ALMUNAWWARAH

When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated from Makkah al-Mukarramah he found refuge and a home in Yathrib. The city, now known as Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (The Luminous City), radiates a sense of belonging, with many visitors describing feelings of welcome and warmth.

For some, the first sight of the Green Dome evokes a profound emotional response. The dome over the Prophet’s Hujrah (tomb) was only painted green in AH 1253/1837 CE. Since then, green has become emblematic of Madinah, as seen in the green velvet hangings of the Rawdhah, which added a gentle contrast to the metal screen.

The fragrance of incense and perfume is associated by many with the Prophet’s Mosque. In the late 13th century AH/19 th century CE, the Hujrah was described as ‘Perfumed’ (mu‘attarah). While candles were perfumed, their primary function was to provide light, enabling worshippers to engage in discussion and read from the Qur’an deep into the night. The mosque engaged both the spirit and the senses.

In the context of The Luminous City, light is both physical and metaphorical, local and universal. It illuminates the believer, no matter where they are. It is little wonder then, that a 11th-century AH/17th-century CE poem on a tile shown here refers to the dawn breeze from Madinah, for as dawn breaks, the distant light brings warmth to lift the night’s cold veil.