Getting to know the Raudhah, a special area in Masjid Nabawi called a garden of paradise, with its manners and visiting procedure.
Masjid Nabawi in Madinah is a noble mosque built in the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Within it lies a special area known as the Raudhah. According to a well-known hadith, this area is called a garden from the gardens of paradise, making it a place pilgrims greatly desire to worship in.
The Raudhah is the area located between the pulpit and the chamber where the Prophet once lived. Because of its virtue, many pilgrims strive to pray and supplicate in this area. To distinguish it from the rest of the mosque, the Raudhah is usually marked by a special-coloured carpet different from the surrounding ones.
Many pilgrims hope to perform voluntary prayers and raise supplications in the Raudhah. However, because this area is limited and the number of pilgrims is very large, entry is often managed by a particular scheduling system. In recent times, access to the Raudhah requires a permit or tasrih that can be arranged through an official application designated by the local authorities.
When visiting, pilgrims are advised to observe the best manners. Calm, patience, and mutual respect are very important given the density of pilgrims wishing to enter. Not pushing excessively, not lingering so as to block others, and following the officials' directions are part of the etiquette of worship in this noble place.
In the area of Masjid Nabawi, pilgrims may also convey greetings to the Prophet Muhammad and to his two companions buried alongside him. These greetings are given calmly, with full manners, without excess, and in accordance with correct guidance.
Beyond the Raudhah, Masjid Nabawi as a whole holds great virtue. According to a hadith, a prayer in this mosque is multiplied in reward compared to a prayer in an ordinary mosque. Pilgrims are therefore encouraged to increase their worship while in Madinah, not focusing solely on entering the Raudhah.
Pilgrims who have not had the chance to enter the Raudhah need not be disheartened. The virtue of praying in Masjid Nabawi can still be attained in any part of the mosque. What matters most is earnestness in worship, sincerity of heart, and observing good manners throughout one's stay in the city of the Prophet.
Visiting Madinah and worshipping in Masjid Nabawi is a deeply memorable experience. By understanding the virtue of the Raudhah and the manners accompanying it, pilgrims can undertake this moment calmly, in an orderly way, and with full contemplation.
