1. Abu Ayyub Ansari (RU) and his house:

His name was Khaled but was known as Abu Ayyub. He was son of Zaid bin Kulaib bin Najjar. He belonged to Khazraj tribe. He took part in all the battles. Ali (RU) appointed him governor of Madina. He took part in the battle of Qabras during the period of Muawiya (RU). In spite of his old age he joined the army led by Yazeed bin Muawiya to attack Constantinople (Istanbul). He remembered the prediction of the Prophet (SAS) and hence very eagerly joined this army. He became seriously ill during this journey. He requested his brothers to bury him only after they have penetrated into enemy’s territory. Hence he was buried inside the walls of the city of Constantinople. His grave is well known in the present city of Istanbul in Turkey. He died in 52H and the commander of his army, Yazeed bin Maawiya, led his Salat-ul-Janaza.

As seen in the map his house was in the southeastern corner of the Prophet’s Mosque. When the Prophet (SAS) migrated to Madina, he stayed in the house of Abu Ayyub Ansari (RU) till the Hujrat for his wives were built.

As mentioned in Vafa-ul-Vafa, and narrated by Aisha (RUA), “When the Prophet (SAS) arrived in Madina, he got down from his camel near the house of Abu Ayyub Ansari (RU). He asked, ‘Whose house is nearest from my mother’s relatives?’ Abu Ayyub Ansari (RU) said, ‘This is my house and here is its door. The Prophet (SAS) said, ‘Go ahead and make arrangements for my rest there.’”

Aflah, the freed slave of Abu Ayyub (RU) said, “Initially the Prophet (SAS)

 Occupied the ground floor of this house and Abu Ayyub’s (RU) family stayed in the floor above it.”                

It is mentioned in Muslim that one night Abu Ayyub Ansari (RU) realised that he was walking on a floor that happened to lie above the Prophet (SAS). He considered it a matter of disrespect to the Prophet (SAS). He huddled his family into a corner of the floor he was occupying. Next morning he expressed his serious concern to the Prophet (SAS). He said to the Prophet (SAS), “I cannot stay in a floor which happened to lie above you.” Hence the Prophet (SAS) transferred to the top floor while Abu Ayyub’s (RU) family moved to the ground floor. This shows Abu Ayyub’s deep respect for the Prophet (SAS).

This house went through many changes in due course of time.

Malik Shahab-ud-Din purchased it and converted it into an institution that provided education for the four schools of thought of Islamic jurisprudence. It was known as Shehabia Institute.

During the thirteenth century of Hijrah, it was rebuilt with a dome and a mehrab and looked like a mosque. A stone was displayed on it with the following writing.

This is the house of Abu Ayyub Ansari (RU) and first residence of the Prophet. (Rebuilt in 1291H).

During the fifteenth century Hijrah, King Fahd extended the Prophet’s Mosque in all four directions. This house was removed in order to make a very wide courtyard around the Prophet’s Mosque. At present the location of this house is only a few steps form the southeastern corner of the Prophet’s Mosque and is a part of the large open space there.

2. Harthe bin Nuaman Ansari (RU) and his house:

He was the son of Nuaman bin Nafee Najjari. He belonged to Khazraj tribe. He took part in all the battles including Badr. He was a very pious person and was very generous to others. He was extremely obedient to his mother.

As mentioned in Musnad Ahmad and narrated by Aisha (RUA), the Prophet (SAS) said, “I heard recitation of Quran as I entered the paradise. I inquired who was it? I was told that he was Harthe bin Nuaman (RU).” The Prophet remarked, “Such is the reward for the sincere obedience of mother.”

One day Jibreel (AS) was sitting with the Prophet (SAS). Harthe (RU) passed that way and saluted them. Later on the Prophet asked Harthe (RU), “Did you see the person sitting with me when you saluted?” Harthe (RU) said, “Yes, indeed.” The Prophet (SAS) said, “It was Jibreel (AS) and he answered your salam.”

Harthe (RU) had many houses around the Prophet’s mosque. He offered all of them to the Prophet (SAS) and gave the Prophet (SAS) full freedom to use anyone of them as and when he needed. Whenever he saw that the Prophet (SAS) did a new marriage, he vacated his one house for his new family.

By and by he vacated all his houses around the Prophet’s Mosque for the wives of the Prophet (SAS) and for the emigrants to Madina.

As seen in the map, his house was adjacent to Abu Ayyub Ansari’s (RU) house. Jaafar bin Sadiq (RU) used to live in this house. At present it is part of the open space on the south side of the Prophet’s Mosque.

