Visiting Madinah: Intention and Etiquette for Muslims

Understanding the Correct Intention for Visiting Madinah and Masjid Nabawi

Question: Should the journey to Madinah be made with the intention of visiting Masjid Nabawi or with the intention of visiting the Prophet’s grave (peace be upon him)? What is the correct belief regarding this?

Answer: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that it is not permissible to undertake a journey with the intention of visiting any place except for three mosques: Masjid al-Haram, Masjid Nabawi, and Masjid al-Aqsa. In light of this Hadith, we understand that it is not permissible to travel with the intention of worship to any place other than these three mosques. When you travel to Madinah, you should do so with the intention of visiting Masjid Nabawi, not with the intention of visiting the Prophet’s grave. This is what we learn from the aforementioned Hadith. However, once you are in Madinah, you may visit the Prophet’s grave, Baqi’ al-Gharqad, Masjid Quba, and the martyrs of Uhud. There is no harm in this. However, the purpose of traveling to Madinah should be to visit Masjid Nabawi. In the Indian subcontinent, those who travel to visit shrines are doing something impermissible, as building shrines over graves is not allowed. Graves should be simple and slightly elevated from the ground.

✍ Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi

❪Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia❫