Expansion of Masjid Nabawi

In the time of Hazrat Umar (ra), Masjid Nabawi underwent an expansion in 17 AH. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (ra) narrates that during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), Masjid Nabawi was made from mudbricks, the roof was made from date palm leaves and branches 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 and left it on the original foundations. The roof was kept in its original condition using date palm leaves but changed the pillars using wood instead. 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 100 x 100 cubits, which is approximately 50 x 50 metres to 140 x 120 cubits, approximately 70 x 60 metres. 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).

Abu Saeed Khudri (ra) narrates that Hazrat Umar (ra) gave instructions to expand Masjid Nabawi and to make provisions for people to be safeguarded from the rain, but to avoid the use of red and white in the renovations, because it is these sorts of adornments that place man in trial. Hazrat Umar (ra) was careful in what he spent and ensured it remained in the same style and design as it was in the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (sa). During the expansion, he obtained the houses that were attached to the mosque to the northern, southern and western side. Some people happily donated their land for the mosque and for some Hazrat Umar (ra) had to explain to them and offered them financial incentives. Hence, Hazrat Umar (ra) had to purchase some land and include it as part of the mosque.

(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadri, p. 459, Oriental Publications Lahore, 2007)