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
Shukr (Gratitude)
Gratitude toward Allah for His countless blessings.
Ziyarah (Visitation Prayer)
Visitation and greeting to the Prophet, the Imams, and holy persons at their graves.
Laylat al-Mi'raj (The Night of Ascension)
The night when Prophet Muhammad journeyed to the heavens and received the gift of prayer.
Bid'ah (Innovation in Religion)
An innovation or addition to religion that has no basis in the Quran or Sunnah.
Sujud al-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness)
Two extra prostrations performed to compensate for errors in prayer.
Muwalat (Continuity in Prayer)
The requirement of continuous and coherent performance of the prayer's parts.