Visitors to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah who wish to pray in the Rawdah, the blessed area the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described as one of the gardens of Paradise, must now secure a digital permit before they arrive. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has confirmed an updated schedule and entry system for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, also known as Riyadul Jannah, designed to manage growing crowds and improve safety.

The measure continues a policy first introduced in recent seasons. No worshipper is admitted to the Rawdah without a valid permit obtained through the official Nusuk app. For pilgrims combining Umrah with a visit to Madinah, understanding the booking process in advance can be the difference between securing a slot and missing out.

Why a permit is required

The Rawdah sits between the Prophet's pulpit and his blessed chamber. Its small size and immense spiritual significance mean demand far exceeds capacity, especially during peak Umrah periods and the month of Ramadan. According to the General Authority, the permit system exists to organise the flow of worshippers, reduce dangerous overcrowding, and give each visitor a calmer, more dignified experience.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, as narrated in Sahih Bukhari (1196) and Sahih Muslim (1391), "What is between my house and my pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise." Because of this status, the area draws enormous numbers of visitors, and authorities have steadily formalised access over the past two years.

How to book through Nusuk

The permit is free of charge and is issued exclusively through the Nusuk app, which pilgrims can download to a smartphone before travelling. After creating an account and verifying their identity, visitors select the Rawdah visit service, choose an available date and time, and receive a QR code that must be shown at the entrance.

Several practical points are worth noting:

  • Book early. Slots typically open seven to ten days in advance, often on Friday afternoons at 12:00 PM Saudi time, and they fill quickly.
  • One visit per cycle. Regulations generally allow a single Rawdah permit per visitor within a 365-day period, so pilgrims should plan the timing carefully.
  • Carry the QR code. Entry is refused without the digital permit, so keep it accessible on the app or as a saved screenshot.
  • Arrive on time. Slots are tied to specific windows, and late arrivals may not be admitted.

Separate timings for men and women

Access to the Rawdah is organised separately for men and women. Men are typically allocated slots in the early morning, often between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and again after the Isha prayer until around midnight. Women are usually given windows in the late morning, commonly between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, and after Isha. Exact timings can change based on the season and crowd levels, so pilgrims should always check the current schedule inside the Nusuk app rather than relying on fixed hours.

Practical tips for pilgrims

Visitors should set up their Nusuk account and complete identity verification before leaving home, as doing so on arrival can be stressful when time is short. It also helps to enable app notifications so that booking windows are not missed. Those travelling in groups should note that each person needs an individual permit tied to their own identity.

Once inside, worshippers are encouraged to keep their prayers brief and to move considerately, allowing others waiting outside the same opportunity to pray in the blessed area. Guards and volunteers manage the flow, and patience and good manners reflect the spirit of the visit. Pilgrims unable to secure a Rawdah slot can still gain immense reward by praying anywhere in the Prophet's Mosque, where a single prayer is worth a thousand elsewhere, as reported in Sahih Bukhari (1190).

With the permit system now firmly established, planning ahead remains the single most important step. Booking through Nusuk in good time, arriving punctually, and observing the separate schedules for men and women will give visitors the best chance of praying in one of the most beloved spots in all of Islam.