Ahmed Zaki Yamani’s Speech:
Ahmed Zaki Yamani expresses his honor in receiving the award and speaks in Arabic. He highlights the spread of Islam and the Islamic State’s achievements, including its scientific and cultural influence. Yamani emphasizes the importance of the book and reading in Islamic civilization and the impact it had on scholars. He acknowledges the role of libraries in preserving and disseminating knowledge and the trade of books in Islamic civilization. Yamani mentions the significance of preserving Islamic manuscripts and his work in this field since 1959. He discusses the efforts of the Furqan Institution of Islamic Heritage and the organization of international conferences and seminars. Yamani expresses his gratitude to Amir Kazim, Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, and the Council of Experts for their recognition.

Award Presentation to Dr. Ramadan Sheeshan:
The Council of Experts of Al Furqan Foundation for Islamic Heritage awards Dr. Ramadan Sheeshan for his contributions to preserving manuscripts in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. The award recognizes his scientific work in Islamic historical studies. The institution extends congratulations and best wishes for his continued progress and success.

Additional Information:
A reception will be held in the basement after the lecture.

Introduction:
The discovery of the house of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is a topic of great interest to Muslims worldwide, especially those with a deep connection to Mecca and the Al-Bayt.

Location and Layout:
The house is located in Mecca, adjacent to the house of Abu Sufyan, the father of Muawiyah. The entrance to the house is through a set of stairs leading down to the guest room, known as hujrat al-wufud. From there, a small corridor leads to three different rooms:

Room 1:
This room was where the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and his wife Khadijah lived. It is where all their children were born, including Sayyidah Fatima Az-Zahra.

Room 2:
This is the room known as Hujrat al-Ta’bud, the room of worship. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) would pray and receive revelations from the angel Gabriel.

Importance and Significance:
For Muslims, especially those with a connection to Mecca or the Al-Bayt, the discovery of the house of the Prophet is a deeply emotional and significant event. It provides a physical connection to the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and offers a glimpse into his private life and spiritual practices.

Additional Information:
The house’s layout and description are based on the work of al-Batnuni, an 18th-century historian. It is important to note that there may be some variations in the accuracy of the information due to the passage of time and the limitations of historical documentation.

Arabic literature: Al-Azraqi, Al-Faqihi, Ibn Jubair, Tabari, Al-Fasi, Al-Batnuni, Ibrahim Rifat Basha, and Muhammad Ali Marabi. Foreign references: John Lewis Burkhardt, Richard Burton, Christian Snok, and Eldon Rutter.

History of the House:
The Prophet married Sayyida Khadija at age 25, and they lived together in this house.

Historical Significance:
The Prophet Muhammad spent 28 years of his life in this house before immigrating to Medina. It was later owned by his cousin, Aqeel ibn Abi Talib, until the Prophet returned to Mecca after its conquest.

Acquisition by Muawiyah:
Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, the Khalifa, acquired the house and converted it into a praying house. He built a Mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, and opened a door between his father’s house and the Prophet’s birthplace.

Renovations and Additions:
Over the centuries, the house underwent renovations and additions by various rulers. Al-Khalifa al-Nasir al-Dinullah al-Abbasi renovated the house in 1180. A tomb called Qubbat al-Wahi was built where Gabriel used to bring revelations to the Prophet. Subsequent renovations were carried out by King al-Ashraf Sha’ban ibn Hussain, King An-Nasir Faraj ibn Malik al-Zahir Barquq, and Sultan Suleiman.

Demolition and Reconstruction:
In 1923, the Saudi troops led by Ash-Sharif Khalid ibn Lu’ayy demolished the tombs and religious places in Mecca, including the Prophet’s birthplace. Years later, the Mayor of Mecca, Abbas Qattan, approached King Abdulaziz and requested permission to build structures at the birthplace and the house of Sayyidah Khadija. King Abdulaziz granted permission, leading to the construction of a building for Qur’an reading and teaching at the birthplace and a library in the house of Sayyidah Khadija.

Early Purpose of the Building:
Initially built for teaching and reciting the Qur’an, but it remained unused for that purpose.

Uncovering the Mihrab:
During the demolition of the upper part of the building, the mihrab was discovered beneath the upper structure.

