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''' The Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b''', also known as the Mosque of [[Banu Judaylah]] (or Banu Hudhaylah) and the Mosque of [[al-Baqi]], holds significant historical and religious importance as one of the ancient mosques in the holy city of Medina. This sacred mosque was established at the esteemed site where the [[Prophet Muhammad]] (S) used to perform his prayers. Unfortunately, this venerable mosque no longer exists in its original form today.
''' The Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b''', also known as the Mosque of [[Banu Judaylah]] (or Banu Hudhaylah) and the Mosque of [[al-Baqi]], was one of the oldest mosques in Medina, built at the place where the [[Prophet Muhammad]] (s) once prayed. It no longer exists today. Situated within the Baqi' cemetery near the graves of the Prophet's wives and [[Aqil]], it was originally constructed during the governorship of [[Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz]]. The mosque was destroyed in the 8th and 9th centuries but was later rebuilt during the Ottoman period, only to be demolished again. Today, there are no remnants of it in the Baqi' cemetery.


The mosque was situated within the hallowed grounds of the al-Baqi cemetery, specifically to the west of the revered graves of the Mothers of the Believers and the grave of Aqil. According to historical accounts, this mosque was initially constructed during the righteous governorship of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, a period marked by piety and devotion to the preservation of Islamic heritage. Despite its initial construction, by the eighth and ninth centuries AH, the mosque had fallen into disrepair, reflecting the vicissitudes of time.
==Location of the Mosque==


During the illustrious Ottoman era, the mosque witnessed a revival and was meticulously rebuilt, embodying the commitment of the Ottoman rulers to the restoration and maintenance of Islamic holy sites. However, this period of rejuvenation was not permanent, and the mosque was subsequently demolished again, succumbing to the relentless march of history.
The Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b, also known as the Mosque of Bani Judayla or Bani Hudayla, was historically situated within the sacred grounds of [[al-Baqi]], to the west of the revered graves of the Mothers of the Believers and the grave of Aqil. <ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 633.</ref>
According to ancient sources, the mosque was positioned to the right of the entrance to al-Baqi. However, it is essential to clarify that this reference pertains to an entrance that existed prior to the contemporary entrance built during the Saudi era. This older entrance was located to the north of the current one, near the graves of the aunts of the Messenger of Allah (S). The precise historical positioning of the mosque underscores its significant connection to the early Islamic community and its sacred traditions.<ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-Munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 637.</ref>


Today, the sacred site where the Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b once stood within the al-Baqi cemetery remains devoid of its physical structure. Yet, the spiritual significance and historical memory of this mosque endure in the hearts and minds of the faithful. The legacy of the Prophet's prayers at this site continues to inspire reverence and reflection among Muslims worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of Islamic history and heritage.
==The House of Ubayy ibn Ka'b==


==Location==
Initially, the Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b was the residence of Ubayy ibn Ka'b, one of the esteemed companions of the [[Prophet Muhammad]] (S). This house was later converted into a mosque and subsequently incorporated into the al-Baqi cemetery. It is narrated that the Prophet (S) had a special inclination towards this place for prayer and often performed his prayers there.<ref>Numayrī, ''Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara'', vol. 1, p. 64.</ref>
The mosque was situated in the neighborhood of Bani Hudayla or Bani Judayla, and thus, it was also referred to by these names. This historical transformation from a companion's home to a revered mosque reflects the significant religious heritage and the sanctity associated with the early Islamic community and its places of worship.<ref>Numayrī, ''Tārīkh al-Madīna al-Munawwara'', vol. 1, p. 64.</ref>And this mosque has been referred to by these names as well.


This mosque was situated in the west of the graves of the Mothers of the Believers and the [[grave of Aqil]] in [[Baqi']].<ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 633.</ref>
==Historical Background==
In ancient sources, the location of the mosque was described as on the right side at the entrance of Baqi'. However, the current meaning of "entrance," constructed during the Saudi era, does not refer to the northern side of the present Baqi'. Instead, it is a reference to a place that was previously situated north, in close proximity to the graves of the Prophet's relatives.<ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 637.</ref>


==House of Ubay B. Ka'b==
The Mosque of [[Ubayy ibn Ka'b]] is prominently mentioned in ancient historical records of Medina. However, by the 8th and 9th centuries, reports indicate that this mosque had largely fallen into disrepair. Al-Samhudi (d. 911 AH) includes this mosque in his enumeration of notable mosques, noting that although its general location was known, the structure itself was no longer intact. He references Al-Mutri (d. 741 AH), who similarly observed that the mosque remained in a state of neglect during his time.<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā'', vol. 3, p. 211.</ref>
According to [[Al-Samhudi]], the Mosque of [[Ubayy ibn Ka'b]] was situated to the west of the tombs of Aqil and the Mothers of the Believers in the al-Baqi cemetery. In his account, only one pillar of the mosque remained standing. He posits that the remnants of the structure suggested its construction during the era of [[Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz]]. This historical context highlights the enduring significance of the mosque, reflecting its connection to the early Islamic period and its association with prominent figures of that era.<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā'', vol. 3, p. 211.</ref>


