Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque)

After the Hijra to Madinah in 1 AH (622 CE), the Prophet ﷺ built a mosque. According to Ibn Hisham and Ibn Sa'd, the land was bought from two orphans, and the site was chosen where the Prophet's camel knelt. The first building had palm-trunk pillars, a roof of palm leaves and mud-brick walls. The mosque was the centre of worship and of community life. The mosque was enlarged under Umar ibn al-Khattab (around 17 AH) and under Uthman. The Umayyad caliph al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik (around 88–91 AH) rebuilt it in stone with decorative work. Ottoman and Saudi periods brought further major extensions; it is now one of the largest mosques in the world. The Prophet ﷺ is buried, together with Abu Bakr and Umar, in the chamber that was formerly part of the house of Aisha. This area was later included within the mosque.

The mosque is open 24 hours a day, but some areas and visiting hours are regulated; check current rules on the official Nusuk and Prophet's Mosque information channels. Prayer times are very crowded, so arrive early. Men and women use separate entrances and sections. Security screening applies. Dress modestly. The courtyards and halls involve considerable walking; wheelchairs and lifts are available for elderly and disabled visitors. Summer heat can be extreme, so use shaded courtyards, carry water and plan rest breaks.

Keep your voice low and behave with the dignity expected in a mosque. When greeting the Prophet ﷺ, do so respectfully and quietly; do not circle the grave, do not turn your back to the qibla to face the grave, and avoid raising your voice near the tomb area. Some visitors try to gain blessing by touching walls, railings or the grave. Many scholars consider this practice without basis and advise against it. Avoid photography that disturbs worshippers.