Besides the Obvious

Welcome to the enchanting city of Medina, a jewel nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Steeped in rich history, cultural heritage, and religious significance, Medina is a destination that beckons travelers from around the world. As you embark on your journey through this sacred city, prepare to admire its spiritual aura and architectural wonders. From the tranquility of the Prophet’s Mosque to the bustling markets of the Old City. This bucket list is a curated guide to help you discover the most remarkable and meaningful experiences that Medina has to offer. Whether you seek moments of reflection, exploration of historical sites, or immersion in the local culture. Medina promises a pilgrimage of both the soul and the senses. Let this bucket list be your compass as you navigate through the sacred landscapes of this extraordinary destination.

History of Medina

Medina gained historical prominence with the arrival of Prophet Muhammad and his followers in 622 CE during the Hijra. Marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The migration transformed Yathrib into Medina, “The City of the Prophet,” and laid the foundation for the first Islamic state. Prophet Muhammad’s leadership in mediating conflicts, establishing the Constitution of Medina, and constructing the Prophet’s Mosque played pivotal roles in the city’s early development. The battles fought in and around Medina, including Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, became crucial events that shaped the nascent Muslim community and its interactions with neighboring tribes.

Following Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE. Medina continued to be a center of Islamic governance under the rule of the Caliphs. The city remained an essential hub for the expansion of the Islamic Caliphate and a place of spiritual significance. Over the centuries, despite facing various challenges and invasions, Medina retained its status as a symbol of Islamic heritage. Today, it stands as a destination for millions of pilgrims undertaking the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Drawing visitors to the sacred sites associated with the Prophet’s life and legacy, including the revered Prophet’s Mosque.

The history of Medina reflects a profound legacy of religious, political, and cultural significance within the Islamic world. From its humble beginnings as Yathrib to becoming the epicenter of early Islam. The city has played a crucial role in shaping the course of history.

Places to visit in Medina

Medina, as a city rich in Islamic history and culture. It offers a range of significant and spiritually uplifting places to visit. Here are some of the notable sites. When visiting Medina, these sites offer not only a glimpse into the city’s rich history. But also a spiritual and contemplative experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.

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

The Prophet’s Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam and the second-largest mosque in the world. It houses the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is a place of immense spiritual significance. The mosque’s architecture, courtyards, and the Rawdah (Garden of Paradise) are essential areas to explore. Enveloped in an aura of sanctity and tranquility. This mosque stands as a symbol of profound significance in Islam, second only to the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Its sacred precincts enclose not only the majestic structure that millions of Muslims visit annually. But also the final resting place of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As you step into the hallowed halls and expansive courtyards, you embark on a journey through history, spirituality, and architectural magnificence that continues to captivate the hearts of believers from around the world. The Prophet’s Mosque is not merely a place of worship. It is a living testament to the legacy of Islam and the enduring love and reverence for the Prophet who walked these grounds over 1,400 years ago.

Quba Mosque

Located on the outskirts of Medina, the Quba Mosque is the first mosque that Prophet Muhammad built. It holds historical importance, and visiting it carries great rewards in Islamic tradition. Known as the first mosque ever built by Prophet Muhammad, the Quba Mosque holds a unique place in Islamic history. As you approach its white domes and minarets, you’ll find yourself stepping onto sacred ground. The mosque’s construction started during the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina. Visiting the Quba Mosque is a blessed and spiritually rewarding endeavor in Islamic tradition.

The Quba Mosque passage takes you on a spiritual journey, connecting the faithful with the early days of Islam. Located on the outskirts of Medina, this passage symbolizes the beginning of a new era for the Prophet and his followers. Tradition holds that the Prophet would visit Quba Mosque regularly on Saturdays, emphasizing the importance of this sacred space. As you traverse the passage leading to the mosque, you’re retracing the steps of Prophet Muhammad himself. Immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings and absorbing the historical echoes that resonate through the ages. The Quba Mosque and its passage invite pilgrims and visitors to reflect on the foundations of Islam and the significance of this sacred site in the chronicles of the Prophet’s life.