Location of the Building:
It is situated in close proximity to the Holy Mosque and the Kaaba in Mecca.

Excavation Process:
A fence was erected around the building, and a team of 150 workers worked 24 hours in shifts to excavate and clean the structure.

Significant Rooms:
The excavated building consists of various rooms, including the Hujrat al-Wafud (guest room), the Hujrat al-Wahi (prayer room), and the room where the Prophet’s children were born.

Sayyida Khadija’s Storage Area:
An interesting aspect of the building is a small storage area where Sayyida Khadija kept her merchandise for trading with Europeans.

Prophet Muhammad’s Involvement:
The Prophet Muhammad first worked for Sayyida Khadija and later married her. They lived in this house, which was a significant part of their lives.

Historical Significance of the Prophet’s Mosque:
The guest room, also known as al-mihrab, was built in the Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque has undergone renovations throughout history, including during the time of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan. A container used by the Prophet for making wudu, the ritual washing before prayer, was discovered during the renovations.

Important Places within the Mosque:
Hujrat al-ta’abud is the room where the Prophet worshipped and received teachings from Jibreel. Jerusalem is located in the direction that the Prophet faced when praying in this room. Hujrat al-wafud is the room where guests were received.

Renovations by the Abbasid Caliph:
The Abbasid Caliph renovated the building during a time when the ground level in Mecca was elevated. Stairs and Abbasi tiles, known for their red color, were added during these renovations.

Archaeological Findings:
The archaeological team discovered the original floor level of the building, which had been raised during the renovations. The discovery of the Abbasi tiles confirmed the historical accuracy of the renovations.

Location and Significance:
The Prophet’s house in Mecca holds immense historical importance as the birthplace of Sayyida Fatima Az-Zahra and other children of the Prophet. Initially, a white marble marked the exact spot of her birth, but Ahmed Effendi, the director of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, later constructed a silk-covered structure around it.

Description of the House:
The house consists of three rooms, accessible through a corridor leading to the Hujrat al-Ta’abud and the room where the Prophet lived with his wife for 28 years. The Prophet’s room offered a clear view of the corridor, the guest room, and the stairs.

Sayyidah Fatima Zahra’s Mill:
Sayyidah Fatima Zahra, known for her household work, used a mill to grind wheat. Photographs depict the internal and external parts of this mill, preserving its historical significance.

Precise Study and Documentation:
Extensive and meticulous research was conducted to study the house for the first time, resulting in accurate measurements and detailed documentation. The map created from this study provides precise information about the stairs, guest rooms, walls, and other structural elements.

Preservation and Protection:
To prevent potential worship or veneration of the site, the Salafi concept in religion led to the decision to cover the building completely with sand.

Exact Location:
The exact location of the house is marked on a map relative to the Holy Mosque, As-Safa and Marwa, Al-Mas’a, and other surrounding areas.

Historical Significance:
The house holds significant value in Islamic history as the place where the Prophet lived with his wife for 28 years, where Sayyidah Fatima Zahra was born, and where the Prophet made the difficult decision to emigrate from Mecca.

Historical Excavation and Restoration:
The renovation of the historical site was not undertaken by the Furqan Foundation. The work was commissioned by a non-profit company formed by the speaker to preserve ancient buildings and study historical sites. The excavation, cleaning, and documentation of the site took approximately three weeks to complete.

Location and Significance of the Site:
The site is located in Mecca, near the old Mas’ha. The building on the site is known as Bayt Sittana Fatima or Bayt Sittana Khadija. It is believed to be the house of Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. The building is also significant as the birthplace of Sayyida Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad.

Historical Context:
The renovation was undertaken in 1989, several years after the speaker left government service. The site was chosen for renovation because it did not have any religious significance, unlike other historical sites in Mecca.

Location:
The house where the Prophet prayed in Mecca is located in a narrow street near the old mosque, Bab al-Nabi. It is accessible from Zuqaq al-Hajar, which is about 75 meters from Bab al-Nabi.

History:
The house was built by Abbas Ghaffan, the mayor of Mecca, and later demolished. Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan used the house as a prayer room (musalla). Muslims considered the house to be next in line to the Holy Mosque in terms of importance.

Features:
The house is small and modest, with several small rooms. The prayer room where the Prophet prayed is very small and simple.

