Here stands Masjid Abu Dharr al-Ghifari. It is also known as Masjid al-Sajdah. This humble mosque marks a truly remarkable event in Islamic history.
Masjid Abu Dharr al-Ghifari is located a short distance north of the Prophet’s Mosque. The story of this place centers on the Prophet Muhammad. One day, he was in a garden. This garden belonged to the Baitul-Maal treasury. He performed Salah here. Then, he went into a very long prostration.
Abdur Rahman bin Auf was with him. He became concerned. Abdur Rahman said to the Prophet: “Oh Prophet of Allah, you prostrated for so long. I feared that Allah may have taken your soul”. The Prophet Muhammad smiled. He explained the reason for his lengthy prostration at Masjid Abu Dharr al-Ghifari.
The Prophet said: “Jibraeel came with a message from Allah. He said: ‘He who sends salutations and peace upon you, I shall send mercy and blessings upon him.’ I prostrated in gratitude of this bounty of Allah.” The Prophet’s gratitude is why this mosque is also called Masjid al-Sajdah. Sajdah means prostration in Arabic.
Masjid Abu Dharr al-Ghifari is named after Abu Dharr al-Ghifari. Abu Dharr was a very early companion of the Prophet. He was known for his truthfulness and piety. Muhammad once said that no one more truthful than Abu Dharr.
Abu Dharr belonged to the Banu Ghifar tribe. This tribe lived near Medina. Before converting to Islam, Abu Dharr was already a monotheist. He sought truth and disliked idol worship. When he heard about the Prophet in Mecca, he traveled to meet him. Abu Dharr immediately accepted Islam. He is considered the fourth or fifth person to convert.
Abu Dharr faced persecution for his faith. He openly declared his Islam in front of the Kaaba. The Kaaba was then a pagan temple. He was beaten for his beliefs. The Prophet admired Abu Dharr’s courage and honesty.
Later in his life, Abu Dharr became known for his simple lifestyle. He spoke out against the accumulation of wealth. Some consider him an early Islamic socialist. During the caliphate of Uthman, Abu Dharr protested the lavish spending of public funds. This led to conflict and eventually his exile to a small village.
The story of Abu Dharr is a reminder of the importance of honesty. It highlights the need for social justice. It is also about devotion to Allah. Masjid Abu Dharr al-Ghifari stands as a testament to his legacy. It also commemorates the Prophet’s gratitude. It is a place where Muslims can reflect on these values. They can also send blessings upon the Prophet.
The mosque was first rebuilt during the time of Caliph Umar ibn Abdulaziz. Today, Masjid Abu Dharr al-Ghifari remains a significant historical and spiritual site in Medina.