Agar Aku Tidak Lupa: UMRAH 2026 - MADINAH - DAY 07 - ARRIVAL TO MADINAH & ZIYARAT AL-NABI

Assalamualaikum.

By 7:00 PM, we had officially arrived in Madinah. After hopping off the HSR train, we followed Andalusia Travel & Tours rep, Ustaz Firdaus, as he led us through the station to grab a taxi. He quickly navigated the station to arrange a taxi for our final leg to the hotel. After six incredible days in Makkah, we were so ready to see what the next five days in the Prophet’s city had in store.

Taxis at the Madinah Haramain High-Speed Railway (HSR) Station are located directly outside the main exit, where various official and private drivers are available. Upon exiting the arrival hall, you will find designated pickup points and official taxi ranks.

It is recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for fixed pricing, generally costing around 50–60 SAR to the city center/Masjid e Nabawi. A taxi ride to hotels near the Prophet's Mosque typically costs between SAR 30 and SAR 60, though drivers may initially ask for more; haggling is common.

Madinah Haramain High-Speed Railway (HSR) Station.

Services like Uber and Careem are popular and often more cost-effective than hailing a taxi on the spot. You can set your pickup point at the station's designated ride-share area.

The HSR Makkah Station is about a 15–20 minute drive from the center of Madinah.

The transition from the high-speed rail to our Madinah accommodation was seamless thanks to Ustaz Firdaus. Our hotel accommodation in Medina is Al Ritz Al Madina.

Al Ritz Al Madinah is a 3-star, smoke-free hotel in Medina, Saudi Arabia, located less than 150 meters from the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). Known for its prime, close location, it features 118 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour service, and nearby access to local amenities and transportation.

The hotel lobby.

Traditional welcome refreshment setup, featuring Arabic coffee, at the Al Ritz Al Madinah hotel. The golden traditional Arabic coffee pots, known as dallah are central to Saudi Arabian hospitality, where serving coffee and dates is a symbolic ritual of welcoming and honoring guests. The hotel also provides coffee and tea in common areas for guests throughout their stay.

The hotel lobby also features a spacious and comfortable lounge, which frequently serves as many group’s meeting point before they head out for the day's activities with their respective guides.

The walking distance from Al Ritz Al Madina Hotel to Gate 333 of Masjid An-Nabawi is approximately 150 to 200 metres, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes to walk.

📘Walking Route Details

🔹Distance: The hotel is located in the same building as the Royal Nozol, making it extremely close to the mosque.

🔹Path: To reach the gate, you simply exit the hotel, go straight towards Gate 333, and make a slight turn to the right.

🔹Strategic Access: Gate 333 is a popular entry point as it provides direct access to the Raudhah area and is a main route for male worshippers. It is also conveniently located near the Taiba Commercial Center for shopping.

📘Key Locations & Accessibility

🔹Hotel Entry: The hotel has three entrances/exits, which can make accessing different sides of the mosque more flexible depending on where you are headed.

🔹Nearby Gates: While Gate 333 is very close, the hotel is also within a 4-5 minute walk of other major entrances like the King Fahd Gate (Gate 21).

🔹Ladies' Access: For female worshippers, the hotel is also roughly a 5-minute walk from the dedicated women's prayer area entrances, such as Gate 25.

We managed to grab a quick photo with Ustaz Firdaus to remember the journey before saying our final goodbyes.

Our room - spacious and comfortable.

📘Room Layout & Space

🔹Ample Sleeping Capacity: The room features multiple single beds (at least four are visible), each neatly made with clean white linens and decorative blue runners.

🔹Luggage & Storage: There is dedicated space for large bags, including a luggage rack near the entrance and enough floor space between the beds and the desk to keep paths clear.

🔹Work & Lounge Area: A long built-in wooden desk serves as both a vanity and a workspace, paired with a modern upholstered chair. A separate small seating area with an armchair and a side table provides a spot for tea or coffee.

The hotel room has four single beds because it is a Standard Quadruple Room. This specific room type is designed to accommodate groups of up to four adults, which is a common requirement for visitors to Madinah.

