Masjid As-Sayyid Hashim: The Story Behind the Grave of the Prophet Muhammad’s Grandfather and Gaza’s Name

In the heart of old Gaza City, Masjid As-Sayyid Hashim rises like an elderly figure whose memory remains remarkably fresh—telling its descendants bedtime tales of this ancient coastal city. This mosque, deeply woven into Gaza’s history, is said to be where the Prophet Muhammad’s grandfather, Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, may Allah raise his rank, was buried during one of his trade journeys.

A Timeless Legend in Gaza

Long before Islam’s arrival, Arab traders from the Arabian Peninsula would pass through Gaza. Among them was Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who is believed to have passed away in Gaza during his final trip. Local lore suggests that he rests at the northwest corner of this mosque, located in the ad-Daraj neighborhood, which spans roughly 2,400 square meters. Over many centuries, Masjid As-Sayyid Hashim has stood as one of the foremost historical mosques in this Palestinian city.

Gaza Hisham—A Name with a Story

It is said that the people of Gaza began burying their deceased near the mosque, close to the grave of the Prophet’s grandfather. According to one traditional account, the city took on the name “Gaza Hisham” in reference to his resting place. While the current structure dates back to the Ottoman era, its architectural roots are Mamluk in style. The mosque features a central open-air courtyard, surrounded by three outdoor prayer halls (riwaqs), and a main prayer hall with intersecting arches and a mihrab facing the qiblah. A minbar, renovated in 1850 CE during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I, graces the hall.

Building Stones from a Rich Past

Constructed from ancient stones salvaged from earlier, now-lost buildings—including remnants of Masjid al-Jawali and the site of al-Ablakhiyyah—the mosque also contains materials taken from old structures in Gaza and Asqalan. In 1903 CE, major repairs were undertaken after cracks threatened its collapse, leading to additions along the north and west sides of the main hall.

In 1323 AH (1905 CE, approximately), the minaret of Masjid As-Sayyid Hashim showed signs of instability. It was subsequently rebuilt, and a new prayer house was constructed on the southern side of the mosque. Since that time to the present day, Friday prayers and sermons have been held in this newly built section.

Preserving History and Faith

Historically, the mosque once hosted a large library and a school for religious sciences. However, significant portions were destroyed during World War I. Later, in 1926 CE, the Supreme Islamic Council undertook renovations, and in 2009, the Palestinian Ministries of Awqaf and Antiquities carried out further restoration efforts—reinforcing the minaret after it suffered additional damage.

The Legacy of the Trade Journeys

Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, also known as Abu Hashim, was reportedly the first to establish the summer and winter trading expeditions (rihlatayn) for Quraysh. He visited Gaza each year, staying there throughout the summer. During his last trip, he passed away, and historians affirm that his burial in Gaza inspired the city’s name, Gaza Hisham. Over time, Muslims continued to use the same burial ground, gradually expanding the cemetery surrounding Hashim’s resting place. Although the precise spot has blurred with the passage of centuries, the story of Masjid As-Sayyid Hashim remains well-known among the residents, marking Gaza’s enduring link to the lineage of the Prophet, peace be upon him.