Before our trip, the part that worried me most was the Rawdah. I had heard it was hard to access and that you needed a permit, but the details were unclear. After going through it myself, I want to share exactly how we managed, so your visit to Madinah is calmer than my initial planning was.

Download Nusuk before you travel

The single most useful thing I did was download the official Nusuk app while still in Pakistan, create my account, and verify it properly. Doing this at home, on a stable connection and without jet lag, saved a lot of stress. Have your passport details ready when you register.

Booking the Rawdah and salam slots

Within the app you can book a timed permit for the Rawdah and for visiting (salam). A few things I learned:

• Slots are free but limited and get taken quickly, so check often and book as early as you can.
• Men and women have separate timings and entrances, so coordinate as a family.
• Keep your permit ready on your phone, along with your ID, when you go.
• Arrive on time for your slot and follow the volunteers' instructions patiently.

When our turn came, everything was orderly. The permit system genuinely makes the experience calmer and more dignified than the rush I had feared.

Planning the Ziyarat sites

For the wider Ziyarat, we set aside half a day. Our group arranged transport, but you can also hire a taxi for a few hours. We visited:

• Masjid Quba: The first mosque in Islam, where we prayed two rak'ah. It was peaceful and uplifting, and well worth the short drive.
• Mount Uhud: We stood near the site of the battle and made du'a for the martyrs, including Hamza, may Allah be pleased with him. A deeply moving, reflective stop.
• Masjid al-Qiblatayn: A short visit rich in history.

Practical notes that helped

• The courtyards of Masjid an-Nabawi are enormous. We noted our entrance gate number each time so we could find our shoes and each other.
• Evenings in the courtyards are beautiful and cool, a perfect time to sit and reflect.
• We booked our flights and the Haramain train early through flight search and combined Makkah and Madinah in one smooth trip.

Final thought

Madinah rewards patience and planning. Sort your Nusuk booking early, keep your Ziyarat relaxed rather than rushed, and leave plenty of unhurried time inside Masjid an-Nabawi itself. For me, the quiet hours sitting in the Haram, sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ, were worth more than any itinerary. If you want help putting a Makkah and Madinah trip together, the Umrah team can arrange flights, the train and your stays. May Allah accept our visits.