Reasons for This Room Setup

🔹Pilgrimage Groups: Many travelers to Madinah come in groups for Hajj or Umrah and prefer sharing a single room to stay together and reduce costs.

🔹Maximizing Capacity: Given the extremely high occupancy rates in Madinah (often over 80%), hotels use multi-bed configurations to accommodate the massive influx of visitors.

🔹Flexible Accommodations: At Al Ritz Al Madinah, rooms are often "single-bedded" by default, allowing them to be booked for 2, 3, 4, or even 5 guests (as seen in their Junior Suites).

🔹Cultural Norms: In many hotels in Makkah and Madinah, it is standard practice to provide individual single beds rather than large shared beds, ensuring comfortable, separate sleeping spaces for all guests.

If you are traveling as a couple and prefer a single large bed, some guests at this hotel have noted that you can often push two single beds together to create a king-sized bed.

📘Conveniences & Amenities

🔹Refreshment Station: The desk area is equipped with an electric kettle, cups, and bottled water, making it easy to enjoy hot drinks in the room.

🔹Entertainment: A large flat-screen TV is wall-mounted directly opposite the seating area for easy viewing.

🔹Lighting: The room is well-lit with a mix of recessed ceiling lights, bedside reading lamps, and decorative wall sconces, creating a warm atmosphere.

📘Bathroom Facilities

🔹Full Suite: The bathroom is fully tiled in marble and includes a large vanity with a wide mirror, a toilet, and a bidet.

🔹Bathing Options: It features a full-sized bathtub equipped with a glass splash guard and a wall-mounted shower head.

🔹Provided Extras: You’ll find fresh white towels, a hairdryer, and wall-mounted toiletry dispensers (shampoo/body wash) to save counter space.

Since we opted for the Haramain High-Speed Railway (HSR), we missed the dinner served on the group bus to Madinah. Instead, we received our packed meals at the hotel later that evening. After a quick bite and a short rest, my wife and I headed out to experience the lively atmosphere of the King Fahd Rd, Bada'ah, which had looked so festive when we passed it earlier in our taxi.

The walkways in front of our hotel.

Abdul Rahman ibn Awf Street.

This is Buddaah Lane, as stated on the signage on the wall. It is a shopping lane at the ground floor of the Al Ritz Al Madina Hotel.

This bustling wide lane is located King Fahd Rd, Bada'ah. Bada'ah is a district located in the northern central area of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, recognized for its close proximity to the Prophet's Mosque (Al Masjid An Nabawi). It is a popular, high-density area for visitors, featuring hotels like Makarem Burj Al-Madinah and Durrat Al Eiman, specifically situated near the ladies' prayer entrance and northern gates.

This the "I ❤️ Madinah" photo frame located in the outer courtyards of Al Masjid an Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. This ornate, diamond-shaped installation is a popular photography spot for pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy city especially during evening hours, featuring various photography services like the one shown ("Tethkar") that offer professional commemorative photos. Visitors often pose for photographs within this frame to create lasting memories of their spiritual journey.

📘Location & Context

🔹Primary Landmark: The frame is situated with the minarets and distinctive green dome of Al Masjid an Nabawi visible in the background.

🔹Surroundings: It is located in a busy pedestrian area surrounded by major hotels, such as the Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah and the Hilton Madinah, which are visible in the background of the shot.

🔹Significance: The Arabic script at the top of the frame reads "أنا❤️ المدينة" (Ana Al-Madinah), which translates to "I ❤️Medina" or is part of the "I Love Medina" branding often used for local tourism.

📘Features

🔹Design: The frame features intricate traditional patterns and is illuminated, making it a prominent feature for night-time photography.

🔹Accessibility: It is positioned in an open courtyard area accessible to the public, frequently used by professional photographers (as seen in this image) to capture commemorative photos for visitors.

This is the Global Food Village (also known as the Madinah Street Food Market), a popular outdoor dining area situated on King Fahd Road, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was created to offer a diverse, international, and accessible dining experience for visitors just outside Al Masjid An Nabawi.

📘Key Reasons for Its Creation

🔹Cultural Diversity: It was designed to bring global flavors to one central location, allowing visitors to experience cuisines from around the world without leaving the city.

