Madinah — The City of the Prophet (ﷺ) and What to Visit
Most Hajj and Umrah packages include time in both Makkah and Madinah. Many pilgrims find that while Makkah fills them with awe and reverence, Madinah fills them with peace
6/13/20261 min read
Most Hajj and Umrah packages include time in both Makkah and Madinah. Many pilgrims find that while Makkah fills them with awe and reverence, Madinah fills them with peace.
There is a different quality to the air in Madinah. People speak more softly. The pace slows. Even the light feels different in the early morning.
Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque is the second holiest mosque in Islam. Originally built by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself with his own hands after the Hijra, it has been expanded many times over the centuries and can now hold over a million worshippers.
The green dome marks the location of the Prophet's ﷺ burial chamber. Pilgrims visit to offer Salawat and send salutations upon him. There's a proper etiquette to this visit — speak softly, don't push, maintain your composure, and spend time in the Rawdah (the area between the Prophet's ﷺ grave and his pulpit), which is described in a hadith as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise."
Getting into the Rawdah requires patience, especially for women who have designated visiting times. Go at off-peak hours if possible.
Masjid Quba
The first mosque ever built in Islam, constructed by the Prophet ﷺ upon arriving in Madinah after the Hijra. Praying two rak'ahs here is equivalent in reward to performing Umrah, according to a hadith.
It's a short distance from Masjid an-Nabawi and most group tours include a visit. Even a brief prayer here carries tremendous historical and spiritual weight.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn
The mosque where the qibla direction was changed mid-prayer — from Jerusalem to Makkah — during the time of the Prophet ﷺ. A significant historical site worth visiting.
Uhud Mountain
The site of the Battle of Uhud, where 70 companions of the Prophet ﷺ were martyred, including his uncle Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA). The graveyard of the martyrs is here, and visiting it is a moving and humbling experience.
The Prophet ﷺ regularly visited this graveyard to pray for the martyrs. Following in that practice feels deeply meaningful.
Dates of Madinah
Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah is famous for its dates — particularly Ajwa dates, which the Prophet ﷺ specifically mentioned. They are sold everywhere near the mosque. Buy them for yourself and as gifts; they keep well and are genuinely special.