How to Book Rawdah Permits: Step-by-Step Nusuk App Guide

The Rawdah Al-Sharifah – literally "the noble garden" – is the area inside Masjid an-Nabawi that lies between the Prophet's (PBUH) original pulpit (minbar) and the chamber where he is buried. It is one of the most sought-after destinations for any pilgrim arriving in Madinah.

Access to the Rawdah is managed by the Saudi authorities through a timed-entry permit system, administered via the Nusuk App. The permit system was introduced to ensure that all pilgrims can visit in a controlled, dignified environment – and to prevent overcrowding in a space that holds enormous spiritual significance. Without a valid permit and QR code, entry to the Rawdah area is not permitted.

Permits are free of charge. There are no fees attached to the booking. The process is entirely managed through the official Nusuk platform; any third-party service charging for Rawdah booking access should be avoided.

Women access the Rawdah through segregated, Nusuk-booked sessions. Timings, which differ from men's, vary seasonally, so check the app for current availability. Typical women's sessions are late evening after Isha or mid-afternoon between Dhuhr and Asr. Additional slots may be added during peak seasons.
Entry for women is via the northern gates of Masjid an-Nabawi, designated for the women's section. Mosque staff will direct you to the correct Rawdah queue entrance.
The women's Rawdah section is adjacent to the main area, near the Prophet's (PBUH) tomb. Though session duration is fixed, arrive composed to maximize the meaningfulness of the visit.

Seeing "No Permits Available" is the most common frustration pilgrims encounter with Rawdah booking. In most cases, it does not mean permits are genuinely exhausted – it means slots for that date have not yet been released.

It is important to approach the Rawdah with the right understanding. The Rawdah is a blessed area within Masjid an-Nabawi – not a separate mosque, and not a fourth site of pilgrimage.
The Prophet (PBUH) specified only three mosques to which a religious journey may be undertaken:

"Do not undertake a journey to visit any Mosque, but three: this Mosque of mine, the Mosque of al-Haram and the Mosque of Aqsa (Bait al-Maqdis)." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1189; Sahih Muslim 1397).

The Rawdah's significance flows from being part of Masjid an-Nabawi – one of these three – not from being a destination in its own right.

The Prophet's (PBUH) final warning
Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH), in his final illness, said:

"Allah cursed the Jews and the Christians because they took the graves of their Prophets as places for praying" (agreed upon by Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim 529, Sunan an-Nasa'i 2047).

She added that it was for this reason that the grave of the Prophet (PBUH) was not made prominent. The Companions, and the generations after them, preserved his grave with this in mind from the very beginning.

What this means for your visit
The classical scholars across all four madhabs built their visitation guidance around this hadith. The unifying principle is straightforward: avoid any act that resembles directing worship towards the grave itself.
Specifically:

• Do not touch, kiss, or rub against the walls of the chamber.
• Do not stand at the grave for prolonged periods. The Companions visited only briefly when entering or leaving Madinah.
• Do not bow towards the chamber.
• Do not circumambulate the grave. Tawaf is for the Kaaba alone.
• Do not face the grave when offering your prayer. Even where no building is involved, turning to face a grave in prayer falls within the warning of the hadith.

How to make your visit

• Send greetings upon the Prophet (PBUH).
• Then move on, so others may do the same.