Adil FahimWelcome to our in-depth exploration of the 42 gates of the Masjid al Nabawi, one of the holiest sites in Islam. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of each gate, its significance, and its designated use for men and women.
An Overview of the Gates
The Masjid al Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, has a total of 42 gates. Each gate has its own unique history and significance, and they serve as entrances for both men and women.
Gates for Men
Men have access to the majority of the gates. Specifically, they can enter through gates numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41.
Gates for Women
Women, on the other hand, can enter through gates numbered 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. These gates are specifically designated to ensure the comfort and privacy of women visiting the mosque.
Now, let’s delve into the details of some of these gates.
A Closer Look at the Gates
Bab as-Salam (Gate no 1)
Bab as-Salam, translating to ‘the door of peace’, is the first gate of the Masjid al-Nabawi. It was constructed by Omar Faruq in 18 Hijri 640 CE and is situated on the western wall of the mosque. Over the years, this gate has been relocated several times during various expansions, and it is no longer in its original location. Men who wish to visit Roda Rasool S.A.W typically enter the mosque from this gate. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Bab e Abu Bakr Siddique (Gate No 2)
The second gate of the mosque, Bab e Abu Bakr Siddique, was named during the first expansion of the mosque. This gate is smaller in size and was originally located near the fifth column west of the pulpit. Like Bab as-Salam, this gate has also been moved westward during various expansions. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Bab ur Rahman (Gate no 3)
Babul Rahman was installed by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This gate has also been moved westward from its original position during various expansions. In the past, this door was in front of the house of Atiqa bin Abdullah bin Yazeed, hence it was also known as Bab-e Atiqa. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Hijrah gate (Gate no 4)
The Hijrah gate, a double-arched gate located on the left of Bab-ur Rahmah, is named after the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE. Initially, this gate had two portals, but two more were added on the eastern side during the expansion of the mosque, bringing the total number of portals to four. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Bab-e-Quba (Gate no 5)
Bab-e-Quba is located in the direction of Quba village. This triple-arched gate is situated on the southern side of the mosque and is part of the King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz block. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 3A and 3B.
Gate 6 of Masjid al Nabawi
Gate 6 provides access to an escalator that leads to the rooftop of the Masjid al Nabawi. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.
King Saud gate (Gate no 7,8 and 9)
The King Saud gate, named after King Saud bin Abdul Aziz who commissioned the first Saudi expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque, consists of two large and five small portals. This gateway also has one of the six tallest minarets of Masjid-e Nabwi on its southern flank. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 6A and 6B.
Imam Bukhari gate (Gate no 10)
The Imam Bukhari gate is located on the western flank of Masjid Al Nabawi, between the King Saud and King Abdul Majeed gates. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 6A and 6B.
Bab Ul Aqiq (Gate no 11)
Situated on the western side of Masjid-e Nabwi, Bab Ul Aqiq is named after the wadi-e Aqeeq that lies along the western boundary of Medina. This gate is surrounded by the dwellings of several prominent companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 7A and 7B.
Bab e Sultan Abdul Majeed (Gate no 12, 13 and 14)
Located on the northwestern flank of the mosque, Bab e Sultan Abdul Majeed is named after the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Majeed. This gate was part of the first Saudi expansion but was incorporated into the mosque during the second Saudi expansion by King Fahad. This gate has five small and two large portals. It also has one minaret that merges into Bab-e Omar ibn Khatab of Masjid al Nabwi. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 7A and 7B.
Bab Umar Ibn al Khattab (Gate 16, 17, 18)
The portal of Bab Umar Ibn al Khattab is located on the northwestern corner of the main complex. It has 18 portals and includes gates 16, 17, and 18. It also offers access to the mosque’s library. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 8A and 8B.
Bab Badr (Gate 19)
Badr gate, gate no 19, is located on the northern flank of the mosque. This gate lies between Bab e Malik Fahad and Babe Umar Ibn al-Khattab. It is a single portal entrance. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 9A and 9B.
Bab King Fahad (Gate 20, 21, 22)
King Fahad gate, named after King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, is the main entrance to the mosque from the north. Gates no 20, 21, and 22 are named King Fahad gate. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 10A and 10B.
