Expansion of Masjid Nabwi
The expansion of Masjid Nabawi took place in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (sa), which Hazrat Uthman (ra) had the opportunity to partake in also. Abu Malih narrates on the authority of his father that in order to expand Masjid Medina [Nabawi], the Holy Prophet (sa) said to a man from the Ansar who owned a piece of land that in place of this piece of land, he would be granted an abode in Paradise, but the man refused to give it. Upon this Hazrat Uthman (ra) went to him and said that he would purchase the piece of land for 10,000 dirhams.
Hazrat Uthman (ra) bought the piece of land from him and went to the Holy Prophet (sa) and submitted, “O Messenger (sa) of Allah! You can purchase this piece of land from me which I have bought from the Ansari man.”
Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) then purchased the land from Hazrat Uthman (ra) in exchange for an abode in Paradise. In other words, the Holy Prophet (sa) then promised the same to Hazrat Uthman (ra) in that he would be given an abode in Paradise. Hazrat Uthman (ra) said that he had bought this [land] for 10,000 dirhams. Subsequently, the Holy Prophet (sa) laid a brick down and then called for Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) who also laid down a brick. Then Hazrat Umar (ra) was called who laid down a brick and then Hazrat Uthman (ra) came and laid down a brick. The Holy Prophet (sa) then asked everyone else to lay a brick each and they did as they were asked. In this manner, the foundations were laid for the extension.
(Majma al-Zawa‘id wa Manba al-Fawa‘id, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab ma Amila fi al-Khair…, Hadith 14524, Vol. 9, p. 65, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)
Thumama bin Hazm Qusheri narrates, “I was present during the siege (of Hazrat Uthman’s house) when Hazrat Uthman (ra) peered from the top and said, ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that when the Holy Prophet (sa) came to Medina, there was no other water well containing sweet water other than the Rumah well? The Holy Prophet (sa) asked, “Who will purchase it [i.e. the well] so that the Muslims can also draw water from it alongside him? (i.e. the Muslims can drink from it as well as the one who purchases it) and he will receive a most excellent reward in Paradise in exchange for it.” Upon this I purchased the well from my personal wealth and shared it with the Muslims. But today you wish to stop me obtaining water from there and are forcing me to drink seawater.’ Upon this everyone said, ‘By God! You have spoken the truth.’ Hazrat Uthman (ra) then said: ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that I spent my own wealth in order to prepare the army for Jaish Al-‘Usrah (i.e. Battle of Tabuk)?’ Upon this, the people said: ‘By God, this is correct.’ Hazrat Uthman (ra) then said, ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that when Masjid Nabawi became too small to accommodate the worshipers, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “Whosoever purchases the piece of land from such and such family, and includes it as part of the mosque, he shall receive an even greater reward in paradise.” Thus, I purchased that piece of land from my own wealth and donated it to become part of the mosque. And now you people wish to stop me even offering two rak’as [unit of prayer] inside this mosque?’ The people replied, ‘By God, this is correct.’ Hazrat Uthman (ra) then said, ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that when the Holy Prophet (sa) was on Mount Thabir in Mecca along with Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra) and myself and the Mount began to shake, the Holy Prophet (sa) stamped his feet down and said, “Stop, O Thabir, because a prophet, siddiq [truthful] and two martyrs are standing above you.”’ Hearing this, the people said, ‘By God, this is correct.’ Hazrat Uthman (ra) then said, ‘Allahu Akbar! By the Lord of the Ka‘bah, they have given their testimony in my favour.’” i.e. that he would receive the station of martyrdom.
(Sunan al-Nasa‘i, Kitab al-Ahbas, Bab Waqf al-Masajid, Hadith 3638)
The further expansion of Masjid Nabawi to a greater extent took place during the era of Hazrat Uthman (ra). Thus, I will mention some details and a brief history regarding this extension and also the early conditions.
It has already been mentioned that the mosque was extended during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa). With regard to this there is a note that in Rabi al-Awwal of 1 AH, October 622 CE, the Holy Prophet (sa) laid the foundation stone for Masjid Nabawi with his blessed hands. This foundation was approximately 3 Zar’a [cubits] deep, which is 1.5 metres. The walls of the foundations were made using blocks cut out from rocks and the main walls were made from blocks of clay that had been dried in the sun. The walls were made from sun-dried [clay] bricks.
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 430, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)
These details are regarding the construction of the mosque, details about the extension will also be mentioned later. The walls of the mosque were approximately 3/4 of a metre wide, which is approximately 2-2.5 feet and the height was approximately 7 cubits, almost 3.5 metres.
