Madinah
Jannat al-Baqi
The blessed cemetery of the Companions ﷺ, adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi.
Who is buried in Jannat al-Baqi and can pilgrims visit?
Jannat al-Baqi is the main cemetery of Madinah, next to Masjid an-Nabawi, where thousands of Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, members of his household, and later scholars are buried. Men may enter during posted timings; women may make dua from outside.
Significance & history
The Prophet ﷺ often visited Baqi to greet the dead and pray for them. It holds the graves of Uthman ibn Affan ﷺ, many of the Prophet's ﷺ wives and children, his aunt Safiyya, and countless Companions and Tabi'un. The graves are unmarked in line with Sunnah practice.
【BOOK】 The author's reflection on standing at Baqi and reading the salam of the graves will appear here.
Role in the ritual
Visiting Baqi is not part of Hajj or Umrah, but a highly recommended Sunnah while in Madinah. Enter, greet the dwellers with the reported salam, make dua for them, and leave without touching or wiping graves.
Etiquette
- Do not walk over or sit on graves.
- Do not seek anything from the deceased - dua is only to Allah.
- Do not raise voices or take selfies.
- Modest dress; women make dua from the perimeter.
- Do not tie threads, place candles, or perform bid'ah practices.
Duas
- As-salāmu ʿalaykum dāra qawmin mu'minīn... wa innā in shā'a-Llāhu bikum lāḥiqūn.
Key Facts
One of the oldest Islamic cemeteries - used since the Prophet's ﷺ time.
Approximately 10,000 Companions are reported to be buried here.
Currently open to men only, at set times (after Fajr and Asr).
Graves are level with the ground, in accordance with Sunnah.
Visitor information
- Location
- Adjacent to the south-east side of Masjid an-Nabawi
- Timings
- Men: after Fajr and after Asr (subject to change).
- - Check the day's opening timings with mosque staff.
- - Bring a small water bottle - the ground is sandy and hot.
- - Learn the Sunnah salam beforehand so you can recite it inside.
- - Keep visits short and reflective.