Al-Sarir pillar: Difference between revisions

'''The Al-Sarīr pillar'''' is one of the prominent features of Masjid al-Nabi and holds significant historical and religious importance. It is traditionally recognized as the location where Prophet Muhammad (S) engaged in Iʿtikāf, a form of spiritual retreat and devotion. During the reconstruction of Masjid al-Nabi by the Mamluk Sultan Baybars, this pillar was used as a foundational support for the Prophet's shrine. Since that time, access to this pillar has been restricted to pilgrims seeking its blessings.

According to various traditions, it is highly recommended for pilgrims to seek blessings from the Al-Sarīr pillar.  

he Al-Sarīr pillar is prominently situated within the sacred confines of [[Masjid al-Nabi]], specifically located in the area known as [[Rawdat al-Nabi]]. It is positioned on the eastern side of the Pillar of Repentance, <ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 184; Shurrāb, ''Al-Ma ʿālim al-athīra'', p. 40.</ref> marking its significance as the first pillar encountered when approaching the Qibla direction. Furthermore, the Al-Sarīr pillar is intimately connected to the western wall of the Prophet's shrine.<ref>Qāʾidān, ''Tārīkh wa āthār-i Islāmī-i Makka wa Madīna'', p. 193. </ref>

The Al-Sarīr pillar derives its name from its historical association with the Prophet Muhammad (S) during the period of Iʿtikāf. It was the designated spot where the Prophet placed his bed, which was crafted from palm leaves and wood or woven matting.<ref>Ibn Zabāla, ''Akhbār al-madīna'', p. 103; Maṭarī, ''Al-Taʿrīf bimā ʾanasat'', p. 91; Najjār, ''Al-Durra al-thamīna'', p. 298.</ref> During his Iʿtikāf, a spiritual retreat involving seclusion and worship, the Prophet would rest on this bed, and the pillar thus came to be known as "Sarīr," reflecting its use as a place of rest and contemplation.<ref>Sayyid al-Wakīl, ''Al-masjid al-nabawīī ʿabar  tārīkh'',  p. 53; Yamānī, ''Mawsūʿa makka al-mukarrama wa al-madina al-munawwara'', vol. 2, p. 430.</ref>  

It is important to clarify that the Al-Sarīr pillar is distinct from the [[Al-Tawba pillar]]. While both hold significance within Masjid al-Nabi, they serve different roles and are located in separate areas of the mosque. The Al-Tawba pillar, located elsewhere in the mosque, is associated with specific events and traditions, which set it apart from the Al-Sarīr pillar's historical and functional context. Local historians of Medina, such as Ibn Zabala, Ibn Najjar, and Matari, did not specifically mention the Sarir pillar by name. Instead, their references indicate that during the Iʿtikāf period in Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad's (S) bed was positioned between the Pillar of Repentance and a lamp located near the Prophet’s grave,<ref>Ibn Zabāla, ''Akhbār al-madīna'', p. 103</ref> or alternatively, near the Pillar of Repentance <ref>Najjār, ''Al-Durra al-thamīna'', p. 298.</ref> or behind it from the eastern side.<ref>Maṭarī, ''Al-Taʿrīf bimā ʾanasat'', p. 91.</ref>  Consequently, some scholars have identified the Sarir pillar with the Pillar of Repentance.<ref>Ansārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 71.</ref>

Inscribed on the Sarir Pillar is the phrase "هذه اسطوانة السریر" ("This is the Sarir Pillar"). <ref>Ṣabrī Pāshā, ''Mawsūʿa mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 3, p. 235-236</ref> According to several narrations, it is considered meritorious to seek blessings from this pillar. Despite the limited access imposed by historical reconstructions, the spiritual significance of the Sarir Pillar endures, highlighting its esteemed status within the religious traditions of Islam. The practice of seeking blessings from the pillar underscores the deep reverence and spiritual connection that the faithful maintain with this sacred site.<ref>Amīnī, ''Al-Ghadīr'', vol. 5, p. 124.</ref>