🔹Support for Small Businesses: The market specifically highlights and supports women-owned small businesses and local entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to reach a high-traffic international audience.

🔹Strategic Tourism Alignment: The project aligns with broader goals to boost Madinah’s tourism and entertainment sectors by creating modern, accessible, and "Instagram-worthy" social spaces for both locals and tourists.

📘Location and Features

🔹Proximity to Haram: The food street is located just outside Gate 333 of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque).

🔹Kiosk Style: It features a row of modern, illuminated kiosks with green arched windows, often set against the backdrop of luxury hotels like the Peninsula Worth Hotel.

🔹Multicultural Cuisine: The market offers a wide variety of international dishes which represents the global Muslim community, including Turkish bagels, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, and Malaysian food, as well as local favorites like Ajwa dates ice cream and kunafa.

📘Visitor Experience

🔹Atmosphere: It is a vibrant spot for pilgrims and tourists to gather, especially at night or in the early morning hours (e.g., 3:00 AM) for post-prayer snacks or desserts.

🔹Outdoor Culinary Experience: It offers an open-air food court atmosphere on King Fahd Road, enhancing the dining experience near the haram.

🔹Nearby Landmarks: It is within a short walking distance (roughly 200–250 meters) of other major entrances like King Fahd Gate No. 21.

While both Makkah and Madinah are deeply spiritual, they offer distinct "energies" that travelers feel the moment they arrive. Makkah often feels like a high-energy spiritual marathon, while Madinah feels like a peaceful, communal retreat.

📘Makkah: The High-Intensity Heart

Makkah is defined by the Kaaba, the focal point of the Islamic world. The atmosphere here is intense, focused, and 24/7.

🔹Vibe: Constant motion. Because pilgrims are often performing Umrah (which is physically demanding), there is a sense of urgency and high spiritual adrenaline.

🔹Structure: Vertical and dense. Massive skyscrapers and hotels overlook the Haram, creating a feeling of being in a "Sacred Metropolis."

🔹The Spiritual Focus: It is deeply individualistic within a crowd. Everyone is there for the same purpose—Tawaf and prayer—creating a powerful, overwhelming sense of awe and magnitude.

🔹Commercial Aspect: Highly functional. Shopping and dining are often quick and convenient to accommodate the tight schedules of pilgrims.

📘Madinah: The Tranquil Sanctuary

Madinah is the city of the Prophet (PBUH), and its atmosphere is defined by Sakina (tranquility). It successfully blends deep reverence with a more relaxed, "touristic" pace.

🔹Vibe: Calm and rhythmic. The movement is slower, the people are famously hospitable, and there is a cooling, "zen" quality to the city.

🔹The "Touristic" Blend:

- Walkability: Unlike Makkah’s verticality, Madinah is more horizontal. Areas like the Global Food Village or the Museums encourage strolling.

- Aesthetic: The famous large umbrellas in the Masjid courtyard and the open plazas make it feel like a grand garden.

🔹The Spiritual Focus: It feels communal and intimate. While Makkah is about the "Power of God," Madinah is about "Love for the Prophet." This makes the spirituality feel more approachable and gentle.

🔹Leisurely Experience: You’ll see families sitting in the plazas for hours, children playing, and groups enjoying international cuisines at street markets—something that feels much more natural in Madinah than in the focused bustle of Makkah.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Makkah	Madinah
Primary Emotion	Awe & Intensity	Peace & Love
Pace of Life	Fast / 24-hour cycle	Moderate / Calm
Layout	Dense & Vertical	Open & Pedestrian-friendly
Social Aspect	Focused on Ritual	Focused on Community & Visiting

The Clock Roundabout (also known as Clock Tower Roundabout or simply the Clock Tower) is a prominent, iconic landmark located just outside the courtyard of Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It serves as a popular, picturesque meeting spot for pilgrims and visitors, particularly renowned for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty amidst the bustling city.

📘Key Features and Atmosphere

🔹Meeting Point: It is widely used by pilgrims and tourists as a recognizable meeting spot, particularly in front of Gate 33 or near Gate 21/22 of the Prophet's Mosque.

