MadinahDec 6, 2025
Extended Visiting Hours for Rawdah
New visiting hours announced for women's Rawdah access during peak season.
Location
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Capacity
1 million+
Founded
622 CE
Rank
2nd Holiest in Islam
Overview
What is Masjid an-Nabawi?
Masjid an-Nabawi (Arabic: المسجد النبوي, "The Prophet's Mosque") is one of the most significant mosques in the world, located in the holy city of Madinah in western Saudi Arabia. It was personally established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 622 CE, shortly after the Hijra — his migration from Makkah. The Prophet himself participated in its construction, carrying bricks alongside his companions.
The mosque holds the second-highest sanctity in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is buried within its walls, and his tomb lies beneath the iconic Green Dome.
For Muslims, visiting Madinah and praying in Masjid an-Nabawi is not a formal requirement — but it is one of the most deeply cherished acts of devotion. The overwhelming majority of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims combine their visit to Makkah with a trip to Madinah.
Hadith
"One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers anywhere else, except the Sacred Mosque."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
History
History of the Mosque
622 CE
The Original Mosque
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he selected the site where his camel knelt as the location for his mosque and home. The original structure was simple — a rectangular enclosure with palm trunk pillars and a roof of palm leaves and mud, approximately 35 by 30 metres. The Prophet's living quarters were attached on its eastern side.
7th–15th Century
Companions, Caliphs, and Sultans
Caliphs Umar (RA) and Uthman (RA) carried out the first major expansions. The Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I transformed the mosque architecturally, incorporating the Prophet's tomb and building the first minaret. Mamluk sultans added the Green Dome and ornate stonework that defined its character for centuries.
1955–Present
Saudi Expansions
The Saudi government has dramatically expanded the mosque to meet the needs of modern pilgrimage. King Fahd's expansion project (1984–1994) more than doubled capacity. The current complex covers over 400,000 square metres, with iconic retractable umbrella structures shading the outdoor prayer areas.
Sacred Sites
Key Landmarks Inside the Mosque
01
The Green Dome (Qubbat al-Khadra)
The iconic green-painted dome marks the burial chamber of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). One of the most recognised structures in the Islamic world, built under the Mamluk Sultanate and painted green in 1837. Visitors stand at the golden grille to send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ.
02
Riyad ul Jannah — Garden of Paradise
The area between the Prophet's pulpit and his tomb, identifiable by its green and white carpet. The Prophet ﷺ described it as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. One of the most sought-after spaces in all of Islam. Read our complete Riyad ul Jannah guide →
03
The Minbar (Pulpit)
The original minbar was a simple three-step wooden structure built by the Prophet ﷺ from tamarisk wood. The current ornate marble minbar marks the same location. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'My minbar is over my Hawd (the Pool in Paradise).'
04
The Ustuwaanah al-Mukhallaqah
The Perfumed Pillar — one of several historically significant pillars within the mosque, marking the spot where the Prophet ﷺ used to lean during early prayers before the minbar was constructed.
05
Jannat ul Baqi Cemetery
Directly adjacent to the mosque's eastern wall, Jannat ul Baqi is the historic cemetery of Madinah where many of the Prophet's companions, family members, and wives are buried. Muslims visit to offer supplications for the deceased.
Practical Information
Visiting Masjid an-Nabawi
Getting there
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah serves international and domestic flights. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Madinah to Makkah via Jeddah. The mosque is in the city centre — walkable from most Haram-zone hotels.
Best time to visit
The mosque is open 24 hours. The most rewarding visits coincide with the five daily prayers. Ramadan — especially the last 10 nights — draws millions but carries immense reward.
Visiting the Prophet's tomb
Men can visit the Muwajaha throughout much of the day. Women are allocated specific hours, typically after Fajr and between Dhuhr and Asr. Crowd management staff guide visitors through in an orderly procession.
Riyad ul Jannah access
Men can access Riyad ul Jannah at most prayer times — arrive early and join the queue. Women are typically permitted entry in the early morning after Fajr. Peak Hajj season sees extremely limited access.
What to wear
Modest Islamic dress is required. Women should wear an abaya or full-length modest clothing. Men should wear modest, clean clothing. Shoes are removed before entering the main prayer halls.
Etiquette
Lower your voice inside the mosque. Turn off or silence phones. Avoid photographing other worshippers. Show reverence near the Prophet's tomb — send salutations respectfully without exaggeration.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Masjid an-Nabawi?
Masjid an-Nabawi (Arabic: المسجد النبوي, 'The Prophet's Mosque') is the mosque established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Madinah in 622 CE. It is the second holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. The Prophet's tomb is located within the mosque, and visiting it and sending prayers upon him is among the most virtuous acts a Muslim can perform.
Why is praying in Masjid an-Nabawi special?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers anywhere else, except the Sacred Mosque [al-Haram]' (Bukhari & Muslim). A prayer offered in Masjid an-Nabawi thus carries the reward of 1,000 prayers offered elsewhere.
Can non-Muslims visit Madinah or Masjid an-Nabawi?
Non-Muslims may visit the city of Madinah — unlike Makkah, which is restricted to Muslims only. However, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Masjid an-Nabawi itself.
What is the Green Dome?
The Green Dome (Qubbat al-Khadra) stands above the burial chamber of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). The current dome dates to the Mamluk period and was painted green in 1837. Visitors may not enter the burial chamber but can stand at the golden grille (the Muwajaha) to send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ.
What is Riyad ul Jannah and how do I visit?
Riyad ul Jannah ('Garden of Paradise') is the area between the Prophet's pulpit (minbar) and his tomb, identifiable by its distinctive green and white carpet. The Prophet ﷺ described it as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Men can generally access it during regular prayer times; women are allocated specific hours, typically early morning after Fajr.
How far is Masjid an-Nabawi from Masjid al-Haram?
Madinah and Makkah are approximately 430 km apart by road. The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects the two cities in approximately 2 hours, with stops at Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City.