Medinah Sharif, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 24.470302, 39.606791
Saqifah Bani Sa’idah, commonly known as simply Saqifah, was a roofed building in Medina Sharif used by the Banu Sa’idah clan of the Banu Khazraj tribe.
Saqifah is significant as the site where, after Hz. Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ passing away some of his companions gathered and pledged allegiance to Hz. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, electing him as the first Caliph.
This is the Garden where the noble Ansar gathered after the passing away of Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to discuss who should be the new leader of the Muslims.
Hz. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه came here to remind the Ansar of their blessing but also to remind them that the leadership should be from the Muhajirin.
In the end Hz. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was appointed khalifah here.
Literal Meaning
A roofed building which has a arcade is called “saqifa”.
It seems that some Arab tribes or maybe all of them had such a place where they gathered to consult each other and make decisions on public affairs.
Location
It was well known historically and located on the western side of al-Masjid al-Nabawi beside the well of Bida’a.
Hz. Sa’d b. ‘Ubada رضي الله عنه, who was the candidate of Ansar for caliphate, lived near Saqifa.
It is remarkable that the importance of this place is due to the historical event in which a group of Muslims paid allegiance to Hz. Abu bakr رضي الله عنه. (see: Event of Saqifa Bani Sa’ida)
There is no information in history books to show what happened to this place before 1030/1620, but in that year, a person called ‘Ali Pasha constructed a building upon Saqifa to preserve it.
In 1383/1963, the building was destroyed so that a library and a hall for public meetings with the name of Saqifa Bani Sa’ida could be built in its place and the neighboring area. But, no action was made after destruction.
The land, in which Saqifa was located, incorporated a garden (2740 m2) and a power plant (1905 m2) before expansion.
Know This
It is at the west north corner of the Masjid Al-Nawawi.
This place is accessible from Gate 11 till 15.
Usually it remains open from the morning to sunset.
