The first graveyard in Islam is **Jannat al-Baqīʿ** (جنة البقيع), located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is also known as **Baqīʿ al-Gharqad** (بقيع الغرقد).
Key Facts About Jannat al-Baqīʿ:
1. **First Islamic Cemetery** – It was established by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) shortly after his migration (Hijrah) to Medina in 622 CE.
2. **Burial Place of Companions & Family** – Many prominent figures from Islamic history are buried here, including:
- The Prophet’s wives (except Khadijah and Maymunah)
- His daughter Fatimah (رضي الله عنها)
- His son Ibrahim
- His uncle Abbas (رضي الله عنه)
- Companions like Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه), Hasan ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه), and many others.
3. **Historical Significance** – The Prophet (ﷺ) used to visit Jannat al-Baqīʿ and pray for the deceased.
4. **Destruction & Restoration** – The original tombs were demolished in 1925 by the Saudi authorities but the cemetery remains an important Islamic heritage site.
Other Early Graveyards:
- **Jannat al-Mu'alla** in Mecca (where the Prophet’s wife Khadijah (رضي الله عنها) is buried) predates Baqīʿ but was not established by Muslims.
- **Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery** in Medina holds the graves of the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (رضي الله عنه).
