Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque, is one of the largest mosques in the world and the second holiest site in Islam. It is located in the city of Medina, not Mecca (Makkah), in Saudi Arabia. The mosque is the final resting place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the central part of Medina, which includes Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, as it is a sacred area for Muslims. However, the city of Medina itself has areas where non-Muslims are permitted.
Muslim tourists are welcome to visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and it is a major pilgrimage site especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Visitors should be respectful of Islamic customs and dress codes.
The mosque is open 24/7 throughout the year. However, it is less crowded outside of the Hajj season, which is a pilgrimage occurring once a year in the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For a more serene experience, visiting during the non-peak hours, such as late at night or during working hours, is advisable.
Yes, visitors to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi are expected to adhere to Islamic dress codes. Men should wear modest clothing, typically long trousers and shirts that cover their shoulders. Women are required to cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their body fully, with the exception of their face and hands.
Key features include the Green Dome under which the tomb of Prophet Muhammad is located, the Rawdah which is an area between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit considered to be a piece of paradise, as well as the beautifully designed minarets, the expansive courtyard, and the Riyad-ul-Jannah - the garden that marks a very special place in the mosque.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the mosque, but visitors should avoid taking pictures of other people without their permission and should be respectful of prayer times and other worship activities. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, especially around the Green Dome and the Prophet's tomb.
The mosque provides several facilities for visitors including restrooms, ablution areas, wheelchair accessibility, and guidance services. There are also libraries and exhibition spaces outlining the history of the mosque and Islamic history.
Visitors should remain quiet, avoid eating or drinking inside the mosque unless necessary, not disturb those in prayer, and follow the gender-specific areas marked for men and women. It is also important to turn off mobile phones or keep them on silent mode.
A guide is not strictly necessary, but may be helpful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the mosque's history, architecture, and significance. Guides can often be arranged through travel agencies or hotels in Medina.
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