Overview
Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque, is the second holiest mosque in Islam. It was founded by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself shortly after his arrival in Madinah in 1 AH (622 CE).
History
The first mosque was a simple structure of mud brick with palm-trunk pillars and a palm-leaf roof, built next to the Prophet’s rooms. It was enlarged in the Prophet’s lifetime and later by the caliphs Umar and Uthman, and rebuilt under the Umayyads, Mamluks and Ottomans. The Green Dome stands over the chamber where the Prophet ﷺ is buried, in what was the house of Aishah, together with Abu Bakr and Umar. Large Saudi expansions in the 20th and 21st centuries added vast prayer halls, courtyards and the famous umbrella canopies.
Significance
The Prophet ﷺ said: “One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque, except al-Masjid al-Haram” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1190), and named it among the three mosques to which one may specially travel (Sahih al-Bukhari 1189). Inside the mosque is the Rawdah.
Map
Visiting information
Open 24 hours. Visiting the Prophet's ﷺ grave to send salam is done through the designated route. Entry to the Rawdah requires a time slot booked through the Nusuk app. Dress modestly and follow the separate entrances for men and women.
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Dar Al Madinah Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and urban heritage of Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque.
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Quba Walking Trail
The 3 km pedestrian avenue linking Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba, following a route the Prophet ﷺ used when visiting Quba.
Read history & details →Related Ziyarat tours & packages
Group Umrah
Organised Umrah for mosques, communities and families travelling together.
View details →Premium Umrah Package
Premium hotels near the Haram, private vehicles and personalised Ziyarat.
View details →Standard Umrah Package
Comfortable hotels closer to the Haram, private transfers and guided Ziyarat.
View details →Visit Masjid an-Nabawi with ZiyaraWay
Private and group Ziyarat tours with transport and guidance.
Book a Ziyarat tour Ask on WhatsAppSources & references
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1189 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1189
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1190 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1190
- Britannica: Prophet's Mosque — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Prophets-Mosque
- Britannica: Medina — https://www.britannica.com/place/Medina-Saudi-Arabia
Historical reports sometimes differ; where they do, this page notes it. Please consult qualified scholars for religious rulings. Visiting rules and opening times are set by the Saudi authorities and may change.