Originally, this mosque was the residence of [[Ubay B. Ka'b]], which later transformed into a mosque. Subsequently, it became part of the Baqi' Cemetery. According to a narration, the Prophet had a preference for praying in this location and offered prayers there multiple times.<ref>Numayrī, ''Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara'', vol. 1, p. 64.</ref>
===The 14th Century===
This mosque was located in the neighborhood of Bani Hudayla or Bani Judayla.<ref>Numayrī, ''Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara'', vol. 1, p. 64.</ref>And this mosque has been referred to by these names as well.


==Building History==
Historical accounts from later periods confirm the continued presence of the Mosque of [[Ubayy ibn Ka'b]]. [[Ibrahim Rif'at Pasha]], in his seminal work Mir'at al-Haramain, documented that the mosque underwent significant reconstruction during the Ottoman era. The Ottomans erected a sturdy and well-constructed building, including a prominent prayer niche ([[mihrab]]).<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 1, p. 420.</ref>
Rif'at Pasha's observations, recorded during his pilgrimage journeys between 1318 and 1325 AH (1901-1907 CE), offer critical insights into the mosque's condition and its architectural restoration during [[Ottoman]] rule. This period of reconstruction underscores the mosque's enduring religious and historical importance within the context of Medina's sacred sites.<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 1, p. 3.</ref>
In the 14th century, various historians provided accounts of the mosque. [[Yasin Ahmad Khiyari]] (d. 1380 AH / 1960 CE) cited Mir'at al-Haramain in his work,"<ref>Khiyārī,'' Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-Munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan'', p. 203.</ref>stating: "This mosque today remains as the building situated within the walls of [[Baqi'], located to the right. Allah knows best." Khiyari’s observations reflect the mosque's condition during his era.<ref>Khiyārī,''Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan'', p. 203.</ref>
Moreover, [['Ayyashi]], writing in the latter part of the 14th century, also reported on the mosque. He indicated that the Turkish authorities had constructed a building within Baqi, positioned to the right of the northern entrance of the western wall. By his time, the mosque was reported to be in a state of disrepair.<ref>ʿAyyāshī, ''Al-Madīna al-Munawwara bayn al-Māḍī wa al-Hāḍir'', p. 169.</ref>


The name of the mosque is mentioned in ancient historical records of [[Medina]]. However, reports from the 8th and 9th centuries indicate that the mosque had been demolished. Samhudi (d. 911/1505-6) listed the name of this mosque among those whose general location is known, but no trace of it remains. He quotes Matri (741 AH/1340-1), stating that even during his time, the mosque remained in the same condition.<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā'', vol. 3, p. 211.</ref>
==Current Status==
According to Samhudi, the Mosque of Ubay B. Ka'b was situated in the west of the [[tombs of Aqil]] and [[the Mothers of the Believers]] (Arabic: امهات المومنین ). During his time, only one column of the mosque remained, and according to Samhudi, the remaining ruins indicated that this mosque was built during the time of Umar b. Abdulaziz.<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā'', vol. 3, p. 211.</ref>
As of today, the Mosque of Abu bin Ka'b no longer exists, and its location is now a vacant plot. Historical references suggest that the site of this mosque is located to the east of the canopy on the right side when entering the [[Baqi']] cemetery.<ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 629-630.</ref>
 
According to [[Ka'ki]], the distance from the former site of the Mosque of Abu bin Ka'b to the current wall of Baqi' is approximately sixteen meters. The mosque's location is about 14.5 meters from the graves of the Mothers of the Believers and roughly 38.5 meters from the graves of the Ahl al-Bayt. <ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 638.</ref>
===14th/19th Century===
Currently, no physical remnants of the mosque can be found. [[Ubaidullah bin Muhammad Amin Kurdi]], in his annotations to the 1410 AH edition of Ma'alim al-Madina al-Munawwara by Khiyari, notes in a footnote that: "The Mosque of Abu bin Ka'b has deteriorated to the extent that no visible traces of it remain."<ref>Khiyārī,''Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan'', p. 203.</ref>
 
