Masjid Nabawi (S.A.W)
Mosque of the Prophet
Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, is a significant Islamic holy site in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It’s the second oldest mosque in Islam, built by Prophet Muhammad himself.
Today, the mosque is huge and includes many buildings. It covers most of the old city of Medina and even some areas that used to be outside the city walls. Over time, the mosque has been expanded and renovated, most recently in the 1990s.
What Is Masjid An-Nabawi?
The Prophet’s Mosque, with its iconic Green Dome visible in the distance, holds immense significance in Islam as the second-holiest site, following only the Great Mosque of Mecca. It remains accessible at all times, symbolizing its continuous spiritual importance. Originally situated next to the residence of the Prophet Muhammad, the mosque initially served multiple purposes, including community gatherings, legal proceedings, and education.
Under the administration of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, this sacred site resides at the historical heart of Medina, surrounded by bustling markets and accommodations. It stands as a focal point for pilgrims, many of whom journey from the Hajj pilgrimage to pay homage to Muhammad’s legacy. Over time, the mosque has undergone expansions, with the most recent occurring in the mid-1990s, ensuring its ability to accommodate the faithful.
A distinctive feature of the mosque is its prominent green dome, marking the central location of the tombs of Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic leaders Abu Bakr and Umar. To support the mosque’s scholarly pursuits, educational initiatives, and ongoing restoration efforts, various foundations have been established since the Umayyad period, steadily increasing in number over time.
What Makes Masjid Nabawi Special?
Masjid Nabawi is the second holiest and largest mosque globally, established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his migration in 622 CE, adjacent to his residence in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Over time, the Prophet’s Mosque has expanded, with the most recent renovations completed in the 1990s.
Its unique open-air design features a raised platform for Quranic recitation, while its most prominent feature is the green dome marking the graves of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Umar (RA), and Abu Bakr (RA).
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once stated, “Whoever visits me after my passing receives the same blessings as if they visited me during my lifetime. I hear the prayers of those who stand by my grave, and those who invoke blessings upon me elsewhere have their worldly and hereafter needs fulfilled, with me serving as their witness and intercessor on the Day of Judgment.”
The importance of Masjid Nabawi is emphasized in the Hadiths:
“Do not set out on a journey specifically to any mosque for extra rewards, except for the three mosques: al-Masjid al-Haram, al-Masjid al-Aqsa, and my mosque.” (Bukhari: No. 1115)
Praying within Masjid Nabawi guarantees a thousandfold reward:
“A single prayer in my mosque surpasses one thousand prayers in any other mosque, except for al-Masjid al-Haram.” (Bukhari: No. 1116)
History of Masjid Nabawi
Around 622 CE, the Prophet Muhammad oversaw the construction of the mosque shortly after his arrival in Medina, which was then known as Yathrib. This mosque, with a rich history spanning nearly fifteen hundred years, holds significant importance. The land for its construction was acquired from two orphaned children, Sahl and Suhayl, with the financial support of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. The construction lasted seven months.
During its early years, the Prophet’s Mosque served as a place of worship and a hub for community gatherings, social services, legal proceedings, and governmental functions. Over time, numerous monarchs, leaders, and other prominent figures contributed to its expansion and enhancement, shaping its current architectural form and significance.
Why is it Named “Nabawi”?
The term “Nabawi” refers to the Prophet’s Mosque for several reasons linked to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life and legacy. Firstly, it was established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself, constructed adjacent to his residence upon migration to Madinah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conducted numerous congregational prayers within Masjid Nabawi. Today, it serves as the final resting place for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions and houses sacred artifacts belonging to him and his family.
Inside Masjid Nabawi
Here are some notable places to visit within Masjid Nabawi:
Jannat al-Baqi: The burial place of over 10,000 companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), located east of Masjid Nabawi
Architecture of Masjid Nabawi
The current architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque reflects centuries of development and renovation. It combines historical elements with modern enhancements to accommodate the growing number of worshippers and visitors.
1. Rawdah Riyad ul-Jannah
Around 622 CE, the construction of the Prophet’s Mosque began in Medina. The Rawdah ul-Jannah, also known as the Garden of Paradise, is the oldest and most significant part located at the centre of Masjid al-Nabawi. It stretches from Muhammad’s tomb to his pulpit.
In Islamic belief, Ridwan is the name of an angel responsible for maintaining paradise. Abu Hurayrah narrated that Muhammad said, “The area between my house and my pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is above my cistern”, hence its name. This area has notable features, including the Mihrab Nabawi, Minbar Nabawi, Bab al-Taubah, eight significant pillars, and the Mukabariyya.
2. Rawdah Rasool
Around 610 CE, the construction of the Rawdah Rasool, enclosing the tomb of Prophet Muhammad, began in the southeast corner of the mosque complex. The golden grills surrounding the Prophet Muhammad’s Tomb enclosure mark the Rawdah Rasool or the garden of the prophet.
