Historical Pillars of Masjid-e-Nabwi
• Ustuwaanah Hannanah (The Weeping Pillar): This pillar is the most blessed spot for prayer in the mosque, as it was the Prophet’s (Peace and blessings be upon him) place of prayer. The pillar was originally a palm tree trunk that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) leaned on while delivering sermons. When the pulpit was made, the tree wept until the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) comforted it.
• Ustuwaanah Sareer: The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) used to make i’tikaaf (seclusion) here and would sleep on a wooden platform during i’tikaaf.
• Ustuwaanah Tawbah (Forgiveness): Also known as Ustuwaanah Abu Lubabah, it marks the spot where Abu Lubabah (May Allah be pleased with him) bound himself to the tree trunk as a sign of repentance until Allah accepted his repentance.
• Ustuwaanah Aisha: The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) initially prayed here and later moved to the spot at Ustuwaanah Hannanah. Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned a highly blessed spot in the mosque, later revealed to be this spot.
• Ustuwaanah Ali: Also known as Ustuwaanah Mah’ras, it marks the spot where some of the Sahaba (May Allah be pleased with them) would sit to keep watch. Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) frequently acted as a guard here.
• Ustuwaanah Wufood: This pillar marks where delegations from various tribes would meet the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) to learn about Islam.
• Ustuwaanah Jibraeel: This is where Jibraeel (Peace be upon him) used to enter to visit the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him). It is now inside the Sacred Chamber.
• Ustuwaanah Tahajjud: This spot marks where the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) would spread a mat and perform Tahajjud prayer at night.
