Al Masjid an Nabawi

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also referred to as the Prophet's Mosque in English, is a mosque the Islamic Prophet Muhammad constructed in Medina. It is located in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah Province. It was Muhammad's second mosque in Medina after Quba Mosque. After the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, it is also the second-largest mosque and the second-holiest location in Islam. The mosque is a popular destination for pilgrims and is situated in the center of Medina. Muhammad participated in the mosque's construction.

The current Masjid an-Nabawi is two floors tall and sits on a rectangular block of land. The mosque was once an open-air structure, operated as a communal center, a court, and a place of worship. The mosque was significantly enlarged and embellished by later Islamic monarchs. These monarchs also gave their and their ancestors' names to the mosque's walls, doors, and minarets.

How to explore Al-Masjid an-Nabawi?

- The Green Dome, which houses Muhammad's grave in the mosque's southeast corner, is among the site's most famous elements. Numerous Hajj pilgrims also travel to Medina to see (Ziyarah) the Green Dome.

- The tombs of Muhammad and two of his associates, Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab, father-in-laws, and caliphs, are located in the green dome chamber. Since Muslims believe that Īsā (Jesus) will return and be buried there, a fourth grave is set aside for him.

- The space between Muhammad's minbar and the burial chamber is known as the Rawdah ash-Sharifah. It is known as the 'Gardens of Paradise.' The area was separated from the rest of the mosque's red carpet by a green carpet to represent a palm grove.

- The Ottoman prayer hall is the oldest section of the Masjid, which is located south. There are 27 movable domes on square bases above its flat, pave-covered roof.

- The prayer hall's light wells are created when the domes slide outward along metal tracks to shade certain portions of the top. At this time, the umbrellas attached to freestanding columns provided additional shade over the courtyard of the Ottoman mosque.

- Additionally, umbrella tents are set up for prayer on the mosque's paved area.

- The Masjid has a raised platform, or podium, where the Quran was taught and where Muhammad delivered the Friday sermon (khutbah).