Al-Masjid al-Nabawi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Al-Masjid al-Nabawi |
|
|---|---|
Masjid an-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet)
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Province | Madinah |
| Region | Hejaz |
| Location | |
| Location | Madinah, Saudi Arabia |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Mosque |
| Completed | 1817 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 600,000 - Capacity increased during Hajj season |
| Minaret(s) | 10 |
| Minaret height | 105 m |
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (which means Prophet's Mosque in Arabic) is a very important mosque in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was first built by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. This mosque is one of the biggest in the world today. It is also the second holiest place in Islam, right after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
Contents
History of the Prophet's Mosque
Building the First Mosque
The Prophet Muhammad started building this mosque in 622 CE. He had just moved to Medina from Mecca. The mosque was built right next to his house. Prophet Muhammad even helped with the hard work of building it.
The first mosque was an open-air space. It was more than just a place for prayer. It was a community center for everyone. People used it as a court to settle disagreements. It also served as a school to learn about the Quran. There was a special raised area for teachers.
Growing Over Time
Over many years, different Islamic rulers made the mosque much bigger. They also added beautiful decorations. In 1909, it became the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to get electric lights. Today, the mosque is managed by the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques." This title is held by the King of Saudi Arabia.
The mosque is in the heart of Medina. Many hotels and old markets are nearby. It is a very popular place for pilgrims to visit. Many people who go on the Hajj pilgrimage also travel to Medina. They visit the Prophet's Mosque because of its strong connection to the life of Prophet Muhammad.
The Green Dome
One of the most famous parts of the mosque is the Green Dome. It is located in the south-east corner. This is where the tomb of Prophet Muhammad is found. The area was originally the house of Aisha, one of Prophet Muhammad's wives.
A wooden dome was first built over the tomb in 1279. This dome was rebuilt and fixed many times. The dome you see today was added in 1818. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II. It was first painted green in 1837. That is why it is now called the "Green Dome."
The tombs of the first two leaders after Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Umar, are also inside the mosque. They were moved there after the mosque was expanded by the Umayyad caliph al-Walid I.
Images for kids
-
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi during the Ottoman Era, 19th century
-
An illustration of the Mosque, 18th century
-
The Green Dome, in Richard Francis Burton's Pilgrimage, ca. 1850 CE
-
The Green Dome was given its signature green color in 1837.
-
The rawdhah ash-sharifah is mostly crowded with worshippers and movement is restricted by policemen at all times.
-
The old Mihrab constructed by Muhammad. The mihrab was remodeled several times over the centuries and is currently set in marble.
-
The minbar commissioned by Sultan Murad III is still in use at the mosque today
-
alt2=
-
alt3=
-
alt4=
-donatedth_b.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Mezquita del Profeta para niños
