Jakarta – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued regulations regarding visits to the Nabawi Mosque. Congregants are prohibited from bringing large luggage into the mosque.
This statement was issued by the ministry via social media at the end of August 2023, as reported by Arabian Business, Monday (4/9/2023). It is said that large items such as suitcases are not allowed to be brought into the mosque and small items are not allowed to be brought to the prayer area.

Although the ministry prohibits bringing luggage into prayer areas, lockers are available for worshipers visiting the holy mosque. This locker is specifically for small luggage.

“To ensure a safe and organized visit to the Prophet’s Mosque, we kindly ask that you comply with the regulations regarding the storage of your luggage,” the ministry wrote in its statement.

“For small luggage and suitcases, it is strictly prohibited to bring them to places designated for prayer. “Please use the lockers outside the mosque to store these items safely,” he added.

The Ministry emphasized that visitors to the Nabawi Mosque should not leave large belongings in the mosque yard. These items also cannot be stored in outside lockers due to limited space.

“Large baggage may not be brought into the mosque or placed in the nearby outdoor courtyard, due to limited space available in lockers for such items,” he wrote.

The Nabawi Mosque in Medina opens Raudhah for worshipers who have obtained entry permits. Rasulullah SAW in one hadith called Raudhah a garden of heaven. This place is called mustajab.

Gulf News reported that last April, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia installed a barrier in the form of gold-plated brass surrounding the Holy Space in the Nabawi Mosque. Previously, this room was fenced with wood. Local officials said this was aimed at maintaining the visual identity and architectural pattern of the mosque.

The design of this divider is said to be inspired by the front of the prophet’s room, Raudhah, and the cabin where the Al-Qur’an manuscripts were stored. Made of pure brass, this 87 meter long barrier surrounds the Sacred Space from three directions.