Al-Masjid al-Nabawi — Your Quick Guide

Visit Guidelines

1. Download the Nusuk app — for obtaining a permit for the Sacred Chamber (available on iOS and Android).
2. Parking — official underground parking holds 8,000 cars.
3. Train — the Haramain High-Speed Railway takes you directly from Jeddah or Mecca to the Holy Mosque station.
4. Visit times — Open 24 hours; the quietest period is between Isha and Fajr.
5. Services — electric carts.

1. Available for the elderly and disabled.
2. Smart applications — The “Makkah City Explorer” app guides you to the city’s landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a visit appointment or reservation required?

No, entry to the Prophet’s Mosque is open to everyone. However, the Honorable Green Dome requires a permit via the Nask app. It is preferable to avoid the most crowded prayer times.

Are there tourist tours inside the mosque?

Yes, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques provides free guided tours in many languages. Inquire at the guidance offices inside the mosque.

How to reach the Prophet’s Mosque from the city airport?

The Haramain High-Speed Railway from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport — the trip takes about 20 minutes. Taxis and ride‑hailing apps are also available.

Topic from: toly.today — Your comprehensive guide to Saudi cities

Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is the second holiest mosque in Islam, and the destination of every Muslim in the world. As soon as you step onto its courtyards, you feel a comfort and tranquility that cannot be described. This article will give you everything you need to know about Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi — from historical information to visit guidelines.

Who it concerns: All Muslims — visitors, pilgrims, and umrah performers
Where it is: Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi — Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (central area)
How much it costs: Entry is free for everyone
When: Open 24 hours a day, every day of the week
💡 Fact: Praying in Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi equals a thousand prayers. The Sacred Chamber requires a permit via the Nusuk app due to high demand.

Historical Overview

Built by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as soon as he arrived in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah after the migration from Mecca in the year 622. The mosque was simple — walls of mudbrick and a roof of palm trunks and fronds. However, over time, the mosque expanded greatly, especially during the Saudi era, and today it is one of the largest mosques in the world, with an area exceeding 500,000 square meters and a capacity exceeding 1.5 million worshippers.

Key Attractions of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi

The Green Dome

The Green Dome above the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ grave is the most famous landmark in the mosque. It was built in the Mamluk era in the year 678 AH (approximately 1279 CE), and was painted green during the Ottoman era. The Green Dome remains an icon of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah that every Muslim recognizes.

The Sacred Chamber

The Sacred Chamber is the area between the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ grave and his pulpit. The Prophet said: “The space between my house and my pulpit is a garden of Paradise.” The chamber is relatively small and receives a lot of visitors, so the visitor needs to obtain a permit via the Nusuk (Nusuk.sa) app.

Historical Columns

In Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi there are historical columns with names and stories, such as the Repentance Column, the Guard Column, and the Delegation Column. Each column commemorates a historical event from the life of the Prophet ﷺ.

Major Saudi Expansions

• First expansion (King Fahd): From 1405 AH — increased the mosque’s area to 98,000 square meters and added two floors and external courtyards.
• Second expansion (King Abdullah): From 1433 AH — added large areas and increased the capacity.
• Third expansion (King Salman): Ongoing currently — includes the eastern expansion with an additional 36,500 square meters.