10 Things Every Visitor Should Know
Planning to perform Umrah in the sacred cities of Makkah and Medina? Get yourself acquainted with the basic etiquette, rituals, and blessings tied to the holy site that you should know about.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning on another spiritual journey, here are ten things every visitor should keep in mind when visiting Masjid Nabawi, Medina:
1. Start with the Right Intention
Every journey to Masjid Nabawi should begin with a sincere intention. Remind yourself that your purpose is to seek the pleasure of Allah, increase your worship, and strengthen your love for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. Make Dua when Entering the Masjid
When entering Masjid al Nabawi, it is Sunnah to enter the Masjid with the right foot through the As-Salam gate and recite the Masjid Enter Dua:
اللّهُـمَّ افْتَـحْ لي أبْوابَ رَحْمَتـِكَ
“O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.”
Entering with this dua reminds you that the journey you’re about to embark upon is purely spiritual and filled with the mercy of Allah.
3. Riyadh Ul Jannah is the Garden of Paradise
The Rawdah (Riyadh ul Jannah) is one of the most beloved areas of Masjid Nabawi, described as “a garden from Paradise.” It is also narrated in a hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said:
“The area between my grave and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1196, Book 20, Hadith 8)
Performing salah (prayers) in Riyadh Ul Jannah is a once-in-a-lifetime blessing, and every visitor should make it a priority to sit in that place and pray there.
4. Secure the Riyadh Ul Jannah Permit Beforehand
As the Rawdah is a highly sought-after prayer spot, visitors require an official Rawdah permit. To avail that, contact the Dawn Travels team, and they will ease the process for you.
Securing your permit beforehand gives you a chance to pray in the sacred area. However, if you could not secure it beforehand, make sure not to push or fight when you do not have a place to pray in Rawdah. Be patient, and you will be able to find a place to pray a little further away.
5. Women’s Access and Visiting Hours are Specific
Masjid Nabawi provides specific areas and times for women to visit, ensuring their comfort and ease of worship. Female visitors should familiarize themselves with the schedule to make the best of their spiritual journey. To inquire about the specified timings, contact the Dawn Travels team handling the female Umrah package.
6. Enter with Respect and Modesty
Every visitor should maintain dignity, humility, and modesty. Dressing appropriately, lowering one’s voice, and observing respectful conduct are essential etiquette for visiting the Masjid Nabawi.
Photography, loud conversations, or conduct that disrupts worshippers should be avoided. Visitors should remember that Masjid Nabawi is not just a landmark but a sacred sanctuary.
7. Send Salutations.
One of the most honorable acts inside Masjid-e-Nabawi, Medina, is sending salutations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RA).
Make sure to maintain an atmosphere of respect and reverence while doing so, and refrain from having conversations or talking loudly in the meantime.
8. It is a Sin to Make Dua Facing the Grave of the Prophet PBUH
When you’re standing in front of the Prophet (PBUH)’s grave, stand with dignity, humility, and respect. Do not raise your hands and make any dua in front of the tombs, as it is considered a SHIRK. If you need to make a dua, make sure that you are facing the Kaa and not the Prophet’s tomb.
9. Perform Nawafil and Make Duas
Though obligatory prayers are the center of worship, Nawafils and heartfelt duas inside Masjid Nabawi carry immense reward. Many visitors dedicate special moments to Qur’an recitation and supplication within the serene atmosphere.
10. Dua When Exiting the Masjid
When leaving, recite the following dua:
اللّهُـمَّ إنِّي أسْـألُـكَ مِنْ فَضْـلِكَ
“O Allah, I ask You for Your bounty.”
This dua reminds you that even after stepping outside, a Muslim’s reliance on Allah’s grace continues.
Be prepared for your divine visit to the Masjid Nabawi!
Now that you are well aware of the etiquette and ethics for behavior and conduct in Masjid Nabawi, book your Umrah 2025-2026 today because knowing these ten things will make your visit to the Masjid Nabawi a truly special and profound part of your Umrah journey.