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 432, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)
The construction of Masjid Nabawi was completed in Shawwal 1 AH, April 623 CE.
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 435, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)
Hazrat Kharijah bin Zaid bin Thabit (ra) narrates that for his mosque, the Holy Prophet (sa) made the length 70 cubits – approximately 35 metres and the width at 60 cubits – approximately 30 metres.
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, pp. 437-438, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)
During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (sa), the first expansion of Masjid Nabawi took place in Muharram 7 AH, June 628 CE. When the Holy Prophet (sa) returned having gained victory in the Battle of Khaybar, the Holy Prophet (sa) gave orders for the expansion and renovation of Masjid Nabawi. The mosque was not extended on the south side, i.e. towards the qiblah, nor on the eastern side. Majority of the extension took place on the northern side and partly towards the western side. On the northern side, there were some houses, among which was the house of an Ansari Companion, who was somewhat hesitant about giving up his house. Upon this, as was mentioned earlier, Hazrat Uthman (ra) bin Affan bought that house from his own money for 10,000 Dinars and presented it to the Holy Prophet (sa). Thus, most of the construction was possible only towards the northern and western side. After this expansion, the total area was 100 x 100 cubits, i.e. 50 x 50 metres.
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, pp. 446-447, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)
Masjid Nabawi was extended for a second time in 17 AH during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Umar relates that during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), the mosque was constructed from mudbricks, the roof was made from date-palm branches and leaves and date-palm trunks were used as pillars. The mosque remained the same throughout the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and no expansion or changes were made. Hazrat Umar (ra) instructed for the mosque to be extended and renovated, but did not make any changes to the appearance and building structure, he left it on the original foundations or left the old part as it was. He constructed it in the same style and only extended it. The roof was kept in its original condition using date-palm leaves but changed the pillars using wood. The renovation of the mosque was completed in 17 AH under the supervision of Hazrat Umar (ra). After this expansion, the area of the mosque increased from 50 x 50 meters to approximately to 70 x 60 metres, i.e. 140 x 120 cubits. From this narration, it is evident that during the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), the mosque remained in the same condition as it was during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa). But it was extended significantly due to the construction in the time of Hazrat Umar (ra).
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 459, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)
Then, during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman (ra), Masjid Nabawi was expanded and reconstructed. This took place in 29 AH. Hazrat Uthman (ra) expanded and reconstructed the mosque and in order to make it more beautiful and stronger, he used stone, gypsum and carvings. Hazrat Uthman (ra) constructed the walls from decorative stone and for the first time, Masjid Nabawi was whitewashed with lime. The roof was made from Teak wood.
When Hazrat Uthman (ra) was elected as the Khalifa in 24 AH, the people requested him to expand Masjid Nabawi. They complained that the courtyard area was too small, especially during the Friday Prayers and gatherings; many times people had to offer prayers outside. Thus, Hazrat Uthman (ra) sought counsel from the Companions; all of them were of the opinion that the old mosque should be demolished and a new mosque should be constructed in its place.
One day, after leading the Zuhr prayers, Hazrat Uthman (ra) delivered a sermon from the pulpit and said, “All praise belongs to Allah! I intend to demolish the mosque and construct a new one in its place and I bear witness that I have heard from the blessed tongue of the Holy Prophet (sa) that whosoever constructs a mosque, Allah the Almighty will construct an abode for them in Paradise. Before me was Hazrat Umar Farooq (ra). The reconstruction and expansion of the mosque that took place in his time is an example and model before me. I have sought the opinion of all the eminent companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) and they all unanimously agree that Masjid Nabawi ought to be demolished and constructed again.”
When Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented the idea of the reconstruction of the mosque, a few companions stated their reservations. They opined that the mosque should not be demolished. Among these companions were those whose houses were situated next to Masjid Nabawi and their homes were to be affected as a result of this plan.
The majority of the people were in support of this proposal; however, a few of the companions objected to this. Hazrat Aflah bin Hameed relates that Hazrat Uthman (ra) wished to stand at the pulpit and seek counsel from the people. Upon this, Marwan bin Hakam submitted, “This is undoubtedly a noble deed, therefore what need is there to seek counsel from the people?” Upon this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) admonished him and stated, “I do not wish to force or compel anyone to do something. I will certainly seek their advice.” Hazrat Uthman (ra) stated that he did not wish to forcibly impose his viewpoint on others and whatever he would do, would be done with their support. When his plan had the support of those companions who possessed sound judgment and sagacity in matters, Hazrat Uthman (ra) purchased the houses situated to the north of Masjid Nabawi and thus acquired its land. Despite Hazrat Uthman (ra) offering quite a large sum of money to the companions in order to buy their homes, even then there were a few companions who did not want to sell their houses. Almost four to five years passed by and despite all efforts, he was not able to succeed in getting them to agree.
