious history and architecture, I've spent considerable time studying the evolution of religious structures and their significance to the faiths they represent. When it comes to the history of mosques, it's a rich and complex tapestry that spans continents and centuries. The question of which mosque is the "first" built on Earth is a nuanced one, as it depends on how one defines a mosque and the criteria used to determine its primacy.

The term "mosque" (masjid in Arabic) refers to a place of worship for followers of Islam. The earliest mosques were often simple structures, serving the needs of a small community of believers. Over time, they evolved into more elaborate buildings, reflecting the growth and influence of the Islamic faith.

The Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the most significant mosques in Islam. It is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. While it is not the first mosque built in the traditional sense, it is the most ancient in terms of its religious significance, as it is believed to be the site where the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Islam) built a house for God. The current structure, however, is a result of numerous reconstructions and expansions over the centuries.

The Quba Mosque, also in Saudi Arabia, is often cited as one of the earliest mosques. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions shortly after their arrival in Medina, making it a significant historical site. It is considered one of the first mosques in the sense that it was one of the first structures specifically built for the purpose of Islamic worship.

The Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina is another important mosque, built around the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a major pilgrimage site and has also been expanded and renovated over the years.

The Masjid al-Qiblatain is significant because it is where the Prophet Muhammad received the revelation changing the direction of prayer (Qibla) from Jerusalem to Mecca.

When considering the "first" mosque, it's essential to distinguish between the physical structures and the concept of a mosque as a place of worship. The earliest Muslims would have prayed in any clean place, and the idea of a dedicated mosque developed over time. Therefore, while the Masjid al-Haram holds a special place in Islamic history, the title of the "first" mosque in terms of a dedicated building for worship might be more accurately attributed to the邱巴清真寺 (Quba Mosque), as it was one of the first structures built specifically for the purpose of Islamic prayer.

In conclusion, the question of the first mosque is complex and depends on the criteria used to define it. The Masjid al-Haram is the most ancient in terms of religious significance, but the Quba Mosque could be considered the first in terms of being a dedicated structure for Islamic worship.

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The Oldest Mosques In The WorldRankBuildingModern country1Masjid al-HaramSaudi Arabia2Quba MosqueSaudi Arabia3Al-Masjid al-NabawiSaudi Arabia4Masjid al-QiblatainSaudi Arabia17 more rowsread more >>