Located in the heart of Madinah and established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Masjid-e Nabawi stands as the second largest mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, following Masjid Quba. Regarded as the second holiest site for Muslims after Al-Haram mosque in Makkah, its history revolves around the two orphans, Sahl and Suhayl, who preserved the land of Masjid-e Nabawi.
Masjid-e Nabawi: Tracing Its Origins
Upon learning of Prophet Muhammad’s desire to acquire their land for the construction of a mosque, Sahl and Suhayl, despite being orphans, generously offered it as a gift. In response, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, acting as the benefactor, purchased the land on their behalf. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) actively participated in the construction alongside his companions. Completed in seven months, the mosque was built adjacent to his residence upon his migration to Madinah in 622 CE.
Originally, Masjid-e Nabawi served as an open-air structure, functioning as a community center, courthouse, and spiritual school. A minbar, or raised platform, was erected for Quranic teachings and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Friday sermons. Over time, successive Islamic rulers expanded and adorned the mosque, dedicating its walls, doors, and minarets to their forebears.
During the Prophet’s Era and the Rashidun Caliphate (622-660 CE)
The history of Masjid-e Nabawi witnessed numerous structural enhancements over time. Erected in 622 CE, the mosque initially featured three gates—the Gate of Mercy, the Gate of Gabriel, and the Gate of Women—positioned at the south, west, and east respectively. Initially, the qibla wall faced northward towards Jerusalem, with al-Suffah situated adjacent to the northern wall. Following the expansion after the battle of Khaybar in 628 CE, three rows of columns were added alongside the west wall, serving as additional areas for worship.
While the reign of the first Rashidun caliph Abu Bakr saw no modifications to the mosque, the second caliph Umar instigated significant alterations. To facilitate expansion, all houses except those of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wives were demolished. The walls were constructed using sun-dried mud bricks, with smoothed pebbles for the flooring. Additionally, three more entrance gates were incorporated into the mosque.
In 649 CE, the third Rashidun caliph Uthman ordered the demolition of the mosque. In its place, a new rectangular-shaped mosque was constructed using stones, iron clamps, and teakwood, with its orientation facing towards the Kaaba.
During the reigns of subsequent Islamic rulers (660-1517 CE)
In 707 CE, Umayyad caliph al-Walid refurbished the mosque, constructing a wall to separate it from the residences of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) wives. The mosque took on a trapezoidal shape, with its northern section linked to the sanctuary. Later, Abbasid caliph al-Mahdi extended the mosque northward, with his name commemorated on a panel. The enclosure of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) tomb was adorned with marble by Al-Mutawakkil, while in the 1470s CE, a stone dome was erected over his grave.
Under Ottoman Rule
During the era of Suleiman the Magnificent, significant renovations took place at Masjid-e Nabawi. The east and west walls were reconstructed, a new steel-covered dome was installed over the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the “Gate of Mercy” was restored. In 1817, Mahmud II oversaw the completion of al-Rawdah al-Mutaharah, also known as the purified residence. In 1837 CE, the dome of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was painted green, earning it the name “Green Dome”. Subsequent successors expanded and reconstructed the mosque using red stone bricks, reorganizing it while preserving the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the three altars, and the pulpit.
Masjid-e-Nabawi is governed and administered by the Saudi government under the King’s rule.
In the 1800s, under Saud bin Abdul-Aziz’s rule, most tombs and domes in Madinah were demolished except the Green Dome, possibly spared due to its structure’s resilience or Ibn Abd al-Wahhab’s wish. Transitioning to Saudi rule, Masjid-e Nabawi underwent multiple modifications: in 1951, expanding the prayer hall and adding new minarets; in 1985 and 1992, further expansions and modernizations were carried out, including adding courtyards and escalators. A $6 billion project in 2012 aimed to modernize and enlarge the mosque’s area, leading to the demolition of hotels, houses, and utilities. Despite these changes, Masjid-e Nabawi remains a key religious and tourist destination, revered as the burial site of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and serving as a focal point for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