3. Hasan bin Zaid bin Hasan (RU) and his house:

He was the grand grandchild of Ali (RU). He was born in 83H. He was the headman of Banu Hashim tribe. Mansur Abbasi appointed him the governor of Madina. Five years later, when Mansur feared some opposition from him, he removed Hasan from this office and prisoned him in Baghdad. When Mehdi Abbasi came into power, he released him from the prison. Mehdi honored him by keeping Hasan with him most of the time. Hasan passed away five miles from Baghdad near a village called Hajr when both were coming to Makkah for Hajj.

As seen in the map, his house was on the south side of the Prophet’s Mosque. It had streets on its all four sides.

In 1283H, Sheikh Arif Hikmat built a library. It was a very beautiful and famous library. During the second Saudi extension, it was removed. Its rare books were transferred to Malik Abdul Aziz library.

4. House of Ibrahim bin Hesham:

As seen in the map, Ibrahim’s house and Hassan's house were separated by a 2½ meter wide street and these houses were opposite to each other. As mentioned in Vafa-ul-Vafa, a Travel Lodge was built
on the site of Ibrahim's house which was known as Rubat Maragha.

5. Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RU) and his house:

He was son of Malik bin Aheeb who was known as Abi Waqqas.  Hence Saad was called Saad bin Abi Waqqas.  He is one of those who accepted Islam at the dawn of Islam.  He was from Ashab-us-Suffah. He was also one of those ten companions who were given the glad tiding of their entry into paradise by the Prophet (SAS). 

Omar (RU) nominated him for the advisory council to choose a Caliph after him. He conquered Qadsia.  He was the first one who shooted an arrow for defending Islam.  Allah (SWT) very readily accepted his supplications.

He was governor of Kufa during the periods of Omar (RU) and Osman (RU).  He came back to Madina during the period of Osman (RU) and died during 50 H.  He was buried in Baqee.

His house was opposite to Ibrahim bin Hasham’s house.  A Street ran between their houses. Probably Saad bin Abi Waqqas’ house was included in Hasan bin Zaid’s house.

6. Amer bin Abudllah bin Zubair and his house:

He was son of Abdullah bin Zubair bin Awwan (RU). He was very pious and fearful of Allah (SWT). One time his shoe was stolen. He swore that he would never buy another shoe lest a Muslim steals it and that Muslim will become sinner. He died in 121H.

As seen in the map, his house was adjacent to Ibrahim’s house.

7. Jaafar bin Abi Talib (RU) and his house:

He was son of the Prophet’s uncle. Jaafar (RU) accepted Islam at the very dawn of Islam. He migrated to Habsha because of the torture by the disbelievers. King of Habsha was very impressed by his speech and consequently, accepted Islam. He migrated to Madina on the day of the conquest of Khaiber. It doubled the happiness of the Prophet (SAS). At that moment the Prophet remarked, “I cannot say what made me more happy: joining of Jaafar here or the conquest of Khaiber.”

The Prophet (SAS) used to call him Abu Miskeen i.e. father of the poor. The Prophet (SAS) said, “Jaafar resembles me very much in figure and character.”

The battle of Muuta took place during 8H and commander of Muslim army; Zaid bin Harith (RU) became martyr. Now Jaafar became commander but he also died fighting the enemy. It was seen that he had more than ninety wounds on his body. The Prophet (SAS) was very much grieved at his death. The Prophet said, “I saw Jaafar flying with the angels in the paradise.” Jaafar came to be known as Jaafar Tayyar (i.e. flying Jaafar) after this remark of the Prophet (SAS).

As seen in the map, his house was adjacent to the Mosque near the mehrab Nabawi. The Prophet (SAS) granted him this land when Jaafar returned from Habsha. Part of this house was included in the extension of the mosque by Omar (RU) during 17H. The remaining part of this house was also included in the mosque during the extension made by Osman (RU) during 29H. (Vafa-ul-Vafa).

8. Abbas and his house:

Abbas bin Abdul Mutalib was uncle of the Prophet (SAS). He unwillingly took part in the Battle of Badr and was on the side of the disbelievers. He was arrested by the Muslims and was freed after paying ransom. He needed a shirt to cover his body as a prisoner. Abdullah bin Obi bin Salool, the hypocrite, gave him his shirt since others’ shirts did not fit Abbas. The Prophet (SAS) gave his shirt for wrapping the body of Abdullah when Abdullah died in order to return similar favor to him.

Later on Abbas (RU) accepted Islam and migrated to Madina. The Prophet (SAS) made Nofal bin Harith his brother to strengthen the brotherhood between the emigrants and Ansar. Abbas inherited Amara (i.e. the custodial services of Kabah) and Siqaya (i.e. the eating and water drinking facilities for the pilgrims). After the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (SAS) reassigned these honorable positions to Abbas (RU).

Abbas (RU) was born three years before the event of elephants took place in which Allah (SWT) destroyed those who intended to destroy Kabah. Abbas (RU) died in Madina during 32H. He lost his eyesight in his old age. He lived 89 years.

