Riyadh ul Jannah (al-Rawdah al-Sharifah): Virtue and How to Book Your Visit
Inside Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, between the Prophet’s house (where he is buried) and his minbar, is a small area with green carpets and white pillars. This is al-Rawdah al-Sharifah, known as Riyadh ul Jannah. Praying here is the hope of nearly every visitor to Madinah, and today visits are organised through the Nusuk app.
In this guide you will find the history and significance of Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah), where it is and how far it is from the Haram, the best time to visit, simple etiquette, practical tips and how to get there comfortably with a private Zikr Cabs car. It is part of our Madinah Ziyarat Guide.
History and significance of Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “What is between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.” The hadith is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Scholars explain it in different ways: that worship there leads to Paradise, or that the place itself will be part of Paradise. Either way, it is a place of great virtue.
The Rawdah measures roughly 22 by 15 metres. It is marked by green carpets, which differ from the red carpets in the rest of the mosque, and by special white pillars, some of which carry historic names. Next to it is the Prophet’s chamber, where he ﷺ is buried together with Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them).
Because millions of visitors wish to pray here, entry is managed with timed permits. Separate time slots are set for men and women.
Where is Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah)? Location and distance
The Rawdah is inside Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, at the front of the old part of the mosque. Men usually enter through Bab al-Salam area queues, and women through designated women’s entrances, as directed by staff. Exact gates can change.
Distances and travel times are approximate and depend on your hotel, the route and traffic, especially in Ramadan and the Hajj season.
Best time to visit and etiquette
Book the earliest slot you can find in the Nusuk app and arrive at least 30 minutes early. Late-night and early-morning slots are often calmer.
Pray two rak’ahs, make du’a and move on so others have their turn; staff will guide the flow. When passing the Prophet’s grave, greet him ﷺ and then Abu Bakr and Umar with salam, calmly and with lowered voices, as scholars advise. Avoid pushing, wiping the walls or raising your voice.
As with all ziyarat, it helps to keep the right intention. Visiting historical places is not part of the rites of Umrah or Hajj. It is a chance to learn, to reflect on the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and to make du’a. Scholars remind us not to seek blessing from rocks, walls or soil, and to follow the Sunnah in what we say and do. Religious rulings can differ between schools of thought, so ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.
Combining Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) with other ziyarat
Most pilgrims visit Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) as part of a wider tour rather than on its own. Nearby places that fit well on the same trip include Jannat al-Baqi, Masjid al-Ghamama and Masjid Quba. Each has its own guide, linked at the end of this page. A good plan is to choose three or four places for one morning, starting with the one that needs the most walking while it is still cool, and to leave time for rest and prayer. If you only have one free morning, our suggested route in the Madinah Ziyarat Guide shows a practical order that avoids driving back and forth across the city.
Visiting Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) with family, children and elderly pilgrims
Ziyarat with family is a special memory, but it is easy to try to do too much. Keep the day short and gentle: plan around prayer times, take water and light snacks, and let anyone who is tired rest in the air-conditioned car while others step out. For wheelchair users, ask your driver to stop as close as the rules allow, and remember that some paths and steps are not suitable for wheelchairs. Teach children a short story about each place before you arrive, so the visit becomes a lesson they remember. Above all, keep the visit calm and respectful, as others around you may be in quiet prayer or reflection.
Practical tips for your visit
- How to book (simple steps): 1) Install the official Nusuk app and sign in with your visa or ID details. 2) Choose ‘Rawdah’ (prayer in al-Rawdah al-Sharifah). 3) Select the date, gender slot and time. 4) Save the permit QR code and show it at the entrance.
- Permit rules, such as how often you can book, have changed in recent years. Always check the current rules in the Nusuk app.
- Bring only a small bag and keep your phone charged for the QR code.
- Read our Nusuk app and Rawdah booking blog guides for more detail.
- Dress modestly and carry water, especially from May to September, when temperatures can pass 45°C.
- Keep your ID and the Nusuk app with you, as some areas have checkpoints, and access rules can change, so follow the instructions of officials on site.
How to get to Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) with Zikr Cabs
The easiest way to visit Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) is with a private car that waits for you. With Zikr Cabs, your driver collects you from your hotel, takes you to Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) and other nearby sites at your own pace, and brings you back in time for prayer. You never have to bargain with street taxis or wait for a crowded bus.
Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah) is included in our Madinah Ziyarat taxi tour, which starts from SAR 190 for a sedan. Fares are fixed per vehicle, not per person, and larger cars such as the GMC Yukon, Hyundai H1/Staria, Toyota Hiace and Coaster are available for families and groups. See all vehicles and prices on our routes and prices page. * Rates exclude VAT.
Frequently asked questions about Riyadh ul Jannah (Rawdah)
What is Riyadh ul Jannah?
The area between the Prophet’s house and his minbar in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, described in hadith as a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
Do I need a permit to enter the Rawdah?
Yes. Visits are booked through the official Nusuk app with timed slots.
Are there separate times for women?
Yes. Nusuk offers separate time slots for men and women.
How often can I book a Rawdah visit?
The rules have changed over time; check the current limit in the Nusuk app.
How long can I stay inside?
Visits are short and managed by staff, usually enough for two rak’ahs and du’a.
Nearby ziyarats
Related reading
← Back to the Madinah Ziyarat Guide
Sources and further reading
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1196 (between my house and my minbar)
- Nusuk – official platform for Umrah and Rawdah permits
- Encyclopaedia Britannica – Prophet’s Mosque
- Nusuk – official platform for Umrah, Hajj and Rawdah
This guide is general information for pilgrims. Official rules on permits and access change often; please check Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before you travel.
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