Madinah

The City of the Prophet ﷺ

Madinah. Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah - the Radiant City. Also known as Taybah and Tabah, both meaning “the good and pure.” This is the city that opened its arms to the Prophet (SAW) when Makkah cast him out. The city whose people - the Ansar - gave everything they had to shelter the faith. The city where Islam was built, where the Muslim ummah was forged, where the Quran was completed, and where the Prophet (SAW) lived, taught, governed, and was laid to rest.

Visiting Madinah is not a rite of Hajj or Umrah. It is not wajib (obligatory) and it is not a condition for the validity of your pilgrimage. However, it is highly recommended and an immense blessing. The vast majority of pilgrims visit Madinah either before or after their Hajj, and it is one of the most spiritually enriching experiences a Muslim can have.

This hadith establishes that the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is one of only three mosques in the entire world for which a special journey is legislated. You are not merely visiting a city - you are answering a prophetic invitation to pray in one of the most blessed places on earth.

Virtues of Madinah

The Prophet (SAW) spoke of Madinah’s virtues extensively. He loved this city deeply, made dua for it repeatedly, and declared it a sacred sanctuary - just as Ibrahim (AS) had declared Makkah a sanctuary. The ahadith about Madinah’s virtues are numerous and well-established:

The Prophet’s Love for Madinah

When he would return from a journey and see the walls and buildings of Madinah, he would hasten his riding animal out of his deep love for the city. If he was on his mount, he would make it go faster (Sahih al-Bukhari 1886). His heart raced for Madinah the way our hearts race for our homes - except that his love was purer, deeper, and sanctified by revelation.

Madinah as a Sacred Sanctuary

Just as Makkah was declared a sanctuary by Ibrahim (AS), the Prophet (SAW) declared Madinah sacred territory. The area between its two harrah (lava fields) - Harrat Waqim to the east and Harrat al-Wabarah to the west - is sanctified ground. In the view of the majority (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali), its trees may not be cut down and its wild animals may not be hunted. The Hanafis hold that, unlike in Makkah, these two acts are not forbidden there, though they too honour the city’s sanctity.

Divine Protection

Madinah is guarded by angels. No plague will strike it. The Dajjal - the greatest tribulation to face humanity - will not be able to enter it. When he approaches Madinah in the end times, Madinah will shake with its people three times and Allah will expel every disbeliever and every munafiq (hypocrite) from it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1881), while the believers will remain protected within its blessed boundaries.

Faith Returns to Madinah

Just as a snake always returns to its home, faith will always return to Madinah. No matter how far it spreads across the world, its root and its refuge will always be this blessed city. Scholars have interpreted this to mean that in times of tribulation and confusion, Madinah will remain a stronghold of authentic faith and Sunnah.

Dying in Madinah

The Prophet (SAW) specifically promised his intercession for those who die in Madinah. This is why, throughout history, scholars and righteous people have sought to live and die in this city. Umar (RA) himself used to make dua: “O Allah, grant me martyrdom in Your cause and let me die in the city of Your Prophet.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1890). And Allah answered his dua.

Patience in Madinah

Madinah, historically, was a land of fever and harsh conditions. The early Muhajiroon (emigrants) suffered greatly from its climate. Yet the Prophet (SAW) promised that whoever bears Madinah’s hardships with patience will have the Prophet himself as an intercessor or witness on the Day of Judgement. The promise is for those who live there and bear its hardship, but a visitor can still learn its lesson: the heat of Madinah in summer is severe, so bear it with patience.

Madinah Expels Impurity

Just as a blacksmith’s furnace burns away the impurities of iron (Sahih al-Bukhari 1871), Madinah purifies those who live in it. Those who were not sincere could not bear it and left, and before the Hour every hypocrite will be driven out of it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1881). The sincere believers remained and were strengthened. This city has a spiritual filtration system built into its very soil.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)

One prayer in the Prophet’s Mosque is worth one thousand prayers elsewhere. That means a single Fajr prayer here is equivalent to roughly 2.7 years of Fajr prayers prayed elsewhere. Every moment you spend praying in this mosque is multiplied beyond measure. Maximise your prayers here.

