Construction of masjid nabvi

 ### The Construction of Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina: A Historical Overview

Masjid al-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, is one of the most significant and revered sites in Islam. Located in the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, it serves as a place of worship, a community center, and a symbol of the Islamic faith. The history of Masjid al-Nabawi is intertwined with the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and reflects the early development of the Muslim community.

#### **1. The Initial Construction (622 CE)**

The construction of Masjid al-Nabawi began in the year 622 CE, shortly after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina, an event known as the Hijra. Upon arriving in Medina, the Prophet sought a location to establish a place of worship that would also serve as a gathering spot for the Muslim community.

The land chosen for the mosque was a vacant plot that belonged to two orphan boys, Sahal and Suhayl. The Prophet (PBUH) purchased the land from them, despite their willingness to donate it. The construction was a communal effort, with the Prophet himself participating alongside his companions in the building process.

The original structure was simple and modest. It consisted of a rectangular courtyard, approximately 30 meters by 35 meters, with walls made of mud bricks and a roof supported by palm trunks and leaves. The mosque had three entrances, and a shaded area was provided for the worshippers. The Prophet’s living quarters were adjacent to the mosque, with one of the rooms belonging to his wife, Aisha (RA), serving as his personal residence.

#### **2. Expansion During the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644 CE)**

As the Muslim community in Medina grew, the need for a larger mosque became apparent. During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second caliph of Islam, the mosque was expanded significantly. Umar (RA) extended the mosque to the north, increasing its size to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. The expansion maintained the simplicity of the original structure but added more space for the community.

#### **3. Further Expansion by Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (644-656 CE)**

The third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (RA), continued the work of his predecessor by further expanding Masjid al-Nabawi. He enlarged the mosque and enhanced its architectural features. Uthman (RA) replaced the original palm trunk columns with stone pillars and used teakwood for the roof. He also built a minbar (pulpit) for the Prophet to deliver sermons. The mosque's capacity was significantly increased during this period, reflecting the rapid spread of Islam and the growing Muslim population.

#### **4. The Umayyad and Abbasid Contributions (661-1258 CE)**

Under the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, Masjid al-Nabawi underwent several modifications and expansions. The Umayyad caliph al-Walid I (705-715 CE) was particularly instrumental in transforming the mosque. He ordered the construction of a more permanent structure, replacing the mud walls with stone and adding a marble mihrab (prayer niche) and a decorated minbar.

The Abbasid caliphs also contributed to the mosque's development. They added more domes and further expanded the prayer area. The mosque began to take on the more elaborate architectural style that would later define Islamic architecture.

#### **5. The Mamluk and Ottoman Periods (1250-1918 CE)**

The Mamluks and Ottomans, who ruled the Islamic world during the medieval and early modern periods, made significant contributions to Masjid al-Nabawi. The mosque was expanded, renovated, and adorned with beautiful calligraphy and intricate tile work.

The Ottomans, in particular, were responsible for much of the mosque’s current form. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566 CE) ordered extensive renovations, including the construction of the iconic green dome over the Prophet’s tomb. The green dome remains one of the most recognizable features of Masjid al-Nabawi today.

In the late 19th century, the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II undertook a comprehensive restoration of the mosque. He reinforced the structure, added new minarets, and ensured that the mosque could accommodate the growing number of pilgrims visiting Medina.

#### **6. Modern Expansions and Renovations (20th-21st Century)**

The 20th and 21st centuries have seen unprecedented expansions of Masjid al-Nabawi. After the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz al-Saud initiated a series of projects to modernize and enlarge the mosque. The most significant expansion occurred during the reign of King Fahd (1982-2005 CE), who nearly tripled the size of the mosque to accommodate over one million worshippers.

The modern expansions included the construction of vast prayer halls, the installation of modern amenities, and the preservation of historical elements. The mosque now features air conditioning, escalators, and an extensive underground area that includes parking and service facilities.

Despite the modern additions, great care has been taken to preserve the mosque's historical and spiritual significance. The tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), located within the mosque, continues to be a site of pilgrimage and deep reverence for Muslims worldwide.

#### **7. Conclusion**

Masjid al-Nabawi stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). From its humble beginnings as a simple structure built by the hands of the Prophet and his companions, it has evolved into one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. The mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the unity and strength of the Muslim community throughout history.

The continuous efforts to expand and maintain Masjid al-Nabawi reflect the deep reverence Muslims hold for this sacred site. It remains a focal point for the Islamic world, attracting millions of worshippers and pilgrims each year, who come to pay their respects to the Prophet and seek spiritual solace within its walls.