Madinah
Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ
The Mosque of the Prophet ﷺ - the second holiest mosque in Islam, built by the Prophet ﷺ himself.
What is Masjid an-Nabawi and why is it so important for Muslims?
Masjid an-Nabawi is the mosque the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ built in Madinah after the Hijrah. It houses his blessed grave and the Rawdah. One prayer here equals 1,000 prayers elsewhere.
Significance & history
Built by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions in 1 AH beside his home, Masjid an-Nabawi grew from a simple palm-trunk structure into today's vast complex. It contains the Rawdah (a piece of Paradise), the blessed grave of the Prophet ﷺ, and the graves of Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). Its Green Dome (Qubbat al-Khadra) marks the Prophet's ﷺ chamber.
【BOOK】 From Jab Qafilay Haram Ko Chalay - the author's arrival at Madinah and first sight of the Green Dome will appear here.
Role in the ritual
Visiting Masjid an-Nabawi is not a compulsory part of Hajj or Umrah, but it is a highly recommended Sunnah journey. Pilgrims pray in the mosque, greet the Prophet ﷺ from outside the Sacred Chamber, and - if permitted - pray in the Rawdah.
Etiquette
- Enter with the right foot and recite the mosque-entry dua.
- Maintain silence and calm - this is the Prophet's ﷺ mosque.
- Do not raise voices near the Sacred Chamber; send salawat quietly.
- Follow staff instructions at gates and during Rawdah entry slots.
- Modest dress; women use the designated women's entrances and sections.
Duas
- Salam to the Prophet ﷺ: As-salāmu ʿalayka yā Rasūlallāh.
- Then to Abu Bakr ﷺ and Umar ﷺ: As-salāmu ʿalayka yā Abā Bakr... yā ʿUmar.
Key Facts
One prayer here equals 1,000 prayers elsewhere.
The Green Dome was painted green in 1837 CE (Ottoman era).
Bab as-Salam and Bab Jibril are historic gates still used today.
The mosque now holds over one million worshippers in peak seasons.
Visitor information
- Location
- Central Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Timings
- Open 24 hours; women's Rawdah slots are booked via Nusuk.
- - Note your gate number when entering - the mosque is enormous.
- - Book Rawdah visit slot in advance via the Nusuk app.
- - Visit Jannat al-Baqi after Fajr or Asr when it opens for men.
- - Keep water and a light shawl; the plaza is hot in summer.