Al-Baqi Cemetery

Al-Baqi Cemetery is the largest and oldest cemetery in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, serving as the primary burial site for the residents of al-Madinah since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH). Its area has expanded over the centuries, reaching approximately 180,000 m². It was known as Baqi al-Gharqad due to the historic prevalence of nitre bushes (Nitraria) in the area. Al-Baqi Cemetery is situated adjacent to the southeastern wall of the Prophet’s Mosque and accommodates the deceased residents of al-Madinah along with visitors and neighbors who passed away within the city.

The residences, homes, and schools of al-Aghawat Neighborhood once separated al-Baqi Cemetery from the Prophet’s Mosque on its eastern side, while several farms belonging to the residents of al-Madinah surrounded it from other directions. After the expansion and development project of the Prophet’s Mosque under King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (the second expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque), al-Baqi Cemetery became adjacent to the Prophet's Mosque’s courtyards, with no buildings or structures separating them, thus providing additional space for worshippers.

Al-Baqi Cemetery contains the graves of several companions, may Allah be pleased with them, including the wives of the Prophet (PBUH), the Mothers of the Believers, except for Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid and Maymunah Bint al-Harith. It also holds the graves of his daughters, his son Ibrahim, his uncle al-Abbas, his aunt Safiyyah, his grandson al-Hasan Bin Ali, Caliph Uthman Bin Affan, and many others. Numerous hadiths highlight the virtue of al-Baqi Cemetery and the merit of supplicating (Du'a)for those buried there, with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) frequently visiting al-Baqi Cemetery to supplicate for its residents.

In 2022, al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province Municipality announced the establishment and launch of al-Baqi Association, the first charitable association dedicated to honoring the deceased through developing and supporting social initiatives. This association aligns with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing's strategy to involve the nonprofit sector in socially beneficial national initiatives.