History of Masjid al-Nabawi
Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) was established in 622 CE (1 AH) in Madinah by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his migration from Makkah. Originally a simple open-air structure of mud brick and palm trunks, it quickly grew into the religious, political, and social hub of the early Muslim community. From that small, modest beginning, it has evolved into one of the largest mosques in the world.
According to tradition, upon arriving in Madinah the Prophet (PBUH) let his camel roam freely, and it knelt on a vacant plot of land used for drying dates. The land belonged to two orphan brothers. The Prophet (PBUH) refused to accept it as a gift and purchased the plot instead; the cost was covered by his companion Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA). Construction of the original building took seven to eight months and produced a structure roughly 35 by 30 meters. Its walls were unbaked mud brick, and its roof was beaten clay and palm leaves supported by palm tree trunks.
Purpose of the Original Mosque
Masjid al-Nabawi was never simply a place for the five daily prayers. It was the center of the early Islamic state, functioning simultaneously as a religious school for teaching the Qur’an, a court of law for settling disputes, a shelter for the poor and destitute, and a venue for public announcements and diplomatic meetings. The Sahabah regularly gathered there, and the Prophet (PBUH) received guests and delegations within its walls.
Early Expansions
As the Muslim community grew rapidly, the mosque underwent several extensions:
- Under the Prophet (PBUH), 628 CE / 7 AH: Following the Battle of Khaybar, the mosque was expanded to accommodate a growing number of worshippers.
- Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), 17 AH / 639 CE: The second caliph enlarged the mosque, reinforced its walls with mud brick, and added more wooden pillars.
- Uthman ibn Affan (RA), 29 AH / 650 CE: The third caliph extended the mosque further and fortified its walls with more durable materials, including decorative stone, replacing the palm-trunk columns with carved stone and iron.
Later Expansions, Renovations, and the Green Dome
Over the following centuries—through the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman eras—successive caliphs, sultans, and kings expanded and beautified the mosque. The Prophet’s tomb, located in the southeast corner of the mosque in what was originally Aisha’s (RA) private apartment, has been marked by a dome since 1279 CE. The Green Dome, the mosque’s most recognizable feature, was built in its current form in 1818 by Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II and was first painted green in 1837. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undertook massive expansions to accommodate millions of worshippers, adding vast courtyards, marble flooring, and the mosque’s now-famous collapsible umbrellas.
The Umbrellas at Masjid al-Nabawi
The giant retractable umbrellas installed in the courtyards of Masjid al-Nabawi are among the most remarkable examples of Islamic architecture and engineering in the world today. Designed to provide shade, improve thermal comfort, and protect worshippers from sun and rain, they form the largest convertible shading system ever built for a mosque.
From the moment they begin to unfold, the umbrellas have a quiet magic to them: their rigid wings lift silently into the air, spread outward, and settle into a translucent, vaulted canopy over the courtyard — transforming the open space into a vast, bright hall.
These umbrellas are positioned strategically across approximately 143,000 square meters of the mosque’s courtyards. The shaded space they create allows the growing number of worshippers visiting Madinah to pray comfortably throughout the year.
Key features of the umbrellas include:
- 250 retractable umbrellas cover the courtyard space.
- The opening and closing system is fully automated and computer-controlled.
- Despite their massive size, each umbrella opens or closes in about 70–90 seconds.
- A slight time delay is programmed between rows so the giant arms don’t collide as they move, creating a sequential wave effect.
- They operate on hydraulic mechanisms equipped with intelligent sensors.
- Each umbrella has eight upper and lower supports and eight internal arms.
- The composite-clad folding arms are decorated with traditional Islamic mosaic patterns.
- They’re engineered to withstand intense sunlight, heavy rain, sandstorms, and winds up to roughly 155 km/h.
- The structural framework combines high-strength steel with carbon-fiber components; each umbrella stands approximately 22 meters tall.
- Built-in lighting illuminates the courtyards at night.
- When folded, the umbrellas resemble elegant marble-clad columns that blend seamlessly with the mosque’s architecture.
- When fully open, each umbrella spans approximately 25.5 meters.
- Unlike the umbrella system, the mosque’s folding roof doesn’t follow a fixed schedule — it typically opens during busy prayer times or special occasions.
