Medina is the second holiest city in Islam and the city closest to every Muslim heart after Mecca. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated here from Mecca and established the first Islamic state in history. While visiting Medina is not an obligation, it is a profoundly spiritual experience that no pilgrim performing Hajj or Umrah would willingly forgo.
The Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi)
The Prophet's Mosque is the second greatest mosque in Islam, built by the Prophet ﷺ himself in the first year of the Hijri calendar. It houses his noble tomb and the graves of his companions Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them). Today it accommodates over one million worshippers simultaneously following massive expansions over the decades.
Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah
Between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit lies a garden from the gardens of Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise." Prayer in this blessed spot carries immeasurable reward — arrive early, especially for Fajr prayer.
Etiquette for Visiting the Mosque
Enter with your right foot, saying: "O Allah, send peace upon Muhammad. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy."
Be respectful near the noble tomb and increase your prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Avoid raising your voice or discussing worldly matters near the Prophet's chamber.
Men enter through northern gates; women use dedicated entrances.
Masjid Quba
The first mosque ever built in Islamic history, founded by the Prophet ﷺ himself upon his migration from Mecca. Praying two rak'ahs here equals the reward of a complete Umrah according to the hadith. It lies approximately 5 kilometers from the Prophet's Mosque and is accessible by Haramain buses.
Mount Uhud
This blessed mountain witnessed the famous Battle of Uhud in the third year of Hijri. It is home to the Martyrs' Cemetery where Hamza ibn Abd Al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle and master of the martyrs, rests alongside seventy other companions. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it."
Masjid Al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the Two Qiblas)
The mosque where the Muslim prayer direction changed from Al-Aqsa Mosque to the Kaaba during prayer, by divine command. It features two prayer niches commemorating this historic moment.
Al-Baqi' Cemetery
Medina's famous cemetery and one of the holiest burial grounds on earth. Thousands of the Prophet's companions, his wives (the Mothers of the Believers), and members of his household are buried here. It opens at specific times after Fajr and Asr prayers.
Masjid Al-Ghamama
The mosque where the Prophet ﷺ performed Eid prayers, located in the center of Medina near the Prophet's Mosque courtyard.
Practical Tips
Best time: Visit Medina immediately before or after Umrah; three days suffice to cover the main landmarks.
Accommodation: Hotels near the Prophet's Mosque vary widely — Mövenpick, Anantara, and Oberoi are top choices.
Transport: Haramain buses are free between major sites; taxis are available at reasonable prices.
Food: Do not miss authentic Saudi dates, especially Medina's famous "Anbara" dates, and traditional Arabic coffee.
