Baqi al-Gharqad (بقیع الغرقد‎, “the field of thorny trees”), also known as Jannat al-Baqi (جنة البقیع‎, “garden of tree stumps”), was used as a cemetery before the advent of Islam. The grounds hold much significance for Muslims, being the resting place of many of Prophet Muhammad’s relatives and companions, thus making it as one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islamic tradition.

In Arabic, Ziarah literally means tendency and inclination to do a work. Technically it means to visit someone to respect and honor him. It has three components:

1-Za’er: someone who has a tendency toward someone or something

2-Mazoor: visited person or place

3-Inner tendency and inclination, a quality existing with the pilgrim to respect and honor.

The scholars of Islam with the support of verses of Qur’an and traditions have recommended ziyarat of grave especially the ziyarat of the Holy Prophet’s grave and those of the pious people and consider this to be a virtue and honor.

Without any doubt, the most remarkable site in Makkah is the Masjid al Haram while that in Madinah is definitely the illustrious Masjid Nabawi. But it may be said to further the interest of the pilgrims that there are secondary sites that form an important part of the Islamic history. By visiting a ziarat, the pilgrim can complete the whole account of an historical event or personality in his mind. This gives pilgrims a sense of closure and ultimate satisfaction.

In Madinah its main graveyard is known as “Jannah tul Baqee” or “Maqbaratul Baqee”. It has the high status of being the first Muslim graveyard of Madinah. Several family members of our beloved Prophet (SAW) have been buried in this graveyard. Maqbaratul Baqee is the final resting place of several thousand Sahabah (Companions of Our Prophet [SAW]) too.

There are also a lot of well known devout Muslims that have the honor of being buried here. The location for the graveyard was selected by Our Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) himself soon after he migrated to Madinah when one of his Ansar Sahabah, As ‘ad Bin Zararah (RA) passed away. The graveyard was close to the Masjid-e-Nabwi. The ground of the graveyard used to be completely covered with a thorny bush called “Gharqad” in Arabic.

Thus, the graveyard was called “Baqee ul Gharqad”, which means the land of Gharqad. Later, it got famous by the name of “Jannah tul Baqee” or “Maqbaratul tul Baqee”. Asad bin Zararah (RA) was the first Ansari Sahabi to be buried in Maqbaratul Baqee, while Uthman bin Maz’oon (RA) was the first of the Muhajireen Sahabah to be buried in Maqbaratul Baqee. He passed away soon after the battle of Badr. Ayesha (RA) reports: “Rasulullah (SAW) kissed the forehead of ‘Uthmaan bin Maz’oon after his death. At that time tears were flowing from his eyes”.
This reason for this was the great Sahabi was a foster brother of Our Prophet (SAW). He was the thirteenth person to accept Islam in its early stages. He first migrated to Abyssynia and then to Madinah. He was very pious and devoted. At the time when it was still lawful to drink intoxicants, he had already abstained from consuming it, He was the first among the Muhajireen to pass away. He passed away in Sha’baan in the second year hijri and was buried in the Jannatul Baqee.

‘Ayesha (RA) reported said: (whenever it was her turn for Allah’s Messenger (SAW) to spend the night with her) he would go out towards the end of the night to al-Baqee’ and say: Peace be upon you, abode of a people who are believers. What you were promised would come to you tomorrow, you will be receiving it after some delay; and God willing we shall join you. O Allah, grant forgiveness to the inhabitants of Baqee’ al-Gharqad. Qutaiba did not mention his words: “would come to you”. Another hadith shows that Our Prophet (SAW) was asked to pray for the people of Baqee.

Muhammad b. Qais said (to the people): Should I not narrate to you (a Hadith of the Holy Prophet) on my authority and on the authority of my mother? We thought that he meant the mother who had given him birth. He (Muhammad b. Qais) then reported that it was ‘Aisha who had narrated this: Should I not narrate to you about myself and about the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)?

We said: Yes. She said: When it was my turn for Allah’s Messenger (SAW) to spend the night with me, he turned his side, put on his mantle and took off his shoes and placed them near his feet, and spread the corner of his shawl on his bed and then lay down till he thought that I had gone to sleep. He took hold of his mantle slowly and put on the shoes slowly, and opened the door and went out and then closed it lightly. I covered my head, put on my veil and tightened my waist wrapper, and then went out following his steps till he reached Baqee’. He stood there and he stood for a long time. He then lifted his hands three times, and then returned and I also returned. He hastened his steps and I also hastened my steps. He ran and I too ran. He came (to the house) and I also came (to the house). I, however, preceded him and I entered (the house), and as I lay down in the bed, he (the Holy Prophet) entered the (house), and said: Why is it, O ‘Aisha, that you are out of breath? I said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me or the Subtle and the Aware would inform me. I said: Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be ransom for you, and then I told him (the whole story). He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front of me? I said: Yes. He struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you?

