A small domed mosque near the Prophet's Mosque tied to the Prophet's Eid and rain prayers. Muslim worshippers; near the sacred precinct.
Masjid al-Ghamama, the Mosque of the Cloud, stands about 500 m west of the Prophet's Mosque, near its As-Salam gate. Tradition holds that the Prophet led Eid prayers and the rain prayer on this open ground, and that a cloud shaded him; reports date the first Eid prayer here to 631 CE. The building is credited to the Umayyad era under Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz (about 705-712) and was restored by Mamluk and Ottoman rulers, notably in 1859 under Sultan Abdulmejid I, and by the Saudi state. It is a rectangular mosque with an entrance hall of five small domes and a prayer hall with six domes, the largest over the mihrab. It is small and quiet compared with its famous neighbour. It lies close to the sacred precinct of Masjid an-Nabawi, so non-Muslim visitors should expect checkpoints and should not enter the signposted area. Muslims can pray here between visits to the main mosque.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at prayer times |
| Typical visit | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Best time | Mid-morning |
| Getting there | Walk 5 to 10 minutes from the Prophet's Mosque |
| Address | Masjid al-Ghamama, near As-Salam Gate, Madinah 42311 |
Location
Masjid al-Ghamama, near As-Salam Gate, Madinah 42311
24.4658, 39.6070 View on map
Highlights
- Site traditionally linked to the Prophet's Eid and rain prayers
- Domed Ottoman-era look from the 1859 restoration
- Quiet mosque beside the Prophet's Mosque plazas
- Short walk from the As-Salam gate
- Often combined with a walk to Abu Bakr mosque
Tips for visiting
- Muslims can pray here between visits to the main mosque.
- Non-Muslim visitors should not enter the signposted precinct.
- Visit mid-morning for a calm moment.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes.
- Combine with the As Safiyyah complex nearby.
- Take care crossing busy roads in the area.
When to visit
Mid-morning, outside prayer times.
Accessibility
Level entrance from the plaza side; interior is small with a single level.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Al-Ghamama?
Ghamama means cloud; traditions say a cloud shaded the Prophet or rain followed his prayer for rain here.
Is it free?
Yes.
Is it inside the Haram boundary?
It lies right next to the sacred precinct; non-Muslims should confirm the boundary locally.
How big is it?
Small: a prayer hall about 30 m by 15 m with six domes.