Medina's chief places of interest
Medina's chief places of interest
Medina is engraved in the heart's gem of every believer. It is here that the Prophet of Hearts rests. The Blessed Roza of the Prophet is located in the city of Medina. Most places in this city bear the marks of the Prophet's memory.
For Muslims, it is the second holiest city. After Makkah, Medina is honored as the holiest place on Earth. The official name of the city is 'Al Madina Al Munawwarah,' which translates to 'City of Light' in Bengali. It is recognized by the name of the Prophet too. The first administration of Islam began from this city. The name of this city was Yathrib before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad. Medina's total area is 445.5 km or 227 sq miles. The Blessed Roza of Prophet Muhammad is situated in the city of Medina. Thousands of Muslim pilgrims visit Medina city every day to pay homage to the Blessed Roza.
Masjid an-Nabawi
After Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Masjid an-Nabawi holds the place of the Prophet's Mosque. The Great Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad, built this mosque, contributing to its construction as well. This mosque was constructed after the Prophet's migration to Medina.
To visit the Prophet's grave, all hajj pilgrims gather at Masjid an-Nabawi. In the distinctive green dome of the mosque, Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Omar, and Hazrat Abu Bakr's blessed tombs are placed. This special chamber under the green domed mosque was the house of Hazrat Ayesha. Pilgrims usually visit Masjid an-Nabawi at the beginning or end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Jannatul Baqi
Jannatul Baqi is a historical cemetery located in the city of Medina. The Arabic name of this cemetery is Maqbaratul Baqi or Baqiiul Gharqad. Many companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including his wife, daughter, and other close relatives, are buried in this cemetery. Pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Medina often visit Jannatul Baqi to pay respects at the graves of distinguished individuals in Islam. Previously, each grave at Jannatul Baqi had special structures built over them. However, after the advent of the Saudi dynasty, these structures were demolished.
Al Ghamamah Mosque
The Al Ghamamah Mosque is a mosque in Medina rich in the ancient traditions associated with the memory of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque was constructed between 86 and 93 Hijri during the caliphate of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. In the year 631, the Prophet Muhammad performed the Eid prayers at this mosque. Initially closed for prayers, the mosque has now been reopened for all Muslims. Among Medina's ancient landmarks, the Al Ghamamah Mosque holds significant importance.
Quba Mosque
The Quba Mosque is the first mosque in Islam. It is located in the village of Quba in Medina. The Quba Mosque is considered the fourth holiest site from an honor and reverence perspective. After the Prophet Muhammad's migration to Medina, this mosque was built. The foundation of the mosque was laid by the Prophet Muhammad himself. He resided here for some time. Many Muslim pilgrims visit this mosque to witness the memories associated with the Prophet Muhammad.
Qiblatain Mosque
A particularly significant mosque in Islamic history is the Qiblatain Mosque. Located in Medina, this mosque is associated with the revelation of certain verses from the Quran. When the Prophet Muhammad used to pray with congregants in this mosque, Allah revealed verses to change the direction of prayer (Qibla).
Mount Uhud
The historical Battle of Uhud was organized on Mount Uhud, known by the same name, which essentially means the mountain of Uhud. The battle was fought between the Quraish tribe of Mecca and the residents of Medina. Approximately 70 noble companions were martyred in this battle, and their graves are located on the field of Uhud. Pilgrims visit Mount Uhud to pay respects at the graves of the
martyred companions.
Mount Uhud stands at a height of 1,077 meters or 3,533 feet. Behind Mount Uhud is another smaller mountain known to the locals as Rumah Mountain, actually named Jabal Rumah. When visiting Mount Uhud, it is common for people to also tour Rumah Mountain without forgetting.
Badsha Fahad Quran Printing Complex
The most popular Quran printing establishment in the world, Badsha Fahad Quran Printing Complex, is located in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. This institution prints nearly 1 million copies of the Quran each year. In addition to Arabic, the Quran is printed in various languages around the world at this printing complex.
Cave of Khawaya
The Cave of Khawaya is a special cave, a witness to a difficult event in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Cave of Khawaya is located in the city of Medina.
During the Battle of the Trench, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought refuge in this cave in a distressed state. The lovers of the Prophet from Medina went to see the Cave of Khawaya with their own eyes.
Jumu'ah at the Mosque
The Jumu'ah prayer (Friday prayer) is held at a mosque in Medina known as the Kubba Mosque, situated 900 meters north of Quba Mosque and 6 kilometers south of the Prophet's Mosque. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first offered the Jumu'ah prayer at this location when he arrived in Medina, and later the mosque was built here. A special attraction for pilgrims, Kubba Mosque is a place for congregational prayers.
Valley of Jinn
The Valley of Jinn is a unique valley endowed with supernatural powers, located 30-40 kilometers north of the city of Medina. This valley has a special supernatural power: if water is poured on a slope, it flows upwards instead of downwards, defying gravity. This phenomenon attracts numerous visitors to witness this incredible sight.
Masjid al-Shajarah
Located 12 kilometers from Medina on the way to Mecca, during the era of the Caliphate, Masjid al-Shajarah was a location where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered prayers while heading to Mecca. It is also where the residents of Medina put on their Ihram.
Masjid Bilal
Masjid Bilal is a mosque in Madinah, named after the beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him).
Masjid Bilal is an important historical and religious mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. This mosque, built by the Prophet himself, is located to the south of the Prophet's Mosque. From the Prophet's Mosque, it takes just 5 minutes to reach Jannatul Baqi cemetery by foot and then easily walk to Masjid Bilal
Salman Farsi R.A.'s Garden
Salman Farsi R.A. said, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ told me, 'O Salman, make a contract (regarding your freedom from your master).' I made a contract with him that until I am fruitful in taking care of 300 date trees, providing water to the grove and paying forty uqiyas in exchange. After that, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ told his companions, 'You should help your brother.'
The companions helped me with dates (palm tree's fiber). One person gave 30 fibers, another 20, yet another 15, and one more person gave 10 fibers. In other words, each one helped me according to their abilities. Eventually, I had 300 fibers. Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ told me, 'O Salman, go and dig a pit for planting these fibers. When you finish, come to me. I will personally plant them.' The garden mentioned in the hadith, the date palm garden, still exists. It is worth visiting.
Besides, there are many more noteworthy places in Madinah. The central date market of Madinah, the Izaba Mosque, Abu Bakr Mosque, a complex formed with seven mosques, etc.