She said: Whatsoever the people conceal, Allah will know it. He said: Gabriel came to me when you saw me. He called me and he concealed it from you. I responded to his call, but I too concealed it from you (for he did not come to you), as you were not fully dressed. I thought that you had gone to sleep, and I did not like to awaken you, fearing that you may be frightened. He (Gabriel) said: Your Lord has commanded you to go to the inhabitants of Baqee’ (to those lying in the graves) and beg pardon for them. I said: Messenger of Allah, how should I pray for them (How should I beg forgiveness for them)?

He said: Say, Peace be upon the inhabitants of this city (graveyard) from among the Believers and the Muslims, and may Allah have mercy on those who have gone ahead of us, and those who come later on, and we shall, God willing, join you. Just imagine that Our Prophet (SAW) repeatedly asked for the forgiveness of the people of Baqee!

The list of all these lucky people is quite long but the names of some important people are:

1. With the exception of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) and Maymuna bint al-Harith(RA), all other wives of Our Prophet (SAW) are buried in Baqee. These two wives were buried in Makkah and Sarif respectively.

2. Several children of Our Prophet (SAW) are buried in Baqee. These include: The daughters Fatima (RA), Ruqayyah (RA), Zainab (RA) and Umme Kulthum (RA); the son Ibraheem (RA).

3. Grandson of Our Prophet (SAW) Hassan (RA)

4. Uncle of Our Prophet (SAW), Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (RA)

5. Aunts of Our Prophet (SAW); Safiyyah (RA) and Aatikah (RA)

6. Companions of Our Prophet (SAW); the list is quite long. Some names are: Saad bin Abi Waqas (RA), Abdur Rehman bin Auf (RA), Abdullah bin Masood (RA), Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) Over time, many building structures and mausoleums were built to mark the graves of important people. These building structures were completely destroyed in 1925 by King Abdul Aziz Al Saud in accordance with various hadiths and Islamic fiqh.
[1]Narrated by Shamail Tirmidhi, Chapter 44, Hadith 005 (309)
[2]Narrated by Muslim, Book 004, Hadith 2126
[3] Narrated by Muslim, Book 004, Hadith 2127

MUSLIM STORIES

Hajj 2018 respect to those who preceeded us.

Although access is limited to men only and only during certain times. It is good to go and visit the graveyard and show respect to the companions and family of the prophet SAW. It is reminder for us all as to the path we will follow.

Mohamed A

Hajj 2018

Visiting the graveyard is a recommended act in Islam. This graveyard happens to be where many companions and relatives of the prophet S.A. are buried. While in Madina before or after Hajj or Umra, it is an easy place to visit.

Abdurrahman A from Cunupia, Trinidad

Peaceful resting place: Baqi cemetery

This historical burial ground is an intersection of renowned Islamic religious figures, and its contemporary function as an everyday cemetery for the people of Madinah.

It has a tranquility and serenity that are felt throughout the city of our Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

The stark reminder of our equality as persons regardless of rank or social standing is conveyed by the simplicity of the graves without tombstones which are aligned to Muslim rites and teachings.

One is reminded that it is from Allah Almighty that we come; and indeed to Almighty Allah we return when we die.

Supplications offered focus on our individual mortality despite this being the site where persons of the highest of ranks in our Islamic history are buried.

Ya Allah, Ameen!

Mustafa from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Blessed to be in Jannatul Baqi

This place is opened very occasionally only for around one hour in the morning after fajr salat. Come here and observe all the Sahabas resting in peace in their abodes. There is no name on any grave though, so you cannot identify any of them.

Atif M

Ramadan umrah visit

Whenever you are in Madinah a visit to Jannatul Baqi is a must visit where you can pray Fatiha and the view of Masjid e Nabawi from there is excellent

khalil

Lead the death to Baqi early in the morning after Fajr Prayers

And get some reward from Allah everyone were running to do so you must check this out .
Just pray Fajr in the area Closed to Rasullulah out door once they finish the prayers everyone is running to the door where the Jenazah will be out.Take this advantage to do so just follow them to BAQI.

kamalt

I wish to be buried here

A group of 4 of us ladies were wandering outside the Masjid An-Nabawi looking for this cemetery. Ladies are not allowed to enter, but we can view the cemetery from outside (surrounded by clear glass/fibreglass). Since every signboard are in Arabic, we just were praying for the soul at one side of the mosque, until a kind cleaner took pity of us and showed us the way to where we could view the cemetery (where a big group of people were already there). Some were even climbing to wall/gate to get better view of the cemetery.

