Is Jannat al Baqi Open to UK Pilgrims Visiting Madinah in 2025?

Each and every Muslim will agree that Masjid e Haram and Masjid e Nabwi are the best places in the world. Apart from these two, both of the cities are home to numerous holy places that all Muslims hold in respect.

In Madinah (the Prophet’s city), there are plenty of places that pilgrims love to visit after performing Umrah in Makkah and one of them is Jannat al Baqi. They hold this place in high esteem and this is why they often ask if it is open for UK pilgrims coming to Madinah in 2025. The simple answer to this question is yes. There are no restrictions for pilgrims to enter it or go near it. However, there are some rules and regulations for visiting the graveyard.

In this guide, we will explain what the rules and regulations are for visiting Jannat al Baqi for both male and female pilgrims. In addition to this, we will also explain what this place is and why it is so important for Muslims.

What Are the Rules for Visiting Jannat al Baqi?

There are very strict rules imposed by the Saudi authorities regarding accessing Jannat al Baqi. Pilgrims that use Umrah Packages UK to travel to KSA often get the information about these rules from their travel agency or guides. However, it is better to know about them in detail beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.

Entry Rules for Males and Females

 In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to enter graveyards. They can only view the graves from outside the boundary. The same is also true for Jannat al Baqi. On the other hand, men are allowed to enter the gates of the graveyard and can go near graves without any restrictions. The local authorities are very strict in their laws and any kind of disobedience to rules is strictly punished by the police in the area.

 Visiting Hours

As evident from the above discussion that only men can enter Jannat al Baqi, it is important to know about the allowed timing so you don’t have to face any issues.

The graveyard is open for pilgrims twice a day, every day. After Fajr prayers and after Asar prayers. Other than these times, no one can enter the graveyard.

The entry time can change depending on the crowds in Madinah. Let’s say you are using March Umrah Packages 2026 for your ease then double-check the timing because this month is going to be very crowded as Ramadan will come in it.

 Photos and Videos

No one is allowed to take any picture or make a video of the grave during their time inside the graveyard. You can take mobile phones inside but do not use them (not to answer calls either).

If the guards think that you have made a video or taken a picture, they will check your phone and if this is the case, they may end up confiscating your phone or may break it on the spot.

 Religious Practices and Ideal Behavior

The graveyard laws in Saudi Arabia are completely different from the ones you see in the UK or other Muslim countries in the world. People often recite the Quran loudly, pray at graves or touch or lean on graves. All of these are not allowed in any case. The guards will remove you instantly and the authorities may also ban your entry for some years.

All you can do is pay silently and reflect quietly. You cannot go for group prayers or mourning rituals as well. So, make sure that you stick to these rules and don’t fall into some big problem.

In case the police or guards approach you, listen to them and comply. They only speak Arabic and some of them might know little English. Comply with whatever they say. If you have to answer them, be humble and polite.

 Allowed and Restricted Items

You are only allowed to take a water bottle with you inside Jannat al Baqi. If you have a miswak in your pocket or prayer beads, it is fine; guards will not stop you. Even your phone inside the pocket is okay.

But if you are carrying books, flags or pamphlets, you will be stopped from entering the premises. Anything that identifies that you belong to any particular sect is also not allowed.

 Dress Code

There are no dress code requirements but you have to wear modest clothes. Items like shorts or sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Wear the traditional Arabic dress or a shalwar kameez. Both of them are totally okay.

For women, modest clothing and a loose-fit abaya are great. Make sure you cover your head and hair. It is up to you if you use a face veil or not.

 Grave Identification

Most of the graves are unmarked inside Jannat al Baqi but some have fences around them. Pilgrims are not allowed to go near to these as they belong to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) family members. It is better to offer your prayers for them from a distance and not confront the authorities.

 What is Jannat al Baqi?

It is the first and oldest graveyard in Madinah and its foundation was laid by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. The graveyard has undergone many demolitions and renovations since 1806.

The first grave in the mosque was of As’ad ibn Zurarah, one of the two orphan brothers from whom the Holy Prophet (PBUH) purchased the land for the mosque.

The Holy Prophet’s daughter, Ruqayyah is also buried here. She was the first from his family to have a grave there. The first Muhajjir (people who came from Makkah with the Prophet) to be buried here was Uthman bin Maz’oon. Muhammad’s (PBUH) son Ibrahim is also buried here.

Just like this, there is a long list of companions that are buried inside the graveyard.

 What is the Location and Size of Jannat al Baqi?

In case you are wondering where to find Jannat al Baqi, don’t worry, it is a very big place and you don’t have to ask anyone for its location. The graveyard is right next to the Prophet’s Mosque and it is believed that there are around 10,000 graves that belong to Sahaba e Rasool. This alone elevates the status of this cemetery to the highest in the Muslim world. In addition to these Sahabas, many family members of the Holy Prophet are also buried here.

When this graveyard was established, it was very small in size. Although not known exactly but credible reports reveal it to be only 80-meter square in size. After repeated extensions, the size is now reported to be 175,000 square meters.

 Virtues of Jannat al Baqi

The literal meaning of Jannat ul Baqi is the “Garden of Paradise.” This alone is enough to explain the importance of this graveyard. In addition to this, there are plenty of Ahadis that explain the importance of Jannat al Baqi. In one Hadith, he mentioned the cemetery of Madinah and the cemetery of Asqalan as the sun and moon. In another, he said that the people who are buried here will come out like moonlight on the day of judgement.

 Final Words

There are plenty of rewards for visiting Jannat ul Baqi and praying for the buried there. Reciting and reflecting on Surah Rahman during such visits can bring immense spiritual peace and blessings. The best way to go for Umrah and ziyarats in both holy cities is to take help from an experienced travel agency. You can reach out to Muslims Holy Travel; they offer a wide range of deals such as family Umrah packages.