🔹Aesthetic Appeal: The area is described as a "tranquil oasis" featuring a standalone clock tower originally surrounded by meticulously maintained greenery and vibrant flowers.

🔹Updates: In early 2021 (Muharram 1443), the old Omega clock and its surrounding fountain were removed and replaced with a new clock design.

🔹Pigeon Feeding: A popular activity at this spot is feeding the thousands of doves that typically gather around the clock.

🔹Photography: Its striking design and proximity to the mosque make it a favorite backdrop for photographers, especially during the "golden hours" of sunrise and sunset.

📘Location and Access

🔹Proximity to Mosque: It is situated just outside the courtyard of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, specifically in the Bada'ah district.

🔹Walking Distance: For those coming from the mosque, exiting via the King Fahd Gate (Gate 21) or heading northwest towards King Abdulaziz Road will lead you toward the roundabout and its associated clock tower.

🔹Surrounding Area: The vicinity is bustling with luxury hotels, cafes, and shops, making it a convenient stop for a break after exploration or prayer.

Umrah travel agents often place pilgrims in hotels to the north of Masjid An-Nabawi because it provides a strategic balance of convenience, accessibility, and value. While largely a logistical choice for convenience, it also caters to specific preferences for international groups and families.

📘Superior Accessibility for Large Groups

The northern side of the mosque is home to Bab Malik Fahd (King Fahd Gate), which is the main entry point for most pilgrims.

🔹Spacious Entry: This gate provides direct access to the mosque's newest and most spacious prayer areas, making it ideal for large tour groups or families who want to avoid the denser crowds found at the eastern or western gates.

🔹Infrastructure: The area is designed with wider walkways and better infrastructure to handle high volumes of pedestrian traffic, which is a major convenience for agents managing large cohorts.

📘Convenience for Female Pilgrims

A significant factor for travel agents is the proximity to the women’s prayer sections.

🔹Gate Proximity: Many popular northern hotels are located near Gate 25 and other northern entrances that are closest to the designated prayer areas for women.

🔹Reduced Walking: Staying on the northern side prevents female pilgrims from having to walk across the entire mosque complex to reach their specific sections, which is particularly beneficial for elderly women.

📘Practical "Middle Ground" (Convenience vs. Cost)

Travel agents often choose the North as a "balanced compromise" for their packages:

🔹Tranquility: It is generally more peaceful than the bustling eastern side (near the Rawdah) or the luxury-heavy western side, offering a calmer environment for rest between prayers.

🔹Value for Money: Hotels in the northern sector often provide better value—offering high-standard accommodations at lower price points than the prime real estate directly facing the Rawdah.

🔹Logistics: This side provides easier access to main roads for group excursions (Ziyarat) to sites like Mount Uhud or for airport transfers, saving time during the busy pilgrimage schedule.

At about 10:15 pm, Ustaz Herman led the men in our group to Masjid An-Nabawi for Ziyarat Al-Nabi.

Ziyarat in general is an Arabic term meaning "visit," usually referring to pilgrimage to sites associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his family (Ahlulbayt), companions, and pious predecessors.

Ziyarat al-Nabi refers to the pilgrimage to visit the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) and the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the most spiritually significant acts in Islam, often performed alongside Hajj or Umrah, where visitors offer salutations (Salam) to the Prophet to gain blessings and express love.

📘Core Significance

🔹Sunnah Practice: Visiting the Prophet's grave is considered a highly recommended act of worship (Sunnah) by the consensus of Islamic scholars.

🔹Spiritual Connection: It is a means of paying homage, reflecting on Islamic history, and seeking spiritual closeness to Allah through the Prophet's status.

🔹Intercession: Many traditions suggest that those who visit the Prophet's grave may receive his intercession (shafa'ah) on the Day of Judgment.

🔹Multiplied Rewards: Prayers offered in the Prophet’s Mosque are believed to hold far greater rewards than those performed elsewhere.

📘Etiquette and Rituals

Visiting the sacred site requires specific adab (etiquette) to maintain reverence:

🔹Preparation: It is recommended to perform a ritual bath (ghusl), wear clean/fine clothes, and use perfume before entering the mosque.

