ALMISKEENAH

 

The Prophet’s Masjid, though originally built in the most humble way, was the focal point of establishing all aspects of our Islamic society.  It became the magnet for Islam, as well as being a defending fortress. The light of Islam spread from here as Allah Ta’ala had placed His chosen light of lights, Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to illuminate the world through his teachings conducted within his Masjid. By the grace and mercy of Allah Ta’ala this light will continue to radiate, regardless of what form or shape the externals of the Masjid may take.  And nothing can ever take away the heart’s ecstasy upon contemplating Jibreel Alaihis Sallam descending with new revelations to our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, or the voice of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam repeating these Sanctified Words of Allah Ta’ala, teaching them over and over to his faithful Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, and they in turn conveying them to others.  The whole of Madinah vibrated with the buzz of recitation. The beauty and sweetness, the nobility of the message, the power and vividness of its imagery, had a masterful sway over the hearts and minds of all. Such was the environment where the final message to mankind was completed and perfected, SubhanAllah!

The foremost task to shine from within the mud walls was the spiritual component, congregational Salat, the cohesive core of the Ummah unity, our individual response to the command of Allah Ta’ala, showing our obedience to Him, glorifying His Divinity and seeking His guidance. The establishment of prayer offered the way to purify the heart while strengthening the link between the slave and his Lord. The multi-purpose function of the Masjid was laid down; it became a sanctuary, for the traveler, the distressed, and the needy.  It was a place of gathering, not only for local residents, but for foreign tribes and dispatching and receiving various foreign delegates. It was a university, conducting teaching and learning in all aspects of the Qur’an and Islamic sciences. It was a military command centre. The resounding call for Jihad echoed from this meek structure. During times of battle it even served as a hospital.  And thus all aspects of a society emanated from Al-Masjid An-Nabawi  as-Shairf, Alhumdulillah.

Sixty four date-palm trunks supported this original Mubarak Masjid, now there are 2725 marble columns, each 64 cm in diameter.

A low roof of thatched dried palm leaves was all that was between the worshippers and the searing sun, or the infrequent rains.  Now there are 27 moving domes 14.70 meters in diameter and weighing 80 tons each, laminated with a ceramic outside surface, while the inside surface is carved Maple and Moroccan cedar inlaid with gold leaf and turquoise. Electronically controlled to open and shut according to the temperature and climatic conditions. Silently taking one minute to mechanically open and shut, or 30 minutes manually. 12 hydraulically operated umbrellas provide shade in the two internal open courtyards. Ornate ceilings richly carved and decorated and encrusted in all manner of glittering surfaces, giving the illusion of rising heavenward.

The natural mud floor instilled humility, the forehead cushioned on the hallowed dust of this most sanctified place on earth.  Once when it rained the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s  Mubarak face, and all others attending the Salat RadhiAllahu anhum, were smeared with mud from prostrating. Many of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum then began bringing in dry rubble and sand to spread over the earth. Upon seeing this Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said:  “What a good carpet you have brought in!”

Polished Italian marble, at times one lifting the hem of your clothing like Bilqees due to it shimmering like the still reflective surface of water and thick plush decorative carpets are now under bare soles.

The highest house near the Masjid belonged to a woman of the Najjar clan. Just before dawn Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu would come there to sit on the roof waiting for the first faint light in the east. It is said that his call to prayer could be heard all over Madinah at the time.

Now a sound system of 206 amplifiers, each 600 watt, with 3500 speakers reverberate the Adhan across the city.  

Three doors were all that were in the original Masjid.  Now there are 85 decorative main entrance doors, each 3x6 meters, with countless smaller ones.

Straw fires lit in the open courtyard for evening prayers at the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  Later oil lamps were attached to the date- palm trunks for the evening and dawn prayers. This was a welcomed innovation from Ash-Sham by Tamim ad-Dari RadhiAllahu anhu, who was more rewarded by the comment by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saying to him: “You have illuminated our Masjid. May Allah Ta’ala illuminate your life.”

Now there are 11 electrical sub stations in the basement to power 67,000 brass lighting fixtures, 68 gold plated chandeliers each 6.8 meters in diameter and 110 entrance chandeliers .

The natural breeze was all that gave respite to the inhabitants at the time, now a huge air conditioning station located 7 km from the Masjid, connected by tunnels and kilometers of pipes ensures year round pleasant temperatures. The current work plans are to cover the entire outside courtyard with the heat resistant umbrellas.

After a time a date-palm trunk was set up for Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu to call Adhan from, now there are six main soaring minarets at 104 meters, the lower portion granite, the upper section coloured artificial stone, with a crescent made of gold plated bronze, this section weighing 4.5 tons at a height of 7 meters. There are four older minarets from previous expansions.

Other features include; CCTV monitoring and control system with 543 cameras! A Fire detection system, escalators, chilling facilities for Zamzam, two levels of underground car parking accommodating  4500 cars, with the new extensions adding hundreds more.

The current praying capacity, including the external courtyard, [but not the streets which are overflowing during the peak seasons], and roof area is approximately 800,000.

Let us for a moment imagine we are back in time listening to the very words of the first Khutbah delivered by our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in his magnificent Masjid.

After praising Allah Ta’ala he said: “To proceed: O people, send forth [good deeds] for yourselves. You know, by Allah, that each one of you will be struck [by death]. Then he [that is each one of you] will leave behind his sheep, which will be left without a shepherd. Then, without a translator, and without a veil separating [Allah] from him, his Lord will say to him, ‘Did not My Messenger come to you and convey to you [My message]? I gave you wealth and I bestowed favours upon you; then what did you send forth [that is in terms of deeds] for yourselves?’ He will then look to his right and then to his left, and he will not see anything. Then he will look before him and all that he will see is the Hellfire. So whosoever is able to protect his face from the Hellfire even with part of a date [that is by giving it in charity], then let him do so. And whosoever does not find [even part of a date to give in charity], then let him do so with a good word, for the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, and up to seven hundred times. And may peace, the mercy of Allah, and His blessings be upon you.”

May our hearts forever be moved by all that went before, reliving through all means available to us the essence of our glorious Deen as shown to us by our most cherished of creation SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his esteemed Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum in the most blessed of cities, this Forever Radiant Madinah, the Humble. Ameen.  

JUMA’AH MUBARAK! 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.