How to visit the Rawdah with a Nusuk permit, where to give salam to the Prophet ﷺ, the gates to use and tips for women and families.
Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, was first built by the Prophet ﷺ and his companions in the year of the Hijrah. Today it is one of the largest mosques in the world, yet its heart is the small area beside his blessed resting place.
The reward of prayer here
The Prophet ﷺ said: "A prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers in any other, except Al-Masjid Al-Haram" (Bukhari, Muslim).
The Rawdah
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise" (Bukhari, Muslim). This area — the Rawdah — is marked by green carpet and white pillars.
- Visits to the Rawdah require a permit booked in the Nusuk app. Slots open in advance and are separate for men and women — book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
- Arrive at the indicated gate before your time slot with your permit ready.
- Time inside is limited, so keep your prayer short and leave space for others.
Giving salam to the Prophet ﷺ
The visitors' queue usually enters from the Bab as-Salam side and moves past the graves of the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), leaving towards Al-Baqi.
- Say: As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulallah — then greet Abu Bakr and Umar.
- Keep moving gently; the guards will guide the line.
- Dua is made to Allah alone, facing the Qibla.
The Green Dome
The famous Green Dome stands above the Prophet's resting place. The best view is from the courtyard on the south-east side.
The umbrellas and courtyards
The giant retractable umbrellas in the courtyards open in the daytime to shade worshippers and close at night. In hot weather the courtyards also have mist fans.
Tips for women and families
- Women have dedicated prayer halls and gates; follow the signs or ask the female staff.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed in the courtyards; some halls have lifts to the roof.
- Agree on a gate number as your family meeting point.
Plan it with us
Ask us when booking — we can remind you when Rawdah slots open and plan your days around them. Message us on WhatsApp for a fixed quote — a real person replies, usually within minutes.
Cover photo: Green Dome, Masjid Al Nabawi by Wadie Al-Houh, CC0 (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons.
