The Prophet's Mosque and tomb, the second holiest site in Islam. Open to Muslims only; non-Muslims can view it from outside the signposted precinct.
Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, stands at the centre of Madinah and is the second holiest mosque in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad founded it in 622 CE after the Hijrah, and it has been enlarged many times, from the Umayyad caliph al-Walid I around 706 to the Ottoman works of the 19th century and the Saudi expansions beginning in 1951 and 1985. A Saudi Press Agency report from March 2026 gives the present capacity as about 1.8 million worshippers. The Green Dome, first built in wood in 1279 and painted green in 1837, rises over the Prophet's tomb, and the courtyards are shaded by large retractable umbrellas. The mosque is open around the clock and is busiest around the five daily prayers, on Fridays and in Ramadan. Access to the mosque and the sacred precinct around it is for Muslims only. Visitors who are not Muslim can walk the surrounding city and see the mosque from outside the signposted perimeter, but should not test the boundary. Modest dress is expected: men wear loose clothing covering shoulders and knees, and women an abaya and headscarf. Women and men use separate prayer areas and entrances, and security staff direct the flow at each gate.
| Admission | Free; Muslims only |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 1 to 3 hours |
| Best time | After Fajr or mid-morning on weekdays |
| Getting there | Walk from central hotels; the Hop-On Hop-Off Green Route stops at the mosque; taxis and ride-hailing set down at the outer plazas |
| Address | Masjid an-Nabawi, Al Haram, Madinah 42311 |
Location
Masjid an-Nabawi, Al Haram, Madinah 42311
24.4683, 39.6108 View on map
Highlights
- Green Dome over the Prophet's tomb
- Retractable courtyard umbrellas and the white marble plazas
- Ten minarets rising above the Madinah skyline
- Open 24 hours with prayers broadcast through the city
- Nearby Al-Baqi cemetery and the As Safiyyah complex
Tips for visiting
- Muslims only inside the precinct; non-Muslims should view the mosque from outside the signposted perimeter.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before a prayer to find space in the courtyards.
- Dress modestly and carry shoes in a bag or use the racks at the gates.
- Use the Nusuk app to book a Rawdah slot; walking up without a permit is not allowed.
- Avoid Friday midday and the last ten nights of Ramadan if a quieter visit is wanted.
- Keep valuables minimal; large bags slow security checks.
When to visit
After Fajr and mid-morning on weekdays are quietest; Fridays, Ramadan and Hajj season are the busiest.
Accessibility
Ramps, elevators, escalators and wheelchair access are provided, and wheelchairs can be hired near the main gates; paths are long, so mobility-impaired visitors should allow extra time.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslims enter Masjid an-Nabawi?
No. The mosque and the sacred precinct around it are restricted to Muslims. The perimeter is signposted and checked, and non-Muslims can see the mosque from outside the marked line.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Entry for Muslim worshippers is free and the mosque is open 24 hours a day.
What is the best time to visit?
The hours after Fajr and mid-morning on weekdays are usually calmer. Fridays, Ramadan and Hajj season are the busiest.
What should visitors wear?
Loose clothing covering shoulders and knees for men, and an abaya with a headscarf for women.