الروضة
For many Muslims, visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina is a life-changing experience. At the heart of this sacred space lies Al-Rawdah, a spot that feels like a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Whether you are planning your Umrah or simply want to learn about this blessed area, here is a guide to its virtues, rulings, and history.
مَا بَيْنَ بَيْتِي وَمِنْبَرِي رَوْضَةٌ مِنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ
"Between my house and my pulpit (minbar) is a garden from the gardens of Paradise."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ · Narrated by Abu Hurairah · Sahih al-Bukhari 1196
While the term "Rawdah" literally means "garden," here is what and where it actually is.
It is traditionally identified as the area between the Prophet's ﷺ house (where his noble grave is now located) and his pulpit.
The area currently marked with distinct green carpets inside Masjid an-Nabawi is what is widely recognised as the Rawdah.
Why do millions flock to this small space?
A literal garden
It is literally a piece of Paradise that will be moved to the hereafter.
The Prophet's ﷺ prayer spot
It is the certain, undisputed area where the Prophet ﷺ himself used to pray. While other parts of the mosque were expanded later, the Rawdah is definitely part of the original mosque.
Increased reward
Because of its sacred nature, general prayer here is considered more virtuous than in other general parts of the mosque.
It is important to balance your desire to be in the Rawdah with the Sunnah of worship in Islam.
It is helpful to understand the historical context: the early generations of Muslims (the Salaf) did not specifically seek out the Rawdah to perform voluntary prayers. No specific prayer or act of worship was uniquely legislated by the Prophet ﷺ for this particular spot.
However, because the Prophet ﷺ explicitly described this area as a "garden from the gardens of Paradise," scholars agree that it is the most virtuous part of the mosque. Therefore:
Increased reward: Praying voluntary prayers there is considered virtuous simply because of the excellence of the location and the fact that it is certainly the place where the Prophet ﷺ used to pray.
Seeking virtue: While there is no specific "Rawdah Sunnah," many scholars believe it is good to pray Nafl there to seek the reward associated with such a blessed space.
Regarding supplication (Dua): While some may focus heavily on this, the sources clarify that what is prescribed in the Rawdah is the same as what is prescribed in the rest of the mosque. Making dua there is certainly a good and fine thing to do, but it should be treated with the same etiquette as supplication in any other part of the Masjid.
The goal for a visitor is to benefit from the virtue of the place without neglecting the superior reward of the front rows during obligatory prayers, or falling into overcrowding.
Here is a crucial tip: the front row (As-Saff Al-Awwal) is superior to the Rawdah for men during obligatory prayers. The Prophet ﷺ emphasised that the best row for men is the first, and the latter rows for women.
If the Imam is positioned further forward than the Rawdah, you should prioritise the front rows rather than staying behind just to be in the Rawdah.
In recent years, a high-tech system has been introduced to manage the crowds and ensure everyone has a peaceful experience.
The Nusuk app: To enter the Rawdah, you must now book a specific time slot via the Nusuk app (formerly Eatmarna). You will need to show your QR code at the entrance.
Visual cues: You can easily identify the Rawdah by its green carpets, which contrast with the red carpets used in the rest of the mosque.
Gender-specific times: There are designated time slots for men and women to ensure privacy and ease of access.
While the Rawdah is a place of intense emotion, scholars warn against certain behaviours that are incorrect and not befitting:
Avoid overcrowding: Do not push or struggle with others to reach the area.
No Tabarruk (seeking blessings) from walls: It is a mistake to rub one's hands on the walls, bars, or railings for blessings.
Focus on the Sunnah: The goal of your visit is to follow the Prophet's ﷺ example, not to imitate practices that have no basis in the religion.
Standing in a place that the Prophet ﷺ called a "garden of Paradise" is a profound privilege. By focusing on the correct rulings — such as prioritising the front rows for obligatory prayers and avoiding innovations like touching walls or railings to seek barakah — you can ensure your visit remains a sacred experience. Following the Sunnah is the best way to maximise the reward of your visit, as it ensures your worship is performed exactly as the Prophet ﷺ intended and is free from practices that have no basis in the religion.
Al-Rawdah (also known as Riyad ul Jannah) is the blessed area inside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah that lies between the Prophet's ﷺ house — where his noble grave is now located — and his pulpit (minbar). The Prophet ﷺ described it as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise." Today it is marked by distinctive green carpets.
The Rawdah is inside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, in the area between the Prophet's ﷺ house and grave and his minbar. You can identify it by its green carpets, which contrast with the red carpets used throughout the rest of the mosque.
You must book a specific time slot through the Nusuk app (formerly Eatmarna) and show your QR code at the entrance. There are separate designated time slots for men and women to ensure privacy and ease of access.
For obligatory (Fard) prayers, the front row (As-Saff Al-Awwal) is superior for men. If the Imam is positioned further forward than the Rawdah, you should prioritise the front rows rather than staying behind just to be in the Rawdah.
No. The Prophet ﷺ did not legislate any specific act of worship unique to the Rawdah, and the early generations (the Salaf) did not single it out for voluntary prayers. What is prescribed there is the same as in the rest of the mosque. Praying Nafl and making dua there is good, but it should follow the same etiquette as anywhere else in the Masjid.
Because the Prophet ﷺ described it as a literal piece of Paradise, and it is the certain, undisputed area where he himself used to pray as part of the original mosque. General prayer there is therefore considered more virtuous than in other general parts of the mosque.
Avoid pushing or struggling with others to reach the area, and do not rub your hands on the walls, bars, or railings seeking blessings (Tabarruk), as this practice has no basis in the Sunnah. The goal is to follow the Prophet's ﷺ example.