• Masjid-e-Nabvi : Reward for the prayers offered in
The prophet has taught us that each prayer offered in his mosque in Madinah is given the reward of one thousand prayers elsewhere with the exception of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Therefore, if a person is visiting Madinah, he should try to offer as many of his prayers as possible in the Prophet's mosque. An often reported Hadith suggests that offering 40 consecutive prayers in the Prophet's mosque is sufficient to redeem any person from hell in the hereafter. This Hadith lacks considerably in authenticity. It is certainly better to offer 41 prayers in the Prophet's mosque than 40. If you spend ten days instead of eight in Madinah, offering every single prayer in the Prophet's mosque, you end up with a greater reward than if you offer only 40 prayers.
• Masjid-e-Nabvi: Visiting — An Obligation or a Sunnah
When one goes to Madinah, is it obligatory that he stays for eight days and offers forty obligatory prayers at the Prophet's Mosque?
Visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah is a sunnah, i.e. recommended. It is neither obligatory not part of the duties of pilgrimage. There is no time restriction attached to such a visit to the Prophet's Mosque. It can be done over a very short period and it can be a very long visit. This depends on personal circumstances. What we know is that a prayer offered in the Prophet's Mosque is rewarded as one thousand prayers elsewhere, with the exception of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Therefore, to offer forty obligatory prayers in the Prophet's Mosque earns handsome reward. But to offer more earns more reward. Having said that, I would like to reiterate that a short visit is perfectly valid and well rewarded. You can go to Madinah by plane in the morning, offer the Zuhr and Asr prayers and come back later in the day to complete a highly rewarding sunnah. If your circumstances allow you to stay longer, well and good.
• Masjid-ul-Haram : Sacred and forbidden
In Islam, forbidden things are called "haram", but the holiest place in Makkah is also called Masjid-ul- Haram. What is the real meaning of the term "haram"?
Arabic dictionaries define haram as the opposite of halal; which [i.e. halal] means permissible. Hence, haram means not allowed, prohibited or forbidden. The Holy Mosque in Makkah is called Al-Masjid Al-Haram, because it is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter. It is a sanctuary where people may have refuge. When they are inside it, they enjoy the safety associated with the fact that Allah has forbidden the use of force or violence against anyone in it. Allah states in the Qur'an: "Whoever enters it enjoys security." The fact that certain restrictions apply in the mosque and its surrounding area makes the name "Al-Haram" or Al-Masjid Al-Haram, most appropriate. It is a place where Allah's authority is inviolable. No one may violate it without being punished.