The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has announced that worshippers are permitted to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah only once a year for a maximum of 10 minutes. This decision aims to give more people the opportunity to visit the sacred site and to regulate access.

Obtaining a Permit

To obtain a permit for praying at Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa, individuals must use the Nusuk or Tawakkalna application. The steps to obtain a permit are as follows:

1. Download the Nusuk application

2. Create an account and log in

3. Choose the "Pray in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa" icon

4. Select individuals, specify the date and time

5. Read and approve the instructions

6. Press the continue icon to obtain the permit

The authority mandated that worshippers must adhere to the guidelines before obtaining a permit through the Nusuk application to pray inside Rawdah.

Booking and Arrival Guidelines

When booking a permit, it is crucial to confirm the appointment time and arrive 30 minutes early to confirm the permit holder's presence. The barcode must be used for the appointment once and must be reported at the specified time and shown when entering the gate.

Size and Significance of Rawdah Al-Sharif

The original size of Rawdah is approximately 22 meters in length and 15 meters in width. Visitors are always excited to offer Nafil prayers in Rawdah Al-Sharif, which is considered the best place, except for obligatory prayers to be better to perform in the 1st row behind the Imam. The Rawdah is part of the Prophet's Mosque (Madinah), and the prayer in it equals the reward of 1,000 prayers.

The ministry emphasised the importance of pre-arranged reservations and adherence to fixed schedules for visitors to the sacred site, reinforcing a commitment to a well-organised and respectful pilgrimage experience.

With an anticipated 10 million foreign Muslims expected to participate in the current Umrah pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia continues to implement measures that prioritise safety, reverence, and a smooth experience for all visitors to its sacred sites.

Historical and Religious Significance

The Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa, located within the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, holds significant historical and religious importance for Muslims. This sacred site is bordered by various landmarks within the mosque, such as the chamber of Aisha, the honorable pulpit, the wall of the mosque with the Prophet's mihrab, and the line extending from Aisha's house to the pulpit.

Historically, Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa is believed to have been built by Prophet Muhammad himself. It is a revered spot where the Prophet gave sermons, led prayers, and met with delegations during his lifetime, making it a symbol of the early Islamic community. The area is estimated to be around 330 square meters, with specific features like the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, along with his companions Abu Bakr and Omar.

Virtues and Blessings

According to Prophetic hadiths, prayer in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa is highly rewarded, with one hadith stating that a prayer in the Prophet's Mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. The site is considered a piece of paradise on earth, with scholars interpreting the hadiths in different ways, emphasising the virtues and blessings associated with praying in this sacred location.

Overall, Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa is deeply revered by Muslims, and while visiting it is not mandatory for salvation, it is a practice that holds great significance in Islamic tradition. The site's historical, religious, and spiritual importance continues to attract millions of pilgrims who seek blessings and spiritual fulfillment through prayer and reverence at this sacred location within the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.