How to Book a Rawdah Permit Through Nusuk | Step-by-Step Guide

At the heart of the Prophet’s Mosque lies a relatively small area with an extraordinary place in the hearts of Muslims. This is Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, the area between the Prophet’s (PBUH) former home, represented today by the Sacred Chamber, and his pulpit.

Its name is connected to the well-known saying of the Prophet (PBUH): “Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”

For generations, this hadith has inspired Muslims to seek the opportunity to pray and worship in the Rawdah, a place closely connected to the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and the history of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Its location itself helps visitors understand its significance. On one side lies the Sacred Chamber, the site associated with the home of Aisha (RA), while the sacred pulpit (Minbar) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stands on the other. Between them is the Rawdah, extending as a defined rectangular area within the mosque.

Historical descriptions place the original Rawdah at approximately 26.5 meters in length and around 15 meters in width, with an overall area of approximately 397.5 square meters when including the section enclosed by the grille surrounding the Sacred Chamber. The visible area accessible to visitors today has been affected by the arrangements surrounding the chamber.

These measurements may seem like simple architectural details, but they help put the experience into perspective. The Rawdah is a relatively limited space within one of Islam’s most visited mosques, welcoming large numbers of Muslims who long to pray there. This is one reason organized visits and scheduled permits are so important.
 

Why Do Muslims Seek to Pray in the Rawdah Sharifah?

The Rawdah is more than another stop on a visit to Madinah. Its religious significance is what gives it such a special place in the hearts of Muslims.

Visitors use their time there for prayer, supplication, remembrance of Allah (SWT), and recitation of the Holy Quran, while reflecting on the significance of the place and its connection to the life of the Prophet (PBUH).
For many, the experience offers a rare opportunity to step away from the movement and demands of travel and devote a few quiet moments entirely to worship.

It is also important to remember that the blessing and significance of the Rawdah do not diminish the importance of the rest of the Prophet’s Mosque. The entire mosque holds tremendous significance, and visitors who are unable to enter the Rawdah can still spend their time in prayer, remembrance, and worship throughout the mosque.

Preparing for Your Visit

Because the Rawdah is a limited space and demand to visit can be high, access is organized through scheduled appointments and permits. Obtaining a permit to visit the Rawdah is therefore an important part of planning your visit to the Prophet’s Mosque.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advises visitors to obtain the required permit through Nusuk and follow the specified date, time, and entry instructions. The official service is designed to organize visits and support the comfort and safety of worshippers.

Before leaving your hotel, make sure you have:

• Your Rawdah permit visible in the Nusuk app
• Your scheduled visit time
• Your booking details checked and confirmed
• Your QR entry code ready
• Enough time to reach the Prophet’s Mosque before your appointment
• Followed the designated entry route and instructions from staff
• Avoided carrying unnecessary belongings to the visit area

Most importantly, arrive with a present heart. A visit to the Rawdah is not simply something to fit between other plans. It is a moment to slow down, pray, remember Allah (SWT), and reflect.

How to Book a Rawdah Visit Through Nusuk

If you are searching for how to book a Rawdah visit through Nusuk, the process begins with the official Nusuk app. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah lists the Rawdah permit service among the digital services available through Nusuk.

1. Book Your Visit Through the Nusuk App

Open the Nusuk app and log in to your account. Navigate to the Rawdah section, then select the option to issue a Rawdah prayer permit.

Choose the date and available time that suits your itinerary and complete the steps to issue your permit. 

For visitors already in Madinah, Nusuk also offers an Instant Access service when available. This allows eligible visitors to look for available immediate visit opportunities rather than relying solely on a scheduled appointment. The availability of this service depends on the times shown in the app. Official Ministry guidance notes that Instant Access may allow multiple Rawdah visits depending on availability.

2. Confirm Your Attendance Before the Visit

Obtaining a permit is not the only step. Make sure you follow the confirmation instructions shown in Nusuk before your scheduled visit.

Current official guidance states that visitors should confirm their attendance through the app at least two hours before the scheduled time.

Checking the app ahead of time also gives you an opportunity to make sure your appointment details are correct and your permit is ready before you leave your accommodation.

3. Keep Your QR Entry Code Ready

Once your permit is issued and confirmed, your entry details will be available in the Nusuk app.

Keep the QR code readily accessible on your phone, as it may be used to verify your permit at the designated entry points. It is best to check that it is visible before leaving your hotel rather than waiting until you reach the mosque.

If you cannot immediately find your QR code, open Nusuk and go to “My Bookings”, where your booking and entry code should be displayed.

4. Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at the Prophet’s Mosque around 30 minutes before your scheduled visit and proceed to the designated Rawdah entry routes with your QR code ready.

Arriving early gives you time to find the appropriate route and reach the entry point without rushing,

particularly during busy periods when visitor movement around the mosque can be greater.

