There is an electric bulb that has been lighting up the Prophet’s Mosque for the past 112 years. This is as old as the electricity in the Arabian Peninsula and was installed in 1325 Hijri (Islamic calendar).
Early days of lighting at the Prophet’s Mosque: from palm fronds to oil lamps
The construction of the mosque took place between 1265 and 1277 Hijri under the Ottoman ruler Sultan Abdul Majid’s era. At that time, oil lamps were used for lighting. It was during Sultan Abdul Majid’s reign that electricity was introduced, and the first electric bulb was lit in the mosque of Madinah on Shaban 25, 1326H.
Expansion work was undertaken between 1370H and 1375H under King Abdul Aziz, and a special power station was established for lighting the Holy Mosque of Madinah. The number of bulbs or lamps reached 2,427.
Expansion and modernization of lighting at the Holy Mosque of Madinah
It is interesting to note that the Holy Mosque of Madinah was originally lit by palm fronds. Tameem Al-Dari changed to oil lamps when he came from Palestine in 9H, as narrated by Abu Nuaim, who referred to Abu Hurairah as saying that the one who first lit a lamp in the mosque was Tameem Al-Dari.
The longevity of this particular bulb is a testament to the durability of old electrical equipment. It also serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution of technology and how far we have come since the early days of electricity.
The durability and significance of the 112-Year-old electric bulb
The electric bulb in the Holy Mosque of Madinah is a fascinating piece of history and a symbol of the advancements made in technology over the years. Its longevity and significance make it a remarkable piece of human achievement that deserves recognition and admiration.
The fact that this electric bulb has been lighting up the Prophet’s Mosque for over a century is truly remarkable. It is a testament to the durability of old electrical equipment, as modern bulbs typically last between 1,000 to 2,000 hours. This bulb has been in operation for more than 1 million hours, and it is still going strong.
It is also interesting to note that this was installed at a time when electricity was a relatively new technology in the Arabian Peninsula. The early days of electricity were fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but the engineers and technicians who installed this were able to overcome those obstacles and create a reliable source of light.
Symbolism of the electric bulb
It is a symbol of the advancements made in technology over the years. Today, we take electricity and electric bulbs for granted, but it was not always the case. The installation of this was a significant milestone in the history of electricity in the Arabian Peninsula and the world.
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Its significance goes beyond its age and durability. It also serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Prophet’s Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam. The mosque has undergone many changes and renovations over the centuries, but this bulb has remained a constant source of light throughout that time.
