History
When Muhammad arrived at Medina from Makkah in September 622, al-Baqi was a land covered with Lycium shawii boxthorn trees.
During the construction of the al-Masjid al-Nabawi, on the site he purchased from two orphan children when he arrived after his migration from Mecca to Medina, Asa'ad Bin Zararah, one of Muhammad's companions died. Muhammad chose the spot to be a cemetery and Asa'ad was the first individual to be buried in Al-Baqi cemetery among the Ansar.
While Muhammad was outside Medina for the Battle of Badr, Bibi Khatija's niece Ruqayyah fell sick and died in 624.
Shortly after Muhammad arrived from Badr, Uthman bin Maz'oon died and was buried in al-Baqi'. He was considered the first companion of Muhammad from the Muhajirun to be buried in Al-Baqi' Cemetery.
Earlier Calif Uthman ibn Affan was buried in the huge neighbouring Jewish grave yard. The first enlargement of the Al-Baqi' cemetery in history was made by Muawiyah I, the first Umayyad leader. Muawiyah I in order to honour Uthman ibn Affan, included the huge Jewish grave yard where Calif Uthman ibn Affan was buried into the Al-Baqi' cemetery. The Umayyad Caliphate built the first dome in Al-Baqi' over his grave. During different times of history many domes and structures were built or rebuilt over many famous graves in Al-Baqi'.
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