Unpacking a Popular Rumour in Masjid an-Nabawi
Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah is filled with reverence, history, and stories that people love to share. Yet not every widely circulated claim holds up when we look for reliable historical evidence. In this video by Junaid Hussain, the focus is the famous Green Dome—and a rumour that many travellers have heard: that a body lies on top of it.
The story goes that a man climbed the dome intending to damage it, was struck by lightning, and was then buried where he fell. While the tale is popular, the video makes an important point: there is no known reliable historical evidence supporting this claim.
So, What Is That Raised Feature on the Green Dome?
According to the video, the small raised feature visible on the dome is commonly identified differently. Rather than being a grave, it’s typically described as a sealed aperture or opening—a closed section of the structure rather than human remains.
This matters, because it helps travellers understand what they’re seeing with greater clarity. When you visit, it’s natural to wonder about every detail, but it’s also worth holding to evidence-based understanding—especially in sacred places where stories can spread faster than facts.
Why You Should Not Confuse the Dome Feature with the Sacred Chamber
The video also highlights a key distinction: the Green Dome should not be confused with the Sacred Chamber below.
Whereas the raised feature on top is not considered a burial site, the Sacred Chamber is the place held in special reverence—where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was buried, alongside his companions Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and Umar ibn al-Khattab, رضي الله عنهما.
In other words: if your heart is drawn to the most significant locations tied to the Prophet’s ﷺ resting place, your attention belongs to what lies below—not to the rumours above.
A Window Above the Prophet ﷺ: A Different Narration
The video further explains that one reason people discuss the sealed feature is that, in some narrations, a window was opened above the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to connect the sacred space with the sky.
As shared in the transcript, after the passing of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, there was reportedly a period of drought. One of his blessed wives instructed people in Madinah to open an opening above the Prophet ﷺ so that nothing would stand between him and the sky—after it was opened, it rained. The narrator notes, Subhan Allah, reflecting how profoundly such a story moves believers.
Whether you hear this as a narration you’ve previously known or you’re encountering it for the first time, the takeaway is clear: the discussion around the Green Dome is often tied to symbolism, connection, and mercy—rather than a sensational account of a burial.
Historic Notes Mentioned in the Video
- Location: Above the Sacred Chamber at Masjid an-Nabawi
- First dome: Constructed in 678 AH (1279 CE)
- Builder: Mamluk Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun
- Painted green: Mentioned as 1253 AH (1837 … in the video description, with the details truncated)
Note: The video description is truncated after the year for the green painting, so further details beyond what’s shown are not included here.
How to Experience This Wonder in Madinah
For pilgrims and visitors alike, standing in Masjid an-Nabawi is more than sightseeing—it’s an atmosphere of remembrance. When you look up at the Green Dome, let your focus be guided by respectful understanding:
- Remember that the “body on top” claim is presented as unsupported by reliable historical evidence.
- Consider that the visible feature is commonly identified as a sealed opening.
- Keep your attention on the Sacred Chamber below, where the Prophet ﷺ and two of his closest companions are revered.
Plan Your Madinah Visit with Sakina Tours
Want your Umrah or Madinah journey to feel meaningful, not rushed? At Sakina Tours, we create curated travel experiences designed around your spiritual focus and comfort—so you can worship with clarity, reflect with ease, and explore with confidence.
If you’d like help planning your trip to Madinah, contact Sakina Tours today and let us tailor a stay that matches your journey and your pace.
