The original and first dome structure dates back to 1279 CE, when an unpainted wooden cupola was built over the tomb. It was later rebuilt and painted using different colours twice in the late 15th century and once in 1817. The dome was first painted green in 1837, and hence became known as the Green Dome. Today the interior of the Qubat al-Khidra is not accessible, as it is located directly over the tomb of prophet Muhammad, which is entirely enclosed.

circa 1285-1477 CE

First Dome
The first dome over the Maqsoora (chamber of prophet Muhammad) was built in 1279 CE (678 Hijri) during the reign of seventh Mamluk Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun al-Salihi. The original thirteenth century CE structure was made out of wood and was covered with lead panels and further covered with a tarpaulin cloth (waxed cotton fabric) to protect it from the rain and prevent water seepage. In contrast to the modern dome, the first dome was a shallow one and was built directly into the roof of the chamber with a height of only 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). The dome spanned the entire width of the inner pentagonal chamber.

The wooden dome was renovated during the reign of Sultan Hassan bin Muhammad bin Qalawun, more commonly known as al-Nasir Hasan, for the first time, circa 1360 CE (761 Hijri), when the aging tarpaulin was replaced and the wooden structure was strengthened. During this renovation, sultan commissioned a small gold-plated brass crescent to be installed over the wooder dome.

Again during the reign of Mamluk Sultan al-Ashraf Sha'ban, circa 1370 CE (771 Hijri), repairs were needed when a large number of the lead panels were displaced and lost and the timber structure began to decay. During this period the weakining wooden dome was heavily restored and new lead panels were installed. It was the first time when the tarpaulin cloth was not used, instead tar or bitumen was used to water proof the dome of prophet Muhammad's chamber. This renovation held for more than a century with very small repairs needed.

During the reign of Sultan Qaitbay, around year 1477 CE (881 Hijri), the same old dome structure of the Prophet's Mosque was renovated. Around the same time the dome was painted in white with gypsum, which was brought from Egypt since it was not known in ancient Arabia.

After a serious fire struck the Mosque in 1481 CE (886 Hijri), most of the mosque along with the dome had burnt and suffered extensive damage. A restoration project was initiated by Sultan Qaitbay who had most of the wooden base replaced by a brick and stone over a wooden structure in order to prevent the collapse of the dome in the future. The outer walls of the chamber were raised some 1.5 meters which also lead to an increased height of the dome. Since this dome was constructed with brick and stone, wooden pillars were raised to bear the weight. For the first time curved lead sheets were used to cover the new dome. Once again gypsum was brought from Egypt to water proof the dome. The total height of the chamber with the dome was raised to 8.88 meters (18 cubits). This dome was covered by a second and much larger dome during the 1481/82 CE renovations by Sultan al-Qaitabi.

circa 1481 CE

Second Dome
During the same construction by Sultan Qaitabi in 1481 CE the eastern wall was moved eastwards for about one and a half cubit (about 2.24 feet). This was done to facilitate the construction of an upper and larger dome about the first one. This dome was built mostly with stone and plaster (gypsum). After the construction the top part of the dome cracked. It was demolished on the orders of Sultan and rebuilt supported by a wooden scaffolding. The building of the Prophet's Mosque, including the Tomb of the Prophet, was extensively renovated through Qaitbay's patronage.

During the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mahmud the Conqueror, circa 1740 CE (Hijri) the upper part of the dome broke and needed restoration work. The upper part was demolished heavily rebuilt. During the reconstruction work, they placed a wooden barrier was placed between the two domes so that the workers would not see the grave of the Prophet Muhammad, and so that nothing would fall on the inner dome. Most of the city’s residents participated in the construction seeking blessings, and the Sultan did not object at the time.

After another eighty years, during the period of Ottoman sultan Hamid II, the dome structure had deteriorated to the point that it needed to be totally rebuilt. After rebuilding anew the dome was painted either in blue or purple.

circa 1800 CE

Current Structure of the "Green Dome"
The current dome structure that was built in 1818/20 CE by the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II and later renovated by Sultan Hamid II The dome was first painted green in 1837 CE. Initially when the Sauds took Medina in 1805 CE, nearly every dome in Medina was demolished, and the Qubat al-Khadhra narrowly escaped the same fate.