History of the Mosque

When the Prophet (SAW) arrived in Madinah during the Hijrah (migration from Makkah), the very first thing he did was establish a mosque. His she-camel, Qaswa, knelt at a spot that belonged to two orphans from the Ansar. The Prophet (SAW) purchased the land and began building the mosque with his own hands. He carried the mud bricks himself (Sahih al-Bukhari 3906). The Companions worked alongside him, carrying stones and chanting verses as they laboured, and the Prophet (SAW) chanted with them (Sahih al-Bukhari 428):

“O Allah, there is no good except the good of the Hereafter, so forgive the Ansar and the Muhajiroon.”

The original mosque was humble beyond imagination. Its walls were made of unbaked bricks and mud. Its roof was of palm leaves and branches. Its pillars were palm tree trunks. The floor was bare earth, and when it rained, the ground turned to mud and the worshippers prostrated in it. There was no carpet, no marble, no air conditioning - just sincerity, and the presence of the greatest human being who ever lived.

Over the centuries, the mosque has been expanded numerous times:

The famous green dome - arguably the most recognisable symbol of Madinah - was built by the Mamluks in 1279 CE as a wooden dome in the natural colour of the wood. It was later painted white and then blue, before being painted its distinctive green by the Ottomans in 1837 CE. It marks the location of the Prophet’s burial chamber beneath it.

Today, the Prophet’s Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its current capacity exceeds one million worshippers when the courtyards and rooftop are included. The iconic retractable umbrellas on the plaza open during the day to provide shade and are one of the most beautiful sights in the Islamic world.

Etiquettes of Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque

1. Approach with reverence - Remember where you are. This is the mosque of the Prophet (SAW). Lower your voice, calm your heart, and enter with humility.
2. Enter with your right foot - Say the dua for entering the mosque: “Bismillah, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma iftah li abwab rahmatik.” (In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy.) - Sahih Muslim 713; the opening words are from other narrations (Sunan Ibn Majah 771, Sunan Abi Dawud 465, Jami’ al-Tirmidhi 314).
3. Pray two rak’ahs tahiyyat al-masjid - The greeting of the mosque. Pray them wherever you find space - any spot in the mosque is blessed. Entry to the Rawdah itself needs a permit booked in Nusuk (see below).
4. Maintain the utmost respect - Do not raise your voice. Do not engage in worldly conversations. Do not push or shove. The Prophet (SAW) is buried here. Behave as though you are in his presence.
5. Maximise your worship - Pray every obligatory prayer in the mosque if possible. Read Quran. Make dhikr. Make dua. Remember: every prayer here is multiplied a thousandfold.
6. Exit with your left foot - Say: “Bismillah, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah. Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlik.” (O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.) - Sahih Muslim 713; the opening words are from other narrations (Sunan Ibn Majah 771, 773; Jami’ al-Tirmidhi 314).

Ar-Rawdah ash-Sharifah (The Noble Garden)

The Rawdah is the area located between the Prophet’s chamber (the room where he is buried, which was originally the room of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her) and the original location of his pulpit (minbar). Scholars have explained it in more than one way: that this very spot will be raised into Paradise, that worship here leads to Paradise, or that it is like a garden of Paradise in the mercy that descends upon it (Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari). Every view agrees on its immense blessing.

You can identify the Rawdah by its distinctive green carpet, while the rest of the mosque has red carpet. The area is approximately 22 metres long by 15 metres wide - a relatively small space for the millions who wish to pray in it.

