Inside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah lies one of the most sacred spots on earth — the Rawdah (also known as Riyad ul Jannah), the area described by the Prophet ﷺ himself as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. This guide covers what the Rawdah is, what to recite, how to book your visit, and everything else pilgrims need to know.
"Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is upon my fountain (al-Hawd)."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ · Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
The Rawdah (الروضة) is the Arabic word for garden — singular. The full name, al-Rawdah al-Sharifah (الروضة الشريفة), means "the Noble Garden." It refers to the blessed area inside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah that lies between the Prophet's ﷺ grave and his original pulpit (minbar).
It is also referred to as Riyad ul Jannah (رياض الجنة) — "the gardens of Paradise" — drawn directly from the hadith above. Both names refer to the same place; "Rawdah" is the more widely used term among pilgrims and in Arabic-speaking scholarship.
The Rawdah covers approximately 330 square metres — a compact, spiritually charged area within the vast modern Masjid an-Nabawi, which today accommodates over a million worshippers. Despite the mosque's enormous size, the Rawdah remains the single most sought-after place of prayer within it.
The Rawdah is identified immediately by its green and white carpet — the rest of Masjid an-Nabawi has a red carpet. Once you step into the mosque, look toward the southeastern section near the green dome and the carpet change is unmistakable.
The pillars within the Rawdah boundary are white with green detailing — as opposed to the golden pillars found elsewhere in the mosque. The area sits directly adjacent to the tomb of the Prophet ﷺ, with the current mimbar marking the western boundary.
The green dome: Visible from outside the mosque, the green dome marks the location of the Prophet's ﷺ tomb. The Rawdah is just to the west, inside the mosque.
Green and white carpet: The clearest marker — look for the carpet change from red to green/white. It is immediately visible as you approach from the main prayer hall.
White pillars: The boundary of the Rawdah is flanked by white pillars. The first significant pillar inside is Ustuwanat al-Mukhallaq (the Perfumed Pillar), where the Prophet ﷺ often prayed.
The mimbar: The Prophet's ﷺ original pulpit location marks the western boundary of the Rawdah. The current mimbar stands in approximately the same position.
Access to the Rawdah is now managed through the Nusuk app(nusuk.sa) — the official Saudi government platform for booking visits to the holy sites. Pilgrims must book a time slot through the app before arriving at Masjid an-Nabawi.
During peak seasons — Ramadan, Hajj, and school holiday periods — slots fill extremely quickly. Book as early as possible, ideally before you travel to Madinah. Outside of peak seasons, same-day booking is sometimes possible but is not guaranteed.
Note: booking systems and requirements can change. Always check the official Nusuk app or your tour operator for the most current process.
Book a slot via the Nusuk app. Entry is from the main prayer hall — mosque staff manage the flow and will check your booking.
Best times are after Fajr (before the main crowd arrives) or late night after Isha when the mosque is quieter.
Women access the Rawdah through designated time slots, typically in the early morning after Fajr. Book via Nusuk and approach the women's entrance.
Scheduling changes during Ramadan and Hajj — confirm with your tour guide or hotel concierge upon arrival in Madinah.
Enter with intention and salaam
Enter Masjid an-Nabawi reciting the dua for entering the mosque. Make the intention to visit the Prophet ﷺ and to pray in his blessed mosque.
Make your way to the green carpet
Head to the Rawdah area. During busy periods, be patient — the crowd moves, and there is no rush that justifies harming or displacing another pilgrim.
Offer two rakat of nafl prayer
Pray two voluntary rakat inside the green-carpeted area. This is among the most blessed prayers a Muslim can offer — the Prophet ﷺ said one prayer in his mosque equals a thousand elsewhere.
Send abundant salawat
Recite salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ as abundantly as you can. This is especially meritorious within his mosque, and particularly in the Rawdah.
Make sincere dua
This is one of the most powerful places on earth for supplication. Prepare your duas in advance — for yourself, your family, your community. Speak with full sincerity.
Visit the Prophet's grave
After leaving the Rawdah, proceed to the grave of the Prophet ﷺ to offer salaam. Follow mosque staff directions for the access route.
There are no compulsory prescribed recitations specific to the Rawdah. The following is the practice of scholars and pilgrims based on the Sunnah:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala ali Muhammad
Recite salawat abundantly — this is the most recommended act in the Rawdah. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever sends one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten blessings upon him.' Being near the Prophet's ﷺ grave makes this especially significant.
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik
Recited upon entering any mosque. Meaning: 'O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.' Begin with this before seeking the Rawdah.
The Rawdah is one of the most powerful places for personal supplication. Prepare your duas in any language before you arrive — for your needs, your family's, your community's. Write them down and bring the list. Speak from the heart.
Reciting Quran in the Rawdah — even a few verses or a short surah — carries enormous reward. Surah al-Fatiha, al-Ikhlas, and al-Falaq are commonly recited. If you have memorised more, this is an ideal time.