Some historians from later periods have mentioned the existence of this mosque. According to [[Ibrahim Rafat Pasha]] in "Miraat al-Haramayn," the mosque was reconstructed during the Ottoman rule. The Ottomans had built a sturdy structure with a mihrab for the mosque.<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 1, p. 420.</ref>
His book is the result of his pilgrimage journeys between the years 1318 to 1325 Hijri/1900-1908.<ref>Rafʿat Pāshā, ''Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 1, p. 3.</ref>
[[Yasin Ahmad Khayyari]] (d. 1380 AH / 1960-1 AD) has also quoted the same expression from the book "Miraat al-Haramayn."<ref>Khiyārī,''Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan'', p. 203.</ref>
 
He, who wrote his book in the year 1380 AH/1960-1, states: "This mosque is still the same building located inside the walls of [[Baqi']], on the right side. Allah knows best.<ref>Khiyārī,''Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan'', p. 203.</ref>
[['Ayyashi]], in the late 14th century/19 AD, also witnessed this mosque and reported on it. He explicitly mentions that the Turkish government had constructed a mosque inside Baqi', on the right side, near the northern gate of the western wall. During his time, this mosque was in a state of ruin.<ref>ʿAyyāshī, ''Al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-māḍī wa al-ḥāḍir'', p. 169.</ref>
 
==Current status==
Today, this mosque no longer exists, and its location is an empty piece of land. It is said that the site of this mosque is now to the east of the canopy area, on the right side for someone entering from the Baqi' gate.<ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 629-630.</ref>
According to Ka'ki, the distance between the location of the Mosque of Ubay and the current Baqi' wall is reported to be sixteen meters. The distance from the mosque to the graves of the Mothers of the Believers is 14.5 meters, and the distance from the mosque to [[the graves of the Ahl al-Bayt]] is 38.5 meters.<ref>Kaʿkī, ''Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh'', part. 4, vol. 2, p. 638.</ref>
Currently, there is no trace of this mosque. [[Abdullah b. Muhammad Amin Kurdi]], who wrote a commentary on the book "Ma'alim al-Madinah al-Munawwarah" by Khayyari in 1410 AH/1989-90, notes in the footnote that "the Mosque of Ubay B. Ka'b is ruined, and there is no trace of it.<ref>Khiyārī,''Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan'', p. 203.</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 10:26, 26 September 2024

Mosque of Ubay B. Ka'b
General Information
Other NamesMosque of Al-Baqi', Mosque of Bani Judayla
Placeinside the western wall Baqi'
UsageMosque
History
Time of ConstructionThe early time of Islam
EventsPraying place for the Prophet
Current State
Statusunavailable

The Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b, also known as the Mosque of Banu Judaylah (or Banu Hudhaylah) and the Mosque of al-Baqi, was one of the oldest mosques in Medina, built at the place where the Prophet Muhammad (s) once prayed. It no longer exists today. Situated within the Baqi' cemetery near the graves of the Prophet's wives and Aqil, it was originally constructed during the governorship of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. The mosque was destroyed in the 8th and 9th centuries but was later rebuilt during the Ottoman period, only to be demolished again. Today, there are no remnants of it in the Baqi' cemetery.

Location of the Mosque

The Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b, also known as the Mosque of Bani Judayla or Bani Hudayla, was historically situated within the sacred grounds of al-Baqi, to the west of the revered graves of the Mothers of the Believers and the grave of Aqil. [1] According to ancient sources, the mosque was positioned to the right of the entrance to al-Baqi. However, it is essential to clarify that this reference pertains to an entrance that existed prior to the contemporary entrance built during the Saudi era. This older entrance was located to the north of the current one, near the graves of the aunts of the Messenger of Allah (S). The precise historical positioning of the mosque underscores its significant connection to the early Islamic community and its sacred traditions.[2]

The House of Ubayy ibn Ka'b

Initially, the Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b was the residence of Ubayy ibn Ka'b, one of the esteemed companions of the Prophet Muhammad (S). This house was later converted into a mosque and subsequently incorporated into the al-Baqi cemetery. It is narrated that the Prophet (S) had a special inclination towards this place for prayer and often performed his prayers there.[3] The mosque was situated in the neighborhood of Bani Hudayla or Bani Judayla, and thus, it was also referred to by these names. This historical transformation from a companion's home to a revered mosque reflects the significant religious heritage and the sanctity associated with the early Islamic community and its places of worship.[4]And this mosque has been referred to by these names as well.