What to Do in the Rawdah

1. Pray two rak’ahs - If you have not yet prayed tahiyyat al-masjid, pray it here. Otherwise, pray two voluntary rak’ahs with deep focus and devotion.
2. Make extensive dua - You are praying in a garden of Paradise. Ask Allah for everything. Ask for forgiveness, for Jannah, for protection from the Fire, for good in this world and the next. Pour your heart out.
3. Move on for others - The Rawdah is small and the demand is immense. Once you have prayed and made your dua, move on so that others may have their chance. Do not linger excessively - this is part of Islamic etiquette and consideration for fellow Muslims.

Visiting the Grave of the Prophet ﷺ

It is from the Sunnah to visit the grave of the Prophet (SAW) and give him salaam. The Prophet (SAW) is buried in what was the room of Aisha (RA), and beside him lie his two closest companions: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). This room is enclosed within the mosque, behind brass screens and walls.

The Prophet (SAW) said:

How to Visit - Step by Step

1. Approach with calmness and dignity - Do not rush. Do not push. Walk slowly and respectfully towards the brass screen that faces the Prophet’s grave.
2. Face the grave - You will be standing with your back towards the Qiblah. This is the position of most scholars. Stand at a respectful distance from the screen.
3. Give salaam to the Prophet (SAW) - Say in a moderate voice (not too loud, not too quiet):

You may also add (a wording recommended by scholars such as al-Nawawi, not a hadith; the same applies to the additions for Abu Bakr and Umar below): “As-salamu ‘alayka ya khayr khalqillah. Ash-hadu annaka qad ballaght ar-risalah, wa addayt al-amanah, wa nasaht al-ummah, wa jahadta fillahi haqqa jihadih.” (Peace be upon you, O best of Allah’s creation. I bear witness that you conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, advised the ummah, and strove in the way of Allah a true striving.)

4. Move slightly to the right - Give salaam to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA):

You may add: “Jazak Allahu ‘an ummat Muhammad khayra.” (May Allah reward you on behalf of the ummah of Muhammad with good.)

5. Move slightly to the right again - Give salaam to Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA):

You may add: “Jazak Allahu ‘an ummat Muhammad khayra.” (May Allah reward you on behalf of the ummah of Muhammad with good.)

6. Step back and face the Qiblah - Now you may turn to face the Qiblah and make dua to Allah alone. This is an excellent place to make dua, as you are in the Prophet’s mosque. Ask Allah for whatever you need.

Masjid Quba

Masjid Quba holds a unique honour in Islamic history: it is the first mosque the Prophet (SAW) built, often called the first mosque of Islam. When the Prophet (SAW) made his Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, he stopped first at the village of Quba, on the outskirts of Madinah. He stayed there for more than ten nights (Sahih al-Bukhari 428, 3906) before continuing to Madinah proper, and during those days, he established this mosque - laying its very first stones with his own blessed hands.

Many commentators understand this verse of the Quran to refer to Quba, and its words about men who love to purify themselves were revealed about the people of Quba (Sunan Abi Dawud 44). In Sahih Muslim 1398 the Prophet (SAW) applied it to his own mosque, and scholars such as Ibn Kathir explain that both mosques are meant:

And the Prophet (SAW) attached an enormous reward to visiting it:

Read that again. A prayer in Masjid Quba - after making wudu at your accommodation - carries a reward like that of an Umrah. This is one of the easiest and most rewarding acts of worship available to you in Madinah.

Al-Baqi Cemetery (Jannat al-Baqi)

Jannat al-Baqi - literally “the Garden of al-Baqi” - is the main cemetery of Madinah, located immediately adjacent to the southeastern wall of the Prophet’s Mosque. It is one of the most honoured graveyards in Islam. Thousands upon thousands of Companions (Sahabah), members of the Prophet’s household, scholars, and righteous Muslims are buried here.

Who is Buried in al-Baqi?

