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'''The Prophet's Chamber''', the home of [[Prophet Muhammad]] (PBUH) and [[Aisha]], is the place of the Prophet's demise and his burial site. It is located in the city of [[Medina]] within the premises of the [[Masjid al-nabi]]. This house, like the other houses of the [[Prophet's wives]], was attached to the [Masjid al-nabi, and its door opened into the mosque. Later, with the expansion of the Masjid al-nabi, it became part of its interior.
The Prophet's Chamber, located within the Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, is an esteemed site of profound historical and religious significance. This chamber was the residence of Prophet Muhammad (S) and his wife Aisha. It is notably recognized as the place where the Prophet passed away and where he was subsequently buried.
Initially, the Prophet's Chamber was a separate dwelling, attached to the Masjid al-Nabawi, with its entrance opening directly into the mosque. The original structure of this chamber, along with those of the Prophet’s other wives, was integrated into the mosque complex. As the Masjid al-Nabawi underwent expansions over the centuries, the Prophet's Chamber was incorporated into the mosque's interior, preserving its sacred status within the expanded precincts of the mosque.
The integration of the Prophet's Chamber into the Masjid al-Nabawi reflects its enduring spiritual significance and its central role in the history of the early Muslim community. The chamber remains a focal point of reverence for Muslims, symbolizing the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a site of deep historical and spiritual reflection.
 
==Location==
==Location==
During the construction of the Prophet's Mosque, chambers were built on its eastern side for the residence of the Prophet and his wives. Initially, a chamber was built for Suda, followed by one for Aisha, and extending from there, another chamber was constructed for [[Fatima(a)]].<ref>Jaʿfarīyān, ''Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna'', p. 217-218.</ref>
The chamber occupied by Aisha is renowned as the "Noble Chamber" due to its profound significance as the site of the Prophet Muhammad's (S) passing and burial. This chamber is strategically positioned east of the mosque, with its entrance opening directly into the Rawdah, a revered section of the Masjid al-Nabawi.<ref>Jaʿfarīyān, ''Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna'', p. 217-218.</ref>
The Noble Chamber is the title given to the chamber of Aisha because the Prophet passed away in this chamber and was buried at the same location.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 61.</ref> This chamber is situated in the east of the mosque, and its door opens into the [[Rawdah of the Prophet]].<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 61.</ref>
The chamber occupied by Aisha (RA) is renowned as the "Noble Chamber" due to its profound significance as the site of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) passing and his burial. This chamber is strategically positioned to the east of the mosque, with its entrance opening directly into the Rawdah, a revered section of the Masjid al-Nabawi.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 61.</ref> Prophet]].<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 61.</ref>
The Noble Chamber's location within the mosque's eastern precinct underscores its integral role in Islamic history and its continued veneration as a focal point of spiritual and historical reflection for Muslims worldwide.
 
==The Prophet's burial place is in this Chamber==
==The Prophet's burial place is in this Chamber==
The Prophet passed away in the chamber of Aisha.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62.</ref> However, some sources believe that the resting place and burial site of the Prophet are between the chamber of Aisha and the [[Fatima's house]], belonging to none of his wives.<ref>Jaʿfarīyān, ''Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna'', p. 218.</ref>
Prophet Muhammad (S) passed away in the chamber of [[Aisha]], located within the Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina .<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62.</ref> This chamber, also called the Noble Chamber, holds profound historical and spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. According to most historical sources, the Prophet was interred in this very chamber, marking the site of his final resting place. However, there are alternative views suggesting that the Prophet's grave might be located between Aisha’s chamber and the residence of [[Lady Fatima]] (AS), which was not exclusively designated to any of the Prophet's wives <ref>Jaʿfarīyān, ''Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna'', p. 218.</ref>
 
The decision regarding the exact burial site of the Prophet Muhammad (S) was influenced by a well-known tradition reported by [[Abu Bakr]]]. He relayed that the Prophet had stated that every prophet is to be buried at the location where they breathe their last. This guidance led to the Prophet being buried within Aisha’s chamber, with his grave situated in the southern part of the chamber<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62; Shanqīṭī, ''Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn'', p. 69.</ref>


After the Prophet's demise, discussions arose about the location of his burial. Abu Bakr mentioned that he had heard from the Prophet that every prophet is buried at the place where they breathe their last. Consequently, the Prophet was buried in [[Aisha's chamber]], and his grave was placed in the southern part of the chamber.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62; Shanqīṭī, ''Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn'', p. 69.</ref>
==Individuals Buried in the Noble Chamber==
==Those who are buried in this Chamber==
Following the interment of [[Prophet Muhammad]] (S), Aisha resided in the northern portion of the Noble Chamber, which initially lacked any partition separating her living quarters from the Prophet's grave. Upon the death of [[Abu Bakr]], he was buried adjacent to the Prophet’s resting place, positioned at a short distance of approximately an arm's length from the Prophet. His head was aligned with the Prophet's shoulders, ensuring a close proximity in burial.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62; Shanqīṭī, ''Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn'', p. 69.</ref>
After the Prophet's burial, Aisha lived in the northern part of the chamber, and there was no curtain between her and the grave. After the death of [[Abu Bakr]], his body was buried next to the [[Prophet's grave]], with a forearm's distance, and his head was aligned with the Prophet's shoulders.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62; Shanqīṭī, ''Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn'', p. 69.</ref>


