Madinah, Saudi Arabia
The second holiest mosque in Islam, built by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 622 CE and home to his resting place beneath the Green Dome. Its vast marble courtyards and giant shade umbrellas hold hundreds of thousands of worshippers.
Inside the old prayer hall, between the minbar and the Prophet's chamber
The area between the Prophet's pulpit and his home, marked by green carpet and white pillars. Praying here is one of the most cherished moments of a visit. Entry is by Nusuk time slot.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)South-east corner of the mosque
The green dome over the resting place of the Prophet ﷺ and his two companions — the best-known image of Madinah. Visitors pass the chamber to send salam.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Courtyards around the mosque
Giant mechanised umbrellas that open in the morning to shade the marble courtyards from the sun and fold away in the evening — a striking sight at opening and closing.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Southern part of the mosque
The oldest standing part of the mosque, with domes, painted calligraphy and the historic minbar and mihrab of the Prophet ﷺ.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)East of the mosque, across the courtyard
The main cemetery of Madinah since the time of the Prophet ﷺ, where many of his family and companions are buried. Men may visit at set times, usually after Fajr and Asr; graves are simple and unmarked.
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Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, cumin and lemon, scooped up with tamees — a large, round flatbread baked in a clay oven. The classic breakfast after Fajr prayer.
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Lightly roasted coffee spiced with cardamom (often saffron or cloves too), poured in small cups and always served with dates. Offering it is the heart of Saudi hospitality.
Streets around the Prophet's Mosque
Hotel buffets, food courts and simple restaurants serving Saudi, Turkish, South Asian, Indonesian and Middle Eastern food for pilgrims from every country. Busiest straight after each prayer.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Near the Prophet's Mosque, central Madinah
Stall after stall of dates — Ajwa, Sukkari, Safawi, Anbara and more — with tasting, plus date paste, nuts and gift boxes. Ask for each variety by name and taste before you buy.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Large hotels a few minutes' walk from the Prophet's Mosque and its northern gates. The most convenient for Muslim pilgrims who want to pray all five prayers at the mosque.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Hotels and serviced apartments on the southern and western edges of the central area, close to the mosque, the Dates Market and the road to Quba.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Visitors greet the Prophet ﷺ with salam at his grave by passing in front of the honoured chamber in an orderly line, then greet Abu Bakr and Umar. Keep voices low, do not push in crowds, and follow the guidance of mosque staff. Dress modestly: men in long trousers and sleeved tops; women in loose clothing covering arms and legs, with a headscarf (an abaya is customary). Take your shoes off before the prayer halls, keep your voice low, and do not walk directly in front of someone who is praying. Photography of people at prayer is discouraged.
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah after the Hijrah, his camel knelt on a plot used for drying dates; the land was bought and the first mosque was built there of mud brick and palm trunks, with the Prophet ﷺ himself carrying bricks. His home stood beside it, and when he died in 632 CE he was buried in the room of his wife Aisha — the place now beneath the Green Dome. Abu Bakr and Umar were later buried next to him.
The mosque has been enlarged again and again — by the caliphs Umar and Uthman, by the Umayyad caliph al-Walid, by the Mamluks (who added the first dome) and by the Ottomans, whose prayer hall with its domes and calligraphy still forms the oldest part. The Saudi expansions of the 20th century multiplied its size, adding the retractable domes and the famous umbrella-covered courtyards. Between the Prophet's pulpit and his home lies the Rawdah, described in hadith as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise".
Pray Fajr in the mosque, then visit Jannat al-Baqi' (men) and have ful and tamees for breakfast.
Send salam at the Prophet's chamber, then pray in the Rawdah at your Nusuk time slot.
Pray Dhuhr, rest in your hotel through the hottest hours.
Asr to Isha in the mosque and its courtyards as the umbrellas fold away and the lights come on.
The quietest times are late night and mid-morning. November–February is the mildest season; Ramadan and Fridays are the busiest.
The mosque is at the centre of Madinah's central area. Most pilgrims walk from their hotel; taxis and ride-hailing apps drop off at the edge of the central zone. From the airport it is about 15–20 km; from the Haramain railway station, a taxi ride of about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
The mosque has many numbered gates (Bab) on every side — note the number of the gate nearest your hotel to find your way back. Separate entrances and sections are marked for men and women. Underground car parks surround the courtyard; wheelchairs and electric carts are available for elderly and disabled worshippers.
