Visiting the Prophetic Mosque is not obligatory

Question :

Some of the Hajj pilgrims believe that if they are not able to visit the Prophetic Mosque, then their Hajj is deficient. Is this correct?

Answer:

Visiting the Prophetic Mosque is a Sunnah (super- erogatory act) and it is not obligatory. Also, it is not connected to the Hajj. Rather, it is a Sunnah (supererogatory act) that the Prophetic Mosque be visited during the entire year. That is not specifically for the time of Hajj. This is due to the statement of the Prophet : "Do not undertake a (religious) journey except to three mosques: The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah), this mosque of mine (in Al- Madinah), and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem)."

This Hadith is agreed upon. If the person visits the Prophetic Mosque, it is legislated for him to pray two Rak'ahs in the Rawdhah (area between the grave and the pulpit) and then give the greetings of peace to the Prophet, and his Companions, Abu Bakr and 'Umar. Likewise, it is legislated to visit Al-Baqi' (the cemetery in Al-Madinah) and the martyrs (the graves of the Companions killed during the battle of Uhud) in order to give greetings of peace to those buried there among the Companions and others. This is also so that one may supplicate for them and pray for mercy upon them as the Prophet used to visit them. He used to teach his Companions to say when they visited the graves:
"Peace be upon you, O people of the abodes from the believers and the Muslims. Verily, if Allâh wills, we will join you. We ask Allâh for safety for you and us."

It is narrated in a report from him that he used to say when he visited Al-Baqi',
"May Allah have mercy upon those who went before among us and those who will come after. O Allah, forgive the people of the cemetery of Baqi'ul-Gharqad."

It is also legislated for whoever visits the Prophetic Mosque to visit Masjid Quba' and pray two Rak'ahs in it. This is because the Prophet used to visit it every Saturday and pray two Rak'ahs in it. And he said:
"Whoever purifies himself in his home, and he performs the purification well, then he goes to Masjid Quba' and prays in it, then that is like an 'Umrah."

These are the places that are to be visited in Al-Madinah Al- Munawwarah. In reference to the Seven Masjids and the Masjidul-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the two Qiblahs) and other places that some of the writers have mentioned concerning the Hajj rites, visiting them is baseless and not supported by evidence. What is always legislated for the believer is to follow (the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah) and not to innovate. And Allâh is the Giver of success.

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