The Ultimate Guide to the Southwestern Side of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah

Introduction

Finding the ideal location for your spiritual journey to Madinah can be overwhelming. If proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque (peace be upon him), ease of access, and comprehensive amenities are your top priorities, look no further. The Southwestern Side of the Prophet’s Mosque is, without a doubt, one of the most strategic and rewarding areas for visitors and pilgrims to stay. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from hotels and history to transport and tips—to ensure an exceptional and spiritually fulfilling visit. Let’s explore why this area should be your first choice.

Your Perfect Base: The Southwestern Side of the Prophet’s Mosque

Strategically positioned, the southwestern side offers unparalleled advantages. It provides direct access to major mosque gates, is steps away from significant historical sites like the Prayer Grounds (مصليات الأعياد), and is surrounded by every modern convenience a visitor could need. Whether you are performing Umrah, visiting (Ziyarah), or on a spiritual retreat, this area serves as the perfect launchpad for your activities.

Prime Hotel Accommodations

A key benefit of staying on the Southwestern Side of the Prophet’s Mosque is the concentration of high-quality hotels. You have a range of reputable options within a very short walking distance:

• Elaf Al Taqwa / Elaf Group: A well-known chain with several properties in the area, known for reliable service and comfort.
• Al Manakhah Rotana: A prominent landmark hotel.
• Maysan Rahab Al Misk
• Al Mihrab Taibah
• Millennium Taibah (formerly Taibah Millennium): Includes its own commercial complex.

These hotels cluster together, meaning you’re never far from the mosque’s gates or the local community of fellow visitors.

Essential Services & Amenities

Beyond lodging, the area is designed for visitor convenience:

• Shopping: A large Lulu Hypermarket is located opposite the Mosque of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), providing for all your grocery and daily needs. Numerous smaller supermarkets and mini-markets are also scattered throughout.
• Commercial Complexes: A new commercial complex is under construction, promising more shopping and dining options soon.
• Currency Exchange: Multiple licensed exchange offices (صرافة) are available for your financial transactions.
• Bookstores & Perfumeries: You’ll find stores like Dar Al Zaman Bookstore and various perfume (عطور) shops.
• Zamzam Water Station: A crucial service! Near the entrance to the mosque from this side (look for sign #310), you can refill your containers with blessed Zamzam water. Remember, for air travel, you may need specific, sealed containers available for purchase locally.

Historical & Spiritual Sites: The Prayer Grounds (مصليات الأعياد)

This is one of the area’s crown jewels. The Prayer Grounds complex encompasses four significant historical mosques where the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions prayed:

1. Masjid Al Ghamamah (The Cloud Mosque): The most prominent. It is established that the Prophet (PBUH) prayed the Eid, Istisqa’ (rain-seeking), and one solar eclipse prayer here. It is also where the funeral prayer (Salat Al Ghaib) was offered for the Negus of Abyssinia. The current structure dates back to the rule of Umar ibn Abdulaziz (87-93 AH). It is open for visitors to enter and pray.
2. Masjid Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RA): During his caliphate, Abu Bakr (RA) designated one of these spots for the Eid prayer, and it was named after him. Its architectural style is notably Ottoman.
3. Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA): Similarly, during his caliphate, a location where the Prophet (PBUH) prayed was established as a permanent prayer ground.

Visitor Tip: The grounds are beautifully maintained and often frequented by doves. It’s a serene spot for reflection.

Dining and Food Options

You will not go hungry! The area boasts a wide array of dining choices to suit all tastes and budgets:

• Cafeterias and Casual Eats: Numerous kiosks and small restaurants offer shawarma, burgers (like “Broast”), fries, juices, pastries, and more at reasonable prices (e.g., fries for 10 SAR, burgers around 20-22 SAR).
• Sit-down Restaurants: Explore options like Dushambe (Uzbek/Afghan cuisine), Crispy Kreme, and various other new eateries that have recently opened.
• Coffee Shops: Plenty of cafes are available for a quick coffee or tea break.
• Location: A dedicated “restaurant row” exists in the area, and more options are found near the tunnel leading to the Anbariyah district (the old Ottoman Hejaz Railway station).

Transportation: Getting Around with Ease

Navigating from the Southwestern Side of the Prophet’s Mosque is straightforward:

• To Quba Mosque: Golf carts provide a direct, scenic route along the special pedestrian Qibla Walkway (ممشى جادة قباء) for 10 SAR per person each way.
• Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Bus: The main stop is here at the Prayer Grounds. A 90 SAR ticket gives you 24-hour access to a guided tour covering 12 key historical sites related mainly to the Prophetic biography. You can take the full tour (approx. 1-1.5 hours) and repeat it within your ticket validity.
• Scooter Rentals: For independent exploration, electric scooters are available for rent—approximately 25 SAR/day, 75 SAR/week, or monthly rates.

Museums and Cultural Exhibitions

Enrich your visit with these nearby cultural spots:

• Prophetic Biography & Islamic Civilization Museum: Entry ~40 SAR. Features a special exhibit on the Sacred Chamber (الحجرة الشريفة).
• Architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque Exhibition: Previously ~15 SAR (check for current status).
• Al-Safiya Museum (near Pullman Zamzam Hotel): Entry ~20-25 SAR.
• Manuscripts & Rare Items Exhibition of the Prophet’s Mosque: Free Entry. Located in the basement levels (B1/B2) underneath the mosque’s courtyards on this side—a hidden gem!

Accessibility to the Prophet’s Mosque and Key Gates

This is where the location truly shines:

• Men’s Prayer Hall Access: The entrance to the Rawdah (the garden between the Prophet’s minbar and his chamber) from the southern side is closest. The door for offering Salams to the Prophet (PBUH) is also here and is open 24 hours for men.
• Women’s Prayer Halls (مصليات النساء): These are located in the northern parts of the mosque (opposite the Qibla direction). From hotels in this southwestern area, it’s a maximum 4-5 minute walk to these designated sections via Gates 12-16 or 24-27.
• Key Landmarks: You are close to Bab Al-Salam (Gate of Peace) and Bab King Saud (Gate 7/8). The Mosque Library is also accessible from here (primarily for men).

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Prayer Times & Crowds: The mosque administration expertly manages crowds. They systematically fill rows from the front. Be patient and cooperative with security; it’s for everyone’s safety and organization.
• Proximity to Al-Baqi’: The Jannat Al-Baqi’ cemetery is also on the southeastern side, making visits convenient from this location.
• Western Expansion Advantages: If staying near the western expansion, note the abundance of external courtyard restrooms, a significant convenience.
• Historical Note: You are near the site of Saqifah Bani Sa’idah, where the pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RA) was given after the Prophet’s (PBUH) passing.

An Unbeatable Location for a Blessed Visit

Choosing your stay on the Southwestern Side of the Prophet’s Mosque is a decision that enhances every aspect of your journey to Madinah. It seamlessly blends profound historical resonance with modern practicality. You are immersed in the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Sahaba while having every service at your doorstep. From the moment you step out of your hotel to your visits to the Rawdah, Quba, and the serene Prayer Grounds, everything is connected with ease and grace.

We pray that Allah grants you a blessed, accepted, and spiritually uplifting visit to these holy lands. May this guide help you maximize the benefit and comfort of your stay.

وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم