The Prophet’s Chamber is the house where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) lived with his wife, Aishah bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them). This chamber holds immense significance, as it contains the grave of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them), making it a blessed place of remembrance and reverence.
Located to the east of the Prophet’s Mosque, the chamber’s door opened to the Noble Rawdah. During his retreat in the mosque, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would allow Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) to comb and groom his hair. Upon his passing, he died in this chamber after seeking permission from his other wives to be nursed there, leaving the Muslim nation in mourning.
The companions deliberated on the burial place, and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) recalled the Prophet’s saying, “Every prophet is buried where he dies.” Thus, he was buried in the Prophet’s Chamber. Later, Abu Bakr was buried there, followed by Umar ibn Al-Khattab, with Aishah’s permission. The sacred tombs harmonize in this holy place, a site of divine revelation and purity.
Renovations and Repairs Over the Ages
The Prophet’s Chamber has undergone numerous renovations to preserve its sanctity. In 17 AH, Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) replaced the palm branches in the house with a wall. During the reign of Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik (88-91 AH), the chamber was rebuilt with black stones to match the size of the Prophet’s house, surrounded by a distinctive wall.
Kings and scholars have safeguarded this sacred site. In 557 AH, King Nur ad-Din Zangi dug a trench around it and poured lead to protect the grave from tampering. In 668 AH, Sultan Al-Zahir Baybars erected a wooden screen around the chamber.
The dome was rebuilt several times, symbolizing care for the spiritual and pure essence of the site. In 1253 AH, Sultan Abdul Hamid II painted the dome green, establishing it as a symbol of beauty and reverence, known today as the Green Dome.
Doors of the Prophet’s Chamber
The Prophet’s Chamber has six doors, reflecting the grandeur and sanctity of this place:
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Door of Repentance (south).
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Door of Night Prayer (north).
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Door of Fatimah (east).
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Door of the Prophet (west), also known as the Door of Delegations.
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Door on the right of the triangle inside the screen.
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Door on the left of the triangle inside the screen.
The chamber has been adorned with various coverings over time, from bamboo to purple brocade, and later a black covering embroidered with gold, expressing reverence for this sacred place.
Conclusion
The Prophet’s Chamber, the sanctuary of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his two companions, stands as a testament to a profound history and an enduring lesson, embodying love and loyalty. We ask Allah to grant us the honor of visiting it and following the example of its occupant (peace and blessings be upon him).