Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque): Complete 2025/2026 Guide to Rawdah Permits, Virtues, Gates & Map
The Prophet's Mosque: A House of Mercy and a Garden of Paradise
There is a place on Earth where every stone whispers stories of revelation, every pillar remembers the presence of the Prophet, and the very air feels saturated with divine peace (sakinah). This is Masjid an-Nabawi (المسجد النبوي), the beloved mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the heart of Madinah. It is more than a building; it is a sanctuary for the soul, a homecoming for the believer, and a direct connection to the man who taught us the meaning of mercy.
To step inside the Prophet’s Mosque is to enter a living legacy of faith. But what is the true spiritual weight of this blessed place? The Prophet (ﷺ) himself explained its profound status, elevating it above almost any other place of worship on Earth. Understanding this is the first step in transforming your visit from a trip into a life-altering pilgrimage.
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The Immense Virtue of Prayer in the Prophet's Mosque
The primary spiritual significance lies in the immense reward for worship. The journey, the expense, and the effort are all repaid manifold with every single prayer. This is not just a scholarly opinion, but a direct promise from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), as captured in the famous hadith about a prayer being better than a thousand:
"One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque, except for al-Masjid al-Haram."
(Source: Sahih al-Bukhari)
This incredible blessing establishes the immense فضل الصلاة في المسجد النبوي (virtue of prayer in the Prophet's Mosque) and makes every moment spent within its walls an invaluable opportunity for spiritual gain.
A Garden from Paradise on Earth: The Rawdah Sharifah
Within this already blessed mosque lies an area so sacred that the Prophet (ﷺ) described it as a piece of Heaven itself. This area is the Rawdah Sharifah, or "The Noble Garden." The Riyad ul-Jannah virtues are captured in his beautiful words:
"ما بين بيتي ومنبري روضة من رياض الجنة" (What is between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise).
(Source: Sahih al-Bukhari)
Praying in this specific area is one of the most sought-after experiences for any visitor, a chance to stand in a place that is not just like Jannah, but is a literal part of it. This guide will show you exactly how to navigate this blessed space and make the most of your spiritual journey.
The Rawdah Sharifah 2025/2026: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Permits & Prayer
Within the Prophet's Mosque lies a small, sacred space known as the Rawdah Sharifah, or "The Noble Garden." Distinguished by its green carpets, this is the area the Prophet (ﷺ) described as a "garden from the gardens of Paradise." Praying here is one of the most profound and sought-after spiritual experiences in the world. Accessing it in 2025/2026 requires careful planning through the official channels.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Access to the Rawdah is now managed exclusively through the official Nusuk app to ensure a fair and organized experience for all pilgrims. A confirmed booking will generate a QR code entry permit, which you must present to the guards. Attempting to enter without a valid permit will result in being turned away.
How to Book Your Rawdah Permit via the Nusuk App (Step-by-Step)
Booking your slot for حجز الروضة الشريفة نسك is a straightforward process, but competition is extremely high. For a detailed walkthrough of all its features, you can read our complete guide to the Nusuk Platform. Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the Official Nusuk App: Ensure you have the latest version of the "Nusuk" app installed on your smartphone from the official App Store or Google Play.
- Create an Account & Add Your Details: Register using your passport number, visa number, and date of birth. Ensure your details match your official travel documents exactly.
- Select "Prophet's Mosque Services": From the app's main screen, choose the services related to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.
- Choose "Praying in the Noble Rawdah": You will see separate options for "Men" and "Women". Select the appropriate one for you.
- Select a Date and Time: The app will display a calendar with available dates and time slots (Riyadh ul Jannah timings). Green slots are available, red are full, and grey are unavailable. Be flexible and check frequently, as slots fill up within seconds.
- Confirm Your Booking: Once you select a slot, review the details and confirm your booking. A permit with a QR code will be generated and saved in the app. It is advisable to take a screenshot of it.
Pro Tip: New slots are often released at the beginning of each hour or very late at night (KSA time). If you don't find a slot, check the app frequently and persistently during these times for the best chance.
Timings and Gates for Men & Women
The timings and access points are different for men and women to ensure privacy and organization. Always double-check the Nusuk app for the latest مواعيد الروضة للنساء اليوم, as these can change based on new directives often announced by the official Saudi Press Agency.
- For Men: Access is generally available throughout the day, except during women's designated times. Entry is typically through the southern gates of the mosque.
