Madinah City Guide (Saudia Arabia)

Medina is a beautiful city in Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz area and is regarded as the 2nd largest city in housing Muslims. For ages, Medina has been one of the most significant places in Islamic civilization, welcoming Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions. The vast civilization’s strength and complexity are demonstrated by the exquisite buildings that have survived until now. Each year, the city attracts millions of visitors who come to perform the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Medina:

Back in 622, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina which enabled Islam to be expanded globally, hence named the “City of the Prophet”. Following are some of the historical sights in Madinah:

• Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW)

Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW) is known as the Mosque of the Prophet (PBUH). It is one of the biggest mosques where Muslims from across the globe come to perform pilgrimage. This is the location of the tombs of Hazrat Abu-Bakr, Hazrat Omer, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). According to the hadiths, praying at Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW) is more significant than praying in any other mosque worldwide.

• Masjid-e-Quba

Masjid-e-Quba is the 2nd most valued mosque in Medina city. It is known as an excellent site for worship. It was the 1st mosque constructed with the involvement of the Islamic community where the people of Medina welcomed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as he migrated from Mecca. Moreover, It is as sacred to pray here as it is to perform Umrah.

• Jannat-Ul-Baki

Jannat-ul-Baki is situated closer to Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW) and is well-known as the Islamic State’s 1st cemetery. It is one of the sacred sites that tourists visit when they are in Medina and was restored by the Prophet (PBUH) himself.

• The Madinah Museum

One of the must-see Madinah attractions is the Madinah Museum, welcoming history buffs to witness the stunning displays and significant works of Islamic geography. All historical data that dates back to the Prophet’s era is available at the museum. This museum also features artworks, paintings, and models, from the Umayyad, Abbasid, Ottoman, and Saudi Arabian periods.

• Site of Battle- Mount Uhud

Masjid al-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque, is located about 5 kilometers north of Mount Uhud in Madinah. The Battle of Uhud, fought in 625 CE, is a pivotal event in Islamic history. While the battle ended without a clear winner, the Muslims suffered significant losses, with 70 martyrs, including the Prophet's beloved uncle, Hazrat Hamza (RA), whose martyrdom became one of the most notable and tragic outcomes of the battle.

Today, Mount Uhud is one of the top destinations for those visiting Madinah for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. Pilgrims often visit the site to honor the martyrs of the battle and reflect on the profound lessons it holds in Islamic history.

• Mada’s Saleh

The first Saudi Arabian site to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List is Madain Saleh, a pre-Islamic archaeological site. Known for its fascinating mausoleums, Madain Saleh is believed to be the location of the "Camel Incident" mentioned in the story of Prophet Saleh (PBUH). The site was once part of the Nabatean Kingdom and features ancient structures, including 131 magnificent tombs, all adorned with intricate carvings. These tombs and other architectural remnants provide valuable insights into the Nabatean civilization, making Madain Saleh a significant historical and cultural landmark.

• Razva-I Mutahhara (The Garden of Eden)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Friday sermons in the great Ravza-I Mutahhara, which is a must-visit spot, housed in the Prophet’s Mosque. This place has a green carpeted floor 15 meters in width and 22 meters in length, known as the Garden of Eden.

• Hejaz Railway Museum

The Hejaz Railway Museum, which opened in 2006, is divided into four main sections. It showcases a rich collection of railway accessories, engines, wagons, and other components that were once part of the historic Hejaz Railway. As the most significant railway museum in Saudi Arabia, it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region’s railway history. A visit to the museum is a must for anyone traveling to Medina, providing an insightful and unique experience.

Medina is home to some of the greatest retail centers and shopping malls, popular among both residents and visitors. The city offers a perfect blend of entertainment, shopping, and dining, with a wide range of high-end and affordable brands. Notable malls such as Al Rashid Mega Mall, Al Hassan Mall, and Al Noor Mall are fantastic spots to relax and shop. In Medina, you can find a variety of souvenirs, including prayer mats, essences, Tasbihs, Zamzam water, prayer books, the Quran, watches, miswak, beaded purses, silver rings, pearl jewelry, and electronic items, making it an excellent destination for unique gifts and keepsakes.

Medina invites foodies to indulge in Arabic cuisine featuring tender camel meat, chicken, and rice. Mandi is a tempting Arabic dish that is a combo of chicken, rice, lamb, and noodles, whereas Kabsa is made with grapes, onions, and added spices. Furthermore, the dish known as Hurma Farci has a distinct flavor that combines cheese and sweetness. The city is full of tea houses, and there is a tradition of concluding the meal with green tea or Kahwa. Additionally, Pork and alcohol are completely forbidden under sharia law.

Some great Arabic dishes may include Ferek, Jereesh, Mandi, Kabsa, Margoog, Gursan, and Hanini. Famous eateries may include the Ocean Restaurant, Arabesque Restaurant, Route 66, Al Habibi Shinwari, and Al Baik Restaurant.

To sum up, the City of the Prophet (PBUH) is an amazing place to visit, which harmoniously combines culture, history, and spirituality. Admired as a pillar of Islamic history, it provides tourists with a great historical voyage through its ancient mosques, historic battlegrounds, and fascinating museums. Medina welcomes the guests to discover its deep significance, from the tranquility of Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW) to the historical gems of the Hejaz Railway Museum. Other than its spiritual appeal, the city captivates visitors with its tempting Arabic food, lively malls, and spiritual nightlife scenes. Therefore, a trip to Medina is life-changing in terms of inspiring tourists to make them feel a stronger connection to the city’s history.

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