Following the death of [[Umar]], Aisha allowed him to be buried in the chamber as well. Consequently, with a forearm's distance, Umar's head was placed opposite the shoulders of Abu Bakr. After Umar's burial, Aisha drew a curtain between the graves and her living space, as Umar's presence was considered non-mahram for her.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62; Shanqīṭī, ''Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn'', p. 69.</ref>
Subsequent to Abu Bakr's death, [[Umar ibn al-Khattab]] passed away, and Aisha permitted his burial within the same chamber. Umar’s grave was situated at a similar distance from Abu Bakr's resting place, with his head positioned directly opposite Abu Bakr's shoulders. After the interment of [[Umar]], a partition was erected between the graves and Aisha's living area. This separation was implemented due to Umar's status as a non-mahram, requiring a physical barrier to preserve the propriety of the space.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 62; Shanqīṭī, ''Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn'', p. 69.</ref>
==reconstructions==
The arrangement of the graves within the Noble Chamber reflects the historical and theological significance of these figures in early Islamic history. The close proximity of their burial sites underscores the deep respect and honor attributed to them, while the installation of the curtain later illustrates the adherence to Islamic principles of privacy and respect for boundaries within sacred spaces.
During the [[reconstruction of the Prophet's Mosque in the time of Walid ibn Abdul Malik]], a pentagonal wall was erected around this Chamber, and a portion of the [[Prophet's Rawdah]] was included within this enclosure.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 66.</ref>
==Reconstruction of the Noble Chamber==
During the reconstruction efforts of the Prophet's Mosque under the caliphate of Walid ibn Abdul Malik, significant alterations were made to the area surrounding the Noble Chamber. A pentagonal wall was erected encircling the Chamber, and a segment of the Prophet's Rawdah was incorporated within this newly established enclosure.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 66.</ref>


In the [[Mamluk Baybaras]] period, a wooden enclosure was constructed around the [[chamber of Aisha]], and the [[fatima's house|house of Fatima(a)]] was also placed inside this enclosure.<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 124.</ref> In this way, a part of the Prophet's Rawdah and the house of Fatima(a) became part of the space now referred to as the Chamber. The area of the Noble Chamber, including these additions, is 240 square meters (16 meters in length and 15 meters in width), and a golden grille has been installed around it.<ref>Jaʿfarīyān, ''Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna'', p. 219.</ref>
Subsequently, during the [[Mamluk]] era, under the reign of [[Sultan Baybars]], further modifications were carried out. A wooden enclosure was constructed around Aisha's Chamber, which also included the adjacent house of Fatima (AS). This construction effectively expanded the area considered part of the Chamber to encompass sections of the Prophet's Rawdah and Fatima's residence<ref>Anṣārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 124.</ref> Today, the Noble Chamber, with these historical additions, spans an area of approximately 240 square meters, measuring 16 meters in length and 15 meters in width. A golden grille now encircles the Chamber, signifying its sanctity and the reverence afforded to it within the mosque.<ref>Jaʿfarīyān, ''Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna'', p. 219.</ref>
These reconstructions reflect both the evolving architectural and religious significance of the Chamber, illustrating the continuous effort to preserve and honor the sacred space associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his revered companions.
==Gallary==
==Gallary==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">

Revision as of 11:21, 6 August 2024

The Prophet's Chamber
Template:Px
General Information
Other NamesAl-sharīfa Chamber
PlaceMedina, Masjid al-Nabi
UsageAisha's Chamber and residence
Religious Aspect
Religious AffiliationIslam
BeliefsTawaf and blessings of the angels around the Prophet's grave
History
Time of ConstructionSimultaneously with the construction of Masjid al-Nabi
EventsBurial of Abu Bakr and Umar in this place
ReconstructionsConstruction of the wall around the Al-sharīfa Chamber, the construction of a wooden enclosure around the cell and the addition of Fatima's house in this enclosure.
ReconstructorsBaybaras, Walid ibn Abdul Malik
Current State
Space240 meters
Length16 meters
Width15 meters

The Prophet's Chamber, located within the Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, is an esteemed site of profound historical and religious significance. This chamber was the residence of Prophet Muhammad (S) and his wife Aisha. It is notably recognized as the place where the Prophet passed away and where he was subsequently buried. Initially, the Prophet's Chamber was a separate dwelling, attached to the Masjid al-Nabawi, with its entrance opening directly into the mosque. The original structure of this chamber, along with those of the Prophet’s other wives, was integrated into the mosque complex. As the Masjid al-Nabawi underwent expansions over the centuries, the Prophet's Chamber was incorporated into the mosque's interior, preserving its sacred status within the expanded precincts of the mosque. The integration of the Prophet's Chamber into the Masjid al-Nabawi reflects its enduring spiritual significance and its central role in the history of the early Muslim community. The chamber remains a focal point of reverence for Muslims, symbolizing the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a site of deep historical and spiritual reflection.

