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Madinah Rawdah Al Sharifah Lock & Key 1399-1411 Hijri
The lock and key of the Rawdah, crafted in the year 1399 - 1411 Hijri (1979 - 1990 CE), is a remarkable artefact of Islamic history, combining masterful craftsmanship with profound spiritual meaning
This lock, used for securing the Rawdah Al-Mutahharah (the area encompassing
the Prophet Muhammad ’s tomb), carries not only functional importance
but also poetic expressions that reflect its sacred purpose.
The key that accompanies the lock is similarly adorned, showcasing calligraphy and patterns consistent with Ottoman artistry, as the 1399 - 1411 Hijri period falls within the later Ottoman Caliphate
Front Side
Arabic
هو الحبيبُ الذي تُرجى شفاعتُهُ
لكلِّ هولٍ منَ الأهوالِ مُقتَحَم
English
He is the Beloved whose intercession
is hoped for, to remove all calamities
and adversities.
This is a line from the famous Arabic poem
Qasida Al-Burda by Imam Al-Busiri,
in praise of the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him), emphasizing his
role as an intercessor and source of mercy
Rear Side
َحَاشَاهُ أَنْ يُرَدَّ الرَّاجِيَ كَرَمَهُ
أَوْ يُرَدَّ الْجَارُ مِنْهُ غَيْرَ مُكْرَم
Far be it that the one who hopes for his
generosity is denied, Or that a neighbour
returns from him without him without
being fulfilled
This lock, used for securing the Rawdah Al-Mutahharah (the area encompassing
the Prophet Muhammad ’s tomb), carries not only functional importance
but also poetic expressions that reflect its sacred purpose.
The key that accompanies the lock is similarly adorned, showcasing calligraphy and patterns consistent with Ottoman artistry, as the 1399 - 1411 Hijri period falls within the later Ottoman Caliphate
Front Side
Arabic
هو الحبيبُ الذي تُرجى شفاعتُهُ
لكلِّ هولٍ منَ الأهوالِ مُقتَحَم
English
He is the Beloved whose intercession
is hoped for, to remove all calamities
and adversities.
This is a line from the famous Arabic poem
Qasida Al-Burda by Imam Al-Busiri,
in praise of the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him), emphasizing his
role as an intercessor and source of mercy
Rear Side
َحَاشَاهُ أَنْ يُرَدَّ الرَّاجِيَ كَرَمَهُ
أَوْ يُرَدَّ الْجَارُ مِنْهُ غَيْرَ مُكْرَم
Far be it that the one who hopes for his
generosity is denied, Or that a neighbour
returns from him without him without
being fulfilled
Kiswa – Inner Chamber Rawdah Mubarak
The kiswa for the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) adorning the walls of the inner chamber. Although it resembles visually the inner chamber cloth of the Kaaba it is subtly different with different inscriptions
The inner green kiswa covers sections of the Prophet’s noble chamber SAW
in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah. Specifically, it is part of the inner sanctum, hidden from public view, where the resting places of the Prophet SAW and his two companions, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq R.A and Umar ibn Al-Khattab R.A, are located
The kiswa decorates the interior walls of the sacred chamber, lending an atmosphere of reverence
and beauty. This green kiswa features Qur’anic verses, prayers for peace and blessings upon the Prophet SAW, and intricate Islamic patterns
Arabic Text:
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا (Surah Saba, 34:28)
وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا (Surah Al-Fath, 48:29)
Translation:
"And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner."
"Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him are firm against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer]''
The inner green kiswa covers sections of the Prophet’s noble chamber SAW
in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah. Specifically, it is part of the inner sanctum, hidden from public view, where the resting places of the Prophet SAW and his two companions, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq R.A and Umar ibn Al-Khattab R.A, are located
The kiswa decorates the interior walls of the sacred chamber, lending an atmosphere of reverence
and beauty. This green kiswa features Qur’anic verses, prayers for peace and blessings upon the Prophet SAW, and intricate Islamic patterns
Arabic Text:
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا (Surah Saba, 34:28)
وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا (Surah Al-Fath, 48:29)
Translation:
"And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner."
"Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him are firm against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer]''
Kiswa Cloth of Masjid Al Nabwi Prophet Chamber Masjid Nabawi Madinah
The inscription on the Kiswa of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) resting place
Arabic Text:
هذا قبر النبي عليه الصلاة والسلام
English Translation:
"This is the grave of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him"
It is a solemn and clear marker that identifies the sacred site of the Prophet’s burial, which lies in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah
The cloth piece, traditionally part of the chamber’s adornment, bears profound historical and spiritual significance. It reflects a tradition of honoring the Prophet’s resting place with utmost care and reverence. The chamber is protected by several layers, with the Prophet’s grave alongside the graves of his companions, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq and Umar ibn Al-Khattab. Access to the innermost areas is restricted to select custodians, ensuring the sanctity of the site remains intact
The tradition of marking and protecting the Prophet’s grave is rooted in Islamic history. While the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) discouraged excessive embellishment of graves, the sacred nature of his resting place has led to careful preservation and reverence, avoiding idolatry while emphasizing respect and remembrance
Arabic Text:
هذا قبر النبي عليه الصلاة والسلام
English Translation:
"This is the grave of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him"
It is a solemn and clear marker that identifies the sacred site of the Prophet’s burial, which lies in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah
The cloth piece, traditionally part of the chamber’s adornment, bears profound historical and spiritual significance. It reflects a tradition of honoring the Prophet’s resting place with utmost care and reverence. The chamber is protected by several layers, with the Prophet’s grave alongside the graves of his companions, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq and Umar ibn Al-Khattab. Access to the innermost areas is restricted to select custodians, ensuring the sanctity of the site remains intact
The tradition of marking and protecting the Prophet’s grave is rooted in Islamic history. While the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) discouraged excessive embellishment of graves, the sacred nature of his resting place has led to careful preservation and reverence, avoiding idolatry while emphasizing respect and remembrance
Red Kiswah Of The Rawdah Al Rasool (Prophet’s Chamber)
The red kiswah of the Rawdah Al-Rasool (Prophet’s Chamber), measuring 120cm x 100cm and bearing the sacred inscription La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger), is a deeply revered artefact
This is the Shahada (Declaration of Faith), the fundamental creed of Islam that affirms the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him)
This kiswa, crafted in red silken fabric with intricate golden embroidery, adorns the inner chamber of Prophet (PBUH) tomb in Masjid Al-Nabawi, Madinah
Arabic Text: - لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
La ilaha illallah – There is no God but Allah
Muhammadur Rasulullah – Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
This is the Shahada (Declaration of Faith), the fundamental creed of Islam that affirms the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him)
This kiswa, crafted in red silken fabric with intricate golden embroidery, adorns the inner chamber of Prophet (PBUH) tomb in Masjid Al-Nabawi, Madinah
Arabic Text: - لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
La ilaha illallah – There is no God but Allah
Muhammadur Rasulullah – Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
Madinah Rawdah Al Sharifah Door Cover Ottoman 1203 Hijri
This magnificent and rare Rawdah door cover from the Ottoman era, dating back to 1203 Hijri (1788 CE), stands as a testament to both the grandeur of Islamic artistry and the profound reverence for the sacred Rawdah in Masjid al-Nabawi Madinah
Masjid An Nabawi Madinah Carpet
A section of the original carpet used in Masjid an Nabawi - Madinah. It has precisely been cut by ourselves for a symmetrical finish and the edges have been professionally finished by carpet specialists.
Provenance: Masjid al Nabawi - Madinah
It is narrated by Ahmad and Ibn Majaah (1406) from Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except al-Masjid al-Haraam, and one prayer in al-Masjid al-Haraam is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.
In 2014, the custodian of the holy mosques ordered that the previously used red carpet be changed to green. Mecca carpets were changed over first with Madinah following shortly thereafter. The completion of the change over in carpets took place over several years with Madinah changing over the last section before Ramadhan 2022
Provenance: Masjid al Nabawi - Madinah
It is narrated by Ahmad and Ibn Majaah (1406) from Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except al-Masjid al-Haraam, and one prayer in al-Masjid al-Haraam is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.
In 2014, the custodian of the holy mosques ordered that the previously used red carpet be changed to green. Mecca carpets were changed over first with Madinah following shortly thereafter. The completion of the change over in carpets took place over several years with Madinah changing over the last section before Ramadhan 2022
Madinah Rawdah Al Sharifah Ottoman Era
During the Ottoman era, especially between the 16th to early 20th centuries, the custodianship of the Haramayn (Makkah & Madinah) was held with immense honour. Lock and key sets were crafted with exceptional care for the doors of the Rawdah, Bab al-Tawbah, or inner sacred chambers of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Verse of Salawat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)
Arabic
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
English Translation
Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace
Surah Al-Ahzab (33)
Ayah 56
(Surah 33:56)
Verse about those who offend Allah and His Messenger
Arabic
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا
English Translation
Indeed, those who harm Allah and His Messenger—Allah has cursed them in this world and the Hereafter and prepared for them a humiliating punishment
Surah & Ayah:
Surah Al-Ahzab (33)
Ayah 57
(Surah 33:57)
These two verses are consecutive and appear in Surah Al-Ahzab, which focuses heavily on the status of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), respect toward him, and the etiquette of the believers
Primary Metals
Brass
Bronze
Occasionally copper and iron cores
Inlaid with silver or gold plating (gilding) on inscriptions or borders
High-quality Ottoman steel craftsmanship for functional durability
Heavyweight construction: Designed not just for utility but for durability and security of sacred entrances
Keys often had decorative bow handles shaped with Islamic floral motifs or tughra-style emblems of the sultan
Calligraphy – Thuluth Script
The inscriptions were engraved using classical Thuluth (ثلث), a script known for its elegance and elongated verticals.
Common inscriptions
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate)
يا الله، يا رحمن، يا رحيم (O Allah, O Most Merciful, O Most Compassionate)
Hand-chiselled engraving: Artisans would etch intricate designs into the metal surface, often using chasing and repoussé techniques.
Ottoman floral and vegetal patterns, such as tulips, roses, and arabesques, were used to frame or highlight inscriptions
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