Architecture of the Masjid an-Nabawi

The current architecture [see note 1] of the Masjid Nabawi, a marvel known for its expansiveness, intricate design and functional character, is the culmination of centuries of work. The mosque's current structure is an extensive complex that covers a vast area, reflecting modern architectural advancements while maintaining elements of traditional and contemporary Islamic, Ottoman and Arab architecture and design.

Overview

Masjid an-Nabawi, located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is a remarkable example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Its design seamlessly blends traditional elements with modern architectural innovations, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically striking. The mosque has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, resulting in its current extensive and sophisticated structure.

The current mosque complex comprises of several historical and modern sections, which include the Ottoman Hall, first Saudi expansion, second Saudi expansion, Garden of the Saqifah, Jannatul Baqi cemetery.

The new mosque incorporates the older Ottoman period mosque within it. The two sections are easily distinguishable: the older section features many colorful decorations and numerous small pillars, while the new section is constructed of gleaming white marble and is fully air-conditioned. The open courtyard of the mosque can be shaded by foldable, umbrella-like canopies.

Architecture

circa 610 CE

Exterior Architecture
The exterior architecture of the Masjid an-Nabawi is characterized by its striking minarets and domes. The mosque features ten minarets, each standing approximately 105 meters tall. These minarets are equipped with modern lighting systems that illuminate the mosque at night, creating a mesmerizing view. The mosque’s domes, particularly the iconic Green Dome, are built on square bases and are equipped with sliding mechanisms to facilitate ventilation and natural light.

The mosque features a rectangular design on two levels, with the Ottoman prayer hall extending to the south. The main prayer hall spans the entire first floor. The mosque's enclosure is 100 times larger than the original mosque built by the prophet Muhammad and can accommodate over half a million worshippers.

The mosque boasts a flat, paved roof adorned with 24 domes on square bases. Each dome's base has holes that illuminate the interior. During peak times, the roof also serves as a prayer space, with the 24 domes sliding on metal tracks to create shaded areas and light wells for the prayer hall. The courtyard of the Ottoman mosque is shaded by umbrellas attached to freestanding columns during these times. Access to the roof is provided by stairs and escalators. The surrounding paved area is also used for prayer and is equipped with umbrella tents.

The north facade features three evenly spaced porticos, while the east, west, and south facades have two. The walls consist of a series of windows topped by pointed arches with black and white voussoirs. Six peripheral minarets are attached to the new extension, with four others framing the Ottoman structure.

circa 622- CE

Interior Architecture
The interior of Masjid an-Nabawi is equally impressive, featuring a large prayer hall that can accommodate hundreds of thousands of worshippers. The hall is adorned with intricately designed marble columns and archways that support the roof. The ceiling is decorated with ornate patterns and calligraphy, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the mosque. Advanced climate control systems are integrated into the architecture to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors.

The mosque is richly decorated with multicolored marble and stones. The columns are made of white marble with brass capitals supporting slightly pointed arches, built from black and white stones. The column bases have ventilation grills to regulate the temperature inside the prayer hall.

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Recommended Readings

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Notes

• Note 1
  For the purposes of this article the term "architecture of the Masjid an-Nabawi" refers to the modern architecture of the Prophet's Mosque, but in its widest sense the term may refere to structure's humble origins as a simple structure built with palm trunks, stones and mud to its current majestic and extensive complex of buildings and structures. The evolution of Masjid Nabawi's architecture mirrors the progression of Islamic or Muslim architecture and civilization.

See Also

• Masjid Nabawi in the Life of Prophet Muhammad
• History of Masjid Nabawi
• Jannat al-Baqi'
• Expansion Chronology of Masjid an-Nabawi
• Masjid al-Haram (Great Mosque of Mecca)
• Masjid al-Ghamama
• Masjid Quba
• Masjid Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
• List of Mosques in Medina
• Saqifah Bani Sa'idah
• Masjid 'Ali ibn abi Talib
• Haramayn
• Assalam Museum
• The Prophet's Mosque Expansion Exhibition

References

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• Ismāʻīl, M. K., & Damlūji, S. S. (1998). The architecture of the prophets holy mosque, al Madīnah. London: Hazar.
• Munt, Harry. The Holy City of Medina: Sacred Space in Early Islamic Arabia. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-04213-1.
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• Walker, Derek (1998). The Confidence to Build. p 69: Taylor & Francis. p. 176. ISBN 0-419-24060-8.
• Ahmet Önkal, "Hücre-i Saâdet" ("The Prophet's Chamber"), DIA, XVIII, Istanbul 1998, 456-58; İbrahim Ateş, "Mescid-i Nebevî`nin Yapıldığı Günden Bu Yana Geçirdiği Genişletme Girişimleri" ("Efforts of Expansion that Masjid al-Nabawi has undergone from its Establishment to Today"), Vakıflar Magazine, Ankara 1994, XXIV, 5-50; Oleg Grabar, İslam Sanatının Oluşumu (The Formation of the Islamic Arts), İstanbul 1988.
• Bangash, Z. (n.d.). History of Masjid al-Nabawi and the Green Dome. Retrieved April 22, 2019, from https://crescent.icit-digital.org/articles/history-of-masjid-al-nabawi-and-the-green-dome Dhu al-Hijjah 06, 1435, Understanding the history of expansion of Masjid al-Nabawi and how the Green Dome over the Prophet’s (saws) tomb was erected.
• Nebî Bozkurt- Mustafa Sabri Küçükasçi, "Mescid-i Nebevî", DIA, 30, 281-90; Ibrahim Ates, İbrahim Ateş, "Mescid-i Nebevî`nin Yapıldığı Günden Bu Yana Geçirdiği Genişletme Girişimleri" ("Efforts of Expansion that Masjid al-Nabawi has undergone from its Establishment to Today"), Vakiflar Magazine, Ankara 1994, XXIV, 5-50; Oleg Grabar, İslam Sanatının Oluşumu (The Formation of the Islamic Arts), İstanbul 1988.
• MakMax (Taiyo Kogyo Group). "Large scale umbrellas (250 units) completed, covering the pilgrims worldwide with membrane architecture : MakMax". makmax.com.
• "History of the Cemetery Of Jannat Al-Baqi". Al-Islam.org.
• Doris Behrens-Abouseif; Stephen Vernoit (2006). Islamic art in the 19th century: tradition, innovation, and eclecticism. BRILL. p. 22. ISBN 978-90-04-14442-2.
• Medina Haram Piazza Shading Umbrellas. Premier Composite Technologies. Retrieved November 14, 2017
• Ariffin, Syed Ahmad Iskandar Syed. Architectural Conservation in Islam : Case Study of the Prophet's Mosque. Penerbit UTM. ISBN 978-983-52-0373-2.