Masjid Shajarah – Mosque of the tree

Meaning “Mosque of the Tree,” Masjid Shajarah is a small mosque located in the neighbourhood of Shib Aamir (Valley of Aamir). Based on Islamic narrations, Masjid Shajarah marks the site where the miracle of the tree took place.

Since Masjid Shajarah is located close to Masjid al-Rayah and Masjid al-Jinn in the as-Sulaymaniyyah district, and so the three mosques are often confused with one another. Keep reading to learn more about Masjid Shajarah.

What Is Masjid Shajarah?

Situated adjacent to the famous Masjid al-Jinn, Masjid Shajarah literally means “Mosque of the Tree.” Masjid Shajarah marks the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), after being rejected by the Hajoon tribe, called upon a tree as a sign of Allah SWT, and to his (PBUH) surprise, the tree walked towards him.

Even though it is sometimes referred to as Masjid in Dhul Hulayfah, Masjid Shajarah is a different mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

What Is the Significance of Masjid Shajarah?

Umar (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was at Hajoon when some disbelievers (Mushrikeen) rejected the invitation to Islam.

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT then prayed, “O Allah SWT! Show me such a sign after which I would have no concern for the rejection of the people.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was then instructed to summon a nearby tree. To his (PBUH) surprise, the tree tore through the ground and walked towards the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT.

The miraculous tree offered Salam to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and returned to its place as soon as the Messenger (PBUH) instructed. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then said, “I now have no concern for the people’s rejection.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id)

Where Is Masjid Shajarah Located?

Masjid Shajarah is located opposite Masjid al-Jinn in the Mala district of the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Architecture of the Mosque

Masjid Shajarah is a small-sized rectangular mosque oriented north-south.

The entrance of the Mosque of the Tree is from the west, and is topped by a single large dome and one beautiful minaret adjoining at the southeast corner.

Other Masjids

Mosques, called Masjid in Arabic, are the heart of the religion of Islam. They not only serve as a place for congregational prayers, but Masjids are also the centre of Islamic education and information and a place for people to find peace, freedom, and equality. Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says, “And (He revealed) that the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone.” [Surah Al-Jinn, 72:18]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give Shade of His Throne on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne’s Shade: A just ruler; a youth who grew up worshipping Allah; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up.” (Muttafaqun’ Alayh)

The sacred city of Makkah is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Listed below are three of the most popular mosques of Makkah, Saudi Arabia:

Masjid Aisha

Also known as Masjid at-Tan’eem, Masjid Aisha is located 7.5 kilometres south of Makkah on the road to Madinah.  Masjid Aisha is built on the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed Aisha (RA) to enter the state of Ihram to perform Umrah during Hajjat ul-Wida (Farewell Pilgrimage).

Masjid at-Tan’eem is also the closest to the Miqat of Haram, marking it as the ideal place to get into Ihram for those residing within the boundaries of Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Masjid Uqbah/Biah

Situated close to Mina, Masjid Uqbah/Biah is constructed on the spot where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 621 CE.

This group of Ansar included twelve people in total, including the leaders of the Khazraj and Aws tribes.

Masjid al-Rayah Makkah

Masjid al-Rayah marked the spot where the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT planted the flag of Islam after the conquest of Mecca in 8AH.

It was also known as Masjid Jowdariyyah. However, Masjid al-Rayah was demolished in 1431 AH (2009).

Summary – Masjid Shajarah

Masjid Shajarah marks the spot where the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT called a nearby tree after the message of Islam was rejected by the people of the Hajoon tribe.

In order to give hope to the Prophet (PBUH), Allah SWT commanded the tree to walk towards the Messenger (PBUH) and offer Salam to him (PBUH) before returning to its original place, giving it the name the “Mosque of the Tree.”