Madinah, April 07, 2024, The Prophet's Mosque holds a revered place in the hearts of Muslims globally. Beyond its spiritual significance, the mosque is a repository of historical richness, notably embodied in its eight pillars, each carrying a unique tale from the time of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Pillars of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah
In the hallowed space of Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, six pillars symbolize pivotal moments in the Prophet's life:
1. Perfumed Pillar (Ustuwanah al-Mukhallaqah or Ustuwanah al-Hannana): It is reminiscent of a palm trunk once used to support the Prophet during his sermons. When replaced by a pulpit, legend has it that the trunk "wept" in yearning.
2. Pillar of Aisha (Ustuwanah Aisha or Ustuwanah al-Muhajireen): Named after the Prophet's wife Aisha, this pillar highlights the significance of prayer in its vicinity.
3. Pillar of the Guard (Ustuwanah al-Haras or Ustuwanah Ali ibn Abi Talib): Designating the spot where Ali ibn Abi Talib safeguarded the Prophet, it also bears the name Pillar of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
4. Pillar of Repentance (Ustuwanah al-Tawbah or Ustuwanah Abu Lubabah): Associated with Abu Lubabah, a companion who sought repentance after a misdeed.
5. Pillar of Delegations (Ustuwanah al-Wufud): Signifying the place where the Prophet received delegations from diverse tribes.
6. Pillar of the Bed (Ustuwanah al-Sarir): Marking where the Prophet rested during his retreat in the last ten days of Ramadan.
Pillars Beyond Al-Rawdah
Two other pillars hold historical import: the Square Pillar of the Tomb or Pillar of Gabriel, believed to be where the angel Jibril stood during prayers, and the Pillar of the Night Prayer, where the Prophet often engaged in Tahajjud prayers.
Preserving a Cherished Legacy
Despite expansions and renovations of the Prophet's Mosque over time, these eight pillars have stood unaltered, serving as tangible links to the mosque's venerable past. Efforts by the government, such as adorning the six Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah pillars with white marble, underscore the commitment to safeguarding this heritage.
The pillars of the Prophet's Mosque endure as silent witnesses to the Prophet's teachings and life, offering inspiration and guidance to Muslims worldwide, encapsulating the profound historical and spiritual essence of Islam.