Location

The chamber occupied by Aisha is renowned as the "Noble Chamber" due to its profound significance as the site of the Prophet Muhammad's (S) passing and burial. This chamber is strategically positioned east of the mosque, with its entrance opening directly into the Rawdah, a revered section of the Masjid al-Nabawi.[1] The chamber occupied by Aisha (RA) is renowned as the "Noble Chamber" due to its profound significance as the site of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) passing and his burial. This chamber is strategically positioned to the east of the mosque, with its entrance opening directly into the Rawdah, a revered section of the Masjid al-Nabawi.[2] Prophet]].[3] The Noble Chamber's location within the mosque's eastern precinct underscores its integral role in Islamic history and its continued veneration as a focal point of spiritual and historical reflection for Muslims worldwide.

The Prophet's burial place is in this Chamber

Prophet Muhammad (S) passed away in the chamber of Aisha, located within the Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina .[4] This chamber, also called the Noble Chamber, holds profound historical and spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. According to most historical sources, the Prophet was interred in this very chamber, marking the site of his final resting place. However, there are alternative views suggesting that the Prophet's grave might be located between Aisha’s chamber and the residence of Lady Fatima (AS), which was not exclusively designated to any of the Prophet's wives [5]

The decision regarding the exact burial site of the Prophet Muhammad (S) was influenced by a well-known tradition reported by Abu Bakr]. He relayed that the Prophet had stated that every prophet is to be buried at the location where they breathe their last. This guidance led to the Prophet being buried within Aisha’s chamber, with his grave situated in the southern part of the chamber[6]

Individuals Buried in the Noble Chamber

Following the interment of Prophet Muhammad (S), Aisha resided in the northern portion of the Noble Chamber, which initially lacked any partition separating her living quarters from the Prophet's grave. Upon the death of Abu Bakr, he was buried adjacent to the Prophet’s resting place, positioned at a short distance of approximately an arm's length from the Prophet. His head was aligned with the Prophet's shoulders, ensuring a close proximity in burial.[7]

Subsequent to Abu Bakr's death, Umar ibn al-Khattab passed away, and Aisha permitted his burial within the same chamber. Umar’s grave was situated at a similar distance from Abu Bakr's resting place, with his head positioned directly opposite Abu Bakr's shoulders. After the interment of Umar, a partition was erected between the graves and Aisha's living area. This separation was implemented due to Umar's status as a non-mahram, requiring a physical barrier to preserve the propriety of the space.[8] The arrangement of the graves within the Noble Chamber reflects the historical and theological significance of these figures in early Islamic history. The close proximity of their burial sites underscores the deep respect and honor attributed to them, while the installation of the curtain later illustrates the adherence to Islamic principles of privacy and respect for boundaries within sacred spaces.

Reconstruction of the Noble Chamber

During the reconstruction efforts of the Prophet's Mosque under the caliphate of Walid ibn Abdul Malik, significant alterations were made to the area surrounding the Noble Chamber. A pentagonal wall was erected encircling the Chamber, and a segment of the Prophet's Rawdah was incorporated within this newly established enclosure.[9]

Subsequently, during the Mamluk era, under the reign of Sultan Baybars, further modifications were carried out. A wooden enclosure was constructed around Aisha's Chamber, which also included the adjacent house of Fatima (AS). This construction effectively expanded the area considered part of the Chamber to encompass sections of the Prophet's Rawdah and Fatima's residence[10] Today, the Noble Chamber, with these historical additions, spans an area of approximately 240 square meters, measuring 16 meters in length and 15 meters in width. A golden grille now encircles the Chamber, signifying its sanctity and the reverence afforded to it within the mosque.[11] These reconstructions reflect both the evolving architectural and religious significance of the Chamber, illustrating the continuous effort to preserve and honor the sacred space associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his revered companions.

Gallary

Notes

  1. Jaʿfarīyān, Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna, p. 217-218.
  2. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 61.
  3. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 61.
  4. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 62.
  5. Jaʿfarīyān, Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna, p. 218.
  6. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 62; Shanqīṭī, Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn, p. 69.
  7. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 62; Shanqīṭī, Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn, p. 69.
  8. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 62; Shanqīṭī, Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn, p. 69.
  9. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 66.
  10. Anṣārī, ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī, p. 124.
  11. Jaʿfarīyān, Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna, p. 219.

References

  • Anṣārī, Nājī Muḥammad Ḥasan ʿabdu l-qādir al-. ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī al-sharīf ʿabar tārīkh. [n.p], Nādī al-madīna al-munawwara al-adabī, 1996.
  • Jaʿfariyān, Rasūl. Āthār-i islāmi-yi Makka wa Madīna. Tehran: Mashʿar, 1382 Sh.
  • Shanqīṭī, Ghāī Muḥammad al-Amīn al-. Al-Durra al-thamīn fī maʿālim dār al-rasūl al-Amīn. Beirut: Muʾassisa ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān, 1991.