Al-Wufud, the "Delegations" Column

The Prophet Muhammad did not only worship in the Prophet's Mosque; he also conducted state and diplomatic affairs. The mosque served as both a place of worship and a center of administration. The Al-Ustuwanatu'l-Wufud (The Envoys' Column) marks the place where the Prophet received delegations from Arab tribes, neighboring states, and various communities. At this point, those who wished to become Muslims would pledge allegiance; those who wanted to learn about Islam would receive religious education here. In the years before the Prophet's death, with the expansion of the Islamic geography, many delegations began to arrive from various Arab tribes; this period is referred to as "Sanatu'l-Wufud" (Year of the Delegations, 9 AH/630-631 CE). The Prophet generally received these delegations next to the Al-Wufud Column in the Prophet's Mosque. The column is located to the north of the Guard Column (Al-Ustuwanatu'l-Hares) and is near the Hujra al-Saadah. [Source: "Prophet's Mosque", TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/mescid-i-nebevi; Diyanet News, Columns in the Rawdah al-Mutahhara]