Ziyarat Al-Masjid An-Nabawi: Visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina

Ziyarat Al-Masjid An-Nabawi — Visiting Masjid An-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) in Medina is a strongly recommended Sunnah, although it is not part of the mandatory rites of Umrah. It is one of the deepest spiritual experiences in a Muslim’s life.

The Adab of the Visit (Good Manners)

• Enter with the right foot and recite the dua for entering the mosque
• Perform 2 rak’ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid (welcome prayer to the mosque)
• Maintain calm and serenity — security guards are very attentive to order
• Dress modestly — no shorts for men, no bare arms

Visiting the Prophet (ﷺ)

Make your way to the Holy Chamber (where the Prophet ﷺ rests, along with his companions Abu Bakr and Umar):

1. Approach calmly while reciting Salawats upon the Prophet
2. Pronounce the greeting: Assalamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
3. Make your duas — this area is a blessed place where prayers are answered

The Best Times to Visit

• After Fajr (dawn): the mosque is calm, the atmosphere is incomparable
• After Isha (night): less crowded than daytime peak hours
• Avoid the 15 minutes before and after each main prayer — heavy crowds

The Rawdah

The Rawdah is the most sacred area of the mosque — between the minbar and the tomb of the Prophet. The Prophet said: “Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.” See our dedicated guide: Accessing the Rawdah.

For hotels in Medina and other historical sites to visit.

Opening Hours and Access to Masjid An-Nabawi

The Mosque of the Prophet ﷺ is open at all times — 24/7. The major prayers (Fajr, Dohr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha) gather hundreds of thousands of worshippers. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the call to prayer to find a good spot, especially on Fridays for Jumu’ah.

The women’s section is vast and well organized — separate entrances, guarded by Saudi security officers. Ablutions (wudu) can be performed in the many dedicated spaces around the mosque.

Things Not Everyone Knows

• The mosque can accommodate 1.5 million worshippers during peak periods
• The giant umbrellas on the esplanade deploy automatically at dawn
• The Rawdah (Garden of Paradise) is accessible separately — Nusuk reservation recommended
• The tomb of the Prophet ﷺ is in the northeast direction of the mosque

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