Situated in the southeast corner of the Ottoman prayer hall, this area is also known as the Rawdah al-Sharifah, the noble garden. Although the grave of Prophet Muhammad is not visible from outside or inside the grill structure, it resides within a small chamber measuring 10’x12′, surrounded by additional walls and a blanket shroud.
This space, along with the graves of his companions Abu Bakr and Umar, holds immense significance. The Riyadhul Jannah, the holiest part of the Prophet’s Mosque, sees pilgrims striving earnestly to offer voluntary prayers.
3. Minarets of Masjid an-Nabawi
Around 622 CE, the Bab as-Salam Minaret was erected as part of the expansions and renovations of the Prophet’s Mosque.
The Bab as-Salam Minaret is a prominent feature of the Prophet’s Mosque, which boasts multiple minarets added over the years through expansions and renovations. Following a significant renovation project in 1994, the mosque now boasts ten minarets, each towering at a height of 104 meters (341 feet).
Among them, the Bab as-Salam Minaret stands out as the most historic, positioned over the Bab as-Salam entrance on the southern side of the mosque. Originally constructed by Muhammad ibn Kalavun, it underwent renovation by Mehmed IV in 1307 CE.
The minaret showcases a combination of cylindrical, octagonal, and square shapes in its upper, bottom, and middle sections, respectively. More recent additions during the reign of King Abdul Aziz al-Saud, which later featured a four-section design topped with a balcony.
4. Green Dome
Around 1279 CE, the Green Dome was constructed over the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and early Muslim leaders Abu Bakr and Umar. It stands in the oldest part of Al-Masjid An-Nabawi.
The Green Dome is a distinctive feature covering the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and early Muslim leaders, Abu Bakr and Umar. It stands out prominently in the oldest section of the Al-Masjid An-Nabawi.
Located in the southeast corner of the mosque, it stands as the most recognizable symbol in Medina. Originally, in 1279 CE, a plain wooden cupola was constructed over the tomb. It wasn’t until 1837 that the dome was painted green, earning its name.
5. Ottoman Prayer Hall
Around 622 CE, the construction of the Ottoman Prayer Hall, the oldest section of the Prophet’s Mosque, began in the southernmost part of the complex. The oldest section of the Prophet’s Mosque is the Ottoman Prayer Hall, located in the southernmost part of the modern Masjid an-Nabawi.
The Qibla wall, adorned with inscriptions and calligraphy, is the most decorated feature of the mosque. Dating back to the late 1840s, it was reconstructed and expanded under Ottoman Sultan Abdulmajid I, featuring around 185 names of Prophet Muhammad along with verses from the Quran and Hadiths.
6. Ottoman Courtyards
Around 622 CE, the Prophet’s Mosque underwent significant developments. This included the establishment of the Ottoman Courtyards, which were later retained during subsequent expansions.
In the time of the Ottomans, the Prophet’s Mosque featured two inner courtyards preserved during subsequent Saudi renovations. Here, we see the first courtyard, adorned with the colonnade from the first Saudi expansion on the left, and the Ottoman prayer hall on the right, with the iconic Green Dome in the background.
As part of the mosque’s expansion, the northern extended courtyard of the Ottoman prayer hall was demolished and reconstructed by Ibn Abdulaziz of the al-Saud family. This expansion included two courtyards shaded by twelve large umbrellas. Before modern renovations and possibly the first Saudi expansion, this area housed a small garden called the “Garden of Fatimah.”
7. Dikkat ul-Aghwat and al-Suffah
Around 800 CE, significant developments occurred at the Prophet’s Mosque. This included the establishment of Dikkat al-Aghwat, a platform near Prophet Muhammad’s tomb enclosure. Dikkat al-Aghwat, often mistaken for al-Suffah, is a rectangular raised platform near Riyad ul-Jannah, just south of Prophet Muhammad’s tomb enclosure within the mosque.
The modern platform is situated slightly southwest of the original Suffah site. This area was historically where Turkish soldiers would sit under the shade while guarding the mosque near Dikkat ul-Tahajjud to the north. The original Suffah, known as the mud bench, was available at the rear side of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi during the time of Medina.
8. Library of the Prophet’s Mosque
Around 622 CE, significant developments unfolded at the Prophet’s Mosque. This included the establishment of the Library of the Prophet’s Mosque, which serves as an archive for manuscripts and other artefacts. The Library of the Prophet’s Mosque, situated in the western wing of the mosque complex, serves as a modern archive housing manuscripts and other artifacts.
