Portal:Islam/Selected Location

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Arabic: المسجد النبوي) or the Mosque of the Prophet, in Medina, is the second holiest mosque in Islam. Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the holiest mosque; the Al-Aqsa mosque (adjacent to the Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem) is the third holiest in Islam.

The original mosque was built by Muhammad (May peace and blessing of Allah Almighty shower on him). Subsequent Islamic rulers greatly expanded and decorated the mosque. The most important feature of the site is the green dome over the center of the mosque, where the tomb of Muhammad is located. This dome is known as the Dome of the Prophet. (Early Muslim leaders Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab are buried in an adjacent area as well.)

The edifice was originally Muhammad's house; he settled there after his Hijrah (emigration) to Medina. He later built a mosque on the grounds. He himself shared in the heavy work of construction. The original mosque was an open-air building. The basic plan of the building has been adopted in the building of other mosques throughout the world.