Among the luminaries of Islam buried here are:

• Uthman ibn Affan (RA) - the third Caliph, Dhun-Nurayn (possessor of two lights), martyred while reading the Quran
• Hasan ibn Ali (RA) - the grandson of the Prophet (SAW), leader of the youth of Paradise
• Ibrahim - the infant son of the Prophet (SAW), whose death caused the Prophet to weep and say: “The eyes shed tears and the heart grieves, but we say only what pleases our Lord” (Bukhari 1303)
• Many of the wives of the Prophet (SAW) - the Mothers of the Believers (except Khadijah, who is buried in Makkah, and Maymunah, who is buried in Sarif)
• Fatimah (RA) - the daughter of the Prophet (SAW), according to some narrations (the exact location of her grave is not definitively established)
• Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA) - the Prophet’s uncle
• Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf (RA), and many other prominent Companions
• Imam Malik ibn Anas (rahimahullah) - the great scholar of Madinah and founder of the Maliki school of fiqh

The Prophet’s Practice at al-Baqi

The Prophet (SAW) used to go out to al-Baqi in the latter part of the night to greet its people and pray for them (Sahih Muslim 974), and he taught his Companions to say when they visited the graves:

- Sahih Muslim 975; this wording Sunan Ibn Majah 1547

He also used to say:

- Sahih Muslim 974

Mount Uhud

Mount Uhud lies to the north of Madinah, a rugged, reddish mountain that stretches across the horizon. The Prophet (SAW) expressed love for this mountain, and the mountain loves him back. Al-Nawawi and others hold that this is meant literally, not as poetic language: Allah placed in the mountain a love of its own (Sharh Sahih Muslim), though some scholars read it figuratively. The rocks and mountains of this earth submit to Allah and recognise His Prophet.

The Battle of Uhud

In the third year after the Hijrah (625 CE), the Quraysh of Makkah marched against Madinah with an army of 3,000, seeking revenge for their defeat at Badr. The Prophet (SAW) met them at the foot of Mount Uhud with around 700 men.

The battle began well for the Muslims, but a critical error changed its course. The Prophet (SAW) had placed fifty archers on a small hill (known today as Jabal al-Rumah, the Mount of the Archers) with strict orders: “Do not leave this position, even if you see birds snatching at us.” But when the Muslim infantry appeared to be winning, most of the archers left their post to collect spoils. The Makkan cavalry, led by Khalid ibn al-Walid (who had not yet accepted Islam), swept around the unguarded flank and attacked from behind.

The result was devastating. Seventy Companions were martyred. Among them was Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA), the Prophet’s beloved uncle, the “Lion of Allah,” who was killed by Wahshi ibn Harb (Sahih al-Bukhari 4072); the sirah reports add that his body was then mutilated by Hind bint Utbah, who later accepted Islam.

The Prophet (SAW) himself was seriously wounded. His blessed face was cut. His tooth was broken. According to the sirah reports, he fell into a pit. A rumour spread that he had been killed, which caused chaos among the ranks. Yet he stood firm, rallied his Companions, and the Muslims regrouped.

The Martyrs’ Cemetery (Shuhada Uhud)

At the foot of Mount Uhud lies the Martyrs’ Cemetery, where the seventy Companions who fell in the battle are buried. Eight years after the battle, the Prophet (SAW) went out and prayed for them “as if bidding farewell to the living and the dead” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4042). When you visit, give them salaam and make dua for them.

A fitting greeting for them is the Quran’s greeting to the people of Paradise (some early reports, with weak chains, say the Prophet (SAW) greeted the martyrs with it):

Masjid al-Qiblatayn (The Mosque of the Two Qiblahs)

Masjid al-Qiblatayn holds a singular place in Islamic history. According to the sirah historians, it is the mosque where, during a congregational prayer, the command to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah was received.

