History
Prophet Mohammed set out to Medina in 622 as directed from Allah. In Medina Prophet stayed in house of Abu Ayub Ansari RA and next to that house Prophet Mohammed Peace be upon Him and His companions laid foundation of Masjid e Nabvi (Prophet’s Mosque). This mosque served major role in Islam from beginning. Initially it was simple rectangular mosque with dimensions of 30×35 meters. In Era of Hazrat Umar bin Khatab it was extended to area of 3575 square meters. Different extensions and renovations were made through the history. Now it is one of largest mosques in world with capacity of praying area for 1 million people.
Features of Masjid e Nabvi
Prophet Mohammed personally participated in construction of Masjid e Nabvi. He did work like all other peoples who were taking part in this holy cause. He carried cement and bricks with His own hands. After the construction this place was frequently visited by our Prophet. This mosque has important role in spreading Islam. Prophet Peace be upon Him allocated separate space for place with shelter on right side of mosque for educational activities. The people for learning Islam can learn Quran rest, spend night and get food there. Many of notable companions stayed there like Hazrat Abu Huraira RA who narrated the most of Ahadith.
Learning Activites in Masjid e Nabvi
Masjid e Nabvi was a key place for education and enlightment for all. Companians of Prophet came to mosque to learn Quran, understanding Quran and its teachings. There was environment of competition for gaining more and more knowledge. Prophet Mohammed Peace be Upon Him was the teacher and Preacher there and students were his noble companians. Prophet Peace be Upon Him taught them teachings of holy Quran and later they spread this to whole earth and preserved for next generations.
Offering Salah in Masjid e Nabwi
The Masjid e Nabvi is one of most significant mosques in Islam. Prophet Mohammed Peace be Upon Him used to say “My mosque” to Masjid e Nabvi. There is special ajar (reward) for offering Salah in Masjid e Nabvi as observed in following saying of Prophet Mohammed Peace be Upon Him:
Do not prepare yourself for a journey to any mosque [with the intention to earn special reward of prayers] but the three mosques al-Masjid al-Haram, al-Masjid al-Aqsa, and my mosque. (Bukhari: No. 1115)
It is clear from above hadith that there is some special reward for offering salah in Masjjid e Nabvi.
Prophet Mohammed Peace be Upon Him also said:
One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers in any other mosque excepting al-Masjid al-Haram. (Bukhari: No. 1116)
It is evident that from above mentioned hadith that one Salah (Prayer) in Masjid e Nabvi guarantees 100 times more reward than other mosque (Except Masjid Al Haram).
Backyard of Paradise
Riyadh ul Jannah (Backyard of Paradise) is a garden with dimensions of 15×22 meters adjecent to Masjid e nabvi. This garden is called similar to garden of paradise. The significance of this garden is evident from this Hadith.
Between my house and my pulpit lays a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is upon my fountain (Al-Kauthar).” [Bukhari]
So Masjid e Nabvi is one of very significant mosques in Islam which served many purposes for Islam throughout the history. This mosque is where Our beloved Prophet Muhammed Peace be upon Him is resting. May Allah give us all opportunity to visit and offer salah in Mosque of our Prophet Peace be upon Him.