Qiblatain Mosque

This mosque is famous for an incident during which the direction of prayer (qibla) changed from Jerusalem to Mecca. It is an important historical site, and the mosque contains the chamber where Prophet Muhammad received the revelation about the change of qibla. The mosque, whose name translates to the “Mosque of the Two Qiblas,” holds a unique place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It marks the location where the direction of the Islamic prayer (qibla) changed by a divine revelation during the time of Prophet Muhammad.

As you enter the Qiblatain Mosque, you’ll notice the distinctive architectural feature of two mihrabs (prayer niches) within the prayer hall, facing different directions. This dual design commemorates the event when, in the midst of prayer, the Prophet received a revelation instructing the change of the qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca.

The Qiblatain Mosque, surrounded by a serene and reflective atmosphere, invites visitors to contemplate the historical and spiritual dimensions of this transformative event. Pilgrims and tourists alike can explore the mosque, learn about the context of the qibla change, and appreciate the architectural details that encapsulate this crucial episode in the early days of Islam. The mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a living testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of Islamic teachings under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad.

The Seven Mosques

According to historians, the original count of mosques was six, with the addition of Masjid al-Qiblatayn Mosque, located one kilometer away. This inclusion was made because those visiting the initial six mosques also commonly visit Masjid al-Qiblatayn. The significance of these seven mosques is tied to Ghazwat al-Khandaq (the Battle of the Trench), also known as Ghazwat al-Ahzab (Battle of the Confederates).

Situated on the western side of the Sala’ Mountain, near a section of the trench constructed by Muslims during the Prophet’s era to safeguard Medina, these mosques played a crucial role when the armies of Quraysh and allied tribes advanced towards the city. The Muslims defending Medina were stationed in these mosques, each named after the individual stationed there, except for Al-Fath Mosque. Going from north to south, the mosques are Al-Fath Mosque, Salman Al-Farsi Mosque, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque, Umar bin Khattab Mosque, Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, and Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque.

Uhud Mountain

The Battle of Uhud took place near this mountain, and visiting the site allows one to reflect on the historical events and sacrifices of the early Muslim community. The Uhud Martyrs Cemetery is also located nearby. The Battle of Uhud, fought in 625 CE, was a sequel to the Battle of Badr and holds a unique place in Islamic military history. The mountain served as a strategic location during the battle, and its slopes became the backdrop for the engagement between the Muslim forces led by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. The outcome of the battle had a lasting impact on the Muslim community, as it tested their resilience and commitment to faith.

As you explore Uhud Mountain, you’ll encounter the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery, where many companions of Prophet Muhammad who lost their lives in the battle are buried. The site is a place of reflection, pilgrimage, and remembrance, providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with the sacrifices made by early Muslims for the sake of their faith.

Baqi’ Cemetery (Jannat al-Baqi’)

Jannat al-Baqi’ is one of the oldest cemeteries in Islam. Where many companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are buried. It’s a place of reflection and remembrance, and visitors often pay their respects to the revered figures of early Islamic history. Jannat al-Baqi’, a revered and ancient cemetery in Medina that holds the sacred resting places of numerous companions of Prophet Muhammad and members of his family. Commonly known as Baqi’ Cemetery. This historical burial ground is located near the Prophet’s Mosque, providing pilgrims and visitors with a serene and contemplative space.

Jannat al-Baqi’ is steeped in Islamic history, and its significance lies in the fact that it serves as the final resting place for several notable figures from the early days of Islam. Companions such as Abu Bakr, Uthman ibn Affan, and Imam Hasan ibn Ali, among others, are buried here. The cemetery dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, and its name, Jannat al-Baqi’, translates to the “Garden of Heaven,” reflecting the esteem in which it is held in Islamic tradition.

Qasr al-‘Abdullah (The Castle of Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib)

This historical site is believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Although the actual structure no longer exists, the location holds historical and cultural significance. Qasr al-‘Abdullah, identified as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), stands as a humble yet revered site within the historical landscape of Medina. The term “Qasr” implies a castle or palace, but this designation likely reflects the modest dwelling where the Prophet was born in 570 CE.

