Madinah: The Prophet’s Mosque inspires reverence among Muslims worldwide. Beyond its spiritual significance, the mosque is a historical treasure, not least through its eight pillars.
Made of palm tree trunks during the Prophet’s time, these silent sentinels hold each a unique story.
Pillars of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah
Within Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah stand six pillars marking significant events in the Prophet Muhammad’s life:
Perfumed Pillar (Ustuwanah al-Mukhallaqah), also called the Weeping Pillar (Ustuwanah al-Hannana), marks the place where a palm trunk once stood, a support for the Prophet during sermons. When a pulpit replaced it, the trunk is said to have “wept” in longing.
Pillar of Aisha (Ustuwanah Aisha), named after the Prophet’s wife Aisha, revealed the virtue of prayer in that area. It is also called Pillar of the Emigrants (Ustuwanah al-Muhajireen).
Pillar of the Guard (Ustuwanah al-Haras) marks the place where the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, would sit to guard the Prophet
. It is also called Pillar of Ali ibn Abi Talib (Ustuwanah Ali ibn Ali Talib).
Pillar of Repentance (Ustuwanah al-Tawbah), also known as Pillar of Abu Lubabah (Ustuwanah Abu Lubabah), is named after the Prophet’s companion who awaited revelation concerning repentance after a sin he had committed.
Pillar of Delegations (Ustuwanah al-Wufud) marks the spot where the Prophet used to receive delegations from various tribes.
Pillar of the Bed (Ustuwanah al-Sarir) is the place where a bed of palm branches was placed for the Prophet’s use during his itikaf (retreat) in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Pillars Beyond Al-Rawdah
Two additional pillars hold historical significance: Square Pillar of the Tomb (Ustuwanah Murb’a al-Qabr) or Pillar of Gabriel (Ustuwanah Jibril), which marks the spot where the angel Jibril is said to have stood during prayers, and Pillar of the Night Prayer (Ustuwanah al-Tahajjud) is where the Prophet would often perform the Tahajjud prayer.
Preserving a Priceless Heritage
The Prophet’s Mos
que has undergone expansions and renovations over time. Throughout, the eight pillars remained untouched, testament to the mosque’s rich history and enduring significance as a place of worship and spiritual enlightenment.
The government plays a crucial role in preserving the mosque’s heritage, including the pillars. In 1404 AH, the six pillars in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah were clad in white marble for distinction.
The pillars of the Prophet’s Mosque continue to stand as silent witnesses to the Prophet’s life and teachings. They serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for Muslims worldwide, reminding them of the rich history and spiritual legacy of their faith.
Source: Saudi Press Agency