Al-Rawda al-Sharifa — The Sacred Garden Between the Prophet's Pulpit and His Grave

The Physical Rawda

The Rawda al-Sharifa is the area between:

• East boundary: The chamber of Aisha (RA) where the Prophet (SAW) is buried — now beneath the green dome (qubba khadra’)
• West boundary: The Prophet’s original pulpit (minbar) — the precise spot where he delivered the Friday sermon

The space is approximately 22 meters (north-south) by 15 meters (east-west). It is marked by distinctive green carpeting in contrast to the red carpet of the rest of Masjid al-Nabawi. At the center is the spot where the Prophet most often prayed — his original prayer location (musalla).

The Prophet’s description of this space as “a garden from the gardens of paradise” is taken by scholars to mean either:

1. A literal portion of paradise manifested on earth
2. That praying here is as if praying in paradise (the spiritual reward is equivalent)
3. That this space will be physically lifted to paradise on the Day of Resurrection

All three interpretations coexist in the scholarly tradition.

The Prophet’s Grave — Al-Qabr al-Sharif

The Prophet (SAW) died in the house of Aisha (RA) and was buried where he died, following the saying: “Prophets are buried where they die.” (Ahmad) — a prophetic tradition confirmed by this practice.

The house of Aisha was incorporated into the expanding Masjid al-Nabawi over time. The green dome (qubba khadra’) — first erected in the Mamluk period (1279 CE) and rebuilt in its current form in 1817 CE — now marks the location from the exterior.

The visiting etiquette (adab al-ziyara):

1. Enter with the right foot, saying the du’a of entering the mosque
2. Pray two rak’at tahiyyat al-masjid, preferably in the Rawda (or as close as possible)
3. Approach the grave from the qibla side (south of the grave, facing it)
4. Send salams: “Al-salamu ‘alayka ya rasul Allah, al-salamu ‘alayka ya nabi Allah…”
5. Make du’a for oneself and for others — the Prophet (SAW) intercedes (shafa’a)

The Ismaili Understanding — The Prophet’s Living Presence

In Ismaili spirituality, ziyara (visit/pilgrimage) to the Prophet’s grave is understood not merely as a historical commemoration but as engagement with a living spiritual presence. The Prophet’s ruh (spirit) is understood to be present and responsive to salutations — a position shared by the majority of Islamic scholars: “My life is good for you, and my death is good for you — your deeds are presented to me, and when I see good, I praise Allah, and when I see evil, I seek forgiveness for you.” (al-Bazzar, authenticated by al-Iraqi)

The visitation (ziyara) to the Prophet’s grave and the graves of the Imams and Awliya’ is a central spiritual practice in Ismaili and wider Shi’a tradition — connecting the living to the silsila (chain) of saints and guides.

See also: Prophet Muhammad, Masjid Al Nabawi, Seerah Medina, Seerah Death, Understanding Dua, Wali Awliya