The Lock Ring Artifact of the Door of the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad is an ancient lock ring that adorned the door of the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad. It is made of silver and inscribed with some verses, names, and prayers.
Dimensions of the lock ring
Length: Twenty-three cm.
Width: 18.5 cm.
Height: Four cm.
History of the lock ring
The lock ring of the door of the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad dates back to the Ottoman period, and it is attributed to the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque (now the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.)
It is currently housed in the National Museum in the capital, Riyadh. This lock ring was one of the selected artifacts, alongside other archaeological collections from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the Saudi Archeological Masterpieces Through the Ages Exhibition.
Significance of the lock ring
This silver lock ring, adorned with calligraphic inscriptions in Thuluth script, featured on the lock ring of the door of the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad in the Prophet's Mosque in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah reflects the utmost care devoted to the affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. It highlights the advanced level of metalworking craftsmanship in the Islamic world during that period. The artisan demonstrated remarkable skill in meeting the manufacturing demands of that time. It is believed that the silver ring was fixed at the central edge of one of the door leaves of the Prophetic Chamber, in alignment with the position of the door’s lock tongue on the other leaf of the same door.
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