The Prophet (SAS) granted him a piece of land on the south side of the Prophet’s Mosque. Abbas (RU) built a house on it. After completion of his house Abbas (RU) recited the following poem.

I built this home with unbaked bricks, stones and pieces of wood. The birds may sit on it and fly over it. O Allah, shower your blessings on the residents of this house.

The Prophet (SAS) made the following supplications

O Allah, please shower Your blessing on this home. The Prophet (SAS) personally installed the spout for the discharge of water from the roof of this house while standing on the shoulder of Abbas (RU).

According to the historical narration, Abbas’ (RU) house was located between the fifth column from the pulpit and the second column from Bab-us-Salam. This house was divided into three parts. First part was included in the extension of the Mosque by Omar (RU). Second part was included in the extension of the Mosque by Osman (RU). After this about 6½ meters was left in which Abbas (RU) used to keep his cattle. Marvan bin Hakam (RU) included it into his house. When Omar bin Abdul Aziz (RU) extended the Prophet’s Mosque, he removed it from Marvan’s house and included it also in the Mosque.

An Interesting Event:

Omar (RU) purchased several houses for the extension of the Prophet’s Mosque. Abbas’ (RU) house was adjacent to the Mosque. Hence Omar (RU) said to Abbas (RU), “Abu Fadhl, the Mosque needs extension. Please sell your house for it and I shall pay you for your house generously from the government treasury.” Abbas (RU) refused to sell his house. Omar (RU) asked him to pick one of the following three choices. Sell your house and I shall pay for it fully. Secondly, I am willing to build a house for you in Madina at a site of your choice. Thirdly, donate your property for the benefit of the Muslims. Abbas (RU) refused to accept any of the above options. Omar (RU) suggested to him to pick an arbitrator between them to solve this problem. Abbas (RU) nominated Obai bin Kaab (RU) who used to write the revelations for the Prophet (SAS). Omar (RU) said, “We have both appointed you our arbitrator. We both will accept your judgment.”

Obai bin Kaab (RU) said to Abbas (RU), “Please relate your side of the story.” Abbas (RU) said, “The land on which I built my house, was granted to me by the Prophet (SAS). Even the Prophet (SAS) took part in construction of the house. He fixed this spout with his own hands.” After this Omar (RU) narrated his side of the story. Obai bin Kaab (RU) said to both of them, “Permit me to relate to you a Hadith of the Prophet (SAS).” Both eagerly agreed. Obai bin Kaab (RU) said to them that I personally heard that the Prophet (SAS) saying, “Allah (SWT) ordered Dawud (AS) to build a house where people may do worship. A site was also earmarked for it that happened to be where Masjid Aqsa is. This piece of land was not a perfect square. There was a house of an Israelite on one corner of it. Dawud (AS) requested this owner to sell his house in order to build a house for the worship of Allah (SWT). The owner flatly refused. Dawud (AS) said to him, “I shall take this corner of the house by force to achieve the noble task.” Allah (SWT) said to Dawud (AS), “O Dawud, I only asked you to build a house for the worshippers. You wish to use force for it. This is not appropriate for My Highness. Consequently you better give up the intention of building the mosque for the worshippers.”

On hearing this Omar (RU) said, “You have related something even more stringent than my intention to extend the Mosque.” Omar (RU) brought them to the Mosque where they saw a few companions sitting together as a group. Obai bin Kaab (RU) said to the participants of this group meeting. “Did anyone of you hear the Hadith about Dawud (AS) pertaining to the construction of Masjid Aqsa from the Prophet (SAS)?” Abu Dhur Gaffari (RU) promptly said, “I heard this Hadith from the Prophet (SAS).” Another companion said, “I heard it too.” Now Obai bin Kaab (RU) said to Omar (RU). “You blamed me about the authenticity of this Hadith.” Omar (RU) said, “O Abu Mundhar, I did not mean to blame you. I only wanted that the Hadith become more clear to us.” Omar (RU) now said to Abbas (RU), “You may go. I shall never say to you anything concerning your house.” At this Abbas (RU) said, “I willingly donate my house for the extension of the Mosque without any compensation for it. If however you try to seize it by force, I shall not let you have it.” Omar (RU) got a house built for Abbas (RU) at another site in Madina from the government treasury and part of Abbas’ house was included in the extension of the Prophet’s Mosque.

There are several lessons for us in this event as mentioned in Tabkat Ibn Saad and in Vafa-ul- Vafa.

1.  In mutual dealings we should use tolerance and forgiveness.

2.  In disputes, we should follow the law of Nature.  For example Obai bin Kaab’s (RU) decision was based on the fact that the owner has the full right on his property and it should not be seized from him by force.

