19 Mar 2024
20 Mar 2024
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A Holy City and the capital of the Madinah Province, Madinah is a hub for peace and features special destinations such as Al Masjid An Nabawi

Places to Visit in Madinah Al Munawwarah

A Holy City and the capital of the Madinah Province, Madinah is a hub for peace and features special destinations such as Al Masjid An Nabawi

Destinations in The Madinah Province

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Madinah - Most Peaceful City on Earth

The City of Madinah radiates peace and calmness. Visitors often testify that as soon as you enter the city you experience a peaceful feeling that is hard to put into words. The name of the city is also written as Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, which means ‘The Enlightened City.’ It is the capital of the Madinah Province and the fourth most populated city of Saudi Arabia. Being one of the two Holiest cities for Muslims, there are no shortage of holy sites and other places to visit in Madinah.

 

The City is centered around Masjid An Nabawi. The Prophet Muhammad, Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him (PBUH), constructed this mosque with his own Blessed hands. It is also the place where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is buried. During the lifetime of the Prophet (PBUH), Masjid An Nabawi served as the religious, educational, and political centre of the Islamic Empire. 

 

The significance of Masjid An Nabawi can not be stated enough. This beautiful mosque also contains the Rawdah ash Sharifah (Noble Garden). Also known as the Riyad ul-Jannah, this area between the Blessed Burial Place (and former House) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his mimbar is regarded as one of the gardens of paradise as narrated by the Prophet (PBUH) himself.

 

Just next to the Masjid An Nabawi (SAWS), the Jannatul Baqi graveyard can be found. Many of the Companions and relatives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are buried here (May God be Pleased with Them All). It is mostly opened after Fajr and Asar prayers. 

History

Historically the city was known as Yathrib before Islam. It has existed for over 1,500 years before the Holy Prophet (PBUH) migrated from Makkah. The year of this migration (Hijrah), marks the start of the Hijri Islamic calendar. 

 

During the early history of the City, around the 9th Century BC, Jewish tribes lived here. Gradually they lost power to the Arab tribes of Aws and the Khazraj. By the time of Hijrah, Aws and Khazraj were fighting inconclusively with each other for over 120 years. Upon the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), these tribes welcomed the Muslims with open arms. They embraced Islam and the century-long fighting came to an end.

 

Collectively they became known as the Ansar (meaning the  Helpers). The Muslims who accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) from Makkah were called the Muhajirun. This exemplary brotherhood between the Ansar and the Muhajirun laid the foundation of the Islamic State of Madinah. 

 

For ten glorious years after the Hijra, Madinah served as the center for the spread of Islam. The conquest of Makkah was also led by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from Madinah. After the successful conquest, the Prophet (PBUH) returned to Madinah. During the time of the first three caliphs, Madinah remained the capital of the Islamic Empire. Masjid An Nabwi (SAWS) has been renovated and expanded by various Muslim caliphs, Sultans, and Kings throughout its history. 

Geography

Madinah is part of the Hejaz region. It is situated at an elevation of around 620 meters above sea level. The highest peak of Madinah is Mount Uhud which stands at 1,077 meters. The city can be described as an oasis in the desert. It is surrounded by Hejaz mountains and volcanic hills. The city itself has fertile areas and a good amount of groundwater. It also rains during the winter months and the water flows down to the valley region and replenishes the groundwater level. These favorable conditions make it a suitable place for the cultivation of various fruits, date palms, vegetables, and cereals. 

Cultural Life

Madinah is the dream destination for every Muslim and visitors from all over the world come to Madinah. Muslims who make pilgrimage often settle in the city which means you can find people from various nationalities and cultures living here. It must be noted that like Mecca, only Muslims are allowed in the city. 

 

The biggest publisher of the Quran in the world, King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex was established in Madinah. This complex benefits from the cross-cultural demographics of the city by employing over 1,100 people, mostly from diverse backgrounds, and publishing over 361 different publications in various languages.

Popular Attractions

Masjid An Nabawi is the most important place in the City. It houses the Burial Chamber of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and also has the Jannatul Baqi cemetery right next to it. 

 

Masjid Quba is another historical mosque that was built by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself. It is regarded as the first mosque of Islam. Masjid al-Qiblatayn also called the Mosque of Two Qiblas, is the mosque where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) received the command to change the Qibla (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem towards Ka'bah in Makkah. There are also a number of other significant religious attractions and historical places to visit in Madinah like the Ethiq Well, Mount Uhud - Archers' Hill, The Seven Mosques, Masjid Shuhada Uhud, Masjid Bilal (RA), and the Al-Ghamama Mosque.

Madinah