Women visiting or living in Madinah will now be able to pray in mosque prayer halls throughout the day, after the Ministry of Islamic Affairs approved the daily opening of women's musallas for all five obligatory prayers in every mosque across the city.
The approval was issued by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh. It covers ordinary neighbourhood mosques as well as large congregational mosques, according to The Islamic Information.
What changes for women in Madinah
Until now, many neighbourhood mosques opened their women's sections only on Fridays, during Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, on Eid, or during peak seasons, and stayed closed the rest of the time. Under the new approval, these sections will be available for every obligatory prayer.
The practical effect is significant for women who are shopping, working, visiting, or travelling in the city. A woman away from her accommodation will now be able to pray on time in a nearby mosque rather than returning home or waiting until later. The change addresses a long-standing gap between the extensive facilities at major sites and the limited hours at smaller local mosques.
The decision applies to ordinary mosques and large congregational mosques, known as jawami. Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, already has extensive women's prayer areas that operate continuously and is not affected by this change.
Who is behind the decision
The approval falls under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Madinah Region branch, led by branch director-general Sheikh Osama bin Zaid Al-Madkhali. The branch has previously issued statements on mosque readiness across the region.
Staffing to support the expanded hours is already in place. According to the report, 115 women were assigned as mosque monitors and security personnel for women's areas in historic mosques, including Sayyid al-Shuhada, Qiblatain, Khandaq, Ghamama, Mustarah, and Jumu'ah mosques. These sites draw large numbers of visitors performing ziyarah alongside their time in Madinah.
Why it matters for pilgrims
Madinah is a central part of the journey for most pilgrims who travel for Hajj and Umrah, even though visiting the city is not itself part of the rites. Many spend several days there to pray in the Prophet's Mosque and visit historic sites connected to the early Muslim community.
For women pilgrims in particular, the ability to pray on time in any mosque across the city removes a practical difficulty that could disrupt a day of ziyarah or errands. It reflects a broader pattern of expanding women's facilities and services across the two holy cities in recent years.
Practical tips for women visiting Madinah
Women pilgrims planning time in Madinah can now build their day around nearby mosques rather than a single major site. When visiting historic mosques such as Qiblatain or the Quba area, look for the designated women's musalla and the female staff who assist there.
It remains wise to carry a prayer garment and to check signage for the women's entrance, which is often separate from the main entrance. Those visiting during busy periods should still allow extra time, and anyone unsure whether a specific mosque's women's section is open can ask mosque staff directly. As always, the extensive women's areas at Masjid an-Nabawi remain open continuously for those praying near the Prophet's Mosque.