Jannat al-Baqi in Madinah: what it is and when it can be visited

What Jannat al-Baqi is

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah describes al-Baqi as the main cemetery of Madinah, from the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, until today. Muslims and companions have been buried there through history, including some of the Mothers of the Believers and many noble companions.

Saudipedia calls it Baqi al-Gharqad, and says the name comes from the gharqad trees that used to grow there. The Ministry says the word “al-Baqi” refers to an open area with many kinds of trees.

It is a burial ground, so the right behaviour is quiet and respect. We do not give religious guidance. For questions about what to say or do when you visit, ask your group leader or a scholar.

Where it is

The Ministry’s Madinah guide places Jannat al-Baqi south east of the Prophet’s Mosque. Saudipedia gives the same direction. It sits right next to the mosque area, so most visitors reach it on foot from their hotel or from the mosque courtyards.

Because it is so close, our driver does not need to drive far. On the ziyarat, the car takes you to a point near the Prophet’s Mosque and the driver waits while you visit or view the cemetery.

Visiting times

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah publishes these visiting times for men:

• After the Fajr prayer until 8:00 AM.
• After the Asr prayer, for one hour.
• Immediately after an obligatory prayer, if there is a funeral.

Access rules in Madinah can change, and crowds change what is possible on a given day. Many visitors who cannot enter see the cemetery from outside the wall, which is the usual way to see it at other times. Your driver will tell you what is open when you arrive, and the official signs always come first.

How it fits into the Madinah ziyarat

On our ziyarat the cemetery is usually seen early in the tour, because the Fajr and Asr windows are the times when entry is possible.

1. Pick up from your Madinah hotel. If your group wants to enter after Fajr, start the tour then, and finish by 8:00 AM.
2. Jannat al-Baqi. A short stop of about 15 to 20 minutes, viewed from outside or visited on foot near the Prophet’s Mosque as the rules allow.
3. Mosques near the Haram. From the same area the tour continues to Masjid al-Ghamama, Masjid Abu Bakr and Masjid Ali.
4. The wider tour. Then Quba, Qiblatain, Uhud and the Seven Mosques.

Tell us at booking if you want to enter after Fajr or after Asr, so the driver plans the day around that time.

Practical notes

• Dress and behaviour. Dress modestly, keep voices low, and follow the instructions of the staff at the gate.
• Photography. Do not take it for granted. Look for signs and ask the staff before taking photos.
• Heat. There is little shade. After Fajr is the coolest time.
• Your phone. Silence it.
• Wheelchairs. A folding wheelchair travels in the Staria or Hiace boot at no extra charge, and the driver helps the passenger into a seat. Tell us before booking if the passenger cannot leave the wheelchair.
• Questions of practice. If you want guidance on what to say here, ask a scholar or your group leader.

Which of our tours includes Jannat al-Baqi

Both Madinah ziyarat tiers include it, on the same page, Madinah ziyarat taxi.

• Two hour ziyarat. Jannat al-Baqi, the mosques near the Haram, Quba, Qiblatain, Uhud and the Seven Mosques, with short stops.
• Four hour full ziyarat. The same places with longer stops, plus Masjid al-Jumu’ah, Bir Uthman, time at Masjid al-Fath, a longer stop at Uhud, the date market or a date farm, and the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex and Dar al-Madinah Museum.

Fares are for the whole vehicle, return included. You pay the driver at the end. There is no deposit and no booking fee. See the ziyarat hub for all places.