Top Sacred Places to Visit in Madina

Madina, or Madinah al-Monawara, the Illuminated City, is known as "Taybah" and is the second-holiest mosque, which every pilgrim of Hajj or Umrah visits as an honor.

Though millions of pilgrims from every corner of the world visit the holy land, Madina City has been recognized as a “Healthy City” by WHO. It has got this recognition for the second time. It proves that Madina city has become healthier and more livable for all.

The pilgrims of Hajj or Umrah visit this holy place to give their presence at “Rawda” of (S.A.W.). "Yathrib" is the old name of Madina. (Ref: Mishkat al-Masabih 2737;Book 10, Hadith 226).

In this blog, I will help you to get to know more about the most revered places to visit in Madina, important historical sites, and must-do activities in Madina city.

Famous Islamic Landmarks in Madina You Must See

To know more about Islamic history and heritage, you would like to visit the famous Islamic sites of the city of Madina. Let’s see some of the most renowned Islamic landmarks to visit:

Masjid Nabawi

Masjid Al-Nabawi is the second largest mosque for Muslims, the first being the Haram of Makkah. The foundation stone was laid by the Prophet (S.A.W.). It is also known as Madina-al-Monnawara. When Muslims land in this holy place, they would like to visit this great mosque first to pay ‘Salawat’ to the Prophet (S.A.W.).

As the resting place of the Prophet (S.A.W.) is in Masjid Nabawi, it is a place of great blessing. And offering prayer in Masjid Nabawi is 1000 times better than any other prayer. (Ref: Sahih al-Bukhari 1190; Book 20-Hadith 3).

Quba Masjid

This is the first masjid of Muslims that was built by the Prophet (S.A.W.). The foundation stone of this Masjid was laid by him. (Ref: Sahih Bukhari 1194; Book 20, Hadith 6).

He used to visit Quba Masjid from Madina to offer salah. It is a highly recommended Sunnah to visit and pray two rak'ahs here.

It is mentioned in Hadith that the Salat in Quba Masjid is like Umrah. (Ref: Sunan Ibn Majah 1412; Book 5, Hadith 610).

Masjid Qiblatain

Qiblatain means "two Qiblas." Before Makkah, the Qibla direction was Jerusalem. In this mosque, during prayer, the order of the shifting Qibla direction was revealed through 'Wahi.' (Ref: Sunan Abi Dawud 1045; Book 2, Hadith 656).

Historical Sites in Madina Every Visitor Should Explore

Some of the historical sites to visit in Madina are

Jannah Al-Baqi

It is the first Islamic cemetery of Muslims in Madina. This oldest burial land has become the resting place of many companions and 'Ahle Bait' of the Prophet (S.A.W.). 

Jabal Uhud

It is located to the north of Madina at a height of 1,077 meters. At Jabal Uhad, the second war occurred between the Muslims and the Arabs of Makkah. In this war, one of the uncles of the Prophet (S.A.W.), Hamzah (RA), and 69 other companions died. And their graves are there in the valley of Jabal Uhad. You can visit this site to pay tribute to their sacrifices.

Battle of the Trench

You can visit the site of the Battle of the Trench, which is located at the foot of Jabal Sal’a mountain. The battle that took place between Muslims and the confederate army of Arabs and Jews is known as Ghazwa al-Ahzab, or the Battle of the Confederates.

To protect Madina from the confederate army of Arabs and Jews, a trench was dug by the Muslims under the guardianship of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and Salman al-Farsi (RA).

In Surah Al-Ahzab (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:9-20) of the Quran, the term "Ahzab" is used to describe the confederacy of enemies of Makkah and Jews. They came together to attack Madina and the Muslims. Muslims got the victory in this battle. It was evidence of both divine assistance and strategic genius.

Spiritual Journey: Religious Places to Visit in Madina

Fundamentally, a pilgrimage to Madinah is a spiritual adventure. Although the entire city of Madina is a sanctuary (Haram), the experience is defined by specific actions.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi prayer: Every prayer is an enhanced spiritual experience, but the five required prayers in congregation are particularly so. According to a hadith, offering the prayer in the Masjid al-Nabawi is 1,000 times better than in any other mosque, except al-Haram of Makkah.

Send Salawat: If you want to send more blessings to the Prophet (S.A.W.), Rawda is the place where you can fulfill your long-cherished desire of sending salawat from near to the Prophet (S.A.W.).

Best Things to Do in Madina After Your Umrah or Hajj 

After completing your Hajj or Umrah rituals, you will find many places to visit in Madina. And there are a lot more things to do in Madina. 

Explore the city's local culture and dates market. Madina is famous for its dates. You must try the Ajwa variety from the Prophet's gardens. You must take a visit to the central market to taste and buy these dates as gifts.

You can take a stroll around the Haram's surrounding area by walking through the pedestrian plazas surrounding the mosque. The food journey is just as important as the spiritual one. You can also taste the traditional dishes of Makkah.

You can purchase some prayer mats, miswak, attar, Islamic books, and other trinkets as souvenirs for your friends and relatives.

Complete Travel Guide to Attractions in Madina

When you plan your trip to Madina, consider visiting during the winter—it will be much more comfortable. Also, Ramadan is a great time to visit, as the rewards of supplication and prayers increase; parallel to this, you get more time for prayers of tarawih, which gives you an immense feeling of satisfaction.

You will be comfortable walking around the central Haram area. For other far places to visit in Madina, you can use taxis, local buses, or booking cabs.

FAQs

Are there any specific etiquette rules for visiting Rawdah?

Yes, you must book a free slot in advance through the Nusuk app or Nusuk sa. And the timings for men and women are different.

What are the facilities that I get in Masjid Nabawi for elderly and disabled persons?

In Masjid an-Nabawi, you will have separate prayer areas. To move around the area of Masjid, you will find elevators, electric carts, and volunteers to assist old and disabled persons.