5. Follow the Instructions at the Entrance

When you reach the designated entry point, follow the assigned route and the instructions provided by staff.

Entry arrangements and routes may vary according to visitor flow and operational instructions, so it is important to follow the directions given on site.

Once inside the Rawdah, make the most of your time through prayer, remembrance, supplication, and quiet reflection. Keep your voice low and be considerate of those worshipping around you.

The purpose of the organized system is to help manage visitor movement and allow more people to experience the Rawdah in a calm and orderly environment.

What If You Cannot Find a Suitable Appointment?

Availability can be limited, particularly during periods when visitor numbers are high. If you cannot find a suitable scheduled appointment, check Nusuk again for newly available times.

If the Instant Access service is available to you while you are in Madinah, you can also check it for immediate opportunities to visit the Rawdah. Availability is dependent on the times displayed through Nusuk.

Nusuk Services for the Prophet’s Mosque

Nusuk is not limited to the Rawdah permit service. It forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital ecosystem for Hajj, Umrah, and visits to the Two Holy Mosques.

For visitors, exploring the services available through Nusuk before arriving in Madinah can make it easier to understand what services are available and organize different parts of the journey.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah identifies Nusuk as the official channel for issuing Rawdah visit permits, while the current Nusuk ecosystem also provides digital services connected with pilgrimage and visitor journeys.

Staying Close to the Prophet’s Mosque

Choosing where to stay is an important part of planning your time in Madinah, particularly if visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and the Rawdah Sharifah is an important part of your itinerary. Staying nearby can reduce travel time and give you greater flexibility between prayer, visits, and rest.

At Makarem Burj Al Madinah Hotel and Suites, guests benefit from a convenient location approximately a four-minute walk from the Prophet’s Mosque, with easy access to the women’s gate. This makes it a practical choice for visitors who want to remain close to the mosque throughout their stay.

Makarem Haram View Suites is also located close to the Prophet’s Mosque, offering guests a peaceful setting within easy reach of important religious sites. Its convenient location makes it well suited to pilgrims and visitors who want their stay in Madinah to remain closely connected to their time at the mosque.

Planning your accommodation in advance alongside your Rawdah permit through Nusuk can make your itinerary much easier to manage. With your hotel, prayer times, and Rawdah appointment organized ahead of time, you can leave room in your day for the moments that cannot be scheduled: a quiet prayer, time spent in the mosque, or a personal supplication made without haste.

Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah: A Visit Worth Preparing For

A visit to the Rawdah may begin with something as simple as opening Nusuk, selecting an available time, and confirming a permit. Yet behind those practical steps lies a moment that many Muslims wait years to experience.

The journey to Madinah is about more than reaching a destination. It is about being present in a place deeply connected to the life and legacy of the Prophet (PBUH), allowing time for prayer and reflection, and carrying the memory of those moments home.

Good planning does not take away from the spirituality of the experience. If anything, it creates more space for it. When the practical details are arranged in advance, you can arrive at the Prophet’s Mosque with less concern about logistics and more attention to worship.

And after time spent in prayer and reflection, having a comfortable place nearby to rest becomes part of that experience too. At Makarem, we believe hospitality for visitors to Madinah should complement the purpose of their journey, with convenient locations, thoughtful service, and spaces where guests can pause and recharge.

From arranging your Rawdah permit through Nusuk to spending quiet moments in the Prophet’s Mosque, every part of the journey can become an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the privilege of being in Madinah.

FAQs

How far in advance should I check for Rawdah appointments?

There is no guaranteed number of days in advance when an appointment will become available, as availability can change according to visitor demand and operational capacity. It is best to check Nusuk as soon as your Madinah itinerary is confirmed and continue monitoring available appointments.

What happens if I miss my Rawdah appointment?

If you are more than 30 minutes late for your scheduled visit, the permit will be cancelled. The visit will not count toward the 365-day eligibility period, provided that you cancel the booking before the scheduled appointment.  

Can one person book Rawdah permits for their family?

Family and companion arrangements depend on the options available in Nusuk. Where the companion feature is available, eligible family members can be added to the booking according to the conditions shown in the app.

What should I do if my QR code does not appear at the entrance?

Open the Nusuk app and go to “My Bookings.” Your Rawdah booking and QR entry code should be displayed there. If you still cannot access your permit, follow the instructions provided by the staff at the designated entry point.

Is there a fee to book a Rawdah permit?

The official Ministry of Hajj and Umrah service currently lists the Rawdah permit service as free of charge. Visitors should not pay unofficial individuals or intermediaries to obtain an appointment.

How many times can I visit Rawdah during one trip?

You can book a standard Rawdah visit through the Nusuk app once every 365 days, helping to organize visits and give more visitors the opportunity to experience the Rawdah. If you are already in Madinah, you may also use the Instant Access service when available, allowing you to book a visit based on the available time slots in the app.