3.  We should have keen interest in projects for the public service. 

4.  Choose an arbitrator who has sound knowledge of the religion.

5.  The arbitrator should treat both sides fairly and not lean to one side.

6.  The arbitrator should listen to both sides without any prejudice.

7.  Decision should be based on the strength of the matter and not the strength of the person.

8.  We should check the authenticity of every Hadith.  After proof of authenticity, we should fully submit ourselves to it.

9.  There is no difference in the values and codes of ethics of earlier Sharias and the present one.  For example, to lie, thieving, usurping others rights, fornication were all detestable and are even now.

10.  We should try to please the owner.

11.  The owner has the full right over his property.

There are many more similar reminders for us in this event.

9.  Abdullah bin Omar (RU) and his house:

He was son of Caliph Omar (RU). He accepted Islam in his childhood with his father. He was not allowed to take part in the Battle of Badr because he was only a young boy at that time.  He was very particular in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAS). For example, he would offer salat at every spot where he happened to see the Prophet (SAS) praying.  He was eighty-four years old when he died in Makkah during 73 H. He happened to be the last companion who died in Makkah.

His house was just east of mehrab as seen in the map.  Bilal (RU) used to call Adhan while standing on a pillar of this house as mentioned in Vafa-ul-Vafa. This was one of the houses on the south side of the Mosque whose doors opened into the Mosque. The door of this house was called “a small door of family of Omar (RU).”

It is described in Umdat-ul-Akhbar that when all the houses in the south side of the Prophet’s Mosque were removed this house was treated differently. Walls of baked bricks enclosed the land of this house and a door was installed in one wall.  It was written on top of this door “the residence of the family of Omar (RU)”. Beautiful flowers were planted inside these four walls.  This garden was just in front of the face of the Prophet (SAS). 

The site of the house of Abdullah bin Omar is clearly known because of these boundary walls. These walls were removed very recently in 1375 H during the first Saudi extension of the Prophet’s Mosque. At present, a small part of this house is in the southern hall of the Mosque and the remaining is included in the open space adjacent to this hall.

The iron window in the visitors’ gallery for Salam is the site of the door of the house of the family of Omar (RU). This door of this house went through several changes during the last fourteen hundred years.

First stage:

Part of this house was included in the Mosque during the extension of the Prophet’s Mosque by Caliph Osman (RU) during 29 H.  Osman (RU) constructed another house for Hafsa (RUA) and provided an entrance in it for an easy access to the Mosque.

Second stage: 

The remaining part of this house was included in the mosque during the extension by Omar bin Abdul Aziz during 91 H.  He also provided an alternate house for the family of Omar (RU). This house also had a door for an easy entry into the Prophet’s Mosque.  Family of Omar (RU) used this door very frequently.

Third stage:

Note that there are two rows of pillars between the Mehrab Osmani and Mehrab Nabawi. Caliph Mehdi bin Mansur Abbasi constructed a covered path from the southern wall of the Mosque up to the first row of pillars during 165 H. The family of Omar (RU) was stopped to use the door of their house for entry into the Mosque. Alternately an underground tunnel was dug to provide an access to the Mosque for the family of Omar (RU). This tunnel opened where the second row of pillars is with reference to the Mehrab Osmani.  Family of Omar (RU) used this approach to the mosque. The iron window in the visitors’ gallery, that still exists, replaced the door of their house.

When family of Omar (RU) passed away one by one, this underground passage was closed and a lock was put on its door. The door to this tunnel was opened during the Hajj period for visitors. The tunnel became very crowded in due course of time and the intermingling of men and women in it was also undesirable. Sultan Ashraf Qaitabai closed it for good during 888 H. At present the iron window in the visitors’ gallery for Salam marks the site of the house of the family of Omar (RU).

10.  Marvan bin Hakam (RU) and his house:

His full name is Marvan bin Hakam bin Abu-ul-As. He was born in Makkah and he went to Taif with his father in his childhood. He did not see the Prophet (SAS) in person. In 64 H he became a Caliph but died in 65 H.

He dug the blue fountain near Madina and he developed all the land around the Prophet’s Mosque.  He was very witty and courageous.

He left a will according to which he appointed his sons, Abdul Malik and later Abdul Aziz as caliphs.

Sakhavi said that according to some scholars just living as a muslim during the lifetime of the Prophet (SAS) is enough to be counted among his companions. According to them seeing the Prophet (SAS) in person is not necessary.  Such scholars count Marvan bin Hakam among the companions of the Prophet (SAS).

As seen in the map, the house of Marvan bin Hakam was west of the house of Abdullah bin Omar and stretched as far as Bab Salam.

After Marvan, his house became the permanent residence of the governor of Madina. Finally Sultan Qalavun converted it into a facility for ablution. This facility existed till ninth century Hijrah.

Later Bashiria School was built here, which lasted till the first Saudi extension in 1372H. Soon after this the Justice Department Building was constructed over this site. King Fahd removed this building during the major extension and part of this land was included in the southern hall and remaining in the southern open space.