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 (supererogatory 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 (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam):-

"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). (Al-Bukhari 1189)

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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and his Companions, Abu Bakr and 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma). 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to visit them. He used to teach his Companions to say when they visited the graves:

"Peace be upon you, 0 people of the abodes from the believers and the Muslims. Verily, if Allah wills, we will join you. We ask Allah for safety for you and us.” (Muslim 975 and Ibn Majah 1547)

It is narrated in a report from him that he (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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. 0 Allah, forgive the people of the cemetery of Baqi'ul-Gharqad.” (Muslim 974-975)

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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to visit it every Saturday and pray two Rak'ahs in it. And he (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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.” (Ibn Majah 1412) '

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 Allah is the Giver of success.

Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz (Rahimahullah)

Reference: Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 4 Pages 311-313