- Address: Al Haram, Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia
- Year of foundation: 622
- Status: the second shrine of Islam
- Condition: current
In Saudi Arabia in the city of Medina is the Mosque of the Prophet, it is also called Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It is considered the second Islamic shrine after the Forbidden Mosque in Mecca .
In Saudi Arabia in the city of Medina is the Mosque of the Prophet, it is also called Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It is considered the second Islamic shrine after the Forbidden Mosque in Mecca . Here is one of the main relics of Muslims - the tomb of Muhammad.
Historical background
The first temple was founded in 622 year. The place for him was chosen by the camel of the Prophet, following the divine command. When Muhammad moved to Medina, every inhabitant of the city offered him his home. But the animal stopped near two orphans, from whom the land for the mosque was purchased.
The Prophet was directly involved in the construction of the temple. The structure was located near the house of Muhammad, and when he died (in 632), his housing was included in the Masjid al-Nabawi mosque. There were also social and cultural events, court sessions and teaching the basics of religion.
What is the famous Medina mosque in Saudi Arabia?
The Prophet was buried in the shrine under the green dome. By the way, this color he acquired about 150 years ago, before that it was painted in blue, purple and white. No one knows the exact date of construction of this arch, but the first mention of it was found in the manuscripts of the 12th century.
There are several more tombs in the Masjid al-Nabawi:
- the first two Muslim caliphs, called Umar ibn al-Khattab and Bakr al-Siddiq;
- the daughter of Muhammad - Fatima.
The Prophet's Mosque in Medina was decorated with corner minarets, various domes and had a rectangular open courtyard with columns. A similar layout was used in many mosques that were built around the world. The succeeding rulers decorated and expanded this structure.
The Prophet's Mosque was the first construction in the Arabian Peninsula, where electricity was provided. This event happened in 1910. The last large-scale reconstruction of the church took place in 1953.
Description of Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina
The size of the modern mosque exceeds the original approximately 100 times. Its area is larger than the entire territory of the Old City of Medina. Here 600,000 believers are freely accommodated, and during the Hajj, about 1 million pilgrims come to the temple at the same time.
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is considered an engineering masterpiece. The mosque is characterized by such figures:
- 10 minarets, 4 of which have a height of 70 m, and the remaining 6 reach 104 m;
- 27 prayer halls, made in the form of small yards. They are covered with sliding domes equipped with automatic control systems. These rooms are divided into male and female parts;
- 89 entrances, through which you can get inside the mosque.
The walls and floors of the temple are decorated with colorful marble. The building is equipped with an original air-conditioning system. Here are located more than a thousand columns, in the base of which metal grilles are mounted. Chilled air comes here from an air-conditioning station, located 7 km from the temple. If you want to make unique photos of the Prophet Mohammed mosque in Medina, then come to her in the evening. At this time it is highlighted with colored lights. Brighter than all are illuminated 4 minarets, standing at the corners of the temple.
Features of visit
The mosque is active, but only Muslims can visit it. They believe that the prayer uttered here corresponds to 1000 prayers made in other temples of the country. For those who wish to stay in the city for a few days, hotels built near the Masjid al-Nabawi. The most famous of them are Dar Al Hijra InterContinental Madinah, Al-Majeedi ARAC Suites and Meshal Hotel Al Salam.
How to get there?
The Prophet's Mosque is located in the center of Medina . It can be seen from all corners of the city, so it will be difficult to get here. You can get to the streets: Abo Bakr Al Siddiq and King Faisal Rd.