Ottoman 1203 Hijri / 1788 CE
The Rawdah Al-Sharifa door cover of the Prophet’s ﷺ Chamber in Madinah was produced during the Ottoman period, specifically around 1203 Hijri (1788 CE). The textile is red silk, embroidered with gold and silver thread, and was designed to cover the noble doorway of the Prophet’s ﷺ chamber. The red colour symbolized honour, sanctity, and royal patronage, in line with Ottoman ceremonial traditions. It was considered a sacred and prestigious commission, reflecting the spiritual and political responsibility of those charged with its creation and placement.
Sultan Selim III (Reign: 1204–1222 Hijri / 1790–1807 CE)
Sultan Selim III was an Ottoman ruler known for his reforms and patronage of religious and cultural projects. His reign encompassed efforts to maintain the Ottoman custodianship of the Holy Cities, including Makkah and Madinah, and the commissioning of textiles, including door covers and Kiswas, for the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet’s ﷺ Chamber. He supported the tradition of sending annual donations, gifts, and coverings to the sacred sites, reflecting both political authority and spiritual responsibility
قد نرى تقلب وجهك في السماء فلنولينك قبلة ترضاها فول وجهك شطر المسجد الحرام
‘’We have certainly seen the turning of your face toward the heaven, so We will surely turn you to a direction of prayer that will please you. So turn your face toward al- Masjid al-Ḥarām’’
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِلْعَالَمِينَ
‘’Indeed, the first House established for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah) — blessed and a guidance for the worlds.”
مولانا سلطان سليم يطلب شفاعة هذا المحراب النبوي الشريف سند ١٢٠٣
“Our master Sultan Selim seeks the intercession of this Noble Prophet’s Mihrab, year 1203 Hijri”
