About Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Mosque of the Prophet, is the second holiest site in Islam. Muhammad helped build the first simple mosque here after the Hijra from Mecca in 622 CE, and his house stood beside it. He was buried in that house, which now lies beneath the famous Green Dome. Abu Bakr and Umar, the first two caliphs, rest beside him. Over the centuries Umayyad, Mamluk, Ottoman and Saudi rulers each enlarged the mosque around the original site.
Today the mosque is a vast complex with sliding domes and giant umbrellas that shade the courtyards. Many pilgrims visit Medina before or after the Hajj or Umrah to pray here and greet the Prophet. A small area called the Rawdah, described in tradition as a garden of paradise, is especially sought after and requires a booked time slot. Non-Muslims may visit parts of Medina, but the central holy area around the mosque is reserved for Muslims.
What to see
- The Green Dome above the Prophet's tomb
- The Rawdah prayer area
- Giant retractable courtyard umbrellas
- Al-Baqi cemetery nearby
- Quba Mosque, the first mosque in Islam, a short drive away
Visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina: practical guide
- Best time
- November to February
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; Rawdah visits by timed slot
- Entry
- Free; Rawdah access booked through the Nusuk app
- Dress code
- Modest loose clothing; women cover hair and wear an abaya or similar
- Nearest airport
- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), 15 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- The central holy area is open to Muslims only
- Book Rawdah slots early as they fill fast
- Women and men have separate entrances and visiting times
- Visit Quba Mosque early in the morning
Festivals and special days
- Ramadan
- Mawlid in some communities
- Pilgrim season around Hajj
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Islam tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Dress modestly, covering arms and legs; women usually cover their hair in mosques.
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times unless invited, and never walk in front of someone praying.
- Be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan days.
- Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items.
- Some mosques and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are closed to non-Muslims.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina?
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina is in Medina, Al-Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia, Asia. GPS coordinates: 24.4672, 39.6111. The nearest airport is Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), 15 km.
What is the best time to visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina?
November to February
Is there an entry fee for Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina?
Free; Rawdah access booked through the Nusuk app Opening hours: Open 24 hours; Rawdah visits by timed slot
What should I wear when visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina?
Modest loose clothing; women cover hair and wear an abaya or similar
Which religion is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina sacred to?
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Medina is sacred to Islam. Active place of worship.
