Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the mosque established by the prophet Muhammad in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It was originally a simple structure built after Muhammad migrated from Mecca but has since been greatly expanded. Over centuries, Islamic rulers enlarged the mosque, and the Ottomans completely remodeled it, increasing its size to accommodate over half a million worshippers. Today it remains one of the largest and most important mosques in the world for Muslims.
3. Description
• Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is a mosque established and originally
built by the prophet Muhammad.
• This mosque was the second mosque built after Masjid Quba
which was built during his journey to Madinah from Mecca.
5. • It is also known as the Prophet’s Mosque.
• It is one of the largest mosques in the world.
• This mosque is the second holiest site in Islam after
al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
• It is always open, regardless of date or time.
6. • The original mosque was an open-air building.
• This mosque is located in the heart of Madinah,
surrounded with many hotels and markets.
7. Historical Background
• Prophet Muhammad migrated
from Mecca to Madinah and
settled down there.
• Soon after his arrival in
Madinah, Muhammad and his
companions built the mosque.
• It was a very simple and
modest structure measuring
not more than 98 feet x 115
feet.
9. • There were three doors to this
rectangular enclosure, Bab al –
Rahmah, Bab al - Jibril and
Bab an – Nisa.
• The qiblah was facing towards
Jurusalem which then later
changed to face towards
Ka’bah which is located in
Mecca.
• Thus, the masjid was also re-
oriented accordingly.
10. • The mosque served as a community centre, a court and a
religious school.
• The mosque remained unaltered during the reign of Khalifah
Abu Bakar.
• Seven years after it was built, the mosque was doubled in size to
accommodate the increasing number of Muslims.
• The height of the mosque was increased.
11. • The mosque remained unaltered during the reign of
Khalifah Abu Bakar.
• Major expansions occurred during the reign of khalifahs
of Umar and Uthman.
• The mosque was later rebuilt using stones to make
columns replacing the tree trunks.
12. • Subsequent Islamic rulers
continued to enlarge the mosque.
• During the reign of the Ottoman
Empire, the mosque was
completely remodelled except
certain parts of the mosque.
13. Architecture
• This mosque has a rectangular floor plan projecting to
the south.
• It has 2 floors and the ground floor is meant entirely
for prayers.
• The mosque enclosure is a 100 times bigger than
what was built by prophet Muhammad.
• This mosque can accommodate more than half a
million worshipers at one time.
