Al Baqi Cemetery

The cemetery opens to the public twice a day, following a strictly regulated schedule. The first and most recommended visiting time is after Fajr, when the gates are opened for approximately three hours. The second opening takes place after Asr, but only for around one hour, making it considerably more crowded and rushed. Access is tightly controlled. Women are not permitted to enter the cemetery, and visitation follows a one-way route that begins near Gate 362 of Prophet’s Mosque. During our visit, there was a slight delay in the queue at the gate, which is common, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. Security personnel manage the flow carefully to ensure order and safety. Once inside, the experience is solemn, quiet, and deeply moving. There are no elaborate tombs or markers, only simple earth mounds—an intentional reflection of humility and equality in death. Walking through the cemetery takes approximately one hour, depending on crowd movement. The simplicity of the site powerfully contrasts with the grandeur of the mosque nearby, encouraging visitors to reflect on the transient nature of life and the hereafter. Overall, the visit is not just a physical walk, but a spiritual journey—best experienced calmly in the early morning, when the atmosphere is cooler, the crowds are thinner, and the sense of reflection feels most profound.

You need to line up after Fajr. Only men are allowed in at this time. And men can go between dhuhr and ASR as well. Huge groups allowed in after Fajr. Be prepared for a long walk as you will walk the path all across the cemetery. It is a very solemn experience where so many of the great Muslims are buried there. May Allah accept their sacrifices. Ameen.

Jannat al Baqi is the oldest and first Islamic cemetery in Medina. Also known as Baqi al Gharqad, it is located on the eastern side of Masjid al-Nabawi (near gate 362 of the Prophet's Mosque). Many of the Prophet's ﷺ family members, relatives, thousands of companions, and prominent figures of early Islam are buried in Jannat al-Baqi. It is one of the two most significant Islamic cemeteries, alongside Jannat al-Mu'alla in Mecca. The Arabic term "Al-Baqi" means "The Everlasting" or "The Eternal," one of Allah's 99 names. The cemetery opens twice a day for common people - after fazr for 3 hours (recommended time to visit) and after asr for 1 hour. Women are not permitted to visit inside. During our visit, there was a little delay in the queue in front of gate 362 of the Prophet's Mosque. It is a one-way road from that gate, and it takes roughly an hour to complete the visit. The cemetery area was first estimated as 80 square meters. Muawiya Ibn Abi Sufyan was the first to extend it. Then additional extensions occurred until it encompassed an area of around 180,000 square meters (~45 acres). The expansion is still ongoing and predicted to become 300,000 square meters.

“Jannat al-Baqi is one of the holiest and most peaceful places in Madinah. A place filled with deep spiritual meaning and history. May Allah grant Jannah to all who rest here.” “Visiting Al-Baqi Cemetery was a deeply emotional and humbling experience. So many of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) family members and companions are buried here. A reminder of the hereafter and the mercy of Allah.”

My dear sisters in Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade women from visiting graves, and it is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. Therefore, I advise our brothers and sisters, especially non-Muslims, not to enter cemeteries, neither in their countries nor here, as it is a great sin. May Allah reward you with goodness. Here's a more polished version: "Dear sisters in faith, visiting graves is prohibited for women according to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I advise everyone, especially non-Muslims, to respect this boundary and avoid entering cemeteries, as it's considered a significant sin in Islam. May Allah bless you."

Al Baqi Cemetery in Madinah is a deeply spiritual and historical site. Resting place of many of Prophet Muhammad’s family and companions, it evokes reflection and reverence. A serene, sacred place to visit, especially for Muslims seeking a connection with Islamic history.

Jannat al-Baqi‘ – The Blessed Cemetery of Madinah Jannat al-Baqi‘, also known as al-Baqi‘ al-Gharqad, is located on the eastern side of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. It is the earliest and most significant Islamic cemetery, where thousands of Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, members of the Ahl al-Bayt, Tabi‘een, and great personalities of the Ummah are buried. Religious and Historical Significance: This is the cemetery where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed the burial of his family members and many of his Companions. Most of the Mothers of the Believers (Ummahat al-Mu’mineen, the wives of the Prophet ﷺ) are buried here. Notable figures resting here include: Prophet’s son Ibrahim (RA), Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (RA), Imam Hasan ibn Ali (RA), Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (RA), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (RA), and Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (RA). The Prophet ﷺ himself would often visit al-Baqi‘, supplicate for its people, and remind his followers about the reality of life and death. Spiritual Experience: The cemetery is simple in appearance, without elaborate structures, yet it carries a profound spiritual weight. For millions of Muslims, visiting Jannat al-Baqi‘ is a deeply humbling and emotional part of their journey to Madinah. Visiting Guide: Located directly beside Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, easily accessible after prayers. The gates are usually opened for visitors for a short time after Fajr and Asr prayers. Visitors are encouraged to maintain silence, dignity, and make du‘a for the deceased, as this is the resting place of some of the greatest figures in Islamic history. Jannat al-Baqi‘ is not just a cemetery — it is a living chapter of Islamic history and a reminder of the legacy of the Prophet’s family and companions. Stepping inside fills the heart with humility and reflection.

Jannat ul Baqi review The authorities decide where you can go, where you can stand, what you can see and where you can pray. The time slots are also severely limited. Just allowed to walk on one short path and then exit. In my experience, they made us use an alternate entrance despite there being no crowds or rush. They did not even allow us to stop and say a prayer. Behaved rudely as per Saudi tradition. The place is very close to the heart of hundreds of millions of people. It has the graves of the family of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him.