Ruzana A

Best Time to Visit is After Fajr Prayers

Please note that entrance and exit gates are on same sides. Entrance gate is closed after some time and you have to make a round and exit through gate on same side

Amir from Islamabad, Pakistan

Must visit janatual baqi

Been to jannatul baki in the month of Ramadan it’s closed you are not allowed to go inside in Ramadan but you can watch from out side it’s near from masjid al nabwi

khaliql from Florence, Italy

A history should be maintained better

This is the cemetry next to Masjid Nabawi where most of the early islam figures were buried includinh sons and grandsons of the prophet. The place used to be fully established before the rise of Saudi Arabiawhich destroyed all the building for some religous reason they say and leaving it a ruin, with a restricted entrance time and limited acceas too.

Hussain M from Bahrain

Burial Place for Bibi Fatima (A.S.) & Imams

A place where daughter of prophet Mohammed (S.A) Bibi Fatima (A.S), other wife’s, daughters, son & very near relatives of prophet Mohammed (S.A) are buried.
Very well maintained serene, calm & sacred place to get peace. Only open for few hours in the morning & afternoon.

Rupawala from Surat, India

Paying Respects

This is the cemetery where the Prophet’s family members and companions are present. Best time to go is after the Fajr prayers

Nidal T from Kuwait, Al Kuwayt, Kuwait

Maqbarat Al Baqi

This graveyard holds a special value in Islam as the graves of many Ashaabs are situated here. It is on the western side of the Masjid Nabwi. You can visit after Asr but the best time would be after the Fajr prayer.

Jafar from New Delhi, India

A special cemetery..

A resting place for the family and companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW and anyone that that is deceased in Madinah today.
It is promised that Prophet Muhammad will intercede on behalf of a person that is buried in Jannatul Baqi on the day of Judgement.

Riaz from Johannesburg, South Africa

The sacred graveyard: Must visit in Madinah

This sacred graveyard is located just next to the Masjid-e-Nawabi. It remains open just after Fajr prayer to sunrise and Just after Asr prayer. Visitors should follow the instrctions written in the board. Many great personalities were buried here.

Joy Shurjo from Bangkok, Thailand

A Must See When Visiting Al Madinah

It’s a few minutes walk from the Prophet’s Mosque (Peace Be Upon Him). A must visit when you pray at the Prophet’s Mosque (Peace Be Upon Him).

Preferably not during, or around, noon time due to heat.

Amr Badran from Cairo, Egypt

A reminder

This large cemetery is a must visit in Madinah for the purpose of giving one’s respect/salaam to those laid to rest here as well as a stark reminder of our own inevitable death.

Open to men only and then only after the prayers when burials take place, it can be seen from outside at all times.

So many of the greats of Islam and of the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are here. Whilst I understand the thinking, it’s just a shame that the Saudi government has chosen to remove all the grave stones/mausoleums so that the graves are unidentifiable.

Riz from London, United Kingdom

Graveyard Baqi

It is a cemetery of moslem. It is located beside the Nabawi Mosque. It is closed very often. But you can see the grave from outside.

Riyadh Ahadi from Tangerang, Indonesia

Extremely moving

One must come here if visiting madinah and realize ones actual worth and position in this WORLD . The good and the great buried here really moves your soul .

Abdulrah Manishaq from London, United Kingdom

Sacred Graveyard of Madinah

Had the opportunity to visit Jannat Ul Baqi after Salat e Fajr, Only Males are allowed to visit. A huge graveyard where graves of Sahaba Karaam are present.

Kamran from Peshawar, Pakistan

I am very thankful to Allah

Mashallah. I am very thankful to Allah the Almighty that I had an opportunity to visit this place. The place where the graves of several Nabi(s) Sahabas are present.

Rasheed from Bengaluru, India

Sacred Grave

It’s a huge graveyard with many prominent and sacred people buried. Visit once to offer salaams. Do not crowd or throw rubbish. Observe silence. Don’t take pictures.

Sameer Sultan from Chennai (Madras), India

Ziarah

Only man’s allowed to enter after fajr prayers. Go around all over ziarah all makam’s. Must visit InShaa’allah..Allah make it easy

Haji S from Nagore, India

For a more comprehensive pilgrimage, Muslims pay homage to  Al-Baqi and you too can broaden your horizons.

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