Historical Background

The Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b is prominently mentioned in ancient historical records of Medina. However, by the 8th and 9th centuries, reports indicate that this mosque had largely fallen into disrepair. Al-Samhudi (d. 911 AH) includes this mosque in his enumeration of notable mosques, noting that although its general location was known, the structure itself was no longer intact. He references Al-Mutri (d. 741 AH), who similarly observed that the mosque remained in a state of neglect during his time.[5] According to Al-Samhudi, the Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b was situated to the west of the tombs of Aqil and the Mothers of the Believers in the al-Baqi cemetery. In his account, only one pillar of the mosque remained standing. He posits that the remnants of the structure suggested its construction during the era of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. This historical context highlights the enduring significance of the mosque, reflecting its connection to the early Islamic period and its association with prominent figures of that era.[6]

The 14th Century

Historical accounts from later periods confirm the continued presence of the Mosque of Ubayy ibn Ka'b. Ibrahim Rif'at Pasha, in his seminal work Mir'at al-Haramain, documented that the mosque underwent significant reconstruction during the Ottoman era. The Ottomans erected a sturdy and well-constructed building, including a prominent prayer niche (mihrab).[7] Rif'at Pasha's observations, recorded during his pilgrimage journeys between 1318 and 1325 AH (1901-1907 CE), offer critical insights into the mosque's condition and its architectural restoration during Ottoman rule. This period of reconstruction underscores the mosque's enduring religious and historical importance within the context of Medina's sacred sites.[8] In the 14th century, various historians provided accounts of the mosque. Yasin Ahmad Khiyari (d. 1380 AH / 1960 CE) cited Mir'at al-Haramain in his work,"[9]stating: "This mosque today remains as the building situated within the walls of [[Baqi'], located to the right. Allah knows best." Khiyari’s observations reflect the mosque's condition during his era.[10] Moreover, 'Ayyashi, writing in the latter part of the 14th century, also reported on the mosque. He indicated that the Turkish authorities had constructed a building within Baqi, positioned to the right of the northern entrance of the western wall. By his time, the mosque was reported to be in a state of disrepair.[11]

Current Status

As of today, the Mosque of Abu bin Ka'b no longer exists, and its location is now a vacant plot. Historical references suggest that the site of this mosque is located to the east of the canopy on the right side when entering the Baqi' cemetery.[12] According to Ka'ki, the distance from the former site of the Mosque of Abu bin Ka'b to the current wall of Baqi' is approximately sixteen meters. The mosque's location is about 14.5 meters from the graves of the Mothers of the Believers and roughly 38.5 meters from the graves of the Ahl al-Bayt. [13] Currently, no physical remnants of the mosque can be found. Ubaidullah bin Muhammad Amin Kurdi, in his annotations to the 1410 AH edition of Ma'alim al-Madina al-Munawwara by Khiyari, notes in a footnote that: "The Mosque of Abu bin Ka'b has deteriorated to the extent that no visible traces of it remain."[14]

Notes

  1. Kaʿkī, Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh, part. 4, vol. 2, p. 633.
  2. Kaʿkī, Maʿālim al-Madīna al-Munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh, part. 4, vol. 2, p. 637.
  3. Numayrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 64.
  4. Numayrī, Tārīkh al-Madīna al-Munawwara, vol. 1, p. 64.
  5. Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 211.
  6. Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 211.
  7. Rafʿat Pāshā, Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn, vol. 1, p. 420.
  8. Rafʿat Pāshā, Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn, vol. 1, p. 3.
  9. Khiyārī, Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-Munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 203.
  10. Khiyārī,Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 203.
  11. ʿAyyāshī, Al-Madīna al-Munawwara bayn al-Māḍī wa al-Hāḍir, p. 169.
  12. Kaʿkī, Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh, part. 4, vol. 2, p. 629-630.
  13. Kaʿkī, Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh, part. 4, vol. 2, p. 638.
  14. Khiyārī,Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 203.

References

  • ʿAyyāshī, Ibrāhīm .Al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-māḍī wa al-ḥāḍir. Medina: al-Maktab al-ʿilmīyya, 1972.
  • Kaʿkī, ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz. Maʿālim al-Madīna al-munawwara bayn al-ʿimāra wa l-tārīkh, part 1: al-Maʿālim al-Ṭabīʿīyya, vol. 1: al-Jibāl, Beirut: Muʾallif, 1419AH.
  • Khiyārī, Sayyid Aḥmad Yāsīn.Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan. Riyadh: al-Amāna alʿāmma li-liḥtifāl miʾat ʿām ʿalā tʾsīs al-mamlika al- ʿarabiyya al-suʿūdiyya, 1419 AH/1999.
  • Numayrī, Ibn Shabbah. Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara. Edited by Fahīm Muḥammad Shaltūt. Tehran: Mashʿar, 1380 sh.
  • Rafʿat Pāshā, Ibrāhīm . Mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn, aw, al-raḥlāt al-ḥijāziyya wa al-ḥaj wa mashāʿirihi al-dīniyya. Beirut: Dār al-Maʿrifa, [n.d].
  • Samhūdī, ʿAlī b. ʿAbd Allāh. Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā. Edited by Muḥammad Muḥyi al-Dīn ʿAbd al-Ḥamīd. Beirut: 1984.