Rawdah guide

What is the Rawdah (Riyadul Jannah), and how to behave inside

Ar-Rawdah Ash-Sharifah, also called Riyadul Jannah or Riaz ul Jannah: where it is in Masjid an-Nabawi, the hadith behind its name, and how to prepare for and behave in your short visit.

Quick answer

The Rawdah is the area of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah between the Prophet's (peace be upon him) house and his minbar. He said: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1196), which is why it is called Riyadul Jannah, the garden of Paradise. Today it is marked by green carpet, and visits are by permit.

Last checked 2 November 2026. The authorities change Rawdah rules from time to time, so check Nusuk for your dates.

Where it is

The Rawdah is at the front of the original part of the Prophet's Mosque, between the chamber where the Prophet (peace be upon him) is buried, once his house, and his minbar. It is marked by green carpet, unlike the red carpet across the rest of the mosque.

It is also written Rawdah Sharif, Riyadul Jannah, Riyazul Jannah, Riaz ul Jannah or Riazul Jannath. All mean the same place.

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 1196: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise"

Why pilgrims long to pray there

The Prophet (peace be upon him) described this small area as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Pilgrims come to pray and make du'a there, and more than 10 million visits were recorded in 2024.

Sources: Sahih al-Bukhari 1196: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise"; Riyadh Daily: more than 10 million visits to the Rawdah in 2024

Before you go

  • Make wudu and wear clean, modest clothes.
  • Prepare your du'as in advance, for yourself, your parents and family and anyone who asked you to pray for them, so the short time is not lost.
  • Carry your permit and ID on your phone, and as little else as possible.

Inside the Rawdah

  • Follow the staff: they guide each group in and out, and the time inside is about 10–15 minutes.
  • Many pilgrims pray two voluntary rak'ahs where there is space and then make du'a. For questions of ruling, ask a scholar you trust.
  • Be gentle with others. Do not push, and make room for the elderly.
  • Keep your phone away and give the time to worship rather than photos.

Source: Siasat Daily (6 Dec 2025), reporting the General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques: timings, once every 365 days, Instant Track, wheelchairs, Gate 37

The Rawdah and greeting the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Passing in front of the chamber to send salam on the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his two companions is a separate walk at the front of the mosque. The mosque authority counts it separately from Rawdah visits, so do not assume your Rawdah slot includes it.

The permit is free

Slots full, or booking for parents or a group?

You can book the Rawdah yourself for free in Nusuk. If you'd rather not keep refreshing, our team watches for slots and books men's and women's windows inside your Madinah stay. You pay our fee only once a slot is confirmed.

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Questions

What does Riyadul Jannah mean?

"Gardens of Paradise". It comes from the hadith: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1196).

Is Riaz ul Jannah the same as the Rawdah?

Yes. Riaz ul Jannah, Riyazul Jannah and Riazul Jannath are Urdu-style spellings of Riyadul Jannah, the Rawdah in Masjid an-Nabawi.

What should I recite in the Rawdah?

There is no fixed wording. Many pilgrims pray two voluntary rak'ahs if there is space and then make du'a in their own words. Prepare a short list beforehand so you remember everyone.

Go deeper

More Rawdah guides

The full Rawdah guide

Sources