Madinah is an exciting religious destination filled with rich historical sites that will deepen your understanding of Islam. These include mosques, hills, museums and shopping spots.
Established by Prophet (Peace be upon him), this mosque should be on everyone’s itinerary as a must-visit destination for Muslims worldwide. Considered the second most sacred location after Masjid-ul-Haram.
1. Masjid Quba
Quba village mosque, constructed during Prophet Mohammed’s Hijrah journey. This impressive monument boasts parallel minarets, massive domes, marble-adorned courtyards and prayer halls; making it one of the two largest mosques in Madinah.
According to legend, Prophet Mohammed planted three hundred date palms at this spot to free an individual named Salman Farsi (RA) from slavery. Today this garden remains with these date palms as an attractive tourist attraction.
Jannat-al-Baqi or the Garden of Heaven is one of Madinah’s first cemeteries and is home to both family members and many companions of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), including Hazrat Fatima-al-Zehra. Pay a visit to this historic spot – easily accessible from Al Masjid-al-Nabawi through Gate Number One! Visiting it should be on every visitor’s itinerary to Madinah.
2. The Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque serves as home for various sacred items that belonged to Muhammad and his companions, congregational prayers are held here frequently and it acts as a centre for learning, government seat, welfare/charity center and even detention and rehabilitation facilities.
The exhibit in the mosque provides a detailed account of Prophet Mohammed’s entire life, from daily activities to his most significant moments and beyond. Furthermore, it sheds light on why certain actions taken by him were performed during his lifetime.
Visit Madinah’s Battle of Uhud site is an integral part of any visit, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its most beautiful spots within Saudi Arabia – with numerous graves and tombs that mesmerize visitors.
3. Urwah Bin Zubayr’s Palace
Urwah Bin Zubayr’s Palace in Madinah is one of the city’s most visited historical spots, situated on its western side near Al-Aqeeq Valley and boasting some of its oldest structures and its rich heritage.
According to historians, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave Bilal some land from which to build his palace on. This was so that Bilal could use the property effectively and make the most out of it; however during Ameerul Mu’mineen Umar ibn al-Khattab’s Khilafah some property was cut off and sold elsewhere.
This palace is currently being restored. Restoration work includes soil treatment, excavations, stone and mud walls, wooden ceilings, mud floors, plastering and insulation. Restoration should be complete by 2019 so visitors can witness its layout and design while witnessing some aspect of Prophet (peace be upon him) life and legacy. It is hoped that this palace can serve as an important reminder of his life and legacy.
4. Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi
This area was home to Prophet Muhammad’s tomb and contained a well that provided drinking water. Furthermore, its existence provided income to the city as the Prophet ordered that anyone who used its resources should pay an appropriate sum as part of his order to pay off its maintenance.
The mosque serves as the final resting place of several of Prophet Mohammed’s family and friends, in an area known as Jannat ul Baqi which is one of its most revered sections.
At the time of Hijrah, two major tribes in Madinah, Banu Aws and Banu Khazraj, had been at war for over 120 years before they accepted Islam upon hearing of Prophet Muhammad’s arrival. Through an extraordinary show of brotherhood between Ansar and Muhajirun they laid the foundation of Madinah’s Islamic State.
