With the 1448 AH Umrah season now open and pilgrims once again travelling to the Kingdom, many visitors are turning their attention to Madinah and one of its most sought-after experiences: praying in the Rawdah, the blessed area inside the Prophet's Mosque. Access is now governed entirely by digital permits, and understanding the system in advance can mean the difference between a calm visit and a missed opportunity.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began issuing Umrah visas on May 31, 2026, with pilgrims able to enter Makkah and obtain permits through the Nusuk application from June 1. The same Nusuk platform now controls entry to the Rawdah, making early planning essential for anyone hoping to pray there during their journey.

What the Rawdah Is

The Rawdah is the area between the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) pulpit and his blessed chamber inside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari (1196) and Sahih Muslim that the Prophet said: "What is between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise." Because of this virtue, the area draws enormous numbers of visitors, and managing the crowds has become a central task for the authorities overseeing the Prophet's Mosque.

To pray in the Rawdah is a deeply cherished moment for many pilgrims. It is, however, a place of worship and supplication rather than a site for prolonged sightseeing. Scholars across the Sunni schools emphasise that visitors should make the most of their time there with prayer and dua, while remaining mindful of the many others waiting for the same opportunity.

How the Permit System Works

Since the digital system was introduced, all visitors who wish to enter the Rawdah must obtain a QR-code permit through the official Nusuk app. Entry is not permitted without a valid digital permit, and the requirement applies to both men and women, who are admitted at separate times.

According to current guidance, slots are released in advance and fill extremely quickly, often within seconds of opening. Visitors are advised to book their Rawdah permit before arriving in Madinah, rather than waiting until they reach the city. Time slots are typically allocated by gender, with men and women given different visiting windows throughout the day and night.

As a general rule, each visitor is granted one Rawdah permit within a set period, helping to distribute access fairly among the millions who pass through Madinah each year. Policies on timing and frequency are reviewed periodically, so pilgrims should always check the latest information inside the Nusuk app rather than relying on older guidance.

Booking Tips for Pilgrims

To improve the chances of securing a slot and avoiding disappointment, pilgrims should keep the following in mind:

  • Download and verify Nusuk early. Install the official Nusuk app, complete your profile and link your Umrah booking well before you travel.
  • Book ahead of arrival. Reserve your Rawdah slot as soon as it becomes available, since permits are released on a rolling basis and disappear within seconds.
  • Note your exact time slot. Arrive at the correct gate during your allocated window and have your QR code ready, ideally saved as a screenshot in case of weak signal.
  • Respect the gender-specific timings. Men and women visit at different hours, so confirm the schedule for your group before heading to the mosque.
  • Keep the visit focused on worship. Use your limited time for prayer and supplication, and move considerately to allow others their turn.

Planning Around the Season

The reopening of the Umrah season means demand for Rawdah permits will rise steadily in the months ahead. Pilgrims combining Umrah with a visit to Madinah should build flexibility into their schedules, as a desired slot may not always align with their first preference. Booking accommodation close to the Prophet's Mosque can make it easier to attend an early-morning or late-night slot when these are allocated.

For those unable to secure a Rawdah permit during their stay, scholars note that the reward of praying anywhere within Masjid an-Nabawi remains immense. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that a prayer in his mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, as reported in Sahih al-Bukhari (1190). Visitors should therefore approach the experience with patience and gratitude, whatever slot they are given.

As always, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah encourages pilgrims to rely only on official channels, chiefly the Nusuk app, for permits and updates. Doing so protects visitors from unofficial offers and ensures they receive accurate, up-to-date information throughout the 1448 season.