Location and History
Located to the southeast of Masjid al Nabwi, the Prophet’s Mosque, in Medina in the region of Hejazi in Saudi Arabia, lies Jannat al Baqi, also known as Baqi al Gharqad. It was named so because the main type of tree that grew in this area was the al Gharqad, more commonly known as the Arabian boxthorn or desert thorn. This cemetery is the oldest and first Islamic cemetery in the city of Medina.
Out of the two historically important and holy cemeteries to Muslims, Jannat al Baqi is one of them. This is because many of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s relatives and companions are buried here. Many narrations state that because of this, the Prophet would say a prayer every time he passed this site, making this something Muslims take upon themselves to do as well.
Architecture
The cemetery is pretty large and houses at least 10,000 companions of the Holy Prophet, although they are unmarked and cannot be distinguished anymore. Originally only 80 meters square in size, it has expanded over the years, and as of now, it takes up an area of 175,000 square meters.
The cemetery has three entrances on the north, east, and west sides, the main one being on the west side.
Prominent graves in Jannat al Baqi
Prominent graves in Jannat al Baqi, which are historically and religiously sacred to Muslims, include that of the Ahlul Bayt, the family of the Prophet (PBUH), including the Prophet’s grandson, daughters, uncle, wives, and cousins.
