🌺 Exploring AR-RAUẒAH (الروضة‎): The Sacred Garden of Prophet Muhammad 🌺

Definition

Ar-Rauḍah (الروضة‎): Literally translating to “The Garden,” Ar-Rauḍah signifies the sacred garden located within al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina. This garden encompasses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is revered as a place of immense religious significance.

Etymology

The term Ar-Rauḍah is derived from the Arabic root “رَوض,” which means “garden” or “meadow.” The term reflects the serene and eternally blessed nature of the space.

Background

Historically, Ar-Rauḍah is part of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, the second holiest site in Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. This sacred spot is believed to manifest the Prophet’s hadith: “What is between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Similarities:

• Like religious sites in other faiths, Ar-Rauḍah is a pilgrimage site that inspires millions of Muslims to seek spiritual enrichment and connection with their faith.
• It bears similarity to holy sites within Christianity, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and within Judaism, such as the Western Wall.

Differences:

• Ar-Rauḍah focuses its sacredness around the final resting place of a prophet, whereas the focal point varies— sometimes structured around a natural feature or piece of architecture—in other religions.
• It is uniquely embedded within the living space provided for the Muslim community’s spiritual and communal activities (inside a mosque).

Synonyms

• Ar-Rawda
• Rauḍatul Jannah (Garden of Paradise)

Antonyms

• Secular (something devoid of religious significance)
• Desecration (opposite of sacred space)

Related Terms with Definitions

• Masjid an-Nabawi: The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina where Ar-Rauḍah is located.
• Haramayn: Refers to the two holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, encompassing both al-Masjid al-Haram and al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
• Hadith: Sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad that highlight the significance of Ar-Rauḍah.

Exciting Facts

• Many pilgrims believe that prayers performed in Ar-Rauḍah hold exceptional merit and are more likely to be answered.
• Ar-Rauḍah is distinguished by its differently colored carpet, providing a visual cue to its sacred boundary within the mosque.

Quotations from Notable Writers

• Anas Ibn Malik said, “The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘What is between my house and my Minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.’” (Bukhari)

References and Suggested Literature

• Sahih Bukhari: Collection of hadiths by Imam Bukhari.
• “Sealed Nectar” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri: Biography of Prophet Muhammad.
• “Mecca and Medina: The History of the Holiest Cities in Islam” by Charles River Editors
• “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (4 Volumes)” by Ibn Kathir

Quizzes for Engagement

May this exploration enrich your understanding of Ar-Rauḍah, invoking peace and spiritual strength.

Nasreen Haddad, October 2023