The al-Nisa Gate (بوابة النساء), literally meaning the "gate of the woman", is one of the three gates of Masjid Nabawi situated in the eastern wall of oldest part of the Prophet's Mosque. It provides direct access to the Rawdha e Rasool section of the Prophet's Mosque, the al-Nisa gate is the third closest located gate to the Prophet Muhammad's burial chamber.
Originally installed by Umar ibn Khattab the al-Nisa Gate (باب النساء) gate no. 39, was designated for the use of ladies to enter and leave the mosque premises. During the time of Umar bin Abdul Aziz it was exclusively assigned for and used by the ladies. The panels of Bab an-Nisa are originals from the first Saudi reconstruction of Masjid an-Nabawi circa 1950 CE.
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Outer Facade
Panoramic view of the Bab al-Nisa (right), with Bab Jibraeel (left), towards the right is the Bab Bilal Habshi (not visible here). Caliph Umar expanded the masjid in 17 Hj. during his caliphate. This door was installed at the end of eastern wall of the mosque. Women used to enter the masjid of prophet from this door and offered their salah in the last rows and thus were able to avoid contact with men. Abu Dawud mentioned that Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “We should let the ladies use this door exclusively.”
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Inner Structure
Bab un-Nisa from within the mosque, the new malik al-Fahad extension of Masjid al-Nabawi is to the left. The current gate structure belongs to the first Saudi expansion circe 1950 CE. Bab un-Nisa has no minaret. Bab an-Nisa is a single arched gate, with floral patterns inside the arch. The gate has one inscription of Quranic verse over the interior face of the gate as well. It is one of the two gates (other being the Bab Jibraeel also spelled Jibreel) closest, situated to north, of the modern Suffah platform.
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Inscription
The external facade of the Women's Gate bears three inscriptions of verses from Quran. The top most calligraphic inscription reads verse 33 from Surah Ahzaab; And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger... purify you with [extensive] purification. Second smaller inscription is the Bismillah, and third is verse 34 of Surah Ahzaab, which reads And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things].
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