Umrah Packages UK 2026 — The Complete Madinah Guide Every UK Pilgrim Needs Before They Arrive

For many UK Muslims, Makkah is the destination they have dreamed of their whole lives.

But those who have made Umrah more than once will often tell you something that surprises first-timers.

Madinah stayed with them differently.

Not more than Makkah. Not instead of Makkah. But differently. More quietly. More personally.

There is something about standing near the grave of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — the man whose words you have read your entire life, whose example you have tried to follow, whose name you say in every Salah — that sits in the heart in a way that is hard to articulate.

This guide covers everything UK pilgrims need to know before arriving in Madinah on their Umrah package in 2026.

Madinah in Umrah Packages — How Long Do UK Pilgrims Spend There?

Most UK Umrah packages include time in both Makkah and Madinah. The typical split is:

7-night packages: 4 nights Makkah, 3 nights Madinah — or 3 nights Makkah, 4 nights Madinah depending on the itinerary.

10-night packages: 6 nights Makkah, 4 nights Madinah — or various splits.

Makkah first or Madinah first? Both are equally valid and common. Many scholars note that there is no religious requirement for either order — it is a practical choice. Many UK packages go Madinah first, allowing pilgrims to complete Ziyarat (visits to sacred sites) in Madinah before entering Ihram for the Umrah rituals in Makkah.

Masjid An-Nabawi — The Prophet's Mosque

What Is Masjid An-Nabawi?

Masjid An-Nabawi is the second holiest mosque in Islam — built by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself after the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah.

The mosque originally had palm trunk pillars and a palm leaf roof. The Prophet ﷺ and his Companions built it with their own hands. It has been expanded many times across Islamic history and now accommodates over one million worshippers.

The Green Dome

The Green Dome — Al-Qubbah Al-Khadra — marks the location of the Prophet's ﷺ grave. It is the most recognisable feature of Masjid An-Nabawi and the visual most associated with Madinah.

The grave of the Prophet ﷺ is within the mosque — in the room that was originally the home of Aisha (رضي الله عنها). Also buried there are Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه) and Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه).

Reward of Prayer at Masjid An-Nabawi

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid Al-Haram."

(Bukhari)

The Rawdah — The Garden of Paradise

The Rawdah is the area within Masjid An-Nabawi between the grave of the Prophet ﷺ and his Mimbar (pulpit).

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is upon my fountain (Hawd)."

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Praying in the Rawdah is among the most sought-after spiritual experiences of any Umrah package for UK Muslims.

The Rawdah is distinguished by its white carpeting — within a larger mosque of red carpet. When you step onto the white carpet, you are in the Rawdah.

How to Visit the Rawdah

The Rawdah is managed carefully due to the enormous number of pilgrims wanting to pray there. Access is timed and managed separately for men and women.

Men: The Rawdah is accessible during certain prayer times and between prayers. Arriving early — before Fajr or in the early morning — gives the best access with the most personal space.

Women: Women have designated time slots for Rawdah access, typically in the mid-morning and afternoon. Check the schedule at the mosque upon arrival.

Practical advice: Go more than once. The first visit is often overwhelming. The second is when many UK pilgrims find the focus to make the duas they intended.

Dua at the Rawdah

Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

Transliteration: Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta 'ala Ibrahima wa 'ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid.

Meaning: "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Noble."

Sending Salawat at the Prophet's ﷺ Grave

When standing near the grave of the Prophet ﷺ — face the grave and send salawat. Say:

Arabic: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا نَبِيَّ اللهِ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حَبِيبَ اللهِ

Transliteration: As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulallah, as-salamu 'alayka ya Nabiyallah, as-salamu 'alayka ya Habibullah.

Meaning: "Peace be upon you O Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you O Prophet of Allah. Peace be upon you O Beloved of Allah."

Then convey the salaam of those who asked you to do so. Many UK pilgrims are asked by family, friends and neighbours to convey their salaam to the Prophet ﷺ. Do so here.

Ziyarat Sites in Madinah — Sacred Places to Visit

Masjid Quba — The First Mosque in Islam

Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam — constructed by the Prophet ﷺ upon his arrival in Madinah after the Hijrah. It is approximately 5 kilometres from the city centre.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, will have a reward like that of Umrah."

(Ibn Majah)

Visiting and praying in Masjid Quba during your Umrah package stay in Madinah is highly recommended. Most organised Ziyarat tours from UK Umrah packages include it.

Masjid Al-Qiblatayn — The Mosque of Two Qiblas

Masjid Al-Qiblatayn — the Mosque of Two Qiblas — is the site where the direction of prayer (Qiblah) changed during the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime.

