The construction and establishment of Masjid Nabawi was done by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Himself. Situated in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, this mosque holds immense significance in Islam and is regarded as the second holiest after the Great Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah. Over the course of history, numerous renovations have been carried out to maintain and enhance the sacredness of Masjid al Nabawi.
It was in the early 1990s when the current structure of the Masjid Al Nabawi was completed. Its remarkable structure includes a captivating green dome. The white marbled floors of Masjid Nabawi have become a sacred space where countless Muslims have shed their tears in devotion.
What Is Masjid An-Nabawi?
Madinah, the sacred city, has experienced remarkable growth throughout the years. Among its notable landmarks is Masjid Nabawi, also referred to as the Prophet’s Mosque, which not only serves as the city’s central point but is also affectionately known as “The heart of Madinah.” The establishment of this mosque by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the first year of Hijrah (migration) aimed to provide a space where congregational prayers could be effortlessly offered five times a day without any fear.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the Prophet’s Mosque has also witnessed a multitude of political, legal, and social activities. Today, it stands as one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Muslims seeking Zaiyarat.
Special Facts about Masjid Nabawi
The open-air structure of Masjid Nabawi is designed with a raised platform specifically for the purpose of reciting the Holy Quran. Among the remarkable features of the Prophet’s Mosque is a dome painted in a calming shade of green, which serves as the focal point of the mosque. It is noteworthy that this dome encompasses the resting places of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA).
Regarding visiting Masjid Nabawi, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever visits me after my death is like he who had visited me during my life. When a person stands at my grave reciting blessings on me, I hear it, and whoever calls for blessings on me in any other place, his every need in this world and in the hereafter is fulfilled, and on the day of Qiyamah I shall be his witness and intercessor.”
In order to further understand the significance of Masjid Nabaway, take a look at the hadith below:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) , and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1189)
Also, if a Muslim prays inside the Prophet’s Mosque, his rewards will increase a thousand times more.
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) narrated It directly from Allah’s Apostle’ (ﷺ) having said this:
“A prayer in my mosque is a thousand times more excellent than a prayer in any other mosque, except Masjid al-Haram (Mosque of the Ka’ba)”. (Sahih Muslim 1394a)
History of Masjid Nabawi
Upon moving to the vibrant city of Madinah, formerly known as Yathrib, the esteemed Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was graciously received by the eminent leaders and dignitaries, who eagerly anticipated his arrival. In a show of immense admiration and respect, the entire community of Madinah yearned for the blessed opportunity of hosting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in their homes.
The benevolent Prophet Muhammad politely rejected every proposal. He then called for his she-camel named Qaswa, and graciously announced to the crowd, “This camel has been guided by the divine will of Allah; wherever it chooses to halt, there shall be my dwelling place.”
Qaswa continued her journey towards the southern direction until she reached a large courtyard owned by two orphan brothers, Suhail and Sahil. It was at this very place that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) declared, “This is the home.” The land possessed all the necessary elements for the construction of Masjid Nabawi, such as the graves of polytheists, numerous date trees, bushes of boxthorn, and serving as a resting place for herds of cattle. After consulting with Asad ibn Zurarah, the guardian of the orphan boys, Prophet Muhammad kindly purchased the land for 10 dinars.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed the Muhajireen and Ansar to clear the land by removing the boxthorn bushes and leveling the graves. Then, he and his companions initiated the construction of Masjid Nabawi, using kneaded clay and stone bricks. Throughout history, the mosque underwent numerous renovations and expansions, notably during the era of the Ottoman Empire.
What is Inside Masjid Nabawi?
Masjid Nabawi has some of the must-visit places that include:
Rawdha Mubarak: This sacred site serves as the final resting place for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Riyadhul Jannah: Located between the Pulpit and Rawdha Rasool, this area is adorned with a lush green carpet and known as the Riyadhul Jannah or the “Garden of Paradise”
House of Fatima (RA): The House of Fatima (RA) has its entrance located towards the eastern side of Rawdha Rasool.
Mehrab-e-Nabawi: In Masjid Nabawi, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would stand in this place and guide the congregation prayer, following the change of the Qibla.
Mimbar: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would often deliver lengthy sermons and then take break by resting against a palm tree at this very location. The Mimbar, also known as the Pulpit, was specially constructed at the request of the Ansar due to this.
Jannat al-Baqi: Jannat al-Baqi, situated on the eastern side of Masjid Nabawi, serves as the final resting place for over 10,000 companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Mehrab-e-Tahajjud: This sacred spot holds great significance as it was the very place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would pray Tahajjud. Known as Mehrab-e-Tahajjud, it is a raised platform located just behind the blessed Rawdha Rasool and aligns perfectly with the entrance known as Bab-e-Jibraeel.
Precautions to Take While Visiting The Masjid Al Nabawi
Visitors to this magnificent Mosque should be aware that seeking blessings (barakah) from any section of the Prophet’s Mosque, including the pillars, walls, doors, mihraab, or minbar, by touching or kissing them, is not permissible.
Additionally, seeking blessings from the Prophet’s hujrah (chamber) by touching, kissing, or rubbing one’s clothes against it, as well as circumambulating it, is also not allowed. It is essential for anyone who may have engaged in these practices to sincerely repent and refrain from repeating them.
Summary – Masjid Nabawi
The construction of Masjid Nabawi dates back to 1 AH (622 CE), when it was built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shortly after migration. Initially, the Prophet’s Mosque was a humble structure made from palm fronds and mud bricks. However, over time, numerous renovations and expansions have taken place, transforming it into one of the largest mosques globally. Today, it holds immense significance as the most-visited site for Ziyarat, as it is home to the graves of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as well as his companions (PBUT).