🔹Entering: Visitors typically enter through Bab Jibraeel (Gate of Gabriel) and offer two units of prayer (Tahiyatul Masjid).

🔹The Greeting: When standing before the Prophet's grave (marked by the Green Dome), pilgrims offer Salam (salutations) in a low, respectful voice such as, "Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah".

🔹Companions: After greeting the Prophet, it is customary to move slightly to the right to greet his companions, Abu Bakr and Umar, who are buried alongside him.

🔹Prohibited Acts: Scholars advise against excessive acts such as kissing or rubbing the grave, circumambulating it, or shouting, as these are seen as contrary to proper etiquette.

🔹Location: The visit takes place within the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, allowing for prayers in the Prophet's Masjid and visits to the nearby Jannat al-Baqi cemetery.

Following Ustaz Herman’s lead, our group entered Masjid An-Nabawi via Gate 19. The other name for Gate 19 is Bab Badr (or Bab al-Badr). Located on the northern side of the mosque, this gate is situated between Bab Umar ibn al-Khattab (Gate 16-18) and Bab Malik Fahad (Gate 20-22).

Rather than walking all the way around Masjid An-Nabawi, Ustaz Herman thoughtfully led us through the mosque as a shortcut. I really appreciated his consideration, especially after a long, exhausting day of checking out and traveling from Makkah to Madinah. Given the late hour (10:30 pm) and our busy travel schedule, this gesture was greatly appreciated.

The air inside the mosque filled with a sense of peace as we began our walk toward the Rawdah. Walking toward the Green Dome with my group, a flood of memories returned to me. Just as I felt when entering Masjid al-Haram a few days ago, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. To be standing here once more, on my seventh Umrah, feels like a profound blessing—an invitation to return to this holy, historic sanctuary.

View of Gate 19 or Bab Badr (or Bab al-Badr) from inside the mosque.

The sight of the 'thousand pillars' in the men’s prayer hall—framed by plush green carpets and the glow of grand chandeliers and gold-finished sconces—immediately brought my past journeys back to life. As I stood beneath the 'infinite expansion' of the patterned ceiling, the hall's perfectly cool air triggered a flood of memories from every hour of worship spent here during my previous Umrahs.

Passing the Zamzam dispensers triggered a familiar ritual from my previous Umrahs: stopping for a grateful cup or two both upon arrival and before leaving the mosque. Unlike the locals who enjoy this blessing daily, my wife and I haven't tasted Zamzam water in two years. The bittersweet thought of when we might drink from these stations again made us savor every drop, feeling even more profoundly appreciative for each sip during this seventh journey.

These is a storage rack for black, foldable chairs provided as a free public facility for visitors at the Al-Masjid An-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

These chairs are made available to assist specific worshippers during prayer:

🔹Purpose: They are primarily for elderly visitors, sick individuals, or those with mobility issues or joint pain who may have difficulty standing for long periods or praying on the floor.

🔹Design: The chairs feature a foldable design for easy storage and transport within the mosque, a lightweight yet durable metal structure to withstand frequent use, and often have padded cushions for comfort during long prayers.

🔹Availability: Plenty of these chairs are available in various areas inside the mosque and can also be found in Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.

From Bab al-Badr (Gate 19) we reached Bab al-Hijrah (Gate 4). Bab al-Hijrah is a prominent, four-portal, arched gate on the western wall, designated as an entrance for men. Commemorating the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, it sits near Bab al-Rahmah (Gate 3) and is notable for the Hijri Clock found near it.

Key Details About Al-Hijrah Gate (Bab al-Hijrah):

🔹Location: Southern wall of the Second Saudi Expansion, western side.

🔹Significance: Symbolizes the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

🔹Structure: Originally a double-arched (two-portal) gate, it was expanded and now features four portals (entrance doors).

🔹Identification: Also known as Gate No. 4.

Symbolic Significance

The gate serves as a symbolic reminder of the journey that marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the foundation of the first Muslim community in Madinah. Passing through it often inspires pilgrims to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the early Muslims.

