Etiquettes and Rulings of Visiting Madinah Munawwarah

A Guide to Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi)

Introduction

Visiting Madinah Munawwarah holds deep spiritual significance for every Muslim. However, it should be done in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This guide outlines the proper etiquettes, rulings, and practices related to visiting Masjid al-Nabawi, the second holiest site in Islam.

The Intention for Travelling to Madinah

Your journey to Madinah should be made with the intention of praying in Masjid al-Nabawi, not solely for visiting the Prophet’s grave. This is in accordance with the Prophetic command, which restricts travelling for reward to only three mosques:

“Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques: Al-Masjid al-Haram (in Makkah), the Mosque of the Prophet ﷺ (in Madinah), and Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem).”

— (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Travelling with this intention protects against innovations in worship and ensures that one's actions are in line with the Sunnah.

The Excellence of Praying in Masjid al-Nabawi

Upon arrival in Madinah, head to Masjid al-Nabawi, where the reward for one prayer is equal to one thousand prayers offered elsewhere (excluding Masjid al-Haram).

⚠️ Note: A narration that claims the reward is fifty thousand prayers (found in Ibn Majah) is weak and not reliable for establishing religious rulings.

Upon Entering the Mosque

Dua Upon Entering

As you enter Masjid al-Nabawi, recite the du‘a for entering the mosque and proceed to pray two rak‘ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid (greeting the mosque). If possible, perform this prayer within the area known as Rawdat al-Jannah.

What is Rawdat al-Jannah?

Rawdat al-Jannah is the blessed area situated between the Prophet’s grave and his pulpit, identified by white pillars. The Prophet ﷺ referred to it as:

“A garden from the gardens of Paradise.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Praying here is highly meritorious, but one should avoid pushing others or disturbing the congregation for the sake of access.

Greeting the Prophet ﷺ and His Companions

After completing your prayer, move respectfully towards the noble resting place of the Prophet ﷺ to offer your salutations. There is no need to raise your voice, as the Prophet ﷺ is honoured even in death, and he responds to the greetings of his Ummah.

Say:

"As-salāmu ʿalayka yā Rasūlallāh"
“Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah.”

Then proceed to the grave of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) and say:

"As-salāmu ʿalayka yā Abā Bakr"
“Peace be upon you, O Abu Bakr.”

Finally, greet ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA):

"As-salāmu ʿalayka yā ʿUmar"
“Peace be upon you, O Umar.”

📌 All three are buried side by side within the Chamber of the Prophet ﷺ (also known as Hujrah Sharifah).

Conclusion

Visiting Madinah and the Prophet’s Mosque is a blessed opportunity, but it should be approached with humility, knowledge, and adherence to the Sunnah. By maintaining the right intentions and following the Prophetic guidelines, visitors can ensure their trip becomes a source of spiritual elevation and divine reward.