When you stand in Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) to offer your salutations upon the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, you’ll notice a window of great historical significance behind you. This window, which overlooks the Prophet’s grave, has never been closed for 1,400 years—upholding a solemn promise made by one of the Prophet’s Companions to his daughter, Umm al-Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers) Hafsa bint Umar, may Allah raise her rank. The following lines reveal the remarkable story behind why this window remains open to this very day.
The Expansion of Masjid an-Nabawi in 17 AH
In the year 17 AH, as the number of Muslims grew significantly due to Islamic conquests, the righteous Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah raise his rank, decreed that Masjid an-Nabawi be expanded to accommodate more worshippers. However, there was an obstacle: the house of Umm al-Mu’minin Hafsa bint Umar stood directly in the path of the planned southern expansion—precisely where people now stand to greet the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.
Realizing that her home, which had once been graced by the presence of the Prophet, peace be upon him, needed to be removed, Umar may Allah raise his rank approached his daughter to request permission. But Hafsa, may Allah raise her rank, became tearful and adamantly refused. After all, her revered chamber was only separated from the Prophet’s resting place by a single wall. Understandably, she could not bear the thought of losing such a sacred space.
Hafsa’s Reluctance and the Role of the Companions
The Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), along with Umm al-Mu’minin Aisha, may Allah raise their rank, tried to persuade Hafsa to move. Yet, she remained steadfast, unwilling to part with this cherished room where her beloved husband, the Prophet, peace be upon him, had once slept.
After several days, Umar ibn al-Khattab and his son Abdullah, may Allah raise their rank, visited Hafsa again. This time, they presented a more compelling offer: Abdullah would give up his own home—situated very close to Hafsa’s house and near the current southern wall (al-riwaq) of the mosque—to his sister, in exchange for her agreement to allow the expansion.
The Promise That Keeps the Window Open
Hafsa, may Allah raise her rank, finally agreed on one critical condition: a window must be placed so that she could always look toward the grave of her beloved husband, the Prophet, peace be upon him, and that this window never be closed, for all time. Umar, known as Al-Farooq and famed for his justice, promised his daughter that her wish would be honored.
True to his word, he had a window constructed overlooking the Prophet’s grave. Remarkably, that window has stood the test of 1,400 years—long after the passing of Umar and Hafsa, may Allah raise their rank—and remains open to this day, a lasting testament to one of the most enduring promises in Islamic history.
A Timeless Symbol of Reverence
This simple yet profound act symbolizes the deep love and reverence the Companions had for the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. It also reflects the significance of preserving Islamic heritage sites within Masjid an-Nabawi—one of the holiest places in the hearts of Muslims around the world. Visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah can still witness this window and remember the touching story of Hafsa’s devotion to her husband, the Best of Creation.
