Musalla of the Prophet

Musalla of the Prophet(S)

General Information
Place	Manakhah in the west of Masjid al-Nabi in Medina
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Musalla of the ProphetThe Prophet's Prayer Area, known as Musalla al-Nabi, is an open space on the western side of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina. This site holds great historical and religious significance as it is where Prophet Muhammad (S) performed the Eid prayers. Historically, it was called "Al-Manakha," a resting place for camel caravans and a marketplace. Now referred to as Musalla Square, this area has become integral to Medina's religious and communal life. The Prophet's use of this space for communal prayers underscores its importance in early Islam, serving as a place of worship and a hub for social and economic activities. Its transformation into Musalla Square reflects its lasting role in Islamic heritage. Three mosques have been constructed in this significant area: the Mosque of Ghamama (or Mosque of Musalla), the Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), and the Mosque of Abu Bakr. Prophet Muhammad (S) performed various important prayers here, including Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Istisqa (for rain), and the funeral prayer for Najashi, the King of Abyssinia. These mosques are not only places of worship but also serve as reminders of significant events in the Prophet's life. The Mosque of Ghamama, where the Prophet performed Eid prayers, is of particular historical and spiritual importance. The Mosques of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) and Abu Bakr further highlight the area's connection to key figures in early Islamic history. Together, these sites enrich Medina's religious heritage, drawing pilgrims and scholars to reflect on their historical and spiritual significance.

The Musalla al-Nabi Location

The Prophet's Prayer Area in Medina, known as Musalla al-Nabi, was an open, uncovered space located to the west of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).Historically, this area was called "Al-Manakha," a place where camels were rested and a marketplace was held. This space is also referred to as Musalla Square.

The Prophet’s Prayer Locations in Al-Manakha

Historical sources mention various places in Al-Manakha where Prophet Muhammad (S) performed the Eid prayers. It should be noted that the locations marked in these narrations as the Prophet's prayer sites were not present during his lifetime but were established later. AAccording to the narrations recorded by Ibn Shabba, the Prophet conducted Eid prayers in the following places, all located in Al-Manakha:

• Near Dar Al-Shifa
• In the district of Al-Daws
• In the house of Hakim bin Adi
• In the residences of the family of Al-Durra
• In the house of Kathir bin Al-Salt
• Besides the rocks near Al-Hanatine
• In the fortress of Banu Zuraiq

The Mosques of Al-Manakha

The mosques in Al-Manakha, associated with the Prophet Muhammad (S), were not established during his lifetime or that of the Caliphs. These mosques were first constructed during the governorship of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, the ruler of Medina. DDuring his tenure, many of the Prophet's prayer sites were converted into mosques.

The notable early mosques built in the Al-Manakha area include:

1. Masjid al-Ghamama (Mosque of the Cloud)

1. Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib (Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib)

1. Masjid Abu Bakr (Mosque of Abu Bakr)

In the 9th century AH, a mosque named Masjid Umar ibn al-Khattab was also constructed within the same vicinity. Additionally, in the 15th century AH, another mosque called Masjid Uthman was built in the area. ome scholars also include Masjid al-Qashla and Masjid Bilal in Al-Manakha as significant sites where the Prophet Muhammad (S) is believed to have performed prayers. These mosques are considered important due to their historical connection to the early Islamic period, although the primary sources and evidence for these associations may vary. Masjid al-Qashla, known for its historical architecture and relevance, and Masjid Bilal named after the esteemed companion Bilal ibn Rabah, are both seen as part of the broader historical and religious landscape of Al-Manakha. Their inclusion in discussions about the Prophet’s prayer sites reflects ongoing scholarly efforts to document and preserve the rich heritage of early Islamic worship practices.

The Ghamama Mosque or Masjid al-Ghamama

Main article: Ghamama Mosque

Masjid al-Ghamama, also known as the Prayer Mosque, is located in the area where Prophet Muhammad (S) conducted prayers during the later years of his life. This mosque holds significant historical importance as it was established on the site where the Prophet is known to have performed prayers, including the Eid prayers. The mosque was built to commemorate and preserve the memory of these sacred activities.

The Mosque of Abu Bakr

Main article: Abu Bakr Mosque

Masjid Abu Bakr was established on the site where Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam, performed Eid prayers during his caliphate. Following his tenure, a mosque was constructed at this location to honor his contribution and significance in early Islamic history. This mosque, named after Abu Bakr, serves as a testament to his role in the early Muslim community and his devotion to Islamic practices.

The Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)

Main article: Imam Ali Mosque (Manakheh)

Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib, also known as the Imam Ali Mosque in Al-Manakha, is situated at a location where Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph and a key figure in Islamic history, conducted Eid prayers. A mosque was later constructed at this site in honor of Imam Ali, reflecting his esteemed position in Islam and his role in the early Muslim community. This mosque stands as a symbol of the deep respect and reverence held for Imam Ali and his contributions to the faith.

Location Map of the Prayer Mosques

The image below illustrates the spatial relationship between the historical prayer mosques and one of the corners of the current structure of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi). The map highlights the distances between these significant mosques and the Prophet’s Mosque, providing a visual representation of their locations relative to the present-day mosque's layout. This map serves as an essential tool for understanding the historical context and spatial arrangement of the mosques within the area of Al-Manakha.

The Prophet's Prayers at the Musalla Area

It is recorded that the Prophet Muhammad (S) used to visit the prayer area (Musalla) on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. On these occasions, he would first perform the prayer at the Musalla and then stand before the congregation. While the people remained in their prayer positions, he would address them with a sermon. One account describes an instance where the Prophet led the morning prayer at his mosque, then proceeded to the Musalla, where he sat and spoke to the people. After the sun had risen, he performed another prayer and delivered a sermon. Historical sources indicate that the Prophet first conducted prayers at the Musalla in the second year of the Hijra. This practice underscored the Musalla’s significance as a place for both communal worship and instruction.

The Spear

It is also reported that on the days of Eid, the Prophet Muhammad (S) carried a long staff or spear ahead of him. During the prayer, this staff was planted into the ground, and the Prophet would face this staff while performing the prayer. It is said that this spear was a gift from the Negus (Najashi) of Abyssinia to the Prophet. The use of the spear during the prayer was a customary practice, emphasizing its role in facilitating the orderly conduct of prayer in the open space.

The Prophet's Way to and from the Musalla

In a collection of narrations documented by Ibn Shabah in his book, it is emphasized that the Prophet Muhammad (S) would travel to the Musalla via one route on the day of Eid and return by a different route. This practice was observed as part of the Prophet’s custom on festive occasions, reflecting a broader tradition of marking significant religious events with distinct rituals and movements.

The Rain Prayer

It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (S) once performed the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa) at a location called Zawra, situated within the Musalla area (Al-Manakha). This event took place in a field dedicated to such prayers, illustrating the Prophet’s practice of seeking divine assistance through prayer during times of drought and need.

The Prayer for Najashi

It is reported that after the death of Najashi, the King of Abyssinia, the Prophet Muhammad (S) performed a special prayer for him at the Musalla. This prayer was conducted from a distance, demonstrating the Prophet's respect and honor for Najashi, who had provided refuge to early Muslims during a time of persecution.

Supplication

It is also reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (S) returned from a journey and passed by the Musalla, he would stand facing the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba) and engage in supplication. This practice underscores the significance of the Musalla as a sacred space for the Prophet's personal prayers and reflections.

The Minbar of Musalla

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and up until the era of Marwan ibn al-Hakam, the Musalla did not have a minbar (pulpit). Reports indicate that the Prophet would stand before the congregation after completing the prayer and deliver his sermon directly to the people. It was not until the period of Marwan ibn al-Hakam that a minbar was introduced to the Musalla. Marwan, anticipating that no one would stay to listen to his speech after the prayer, chose to deliver his sermon before the prayer instead. Additionally, some traditions attribute the practice of using a minbar and delivering a sermon before the prayer to Uthman ibn Affan. These practices highlight the evolution of sermon delivery and the development of mosque infrastructure in the early Islamic period.

References

• ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Muḥammad ʾIlyās. Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara. Medina: [n.p], 2000.
• 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.
• Numīrī, Ibn Shubba. Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara. Edited by Fahīm Muḥammad Shaltūt. Tehran: Mashʿar, 1380 sh.
• Samhūdī, ʿAlī b. ʿAbd Allāh. Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā. Edited by Muḥammad Muḥyi al-Dīn ʿAbd al-Ḥamīd. Beirut: 1984.