Visiting the Rawdah in Masjid al-Nabawi is one of the most spiritually uplifting moments a believer can experience. It’s a place filled with serenity, reverence, and reward — a blessed spot between the home and pulpit of the Prophet ﷺ that he described as a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit, with sincerity, preparation, and adab (good manners) every step of the way.
1. Begin With Intention (Niyyah)
Every act of worship begins with a sincere intention. As you prepare for your journey to Madinah, renew your niyyah — your purpose is to visit the beloved Prophet ﷺ, to honour him, and to draw closer to Allah ﷻ through prayer in his masjid. Keep it simple and heartfelt: “Ya Allah, I seek closeness to You through this visit.”
2. Send Salawat in Abundance
On your way to Madinah, and especially before entering the Rawdah, increase your salawat — sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. Let your heart be full of love and longing as you say:
“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad…”
Also, make du’a that Allah ﷻ accepts your visit and allows it to benefit your heart and your akhirah.
3. Arrive in a State of Cleanliness and Honour
Prepare yourself as if you are about to meet a noble guest — because you are. Perform ghusl, wear your cleanest and best clothes, apply perfume (men only), and enter the mosque with humility and respect. This is not an ordinary place — it’s a sacred site blessed by the presence of the Prophet ﷺ.
4. Recite the Du’a Upon Entering Madinah
As you enter the blessed city, say:
اللَّهُمَّ هذَا حَرَمُ نَبِيِّكَ، فَاجْعَلْهُ لِي وِقَايَةً مِنَ النَّارِ، وَأَمَانًا مِنَ الْعَذَابِ، وَسُوءِ الْحِسَابِ.
“O Allah, this is the Sacred Precinct of Your Prophet, so make it a protection for me from the Fire and a security from punishment and a bad reckoning.”
Let this du’a soften your heart and prepare it for what’s to come.
5. Say the Mosque Entry Du’a
Before stepping into Masjid al-Nabawi, recite:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ.
“In the name of Allah, O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad. O Allah, forgive me and open for me the doors of Your Mercy.”
This reminds us that while we seek blessings, we also seek Allah’s mercy.
6. Pause and Absorb the Moment
When you enter the Rawdah, don’t rush. Take a deep breath. Let your heart settle. Look around and take in the sanctity of the place. Many righteous people have prayed here over the centuries. Feel the tranquillity, let go of distractions, and be present.
7. Offer Salah with Focus
It’s recommended to perform two units of voluntary prayer (nafl) in the Rawdah. If possible, pray behind one of the sacred pillars—especially behind the Ustuwaanah Aisha (Pillar of Aisha). Use this opportunity to make sincere du’a, and ask Allah for forgiveness near the Pillar of Repentance (Ustuwaanah al-Tawbah).
8. Offer Your Salam to the Prophet ﷺ and His Companions
Stand respectfully and send your salam to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his two closest companions:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ
Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah.
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ
Peace be upon you, O Abu Bakr.
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا عُمَرُ
Peace be upon you, O Umar.
Let your words come from a place of love and humility, free from distraction or haste.
9. Show Respect to Others Around You
The Rawdah can become crowded, especially during peak times. Be mindful of others. Make space when you can. Avoid pushing or rushing. True adab is shown when we think of others even in our most sacred moments. The reward of praying here is great, but never at the cost of someone else’s peace.
Visiting the Rawdah is a gift. Not everyone is granted this opportunity, so cherish it. Go with a heart full of love, eyes that reflect awe, and a tongue moist with remembrance. May Allah ﷻ allow every believer to experience this garden of Jannah, and may our visit be accepted, purified, and a means of nearness to Him.