Masjid Nimrah

Located in Waadi Urana, Masjid Nimrah is constructed where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered the last sermon and led the congregational prayer. Read on to learn more about the significance of Masjid Nimrah in Islam.

What Is the Significance of Masjid Nimrah to Muslims?

Masjid Nimrah marks the location where the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stayed before delivering his final sermon on the plain of Arafat. Being among the most sacred Islamic monuments, even today, during Hajj, it’s the duty of the Imam of Masjid Nimrah to deliver the last sermon before the Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed together.

Where Is Masjid Nimrah Located?

Located in the plains of Arafat at Wadi Uranah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Masjid Nimrah is a significant Islamic landmark.

What Is the Name of the Mosque in Arafat?

Masjid Nimrah is a famous mosque located in Arafat. It is the place from where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered the last sermon.

What Is the Capacity of Masjid Nimrah?

With 64 doors, 10 main entrances, three domes and six minarets, Masjid Nimrah has a capacity of 350,000 people.

The History of Masjid Nimrah

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) camped after reaching Arafat on 9th Dhul Hajj 10 AH during the Farewell Hajj. After resting for a while, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) got up at midday, sat on his camel and delivered the last sermon at Wadi Urana. Following this, he (PBUH) along with 100,000 companions, completed Hajj.

Soon after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) finished addressing the Ummah, Allah (SWT) sent a revelation which said, “Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you, and I have chosen Islam; as your religion.” [Quran 5:3]

During the second century of Islam, Masjid Nimrah was built on the same place where the last sermon was delivered and the salah (prayer) was led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Moreover, because Wadi Urana is located outside the boundaries of Arafat, that section of Masjid Nimrah is also outside its boundaries.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Last Sermon

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today. O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.

Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…

Beware of Shaitan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.

Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”

Facts about Masjid Nimrah

Situated in the plain of Arafat, Masjid Nimrah is one of the most famous Masjids (Mosque) as the Khutbah (Sermon) for Hajj is aired from the holy mosque. Some lesser-known facts about Masjid Nimrah are as follows:

Fact 1: Some Parts of Masjid Nimrah Are Outside Arafat

Located outside the boundaries of Arafat, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered the last sermon from Wadi Urana. This fact and the huge number of Muslims visiting the mosque every year during Hajj or Umrah were taken into consideration during the construction of Masjid Nimrah. Because of this, Masjid Nimrah is divided into two units today; the first unit is inside the Arafat region, whereas the second one is built on the spot where the last sermon was given.

Fact 2: Hajj Cannot Be Performed by Staying at Masjid Nimrah

It is essential to know that the first part, or the front section of Masjid Nimrah is outside the axis of Arafat. Therefore, if a Muslim stays there after midday, there’s a high chance that their Hajj becomes invalid. In simpler words, one must enter the plains of Arafat at least one between the sunset and midday in order to complete the rituals of Hajj.

To make it easier for the Muslim pilgrims, several sign boards are placed inside Masjid Nimrah, guiding them to stay inside the second half and head towards the Arafat region to offer the combined prayers of Dhuhr and Asr.

Fact 3: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Delivered the Last Sermon Here

According to Islamic history, on 9th Dhul Hajj 10AH, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) camped at Arafat and delivered the Last Sermon at Wadi Urana. Today, Masjid Nimrah stands in the same place. Some important points discussed in the last sermon included the following: that the life of every Muslim is sacred, all Muslims are brothers to one another, everyone is created equal, women must be dealt with kindly and given their rights, one must abstain from doing business that includes interest, and finally that the worldly life is temporary.

Masjid Nimrah – Summary

Known as one of the biggest mosques, Masjid Nimrah is built on the place where the last sermon was delivered by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

 

Through His Names

New course with

Ustadh Shabbir Hassan