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Al-Fadikh Mosque

: An Archaeological Symbol on the Edges of Wadi Buthan

Madinah

Al-Fadikh Mosque, located east of Quba Mosque, was constructed on a place where a tent was pitched for the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) during the siege of Banu al-Nadir. It was built with black basalt stones and is also known as Masjid al-Shams (The Sun Mosque).

Al-Fadikh Mosque is situated 3 kilometres away from the Prophet’s Mosque to the east of Quba Mosque, on the edge of Wadi Buthan.

It is a small, square-plan mosque constructed of black basalt stone, which lends it a solid yet understated appearance. The mosque comprises a courtyard, five domes, and a single portico measuring no more than 20 meters in length and approximately 4 meters in width. It has no minaret.

Most likely, Al-Fadikh Mosque was built during the era of Umar bin Abdulaziz. It was later renovated during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid I in 1266 AH / 1850 AD. This underscores the sustained care successive generations have devoted to Madinah’s landmarks.

As for the mosque's location, it was the site of a tent pitched for the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) during the siege of Banu al-Nadir in Rabi’ al-Awwal, 4 AH / 625 AD. Accordingly, the site acquired historical value closely associated with the Prophetic biography.

The mosque was named after "Al-Fadikh," which refers to wine extracted from dates. In a well-known incident, some of the Companions poured out the wine they possessed after its prohibition was revealed; the name thus remains a witness to a pivotal social moment. It was also known as Masjid al-Shams (The Sun Mosque) due to its elevation, which causes sunlight to reach it before the neighbouring buildings.

Accordingly, Al-Fadikh Mosque remains a prominent landmark reflecting the connection between places and events in the history of Madinah. It continues to stand as a witness to the preservation of its landmarks throughout the ages.