It comprises four main sections: the main library, two halls for antique manuscripts, and an exhibition showcasing the construction and history of Masjid al-Nabawi. Originally established around 1481/82 CE (886 Hj.), it was destroyed in a later fire that engulfed the entire mosque. The modern library was likely re-established around 1933/34 CE (1352 Hj.) and includes donated books from philanthropists and notable individuals.
9. Gates of Masjid an-Nabawi
Around 622 CE, significant developments occurred at the Prophet’s Mosque. This included the addition of major gates like King Fahad Gate to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. Today, the Prophet’s Mosque boasts 42 gates in its main complex, each varying in the number of portals. King Fahad Gate, shown here, is one of the major entrances on the mosque’s northern side.
Initially, the mosque had only three small doors on three sides, but now it features over two hundred gates, portals, and access ways to accommodate the large crowds. As the mosque underwent expansions over the years, the number and positions of the gates changed significantly. Only a few original gates are now identifiable or marked.
10. Foundation Stones of Expansion and Reconstruction
Numerous foundation stones are placed throughout the mosque premises, marking the various expansion and reconstruction projects undertaken at Masjid al-Nabawi. Over the centuries, Islamic rulers have significantly expanded and embellished the Prophet’s Mosque through numerous construction initiatives.
Originally, it was a modest mud-wall structure measuring approximately 30.5 meters by 35.62 meters. Today, the mosque covers an area of around 1.7 million square feet, accommodating between 0.6 to 1 million people at once.
11. Sliding Domes
Around 610 CE, the Prophet’s Mosque introduced sliding domes, facilitating natural light and regulating internal climate during prayer times. The Prophet’s Mosque features a flat paved roof with 27 sliding domes, each resting on a square basis.
During the mosque’s second expansion, the roof area was significantly increased. Holes in the base of each dome allow natural light to illuminate the interior.
Additionally, the roof serves as a prayer space during peak times, with the domes sliding out on metal tracks to provide shade and create light wells in the prayer hall. Kamal Ismael introduced the concept of sliding domes to regulate the mosque’s internal climate. These domes are decorated with Islamic geometric patterns, predominantly in blue.
12. Piazzas and Umbrellas
Around 610 CE, Masjid Nabawi’s architecture saw the introduction of piazzas and umbrellas, providing shelter and comfort for worshippers.
The umbrellas at Masjid Nabawi are retractable structures installed in the mosque’s courtyard in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Designed to provide shade, each umbrella covers a vast area of approximately 143,000 square meters, offering protection from the sun’s heat during prayer times and minimizing the risk of slipping on rainy days.
13. Jannat al-Baqi’
Around 610 CE, the Jannatul Baqi graveyard emerged adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque. It became a significant burial ground, interring over ten thousand companions of Prophet Muhammad, including prominent figures such as Fatima bint Muhammad and Imam Hassan ibn ‘Ali.
Located on the eastern side of the Prophet’s Mosque, the Jannatul Baqi graveyard spans approximately 170,000 square meters. Around 610 CE, the Jannatul Baqi graveyard emerged adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque.
It became a significant burial ground, interring over ten thousand companions of Prophet Muhammad, including prominent figures such as Fatima bint Muhammad and Imam Hassan ibn ‘Ali. Muhammad is said to have prayed each time he passed by. While originally situated on the outskirts of Medina, it is now an integral yet separate part of the mosque complex.
14. Saqifah Bani Sa’idah
Around 610 CE, the Saqifah Bani Sa’idah emerged as a significant site where the companions of Prophet Muhammad debated his succession shortly after his death.
A small garden now marks a communal gathering place northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque. This site holds historical significance due to an event in early Islam when some companions of Prophet Muhammad pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr as the first caliph and successor shortly after Muhammad died in 632 CE (11 Hijri).
The exact nature of the structure or building during this event is uncertain. The Arabic term “saqifa” originally referred to a covered communal discussion area. Still, today, it is associated with historical texts, specifically the meeting held immediately after Prophet Muhammad’s death, during which his succession was debated.
FAQs
What is the significance of Masjid Nabawi?
Masjid Nabawi is the second holiest mosque in Islam, built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. It holds immense spiritual significance as the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, and it houses sacred artifacts related to the Prophet’s life.
How has Masjid Nabawi evolved over time?
Over the centuries, Masjid Nabawi has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. The most recent renovations were completed in the 1990s, ensuring its ability to accommodate millions of pilgrims.
Why is it called “Nabawi”?
Masjid Nabawi is named after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) due to its association with his life and legacy. It was established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself, and it served as a central place of worship and community gatherings during his time.
Conclusion
Masjid Nabawi holds a central place in Islamic history and spirituality. Built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself, it has evolved over the centuries to become one of the world’s largest and most significant mosques.
With its rich architectural features and historical significance, Masjid Nabawi attracts millions of pilgrims worldwide. It provides them a profound connection to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) legacy and the early Islamic community.