The early Muslims initially prayed facing Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. The command to turn toward the Kaaba in Makkah came during prayer at this mosque — and the congregation turned mid-prayer.

Masjid Al-Ghamama — Where the Prophet ﷺ Prayed Eid

Located near Masjid An-Nabawi, this is the site where the Prophet ﷺ performed the Eid prayers after the Hijrah.

Jannat Al-Baqi — The Cemetery of Madinah

Jannat Al-Baqi is the main cemetery of Madinah, adjacent to Masjid An-Nabawi. Many of the closest Companions of the Prophet ﷺ are buried here — including Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه). Members of the Prophet's ﷺ family are also buried here.

Visiting Al-Baqi and making dua for those buried there is Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ would visit Al-Baqi and say:

Arabic: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ بِكُمْ لَاحِقُونَ

Transliteration: As-salamu 'alaykum ahlad-diyari minal- mu'minina wal-muslimin, wa inna in sha'allahu bikum lahiqun.

Meaning: "Peace be upon you O people of these dwellings — the believers and the Muslims. And indeed we, by the will of Allah, will be joining you."

Uhud — The Mountain of the Martyrs

Uhud is the mountain approximately 5 kilometres north of Madinah where the Battle of Uhud took place. Seventy Companions of the Prophet ﷺ were martyred here including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (رضي الله عنه) — the Prophet's uncle, known as the Lion of Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it."

(Bukhari)

Visiting Uhud and praying for the martyrs is part of most UK Umrah package Ziyarat tours.

Practical Guide to Madinah for UK Pilgrims

Hotel location in Madinah: Most UK Umrah packages provide hotels within walking distance of Masjid An-Nabawi. Confirm the walking distance from the mosque before booking — the same proximity principle as Makkah applies.

Shopping: The Madinah central market area surrounding the mosque has extensive shopping — dates, Zam-Zam, prayer items, clothing, gifts. The most famous dates in the world come from Madinah — Ajwa dates are particularly prized.

Zamzam in Madinah: Zamzam water is available at Masjid An-Nabawi during Umrah season.

Staying respectful: Madinah is a holy city. The adab (etiquette) of the city should be maintained at all times.

Book Umrah Packages UK 2026

Every Hajj and Umrah Experts package includes time in both Makkah and Madinah — with hotel in Madinah confirmed before deposit.

Verify ATOL: atol.org.uk — licence 11375

Silver 3-star: 10-15 min from Haram Makkah Gold 4-star: 5-7 min ⭐ Most popular Platinum 5-star: 2-3 min — Swissotel, Pullman

October: 28-34C, best value February: 18-22C, families Ramadan: Book now — fills months ahead

London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bradford. Beat Any Quote. Call 0203 475 4003.

May Allah accept the worship of every UK pilgrim in Madinah in 2026 and allow them to leave with their heart changed. Ameen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do UK Umrah packages spend in Madinah?

Most 7-night UK Umrah packages include 3-4 nights in Madinah. 10-night packages typically include 4 nights. Time is split between Madinah and Makkah — the order (Madinah first or Makkah first) is a practical choice with no religious requirement.

What is the Rawdah in Madinah?

The Rawdah is the area within Masjid An-Nabawi between the grave of the Prophet ﷺ and his Mimbar (pulpit). The Prophet ﷺ described it as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise." Identified by white carpeting within the mosque. One of the most sought-after places for prayer in all of Islam.

What dua to read at the Prophet's ﷺ grave?

"As-salamu 'alayka ya Rasulallah, as-salamu 'alayka ya Nabiyallah, as-salamu 'alayka ya Habibullah" — Peace be upon you O Messenger, O Prophet, O Beloved of Allah. Then send salawat and convey salaam from family and friends who asked you to do so.

What is Masjid Quba and why visit it?

Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam — by the Prophet ﷺ after the Hijrah. The Prophet ﷺ said praying there carries the reward of Umrah. Located approximately 5 kilometres from Madinah city centre. Included in most UK Umrah package Ziyarat tours.

What are Ajwa dates and where to buy them?

Ajwa dates are the most prized dates from Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever has seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day." Available throughout Madinah markets and at reputable shops around Masjid An-Nabawi. Buy from established vendors.

Do Umrah packages include Ziyarat tours in Madinah?

Most UK Umrah packages include a guided Ziyarat tour covering major Madinah sites — Masjid Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, Uhud, Jannat Al-Baqi. Confirm with your agency. Hajj and Umrah Experts packages include Ziyarat guidance. Call 0203 475 4003.