For approximately sixteen or seventeen months after the Hijrah, the Muslims prayed facing Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). The Prophet (SAW) longed to face the Ka’bah instead, and he would look up to the sky, hoping for a revelation. Allah responded:

Ibn Sa’d records, introducing it with “it is said”, that the Prophet (SAW) was visiting Banu Salimah and had led his Companions in two rak’ahs of Dhuhr in their mosque when the command came, so he turned towards the Ka’bah and the congregation turned with him - which is how the mosque got its name. This is a sirah report rather than a narration of the Sahih collections, though Ibn Hajar accepts it in Fath al-Bari. The authentic hadith show the same instant obedience: a Companion who had prayed Asr with the Prophet (SAW) towards the Ka’bah passed the people of another mosque while they were bowing, told them, and they turned towards the Ka’bah just as they were (Sahih al-Bukhari 40, 4486); and the people of Quba, told during Fajr, turned around in the middle of their prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 403). Mid-prayer, still bowing, they turned. This is what submission to Allah looks like.

The change of Qiblah was also a test. Allah says in the verse just before it:

The hypocrites and doubters criticised the change. The sincere believers accepted it instantly. The Qiblah was a test of loyalty - do you follow Allah, or do you follow your own logic?

Other Places of Interest in Madinah

Masjid al-Ghamama

Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, Masjid al-Ghamama is reported to be the site where the Prophet (SAW) prayed the Eid prayers and the Istisqa (rain prayer). The name “Ghamama” means “cloud,” usually linked to the narration that, when the Prophet (SAW) prayed for rain at the prayer ground, a cloud formed and rain fell (Sunan Abi Dawud 1173, graded hasan by al-Albani). It is one of the oldest mosques in Madinah.

The Seven Mosques (Sab’u Masajid)

A cluster of small mosques located near the site of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), which took place in 5 AH when the Quraysh and their allies besieged Madinah. The Muslims dug a trench to protect the city (Sahih al-Bukhari 4099); the sirah reports say it was Salman al-Farisi (RA) who advised it. These mosques are associated with locations where the Prophet (SAW) and some of his Companions prayed during the siege. The main one is Masjid al-Fath (the Mosque of Victory), where the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have made dua for three days until Allah granted the Muslims victory.

Mount Sela’

A small mountain near the site of the Battle of the Trench. It is associated with various events during the siege. Some narrations place the Prophet’s command post here during the battle. The area gives a sense of the terrain and geography that shaped early Islamic history.

Wadi al-Aqiq

A valley on the western outskirts of Madinah. It is mentioned in hadith as a blessed valley. The Prophet (SAW) said, referring to a prayer at Dhul Hulayfah (the miqat point near Madinah, also in this valley): “A caller came to me tonight from my Lord and said: Pray in this blessed valley.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1534).

Masjid Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)

This is the miqat (point of entering ihram) for those travelling from Madinah to Makkah for Hajj or Umrah. If you are visiting Madinah before your Hajj or Umrah, this is where you will enter your state of ihram. It is the farthest miqat from Makkah, over 400 km away. The Prophet (SAW) said: “The people of Madinah should enter ihram from Dhul Hulayfah” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1525).

Practical Tips for Your Stay in Madinah

Madinah is a city built around the Prophet’s Mosque. Your entire visit will revolve around the mosque, and everything you need is within easy reach. Here is practical guidance to help you make the most of your time:

Worship and Prayer

• The Prophet’s Mosque is open 24 hours. Use this to your advantage - pray Tahajjud in the mosque, make i’tikaf, and spend as much time as possible in worship
• Try to pray every obligatory prayer in the mosque. Remember: each prayer is worth a thousand
• Attend the Fajr and Isha prayers in congregation - the reward is immense, and the spiritual atmosphere is unforgettable
• The mosque has Qurans and Quran stands available throughout - spend time reading and reflecting on the words of Allah in the house of His Messenger
• There are regular circles of knowledge (halaqat) in the mosque - attend if you can understand Arabic, or ask your group leader about English-language sessions

The Mosque Courtyard and Umbrellas

The massive courtyard (plaza) surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque features the iconic retractable umbrellas that open during the day to provide shade. Watching them open at sunrise is a beautiful experience. The courtyard has smooth marble flooring that can become extremely hot during the day in summer - wear footwear when walking on it during peak heat.

