Madinah — City of the Prophet

Madinah (Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah — The Radiant City) is the second holiest city in Islam. It is where the Prophet ﷺ migrated to, built the first mosque, and was buried. Visiting Madinah is a recommended Sunnah, not a required rite of Umrah — but every pilgrim's heart yearns for it.

Sacred Sites

• ◆Masjid an-NabawiMasjid an-Nabawi — the Prophet's Mosque — was built by the Prophet ﷺ himself upon his arrival in Madinah. It is the second most sacred mosque in Islam. Prayer here carries a reward of 1,000 times over prayer elsewhere. The mosque houses the blessed grave of the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr (RA), and Umar (RA). Today it can accommodate over 1 million worshippers.
• ◆The RawdahThe area between the Prophet's ﷺ grave and his minbar (pulpit) is called the Rawdah (Garden). The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Between my house and my pulpit is a garden (rawdah) from the gardens of Paradise.' (Sahih Bukhari). Visiting the Rawdah and sending salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ is among the greatest blessings a pilgrim can receive.
• ◆Mount UhudJabal Uhud is the site of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), where the Muslims faced the Quraysh. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it.' (Sahih Bukhari). Many companions are buried here, including Hamza (RA), the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ. Pilgrims visit the battlefield and the graves of the martyrs.
• ◆Masjid QubaMasjid Quba is the first mosque ever built in Islam, established by the Prophet ﷺ upon his arrival from Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever purifies himself in his house and then goes to Masjid Quba and prays there, he will have the reward of Umrah.' (Sunan Ibn Majah). It is located about 5 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi.
• ◆Al-Baqi CemeteryAl-Baqi is the main cemetery of Madinah, located adjacent to Masjid an-Nabawi. Over 10,000 companions of the Prophet ﷺ are buried here, as well as members of his family including his wife Khadijah (RA) and his daughter Fatimah (RA). The Prophet ﷺ used to visit Al-Baqi and make dua for those buried there.
• ◆Dates of MadinahAjwa dates, grown exclusively in Madinah, hold special significance in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day.' (Sahih Bukhari). Bringing dates back as gifts for family is a beloved tradition for pilgrims.

Etiquette in Madinah

• ◆Lower your voice near the Prophet's grave — this is the adab (etiquette) of the place.
• ◆Send abundant salawat (peace and blessings) upon the Prophet ﷺ: اللهم صل على محمد.
• ◆Do not face the grave when making dua — face the Qibla instead.
• ◆Visit Masjid Quba and pray two rak'ahs for the reward of Umrah.
• ◆Maintain wudu as much as possible while in Madinah.