What is the ruling and etiquette for women visiting the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque?

Women are permitted to visit the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah and to pray there, as the virtue of praying in the Rawdah — which the Prophet described as a garden from the gardens of Paradise — applies equally to men and women. The Saudi authorities allocate specific hours for women to visit the Rawdah to avoid overcrowding and to ensure a safe, dignified experience for all visitors.

Sheikh Ibn Baz stated that women should visit the Rawdah during the designated women's hours, pray two rak'ahs there if possible, and make supplication. They should also send salam upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his two companions Abu Bakr and Umar from wherever they are in the mosque. It is not required for women to go directly to the grille of the Prophet's grave; sending salam from their place in the mosque is sufficient and preferred to avoid the severe crowding near the grille.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen emphasized proper etiquette: women should not push or crowd to reach the Rawdah area, should not raise their voices, should not touch or wipe the walls or pillars seeking blessings (as this is an innovation), and should not stand for extended periods blocking others. He reminded that the purpose of visiting is prayer and supplication, not rituals around the grave. Women who cannot access the Rawdah during the designated hours may pray anywhere in the Prophet's Mosque, as the entire mosque carries immense reward.