The story of Baqi Al-Gharqad:

Al-Baqi’ was a piece of land densely covered with nitre bushes (Ar. gharqad), outside Madinah, to the east of the prophet’s Mosque. The prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, turned it established it as a cemetery for Muslims. So, the bushes were uprooted. Due to urbanization and growth of Madinah, the cemetery is now located inside the city. Residents of Madinah visit the cemetery as it reminds them of the hereafter, to greet the dead who were buried there and to pray for them.

Historic milestone:

Around 10,000 of the prophet's companions were buried in Al-Baqi, including some of the mothers of the believers, the daughters of the prophet, his son Ibrahim, and Othman ibn Affan - one of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. The prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, used to visit Al-Baqi' and pray for the dead, as he was ordered to do so by Allah.

Al-Baqi cemetery in history:

In the initial stage, the area of the cemetery was estimated at 80 square meters. Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan was the first to expand it. Then several expansions followed until it covered an area of approximately 180,000 square meters. It is expected that its area will reach 300,000 square meters.

During the reign of King Faisal ibn Abdulaziz, a total area of 5,929 square meters was annexed to Al-Baqi’. Two doors were also opened from the northern side in addition to the two western doors. In 1390AH, a concrete wall was erected around the cemetery, and concrete paths were built inside it.

During the reign of King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz, it was expanded on the eastern and southern sides. It was also surrounded by an outer wall, 4 meters high and 1,700 meters long. A large gate, comprising a special section for funeral preparations was also constructed on the western side. After the last expansion, the area of Al-Baqi reached 180,000 meters.

How to visit Al-Baqi?

Visiting Al-Baqi is available to men and children. The best time to visit it is after the obligatory prayers. Visitors shall follow sharia manners for visiting graves. Signs detailing these manners are placed in Al-Baqi. Visitors shall especially avoid throwing grains to the pigeons.