Madinah Ziyarats
Madinah (المدينة المنورة)
Madinah (Arabic: المدينة المنورة, al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah, meaning “The Radiant City”) is the second-holiest city in Islam after Makkah and home to the sacred Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is buried. Formerly known as Yathrib, it became the center of the Islamic world after the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) from Makkah, serving as the base of the growing Muslim Ummah and the early Islamic state led by the Prophet and the four Rightly Guided Caliphs. Madinah is home to key Islamic landmarks like Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatayn, and holds deep significance as the place where many Madani surahs of the Qur’an were revealed. As with Makkah, non-Muslims are restricted from entering the sacred core of the city.
Non-Muslims are forbidden from entering the sacred core of Madinah (but not the entire city) or the city center by the national government, similar to Makkah. Noble Voyages ensures all travel arrangements for pilgrims strictly follow these regulations, offering guidance and routes that respect the sanctity of Madinah’s holy areas.
Madinah Ziyarats
Shohda Al Uhud (شهداء أحد)
The Battle of Uhud, fought in the third year of Hijrah, was a pivotal moment in Islamic history. After the defeat at Badr, the Quraysh of Makkah sought revenge. Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, vowed to avenge her losses, especially the death of her loved ones at the hands of Hamza (RA), the Prophet’s (SAW) uncle. She promised freedom to the slave Wehshi if he killed Hamza (RA), and he did, tragically, with a spear.
The Muslims, led by the Prophet (SAW), initially had the upper hand in the battle, but after some archers disobeyed orders, the Quraysh, led by Khalid bin Waleed, counterattacked from the rear, causing chaos and heavy losses. Among the martyrs was Hamza (RA), who was mutilated by Hind in her celebration. However, she later embraced Islam after the Prophet (SAW) pardoned her.
Mus’ab bin Umair (RA), the standard-bearer, was also martyred, showing remarkable bravery as he clung to the flag even after both arms were severed. Despite the losses, the Prophet (SAW) ordered the martyrs to be buried without the usual Ghusl, as is the custom for Shaheed.
Today, the graves of the martyrs, including Hamza (RA), Mus’ab bin Umair (RA), and Abdullah bin Jahsh (RA), are located at Uhud, a place of reflection and remembrance for all Muslims.
Jannat Ul Baqee (بقيع الغرقد)
Jannat ul Baqee (مقبرة بقيع الغرقد) in Madinah is the first Muslim graveyard of the city, with several family members of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and thousands of Sahabah (companions) buried there. The graveyard was chosen by the Prophet (SAW) after the migration to Madinah. Initially known as Baqee ul Gharqad, it was later called Jannat ul Baqee.
The first to be buried there was As’ad bin Zararah (RA) from the Ansar, followed by Uthman bin Maz’oon (RA) from the Muhajireen. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) often visited Baqee and prayed for the forgiveness of its inhabitants.
Notable people buried in Baqee include:
- Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wives, except Khadijah (RA) and Maymuna (RA).
- His children: Fatimah (RA), Ruqayyah (RA), Zainab (RA), and Ibrahim (RA).
- His grandson, Hassan (RA), and his uncle, Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (RA).
- Prominent companions like Saad bin Abi Waqas (RA) and Abdur Rehman bin Auf (RA).
In 1925, King Abdul Aziz Al Saud demolished the buildings and mausoleums marking the graves, in accordance with Islamic teachings.
References:
- Shamail Tirmidhi, Chapter 44, Hadith 005 (309)
- Muslim, Book 004, Hadith 2126
- Muslim, Book 004, Hadith 2127
Mount Uhud & Site of the Battle (جبل أحد وموقع المعركة)
After the defeat at Badr, the Quraysh of Makkah gathered an army of 3,000 to take revenge on the Muslims. The Prophet (SAW) led his army of only 700 Muslims to Mount Uhud. He strategically positioned his troops, including his brave uncle Hamza (RA) as the advance guard and Mus’ab bin Umair (RA) as the standard-bearer.
The battle was intense, with the Muslims initially gaining the upper hand, taking down the enemy’s standard-bearers. However, when the archers, disobeying orders, abandoned their positions, the Quraysh, led by Khalid bin Waleed, launched a surprise attack from behind, causing confusion and casualties.
Tragically, Hamza (RA) was martyred, and rumors spread that the Prophet (SAW) had been killed. But when Ka’b bin Malik (RA) spotted the Prophet (SAW), the Muslims rallied to his side. The Prophet (SAW) wisely ordered a retreat, saving his army from further loss. Despite the setbacks, the battle was a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the strength of faith.
Saqifat Bani Sa’aida (سقيفة بني ساعدة)
On the day the Prophet Mohammad (saw) passed away, the name of the house is used as shorthand for this event, or the gathering, which was a crucial turning point in the history of Islam.
