Musalla of the Prophet
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.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Place | Manakhah in the west of Masjid al-Nabi in Medina |
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).[1]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.[2]
The Prophet’s Prayer Locations in Al-Manakha
Historical sources mention various places in Al-Manakha where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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.[3] AAccording to the narrations recorded by Ibn Shabba, the Prophet conducted Eid prayers in the following places, all located in Al-Manakha:[4]
- 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
- Beside the rocks near Al-Hanatine
- In the fortress of Banu Zuraiq
The mosques of Musalla in Minakhah
The mosques of Musalla in Minakhah were not built during the time of the Prophet and the caliphs. The construction of these mosques took place for the first time during the reign of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, the governor of Medina.[5] During his time, many of the Prophet's Musalla were transformed into mosques. The ancient mosques built in the Musalla area include three mosques: Ghamama Mosque, Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Mosque of Abu Bakr.[6] In the ninth century, within the same vicinity, a mosque named after Umar ibn Khattab was also constructed. Additionally, in the fifteenth century, another mosque in mosque of Musalla was built, named Mosque of Uthman.[7] Some researchers have studied the mosque called Masjid al-Qashla.[8] And the mosque named Masjid al-Bilal in Minakhah.[9] They have also considered it as one of the mosques in the Prophet's Musalla in Minakhah.
The Ghamama Mosque
The Mosque of Masjid al- Musalla or Ghamama is built in a location where the Prophet (PBUH) used to perform prayers in the last years of his life.[10]
The Mosque of Abu Bakr
During his caliphate, Abu Bakr performed the Eid prayers in a place of Minakhah, and later, the Mosque of Abu Bakr was built in that place.[11]
The Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) also performed the Eid prayers in a specific location within this Musalla , and later, a mosque was built in that place named after him.[12]
Location Map of the Musalla's Mosques
The image below illustrates the distance of theMusalla's Mosques to one of the corners of the current Prophet's Mosque building.
The Prophet's prayers in the Musalla
It has been narrated that the Prophet (PBUH), on the day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, used to go to the Musalla. He would first perform the prayer and then stand in front of the people. While they were seated in prayer rows, he would address them. In one report, it is mentioned that the Prophet once prayed the Fajr prayer in his mosque, then went to the prayer ground, where he sat and spoke to the people. After the sun had risen, he performed the Eid prayer and then delivered a sermon. It is reported that the Prophet prayed the Eid prayer for the first time in the second year in the Musalla.[13]
spear
It is also narrated that on the day of Eid, beforehand, the Prophet would carry a tall staff (spear). During the prayer, this staff would be planted in the ground, and the Prophet would pray facing towards it.[14] It is said that this spear was gifted to the Prophet by Najashi (the Negus of Abyssinia).[15]
The Prophet's way to the Musalla
In a collection of narrations mentioned by Ibn Shubba in his book, it is emphasized that on the day of Eid, the Prophet would go to the prayer ground through one route and return through another.[16]
The Rain Prayer
It is narrated that once the Prophet performed the rain-seeking prayer (Salat al-Istisqa) in a place called Zoraa, located in the Masjid al-musalla in Minakhah field. [17]
The Prayer for Najashi
It is reported that after the death of Najashi, the king of Abyssinia, the Prophet prayed for him from a distance at the Musalla.
Supplication
It is also narrated that when the Prophet returned from a journey and passed by the prayer ground (Masjid-i-Masalla), he would stand facing the Qibla and supplicate.[18]
The Pulpit of Musalla
During the time of the Prophet (PBUH) and until the era of Marwan ibn Hakam, the Prophet's Musalla did not have a pulpit. It is reported that after performing the prayer, the Prophet would stand in front of the worshipers and deliver a sermon.[19] However, during the time of Marwan ibn Hakam, a pulpit was placed in the prayer ground. Marwan would deliver a sermon before performing the prayer, as it was believed that after the prayer, people might not stay to hear his words.[20] Some narrations also attribute the use of the pulpit and delivering the sermon before the prayer to Uthman ibn Affan.[21]
Notes
- ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 122.
- ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
- ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 224-225.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-Munawwara, vol. 1, p. 133-135.
- ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 122.
- ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 122-123.
- ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
- ↑ Khiyārī, Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 148.
- ↑ Khiyārī, Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 148.
- ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
- ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
- ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 134.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 139-141.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 139.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 136-137.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 135.
- ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 138.
- ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 125.
- ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 126.
- ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 127-128.
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.