Photo: Saleh Al Hussain, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Baqi’ Al-Gharqad
Madinah’s historic cemetery, associated with many members of the Prophet’s family and Companions.
Why this place matters
Al-Baqi is the historic cemetery adjoining the Prophet’s Mosque. It is closely connected with the earliest Muslim community in Madinah and contains the graves of many figures from the first generations of Islam.
The Prophet’s ﷺ visits to al-Baqi’
‘A’ishah narrated that, on the nights the Prophet ﷺ spent with her, he would go out at the end of the night to al-Baqi’ and greet its people, saying: “Peace be upon you, abode of a believing people”, and pray: “O Allah, grant forgiveness to the people of Baqi’ al-Gharqad” (Sahih Muslim 974a).
A cemetery of the Prophet’s family and Companions
Al-Baqi’ lies beside the Prophet’s Mosque and has been the principal cemetery of Madinah since the Prophet’s ﷺ time. Many members of his family and many of his Companions are buried there.
Visiting today
Visitors greet the people of al-Baqi’ and make du‘a for them, following the Prophet’s ﷺ example. Visiting hours and access arrangements are set by the authorities and change; check current arrangements on the day of your visit.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Prophet ﷺ say when he visited al-Baqi’?
He would say: “Peace be upon you, abode of a believing people”, and pray for forgiveness for the people of Baqi’ al-Gharqad (Sahih Muslim 974a).
Visiting today
Access and visiting arrangements can change. Maintain the quiet etiquette appropriate to a cemetery and follow local instructions.
Sources
- Sahih Muslim 974a: The Prophet ﷺ visited al-Baqi’ at night, greeted its people and prayed for their forgiveness
- Innaha Taybah map of 50 historical and archaeological sites, Madinah Research and Studies Center: Reported by Arab News, 5 November 2024