What to visit in Madinah: the ziyara guide

Madinah, the city of the Prophet ﷺ

Madinah (Al‑Madinah al‑Munawwarah, "the illuminated city") is Islam's second holy city. It is where the Prophet ﷺ migrated, lived and was buried. Visiting it is not part of the Umrah rites, but it is a high point of the journey — most of our programs devote several days to it.

The Prophet's Mosque ﷺ and the Rawdah

The heart of the ziyara is the Prophet's Mosque ﷺ (Al‑Masjid an‑Nabawi), which he founded himself. Pilgrims pray there, offer the salam to the Prophet ﷺ and to his Companions Abu Bakr and 'Umar, and seek to pray in the Rawdah, the space between his home and his pulpit described as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise." Access to the Rawdah today is by booking through the Nusuk app — reserve your slot in advance.

The ziyara sites around Madinah

• The Quba mosque — the first mosque of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged visiting it in a state of purity; praying there carries the reward of an Umrah.
• Mount Uhud — the site of the Battle of Uhud, where martyrs rest, including Hamza, the Prophet's ﷺ uncle.
• Al‑Baqi cemetery — where many Companions and members of the Prophet's ﷺ household are buried.
• The Mosque of the Two Qiblas (Al‑Qiblatayn) — where the change of prayer direction toward Makkah took place.

Our glossary defines each of these sites (Quba and the seven mosques, Mount Uhud, Al‑Baqi).

Practical tips for your ziyara

1. Pray early. The hours around Fajr are the most peaceful at the Prophet's Mosque ﷺ.
2. Book the Rawdah via Nusuk as early as possible — slots go fast.
3. Dress modestly. Bring suitable attire; separate areas exist for women.
4. Stay with your group. Visits around Madinah (Quba, Uhud, Baqi) are simpler and safer with our team.

Our Umrah programs include guided days in Madinah. For dates, hotels near the Prophet's Mosque ﷺ and real prices, message us via Bab Makka.