Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah Receives 5.4M Visitors

More than 5.4 million worshippers visited the Prophet’s Mosque last week.

According to Saudi authorities, the exact number of visitors is 5,428,718. Among these, 212,946 prayed in the Holy Rawdah. The Holy Rawdah or Rawdah Mubarak, the sacred chamber, is between the Prophet Muhammad’s house, Aisha, and Prophet Muhammad’s pulpit. Muslims also call it al-Rawdah al-Shareef, meaning, “the exalted garden” or “meadow.”

At the beginning of Ramadan, during the first 20 days, the mosque had already received over 20 million worshippers.

Creating a safe and positive experience for pilgrims

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque provided various services. They offered and conducted these to create a positive experience for pilgrims and make them feel safe and comfortable.

For instance, the entity provided communication services available in different languages for 152,912 visitors of various nationalities. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this was to ensure that visiting the Prophet’s Mosque promoted accessibility and inclusivity.

In addition, workers used 292,056 liters of disinfectant to clean and sterilize the mosque, making it safe and hygienic.

Zamzam water and iftar meals

At the same time, workers distributed 1,810 liters of Zamzam water, while 218 samples underwent quality-analysis purposes. Muslims believe that water from the Zamzam well is blessed by Allah and has curative properties.

Meanwhile, visitors received 483,194 iftar meals in selected areas of the Prophet’s Mosque. Muslims break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan with an iftar meal. It commonly includes chai tea and sweets, noon bread, and paneer.

About the Prophet’s Mosque

The Prophet’s Mosque is one of the most sacred places in Islam. It is the second largest mosque after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Visitors can find it in the heart of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was built on the land of Prophet Muhammad’s house and contains his tomb.

The mosque was originally an open-air structure. It had various purposes, from being a community center, and a courthouse, to a religious school. Individuals teaching the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad used the pulpit.

Following the foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the mosque underwent a major renovation. For example, in 1992, authorities added escalators and 27 courtyards to the mosque. In 2012, the area of the mosque was increased to accommodate 1.6 to 2 million worshippers.

The Prophet’s Mosque’s services for the disabled and elderly

In June 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported that the mosque had enhanced its services for the disabled and the elderly. Specifically, it prepared a dedicated room for the deaf and mute on the mosque’s roof that can fit 100 individuals. In addition, electric golf carts and wheelchairs were also available to enhance the mosque’s accessibility.

In the same month, the SPA also reported that 60 employees assisted the elderly and disabled. Since the beginning of the Hajj season, the mosque’s mobility services department has transported 700,000 worshippers.

Photo by Ryan Pradipta Putra on Unsplash