When and How the Umbrellas Came Into Existence
The retractable umbrella project was commissioned as part of the major expansion of Masjid al-Nabawi under King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It formed part of the mosque’s broader expansion, was overseen by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, and was completed in August 2010.
The umbrellas were designed by the German architectural firm SL Rasch, working alongside German engineers and Saudi construction companies; Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH engineered and built the mechanical parasols. The project initially installed 182 umbrellas around the mosque’s courtyards, with 68 more added later in the eastern courtyards, bringing the total to 250. The project reportedly cost approximately 4.7 billion Saudi riyals.
Design and Color
The umbrellas were designed to complement Masjid al-Nabawi’s traditional Islamic architecture while incorporating advanced engineering. Their membranes are made from specially developed PTFE fabric, chosen for its high tensile strength, UV and fire resistance, durability, controlled light transmission, and ability to fold repeatedly without damage.
Rather than bright white, the fabric has a soft, sandy tone that lets natural daylight through without creating excessive glare for worshippers. The undersides are decorated with elegant blue geometric and floral Islamic motifs, and reinforced structural ribbons create a sculptural effect as sunlight passes through the fabric. When closed, the folded umbrellas resemble slender decorative minarets, preserving the beauty and harmony of the Prophet’s Mosque and making them a visual delight in their own right.
How the Umbrellas Work
Each umbrella operates through an advanced hydraulic, computer-controlled system. At the start of the day, the umbrellas unfold automatically in under two minutes, providing shade across the courtyards; they fold again later according to a programmed schedule.
Benefits of the Umbrellas
The umbrellas offer substantial practical, environmental, and architectural benefits. Their durable materials ensure long-term performance and protection, and they’re especially valuable for providing shade and cool relief during Madinah’s intense summer heat. They also shield worshippers from rain and reduce the risk of slipping in wet weather.
Pilgrim comfort is a priority: fine misting systems lower courtyard temperatures and create a more pleasant environment for prolonged worship and reflection. These integrated misting fans and cooling systems—436 of them, built into the umbrella columns—reduce courtyard temperatures by approximately 8–15°C, cooling the surrounding air without letting water droplets fall on worshippers.
The control system continuously monitors sun position and wind speed, allowing it to respond to extreme solar radiation and shifting weather conditions. In winter, the umbrellas are also opened on cooler evenings to help retain the day’s accumulated warmth.
Each umbrella can shade approximately 800 worshippers, allowing the mosque to safely host enormous congregations during Hajj, Ramadan, and other peak pilgrimage seasons.
Opening and Closing Times
Automatic, programmed schedules and current weather conditions govern how the umbrellas function. They generally open shortly after Fajr prayer, providing shade as temperatures rise through the day, and may also open after Maghrib during certain seasons to improve airflow for the large crowds attending evening prayers. They gradually close later at night after Isha. Pilgrims hoping to witness the opening process firsthand should plan to arrive early for Fajr or Maghrib prayers.
Operations may occasionally be adjusted for high winds, maintenance needs, seasonal daylight changes, or special religious occasions. While exact timing varies throughout the year, the opening and closing process itself is fully automated.
Interesting Facts About the Umbrellas
- In recognition of their engineering excellence, the umbrellas received the Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture in 2014.
- The kinetic misting system used to cool the courtyards is one of a kind — a welcome respite for pilgrims enduring extreme heat.
- LED lights embedded in the umbrellas give the mosque an ethereal glow after Maghrib.
Similar architectural structures around the world include:
- Al-Hussein Mosque, Cairo, Egypt
- Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Conclusion
In architectural terms, the retractable umbrellas are the undisputed centerpiece of the Prophet’s Mosque and its precincts—one of the finest achievements in modern Islamic architecture, seamlessly combining advanced engineering with timeless artistic beauty and traditional decorative elements. More than simply providing shade, they create a sense of harmony and peace that allows millions of worshippers to pray in comfort throughout the year. Their intelligent design, durable construction, and sophisticated cooling systems show how modern technology can serve the spiritual needs of pilgrims while preserving the dignity and elegance of one of Islam’s holiest sites. As a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving the guests of Allah, these structures continue to inspire architects, engineers, and visitors from around the world—an enduring landmark of Islamic civilization that reflects the harmony between innovation, tradition, and faith.
