The Mihrabs of the Prophet's Mosque

 

The Mihrabs of the Prophet's Mosque 

The Mihrab in the Prophet's Mosque is a prominent symbol that indicates the direction of the 'Qiblah and serves as the Imam's place during prayer. The Mihrabs have evolved throughout history, starting from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) and continuing through eras after, with Muslim rulers adding refined Islamic architectural touches, characterised by intricate engravings and beautiful decorations.

Meanings of the Word "Mihrab" in the Quran

The word "Mihrab" appears in the Quran in four contexts, carrying different connotations:

  • As a house: “Every time Zakariya entered upon her in al-Mihrab, he found with her provision...” [Al-Imran: 37].

  • As a prayer place: “So the angels called out to him while he was standing in al-Mihrab...” [Al-Imran: 39].

  • As a prayer place again: “So he came out to his people from al-Mihrab and revealed to them to exalt Him (Allah) in the morning and afternoon.” [Maryam: 11].

  • As the main part of a house: “And has the news of the adversaries come to you when they climbed over the wall of al-Mihrab?” [Sad: 21].

History of the Mihrabs in the Prophet's Mosque

  • During the Prophet's Time (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) The Prophet's Mosque did not have an incaved Mihrab during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) or the Rightly Guided Caliphs. After the Qibla was changed from al-Aqsa to the K'abah, the prayer area was moved to the southern wall of the mosque. The Prophet (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) initially prayed at The '‘Aishah Pillar and later at The Perfumed Pillar.

  • During the Umawy Era Caliph al-Walid ibn 'Abdil-Malik was the first to create an incaved Mihrab in the Prophet's Mosque during his expansion between 88-91 AH, under the supervision of 'Umar ibn 'Abdul-'Aziz. This Mihrab served as a distinct marker for the 'Qiblah on the mosque's wall.

  • Architectural Developments throughout the years, Muslims adorned the Mihrabs with Islamic decorations and engravings, making them a prominent symbol of the 'Qiblah and the architecture of mosques.

Current Mihrabs in the Prophet's Mosque

  • The Noble Prophet's Mihrab: Located in the Rawdah ash-Sharifah to the left of the Minbar, associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s (may Allah's salah and salam be upon him) prayer position.

  • The Ottoman Mihrab: Present in the southern wall of the mosque, used today for leading prayers.

  • The Suleiman (Hanafi) Mihrab: Located west of the pulpit, made for worshippers of the Hanafi school of thought.

  • The Mihrab of Fatimah: Situated south of the Night Prayer Mihrab inside the sacred enclosure.

  • The Sheikh of the Haram Mihrab: Established during the Majidi construction, formerly located behind the Agawat Platform.

Conclusion

The Mihrabs in the Prophet's Mosque are not merely architectural landmarks; they are living witnesses to the evolution of Islamic architecture and eternal indicators of the spirituality and sanctity of the place. These Mihrabs reflect the Muslims' connection to their sacred heritage and their eagerness to preserve the essence of the Prophet's message for future generations.