Though the exact architectural details have not been preserved, the significance of Qasr al-‘Abdullah lies in its role as the starting point of the life of the last Prophet of Islam. Pilgrims and visitors to Medina, drawn by a profound sense of reverence, seek to connect with the early years of Prophet Muhammad at this site, understanding that the simplicity of the structure reflects the unassuming beginnings of a man whose life would profoundly impact the course of history.

While Qasr al-‘Abdullah may lack the grandeur associated with some religious sites, its cultural and historical importance within Islamic heritage cannot be overstated. It serves as a symbol of the historical narrative of Islam, embodying the notion that even the most humble beginnings can lead to profound legacies. Pilgrims and enthusiasts of Islamic history come to Qasr al-‘Abdullah to reflect on the profound significance of the site and to pay homage to the life that began within its unassuming walls, underscoring the enduring impact of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on the global Muslim community.

Abu Bakr al-Siddique Mosque

The Abu-Bakr al-Siddique Mosque (مسجد ابو بكر) is a small mosque in Medina. It is situated some 450 meters to the south-west of the Masjid Nabawi’s Bab as-Salam. And some 40 meters north-west of the Masjid al-Ghamamah. According to a tradition prophet Muhammad prayed the Eid prayer at this site. Since the first caliph Abu Bakr continued this tradition during his era, the small mosque was attributed to him.

Although it is not certain, it was most likely built during the reign of Umar ibn Abdulaziz to mark the location of the tradition. It is a small square mosque with one minaret and a large dome that covers nearly the entire roof. The entrance to the mosque is from the east. The current structure most likely dates back to the Ottoman era, with modern renocations during the Saudi era.

Where to stay in Medina

Medina, being a city of great religious significance and a major pilgrimage destination for Muslims. Offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs of visitors. Here are some areas and types of accommodations to consider when planning your stay in Medina:

• Hotels Near the Prophet’s Mosque: Staying in hotels located close to the Prophet’s Mosque is a popular choice for pilgrims. Who want easy access to the mosque and its surroundings. There are various hotels, ranging from luxury to more budget-friendly options. With views of the mosque or just a short walk away.
• Central Medina (City Center): The city center of Medina is well-connected, and there are numerous hotels and accommodations available. This area provides easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and local attractions.
• North and South of the Prophet’s Mosque: The area around the Prophet’s Mosque extends to the north and south. Offering a range of accommodation options. Hotels in these areas may provide convenient access to the mosque while also offering proximity to other amenities.
• Ajyad Area: Ajyad is a district located uphill from the Prophet’s Mosque. It offers a mix of hotels with varying levels of luxury. The elevated position provides some accommodations with panoramic views of the mosque and the city.

How to get to Medina

Getting to Medina, especially for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or Umrah, involves various transportation options. Here are some common ways to reach Medina. Before planning a trip to Medina, it’s crucial to check visa requirements, travel restrictions, and other regulations set by the Saudi Arabian government. Additionally, during peak pilgrimage seasons, it’s advisable to plan and book transportation well in advance due to increased demand.

By Air

• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED): The primary airport serving Medina is Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Medina. Many international flights connect to this airport, making it a common point of entry for visitors. Airlines from around the world operate flights to and from Medina.
• Flights from Major Cities: International visitors can book flights directly to Medina or fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and then take a domestic flight to Medina. Direct flights to Medina are available from major cities in the Middle East, Asia, and other parts of the world.

By Land

Visitors can also reach Medina by land, either by private car, bus, or taxi. The Saudi Arabian road network is great, connecting major cities and facilitating travel between them.

• Inter-City Buses: Saudi Arabia has an extensive inter-city bus system, and buses connect major cities, including Medina. The bus terminals in cities have facilities for travelers, and we can purchase tickets at the terminals or online.
• Private Transportation: Private transportation options include hiring a taxi or using ride-sharing services. Taxis are readily available at airports and city centers. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and local services like Careem are also available in some cities.
• Pilgrimage Packages: Many travel agencies offer pilgrimage packages that include transportation, accommodation, and other services for Hajj and Umrah. These packages often include flights to and from Medina, ground transportation, and assistance with various aspects of the pilgrimage.
• Rail Travel: The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects the cities of Mecca and Medina with stops in Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. Pilgrims and travelers can use this high-speed train for a quick and comfortable journey between the two holiest cities in Islam.

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