The Prophet’s House:
The Prophet’s house was a modest one compared to other houses in Makkah. The guest room was long and narrow, measuring about 5 by 2 and a half meters. The corridor was small, measuring about one meter and a quarter by one meter and a quarter. The room where the Prophet worshipped and meditated was about one and a half meters by one and a half meters. The largest room, where the Prophet lived, was about four and a half meters by four and a half meters. The room where the Prophet’s daughters and brother Al-Qasim were born was long and irregular in shape, measuring about six meters by three and a half meters.

Other Historical Structures in Makkah:
The house of Abdul Muttalib, where the Prophet was born, was larger than the Prophet’s house. The house of Abu Sufyan was the beginning of the Umayyad area in Makkah. The house of Abu Talib, where Imam Ali was born, was demolished and replaced by a school building. Many historical houses in Makkah have been demolished, and only a few remain, such as the Maktabat Mecca Al-Mukarramah.

Logical Explanation for Preserving and Burying the House:
The preservation of the Prophet’s house is a matter of judgment and religious significance rather than logical reasoning. Some believe that preserving the house might lead to deviation from the true religion, while others argue that it is essential for preserving the history and heritage of Islam.

Religious Beliefs and the Preservation of Sacred Sites:
In Islam, the preservation of sacred sites like the Prophet’s house is highly valued and prioritized. Masjid an-Nabaw in Medina, where the Prophet is buried, is a prime example of a site that is highly revered and protected. Religious leaders and authorities play a crucial role in preserving and maintaining the sanctity of these sites.

Respecting Religious Beliefs and Traditions:
It is important to respect religious beliefs and traditions, even if one disagrees with them. Archaeological excavations at the Prophet’s house revealed various writings and inscriptions added by different rulers and leaders over time. While there were extensive writings in the holy mosque itself, no writings from early period judges were found in the Prophet’s house.

Mecca’s Ancient Inscriptions:
The old mosque in Mecca contains writings from various historical periods, including the Umayyad, Ibn al-Zubayr, and al-Mahdi eras. These writings reflect the beliefs and practices of the time, including the belief in seeking divine assistance through prayer.

Mecca’s Trade History:
Mecca served as a significant international trade center, with trade routes extending to India, Oman, Yemen, and Ethiopia. The Arabs imported goods such as perfume, spices, silk, and wine, while exporting local products and items obtained through trade. The trade system in Mecca was sophisticated and played a vital role in the region’s economy.

Excavation Plans:
Saudi Arabia actively encourages excavations for pre-Islamic civilizations, recognizing its rich history in this area. However, Mecca and Medina are excluded from these excavations due to their religious significance. Excavations in Mecca would result in the permanent burial of any discovered artifacts and structures.

Historical Writings and Renovation Records:
Some historical writings and records exist in Mecca, providing insights into the renovations and constructions carried out by various sultans and rulers. These writings help document the history of Mecca and the changes it has undergone over time.

Historical Significance:
The excavation and exploration of historical sites in Mecca have significance from a historical and academic perspective. However, these efforts may face opposition from those who view them as conflicting with Islamic teachings and traditions. The speaker acknowledges that not everyone shares his opinion on the importance of historical exploration in Mecca.

Aqeel’s Acquisition of the House:
The house was initially known as Dar Huzayma. After Sayyidina Khadija’s passing, the Prophet became the sole owner of the house. Aqeel, the Prophet’s cousin, took possession of the house. Upon the Prophet’s return to Mecca, Aqeel politely informed him of his ownership, which the Prophet accepted.

Connection to the Prophet through Autobiography:
The speaker discusses the emotional connection one can feel to the Prophet through autobiography. The film “The Message” recreated a perception of London at the time, but it’s unclear if this was offensive or an attempt to rewrite history.

The Delivery Room and Children’s Room:
The second largest room in the house was not exclusively used for delivery. It served as the children’s room and the place where the Prophet’s wives would give birth.

Objects Related to the Prophet and Changes to the House:
The mill of Sayyidah Fatima was left in the house and later acquired by Muawiyah. Changes were made to the mihrab, tiles, and the addition of a tomb on top of the worshipping room, known as Qubbat al Wahy.