What is the Mystery Behind the Structure Above the Green Dome in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi?

In the book Nuzhat al-Nazirin by Sayyid Ja’far Barzanji, quoting Zain al-Din al-Maraghi, it is mentioned:

“Opening a ventilation hole (kuwa) during times of drought is a tradition of the people of Madinah, and they still practice it to this day. They open a ventilation hole in the lower dome of the sacred chamber (the inner dome) from the direction of the Qiblah, even though the ceiling stands between the noble grave and the sky.”

Sayyid al-Samhudi also stated:

“When al-Shuja’i Shahin al-Jamali constructed the upper parts of the Green Dome, he placed a ventilation hole covered with an iron grate. He also made an aligned opening in the lower dome, which replaced the ceiling of the noble chamber, and fitted it with a similar grate. Furthermore, he installed a door over this grate, which was opened during prayers for rain. Hence, there is no other opening in the inner dome except for this specified ventilation hole.”

The Significance of the Structure Above the Green Dome

What can be seen above the Green Dome today is actually a windowed opening (kuwa). This opening, located on the Qiblah side, aligns precisely with the ventilation hole that was historically opened above the Prophet’s grave during the time of Umm al-Mu’minin, Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), as a means of seeking divine mercy and rainfall.

The Hadith reported by Imam al-Darimi in his Sunan under the chapter The Honor Allah Bestowed Upon His Prophet After His Passing states:

Abu Nu’man narrated to us, Sa’id bin Zayd narrated to us, ‘Amr bin Malik al-Nakri narrated to us, and Abu al-Jawza’ Aws bin Abdullah said:

“The people of Madinah suffered a severe drought. They complained to Aisha, who advised them: ‘Look upon the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and make an opening in its direction towards the sky so that there is no ceiling between it and the heavens.’ They did so, and rain poured down until vegetation sprouted, livestock became healthy and fat, and the year was later called **‘The Year of Expansion’ (Aam al-Fatq).”

Understanding the Concept of Kuwa

The term kuwa (plural: kawi) refers to an opening or ventilation hole. This historical practice reflects the deep faith of the people of Madinah in seeking Allah’s mercy through the blessings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), even after his passing.

Thus, the structure visible today atop the Green Dome is not merely an ornament but holds historical and religious significance, serving as a reminder of the sacred traditions practiced in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.