The period immediately after Fajr — before the mosque fills for the day — consistently offers the most accessible and peaceful Rawdah visit. Pray Fajr with the congregation and move to the Rawdah immediately after.
The final hours of the night before Fajr are when the mosque is at its quietest. A deeply spiritual time for those who can manage it.
Outside of Ramadan, Hajj, and school holidays, weekday crowds are manageable and you may have several minutes of relative peace in the Rawdah.
The mosque fills to extraordinary capacity on Fridays. Jumu'ah crowds arrive hours early and access becomes very challenging.
The most spiritually charged times are also the most physically demanding. Visit with patience, a booked slot via Nusuk, and realistic expectations.
Within the Rawdah, several pillars have specific names and historical significance — each marking a spot where the Prophet ﷺ or his companions prayed or gathered.
The first pillar to the right of the Prophet's ﷺ grave as you face the qibla. The Prophet ﷺ often prayed at this spot and it was perfumed — hence its name. Considered among the most blessed places in the Rawdah to pray.
Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ specifically prayed at this spot. Many pilgrims seek this pillar, though it is not always clearly marked for visitors.
Where the Prophet ﷺ would receive tribal delegations. Located near the mimbar position.
Where the companions of the Prophet ﷺ would take turns guarding him during the night. Located near the entrance to the Rawdah.
Be in a state of wudu before entering Masjid an-Nabawi.
Do not push or crowd others. The spiritual reward of visiting the Rawdah is not worth injuring or distressing a fellow pilgrim.
Keep your voice low — many people around you are in prayer and contemplation.
Photography inside the Rawdah is widely considered disrespectful. Focus on worship, not your phone.
If you cannot reach the green carpet area, do not despair — praying anywhere in Masjid an-Nabawi carries an enormous reward. One prayer here equals a thousand elsewhere (except Masjid al-Haram).
Prepare your duas before you arrive. Write them down and bring the list — this is not the time to think of what to ask.
If visiting with elderly family members or those with mobility needs, speak to mosque security staff — they can advise on better access routes or timing.
Book your slot via Nusuk before arriving in Madinah, particularly during Ramadan and Hajj.
The Rawdah (الروضة الشريفة — al-Rawdah al-Sharifah, meaning 'the Noble Garden') is the blessed area inside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah that lies between the Prophet's ﷺ grave and his original pulpit (minbar). The Prophet ﷺ described it in an authenticated hadith narrated in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: 'Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.' It is one of the most spiritually significant spots on earth for Muslims.
The Rawdah in Madinah refers to the same blessed area — a section of Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) covering approximately 330 square metres, marked by a distinctive green and white carpet. It is also known as Riyad ul Jannah (رياض الجنة), which means 'the gardens of Paradise'. The Rawdah is adjacent to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is the most sought-after place of prayer in the entire mosque.
There are no compulsory prescribed recitations, but the following is the practice of scholars and pilgrims: (1) Recite Salawat abundantly — 'Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala ali Muhammad' — as this is especially meritorious near the Prophet ﷺ. (2) Offer two rakat of nafl prayer. (3) Make sincere personal dua in any language. (4) Recite Quran. The Prophet ﷺ said that prayer in his mosque carries a reward of a thousand prayers elsewhere. Prepare your duas in advance and speak from the heart.
Upon reaching the Rawdah: enter with intention and the dua for entering the mosque; find a place on the green carpet; offer two rakat of voluntary (nafl) prayer; send abundant salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ; make sincere dua for yourself, your family, and the Ummah. After leaving the Rawdah, proceed to the grave of the Prophet ﷺ to offer salaam — the route is managed by mosque staff. The visit is voluntary worship, not a ritual obligation.
Access to the Rawdah is managed via the Nusuk app (nusuk.sa) — the official Saudi government platform for managing visits to the holy sites. Pilgrims can book a time slot through the app before their visit to Madinah. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during Ramadan, Hajj, and peak seasons when demand is extremely high. The app is available on iOS and Android and is free to use.
Yes. Women are permitted to visit the Rawdah through designated time slots, typically in the early morning after Fajr before men's general access opens. Additional slots may be available depending on the season. Access for women is coordinated separately and women should approach the women's entrance of Masjid an-Nabawi for guidance. During Ramadan and Hajj, scheduling changes — confirm with your tour guide or hotel upon arrival in Madinah. Booking via the Nusuk app applies to women's visits too.
The Rawdah is identified by its distinctive green and white carpet — the rest of Masjid an-Nabawi has a red carpet. The white pillars within the boundary (as opposed to the golden/yellow pillars elsewhere in the mosque) are another marker. The area sits in the southeastern section of the original mosque, directly adjacent to the tomb of the Prophet ﷺ. The current mimbar (pulpit) marks the western boundary.
No — visiting the Rawdah is not obligatory (fard) and is not a requirement of Umrah or Hajj. It is a highly recommended voluntary act (mustahabb) given the immense spiritual reward described in the hadith. Not reaching the Rawdah does not affect the validity of any pilgrimage. If you cannot gain access during your visit, praying anywhere in Masjid an-Nabawi still carries an enormous reward.