Didn’t you notice the subtle shift in the air as we approached? This isn’t just another stop. This is Masjid Al-Jarbu’a.
Masjid Al-Jarbu’a may not be as widely known as the Prophet’s Mosque. However its story is interwoven with the rich history of Medina. We stand here near a place of deep spiritual significance.
Medina holds a special place in Islamic history. It offered refuge to Prophet Muhammad. It became the center of the early Muslim community. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is one of Islam’s holiest sites. It draws millions of pilgrims each year.
The Prophet’s Mosque was built by Muhammad in 622 AD. He arrived in Medina on his camel Qaswa. He bought the land from two orphans Sahl and Suhayl. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari paid for the land. The mosque initially measured 30.5 m by 35.62 m. It had three doors. The qiblah wall faced north towards Jerusalem.
Over time the Prophet’s Mosque was expanded. Subsequent Islamic rulers decorated its walls doors and minarets. The Green Dome is one of its most notable features. It marks the tomb of Muhammad.
In 1909 electrical lights were installed. The mosque was guarded by eunuchs for centuries. It remained open almost continuously. It only closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The Umayyad caliph al-Walid I enlarged the mosque significantly. He used materials from the Byzantine Empire. The mosque’s area increased. It incorporated the graves of Muhammad Abu Bakr and Umar. Minarets were built at the mosque’s corners.
The Abbasid caliph al-Mahdi extended the mosque to the north. Later Mamluk sultans rebuilt the sanctuary. Ottoman sultans also made contributions. Sultan Suleiman rebuilt the east and west walls. He added a new minaret.
During the Saudi insurgency in 1805 Wahhabis demolished tombs and domes in Medina. They spared the Green Dome. Later Saudi kings ordered major modifications. They added new wings and minarets.
Today the mosque can accommodate millions of worshippers. It has sliding domes and umbrella tents. These were designed by Mahmoud Bodo Rasch. The Rawdah is an important area. It lies between the minbar and Muhammad’s burial chamber.
Two mihrabs indicate the qiblah. One was built by Muhammad and another by Uthman. The mosque has multiple minbars. The original minbar was made of date palm wood. It was later replaced with marble.
Masjid Al-Jarbu’a stands as a testament to Medina’s enduring legacy. It reminds us of the city’s spiritual significance. As we continue our tour may the blessings of this holy city remain with you.