Medina, also known as Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, is one of the holiest cities in Islam. There are many tourist attractions in Medina which also bear the holy significance for the muslims. It is the second city visited by Muslims during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Medina is also the city where the Prophet Muhammad lived and died, and it is home to many important Islamic historical and religious sites. Here are 10 of the top tourist attractions in Medina:
1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is a mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest mosque in the world and the second holiest site in Islam, after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The mosque was built by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, and it has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. The mosque is home to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as the tombs of his companions Abu Bakr and Umar. The mosque is a major pilgrimage destination for Muslims from all over the world.
2. Quba Mosque
The Quba Mosque is a mosque located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is the oldest mosque in the world, built in 622 CE by the Prophet Muhammad after he migrated from Mecca. The mosque is a simple structure, with a rectangular courtyard and a single minaret. The walls are made of mudbrick and the roof is made of palm fronds. The interior of the mosque is bare, with no furniture or decorations.
The Quba Mosque is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims. It is said that praying two rakats (units of prayer) in the Quba Mosque is equivalent to performing an Umrah. The Prophet Muhammad used to visit the Quba Mosque every Saturday, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.
Here are some of the other things that are special about the Quba Mosque:
- It is the first mosque in the world.
- It was built by the Prophet Muhammad himself.
- It is said to be equivalent to performing an Umrah.
- The Prophet Muhammad used to visit the Quba Mosque every Saturday.
- It is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
3. Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud is a mountain located north of Medina in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is 1,077 m (3,533 ft) high and 7.5 km (4.7 mi) long. It was the site of the second battle between the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the polytheists of his tribe of Quraysh. The Battle of Uhud was fought on 19 March, 625 CE, between a force from the small Muslim community of Medina and a force from Mecca, in north-western Arabia.
The battle was a tactical victory for the Muslims, who inflicted heavy casualties on the Meccan army. However, the Muslims were ultimately defeated due to a misunderstanding, and many of their leaders were killed, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the uncle of Muhammad.
Mount Uhud is a significant site in Islamic history, and it is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. There is a mosque at the site of the battle, and there are also several caves and other historical sites. Mount Uhud is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing.
Here are some of the reasons why Mount Uhud is special:
- It was the site of the second major battle in Islamic history.
- The battle was a turning point in the early history of Islam, and it helped to solidify the position of the Muslims in Medina.
- Many of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad were killed in the battle, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the uncle of Muhammad.
- Mount Uhud is a place of great spiritual significance for Muslims, and it is a popular destination for pilgrimage.
- The mountain is beautiful and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
4. Masjid al-Qiblatayn (The Mosque of the Two Qiblas)
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn is a mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
- It is one of the oldest mosques in the world, dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad.
- The mosque is named “Mosque of the Two Qiblas” because it has two mihrabs, or prayer niches, facing in different directions.
- One mihrab faces towards Jerusalem, which was the original qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims.
- The other mihrab faces towards Mecca, which became the qibla after the Prophet Muhammad received a revelation from Allah.
- The mosque was rebuilt in 1987, but the two mihrabs were preserved.
- Masjid al-Qiblatayn is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
5. Jannatul Baqi (The Garden of Paradise)
Jannatul Baqi is a cemetery located in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most sacred sites in Islam, and is said to be the final resting place of many of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions, as well as his wives and descendants.
However, we can tell you about the history and significance of Jannatul Baqi. The cemetery was established in the early days of Islam, and it quickly became a popular burial site for Muslims from all over the world. Many of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions were buried in Jannatul Baqi, including Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan. The cemetery also contains the graves of the Prophet Muhammad’s wives, including Khadijah bint Khuwaylid and Aisha bint Abi Bakr.
Jannatul Baqi is a place of great importance to Muslims, and it is a popular pilgrimage destination. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad himself said that Jannatul Baqi is a garden in Paradise, and that those who are buried there will be granted a special place in the afterlife.