Bab Ohad (Gate 23)
Gate no 23, named Ohad gate, is named after the valley of Uhud. This gate lies on the foot of the valley Uhud. Here the barriers are foot traffic moderators that are used in high-concentration areas of the mosque. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 10A and 10B.
Bab Uthman bin Affan (Gate 24, 25, 26)
Gate no 24, 25, and 26 are named after the companion of Prophet Muhammad and the third caliph of Islam Uthman Ghani. This gate is located on the eastern corner. It is on the second Saudi expansion of the northern flank. Women who want to enter Roda Rasool S.A.W and Riaz ul Jannah use gate 25 to enter. It has two large and five central portals that make it one of the seven largest gates of the prophet’s mosque. This gate allows direct access to the women’s section of the prophet’s mosque. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 11A and 11B.
Bab Ali Ibn Abi Talib (Gate 28, 29, 30)
Ali Ibn Talib gate, gate no 28, 29, and 30, is on the eastern flank of the mosque and is one of the largest gates among the seven largest gates of the mosque. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 12 and 13.
Bab Abu Zar Ghaffari (Gate 31, 32)
Abu zar Ghaffari, the fifth person to embrace Islam, has a gate named after him. Gate no 31 and 32 is Abu Zar Ghaffari gate. This gate is located on the eastern flank between Bab-e Abdul Aziz and Bab-e Ali. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 12 and 13.
Bab-e Abdul Aziz (Gate 33, 34, 35)
King Abdul Aziz gate includes gate no 33, 34, and 35. It is one of the largest gates of the mosque with two large and five small portals. It has two minarets on each side and is located on the southeast corner of the King Fahad expansion. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 12 and 13.
Gate 36 of Masjid al Nabawi
You can take an escalator to the rooftop of the Masjid al Nabawi from Gate 36.
Bab e Makkah (Gate 37)
Gate no 37, the Makkah gate, is shown in the upper left corner of the Masjid al-Nabawi map. It is named so because it faces Makkah. It is located on the southern side of King Fahad’s expansion. This triple-arched gate is also one of the two identical gates of the mosque. The second identical gate is Bab-e Quba.The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 1A and 1B.
Bab Bilal (Gate 38)
Named after Bilal ibn Rabah, the first muezzin of Islam, Gate 38, also known as Bab Bilal, is a twin portal gate with a single arch over each. It is located on the southern flank of King Fahad’s expansion. When you schedule a visit to Riyaz ul Jannah through the Eatmarna application, this is the gate where you queue up. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 1A and 1B.
Bab un Nisa (Gate 39)
Bab un Nisa, gate number 39, was specifically installed by Umar Ibn Khattab for the ladies. During the reign of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, this gate was assigned for the ladies to enter or leave the mosque. However, in recent times, it is used by men to visit Riyaz ul Jannah. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Bab e Jibrael (Gate 40)
Gate number 40, also known as Bab-e-Nabi or Bab-e Jibrael, has a rich history. It is believed that the angel Jibrael used to enter through this gate. Over the years, this gate has been moved to the east during various expansions and is no longer in its original position. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Bab ul Baqi (Gate 41)
Gate number 41, Bab ul Baqi, faces Baqi ul-Gharqad. It is located close to the burial chamber of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. If you look at the Masjid al Nabawi gates map, it lies opposite Bab-us Salam. If you enter from gate 1, Bab-e-Salam, to Roda Rasool S.A.W, you will exit from Bab ul Baqi gate 41. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
Bab al-Aiymah (Gate 42)
Gate number 42, Bab al-Aiymah, is a small gate located on the southern side of the mosque. It is an entrance to the Rawdah Rasool section. Bab al Aiymah means the gate of Imams and it is also known as Bab ul Janayez. This gate is primarily used by the Imams and opens up to Mehrab-i- Uthmani. The nearest underground parking areas to this gate are 2A and 2B.
This is just a glimpse of the 42 gates of the Masjid al Nabawi. Each gate has its own story and significance, contributing to the rich history and spiritual importance of this sacred site. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply want to learn more about this holy place, we hope this guide provides you with a deeper understanding of the Masjid al Nabawi and its gates.