Virtues of Prayer at Masjid Makkah and Madinah

Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1195

Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Between my house and the pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise."

Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the immense spiritual merit of the area between the Prophet's chamber and his pulpit in Masjid al-Nabawi. Scholars explain this space is designated as "a garden of Paradise" due to the abundant blessings, divine mercy, and spiritual rewards obtained there.

Imam al-Qurtubi states this indicates the actual spiritual reality of this location, where angels descend with divine mercy and prayers are answered. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains it is either literally a portion of Paradise transplanted to earth or metaphorically indicates the supreme spiritual pleasure and reward attained there equivalent to Paradise.

The area's sanctity derives from being the site where revelation descended, where the Prophet delivered sermons, and where companions gathered for worship. Prayer in this specific location carries multiplied reward, making it among the most blessed spots on earth after the Kaaba and Masjid al-Aqsa.

Juridical Rulings

Scholars concur that praying in this specific area is highly recommended (mustahabb). The Hanbali school particularly emphasizes its virtue, while all schools acknowledge its superior merit.

This hadith does not indicate exclusivity - other areas of the mosque remain blessed - but specifies this particular location holds unique excellence. Travelers to Medina should seek to pray in this blessed area to attain its promised rewards.