Madinah Travel Diary in Saudi Arabia

Muslims from throughout the world have a special place in their hearts for Madinah, the luminous city. After Makkah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is the second-holiest place in Islam. For generations, Madinah has been a symbol of spiritual significance. Rich cultural legacy, and tranquil beauty. This city provides tourists, pilgrims, and history buffs with a special fusion of charm and solemnity.

During Hajj times. It was humid, with temperatures reaching 47 degrees at one point. However, trying to stay under the covers as much as possible was the only way to move around. Furthermore, having these amazing architectural umbrellas throughout the Masjid was ideal for people walking from one end to the other. As you're safe from the beaming sunlight.

Peace & Tranquility

Madinah is often described as a city of peace and tranquility. Unlike the bustling energy of Makkah. Madinah offers a more serene environment. Pilgrims who visit the city for religious purposes. Often find themselves drawn to its calming ambiance.

Having walked through the courtyards of Masjid an-Nabawi. One can feel an overwhelming sense of peace. The soft call to prayer. The gentle breeze, and the sight of thousands of believers united in worship. Creating such an atmosphere of spiritual purity.

Aside from Masjid an-Nabawi. The city is home to numerous important religious buildings. This includes the Quba Mosque, the first ever mosque built. Also, Mount Uhud, the site of the legendary Battle of Uhud. Each site serves as a reminder of the city's important significance in the early history of Islam.

Things to see in Madinah

During our two and a half-day stay in Madinah. We were able to accomplish a lot. During that time, we witnessed all the following:

• Masjid Quba - This was the first built mosque by the Prophet Muhammad. If you pray 2 rakat's here it is acquainted as a full Umrah.
• Dates Farm - This is where Dates grew from the trees.
• The Ghars Well - It is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once drank from. As well asked to be bathed in its water after his death.
• Quba City Market - This place is huge, opens after Asr Salah. Hundreds of shops are opened throughout the evening/night for those who wish to buy clothes/perfumes/gifts etc
• Mount Uhud  - This was the site of the second battle between the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the polytheists of his tribe of Quraysh
• Global Village Street Food - Have a taste of the world in Madinah with various food from countries like India, Malaysia, Italian and much more. I tried the Viral 'Ajwa Ice cream' which was pretty amazing!
• Visit the The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography - Experience the life of the Prophet PBUH in visual reality. This was really interesting, and in dept tour of our prophet's lively hood.

Top Tips for Madinah

For those planning a visit to Madinah, soon for Umrah or even Hajj, here are a few tips to remember before you visit:

1. 1. Timing Your Visit: Madinah may be visited all year, but the temperature can be hot during the summer. Winter and spring are ideal times for strolling and touring because the weather is more bearable.
   2. Dress Respectfully: Visitors to Madinah should dress modestly. As the city is deeply spiritual. Women should wear abayas with their heads covered. Men should dress modestly.
   3. Explore Beyond the Religious Sites: While religious landmarks are essential to every trip to Madinah. Make time to visit the city's markets, museums, and natural beauty in the surrounding area.
   4. Book Rawdah: As times have changed since Covid. You now have to book your slots in order to perform 2 nafl prayers. This usually opens on a Friday midday and can be booked week in advance.
   5. Shopping: There will be many shops to browse, especially for dates. However, be sure you have selected good quality dates because you can be duped into purchasing cheap dates. These are generally not as good as the initial taste.
   6. Masjid Quba: Make a effort to visit this first ever built Masjid. Also, don't forget performing two rakats in this Masjid has the reward of performing a full Umrah.
      

Visiting Madinah is an unforgettable spiritual experience. However, it serves as a reminder of the everlasting principles of peace, unity, and devotion. Which are valued not only by Muslims but by those who have the opportunity to traverse its sacred streets.

If you enjoyed this posts, they will be more to come from my visit to Makkah & Madinah. In the meantime have a look at my other posts:

https://adilmusa.com/things-to-see-in-antalya/