Imagine standing here as the call to prayer echoes. Listen closely. Today we explore Masjid Al-Hassawi. Its story might not be widely known. Yet, Medina itself holds layers of history that touch every mosque within its embrace.
Medina’s story starts long before Islam. Jewish settlers arrived here. They were fleeing Roman persecution in Palestine in 135 CE. By 400 CE they became a major force in the area. Medina was then called Yathrib.
In 622 CE Prophet Muhammad made his Hijrah to Medina. This marked a turning point. Medina became a majority Muslim city. The Prophet built two important mosques. These were Masjid al-Quba and Masjid an-Nabawi.
Masjid an-Nabawi is very important. The Prophet arrived in Medina on his camel. The camel stopped at a plot of land. He declared that this was where his mosque would be built. The land belonged to two orphans. They offered it as a gift. But the Prophet insisted on paying for it. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari paid the price.
Originally, Masjid an-Nabawi was simple. It measured 35 meters long and 30 meters wide. Its walls stood 3 meters tall. Palm tree trunks served as pillars. Date palm leaves and mud formed the roof. A section called al-Suffah provided shelter. Homeless and unmarried companions stayed there. They learned the Quran.
At first the Prophet leaned on a palm tree to speak. Later, a companion built him a mimbar to sit on. The original qibla faced Masjid al-Aqsa. However, Allah revealed that the qibla should be the Sacred House in Makkah. The mosque then changed.
Expansions occurred over time. In 629 CE the mosque expanded to 2200 square meters. Walls became taller. In 17 Hijri Umar ibn al-Khattab expanded the mosque again. It became 70 meters long and 60 meters wide. Uthman ibn Affan extended the mosque in 29 Hijri. Decorative stones and lime mortar were used. Teak wood replaced the roof.
The mosque continued to evolve. Renovations and expansions continued until 2012. King Abdullah laid the foundation stone. The aim was to accommodate two million worshippers.
Praying at Masjid an-Nabawi holds great reward. The Prophet said prayer in his mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere. This excludes Masjid al-Haram.
Even the Dajjal will recognize Medina’s sanctity. He will not be able to enter. Angels guard its gates. The Prophet loved Medina. He would hasten his mount upon seeing its walls. This showed his deep affection for the city. Masjid Al-Hassawi shares in this rich legacy. It is a part of Medina’s story. It connects to the Prophet’s time. It continues to serve the community today.