Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque)

Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) in Medina is the second holiest mosque in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions in 622 CE after the hijra (migration) from Mecca to Medina.

The Prophet said: "One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except Masjid al-Haram" (Sahih al-Bukhari). A special area in the mosque called "al-Rawdah al-Sharifah" (the noble garden), between the Prophet's minbar and his grave, has a special status — the Prophet said: "Between my house and my minbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari).

The Prophet is buried in a chamber adjoining the mosque along with Abu Bakr and Umar. Millions of Muslims visit the mosque annually. The mosque has been expanded numerous times throughout history and can today accommodate over one million worshippers. It is sunnah to visit Masjid al-Nabawi and extend greetings (salam) to the Prophet at his grave.