One of the most moving experiences in Madinah is visiting the Rawdah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Pilgrims come to send their Salam, seek closeness, and remember the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in one of the holiest places on earth. Yet, with the honour of this visit comes responsibility: to maintain respect, humility, and proper manners.
In fact, the Qur’an gives us a clear warning about how we should conduct ourselves when near the Prophet ﷺ.
The Qur’anic Guidance
Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (2):
“O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you do to one another, lest your deeds be nullified while you are unaware.”
This verse highlights the importance of lowering our voices, even when in the Prophet’s ﷺ presence after his passing. Speaking loudly or behaving without respect in this sacred place risks dishonouring the Prophet ﷺ and may even invalidate one’s good deeds.
Respect That Lasts Beyond Time
Scholars such as Qadhi Abu Bakr ibn Arabi explained that the respect due to the Prophet ﷺ remains the same after his passing as it was during his life. His honour is eternal, and therefore, the Rawdah must be approached with dignity and reverence.
This is why even companions like Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) were known to discipline those who raised their voices near the Prophet ﷺ’s resting place. He once warned two men that had they been locals of Madinah, he would have punished them severely for speaking loudly in the Masjid of the Messenger ﷺ.
Lessons From the Companions
Another example comes from the burial of Hasan ibn Ali (RA). When some people began causing an uproar, Husayn ibn Ali (RA) silenced them by reciting the very verse from Surah Al-Hujurat about lowering one’s voice in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ.
These accounts remind us that visiting the Rawdah is not like visiting any other place. It is the spiritual court of the Messenger ﷺ, and every action there carries weight.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Today, some people forget where they are while visiting Masjid al-Nabawi. Loud conversations, phone calls, or rushing through the crowds can all break the tranquillity of the space. When entering the Rawdah, remember:
-
Speak softly, as if in a whisper.
-
Focus your heart on the Prophet ﷺ and your prayers.
-
Move with humility, showing consideration to fellow pilgrims.
Just as we pack carefully for our Umrah and Hajj journeys with items like ihram belts or secure neck bags to keep our valuables safe, we must also “pack” the right mindset when stepping into the Rawdah — respect, calmness, and sincerity.
Entering the Rawdah With the Right Heart
Approach the Rawdah as if you are standing in the court of the Prophet ﷺ himself. This is not the place for distraction or casual behaviour but for reflection, Salawat, and renewing your connection with him.
Remember, the true gift of this visit lies not in taking photos or rushing, but in the stillness of your heart as you honour the Prophet ﷺ.
Preparing for Your Pilgrimage
While spiritual preparation is essential, practical preparation also matters. Long days in Madinah and Makkah can be tiring, especially in crowds. Having the right gear can help you focus more on worship and less on worry:
-
Hajj Safe Anti-Theft Ihram Belt – discreet and secure, so you don’t need to worry about losing passports, money, or phones in busy areas.
-
Drawstring Shoe Bags – to carry your footwear in the Haram without stress.
These small items of preparation mean you can step into spaces like the Rawdah with your mind at ease, fully present for the experience.