Green Dome - Tomb of Muhammad

Tomb of Muhammad

Muhammad's grave lies within the confines of what used to be his wife Aisha's and his house. During his lifetime it adjoined the mosque. The mosque was expanded during the reign of Caliph al-Walid I to include his tomb. Muhammad's grave is an important reason for the particularly high sanctity of the mosque. Millions of visitors come to visit it every year because it is traditional to visit the mosque when going on the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Muhammad is buried next to the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar. Umar was gifted a spot next to Muhammad by Aisha, which had originally been intended for her. An empty place beside the tomb of Muhammad in Medina was thought to be reserved for Jesus. According to Quran commentator Baidawi, Jesus will return to the Holy Land to kill the Antichrist and rule for 40 years, then be buried next to Muhammad.

Muhammad's grave itself cannot be seen as the area is cordoned off by a gold mesh and black curtains. The grave itself is not embellished or decorated and is two cubits (41 inches (100 cm)) high. But after modification, tiles have been added to the room which has reduced the 41 inches (100 cm) height and made the grave level plane.

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