The importance and sections of the Prophet's Mosque

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the second holiest site for Muslims after Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It is considered one of the largest mosques in the world. The Prophet Muhammad built it after his migration to Medina in the year 1 AH (622 CE). The mosque has undergone many expansions, starting from the time of the Rashidun Caliphs, through the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman states, until the time of the Saudi state, where its latest expansion was in 1994 CE.

What is the significance of praying in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi?

Al-Masjid al-Haram, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and Al-Aqsa Mosque are the three holiest places for Muslims, as they hold great spiritual significance and importance in worship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "A prayer in Al-Masjid al-Haram is worth one hundred thousand prayers, a prayer in my mosque is worth a thousand prayers, and a prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque is worth five hundred prayers." The "mosque" mentioned here refers to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, which means that a prayer in this mosque is equivalent to one thousand prayers in other mosques, except for Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Interior of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

The interior of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is adorned with various landmarks and sections, with the most significant being the Rawdah Sharifah (The Prophet's Garden). According to Hadiths, this area is considered one of the gardens of paradise. It is the space between the Prophet's grave (previously Aisha's house) and the pulpit where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to deliver the Friday and Eid sermons.

Sections of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

The mosque consists of several landmarks and sections, including mihrabs (prayer niches), gates, and minarets.

Mihrabs of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

1. Mihrab Nabawi towards Jerusalem.
2. Mihrab Nabawi.
3. Ottoman Mihrab.
4. Tahajjud Mihrab.
5. Fatimah Mihrab.
6. Sulaimani Mihrab.

Gates of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

1. Jibril Gate.
2. Women's Gate.
3. Mercy Gate.
4. Peace Gate.
5. Abdul Majeed Gate.

Minarets of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

1. Western Shamia Minaret.
2. Eastern Shamia Minaret.
3. Southeastern Minaret.
4. Southwestern Minaret.
5. Western Minaret.

Prophetic Chambers in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

These are the houses where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his wives, the Mothers of the Believers, resided. When the Prophet arrived in Medina, he built his mosque and chambers for his wives. During the time of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, these chambers were demolished and integrated into Al-Masjid an-Nabawi for expansion, except for Aisha's chamber, which later became known as the "Prophetic Chamber." It is in this chamber that Prophet Muhammad, along with his companions Umar and Abu Bakr, is buried, and this is where the significance of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi lies.

Exterior Surroundings of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:

Many landmarks surround Al-Masjid an-Nabawi from the outside, including Baqi' al-Gharqad, which is a cemetery specific to the people of Medina, containing many graves of Muslims, including the Companions and the general public. Additionally, there are various governmental buildings, hospitals, roads, complexes, and hotels surrounding the mosque.