It is the blessed city of the Prophet, which God honored and favored with His grace, and which He, the Most High, named in several places in His Holy Book “Al-Madinah.” It is “Taybah” or “Tabah” as the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, named it. In it, Islam became known for its strength and power, and it was the first capital in the history of Islam and Muslims, and in it, His message was completed. The Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, said about it: “Indeed, faith will retreat to Al-Madinah as a snake retreats to its hole.”
AL Madinah AL Munawwarah
Tayba Al-Tayyiba, the stronghold of faith
AL Madinah AL Munawwarah
Geography of Medina
Medina is located in the northwestern part of the Kingdom and is distinguished by its diverse geography, including mountains, plains, and oases. It covers an area of approximately 149,207 square kilometers and attracts millions of visitors annually from all corners of the globe due to its profound religious significance. Medina is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), Quba Mosque, and the Qiblatain Mosque. The city is approximately 400 kilometers northeast of Mecca, 150 kilometers from the Red Sea, and 220 kilometers southwest of the port city of Yanbu.
The road to Medina
Medina can be reached by plane via Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport, or by land using cars or buses designated for travel between the Kingdom’s cities, or by taxis. It is about 450 kilometers from Mecca and about 415 kilometers from Jeddah. It can also be reached from Mecca and Jeddah via the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
Population and urban growth
The city of Medina has witnessed significant urban and population development, with its population reaching approximately 2.1 million people. Government projects, local investments, and partnerships with the private sector have contributed to the development of the city’s infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and expanding service sectors such as education and health.
The Prophet’s Mosque
Gates of the Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque features a series of gates for the entry and exit of worshippers. The mosque itself has 100 gates, while the courtyards have 40. These gates reflect Islamic art with their intricate decorations, inscriptions, and unique designs that embody Islamic identity and artistic expression. All gates of the Prophet’s Mosque are numbered, making it easy for visitors to find their way. The gates of the courtyards are numbered above the outer wall of the mosque’s courtyards, and most of these gates bear names associated with holy sites or historical figures.
Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque
The Mosque of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab is located in the southwestern part of the Prophet’s Mosque. Its first building was constructed after the year 850 AH. It represents the first plan for Islamic mosques, and it is named after the Commander of the Faithful, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab.
Qubaa Street
It is a wide pedestrian promenade connecting the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque, facilitating easy access between them. This safe and pedestrian-friendly promenade features a variety of shops and cafes along its length. The promenade is 3.6 kilometers long.
Qubaa Mosque
The first mosque built during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is located 5 kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque. Praying in the Quba Mosque is equivalent to performing Umrah, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever purifies himself in his house, then goes to the Quba Mosque and prays there, will have the reward of performing Umrah.”
Qiblatain Mosque
It is one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Medina. The name of the mosque is due to the Companions changing the direction of the Qibla while performing the prayer. When the Messenger sent them to change the direction of the Qibla from the direction of Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Mecca, they turned around and changed the direction of the Qibla, so the Companions then prayed one prayer in the direction of two different Qiblas.
King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran
The complex was established during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz in 1403 AH (1983 CE), may God have mercy on him. Its efforts have focused on disseminating the Holy Quran in multiple languages, translating its meanings, and preserving it from distortion. The complex houses the world’s largest printing press for the Holy Quran and represents a significant part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve Islam and Muslims.
The Seven Mosques
It is located on the western side of Mount Sela, at part of the site of the trench that the Muslims dug during the time of the Prophet to defend Medina. Some mosques were named after those who were stationed there during the Battle of the Trench.
Martyrs’ Cemetery
The Martyrs of Uhud Cemetery is located at the foot of Mount Uhud, approximately 5 kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque. The cemetery is named after the seventy Companions of the Prophet who were martyred in the Battle of Uhud. It is recommended for visitors to the cemetery to greet the deceased and pray for them.
Abu Bakr Mosque
Abu Bakr Mosque is one of the historical mosques where the Prophet prayed the Eid prayers. It is located in the place where Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, may God be pleased with him, used to pray, and that is why the mosque was named after him.
Al-Ghamama Mosque
Al-Ghamama Mosque is one of the most prominent mosques in Medina, located about 500 meters from the Prophet’s Mosque. Eid prayers were held there until the late ninth century, after which they were moved to the Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque has undergone numerous renovations throughout history, and its architectural style has been continuously preserved to this day.
Mount of the Archers
It is a small mountain located next to Mount Uhud, north of the Prophet’s Mosque. The Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, ordered the archers in the Battle of Uhud to be stationed on top of this mountain to protect the backs of the Muslims, but they disobeyed his order, and for this reason the mountain is called the Mountain of the Archers.
The International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography
A scientific institution that aims to show Islam in its correct form, and to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, and his tolerant Sharia, in a scientific manner, through innovative and creative technological means, and interactive and self-presentation arts.
Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque
The mosque is located on the western side of the Prophet’s Mosque, about 400 meters away from it. It is the first mosque in which the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, prayed the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers in Medina. The mosque was restored and renovated during the Saudi state in 1411 AH.
Al-Ijaba Mosque
It is one of the historical mosques in Medina, linked to events in the Prophet’s biography. The mosque was named after the story that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by this mosque, prayed two rak’ahs, and asked his Lord for three things. His Lord granted him two requests and withheld the third.
Al-Baqi’ Cemetery
The Baqi’ Cemetery is located in the southeastern part of the wall surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. It covers an area of approximately 180,000 square meters and has been the main cemetery for the people of Medina since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was named Baqi’ because of its dense vegetation; the word means a spacious area with abundant trees.
Exhibition of the Architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque
It is a landmark that bears witness to the history and richness of Islamic architecture. The exhibition seeks to review the history of the architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque since its construction, through the expansions it has witnessed throughout history, and to enrich the visitor with information about the Prophet’s Mosque and its features, such as the mihrab, the domes, the umbrellas, and the minarets, and presents it to visitors in several languages, and through innovative technological means.
City House Museum
It is the first museum specializing in displaying the Islamic, cultural and civilizational history of Medina. The museum takes the visitor on a rich tour about the history of the city and the Prophet’s Mosque. There are guides in the museum to clarify and explain the information in different languages.
Hejaz Railway Museum
It is one of the most prominent museums in Medina, showcasing the history of the Hejaz Railway and Medina. It is a prominent tourist attraction for visitors to the city and includes exhibits that reflect the city’s heritage and ancient history.
Mount Uhud
It is a mountain range that stretches from east to west, and is 7 miles long. One of the greatest battles in Islam, the Battle of Uhud, took place near it, in which 70 companions of the Prophet were martyred. The mountain is named for its uniqueness and isolation from the other mountains around it.
Hills Park
Al-Tilal Park is one of the largest parks in Medina, offering visitors the opportunity to stroll around and spend time with their families amidst stunning nature and beautiful water fountains. It is considered one of the best tourist destinations for families.
Bilal Mosque Market
Bilal Mosque Market is one of the most famous markets in the city, due to its diversity, as it contains many products, handicrafts and traditional clothing, in addition to shops selling household supplies.
Wadi Al-Aqiq
One of the most famous valleys in Medina, its history is linked to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. It was named the Blessed Valley because the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said: ‘An angel came to me last night from my Lord and said: Pray in this blessed valley.’ During the reign of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the floor of the Prophet’s Mosque was paved with fine pebbles from its ground.
City orchards
The city was historically known for its abundance of palm trees, farms, and orchards spread throughout its districts. A number of orchards opened their doors to receive visitors and for picnics. Among the most prominent of these orchards are: Birha’ orchard and well, Al-Mustazil orchard, Sawala orchard, and Salman Al-Farsi’s (Al-Faqir’s) farm and well.
Al-Manakhah Market
The market was formerly known as the City Market, then as the Resting Place Market. It is associated with the early economic activity of Muslims, and its name derives from its role as a resting place for pilgrims and their animals. Today, the market has been renovated, shaded, and equipped with misting systems to provide a pleasant atmosphere for its visitors.
Madinah Museum
The project to convert the Hejaz Railway Station into the City Museum was launched in 1983 AD. The museum is located in Medina, in the building of the last station of the Hejaz Railway, near the Al-Anbariya Mosque.
Flower garden
The flower garden is distinguished by its abundance of flowers and colors, and its unique harmony. It also has green spaces, seating areas for families, and various recreational activities are held there.
King Fahd Park
King Fahd Central Park is one of the largest parks in Medina and is about 5 kilometers away from the Prophet’s Mosque. The park is characterized by its dense trees and includes many recreational facilities and sports fields.
Tour buses
These are shuttle buses that pass through 12 locations in Medina. Visitors can stop at any location they wish and then continue their journey with another bus. The buses are double-decker and offer a panoramic view from the upper floor. They also have voice guidance in approximately 8 languages, and the ticket can be kept for the duration of its validity over 24 hours.
The popular cook’s market
The Al-Tabakha Market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Medina. It is located about 1.2 kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque and contains more than 40 popular restaurants, which are famous for the popular dishes of the people of Medina. The market has become a tourist destination and a destination for visitors.
Al-Ainiya Market
It is one of the most famous markets in the city, which witnessed a distinctive economic movement in the past. It was built from the remains of the demolition to expand the Prophet’s Mosque. This market was revived to be a tourist attraction for the people of the city and its visitors, and today it is distinguished by its heritage character that mimics the old markets in Medina.