Introduction

Madinah is the second-holiest city in the world and is highly regarded in Islam. It is located 400 km north of Mecca, west of Saudi Arabia. People from around the world visit it every year during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. So naturally, they wanted to explore all the important places in Madinah during their trip.

The city is adorned with beautiful sights and has various historical sites that pilgrims can visit during their pilgrimage or vacation. Before the rise of Islam, the city was originally called Yathrib. It was renamed Madinat al-Nabi (City of the Prophet or City of the Prophet) after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W). Later, that became al-Madinah al-Munawwarah (the enlightened one). It is the fourth most populous city and the capital of the Madinah province in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to places of umrah packages 2023 the city has a lot to offer pilgrims and other tourists. Let’s look at some of the important and popular places to visit in Madinah.

Madinah Climate:

Although Madinah enjoys a dry and hot climate year-round, it is best to avoid visiting the city in the summer when temperatures exceed 45°C. Conversely, it is pleasant in winter when the temperature fluctuates between 17°C and 28°C.

 Urban transport in Madinah:

There are car rentals and taxis for transportation. However, you want to experience the local culture and save money. In that case, a bus is a good option for getting around.

Religious places to visit in Madinah

  • Al-Masjid An-Nabawi:

The Prophet’s Mosque, or Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, is the second site built by the Prophet in the first year of Hijra when he migrated from Mecca to Madinah. The mosque has the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W), which can be recognized by the bright green dome in the southeast corner of the mosque. It is the second most visited Islamic site after Masjid-e-Haram in Mecca. Most people visit the mosque during their Umrah and Hajj journeys and pray. It is normally open regardless of the date and time. Abu Hurairah (one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W) reports that the Prophet Muhammad  (S.A.W.W) said:

The prayer in my Masjid (Masjid An-Nabawi) is better than one thousand (1000) prayers in any other masjid with the exception of Masjid Al-Haram, and a prayer in Masjid Al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand (100,000) prayers.”

  • Quba Mosque:

Located 6 km from Madinah, Quba Mosque was built in Quba village. It is believed to be the 1st mosque in the world to have existed since the time of the Prophet in the 7th century AD. The Prophet Muhammad  (S.A.W.W) visited this mosque when he migrated from Mecca to Madinah. He spent 14 days in the mosque waiting for Ali (his son-in-law) to arrive in Madina. It is the second largest mosque in Madinah after the Prophet’s Mosque. Large gatherings in the mosque can be observed in the morning as many tourists and devotees visit the mosque throughout the year.

  • Al-Qiblatain Mosque:

The Two Qiblas Mosque, or Masjid al-Qiblatayn, is where the Holy Prophet received instructions to change the direction of prayer (Qiblah) from Jerusalem to Mecca. Sawad-bin-Ghanam-bin-Kaab built this mosque in AD 623. It is one of the few mosques with two mihrabs (niche indicating qibla).

Historical Places in Madinah

  • Jannat-al-Baqi

The Garden of Heaven, or Jannat-al-Baqi, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Madinah. It is the resting place of various companions, scholars, and the Prophet’s family, including Hazrat Imam Hasan ibn Ali (his grandson) and Hazrat Fatima al-Zehra (his daughter). It is believed that the Prophet PBUH himself chose this place as his cemetery. Al-Baqi (an Ansari partner) was the first person to be buried here. He died shortly after the Prophet migrated to Madinah.

The cemetery is opened after the prayers of Fajr and Asar. The best way to get there is through Gate #1 at Masjid An-Nabawi.

  • Mount Uhud:

Mount Uhud, located about 4 kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque, is an important Islamic landmark because the Battle of Uhud was fought here in 625 AD. There is a cemetery near where the battle martyrs are buried. In the cemetery are the Prophet Muhammad’s uncles, Ḥamza ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib and his 70 martyrs.

  • The Desert of Saleh

This desert is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Madinah. There are huge tombs with several paintings and inscriptions on the walls. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the best-preserved remains of the lost kingdom of the Nabataeans, so this is a must-see attraction in the city. Located south of Al Nahud, it is an incredible sight throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is recommended that you leave your hotel early to reach the site in time and fully explore it.

  • Wadi E Jinn – Al-Baydah:

Located just 41 km from the city, this valley is magical. It has a magical effect on cars, allowing them to move without effort from the driver. Locals believe the place has the power of jinn, and some claim to hear sounds that belong to Jinn. But geologists talk about the phenomenon of reverse gravity.

  • Yanbu Beach:

Located in the port city of Yanbu Al Bahr, 120 miles from the Madinah, this enchanting beach is famous for its scenic views, delightful water feature and blue scenery. Travelers can enjoy jet skiing, scuba diving, sailing and admire the ruins of traditionally built fishermen’s houses. It is a major port and an ideal retreat from busy city life.

  • Al Madina Museum:

This is the first museum built in the city of Madinah. Besides showing Islamic history, it houses various archaeological collections, rare city images, and visual galleries. The museum houses at least 2000 artifacts representing the vibrant Islamic heritage. Located on King Abdul Road, Madinah Knowledge Economic City. The oldest museum in the city showcases the rich Islamic heritage and details of the life of the Prophet Muhammad  (S.A.W.W).

The Madina Museum is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. It is open from Saturday to Thursday and is closed on Friday. Admission is SR25 ($6.70).

  • Al Noor Shopping Center:

The mall receives approximately 150,000 visitors each week. As a result, you can find everything from Armani suits to traditional Arabic dresses. In addition, the mall is home to restaurants, international retailers, and the Sparks Family Entertainment Area.

The mall is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm. Open from 1 pm on Fridays.

30:00-23:00.

All these beautiful places are full of tourists during the month of Ramadan. If you are planning a trip to Madinah for next Ramadan, here’s a glimpse of what to expect during Ramadan