Exiting via Bab al-Hijrah brought us to the part of the Southern Courtyard of Masjid an-Nabawi. This courtyard is situated on the southern side of the mosque complex, specifically facing the direction of the Qibla (Makkah).

Like other sections of the Masjid an-Nabawi courtyards, it features large retractable umbrella canopies that provide shade for thousands of worshippers during prayer times.

Among the buildings outside the mosque perimeter that can be seen from this section of the mosque's courtyard is the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization.

From this courtyard we can also the Green Dome, the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

We then entered through the Bab as-Salam (Gate of Peace) to perform the Ziyarat Al-Nabi at Masjid An-Nabawi. The gate is also called Essalam Gate.

Traditionally, pilgrims enter through the Bab as-Salam (Gate of Peace), which is Gate No. 1, when performing the Ziyarat Al-Nabi at Masjid An-Nabawi.

🔹Bab as-Salam (Gate 1): This is located on the western wall of the mosque and is the primary and most traditional entrance used by men to offer salutations (Salam) to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA).

🔹Alternative Gates: Bab Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (Gate 2) is located right next to Bab as-Salam and is also frequently used for entry.

🔹Abu Bakr Siddiq Gate (Gate 2): This gate is next to Bab as-Salam and is also a significant, frequently used entry point.

🔹Men enter through this gate and walk through the Rawdah (Garden of Paradise) to reach the Sacred Chamber (Hujrah al-Nabawiyyah) to offer their greetings.

The entrance used depends on whether the pilgrim is male or female, as access routes are strictly separated.

📘For Women: Gate 25 or Gate 32

🔹Women do not use Bab as-Salam for Ziyarat; instead, they have designated entrances on the northern and eastern sides of the mosque.

🔹Bab Uthman bin Affan (Gate 25): Often cited as a main entrance for women to access the Rawdah area during specific visiting hours.

🔹Gate 32 (Bab Imam Muslim): Frequently used as the designated point for women to offer Salam at the Roza (though this specific route may not always lead through the main Rawdah area).

When entering Bab as-Salam (Gate 1) at the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), male pilgrims walk through a barricaded lane often referred to as the blessed corridor or the main route for salutations. The passage is also known simply as the viewing path or the walkway to the Salam area.

This path passes alongside the Rawdah area and takes pilgrims directly to the gilded grills of the Mawajaha (the front part of the Sacred Chamber/Hujrah al-Nabawiyyah) to offer greetings (Salaam) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA).

📘Path to the Sacred Chamber

The route is designed to guide pilgrims directly from the western entrance toward the Sacred Chamber (Hujrah al-Nabawiyyah) and the Rawdah.

🔹Entry Point: Men enter through Bab as-Salam, located on the western wall of the mosque.

🔹Direction: After entering, pilgrims walk along the southern (Qibla) wall, where the names of the Prophet ﷺ are inscribed in gold.

🔹The Mawajaha: The lane leads specifically to the Mawajaha al-Sharifah (The Sacred Meeting Point), located on the eastern side of the Sacred Chamber.

🔹Greeting Sequence: At the Mawajaha, pilgrims find three round holes in the golden grille to offer their greetings:

- First hole (left): Faces the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

- Second hole (middle): Faces Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA).

- Third hole (right): Faces Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).

While walking through the designated Ziyarat walkway towards the Al-Salam area (the southern part of the Sacred Chamber), pilgrims can observe several historic pillars and landmarks in the Rawdah area, which is distinguished by its green carpets.

This map provides a detailed layout of the most sacred areas within the Prophet's Masjid (Masjid al-Nabawi) in Madinah. It specifically highlights the Ar-Rawdah Ash-Shareefa (The Noble Garden) and the Sacred Chamber where the Prophet ﷺ and his two closest companions are buried.

📘Key Landmarks Visible from the Walkway:

🔹Sacred Chamber (Hujrah al-Nabawiyyah): The golden railing (grill) surrounding the tombs of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA) is the main landmark along the east side of the walking route.

🔹Mihrab al-Nabi (Prophet's Mihrab): The niche marking where the Prophet (ﷺ) led prayer, which is in the first row of pillars.

🔹Minbar al-Nabawi (Prophet's Pulpit): Located immediately adjacent to the Rawdah, often partially visible.

