A Brief History of the Green Dome

The Green Dome of the Masjid al-Nabawi is a universally recognized symbol, deeply associated with the city of Madina and, more specifically, the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). This iconic structure holds immense significance for Muslims of all ages, symbolizing their reverence and love for the Prophet.

Interestingly, there are actually two domes situated above the chamber where the blessed grave of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) is located. These are:

1. The widely recognized Green Dome
2. A smaller dome situated beneath the Green Dome.

The following is a brief overview of their historical construction:

The Small Dome

1. The roof of the house of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was made from date palms.
2. In 88 Hijri the house of Sayyidah Aishah (Allah be pleased with her) which contained the resting place of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was demolished by Umar bin Abd al-Aziz (upon the orders of the Khalifah Walid bin Abd al-Malik). The house was reconstructed from bricks and the roof was made of wood.
3. In 881 Hijri the ruler Qayitbay constructed a small dome made of wood on top of the house of Sayyidah Aishah as a replacement for the wooden roof.
4. In 1224 Hijri the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud the 2nd renovated this wooden dome.

The Larger Green Dome

The larger green dome sits above the smaller dome and has undergone a number of stages of development.

1. In 678 Hijri the ruler Qalawun al-Salihi constructed a dome covering a significant part of the home of Sayyidah Aishah. He was the first person to construct it and it was made of wood covered with lead plates.
2. In 881 Hijri Sultan Qayitbay renovated this dome.
3. In 886 Hijri this dome was damaged in a fire.
4. In 887 Hijri the dome was reconstructed by Sultan Qayitbay.
5. In 1233 Hijri the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud the 2nd removed the upper dome and reconstructed it, it was painted blue.
6. In 1253 Hijri the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud the 2nd ordered that the upper dome be painted green.

The Area Below the Green Dome

The following parts of the Masjid al-Nabawi are below the green dome.
a. The house of Sayyidah Aishah (Allah be pleased with her) and most of her quarters.
b. A portion from the house of Sayyidah Hafsa (Allah be pleased with her) situated to the south of the house of Sayyidah Aishah.
c. Approximately 3 metres from the Rawdah to the west of the house of Sayyidah Aishah.
d. Empty space of approximately 1 metre eastwards of the house of Sayyidah Aishah.

The Areas Covered by the Green Dome

{References: Durrah al-Thaminah 2/394, Tarikh Makkah wal-Madina 1/329, Rihlah al-Hijaziyyah p.245, Khulasah al-Wafa 2/142, Nuzhat al-Nazirin p.77 as cited by Shaykh Abd al-Muhsin al-Qasim in Madinah al-Munawwarah p.142 onwards]