Al Masjid an Nabawi — Attraction in Medina Province

My Experience at Masjid al-Nabawi, Madinah Visiting Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah is a dream come true for every Muslim, and for me, it was one of the most spiritually enriching experiences of my life. Words fall short when trying to describe the overwhelming peace, beauty, and sanctity of this blessed mosque. From the moment I stepped into the sacred city of Madinah and laid my eyes on the glistening green dome of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mosque, my heart was filled with tranquility. The atmosphere of Masjid al-Nabawi is unlike any place on earth. Despite the thousands of visitors from around the world, the serenity that surrounds the mosque is indescribable. It's as if time slows down, and the only thing that matters is your connection with Allah and the deep sense of being in the presence of the Prophet (PBUH). Many visitors, including myself, often find themselves so spiritually moved that they don’t want to leave. The calmness of the place makes you feel at home in your soul. The architecture of the mosque is stunning. From the polished marble floors to the beautifully designed pillars and arches, every detail reflects the rich Islamic heritage and modern elegance. The famous green dome under which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA) rest is a sight that brings tears to the eyes. You can feel the love and reverence of every person around you. The Rawdah, the area between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit, is said to be a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Praying there is a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment. The mosque is immaculately clean and incredibly well-maintained. Despite the large crowds, the environment remains peaceful and organized. Security and staff are respectful, helpful, and always available to guide the visitors with a smile. Every effort is made to ensure that worshippers can focus solely on their prayers and reflections. What makes Masjid al-Nabawi even more special is the sense of unity and brotherhood you feel. People from all corners of the globe, speaking different languages and wearing different clothing, gather here with a single purpose—to worship, seek peace, and connect with their faith. Whether it’s the calm recitation of the Qur’an, the gentle sound of footsteps on marble, or the silent tears shed during du’a, everything adds to the sacred ambiance of this place. The night prayers (Qiyam al-Lail) and Fajr prayers in Masjid al-Nabawi are especially powerful. There is something truly moving about hearing the adhan echo through the city and witnessing the early morning light shine through the beautifully designed umbrellas in the mosque’s courtyard. These moments create a memory etched in your heart forever. One of the most cherished moments for me was sending salutations upon the Prophet (PBUH) in front of his blessed tomb. That brief, heartfelt moment of standing before the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was both humbling and uplifting. You feel his presence, his mercy, and his love in the air. The courtyard with its massive retractable umbrellas is another highlight. During the day, it provides much-needed shade, and at night, the cool breeze adds to the relaxing ambiance. Families sit together, people read Qur’an, some rest, while others reflect and make du’a. The whole area feels like a piece of heaven on earth. Even outside the mosque, the feeling of peace does not fade. The streets around Masjid al-Nabawi are filled with respectful pilgrims, soft voices, and gentle smiles. Madinah as a city complements the sacredness of the mosque—it is calm, safe, and full of warmth and spirituality. Masjid al-Nabawi is not just a mosque—it’s an experience. It’s a sanctuary for the soul, a place where hearts are softened, prayers are lifted, and faith is renewed. Many visitors come intending to stay for a few days, but find themselves longing to extend their time, unable to pull themselves away from...

Masjid al-Nabawi (Arabic: المسجد النبوي), also known as the Prophet's Mosque, is the second holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Located in the heart of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, it holds immense historical and spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.

Historical Overview:

Establishment by the Prophet ﷺ

Upon his migration (Hijrah) to Madinah in 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established Masjid al-Nabawi adjacent to his residence. The land was purchased from Sahal and Suhayl, and the construction was completed in approximately seven to eight months. The mosque served multiple purposes: a place of worship, a community center, a court, and a religious school.

Subsequent Expansions

Over the centuries, Masjid al-Nabawi underwent several expansions: Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA): Expanded the mosque to accommodate the growing Muslim population.

Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA): Further extended the mosque and enhanced its structure.

Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I (707 CE): Undertook significant renovations, including the addition of a wall separating the mosque from the Prophet's ﷺ residences.

Ottoman Era: Notably, Sultan Mahmud II constructed the iconic Green Dome over the Prophet's ﷺ tomb in 1817 CE, which was painted green in 1839 CE.