🔹The Green Carpets: These define the boundary of the Rawdah (Riyadh ul-Jannah).

📘Significant Pillars Visible in the Rawdah Area:

Six major pillars are located outside the chamber, marked with gold inscriptions in green circles. They are:

🔹Pillar of the Guard (Ustuwanah al-Haras): Near the Bab al-Taubah (Door of Repentance), where Ali (RA) stood guard to protect the Prophet ﷺ.

🔹Pillar of the Bed (Ustuwanah al-Sarir): Located south of the Guard pillar, marking where the Prophet (ﷺ) slept during I'tikaf.

🔹Pillar of Delegations (Ustuwanah al-Wufud): Located north of the Guard pillar, where the Prophet (ﷺ) met with various tribes and foreign delegations.

🔹Perfumed/Weeping Pillar (Ustuwanah al-Mukhallaqah/Hannana): Located behind the mihrab, a spot often used by the Prophet (ﷺ) for prayer. It marks the spot where a date palm tree once stood and "cried" when the Prophet ﷺ moved to a new minbar.

🔹Pillar of Repentance (Ustuwanah al-Tawbah): Also known as the pillar of Abu Lubabah, located between Aisha's pillar and the Perfumed pillar. This is where the companion Abu Lubabah (ra) tied himself until Allah accepted his repentance.

🔹Pillar of Aisha (Ustuwanah Aisha): Known for its high virtue, located in the first row closest to the mihrab. Also known as the Pillar of Lots. The Prophet ﷺ indicated there is great virtue in praying here.

Three of the pillars (Delegations, Guard, Bed) are incorporated within the golden railing on the western side of the tomb. Another pillar, the Pillar of Jibril (Ustuwanah Jibril), is situated behind the eastern wall of the Sacred Chamber and is generally not visible.

When performing Ziyarat al-Nabi, the best greetings (Salaam) to the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA) are to stand respectfully, face the Prophet's ﷺ grave, and say: "Assalamu alaika ya Rasulullah" (Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah), followed by similar respectful greetings to Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA).

📘Key Etiquette:

🔹Lower Your Voice: Keep your voice low out of respect, remembering the prohibition against raising voices in his presence.

🔹Simple Salaam: It is best to keep the salaam concise and avoid excessive, loud, or long-winded greetings.

🔹Physical Contact: Do not touch, kiss, or lean against the golden grill (the Hujrah).

🔹Do Not Bow: Greet with dignity without bowing or prostrating, as bowing is reserved for Allah.

🔹Flow of Movement: Keep your greetings brief and move along quickly to avoid blocking the path for other visitors.

🔹Authentic Sunnah: Ibn Umar (RA) would say: "Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you, O Abu Bakr. Peace be upon you, O my father".

📘Specific Salaams:

🔹Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

Stand in front of the first (largest) opening of the golden grill, facing the grave with your back to the Qibla.

- Assalāmu ‘alayka yā Rasūlallāh (Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah)

- Assalāmu ‘alayka ayyuha n-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuhu (Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings)

🔹Abu Bakr (RA):

Move approximately one yard (one step) to your right to stand in front of the second opening.

- Assalāmu ‘alayka yā Abā Bakr (Peace be upon you, O Abu Bakr)

- Assalāmu ‘alayka yā Khalīfata Rasūlillāh (Peace be upon you, O Successor of the Messenger of Allah)

🔹Umar (RA):

Move another yard (one step) further to your right to stand in front of the third opening.

- Assalāmu ‘alayka yā ‘Umar (Peace be upon you, O Umar)

- Assalāmu ‘alayka yā Amīr al-Mu’minīn (Peace be upon you, O Leader of the Believers)

After performing the Ziyarat al-Nabi (giving Salam to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) and passing through the Rawdah, male pilgrims generally exit through Bab al-Baqi (Gate 41). The Ziyarat pathway for men is highly organized by security, moving them from the Salam entrance area (west) past the Sacred Chamber to the Baqi exit area (east).

It is recommended to follow the guidance of the Saudi security staff (Harameen guards) as they manage the crowd flow and may open or close specific doors to prevent congestion.