Madinah al-Munawwarah—the illuminated city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—is the beloved sanctuary where the early Muslim community flourished and Islamic civilization was established. Known historically as Yathrib and affectionately named Taybah by the Prophet ï·º, Madinah is filled with sacred mosques, historic wells, blessed battlegrounds, and the resting places of the Sahabah. This definitive guide categorizes over 40 essential Islamic landmarks in Madinah for pilgrims and travelers performing Ziyarah.
1. The Sacred Sanctuary: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Precincts
1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
The second holiest sanctuary in Islam, originally built with unbaked bricks, clay, and palm trunks by the Prophet ï·º in 1 AH. Today, it stands as a breathtaking architectural masterpiece accommodating over one million worshipers under state-of-the-art retractable canopy umbrellas.
2. The Green Dome (Al-Qubbah al-Khadra)
The iconic emerald green dome rising above the southeastern corner of the mosque courtyard, directly covering the Sacred Chamber (Al-Hujrah al-Sharifah) where Prophet Muhammad ï·º, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) are buried.
3. Al-Rawdah al-Sharifah (Riyad al-Jannah)
The blessed carpeted space located between the Prophet's living quarters (his noble house) and his Minbar (pulpit). The Prophet ï·º declared: "Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari). Pilgrims book visiting permits via the Nusuk app to pray and supplicate here.
4. The Prophet's Mihrab & Minbar
The historic prayer niche (Mihrab) marking where the Prophet ï·º led the congregational prayers after the Qiblah change, alongside the three-stepped pulpit from which he delivered Friday sermons.
5. As-Suffah Platform (Ahl al-Suffah)
The raised marble platform at the rear of the original mosque where devoted, impoverished companions—including Abu Hurairah (RA)—resided, studied the Quran, and learned directly from the Prophet ï·º.
6. Bab as-Salam (Gate of Peace) & Bab Jibril (Gabriel’s Gate)
- Bab as-Salam: The designated western entrance through which pilgrims enter to walk along the Muwajahah corridor and convey Salam upon the Messenger of Allah ï·º.
- Bab Jibril: The eastern gate through which Angel Jibreel (AS) entered when bringing divine revelations to the Prophet ï·º.
2. Sacred Cemeteries & Resting Places
7. Jannat al-Baqi (Baqi al-Gharqad)
The ancient cemetery of Madinah adjacent to the eastern boundary of Masjid an-Nabawi. It is the final resting place of over 10,000 companions, the Prophet's beloved wives (Mothers of the Believers), his daughters (including Sayyidatina Fatimah RA), his son Ibrahim, and his grandson Imam Hasan ibn Ali (RA).
8. Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery (Maqbarat ash-Shuhada)
The sacred burial ground at the foot of Mount Uhud enclosing the 70 noble martyrs of the Battle of Uhud (3 AH), including the Prophet's beloved uncle Sayyidush-Shuhada Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA), Mus'ab ibn Umayr (RA), and Abdullah ibn Jahsh (RA).
3. Famous Historic Mosques of Madinah
| Mosque Name | Location | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Masjid Quba | Quba (3 km south of Haram) | The very first mosque built in Islamic history upon the Prophet's arrival during the Hijrah. Praying 2 Rak'ahs here equals the reward of an Umrah. |
| Masjid al-Qiblatayn | Northwest Madinah | The "Mosque of the Two Qiblahs" where the congregation turned in mid-prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah in 2 AH. |
| Masjid al-Ghamamah | Southwest of Masjid an-Nabawi | The "Mosque of the Cloud" where the Prophet ï·º led the Eid prayers and Istisqa (rain prayer), during which a rain cloud shaded him. |
| The Seven Mosques (Khandaq) | Western slope of Mount Sela | A complex of historic small mosques (including Masjid al-Fath and Masjid Salman al-Farsi) where companion defense posts were stationed during the Battle of the Trench. |
| Masjid al-Jum'ah | Between Quba and Madinah | Marks the location where the Prophet ï·º led the first Friday (Jumu'ah) congregational prayer after departing Quba for Madinah. |
| Masjid al-Ijabah | North of Jannat al-Baqi | The mosque where the Prophet ï·º made three heartfelt prayers for his Ummah, of which Allah (SWT) granted two. |
| Masjid al-Sajdah (Abu Dharr) | North of Masjid an-Nabawi | Where the Prophet ï·º performed an exceptionally long prostration of gratitude (Sajdah ash-Shukr) upon receiving glad tidings from Angel Jibreel regarding Salawat. |
| Masjid Dhu al-Hulayfah (Bir Ali) | 9 km southwest of Madinah | The official Miqat boundary mosque where pilgrims departing Madinah for Makkah enter into the state of Ihram for Hajj or Umrah. |
4. Historic Prophetic Wells (Abar an-Nabi ï·º)
9. Bi'r Rumah (The Well of Uthman RA)
When sweet drinking water was scarce in Madinah, Uthman ibn Affan (RA) purchased this well from a Jewish trader for 20,000 Dirhams and donated it as a permanent endowment (Waqf) for the entire Muslim community. The Waqf continues to bear agricultural fruit today.
10. Bi'r Ghars
A beloved freshwater well located near Masjid Quba. The Prophet ï·º frequently drank from its refreshing water, made ablution with it, and instructed that his body be washed with water from this well upon his passing.
11. Bi'r Ha (The Garden of Abu Talha RA)
A lush date palm orchard located directly opposite the northern wall of Masjid an-Nabawi. Its owner, Abu Talha al-Ansari (RA), gave it away as charity upon the revelation of Surah Ali 'Imran (3:92): "You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love."
5. Historic Mountains & Valleys
12. Mount Uhud & Archers' Hill (Jabal al-Rumat)
The majestic mountain about which the Prophet ï·º famously said: "Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it." (Sahih al-Bukhari). Opposite the mountain stands Jabal al-Rumat, where 50 archers were positioned during the battle.
13. Wadi al-Aqeeq (The Blessed Valley)
The grand valley traversing the western borders of Madinah, praised by the Prophet ï·º as "Wadi Mubarak" (a blessed valley) through which travelers pass on their way to Makkah.
6. Visitor Tips & Etiquette in Madinah
- Pedestrian Walking Street to Quba: A beautiful, tree-lined, car-free pedestrian boulevard connects Masjid an-Nabawi directly to Masjid Quba (approx. 40 minutes walk or 10 minutes on an electric shuttle golf cart).
- Nusuk Rawdah Permits: Make sure to book your Rawdah permit on the Nusuk app as early as possible before arriving in Madinah.
- Peaceful Decorum: Madinah is the sanctuary of peace—maintain silence, avoid crowding, smile with kindness at fellow pilgrims, and continuously send peace and blessings upon the Prophet ï·º.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it permissible to perform extra Umrah from Madinah?
Yes. Pilgrims staying in Madinah can enter the state of Ihram at Masjid Dhu al-Hulayfah (Bir Ali) before taking the high-speed Haramain train or bus to Makkah.
2. How can I visit Mount Uhud and Masjid Quba from the Prophet's Mosque?
You can use the official Madinah Sightseeing Buses (Hop-On Hop-Off) stationed outside Bab as-Salam, take the public Madinah City Bus, or hire local licensed taxis.
3. Can female pilgrims visit Jannat al-Baqi?
Female pilgrims can view and make supplications for the companions buried in Jannat al-Baqi from the elevated outer perimeter fence facing the mosque courtyard.
May Allah (SWT) grant every believer the opportunity to visit the Prophet’s City, experience its serene spiritual tranquility, and receive the Prophet’s intercession on the Day of Judgment. Ameen!
