Saudi authorities have issued guidelines for Muslims desiring to visit Al Rawda Al Sherifa, the sacred location containing the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) within his mosque in the holy city of Medina. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the kingdom has stipulated that prospective visitors must make advance reservations before arriving at this revered site and adhere to their scheduled appointments.
Upon entering Al Rawda Al Sherifa, visitors are expected to maintain a decorous demeanor by refraining from raising their voices, bringing food, engaging in photography or videography, or overstaying their allotted time.
The Umrah season, a minor pilgrimage, is currently underway in Saudi Arabia. After performing the Umrah rituals at the Grand Mosque, Islam's most sacred site in Mecca, many pilgrims journey to the Prophet's Mosque to offer prayers and pay their respects at Al Rawdah Al Sharifa.
Saudi Arabia anticipates hosting approximately 10 million Muslims from around the world for Umrah during the current season. Recent statistics from the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques revealed that approximately 5.5 million individuals visited the Prophet's Mosque, Islam's second holiest site, last week. Within that timeframe, 117,447 male worshippers and 119,526 female worshippers visited Al Rawda Al Sherifa.
The Umrah season commenced over two months ago following the conclusion of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, which saw the attendance of around 1.8 million Muslims for the first time in three years, as pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. Muslims who are unable to participate in the Hajj due to physical or financial constraints often undertake the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
In April, Saudi authorities introduced a gilded brass enclosure to encircle the Sacred Chamber at the Prophet's Mosque, replacing a wooden barrier. The purpose of this new barrier is to preserve the visual character and architectural integrity of the mosque. It is constructed with posts affixed to the base to ensure stability under the pressure of crowds and facilitate easy maintenance