as-Salam Gate (Masjid al-Nabawi)

By the Editors of the Madain Project

The as-Salam Gate (باب السلام, Bab as-Salam), literally meaning the the Gate of Peace or Tranquility, is one of the major and oldest gates of Masjid al-Nabawi, and is located on the wetern side of the Rawda e Rasool. Originally built by Caliph Omar circa 640 CE (18 Hj.) in the western wall of the mosque. During the various extensions of the mosque, this door was also moved westward in the same line and today it is not in its original location.

Overview

Modern and most recent construction of the Bab as-Salaam (gate no. 1) of prophet's mosque took place during the first Saudi expansion, which was originally conceived by Shah Abdulaziz al-Saud and commissioned by his son Saud bin Abdulaziz. The small three portals to the left belong to the Bab abu Bakr al-Siddique.

For some reason, al-Samhoudi in his extensive book Wafa al-Wafa calls this gate, the Bab Marwan (literally meaning the Gate of Marwan) as well.

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

circa

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

Street view of Bab as-Salam Gate circa 1930s, with the Ottoman era bab as-Salam Minaret (مئذنة باب السلام) to the right. The bab as-Salam is also visible near the base of the minaret, the small domed structure. The large dome behind the bab-as-salam is the Green dome of the prophet Muhammad's tomb.

Architecture

circa

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

Exterior
The Panoramic view of the western flank of Masjid al-Nabawi, with Bab as-Salam (right) below the illuminated minaret, to the far left is the Bab al-Rehmah and the smaller tripple gate between the two is Bab-i abi-Bakr. It is one of the tallest gates of Masjid an-Nabawi, and allows direct access to the Ottoman prayer hall, which is the oldest part of Masjid Nabawi. The Bab as-Salam is a single arched gate, adorned with two cascading arches. Today a chandelier hangs in the doorway.

circa

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

Interior
The interior of the peace gate, this gate is directly inline with the Bab al-Baqi on the eastern end of the mosque near the Rawda. The current door panels were installed during the reigh of Sultan Abdul Majid Khan, and bear the date 1271 Hj. (1855 CE). The two gates, Bab as-Salaam and Bab al-Baqi mark the two extreme ends of the first Saudi expansion/reconstruction of the prophet's mosque circa, 1950/52 CE. During specific times of the year, like Ramadan, Hajj etc, this area sees extreme foot traffic of pilgrims, trying to approach the prophet's tomb.

circa 1900 CE

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

Calligraphic Decorations
Calligraphic inscriptions inside the Bab as-Salaam of Masjid al-Nabawi. A number calligraphic inscriptions adorn the inner walls of the gate, including verses from Quran and names of Allah and prophet Muhammad.

circa 1900 CE

Minaret of Bab as-Salam
Bab as-Salam of Masjid Nabawi is topped with a single minaret. Originally added by Sultan Muhammad ibn Qalawun in 1307 CE, it was renovated by the ottoman Sultan Mehmed IV. It was again renovated in Saudi era, retaining its Ottoman architecture. The Bab as-Salaam minaret is the oldest and shortest of all minarets of the prophet's mosque. It dates back to the Ottoman period and displays ottoman architectural features. Sultan Ibn Qalawun also had an ablution fountain built outside the Bab al-Salam.

circa

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

Historic Reconstructions
The evolution of Bab as-Salam from 1920s (left), 1950s (center), 1980s (right), gate no. 1, is the main gate of al-Masjid al-Nabawi, the prophet's mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The modern Bab-as-salam retaines few of the features of it's predecessor, although the exterior dome no longer exists the interior of the roof is still domed. The floral patterned lintel above the old door was also retained in it's successor.

Bab Salam Plazas

circa

Sahat Bab al-Salam

The bab as-Salam plaza (ساحة باب السلام) or the Bab as-Salam Square is the area on the southern side of the Masjid an-Nabawi. The Sahat bab al-Salam (Bab al-Salam square), is an open area where the large iconic umrellas are installed for shade.

Gallery

Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi
Bab as-Salam, Masjid al-Nabawi

See Also

External Resources

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