- For Women: Women are usually allocated specific time slots in the morning (after Fajr until before Dhuhr) and at night (after Isha). The best gate for women Rawdah entry is usually Gate 32, but you must follow the specific gate number mentioned on your Nusuk permit.
A Pilgrim's Diary Entry:
"After days of checking the app, I finally got a slot for 2 AM. The moment I stepped onto the green carpet, the world outside disappeared. The air felt different, filled with a sweet scent and an indescribable calm. I prayed two rak'ahs, my forehead touching the ground where the Prophet (ﷺ) himself prayed. The tears flowed without permission. It wasn't a long prayer, but in those few minutes, I felt my soul connect to heaven. I didn't just visit a garden from paradise; I felt like I was truly in it."
Adab of the Visit: The Spiritual Code for a Blessed Experience
Visiting the Prophet's Mosque is a profound honor. To truly benefit from this experience, one must observe the proper etiquette (adab). These are not just rules, but a code of conduct that enhances your reverence and maximizes the spiritual blessings of your visit. Following these Prophet’s Mosque etiquette guidelines for 2025/2026 transforms your visit from mere tourism into a deep act of worship.
General Etiquette (آداب زيارة المسجد النبوي)
- Purification and Cleanliness: Perform wudu (ablution) before you leave for the mosque. It is a sign of respect to arrive in a state of physical and spiritual purity.
- Appropriate Dress Code: While there is no uniform, the dress code for Masjid an-Nabawi is one of modesty and simplicity. Men should be covered from the navel to the knees (and preferably wear full-length, loose clothing). Women should wear a modest abaya and a hijab that covers their hair completely.
- Entering the Mosque: Step in with your right foot first and recite the dua for entering a mosque:
بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Transliteration: "Bismillahi, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahummaftah li abwaba rahmatik."
- Prayer of Greeting (Tahiyyat al-Masjid): Before sitting down, pray two rak'ahs as a greeting to the mosque. This is a sunnah that honors the sacred space.
- Maintain a Low Voice: The Quran commands believers to lower their voices in the presence of the Prophet (ﷺ). This etiquette extends to his mosque. Avoid loud conversations, arguments, or laughter. Your phone should be on silent.
How to Greet the Prophet (ﷺ) and His Companions
The most important moment of your visit is when you stand before the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his two beloved companions, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them). This should be done with the utmost respect, love, and humility.
- Approach with Calmness: Walk towards the golden grills (Muwajahah) with peace and tranquility. Avoid pushing or rushing.
- Stand Facing the Grave: Position yourself facing the first, largest circular hole in the grill, which marks the direction of the Prophet's (ﷺ) blessed face.
- Give Your Salam to the Prophet (ﷺ): In a low, respectful voice, say:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Transliteration: "As-salamu ‘alayka ya Rasul-Allah wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh."
- Move to Your Right to Greet Abu Bakr (RA): Take one small step to your right to face the second hole and say:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ
Transliteration: "As-salamu ‘alayka ya Aba Bakr."
- Move to Your Right Again to Greet Umar (RA): Take another small step to your right to face the third hole and say:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا عُمَرُ
Transliteration: "As-salamu ‘alayka ya ‘Umar."
- Face the Qibla to Make Dua: After giving your salams, it is the Sunnah to turn your back to the graves, face the Qibla (the Kaaba), and make your personal duas to Allah. Do not make dua facing the graves.
This etiquette is a beautiful continuation of the humility learned during the life-changing journey of Hajj.
How to Feel This Moment: A Tip for Your Heart and Soul
As you stand before the Muwajahah, try to empty your mind of everything else. This is not a photo opportunity; it is a profound spiritual audience. Imagine that you are a visitor in the home of the most beloved man who ever lived. Feel the weight of history, the legacy of faith, and the immense love that fills this space. When you say "As-salamu ‘alayka ya Rasul-Allah," let the words come from the deepest part of your heart. You are not just reciting a phrase; you are sending a personal greeting, a message of love and respect, to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
From Palm Trunks to Smart Mosque: A Living History
The تاريخ المسجد النبوي (history of the Prophet's Mosque) is a story of faith, love, and architectural evolution. Its history is a central part of Islamic heritage, second only to the history of the Kaaba and its sacred Black Stone. What began as a humble structure has grown over 14 centuries into one of the most magnificent buildings in the world, all while preserving its sacred core.
The Humble Beginnings (622 CE)
The original mosque was a simple, open-air building. Its walls were made of mud bricks, the roof of palm fronds, and the pillars were simply palm tree trunks. It was a multi-purpose community center: a place of prayer, a school for the companions (Ahl al-Suffa), and a hub for the nascent Muslim state.
