Introduction
Masjid an-Nabawi holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It is a place of great spiritual importance and an attractive example of Islamic architecture. One of the most remarkable features of this sacred mosque is its many gates, each with its history, meaning, and design. The gates of Masjid an-Nabawi serve as physical and spiritual entryways, guiding pilgrims and worshippers into the heart of one of Islam’s holiest sites.
To learn more about masjid e Nabawi; visit this link: Masjid an-Nabawi: The Mosque of the Prophet (PBUH).
History of Gates of Al-Masjid An-Nabavi
The original mosque of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had only three entrances: Bab ul-Rehmah to the south, Bab e Jibraeel to the west, and Bab un-Nissa to the east. During the expansion of Masjid an-Nabawi under the second Caliph, Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the number of gates was increased to six. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing number of Muslims in Madinah. They added four of these new gates to the Qibla wall, placing two on either side of the Qibla.
List of Gates of Masjid e Nabawi
Today, Masjid an-Nabawi has 43 gates (including doors, portals, and entranceways). They inscribed each of these gates with the Quranic verse:
This verse reminds us to enter the mosque with peace. Here is an overview of the gates of Masjid an-Nabawi;
Bab as-Salam (Gate No. 1)
Bab as-Salam, also known as the Gate of Peace, is one of the largest and most important gates of Masjid an-Nabawi. It is situated in the northwestern corner of the Ottoman prayer hall. They originally built this gate during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) around 640 CE (18 Hijri), giving it historical significance. However, they have since expanded and moved it westward from its original location.
Bab Abu Bakr (Gate No. 2)
Bab Abu Bakr, which is named after the first Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), is located next to Bab as-Salam, towards the north. Historically referred to as “Khukha Abu Bakr,” it might have initially been a smaller door to the mosque. The name “Khukha” indicates a small door near the fifth column west of the pulpit. The expansions of the mosque moved the gate westward. The first Saudi expansion was renamed Bab Abu Bakr, in honor of the close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Bab al-Rahmah (Gate No. 3)
The Bab al-Rahmah is one of the original three gates of Masjid an-Nabawi. It was installed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself on the western wall. This gate was initially located in front of the house of ‘Atika bint ‘Abdullah bin Yazeed, hence it is also known as Bab Atika. While not as ornately decorated as Bab as Salam, it is of great historical significance. Over the years, expansions have moved it westward while maintaining its original alignment.
Bab al-Hijrah (Gate No. 4)
Bab al-Hijra (the Gate of Migration) celebrates the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. They located this gate in the southern wall of the Second Saudi Expansion. It features a double-arched structure with two additional portals added later, bringing the total to four.
Bab Quba (Gate No. 5)
The name “Bab Quba” comes from the village of Quba, which is located 5 kilometers south of Medina. This town is significant because the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built the first mosque there upon his arrival in Medina. The gate in the southern wall of the Second Saudi Expansion aligns with the architectural patterns of the mosque’s expansions and is a triple-arched gateway.
Bab Malik al-Saud (Gate Nos. 7, 8, 9)
One of the grandest entrances to the mosque is Bab Malik al-Saud. King Saud bin Abdulaziz al-Saud named it and authorized the first Saudi expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque. The gate is located at the southwestern corner of the King Fahad expansion and features seven portals—two large ones on the flanks and five smaller ones in the center. Additionally, a single minaret on its southern flank marks it as one of the mosque’s six tallest minarets.
Bab Imam Bukhari (Gate No. 10)
The gate Bab Imam Bukhari is named in honor of Imam al-Bukhari, the well-known Islamic scholar and collector of hadiths. It is located on the western side of Masjid an-Nabawi and provides access to the mosque’s library. This gate is situated between Bab Malik al-Saud and Bab Malik Abdul Majeed, serving as a gateway to knowledge and scholarship.
Bab al-Aqiq (Gate No. 11)
Bab al-Aqiq serves as a smaller portal on the mosque’s western side. The valley is historically significant as it was home to several companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Bab al-Aqiq reflects the simplicity and spiritual significance of the area.
Bab al-Majeedi (Gate Nos. 12, 13, 14)
Sultan Abdul Majeed I of the Ottoman Empire named Bab al-Majeedi. It was originally part of the northwestern corner of the expansion initiated by Fahad bin Abdulaziz. The gate now consists of five smaller portals and two larger ones. There is a single minaret on its southern side which connects to the nearby Bab Umar ibn al-Khattab.
Bab Umar ibn al-Khattab (Gate Nos. 16, 17, 18)
The Bab Umar ibn al-Khattab is situated on the northern wall, near the northwest corner of the mosque. This gate gives access to the mosque’s library. They built the original Bab Umar during the first Saudi expansion. They later relocated it to the northwestern corner during the Malik Fahad expansion, where it still holds its historical significance.
Bab Badr (Gate No. 19)
Bab Badr, located in the northern wall, is named after the Battle of Badr, one of the most significant battles in early Islamic history. This gate symbolizes the victory and divine support granted to the early Muslim community.
