Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque)
The Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina, the second holiest mosque in Islam.
Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) in Medina is the second holiest mosque in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions in 622 CE after the hijra (migration) from Mecca to Medina.
The Prophet said: "One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except Masjid al-Haram" (Sahih al-Bukhari). A special area in the mosque called "al-Rawdah al-Sharifah" (the noble garden), between the Prophet's minbar and his grave, has a special status — the Prophet said: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari).
The Prophet is buried in a chamber adjoining the mosque along with Abu Bakr and Umar. Millions of Muslims visit the mosque annually. The mosque has been expanded numerous times throughout history and can today accommodate over one million worshippers. It is sunnah to visit Masjid al-Nabawi and extend greetings (salam) to the Prophet at his grave.
Related terms
A'mal (Acts of Worship)
Specific acts of worship and rituals for particular days and occasions.
Sujud al-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation)
A prostration performed when reciting or hearing specific Quranic verses.
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
The greatest Islamic holiday, celebrated in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son.
Du'a Jawshan al-Kabir (The Great Armor)
A long supplication with 1000 of Allah's names and attributes, recited during Ramadan nights.
Irsal (Arm Position in Prayer)
The Shia practice of letting the arms hang at the sides during prayer.
Du'a Kumayl (Kumayl's Supplication)
One of the most famous Shia supplications, taught by Imam Ali to Kumayl ibn Ziyad.