Illuminating the Prophet’s Mosque

These candlesticks were once housed in the Prophet’s Mosque in Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. Donated by various patrons, their candles not only provided illumination but also released fragrant scents, creating a spiritual atmosphere in which visitors could read the Qur’an and engage in religious discussions long into the night.

According to Abu Abdullah al-Qurtubi (d. AH 671/1273 CE), the tradition of illuminating the Prophet’s Mosque can be traced back to the Companion Tamim al-Dari (d. AH 40/661 CE). He is credited with introducing lamps (qanadil) and oil to Madinah from Syria, ordering them to be hung and lit for the first time on a Friday evening.

From at least the 8th century AH/14th century CE, the donation of candlesticks (sham‘adan) to the Prophet’s Mosque became a well-established tradition, with significant contributions coming from rulers and from female members of the royal household and other elite donors.

​​In his historical account of Madinah, Ayyub Sabri, who died in AH 1308/1890 CE, detailed the impressive collection of lighting fixtures at the mosque: 104 brass candlesticks, 21 large silver candlesticks, 83 large golden candlesticks, and two encrusted with jewels. The most precious of these were designated as permanent features within the burial chamber (Al-Hujrah al-Sharifah) of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Other prized candlesticks were placed outside the door of the grill (muwajahah) of the Hujrah, flanking the Prophet’s prayer niche (mihrab), as well as at the mihrab of Caliph ‘Uthman on the qiblah wall. Lighting the candlesticks followed strict ritual protocol, overseen by key figures such as the Sheikh al-Haram, the city’s judges, and the guardians (aghas) of the Prophet’s Mosque. 

The candles also served to perfume the mosque, enhancing the sanctified atmosphere. Larger candles were infused with ambergris, beeswax, and camphor—a substance mentioned in chapter Al-Insan of the Holy Qur’an (76:5) as a drink for the righteous in paradise. Additionally, smaller candles and incense burners burned sweet smelling materials such as oud, ambergris, and hyacinth.