The eight pillars
| Pillar | Where it stands | Why it is remembered |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Mukhallaqah (the Perfumed Pillar) | In front of the Prophet's mihrab, on the qibla side. | Named for its fragrance. After the qibla changed, the Prophet ﷺ led the obligatory prayers here, and the companions sought to pray at this spot. |
| Aishah's Pillar (al-Qur'ah, the Pillar of Lots) | Third from the minbar, third from the grave and third from the qibla. | The Prophet ﷺ spoke of the virtue of this place; the Muhajirun of Quraysh gathered here, and people drew lots to pray at it. |
| At-Tawbah (the Pillar of Repentance, Abu Lubabah's Pillar) | Fourth from the minbar, second from the grave, third from the qibla. | The companion Abu Lubabah tied himself to it in repentance for a grave mistake, until his repentance was accepted — a sign of forgiveness. |
| As-Sarir (the Pillar of the Bed) | East of the Pillar of Repentance, by the window facing the Rawdah. | The Prophet ﷺ would retreat for i'tikaf here; a bed of palm fronds and a pillow were laid for him. |
| Al-Mahras (the Pillar of the Guard) | Behind the Pillar of the Bed, opposite the small door the Prophet ﷺ used to come out for prayer. | Also called Ali's Pillar — Ali ibn Abi Talib sat here to guard the Prophet ﷺ. |
| Al-Wufud (the Pillar of the Delegations) | Behind the Pillar of the Guard, to the north. | Where the Prophet ﷺ received visiting delegations; also a gathering place for the leading companions. |
| Murabba'at al-Qabr (the Square Pillar of the Tomb) | Inside the enclosure of the Prophet's Chamber, on its west side. | Known as the place of Jibril (peace be upon him), near the door of the house of Fatimah, the Prophet's daughter. |
| At-Tahajjud (the Pillar of the Night Prayer) | Behind the house of Fatimah, to the north, by a small mihrab. | Where the Prophet ﷺ prayed at night. |
When you visit
- Most of these pillars are inside the Rawdah, which needs a Nusuk permit — see The Noble Rawdah.
- Some, such as the Square Pillar of the Tomb, stand within the enclosure of the Prophet's Chamber and can only be seen from outside.
- Crowds move steadily through the Rawdah; read the plaques as you walk and follow the staff's directions rather than stopping.
Source: General Authority — The well-known pillars of the Prophet's Mosque