It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away, there was one man in Madinah Munawwarah who would make a lahd (niche) grave and another who would make a box-shaped (shaqq) grave. The noble Companions consulted and decided that they would seek guidance (istikhara) from Allah Almighty regarding this matter, and they would send a message to both of them and call them. Whichever one arrived later, they would let him be. So, a message was sent to both, and the one who made the lahd grave arrived first. Thus, they prepared a lahd (niche) grave for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).