Saqeefah Garden
Situated 200 meters west of Masjid-e-Nabwi, the Saqeefah Garden belonged to the Banu Sa’edah and is where the Muslims consulted about who should be appointed as the Caliph after the Prophet’s (Peace and blessings be upon him) demise.
Confusion reigned among the Sahabah (May Allah be pleased with them) due to the devastating impact of the Prophet’s (Peace and blessings be upon him) death, leading to a significant dispute over his successor. The Ansar gathered at Saqeefah Banu Sa’edah to discuss the matter, feeling they should have the leadership role since they had protected Islam and offered refuge to the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions.
Upon learning of the dispute, Abu Bakr and Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) rushed to Saqeefah Banu Sa’edah, accompanied by a group of Muhajireen (Emigrants). The Ansar were on the verge of pledging allegiance to Sa’d ibn Ubadah (May Allah be pleased with him). However, Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) pointed out that the matter concerned all Arabs who had embraced Islam and that the leadership should ideally come from the Quraysh, who were the custodians of the Ka’bah.
Addressing the Ansar, Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) acknowledged their significant role in supporting Islam and proposed that the Caliphate be taken by the Quraysh while the Ansar accept the ministry. Eventually, Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him), followed by Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (May Allah be pleased with him) and others.