6. The Desert of Saleh
The Desert of Saleh, also known as Madain Saleh, is an archaeological site located in the north-west of Saudi Arabia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs. The site was once a major city of the Nabataean kingdom, which flourished in the first century AD. Madain Saleh was abandoned in the 7th century AD after the Muslim conquest of the region.
Here is a description of the Desert of Saleh:
- The site is located in a desert landscape of sandstone cliffs and mountains.
- There are over 100 tombs at Madain Saleh, many of which are decorated with elaborate carvings.
- The tombs are thought to have been built for the Nabataean elite.
- The site was abandoned in the 7th century AD and was not rediscovered until the early 20th century.
- Madain Saleh is now a popular tourist destination and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia.
7. Dar Al Madinah Museum
The Dar Al Madinah Museum is a museum in Medina, Saudi Arabia, that exhibits the history of the city and its role during the post-Hijrah Muslim period. The museum houses around 2,000 exhibits that capture the heritage and culture of al-Madinah and document the landscape, the people and how it has been shaped over the years.
The museum is located in the Knowledge Economic City, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Prophet’s Mosque. It is open from 11am to 7pm, seven days a week. The entrance fee is SAR 25.
Here is a brief description of some of the exhibits at the Dar Al Madinah Museum:
- A model of the city of Medina during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- A collection of manuscripts and documents from the early Islamic period.
- A gallery of photographs and paintings of Medina.
- A section on the history of the Prophet’s Mosque.
- A display of traditional Bedouin clothing and artifacts.
The Dar Al Madinah Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Medina. It is also a good place to visit for those who are interested in Islamic history and culture.
8. Masjid Al Ghamamah (The Mosque of the Cloud)
Masjid Al Ghamamah (The Mosque of the Cloud) is a mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is located about 500 meters west of the Prophet’s Mosque. The mosque is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led his last Eid al-Fitr prayer in 632 CE.
The mosque is a small, rectangular building with a single minaret. The interior of the mosque is simple, with a prayer hall and a mihrab. The mosque is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
The mosque is a significant place for Muslims because it is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led his last Eid al-Fitr prayer. This prayer is a time for Muslims to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prayer at Masjid Al Ghamamah is seen as a sign of his blessing for the city of Medina.
The mosque is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors to Medina often stop at Masjid Al Ghamamah to pray and to learn about its history.
9. Yanbu Beach
Yanbu Beach is a popular tourist destination in Saudi Arabia. It is known for its white sand, clear waters, and coral reefs. The beach is also a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Here are some things you can do at Yanbu Beach:
- Go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
- Sunbathe on the white sand.
- Snorkel or scuba dive among the coral reefs.
- Take a boat ride to see the dolphins and turtles.
- Have a picnic on the beach.
- Play beach volleyball or soccer.
- Relax in the shade of a palm tree.
- Enjoy the sunset over the Red Sea.
10. Wadi e Jinn – Al Baida
Wadi e Jinn – Al Baida is a valley located in the Medina Province of Saudi Arabia. It is locally known as Wadi al-Jinn, which means “Valley of the Jinn”. The valley is famous for its optical illusion, which makes it appear as if vehicles are rolling uphill when they are actually rolling downhill. This illusion is caused by the unique topography of the valley, which is shaped like a bowl. The sides of the bowl create the illusion of a hill, even though the ground is actually level.
Wadi e Jinn is a popular tourist destination, and many people visit the valley to experience the optical illusion. Some people also believe that the valley is haunted by jinn, which are supernatural creatures in Islamic folklore. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Medina. The city is home to a rich history and culture, and it is a popular destination for Muslims from all over the world. If you are interested in learning more about Islam, or if you are simply looking for a spiritual experience, then Medina is a place that you should definitely visit.
In addition to these 10 attractions, there are many other places to visit in Medina. You can explore the city’s markets, visit its parks and gardens, or simply wander through the streets and soak up the atmosphere. Medina is a beautiful and fascinating city, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
- IATA code: MED
- ICAO code: OEDM
- Location: 13.9 kilometers southeast of Medina, Saudi Arabia
- Opened: 2015
- Runways: 2
- Terminals: 2
- Airlines: Over 30
- Destinations: Over 50
