For more than 1,400 years, Masjid al Nabawi has stood as one of the most beloved places in the world for Muslims. Located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, it is the second-holiest mosque in Islam and the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
When people picture Masjid an-Nabawi, one image immediately comes to mind: the beautiful green dome rising above the mosque’s courtyard. But there is much more to this iconic landmark than the dome itself.
From the history behind its famous color to the peaceful Rawdah area inside the mosque, here are 7 things you may not know about Masjid an-Nabawi.
1. The Green Dome Was Not Always Green
The Green Dome is one of the most recognizable symbols of Masjid an-Nabawi, but its famous green color is actually a relatively recent part of its history.
The first dome was an unpainted wooden cupola built above the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s burial chamber around 1279 CE during the Mamluk period. After repairs and rebuilds following fire damages in the late 15th century, it was rebuilt using stronger materials including brick and stone, and painted white. It was known as the white dome.
In 1817 it was repainted in shades of blue. The dome was first paintedd green in 1837 during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, and it has stayed that color ever since. Over time, it was known as “The Green Dome” and represents the main dome of the Prophet's Mosque.
The dome itself is not a separate building. It sits above the chamber where the beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ rests, along with the resting places of the first two caliphs of Islam, Abu Bakrؓ and Umarؓ.
2. The Green Dome Is Only One Small Part of a Much Bigger Mosque
Many people recognize Masjid an-Nabawi because of its green dome, but the mosque surrounding it is an enormous complex that has grown throughout history.
The original mosque built by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was much smaller and much simpler. Over centuries, different Islamic rulers expanded the mosque to accommodate the increasing number of visitors coming to Madinah.
Today, after several major expansions, Masjid an-Nabawi covers more than 160,000 square meters and can accommodate hundreds of thousands of worshippers at one time, with capacity reaching into the millions during peak seasons.
What began as a simple place of worship built by the Prophet ﷺ and his companions has become one of the largest mosques in the world.
3. The Rawdah: One of the Most Special Places Inside Masjid an-Nabawi
Inside Masjid an-Nabawi is an area known as Ar-Rawdah ash-Sharifah (The Noble Garden).
The Rawdah is the area between the Prophet’s ﷺ house and his minbar (pulpit). It is described in a famous hadith as being “a garden from the gardens of Paradise,” making it one of the most meaningful places for Muslims visiting Madinah.
The Rawdah is easily recognized by its green carpet, which contrasts with the rest of the mosque’s carpet. Millions of visitors hope to pray there during their visit to Masjid an-Nabawi.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the Rawdah is also surrounded by beautiful architectural details, including elegant marble columns, decorative arches, and the historic pillars that mark important locations from the Prophet’s ﷺ time.
4. The Pillars of Masjid an-Nabawi Carry Stories From Islamic History
The columns and pillars inside Masjid an-Nabawi are not just architectural features. Many of them preserve memories from the earliest days of Islam.
Some famous pillars are associated with important events from the Prophet’s ﷺ life, such as:
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Ustuwanah al-Hannanah — the pillar connected to the story of the crying tree trunk that the Prophet ﷺ used before the construction of his minbar.
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Ustuwanah Aisha — a pillar associated with the guidance given by Aishaؓ regarding its significance.
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Ustuwanah al-Tawbah — also known as the Pillar of Repentance.
While the mosque today has been expanded and renovated many times, these locations remind visitors that they are standing in a place connected to the earliest chapters of Islamic history.
6. A Landmark That Has Inspired Millions Around the World
For many Muslims, visiting Masjid an-Nabawi is a lifelong dream. The mosque represents love, connection, and a physical reminder of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the city where he spent the final years of his life.
Even for those who may never have visited Madinah, images of its green dome, peaceful courtyards, and beautiful architecture are instantly recognizable.
This connection inspired us to create a way for people to bring a small piece of this meaningful landmark into their own homes.
7. Build Your Own Masjid an-Nabawi — Two Ways With DeenBlocks
The beauty of Masjid an-Nabawi is not only in its size, but in the memories, stories, and meaning attached to every detail.
With DEENBLOCKS, you can explore this iconic mosque through building it in two different ways.
For those who love collecting and displaying meaningful pieces, theDEENBLOCKS Mini Masjid an-Nabawi captures the most recognizable elements of the mosque — from its iconic green dome, architectural shape, and signature details — in a compact collectible size designed for desks, shelves, or personal spaces.
For those who want a deeper building experience, the DEENBLOCKS Foundation Series Masjid an-Nabawi brings more of the mosque to life through a larger 877-piece build. This version allows you to appreciate more architectural elements, including the mosque’s structure, surrounding details, and the feeling of slowly building one of Islam’s most treasured landmarks piece by piece.
One is a small reminder you can keep close.
The other is a journey you can take your time building.
Both are inspired by the same place — Masjid an-Nabawi, a mosque that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world.
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