The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques announced a comprehensive update to the timings and procedures for visiting the Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit) in the Prophet's Mosque, as part of its ongoing efforts to regulate visitor flow and ensure that worship is performed in an atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality. This step comes in response to the increasing number of visitors to the Prophet's Mosque and out of a desire to provide the greatest possible number of Muslims with the opportunity to pay their respects to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his two companions.
Booking and entry procedures for the Holy Garden
The authority clarified that performing prayers in the Rawdah Ash-Sharifah (the area between the Prophet's grave and his pulpit) requires obtaining a permit in advance through the "Nusk" electronic platform. It noted that the permit is issued only once every 565 days, a regulatory measure aimed at ensuring equitable access for millions of visitors. Booking is also available through the instant booking system while in the vicinity of the Prophet's Mosque, subject to availability.
The southern courtyards in front of Bab Makkah (No. 37) have been designated as the main entry point for visitors, with specific pathways provided to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent overcrowding, with special facilities provided for the elderly and people with disabilities, including allowing the entry of handcarts according to specific regulations.
Visiting schedule for men and women
The authority has set precise time periods to separate visits by men and women to ensure privacy and comfort, and the daily times (except Friday) are as follows:
- For men: The first period starts from 2:00 AM until Fajr prayer, and the second period is from 11:20 AM until Isha prayer.
- For women: The first period is from after Fajr prayer until 11:00 AM, and the second period is from after Isha prayer until 2:00 AM.
Regarding Fridays , some changes have been made to accommodate the Friday prayer. Men's visits are permitted from 2:00 AM until dawn, and from 9:20 AM until 11:20 AM, then resume after the prayer until the evening prayer. Women's visits are permitted from after dawn until 9:00 AM, and from after the evening prayer until 2:00 AM.
The religious and historical significance of the Holy Garden
The Rawdah al-Sharifah (the Noble Garden) holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It is the area between the Prophet's house (where his blessed grave is located) and his pulpit. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding its virtues: "Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise." The Rawdah is distinguished by its green carpeting, which differs from the red carpets of the rest of the Prophet's Mosque. It also contains important historical landmarks such as the Prophet's mihrab (prayer niche) and historical columns that witnessed significant events during the Prophet's era.
Institutional organization and its impact on visitor experience
These meticulous arrangements align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the hosting of millions of pilgrims and visitors annually. Organizing entry to the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah) presents a significant logistical challenge due to its limited area of approximately 330 square meters, compared to the millions of people who wish to visit it. Therefore, adhering to the designated times and routes is both a religious and organizational obligation, enabling everyone to experience the honor of visiting and praying without inconveniencing others or causing overcrowding.
