Riaz Ul Jannah is a blessed piece of land located in Masjid Al Nabawi in Madinah. It is one of the most sacred places on earth for Muslims. The term Riaz Ul Jannah means “Garden of Paradise” in Arabic, and refers to an area between the Minbar ( a pulpit in a mosque where an imam stands to deliver a sermon) and the grave of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Spiritual Significance of Riaz Ul Jannah
Since Riaz Ul Jannah is mentioned in a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a Garden of Paradise, millions of Muslim pilgrims from around the world visit to offer Salah, recite the Quran and seek blessings from the almighty.
Narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA):
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Between my house and my pulpit, there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1196) and Muslim (1391).
It is also believed that praying in Riaz Ul Jannah brings special closeness to the Almighty Allah and purifies one’s soul. It is also a source of tranquillity and spiritual nourishment for the pilgrims.
It is highly recommended to engage in supplications when visiting riazul jannah, as described in the Hadith. Sending blessings to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is also recommended to improve the spiritual experience.
5 Facts About Riaz Ul Jannah
- It is a garden of paradise on Earth. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Between my house and my pulpit, there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).”
- Praying one Salah at Riaz Ul Jannah is equivalent to a thousand Salahs in any other mosque except for Al-Masjid Al-Haram.
- The entire floor of the Prophet’s Mosque used to be carpeted red except for the area of Riaz Ul Jannah which had a distinct green carpet setting it apart from the rest of the mosque. Now the entire floor is carpeted in moss green carpet making a wider area available for the pilgrims to pray.
- Due to its popularity millions of pilgrims from around the world visit the Prophet’s Mosque and wish to pray at Riaz Ul Jannah. It used to become so crowded that the Saudi Government had to launch an online booking portal to offer slots for praying at the Rawdah.
- There are eight pillars of Rawdah. These pillars are considered to be in the exact spot as the palm tree trunks that were raised to support the first roof of Masjid Al-Nabawi.
History of Riaz Ul Jannah and It’s Importance
The history of Riaz Ul Jannah dates back to the early Islamic era when Prophet Muhamad (PBUH) first migrated to Madinah from Mecca. In his initial days in Madinah, the Prophet (PBUH) used to pray outside under a tree. Later, a simple structure was constructed using materials such as palm leaves. This is where the Prophet (PBUH) used to preach Islam after his daily prayers.
Over time, this spot came to be known as “Rawdhatun-Nabi”. The mosque grew in size and expanded after undergoing several expansions and renovations under various
rulers and caliphs. Today, that palm leaf structure is a humongous mosque lovingly known as the Prophet’s Mosque.
Riaz Ul Jannah is also well-known for its green carpet and flower arrangements. It’s believed that the green colour of this carpet represents Paradise, while the flowers symbolise its gardens.
Also Read:- How to Prepare for Umrah
Things to Know Before Visiting Riaz Ul Jannah
Whether you are visiting Riaz Ul Jannah as a part of the Umrah Ziyarat or visiting independently for praying and worshipping, there are certain guidelines to be followed.
- The best time to visit the mosque is during off-peak hours on weekdays.
- It has three entry gates – Bab-e-Jibril, Bab-e-Rahmah, and Bab-Ul-Wida.
- The timings for entering the riazul jannah are different for men and women as it is open for all but males and females cannot pray together. Hence, there are separate timings for female pilgrims who wish to offer salah.
- Before entering, remove your shoes and perform ablution to ensure wudu.
- Once inside, offer voluntary prayers, recite the Quran or engage in various forms of worship without disturbing others around you.
Also Read:- What is Umrah Pilgrimage
How to Book an Appointment for Riaz ul Jannah
The pilgrims wanting to visit Riaz Ul Jannah in Masjid an Nabawi can do so but only once a year. Home of the second holiest site in Islam, earlier pilgrims could visit once a month then it was changed to once in 45 days and now only one visit is allowed every year.
For a swift experience, candidates should obey the following steps;
- Download the free app or register yourself on the website of Masjid Nabawi
- Once your account is up and running, reserve a Salah slot according to your time and date of visit. You cannot select multiple slots and visits are only allowed at designated prayer times.
- Confirm your booking and you will receive an e-confirmation allowing you to visit riyazul jannah hassle-free.
Also Read:- History of Kaaba
Conclusion
In conclusion, Riaz Ul Jannah, the “Garden of Paradise” in Masjid Al Nabawi, holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Its rich history, dating back to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time, and its unique designation as a piece of paradise make it a focal point of reverence and devotion.
Pilgrims visiting riazul jannah find profound spiritual nourishment and tranquillity, engaging in prayers and supplications. By following the guidelines and booking procedures, believers can ensure a serene and enriching experience in this sacred sanctuary. Riaz Ul Jannah truly epitomises a heavenly connection on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can pray in Riaz Ul Jannah at once?
Approximately 600-700 people can perform Salah in riyazul jannah at once.
Do we need an appointment for Riaz Ul Jannah?
Yes, a prior booking is necessary for performing Salah in Riaz Ul Jannah due to its limited capacity and millions of devotees on Umrah wanting to visit the garden of paradise. You can easily acquire an appointment through online booking.
Can we enter Rawdah without a permit?
Irrespective of whether you are visiting riyazul jannah as a part of Umrah Ziyarat or independently to pray and worship, having a prior permit and appointment is absolutely necessary.
Why is it called Riaz Ul Jannah?
Abu Hurayrah narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise”, hence it has been Riaz Ul Jannah which directly translates to “Garden of Paradise”.
Which are the gates of Riaz Ul Jannah?
It has three main entrances named – Bab-e-Jibril, Bab-e-Rahmah, and Bab-Ul-Wida. The main entrance is Bab-e-Jibril.
Where is Riaz Ul Jannah located?
It is located inside the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Al Nabawi) in Madinah open for access through advance online appointments.
How to recognize Riaz ul Jannah?
Earlier it used to be easy to identify Riaz Ul Jannah due to the distinct green carpet in the area however now the entire floor has green carpet so it’s very hard to identify Riaz Ul Jannah. However, there are eight distinct pillars that make it easy to identify riazul jannah.