The Remarkable Engineering of the Automated Umbrellas at Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ

Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ, a revered center of spirituality and devotion for Muslims worldwide, stands as a beacon of not only religious significance but also modern technological innovation. To protect the millions of visitors who come to worship from the harsh sun and rain, 250 colossal automated umbrellas have been installed, exemplifying the highest standards of engineering expertise.

**The Automated System: A Technological Marvel**

These automated umbrellas are controlled by a central control room, located in the parking area of Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ. As detailed in a special video report by Sultan Al-Sulami on Al Arabiya’s flagship program *Min Al-Haramain*, these umbrellas open 15 minutes before sunrise and close 45 minutes before sunset, ensuring that visitors are shielded from the elements throughout the day.

**Providing Shade to a Vast Area**

The umbrellas cover an expansive area of 140,000 square meters within the mosque’s courtyard, offering shade to as many as 230,000 worshippers at once. These umbrellas do more than just provide comfort; they protect the faithful from the intensity of both scorching heat and torrential rain, offering a safe and serene environment for prayer.

**Engineering Complexity and Unique Design**

According to engineer Abdullah Al-Mohammadi, the umbrellas were designed with a unique geometrical structure. Their heights vary slightly to avoid any obstruction when they close. The lower umbrella reaches a height of 14 meters and 40 centimeters, while the upper umbrella is 15 meters and 30 centimeters tall. When fully closed, the umbrellas’ combined height reaches 120 meters and 70 centimeters.

Each umbrella weighs 40 tons and provides shade over a 25-meter radius. The design also includes a decorative crown and spire made of copper, adorned with a layer of gold, which adds an aesthetic touch to the otherwise functional structure.

Engineer Al-Mohammadi further elaborates on the automatic system controlling the umbrellas, which ensures their smooth opening and closing process, making the operation both efficient and safe.

**A Fusion of Islamic Architecture and Modern Engineering**

These automated umbrellas are not only a convenience for worshippers, but they also represent a rare fusion of Islamic architectural heritage and modern engineering. This unparalleled system is a source of comfort and peace for the guests of Allah, serving as a testament to the advanced technical capabilities of the Islamic world.

For Muslims worldwide, the presence of such advanced engineering at such a holy site is not just a marvel of technology, but also a living symbol of love and devotion. Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ is much more than a place of worship; it is a sacred site where the blessed presence of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is deeply felt. Every corner, every column, every courtyard of the mosque illuminates the hearts of believers with the light of faith and love.

The shade provided by these umbrellas is not merely a shield against the sun and rain—it is a testament to the grandeur and beauty of the mosque, a symbol of dignity and reverence, and a source of spiritual comfort and peace for Muslims across the world.