What is Baqi Al-Gharqad?
Jannat al-Baqi, also known as Baqi Al-Gharqad, is the oldest Islamic cemetery and a sacred resting place for thousands of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ family members, companions, and pious individuals. Located to the southeast of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, it serves as a poignant reminder of our final destination and the legacy of those who lived in the earliest days of Islam.
This “Garden of Trees” holds more than just graves—it holds history, sacrifice, and the stories of those who walked alongside the Prophet ﷺ. Visiting Jannat al-Baqi is not merely an act of remembrance; it is an opportunity to connect with the roots of our faith and reflect on our own journey toward the Hereafter.
A Noble Graveyard of Faith
Jannat al-Baqi is revered as the first Islamic cemetery, where over 10,000 companions of the Prophet ﷺ, along with members of his family, are buried. Among them are luminaries like Fatima رضي الله عنها, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, and Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه, the third caliph of Islam.
The cemetery’s simplicity speaks volumes. Its graves are unmarked mounds of sand, embodying the equality Islam teaches about life and death. Walking through Baqi feels like stepping into history, as you reflect on those who helped establish and spread the message of Islam.
The First to Be Buried in Jannat al-Baqi
The Prophet ﷺ was divinely guided to choose this site as the resting place for Muslims. The first companion buried here was As’ad ibn Zurarah رضي الله عنه of the Ansar. He was soon followed by Uthman ibn Maz’un رضي الله عنه, one of the earliest migrants to Madinah. Over time, the cemetery became the chosen site for the burials of many notable individuals, with other local graveyards falling out of use.
Prominent Graves You’ll Find Here
Some of the most beloved figures of Islam rest in Jannat al-Baqi, including:
- Fatima رضي الله عنها, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ
- Ibrahim, the infant son of the Prophet ﷺ
- Al-Hasan ibn Ali رضي الله عنه, the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ
- Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه, the third caliph of Islam
Additionally, several of the Prophet’s ﷺ wives, companions, and early martyrs are buried here. Their presence transforms Jannat al-Baqi into more than just a cemetery—it is a testament to the lives of those who shaped our deen.
Daily Janazah Prayers
Every day after Salah at Masjid an-Nabawi, Janazah prayers are performed, and bodies are carried to Jannat al-Baqi. It is the wish of many Muslims to be buried here, near the companions and family of the Prophet ﷺ. The simplicity of the process reminds us of the transient nature of this life and the eternal journey awaiting us.
Jannat al-Baqi Today
Today, the cemetery has expanded into a large marble plaza, covering 175,000m². It remains open twice daily after Fajr and Asr prayers, with only men allowed to enter while women observe from the nearby roads. Despite its modest appearance, Jannat al-Baqi continues to inspire reflection, reminding visitors of the humility and equality we face in death.
Visiting Jannat al-Baqi is more than just a historical experience—it’s a spiritual awakening. Each mound of earth represents lives lived in the service of Allah, sacrifices made for Islam, and the everlasting connection we share with the generations before us. It’s a reminder to strive for righteousness and leave behind a legacy that speaks long after we’re gone.