Accommodation and Food

• Hotels range from luxury to budget, most within walking distance of the mosque
• The area around the mosque has numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines - Arabic, South Asian, Turkish, and international food are all readily available
• Street food vendors sell fresh juices, shawarma, and other quick meals
• Many hotels include breakfast and sometimes dinner

Ajwa Dates of Madinah

Madinah is world-famous for its dates, and the most prized variety is the Ajwa date - a dark, soft, sweet date that the Prophet (SAW) specifically recommended:

Ajwa dates are more expensive than other varieties due to their special status, but they make an excellent purchase for yourself and as gifts. Other excellent Madinah date varieties include Safawi, Mabroom, Sukkari, and Khudri. Date shops are everywhere around the mosque - many allow you to taste before buying.

Climate and Health

• Madinah is very hot in summer - temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid prolonged exposure during midday
• The air conditioning inside the mosque is strong - bring a light jacket or shawl as it can feel cold, especially if you are sitting for long periods
• Carry a water bottle at all times. Zamzam water is available in the mosque
• Pharmacies and medical clinics are readily available near the mosque

Getting Around

• Most hotels are within walking distance of the Prophet’s Mosque
• For sites further away (Quba, Uhud, Qiblatayn), use taxis or ride-share apps (Uber/Careem both operate in Madinah)
• Many Hajj/Umrah groups organise ziyarah (visit) tours to the major sites - these are convenient and usually include transport and a guide

Etiquette and Conduct

• Lower your voice in the mosque and its surroundings. This is the city of the Prophet (SAW) - treat it with the respect it deserves
• Do not push or shove, especially in the Rawdah and near the grave
• Respect the mosque staff and security - they are managing enormous crowds and doing a difficult job
• Keep the mosque clean - do not leave rubbish, food wrappers, or belongings behind
• Be patient with fellow pilgrims. People come from every corner of the earth, speaking different languages, with different customs. Patience and gentleness are the Sunnah
• Madinah is a city of knowledge and scholarship. The Islamic University of Madinah is here, and the city has a scholarly atmosphere. Respect this character - avoid loud, boisterous behaviour in public

Closing Dua

Your journey is drawing to a close. Whether you visited Madinah before your Hajj or after it, whether this was your first pilgrimage or your tenth, the experience of standing in the city of the Prophet (SAW), praying in his mosque, giving salaam at his grave, and walking the streets where Islam was built - this is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

May Allah accept your Hajj and Umrah. May He forgive every sin you have ever committed - the ones you remember and the ones you have forgotten, the ones you did knowingly and the ones you did in ignorance. May He grant you Jannah al-Firdaws, the highest level of Paradise, without reckoning and without punishment. May He allow you to drink from the Hawd of the Prophet (SAW) on the Day of Judgement, a drink after which you will never thirst again. May He reunite you with the Prophet (SAW), with Abu Bakr, with Umar, with Uthman, with Ali, with the Companions, with the scholars, with the martyrs, and with all those you love for His sake. May you return home transformed. May you return pure. May the person who steps off the plane be fundamentally different from the person who boarded it.

This is the dua of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) as they built the Ka’bah. Even while performing one of the greatest acts of worship, they did not take its acceptance for granted. They begged. They implored. If Khalilullah himself feared that his deed might not be accepted, how much more should we beg?

This was the most frequent dua of the Prophet (SAW) himself. Anas (RA) said: “The most frequent supplication of the Prophet (SAW) was: Allahumma rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhab an-nar.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6389). If this dua was enough for the best of creation, it is certainly enough for us.

As on the day your mother bore you. Clean. Pure. This is the promise of your Prophet (SAW) for a Hajj performed for the sake of Allah, without obscenity or transgression - and its acceptance rests with Allah alone. Scholars explain that debts and other people’s rights must still be returned, and that major sins call for sincere tawbah. This is the mercy of your Lord. You came to Hajj carrying the burden of your sins. You leave carrying the hope that He has lifted it.