Al-Sarir pillar: Difference between revisions
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'''Al-Sarīr pillar''' is one of the | '''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. This practice underscores the pillar's revered status in Islamic heritage and its continued significance in the spiritual lives of Muslims. | |||
==Location== | ==Location== | ||
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, highlighting its integral placement within the mosque's architectural and spiritual layout. Its strategic location underscores its historical importance and its role in the religious practices associated with Masjid al-Nabi.<ref>Qāʾidān, ''Tārīkh wa āthār-i Islāmī-i Makka wa Madīna'', p. 193. </ref> | |||
==Reason for naming== | ==Reason for naming== | ||
The | 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> | ||
==Is Sarir | |||
[[The | ==Comparison with Al-Tawba Pillar== | ||
'''Is the Sarir Pillar the Same as the Al-Tawba Pillar?!''' | |||
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> | |||
However, it is accurately noted that the Prophet’s bed was sometimes placed next to the [[Pillar of Repentance]] and sometimes next to the Sarir Pillar. <ref>Ansārī, ''ʿImārah wa tawsiah al-masjid al-nabawīī'', p. 72; Yamānī, ''Mawsūʿa makka al-mukarrama wa al-madina al-munawwara'', vol. 2, p. 430.</ref> Notably, [[Ayub Sabri Pasha]] and [[Ahmad bin Abdul Hamid]] argue that before the significant expansion of [[Masjid al-Nabi]], which occurred after the [[Battle of Khaybar]], the Prophet's [[Iʿtikāf]] was conducted near the Pillar of Repentance. Following the expansion, the Iʿtikāf was relocated to the vicinity of the Sarir pillar.<ref>Ṣabrī Pāshā, ''Mawsūʿa mirʾāt al-ḥaramayn'', vol. 3, p. 235-236; ʿAbd al- Ḥamīd, ''ʿUmda al-akhbār'', p. 99-100.</ref> | |||
Therefore, while some historical accounts and interpretations suggest a possible equivalence between the Sarir pillar and the Pillar of Repentance, it is clear that they are distinct entities with separate historical and religious significance. The architectural and structural changes to Masjid al-Nabi over time have influenced the understanding and context of these pillars, highlighting their unique roles in Islamic tradition and history. | |||
==Inaccessibility of the Sarir Pillar for Pilgrims== | |||
During the reconstruction of [[Masjid al-Nabi]] under the reign of [[Malik al-Zahir Baybars]] (825–842 AH) of the [[Mamluk dynasty in Egypt]], significant changes were made to the structure of the mosque. One notable alteration involved the Sarir Pillar, which holds historical and religious significance. This reconstruction led to half of the Sarir Pillar being enclosed within the shrine of the [[Prophet Muhammad]] (S).<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 2, p. 184.</ref> As a consequence of this architectural modification, the Sarir Pillar, which was once accessible to pilgrims seeking blessings, is no longer within reach.(R: 825-842 AH/ 1422- 1438-9) of the Mamluks of Egypt,<ref>Samhūdī, ''Wafāʾ al-wafā'', vol. 1, p. 268.</ref> it is not possible for pilgrims to bless it. | |||
The enclosure of the pillar has effectively restricted the physical interaction and veneration practices that pilgrims historically performed. The reconstruction efforts, while aimed at preserving and enhancing the mosque, inadvertently limited direct access to this revered relic. | |||
==Virtue and Significance== | |||
== | 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> | ||
==Gallary== | ==Gallary== | ||