A Timeline of Major Expansions
Over the centuries, Caliphs and rulers considered it a great honor to serve and expand the Prophet's Mosque. Here is a brief timeline of the most significant Masjid an-Nabawi expansions:
| Era | Ruler | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| ~638 CE | Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) | First major expansion, nearly doubling its size. |
| ~650 CE | Uthman ibn Affan (RA) | Rebuilt with stone and introduced more durable roofing. |
| ~707 CE | Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I | First minarets were built and the Prophet's (ﷺ) burial site was formally included within the mosque's walls. |
| 1813 CE | Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II | The iconic Green Dome was built over the Prophet's (ﷺ) chamber, and much of the mosque was adorned with Ottoman calligraphy. |
| 1951-Present | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | The largest expansions in history, transforming it into the mega-structure we see today. |
Architectural Marvels of the Modern Era
The modern mosque is an engineering masterpiece, blending sacred tradition with cutting-edge technology. Today, the capacity of Masjid an-Nabawi is estimated to be around one million worshippers at a time.
- The Green Dome: The most recognizable feature of the mosque. The Green Dome history goes back to the Ottomans, and it stands directly above the sacred chamber containing the graves of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his two companions.
- The Minarets: The mosque now boasts 10 minarets, with the tallest reaching a height of 105 meters, calling the faithful to prayer across Madinah.
- The Sliding Domes: The roof features 27 massive, remote-controlled sliding domes that can be opened to allow for natural light and ventilation, or closed to protect worshippers from the elements.
- The Giant Umbrellas: The courtyards are shaded by approximately 250 magnificent, technologically advanced giant umbrellas at Masjid Nabawi. These massive structures automatically open in the morning to provide shade and close at night, creating a comfortable environment for worshippers in the open plazas.
Navigating the Mosque: Gates, Maps & Practical Services
The Prophet's Mosque is vast, and knowing your way around can significantly enhance your visit. This practical guide will help you navigate the main gates, find designated prayer areas, and access the essential services available to all guests of Allah, whether they are performing Hajj or have come for the blessed pilgrimage of Umrah.
Key Gates (بوابات المسجد النبوي)
While the mosque has over 85 gates, a few hold special historical and practical importance. Knowing them will help you orient yourself:
- Bab al-Salam (Gate of Peace) - Gate Number 1: This is one of the original and most significant gates. It is the recommended entrance for men visiting for the first time to give salams to the Prophet (ﷺ), as it leads directly towards the Muwajahah. The Bab al-Salam gate number is easy to remember as it is Gate 1.
- Bab Jibril (Gate of Gabriel) - Gate Number 2: Named after the Archangel Jibril (AS), this gate is located on the eastern side. It is historically significant as it was a frequent entrance for the Prophet (ﷺ) when coming from the house of Aisha (RA).
- Bab an-Nisa' (Women's Gate) - Gate Number 32: As mentioned earlier, this is a primary entrance point for women heading to the Rawdah Sharifah.
For a detailed layout, it is highly recommended to download an official خريطة المسجد النبوي pdf (Prophet's Mosque map PDF) before your visit.
Women's Prayer Areas
Dedicated prayer sections are provided for women to ensure their comfort and privacy. These areas are clearly marked and can be found in the eastern and western sections of the new expansions. If you are looking for the women's prayer area map, you will find signs inside the mosque directing you, and the female security staff are always available to guide visitors to the designated sections.
Practical Services for Pilgrims
The mosque is equipped with world-class facilities to serve the guests of Allah.
- Wheelchair Access: The mosque is fully accessible. Excellent wheelchair access is provided at most major gates, with dedicated pathways and electric carts available in the courtyards for the elderly and those with disabilities.
- Zamzam Water: Dispensers of cool Zamzam water are located throughout the entire mosque. You will find them in clearly marked stations, with disposable cups available for all.
- Lost and Found: If you lose any personal items, there is a dedicated Lost and Found office, usually located near the main gates. Inquire with any of the security personnel, and they will direct you to the correct office.
Your FREE Madinah Toolkit (Printable PDF & More)
To help you make the most of your blessed visit, we have designed a comprehensive toolkit. This includes a visual map to help you locate the key spiritual sites within the mosque and a detailed checklist you can print and take with you.
