A Walk Through the Garden of Heaven in Madinah

✨A visit to the radiant city of Madinah is a journey to the heart of Islamic history. No spiritual tour feels complete without a reflective pause at Jannat-ul Baqi (Baqi al-Gharqad). Located immediately adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi, this sacred cemetery is more than a burial ground; it is the timeless resting place for the noble souls who illuminated the dawn of Islam.

Often translated as “The Garden of Heaven,” its quiet, unmarked rows of stones offer a profound connection to the earliest days of faith. The site serves as a powerful reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of the Hereafter.

The Historical Significance of Baqi

The history of Jannat-ul Baqi begins with the foundation of the first Muslim community in Madinah.

• Established by the Prophet (PBUH): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) chose this site as the primary burial ground shortly after his migration to Madinah in the 7th century CE. Originally an orchard of thorny trees, the land earned the name Baqi al-Gharqad (The Baqi of the Boxthorn).
• The First Burials: As’ad ibn Zurarah (RA) was the first of the Ansar (Helpers) to rest here. Uthman ibn Maz’un (RA) followed as the first of the Muhajirun (Emigrants) to be interred.
• A Place of Prophetic Devotion: The Prophet (PBUH) held this cemetery in immense regard. He frequently visited Baqi, often late at night, to offer heartfelt Du’a (supplication) for the deceased and ask Allah for their forgiveness.

Resting Place of the Noble Souls

The sheer number and spiritual stature of those interred here elevate Jannat-ul Baqi to a unique status. It houses thousands of companions (Sahabah), family members (Ahlul Bayt), and prominent scholars.

Historians estimate that over 10,000 companions of the Prophet (PBUH) rest within these grounds. Their simple graves stand as a testament to Islamic equality, shifting the focus from external monuments to inner deeds.

Etiquette for Visiting Jannat-ul Baqi

For those performing Umrah or Hajj, a visit to Baqi is a deeply moving experience. Follow these guidelines to ensure a respectful and rewarding visit:

1. Maintain Decorum: Keep a sense of peace and solemnity. Maintain silence, speak softly, and lower your gaze.
2. Offer Salutations: The primary purpose of your visit is to offer the Islamic salutation (Salam) and make sincere supplications for the deceased.
3. Respect the Rules: Authorities generally restrict photography inside the grounds. Focus your energy on remembrance, reflection, and prayer.

Jannat-ul Baqi brings history to life, connecting visitors to the spiritual lineage of the Islamic nation. As you stand among these noble pioneers, you occupy sacred ground where history and the promise of the hereafter converge.

“Peace be upon you, O abode of a people who are believers… O Allah, grant forgiveness to the inhabitants of Baqi al-Gharqad.” – Sahih Muslim