The well known pillars of the Prophet's Mosque

 

The well known pillars of the Prophet's Mosque

The Prophet's Mosque in Medina is adorned with several historical and significant pillars, each with its unique name and history. These pillars, also known as "Asatin," (plural of Ustuwanah) hold great importance in Islamic tradition and are often linked to events and practices from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him). Here are some of the most famous pillars:

Prominent Pillars, Their Locations, and History:

1.The Perfumed Pillar (Ustuwanah al-Mukhlaqa):

  • Location: In front of the Prophet's Mihrab, facing the Qibla.

  • History: Named for its pleasant and fragrant smell. The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) used to pray the obligatory prayers here after the Qibla was changed, and the companions sought to pray in its spot.

2. The Pillar of the Lottery (Ustuwanah al-Qura'h or ‘Aishah's Pillar):

  • Location: The third from the pulpit, the third from the grave, and the third from the 'Qiblah.

  • History: The Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) pointed to the virtue of its location. It was a gathering spot for those that migrated from 'Quraysh and was named "al-'Qura’h" (The Drawing lots pillar) because people wanted to pray there by drawing lots.

3.The Pillar of Repentance (Ustuwanah at-Tawbah or Abu Lubabah's Pillar):

  • Location: The fourth from the Minbar, the second from the grave, and the third from the Qibla.

  • History: Abu Lubabah tied himself to the trunk of this pillar in repentance after betraying Allah and His Messenger (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him). His repentance was accepted at this spot, making it a symbol of forgiveness

4. The Pillar of the Bed (Ustuwanah us-Sarir):

  • Location: East of the Pillar of Repentance, near the window overlooking the Rawdah.

  • History: The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) used to retreat at this pillar, where a bed of palm fronds and a pillow for rest were placed for him.

5.The Pillar of the Guard (Ustuwanah al-Muharas):

  • Location: Behind the Pillar of the Bed, opposite the small door Khukhah from which the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) used to exit for prayer.

  • History: Named the Guard (al-Muharas) because 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) used to sit there to guard the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him).

6. The Pillar of the Delegates (Ustuwanah al-Wufud):

  • Location: Behind the Pillar of the Guard to the north.

  • History: This was where the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) would receive delegations. It was also known as the Council of the Necklace, where the companions and their leaders would gather.

7.The Square Tomb Pillar (Al-Ustuwanah Muraba' al-Qabr):

  • Location: Inside the wall surrounding the Noble Chamber, at the western side.

  • History: Known as the spot of Angel Jibril, and near it was the door to the house of Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter (may Allah be pleased with her).

8.The Pillar of Night Prayer (Al-Ustuwanah al-Tahajud):

  • Location: Behind the house of Fatimah, to the north, near a small mihrab.

  • History: This was where the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) would pray during the night. There are hadiths indicating the virtue of praying at this spot, where the Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) used to perform his night prayers.

Spiritual Significance:

 These locations are not just places but illuminated stations that tell stories about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him), his mission, and his worship. Visiting them is an opportunity to feel the spirituality and follow in his footsteps (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him).