The Spiritual Map of the Prophet's Mosque (Infographic)
This infographic provides a simplified visual layout of the most important locations inside the mosque, including the Rawdah, the resting place of the Prophet (ﷺ), and other blessed pillars.
Your Madinah Visit Planner & Dua List (PDF)
This printable PDF is your personal companion for the visit. It includes a checklist of the adab (etiquette), the essential duas for entering and sending salams, and a simplified map. Download it, print it, and keep it with you to stay focused and organized.
Download Your FREE Madinah Visit Planner & Dua List
Download NowBeyond the Mosque: Essential Ziyarah Sites in Madinah
Your journey in Madinah is not complete without visiting the historical sites where key moments of Islamic history unfolded. Including these blessed locations in your Ziyarah in Madinah itinerary will deepen your connection to the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions.
1. Quba Mosque (Masjid Quba)
Just a short distance from Masjid an-Nabawi lies the first mosque ever built in Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) himself laid its first stones. The immense Quba Mosque virtue is captured in his saying that praying two rak'ahs within it carries the reward of a complete Umrah. For a detailed guide on this blessed mosque, you can read our article on the significance of praying in Quba Mosque.
2. Jannat al-Baqi (The Baqi' Cemetery)
Located adjacent to the Prophet's Mosque, Jannat al-Baqi is the final resting place for an estimated 10,000 companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), including his beloved wife Aisha, his daughter Fatimah, and his grandson Hasan (may Allah be pleased with them all). A visit here is a powerful reminder of the Hereafter and an opportunity to send peace upon the family and companions of the Messenger of Allah. Learn more about the etiquette of visiting in our upcoming guide to Jannat al-Baqi: The Garden of Heaven.
3. Uhud Mountain (Jabal Uhud)
The iconic Uhud mountain is a site of one of the most significant battles in Islamic history. It is a place of reflection on victory, loss, and profound lessons in obedience and faith. At its foot lies the graveyard of the Uhud martyrs, including the Prophet's (ﷺ) beloved uncle, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA). Visiting Uhud is not just a historical tour; it is a moment to connect with the sacrifices made for Islam. Explore the full story in our future article on the lessons from Uhud Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a prayer in the Prophet's Mosque really better than 1,000 prayers?
Yes, absolutely. This is confirmed by an authentic hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, where he said, "One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque, except for al-Masjid al-Haram."
Q2: How do I book a Rawdah permit in 2025/2026?
You must book your permit exclusively through the official "Nusuk" mobile app. You will need to create an account, select "Praying in the Noble Rawdah," and choose an available time slot. A permit with a QR code will be generated, which is required for entry.
Q3: What are the Rawdah timings for women and men?
Timings change periodically, so you must always check the Nusuk app for the most current schedule. Generally, women are allocated specific slots in the morning (e.g., after Fajr until 11 AM) and at night (e.g., after Isha until midnight). Men's timings are usually available during the other periods.
Q4: What are the numbers for the famous gates like Bab al-Salam?
Knowing the main gate numbers is very helpful for navigation. Bab al-Salam (Gate of Peace) is Gate Number 1. Bab Jibril (Gate of Gabriel) is Gate Number 2. The main entrance for women visiting the Rawdah is often Bab an-Nisa' (Women's Gate), which is Gate 32.
Q5: How many umbrellas are in the courtyards of Masjid an-Nabawi?
There are approximately 250 giant, technologically advanced umbrellas in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque. These marvels of engineering open each morning to provide shade to millions of worshippers and close at night.
Q6: Can non-Muslims enter the Prophet's Mosque?
Access to the central area of Madinah, including the Prophet's Mosque, is restricted to Muslims only. This is based on religious guidelines and local regulations.
Conclusion: The Soul's Homecoming
Masjid an-Nabawi is not just a destination; it is a homecoming for the soul. It is the place where the final revelation descended, where the foundations of a global community were laid, and where the most beloved of creation, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), lived, prayed, and now rests.
To walk through its gates is to feel a peace that quiets the noise of the world. To pray in the Rawdah is to connect with a piece of paradise on Earth. To stand before the Prophet (ﷺ) and offer your salam is to feel part of a 1,400-year-old chain of love and respect.
We hope this guide serves as your trusted companion, helping you navigate the practicalities so you can immerse yourself in the profound spiritual experience that awaits. Whether you are planning your first visit or yearning to return, may Allah grant you a blessed and accepted journey to this house of mercy.
May your footsteps follow those of the Prophet (ﷺ), and may your heart find its home in his blessed city. Ameen.