Madinah Ziyarat Tours
Ziyarat Tour
Madinah
Guided visits to all major Islamic sites in Madinah al-Munawwarah — Masjid al-Nabawi, Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatain, Jabal Uhud, Jannat ul-Baqi, and more. Available as private or group tours for Pak Tours Umrah pilgrims.
What is Madinah Ziyarat?
Ziyarat (زيارة) means "visit" in Arabic — in the context of Madinah, it refers to the guided tour of the blessed city's historic Islamic sites. Visiting these sites is not obligatory for Umrah pilgrims, but it is a deeply moving and spiritually enriching experience that most Pakistani pilgrims consider the highlight of their trip. These are the places where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) walked, prayed, and shaped the future of Islam.
Ziyarat Sites Covered
1. Masjid al-Nabawi — The Prophet's Mosque
The second holiest mosque in Islam and the primary destination of every Madinah visit. Originally built by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself in 622 CE, the mosque now spans 400,000 square metres and accommodates over a million worshippers. The green dome marks the location of the Prophet's (ﷺ) grave. One prayer here is equal to 1,000 prayers anywhere else (except Masjid al-Haram).
2. Riyad al-Jannah — The Garden of Paradise
The area between the Prophet's (ﷺ) minbar (pulpit) and his grave — described in hadith as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise." (Bukhari) Praying 2 Rakat here is one of the most sought-after acts of worship in Madinah. Access is managed by Saudi authorities with designated times for men and women.
3. Jannat ul-Baqi — The Blessed Cemetery
Adjacent to Masjid al-Nabawi, Jannat ul-Baqi is the main cemetery of Madinah and the resting place of thousands of the Prophet's Companions (RA), his wives (Ummahat al-Mu'mineen), his daughter Fatimah (RA), and his son Ibrahim (RA). Visiting and sending salutations upon the deceased is a Sunnah practice.
4. Quba Mosque — The First Mosque in Islam
Approximately 5km from Masjid al-Nabawi, Quba is the first mosque ever built in Islam — laid with the Prophet's (ﷺ) own hands immediately after his Hijra (migration from Makkah) in 622 CE. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever purifies himself in his house then comes to Masjid Quba and prays there, he will have a reward like that of Umrah." (Ibn Majah). Praying 2 Rakat here on a Friday equals one complete Umrah.
5. Masjid al-Qiblatain — The Mosque of Two Qiblas
The mosque where the Qibla (direction of prayer) was changed from Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) to Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) during the Prophet's (ﷺ) lifetime. A pivotal moment in Islamic history — visible in the original prayer direction markers still preserved in the mosque. Located approximately 3km from Masjid al-Nabawi.
6. Jabal Uhud — The Mountain of Uhud
The site of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE / 3 AH) — one of the most significant battles of early Islam. Here, 70 Companions were martyred, including Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA), the Prophet's (ﷺ) uncle and the "Lion of Allah." The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it." (Bukhari). The graves of the martyrs are here, including Hamza (RA).
7. Masjid al-Ghamama — The Cloud Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Madinah, built at the site where the Prophet (ﷺ) reportedly prayed Eid prayers and where a cloud (ghamama) shaded him from the sun. Located just southwest of Masjid al-Nabawi.
8. The Seven Mosques (Sab'ah Masajid)
A cluster of small historic mosques near Mount Sal'a, built to commemorate the locations where the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions prayed during the Battle of Khandaq (the Trench, 627 CE). Each mosque marks a historically significant spot in the defence of Madinah.
Tour Options
| Tour Type | Duration | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Group Tour | 4–5 hours | AC bus, guide, 5–6 sites | Budget-conscious pilgrims |
| Full-Day Group Tour | 7–8 hours | AC bus, guide, all 8 sites | First-time Madinah visitors |
| Private Family Tour | Flexible | Private vehicle, personal guide | Families, elderly pilgrims |
| Custom Tour | Your choice | Sites of your choosing, own pace | Repeat pilgrims |
Ziyarat tours available as an add-on to any Pak Tours Umrah package, or separately for pilgrims already in Madinah. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange.
Important Ziyarat Etiquette
- Maintain complete silence and reverence at all sites — especially near graves
- Photography is restricted or prohibited in many holy sites — follow Saudi authority guidelines at each location
- At Jannat ul-Baqi and Uhud: recite the prescribed Islamic salutation for the deceased — do not ask the deceased for intercession (a matter of Islamic jurisprudence)
- Dress modestly throughout — abaya/hijab for women, full Islamic dress for men
- Do not push or rush at crowded sites like Riyad al-Jannah — move with patience and respect for fellow pilgrims
- There is no Ihram in Madinah — you are a free visitor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ziyarat included in standard Umrah packages?
Yes — Pak Tours Umrah packages include Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah as standard. This covers guided visits to the major sites in both cities. Private tours are available as an upgrade for those wanting a more personal, unhurried experience.
Can elderly or wheelchair-bound pilgrims do Ziyarat?
Yes — our private Ziyarat tours are specifically designed for elderly and mobility-impaired pilgrims. Vehicles are arranged with easy access, and the pace is adjusted to your needs. Some sites (like Riyad al-Jannah) may require a short walk, but alternatives are always available.
How many days do I need in Madinah for Ziyarat?
A half-day Ziyarat tour covers the major sites. We recommend staying a minimum of 3 nights in Madinah to allow for Ziyarat plus extended prayer time in Masjid al-Nabawi, including Fajr, and ideally a Friday Jumu'ah prayer.
Is Ziyarat available for women?
Yes — all Ziyarat sites are accessible to women. Riyad al-Jannah has designated access times for women (typically after Fajr and Isha). Jannat ul-Baqi has specific visiting hours for women. Our female group leaders accompany women pilgrims throughout.
Book Your Madinah Ziyarat Tour
Private · Group · Fully Guided · Available for All Umrah Packages