Bab Malik al-Fahad (Gate Nos. 20, 21, 22)
Bab Malik al-Fahad is one of the largest gates of Masjid an-Nabawi. It is named after King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who oversaw the mosque’s extensive expansion. Located on the northern side, this grand entrance features seven doors, two towering minarets, and five domes. It serves as the main gateway to the Prophet’s Mosque from the north and is a testament to its ongoing evolution.
Bab Uhad (Gate No. 23)
Bab Uhad is named after the Valley of Uhud, where the Battle of Uhud took place between the early Muslims and the Qurayshi Meccans in 625 CE. This smaller gate, located in the northern wall, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during this battle.
Bab Usman ibn Affan (Gate Nos. 24, 25, 26)
The Usman ibn Affan gate is situated on the northern wall of the Second Saudi Expansion, near the northeastern corner. Bab Usman ibn Affan is one of the seven largest gates of the Masjid an-Nabawi, featuring two large portals and five central portals. This gate offers direct access to the northeastern women’s section, making it a crucial entrance for female worshippers.
Bab Ali ibn Abi Talib (Gate Nos. 28, 29, 30)
Bab Ali ibn Abi Talib is situated on the eastern wall of the mosque. It is one of the largest gates and holds significance in the mosque’s architecture. Bab Ali ibn Abi Talib is a symbol of the strong relationship between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Ali (RA), reflecting both historical and spiritual connections.
Bab Abu Zar Ghaffari (Gate No. 31)
Named after Abu Zar Ghaffari, this gate is located on the eastern wall of the King Fahad expansion. They remember Abu Zar, for his piety and opposition to certain policies during Hazrat Usman ibn Affan’s (RA) caliphate, through this smaller gate. Additionally, the gate features a single portal.
Bab Imam Muslim (Gate No. 32)
Bab Imam Muslim, named after the Islamic scholar Imam Muslim is located along the eastern wall. This single-portal gate is one of the smaller entrances to the mosque, situated next to Bab Abu Zar Ghaffari. It also provides escalator access to the upper levels of the mosque, facilitating worshippers’ movement.
Bab Malik ‘Abdulaziz (Gate Nos. 33, 34, 35)
Bab Malik Abdulaziz (King Abdulaziz ibn Saud) is one of the largest gates of Masjid an-Nabawi. Located on the southeastern corner of the King Fahad expansion, the gate features five small and two large portals, with a minaret on the southern side. This gate mirrors the modern contributions to the mosque’s expansion and accessibility.
Bab Makkah (Gate No. 37)
Bab Makkah on the southern side of the main King Fahd expansion building. They named the gate after the city of Mecca, which is located in the same direction. This triple-arched gate follows the architectural style of the first Saudi expansion and is one of two identical gates on the southern wall, the other being Bab Quba.
Bab Bilal (Gate No. 38)
They named Bab Bilal after Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi, the first Muazzin of Islam. It is located on the southern side of the mosque, which King Fahd most recently expanded. They originally built it with two doors during the second Saudi expansion. However, it now features four doors, each with a single arch over it.
Bab an-Nisa (Gate No. 39)
The Bab an-Nisa (Gate of the Women) was first installed during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab. Initially, individuals used this gate, but Umar bin Abdul Aziz later assigned it exclusively to women. The current architecture of Bab an-Nisa reflects the Ottoman design of the eastern gates. It is one of the three gates located along the east wall of Masjid an-Nabawi, closest to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Bab Jibril (Gate No. 40)
Bab Jibril, also known as Bab un-Nabi, is situated along the eastern wall of the Ottoman prayer hall. It is located between Bab al-Baqi to the south and Bab al-Nisa to the north. They named this gate after the angel Gabriel (Jibril). It is believed that Gabriel entered the Prophet’s Mosque through this gate.
Bab al-Baqi’ (Gate No. 41)
The Bab al-Baqi gate stands closest to the burial chamber of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is located along the eastern wall of the older Ottoman prayer hall and faces the Baqi’ ul-Gharqad, the historic Islamic cemetery to the east of the mosque. One minaret tops the gate, which also features two Arabic inscriptions. The Gates of Masjid an-Nabawi display these inscriptions on the lintel and the upper architrave.
Bab ul-Aimah (Gate No. 42)
Bab ul-Aimah (Gate of the Imams) is a small gate located on the southern side of Masjid an-Nabawi. It allows entrance to the Rawdah Rasool section and is also known as Bab ul-Janayez (Gate of the Funerals). The Imams primarily use this gate, which also offers close access to the Mihrab Usmani. The third caliph, Hazrat Usman ibn Affan (RA), expanded the mosque, making the Mihrab Usmani the principal mihrab.
Bab ‘Abdulmajid (Gate No. 43)
The Bab Abdulmajid, named after the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmajid I, initially functioned as the central gate on the northern side of Masjid an-Nabawi during the first Saudi expansion. The mosque’s second Saudi expansion incorporated it into the mosque. This preserved its historical importance while also accommodating modern architectural advancements.
