Rawdah, al-
Definition
Rawdah, al- refers to two distinct but significant places in Islamic history:
- An area within the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, situated near the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb and often described in hadith literature as a paradisaical garden (rawdah).
- An island and residential area in the Nile River between al-Fustat (on the eastern bank) and Al-Giza (on the western side) in Egypt, historically hosting a naval arsenal, fortresses, splendid buildings, and gardens.
Etymology
The Arabic term روضه (rawdah) translates to “garden” or “meadow”. The Turkish translation is “Ravda”. The term implies a verdant and paradisiacal space, often evoking an area of peace and sanctity.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Rawdah in Medina
This area within Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (المسجد النبوي) is famously known to Muslims worldwide due to its religious significance. The Prophet Muhammad reputedly said, “What lies between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise” (Sahih Bukhari). Pilgrims often seek to pray in this sacred space due to its eschatological and spiritual importance.
The Rawdah in the Nile
The island, also known as Jazirat al-Miqiyas (جزيرة المقياس) and Jazirat al-Hisn (جزيرة الحصن), was crucial during medieval times. The term “miqyas” refers to the Nilometer, a structure used to measure the Nile River’s water level. This island served as a strategic maritime and residential hub, particularly during the reign of Al-Malik al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub (841–849 AH/1240–1249 CE), who constructed a fortress to house his Bahari Mamluks. The site’s historical artifact reduction over time due to successive rulers using materials to erect structures elsewhere underscores its shifting significance across different periods.
Further Reading and References
To delve deeper into the multifaceted significance of Rawdah, consider the following scholarly works:
- Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong
- The Prophet’s Mosque by RAND Research provides a detailed exploration of the architectural and historical development of al-Masjid an-Nabawi
- The Mamluks: From Slavery to Rule in the Islamic World by Robert Irwin
- Early Islamic Egypt: Towards a Detailed Model of Slavery among Laborers by Roger S. Bagnall.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Rawdah, al- delineates versatile historical and religious loci within Islamic civilization. While Rawdah in Medina is enshrined in religious devotion, celebrating its paradisiacal implications through prayer and reverence, the Nile’s Rawdah captures the dynamic historical junctures of military strategy and residential magnificence.
Understanding these contexts enriches the appreciation of Islamic architectural heritage and religious symbolism, embodying the layers of faith and history ingrained in physical spaces.
This formatted dictionary entry covers Rawdah from both Medina and the Nile’s perspectives, providing a comprehensive look at its religious, historical, and cultural contexts.
