Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and the second holiest site in Islam after the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Founded by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, it became a place of worship, learning and community life, and its grounds now include his burial chamber.
Where is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi?
The mosque is in the centre of Madinah, surrounded by hotels and old markets. Many Muslims travelling for Hajj or Umrah also visit the Prophet’s Mosque and the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
For background on the pilgrimage mentioned here, read our guide to what Hajj is.
When was the Prophet’s Mosque founded?
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, founded the mosque in the first year of the migration to Madinah. The city was known as Yathrib before the migration.
In The Sealed Nectar, Saif al-Rahman al-Mubarakfuri describes it as the second mosque built in the city, after Quba Mosque. Its early history belongs to the wider story of when and where Islam began.
How did the mosque expand?
The mosque was enlarged during the rule of Umar ibn al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan, may God be pleased with them. Further expansions followed under the Umayyads, Abbasids, Mamluks and Ottomans, and later during the Saudi era.
These successive changes shaped the mosque’s layout and architecture. Its present form reflects a long history of rebuilding and enlargement.
What are the mosque’s main features?
The Rawdah, the Prophet’s burial chamber and the green dome are among the mosque’s notable features. Its minarets are also prominent architectural landmarks.
The Rawdah
The Rawdah is the area between the house and pulpit of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Sahih al-Bukhari records on the authority of Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”
The burial chamber and green dome
Aisha’s room was incorporated into the mosque during the expansion under Umar bin Abdul Aziz in 91 AH. Known as the Honorable Prophet’s Chamber, it is in the southeastern corner of the mosque and contains the burial places of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab.
The green dome stands above the chamber and is one of the mosque’s most recognisable landmarks.
The minarets
The mosque’s minarets reflect its architectural development through successive expansions. Those built during the first Saudi expansion combine square, octagonal and circular sections, with arches and balconies.
Why is prayer in the Prophet’s Mosque significant?
According to Islamic tradition, a prayer in the Prophet’s Mosque is better than a thousand prayers performed in any other mosque, except for the Grand Mosque in Makkah. This special virtue is central to the mosque’s religious significance.
The Messenger, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, recommended entering the Prophet’s Mosque with the right foot.
How can families learn more about Islamic history?
The mosque’s history offers a starting point for learning about the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the early Muslim community. For guided learning, Murouj Academy offers one-to-one Islamic studies for kids.
For related Quran and Arabic learning, its online courses also include Quran memorization, Tajweed classes and Standard Arabic. You can meet the teachers and book a free trial class.
Frequently asked questions
Is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi the same as the Grand Mosque?
No. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is in Madinah, while the Grand Mosque is in Makkah. Our guide to the history of the Kaaba provides background on the latter.
Was the mosque used only for prayer?
No. It also served as a religious school, a social centre and a court, playing an important part in the community’s social and political life.
Have the mosque’s entrances always been in the same places?
No. The original entrances were on the western, eastern and southern sides. After the change of qiblah from Al-Aqsa Mosque to the Sacred Mosque, the southern entrance was closed and a northern entrance opened; later expansions brought further changes.
