Contemplate the story of a cloud offering shade. That’s the essence of Masjid Al Marghlani, once known as Al-Musalla Mosque. We stand on the southwest side of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. This very ground holds deep significance.
Masjid Al Marghlani marks the spot where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, led Eid prayers. He also prayed for rain here. Imagine the scene in 631 AD. The Prophet raising his hands seeking relief from drought. It is said a cloud appeared shielding him from the sun. “Ghamamah” means cloud in Arabic. That is how the mosque got its popular name.
Originally, this was just an open prayer ground. No building stood here during the Prophet’s time. The Umayyad Caliph Omar bin Abdulaziz built the first mosque here. This was between 704 and 712 AD. Since then Masjid Al Marghlani has seen many renovations.
Think of the rulers who cared for this sacred space. Sultan Hasan bin Muhammad bin Qalawun Ash-Shalihi renovated it in 1340. Sharif Saifuddin Inal Al-Ala’i renovated it again in 1622. Even Ottoman Sultans like Abd-ul-Mejid I and Abdul Hamid II contributed. The Saudi government also played a vital role in preserving Masjid Al Marghlani. They ensured its historical architectural style remains intact.
Masjid Al Marghlani is not large. The entrance is rectangular, 26 meters long and 4 meters wide. Five domes grace the entrance. The prayer hall measures 30 meters long and 15 meters wide. Six domes adorn the prayer hall. The largest dome sits above the mihrab indicating the direction of prayer.
Notice the minaret in the northwest corner. It rises in stages first rectangular then octagonal. Black basalt stones from the local lava plains form the exterior. White lime paint covers the interior walls and domes. This contrast highlights the natural surroundings.
Masjid Al Marghlani also marks a unique moment in Islamic history. The Prophet Muhammad offered a funeral prayer here. This was in absentia for the Negus. He was the King of Abyssinia who protected early Muslims.
Today, Masjid Al Marghlani welcomes visitors. It stands as a testament to faith and history. Prayers are held here five times a day. Take a moment to appreciate the serenity and the stories held within these walls. Remember the cloud and the prayers for rain. Masjid Al Marghlani is a reminder of the Prophet’s compassion and connection to Allah.