Whether you're visiting for the first time or have been blessed to return multiple times, exploring Masjid Nabawi is an experience filled with tranquility, learning, and awe. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the various parts of the mosque and the surrounding areas, along with the services and opportunities available for visitors.
One of the most special areas inside Masjid Nabawi is Al-Rawdah Al-Shareefah, commonly known as the Rawdah. It is a small but incredibly significant section of the mosque, located between the Prophet’s ﷺ grave and his pulpit (minbar).
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The area between my house and my pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Praying in the Rawdah is a deeply spiritual experience, and many visitors strive to offer at least two rak’ahs of prayer here. The floor of the Rawdah is marked by a distinct green carpet, making it easy to recognize. Due to its importance, access to the Rawdah is regulated, with specific times allocated for men and women to enter.
The most revered part of Masjid Nabawi is the grave of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is housed in the Sacred Chamber (Hujrah). Next to him are the graves of his two closest companions and the first two Caliphs of Islam, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) and Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA).
Visitors approach the chamber with deep reverence, sending salam (peace and blessings) upon the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. While it is encouraged to send greetings, it is important to maintain respect, avoid excessive crowding, and follow the guidelines set by the authorities.
Adjacent to Masjid Nabawi lies Jannatul Baqi (Baqi' Al-Gharqad), the main cemetery of Madinah. It is the final resting place of thousands of the Prophet’s companions (Sahabah), family members, and notable Islamic figures. Among those buried here are Uthman ibn Affan (RA), Fatimah (RA), Aisha (RA), and Imam Malik (RA).
Visitors often stand near the entrance of Baqi’ to make dua for the deceased. However, entry is restricted and usually allowed only for men.
Not far from Masjid Nabawi, you can find Thaqeefatu Banu Sa’idah, the location where the first Caliph, Abu Bakr (RA), was chosen as the leader of the Muslims after the Prophet’s passing. This historic site is often overlooked by visitors, but it holds great significance in the early political history of Islam.
Masjid Nabawi has undergone numerous expansions over the centuries, from the time of Caliph Umar (RA) to the Ottoman period and the modern Saudi expansion. Today, the mosque features ten towering minarets, elegant domes, and a retractable roof that accommodates thousands of worshippers during peak times, such as Ramadan and Hajj season.
Masjid Nabawi is not just a place for prayer—it is a sanctuary for learning, a center for community services, and a hub of convenience for visitors. Here are some of the key offerings:
Although Zamzam water originates from Makkah, it is made readily available in Masjid Nabawi through large cooling dispensers scattered throughout the mosque. Pilgrims can drink this blessed water while they worship, and many bring bottles to take home as a precious souvenir.
Masjid Nabawi is a place of knowledge, with daily Islamic lessons and lectures conducted by esteemed scholars. These sessions, available in multiple languages, cover a wide range of topics including Hadith, Tafsir, and Fiqh. Many pilgrims take advantage of these lessons to enrich their spiritual and religious knowledge.
For those visiting by car, Masjid Nabawi offers underground parking facilities, ensuring that visitors have a safe and convenient place to leave their vehicles while they pray and explore.
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, many worshippers participate in I’tikaf, a spiritual retreat where they dedicate themselves solely to worship inside the mosque. Masjid Nabawi provides designated areas for I’tikaf, along with food and amenities to accommodate worshippers.
One of the most iconic features of Masjid Nabawi is the giant retractable umbrellas that cover the courtyard. These provide shade to worshippers, especially during the hot summer months. The umbrellas open and close automatically, creating a mesmerizing sight during Fajr and Maghrib.
Masjid Nabawi is fully accessible for disabled individuals, with wheelchair assistance available for elderly and differently-abled visitors. Elevators and ramps ensure smooth movement throughout the mosque.
Unlike many mosques that close at night, Masjid Nabawi is open 24 hours a day, allowing worshippers to pray, recite Quran, or simply sit in peace at any time.
The areas surrounding Masjid Nabawi are filled with markets, bookstores, and restaurants catering to visitors. You can find everything from traditional Madinah dates (Ajwa) to Islamic books, perfumes, and souvenirs.
Masjid Nabawi is more than just a mosque; it is a place of peace, a beacon of knowledge, and a witness to Islamic history. Whether you are walking through its courtyards, praying in the Rawdah, or sending salams to the Prophet ﷺ, every moment in this blessed mosque is a cherished experience.
