Jannat al-Baqi: Complete History, Notable Burials & Visiting Guide

Jannat al-Baqi, also spelled Jannat ul Baqi or Jannatul Baqi, sits just beside Masjid an-Nabawi and holds the graves of thousands of companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and members of his family. As one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islam, alongside Jannat al-Mu’alla in Makkah, it remains a deeply significant and frequently visited part of any Madina Ziyarat. This guide covers its history, who is buried there, and how to visit respectfully.

Jannat al-Baqi: Quick Answer

Jannat al-Baqi, also known as Jannat ul Baqi, Al-Baqi Cemetery, or by its older name Baqi al-Gharqad, is a historic cemetery located directly beside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madina. Established shortly after the Hijrah, it became the designated burial ground for the early Muslim community in Madina and remains an active cemetery today.

It is traditionally associated with the graves of many companions of the Prophet ﷺ and members of his family, and it is widely regarded, alongside Jannat al-Mu’alla in Makkah, as one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islam.

The History of Jannat al-Baqi: From Boxthorn Trees to Islam's Holiest Cemetery

The name Baqi al-Gharqad comes from the boxthorn trees (gharqad) that historically grew in the area before it became a burial ground. Shortly after the Hijrah in 1 AH (622 CE), the site was designated as the burial ground for the Muslim community in Madina, and it has remained in continuous use since.

Over the centuries, Jannat al-Baqi came to hold the graves of a very large number of companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, along with members of his family, making it one of the most historically significant burial sites in Islam.

Notable Companions and Family Members Associated with Jannat al-Baqi

Jannat al-Baqi is traditionally associated with the graves of many significant figures from early Islamic history, including several of the Prophet’s ﷺ daughters, his infant son Ibrahim, and prominent companions such as Uthman ibn Affan and Hasan ibn Ali. Because most graves in the cemetery are simple and unmarked, in keeping with traditional Islamic burial practice, individual grave locations are generally not identified with certainty, though certain areas are traditionally associated with specific figures.

Want the fuller list of companions and family members traditionally connected to the site? See our dedicated Notable Burials in Jannat al-Baqi guide

Why Jannat al-Baqi Has No Domes or Elaborate Tombs Today

Visitors familiar with elaborately decorated shrines elsewhere may be surprised to find Jannat al-Baqi simple and largely unadorned, with low mounds and plain stone markers rather than domes or mausoleums.

This reflects a structural change that took place in 1925, when the domes and mausoleums that had been built over graves within the cemetery were removed under the authority of the First Saudi State. This is a well-documented historical event, and we present it here as recorded history rather than as commentary on the broader religious discussion around grave structures, which pilgrims with questions should direct to a qualified scholar.

Want the fuller documented account of this event? See our dedicated 1925 Demolition of Jannat al-Baqi guide

Visiting Jannat al-Baqi: Hours, Rules & Etiquette

Jannat al-Baqi is typically open to visitors during specific windows, commonly after Fajr and after Asr prayers, though these hours can be adjusted by mosque authorities. Entry into the cemetery itself is generally limited to men, while women are typically able to view the site from outside its boundary. Access arrangements can change, so it’s worth confirming current guidance before your visit.

Visit with a quiet, reflective mindset. This is an active cemetery, not a tourist attraction.
Dress and behave modestly, as at any respected site.
Keep visits brief. A short, respectful visit is more appropriate than an extended stay.
Avoid loud conversation or casual photography near the graves.
Confirm current access rules and timings before you go, since these are managed by mosque authorities and can change.

For current visiting hours and detailed etiquette guidance, see our Visiting Jannat al-Baqi: Hours & Etiquette guide

Jannat al-Baqi vs Jannat al-Mualla

Pilgrims often ask how Jannat al-Baqi in Madina compares to Jannat al-Mualla in Makkah, since both are widely regarded as the two holiest cemeteries in Islam. Jannat al-Baqi sits beside Masjid an-Nabawi and was established shortly after the Hijrah (1 AH / 622 CE), traditionally associated with many companions, the Prophet’s ﷺ daughters, and his infant son Ibrahim, with simple, unmarked graves since 1925. Jannat al-Mualla sits in the Ma’la area of Makkah and has been in use since the earliest years of Islam, traditionally associated with Khadijah (RA) and other early figures, also with simple, unmarked graves. See our Jannatul Mualla guide → for the full details on Makkah’s counterpart site.

Important Things to Know Before Visiting

This is an active cemetery, not a monument, so visit with appropriate respect and a calm demeanor.
Check current entry rules before visiting. Access and timings can change, particularly for women.
Keep the visit brief and reflective. Large groups or extended stays are generally discouraged.
Its location right beside Masjid an-Nabawi makes it easy to include as part of the same Ziyarat stop.
If you have specific questions about visiting etiquette, it is best to ask a knowledgeable local source, since practices can vary.

Religious & Historical Context

Religious significance

Visiting graves for reflection and remembrance holds a recognized place in Islamic practice. Jannat al-Baqi’s status as one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islam gives it particular significance for pilgrims, though specific etiquette questions, especially around women visiting, are best directed to a qualified source given differing scholarly views.

Historical significance

Jannat al-Baqi has been in continuous use as a burial ground since shortly after the Hijrah, and the 1925 removal of its domes and mausoleums is a well-documented event in its more recent history.

Visitor information

This guide focuses on practical visiting details. For specific rulings on visiting graves, the 1925 structural changes, or related religious questions, pilgrims should refer to a qualified scholar or a trusted Islamic resource.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jannat al-Baqi?

Jannat al-Baqi is a historic cemetery beside Masjid an-Nabawi in Madina, traditionally associated with the graves of many companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and members of his family, and regarded as one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islam.

Who is buried in Jannat al-Baqi?

The cemetery is traditionally associated with many companions and family members of the Prophet ﷺ, including his daughters, his infant son Ibrahim, and figures such as Uthman ibn Affan and Hasan ibn Ali. Most graves are unmarked, so individual locations are generally not identified with certainty.

Is Fatima bint Muhammad buried in Jannat al-Baqi?

Islamic tradition associates her burial with Jannat al-Baqi, though as with most graves here, the exact location is not marked with certainty.

Can women visit Jannat al-Baqi?

Entry into the cemetery is generally limited to men, with women typically able to view the site from outside its boundary. Check our Visiting Hours & Etiquette guide for current details, since access arrangements can change.

What are the visiting hours for Jannat al-Baqi?

Access is commonly available after Fajr and Asr prayers, though exact timings are set by mosque authorities and can vary. Our dedicated guide keeps this information current.

Why does Jannat al-Baqi have no domes or elaborate tombs?

In 1925, the domes and mausoleums that had been built over graves within the cemetery were removed under the authority of the First Saudi State, leaving the simple, unmarked graves seen today.

What happened during the 1925 demolition of Jannat al-Baqi?

The structures built over graves within the cemetery, including domes and mausoleums, were removed. Our dedicated history guide covers this documented event in more detail.

How far is Jannat al-Baqi from Masjid Nabawi?

It sits directly beside Masjid an-Nabawi, making it one of the easiest sites to include in the same Ziyarat visit.

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