Al Madinah Al Munawarah: The Significance of Prophet Muhammad City for Muslims

It is Prophet Muhammad’s City… It is the city of Enlightenment…

Al Madinah Al Munawarah, the city that holds a special place in the hearts, lives, and heritage of Muslims all around the world. It is the city that welcomed Prophet Muhammad and where the first spark of Islam ignited and nurtured the world.

The Location Significance

Al Madinah is located on the east of Al Hejaz mountains which is part of Al Sarawat mountains. Al Sarawat Mountains run for 2000 kilometers from Yemen to Jordan. It is located in a volcanic area where it is proven to layover massive fields of lava. They are Harrat Khaybar on the north and Harrat Rahat on the south.

The mountain chain surrounding the city has always been of a historical and religious connotation. Pilgrims’ Mountain is on the West, while Salaa is to the north-west, Caravan Mountain is on the south, and Uhud is to the north. Al Madinah is placed on a flat mountain plateau at the junction of the three valleys of Al Aql, Al Aqiq, and Al Himdh. These three valleys provide water to large green areas amidst a dry mountainous region.

The Historical Significance

Some of the most important events, touring and situations, happened in Al Madinah. It witnessed all the major bearings in Islam which are still noticeable up till today in the modern city.

Al Madinah also witnessed some of the most crucial battles for Islam by which Islam spread as a religion and expanded its territories. The most famous Ghazwa was when Abu Sufyan ibn Harb led Makkah forces against Al Medinah. Because the people of the besieged city had dug a trench to further protect the city, this event became known as the Battle of the Trench. After a protracted siege and various skirmishes, the Makkains withdrew.

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The Islamic Significance

The religious importance of Madinah is due to the role it played in the history of Islam. Prophet Muhammad moved to Madinah after being forced to leave Makkah by its rulers. This event set the Hijiri calendar to the year zero. For this reason, Yathrib, the city’s old name, changed to the city of the Prophet (Al Madinah Al Nabawiyah) or the City of Enlightenment (Al Madinah Al Munawarah).

Al Madinah Al Munawarah has always been the second holiest city for Muslims. Muslims dream of visiting the city and pray in Al Rawda Al Sharifa. Al Rawda Al Sharifa is where Prophet Muhammad’s mosque used to be before the expansion. It is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Check out 5 Must-See Attractions in Makkah and Madinah for more insights on Prophet Muhammad City.