Saudi Era: The most extensive expansions occurred under the Saudi rulers, especially during the reigns of King Abdulaziz and King Fahd, significantly increasing the mosque's capacity to accommodate millions of worshippers.

Architectural Features

The Green Dome

One of the most distinctive features of Masjid al-Nabawi is the Green Dome (القبة الخضراء), situated above the Prophet's ﷺ tomb. This dome also houses the graves of the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).

Minarets and Domes

The mosque boasts ten minarets, each standing approximately 105 meters tall. Additionally, the roof features 27 sliding domes that can be moved to provide ventilation and light.

Al-Rawdah al-Sharifah

Located between the Prophet's ﷺ tomb and his pulpit (minbar), Al-Rawdah al-Sharifah is considered one of the gardens of Paradise. It is a highly revered area where Muslims aspire to pray.

Umbrella Canopies

The mosque's courtyard is equipped with large, retractable umbrella canopies that provide shade to worshippers during the day. These structures are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the comfort of pilgrims.

Spiritual Significance

Masjid al-Nabawi holds unparalleled spiritual importance:

Second Holiest Site: After Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, it is the most sacred place in Islam. (Holiest sites in Sunni Islam)

Prophet's ﷺ Tomb: The final resting place of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, making it a focal point for Ziyarah (visitation).

Historical Events: Numerous significant events in Islamic history transpired here, including revelations and key decisions during the Prophet's ﷺ life.

Visiting Masjid al-Nabawi

Pilgrims visiting Madinah often prioritize praying in Masjid al-Nabawi due to its immense rewards and significance. It is open to worshippers 24 hours a day, offering facilities and guidance to accommodate the needs of visitors from...

Masjid al-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, is one of the most sacred and beloved places in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Located in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, this mosque holds deep historical, spiritual, and emotional significance for Muslims around the world. Visiting Masjid al-Nabawi is considered a dream for many, as it is not only a place of worship but also the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The first thing that strikes every visitor is the mosque’s magnificent beauty and serene atmosphere. The sight of its iconic green dome is breathtaking, as it marks the resting place of the Prophet. The mosque’s design is a perfect blend of history and modernity, with its large open courtyards, elegant marble flooring, and the famous retractable umbrellas that provide shade to thousands of worshippers during the day. At night, the mosque glows under soft lighting, creating a truly peaceful and divine environment.

One of the most special areas inside the mosque is Rawdah al-Jannah (the Garden of Paradise), a section between the Prophet’s house and the pulpit. It is regarded as one of the gardens of Paradise, and praying there is considered highly virtuous. Because of its significance, this area is always crowded, and visitors patiently wait for their turn to offer prayers there. The spiritual experience of standing and praying in this sacred space is indescribable, leaving worshippers with a feeling of closeness to Allah and His Messenger.

Masjid al-Nabawi is also an excellent example of modern facilities combined with traditional reverence. The mosque is incredibly well maintained, with teams of workers keeping it spotlessly clean at all times. Cooling systems ensure a comfortable temperature even during the hottest months, and the sound system is crystal clear, allowing worshippers to hear the recitation of Qur’an beautifully from anywhere in the mosque. Accessibility is also well planned, with dedicated sections for women, wheelchairs, and elders, so everyone can worship comfortably.

Another remarkable feature is the sense of peace and unity that the mosque offers. People from every country and background gather here with a single purpose – to worship Allah. Whether during Fajr prayer at dawn, Dhuhr under the bright sun, or Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, the mosque is filled with worshippers standing shoulder to shoulder, a beautiful reminder of the equality and brotherhood Islam teaches.

Outside the mosque, the atmosphere is just as spiritual. There are shops selling prayer beads, Qur’ans, dates, and souvenirs, as well as numerous hotels and restaurants to accommodate visitors. The city of Madinah itself is calm and welcoming, making the experience even more memorable.

In conclusion, Masjid al-Nabawi is not just a mosque but a place that deeply touches the soul. Its peaceful environment, historical importance, and spiritual significance make it one of the most cherished destinations for Muslims. Visiting it fills the heart with tranquility and gratitude, and the memory of praying in the Prophet’s Mosque stays with a...