What is the Prophet's Mosque in Medina?
The Prophet's Mosque (al-Masjid an-Nabawi) is the mosque in Medina that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ built after he migrated there, and it is the second holiest mosque in Islam. He is buried inside it, and millions visit every year to pray and send him greetings of peace.
How it began
When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Medina in 622 CE, one of the first things he did was build a mosque. It was simple: mud-brick walls, palm-trunk pillars and a roof of palm leaves. He carried bricks alongside his companions. The mosque was also a school, a community centre, a shelter for poor Muslims and the place where he met visitors. His own small rooms were built against its wall.
Why it is special
- Extra reward. The Prophet ﷺ said one prayer in his mosque is better than a thousand prayers in other mosques, except Masjid al-Haram (Sahih al-Bukhari 1190).
- The Rawdah. He said the area between his house and his pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 1196). Today this small zone, marked by green carpet, needs a booked time slot through the official Nusuk app.
- His resting place. The Prophet ﷺ was buried in the room of his wife Aisha, which is now inside the mosque under the Green Dome. Abu Bakr and Umar are buried beside him.
Greeting the Prophet ﷺ
Many visitors walk slowly past his grave and say, "As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulallah" (peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah). The Prophet ﷺ said that whenever someone greets him, Allah returns his soul to him so he can return the greeting (Sunan Abi Dawud 2041). Scholars stress that the greeting is calm and respectful, and that all dua is directed to Allah alone. You can send the same blessings from anywhere in the world. See How do I send salawat on the Prophet?
Visiting as a new Muslim
Visiting Medina is not part of Hajj or Umrah, but most pilgrims spend a few days there. When you enter, pray two short rak'ahs as a greeting to the mosque. See What is tahiyyat al-masjid? Unlike Mecca, Medina is calmer and greener, and many converts say it is where they felt most at peace. If you are planning a trip, start with What is Umrah?
- The Prophet ﷺ built this mosque in Medina and is buried inside it.
- One prayer there is better than 1,000 prayers elsewhere, except Mecca.
- The Rawdah is called a garden of Paradise and needs a booked slot.
- Greet the Prophet ﷺ respectfully, but direct all dua to Allah.
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