The second-holiest mosque in Islam, containing the Prophet's tomb under the Green Dome and the Rawdah. Entry to the mosque and its central zone is for Muslims only; non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque or the Haram boundary.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, stands at the heart of Madinah in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah Region and is the second-holiest site in Islam after the Haram in Makkah. Founded by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE after the Hijra, it has been expanded repeatedly and now covers a vast complex of prayer halls, courtyards and marble plazas able to hold well over a million worshippers during peak periods. The most recognisable feature is the Green Dome above the Prophet's tomb, alongside the Rawdah, the area between the tomb and the minbar that is regarded as a garden of paradise. Dozens of minarets rise above the complex, and the outer plazas are shaded by large retractable umbrellas that open at dawn and close at dusk.
Entry to the mosque and its central zone is restricted to Muslims; non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque or the Haram boundary, though the outer plaza gates and surrounding streets can be seen from outside the restricted line. For Muslim visitors, a visit combines prayer, a greeting at the tomb, and time in the Rawdah, which is accessed through a permit-based booking system that assigns time slots by gender. Most visitors spend between two hours and a full day, since the five daily prayers punctuate the day and the halls are largely given over to worship.
The best-regarded times for a calm visit are shortly after Fajr and in the late evening, when temperatures are lower and queues thin. Crowds are heaviest around the Friday midday prayer, during Ramadan, and in the Hajj and Umrah seasons, when the plazas fill completely. The nearby Al-Baqi cemetery, the markets of the central area and the many hotels within walking distance make the mosque a natural base for a stay. Photography of the exterior and plazas is common, but visitors should follow the instructions of mosque staff, and avoid filming worshippers inside prayer areas. Modest dress and quiet conduct are expected throughout the complex.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 2 hours to a full day |
| Best time | After Fajr or late evening |
| Getting there | Walk from central hotels; taxi or Uber drop-offs at the outer plaza gates |
| Address | Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah 42311 |
Location
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah 42311
24.4672, 39.6111 View on map
Highlights
- The Green Dome above the Prophet's tomb, the best-known landmark of Madinah
- The Rawdah, accessed by permit through a gender-specific time-slot system
- Giant retractable umbrellas shading the outer plazas by day
- Late-evening and post-Fajr atmosphere, when the marble courtyards are calmer
Tips for visiting
- Entry to the mosque is for Muslims only; non-Muslims should view the exterior from the permitted outer areas.
- Rawdah visits require a permit booked through the official Saudi Hajj and Umrah channels.
- Dress modestly and expect shoes to be left at designated racks or carried in bags.
- Avoid the Friday midday prayer window and Ramadan evenings if a quieter visit is preferred.
- Stay hydrated; the plazas are open-air and temperatures climb sharply in summer.
When to visit
Shortly after Fajr or late in the evening, when the plazas are cooler and less crowded. Friday midday, Ramadan and the Hajj and Umrah seasons are the busiest periods.
Accessibility
The mosque has ramps, lifts, escalators and wheelchair-friendly marble floors, and staff and volunteers help with wheelchairs inside the complex. Distances across the plazas are long, so mobility assistance is useful.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Prophet's Mosque take?
A visit usually takes two hours, and many pilgrims stay a full day around the five daily prayers. A Rawdah visit adds queueing time depending on the assigned slot.
Can non-Muslims enter the Prophet's Mosque?
No. Entry to the mosque and the Haram boundary is limited to Muslims, though the outer plazas and surrounding streets are public areas.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior and plazas is widely practised. Visitors should follow staff instructions and avoid photographing worshippers or the tomb area.
Is the mosque open at night?
Yes. The mosque is open around the clock, with short closures for cleaning at certain times.