Al-Masjid an-Nabawī (English: Prophetic Mosque, Arabic: ٱلْمَسْجِد ٱلنَّبَوِي) is a mosque established and built by the Islamic prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), situated in the city of Medina in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. It was one of the first mosques built by Muhammad (peace be upon him), and is now one of the largest mosques in the world. It is the second-holiest site in Islam, after the Great Mosque in Mecca and is always open regardless of date or time.
Overview
The site was originally adjacent to Muhammad (peace be upon him) house; he settled there after his migration from Mecca to Medina in 622. He shared in the heavy work of construction. The original mosque was an open-air building which served as a community center, a court, and a religious school. There was a raised platform for the people who taught the Quran. Subsequent Islamic rulers greatly expanded and decorated it. In 1909, it became the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to be provided with electrical lights which is under the control of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. It is located in what was traditionally the center of Medina, with many hotels and old markets nearby and is a major pilgrimage site. Many pilgrims who perform the Hajj go to Medina to visit the mosque, due to its connection to Muhammad (peace be upon him).
After an expansion during the reign of the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid I, it now incorporates the final resting place of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the first two Rashidun caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar. One of the most notable features of Al Masjid an Nabawi is the Green Dome in the south-east corner of the mosque, originally Aisha’s house, where the tomb of is located. In 1279, a wooden cupola was built over the tomb which was later rebuilt and renovated multiple times in late 15th century and once in 1817. The current dome was added in 1818 by the Ottoman sultan Mahmud II. It was first painted green in 1837, hence becoming known as the “Green Dome”, made with limestone.