Hazrat Ubaidullah Kholani relates that when people continued to show reluctance in offering their houses and presented their arguments, he heard Hazrat Uthman (ra) say, “You have all said enough. However, I have heard the Holy Prophet (sa) say that whoever builds a mosque for the sake of attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, they will be rewarded by Allah the Almighty in return with an abode similar to that in Paradise.”
Similarly, Hazrat Mahmud bin Labeed relates that when Hazrat Uthman (ra) decided to reconstruct Masjid Nabawi, people did not agree with this plan. They insisted that Masjid Nabawi should remain in the exact condition as it was in the time of the Holy Prophet (sa). Upon this, Hazrat Uthman (ra) stated that whoever built a mosque for the sake of attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, they would be granted a similar abode in Paradise as a reward. When Hazrat Uthman (ra) managed to convince the people [for its reconstruction], he began the work in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal 29 AH/649 CE. And by the first of the month of Muharram 30 AH, within a period of 10 months, the reconstruction work of Masjid Nabawi was complete. Hazrat Uthman (ra) personally supervised the entire work and during the day, he would always be fasting and in the night, if he was overcome with sleep, then he would rest in Masjid Nabawi.
Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Safina relates that he observed that the cement mixture would be brought to Hazrat Uthman Ghani (ra) and whilst standing, he would direct and oversee the workers. And whenever it would be the time for prayer, he would offer his prayers with them. At times, he would sleep there as well.
Hazrat Uthman (ra) expanded the mosque to its south in the direction of the qiblah. The wall facing towards the qiblah was moved to where it stands even till today. The mosque was also expanded by approximately 50 cubits, which is approximately 25 metres towards its north side and also towards the west. However, there was no extension done towards the east-facing side where the blessed houses [of the family of the Holy Prophet (sa)] were situated. At the end of the reconstruction work, the total area of Masjid Nabawi was now 160 x 150 cubits, approximately 80 x 75 metres. During the era of Hazrat Uthman (ra), there were a total of six doors in Masjid Nabawi.
For the first time, designs were engraved onto the stones of Masjid Nabawi and they were whitewashed [with lime]. According to the narration of Hazrat Kharijah bin Zaid, Hazrat Uthman (ra) placed windows in the west and east facing walls of Masjid Nabawi. Among the houses which Hazrat Uthman (ra) had to purchase for the expansion of Masjid Nabawi was the house of Ummul Momineen [Mother of the Believers] Hazrat Hafsa (ra). In exchange, she was given a house whose wall was joined to the wall of the qiblah and was situated to the south-east of it and a small opening was made to make her access to come in and out of her house easier. Also, half of the properties belonging to the relatives of Hazrat Abu Ja‘far bin Abi Talib were purchased for 100,000 dirhams. Similarly, some area from Dar-ul-Abbas was purchased and included into the area of Masjid Nabawi.
Apart from moving the wall of the qiblah further south, another notable development in Masjid Nabawi was that the mehrab of the Holy Prophet (sa) was also further moved in the line with the qiblah. This was in exactly the same spot where the mehrab-e-Uthmani is situated today and the area of the original mehrab was marked out. Instead of using mud, they used crushed stones and iron rods were placed in the pillars made from stone. Special care was taken to ensure that these new pillars were erected in exactly the same spots where the pillars, made from date-palm tree trunks, were placed during the blessed time of the Holy Prophet (sa). The same kind of material and architectural design that was used by the Byzantines for the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was used for this construction as well. The roof was made of Teak wood which was placed on wooden beams and they were supported by pillars made from stone and iron rods inside them. Since Hazrat Umar (ra) was martyred in the mehrab of the Holy Prophet (sa) whilst leading prayer, therefore to prevent such an incident from taking place again, Hazrat Uthman (ra) built a “maqsurah” – i.e. an enclosure was built in front of the rows of where the worshipers stand and where the pulpit is. It was built from bricks and had small holes and openings in it so that the congregants could see the Imam.
This was the first precautionary measure that was constructed in Masjid Nabawi and later adopted as an official architectural feature in [the mosques of] Damascus as a safety protocol for the Khulafa of the Banu Umaiyyah.
(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, pp. 463-465, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007) (Urdu Lughat Tarikhi Usulon par, Vol. 18, p. 492, Zair Lafz Maqsurah)
I.e. to build walls around the mehrab in order to secure it but still enabling the congregants to see the Imam. Thereafter, at various times the mosque continued to be expanded.