The Green Dome is a green-colored dome that stands above the tombs of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar. Millions of tourists and pilgrims visit the Masjid An Nabawi and the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after making the journey to Makkah. An unfinished wooden dome was erected above the grave in 1279 CE, marking the beginning of the building. It was afterward restored and repainted twice, first in the 15th century and then once in 1817, with various colors. Finally, the dome was painted in green color for the first time in 1837, earning it the title “Green Dome”.
The green crown is a unique spot, a fascinating religious and pilgrimage destination in Madinah, widely known as the Prophet’s resting place. Tourists may marvel at the magnificent building from 623 AD and learn more about the fascinating Islamic culture and customs.
The design and history of the Green Dome
The dome was first constructed in 678 AH above the sacred room by Sultaan Qalawoon al-Saalihi. It was made of wood and erected on the pillars that encircled the room. It was square at the bottom and octagonal at the top. The brick cage was replaced with a wooden one, with planks of wood attached to it and plates of lead placed over them. When al-Naasir Hasan ibn Muhammad Qalawoon restored the dome, the leaden plates slid, but they were repaired and refurbished by al-Ashraf Sha’baan ibn Husayn ibn Muhammad in 765 AH. It had fallen into ruin and had to be improved by Sultaan Qayit Bey in 881 AH.
In 886 AH, a fire ripped through the Prophet’s mosque, destroying the chamber and dome. The dome was renovated under the reign of Sultaan Qayit Bey in 887 AH, and sturdy pillars to support it were placed on the mosque’s floor. They were built of bricks to the necessary height.
Why is the dome called Green Dome
When the cracks started to emerge after several rounds of renovations, it became clear that it could not be restored. The Sultaan Qayit Bey ordered that the upper half be dismantled and reconstructed with white plaster. So it was substantially constructed in 892 AH. The Ottoman Sultan Abd Al-Hameed ordered the dome to be painted green in 1253 AH. He was the first to paint it green, and the color has been updated regularly since then. After being painted green, people started calling it as the Green Dome. Previously, it was known as the white dome, fragrant dome, or blue dome.
Location and entry: Al Haram, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Entry fee and timings: The entry is free for every tourist, and the tourist spot of the dome is open 24 hours.
Suggested Read: Tracing The History Of Masjid-e Nabawi: The Prophet’s Mosque
Highlights of the Green Dome
- The dome is a popular pilgrim and tourist attraction showcasing the beautiful and mesmerizing strength and impact of Islamic culture and customs. The best time to visit the destination is during Ramadan.
- At night the lights highlighting the dome greatly enhance the overall ambiance of the Masjid an Nabawi. It is one of the best places to enjoy serenity in the holy city of Madinah and popular ziarat sites.
- Muslims can participate in the magnificent evening prayer to rejuvenate the spirit of Islam.
- The dome was built in 623 AD and drew an immense crowd yearly.
- The dome stands on the site of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) and other critical Islamic dignitaries’ graves.
- Tourists can admire the delightful Quran texts on the wall and speak with the locals to discover more about this unique dome and the mysterious stories surrounding it.
Facts of the Green Dome
- The name of the park in the eastern portion of Qom is dome Garden. Three tower-like buildings in the park were built in the 13th century as mausoleums.
- The existence of a grave/dead person buried on the dome of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is one of the numerous erroneous tales spread by a few individuals/groups.
- A guy was allegedly hit by lightning while attempting to dismantle the dome.
- The dome was thought to be always green as it is an Islamic color. However, the dome was not always green, as tourists would be surprised to learn. It was constructed of wood and had no color. Later, it was painted white and then blue/purple. Sultan Mahmud II of the Ottoman Empire constructed the present dome in 1818. In 1837, the dome was painted green for the first time.
The dome in Masjid An Nabawi is a one-of-a-kind site in Madinah, a fascinating religious and tourist destination popularly regarded as the Prophet’s (PBUH) final resting place. This light-filled mosque is Madinah’s largest, and it draws a large crowd during Ramadan. Visit Saudi Arabia to delve into the beauty and heritage of the nation’s excellent tourist sites.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Places To Visit With Family In Makkah And Madinah
Green Dome FAQs
What is the location of the Green Dome?
Southeast corner of Masjid An Nabawi Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
When was the dome built?
The dome was built in 678 AH and painted green in 1235 AH
How did the Green Dome become green?
The green dome was painted green in 1235 AH.
Is Green Dome a good tourist spot?
The dome makes up a part of Masjid an Nabawi hence is a pilgrimage site more than a tourists spot.
