History
Originally known as the Musalla, this was the open ground where, towards the end of his life, the Prophet (peace be upon him) led the Eid prayers and the prayer for rain. There was no building or pulpit at the time.
Its name, Al-Ghamamah, means 'the cloud'. Visit Saudi relates that a cloud shaded the Prophet (peace be upon him) from the sun while he prayed for rain here.
Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz built the first mosque on the site while he was governor of Madinah in the first century AH. The building was later renovated, including in the Ottoman period, and restored by the Saudi government while keeping its design of black basalt stone and white domes.
Key facts
- Distance
- About 200 m from the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque
- Prayers
- Open for the daily congregational prayers
Before you visit
- Visiting is not part of any rite. Pray here as in any other mosque.
- It is a short walk from the Prophet's Mosque, so many visitors combine the two.
- For religious guidance, consult a qualified scholar.