(June 8, 632 CE), the “Ansar” gathered in the Saqifah to discuss the future and leadership of the Muslims.
The Khazraj and the Aws were the two Ansar tribes and both were present. However, the Muhajir (emigrants) from Makkah, had not been informed of the arranged gathering. When the Prophet (SAW)’s companions, Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA), learned of the gathering, they rushed to the meeting. After a long debate, the details of which are highly contested, those who were present gave their allegiance, or bay’ah, to Abu Bakr (RA) as the new leader of the Islamic community.
Masjid Quba (مسجدقباء)
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), accompanied by Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) after emigrating from Makkah first stayed in a place called Quba on the outskirts of Madinah. They arrived on Monday 12th Rab’i al-Awwal, fourteen years after Prophethood and this date marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijra), (16th July 622 CE). A masjid no known as Masjid Quba was established here by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), the first to be built in Islam.
1- The virtue of Masjid Quba is mentioned in the following Quranic verse in Surah Taubah: “…certainly a masjid founded on piety from the very first day is more deserving that you should stand in it…” [9:108]
2- The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said: “He who purifies himself at his home and comes to Masjid Quba and offers two rakats therein, will be rewarded the reward of an Umrah (lesser pilgrimage).” [Sunan ibn Majah]
Masjid Ul Qiblatain (مسجد القبلتين)
This historical importance of Masjid ul Qiblatain to Muslims is because on Rajjab 2 AH the revelation of the Holy Quran came to change the direction of the qibla from Bait-al-Maqdis in Jerusalem to the Ka’bah in Makkah.
During his time in Makkah, the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) used to pray towards Bait-al-Maqdis, with the Kabba in front of him. When he migrated to Madinah, he prayed towards Jerusalem for 16 months, but he hoped it would be changed to the Kabba.
During Dhuhr prayer or some say Asr prayer, the Prophet (SAW) had led his Companions in praying two rak’ahs , when he was commanded to face towards the Kabba by the following revelation in the Quran in Surah al-Baqarah:
“Verily, We have seen the turning of your (Muhammed’s) face towards the heaven. Surely, we shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (at Makkah). And where so ever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.” [2:144]
The Prophet (SAW) turned around towards the Kabba and the Sahabah copied out of obedience. Thus the Kabbah became the new qibla of the Muslims for all time to come.
Masjid ul Qiblatain used to uniquely contain two mehrabs, one in the direction of Bait-al-Maqdis and the other towards Makkah. However, the old mehrab has now been covered.
Masjid Al Ghamama (مسجد الغمامة)
During the last years of his life, The Prophet (SAW) performed Eid Salah at the site that Masjid Al Ghamama is built on.
Masjid Al Ghamama is also known as Masjid Al Eid. According to some reports the Prophet (SAW) performed the Eid salah here during the last four years of his life.
Also at this location, the Prophet (SAW) performed Salatul Istiskah (a special salah for invocation of rain). The word Al Ghamama means clouds which suddenly appeared and brought rain after the Prophet (SAW) had performed the prayer.
According to some reports this was also the spot (or close to this area) where the Prophet (SAW) performed the Janaza (funeral) prayer of Najashi, the Emperor of Aksum in Abbyssinia (Ethiopia). Najashi, although being a Christian, had welcomed the groups of Muslims who had migrated to his country in order to escape the persecution of the Quraysh and later on accepted Islam. When and however he passed away, there was nobody to lead the funeral prayers and so the Prophet (SAW) prayed his Janazah salah, the only time ever he did so in the absence of the actual body.
Masjid Al-Jummah (مسجد الجمعة)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) left Quba on a Friday, heading to Madinah. Along the way, he passed the village of Banu Salim bin Auf, about a kilometer from Quba. The villagers requested:
“O Prophet of Allah, you stayed with our cousins for days. Honor us too, so they don’t boast over us until the Day of Judgment.”
The Prophet (SAW) stopped, dismounted, and led the first-ever Jummah prayer at their locality. Approximately 100 Muslims joined, including relatives from Banu an-Najjar and others from Banu Amr. After the prayer, he mounted his camel, Qaswa, and continued to Madinah.
Prophet’s Khutbah (Sermon):
The Prophet (SAW) delivered a powerful sermon that emphasized:
- Praise and obedience to Allah: Recognizing Allah’s greatness and submitting fully to His guidance.
- Taqwa (God-consciousness): A reminder to prepare for the Hereafter by fearing Allah and maintaining sincerity in both hidden and open actions.
- The distinction of truth and falsehood: Allah’s guidance helps differentiate the righteous path from misguidance.
- Striving for the Hereafter: Encouraging good deeds and correcting relationships with Allah and people.
- Allah’s justice and power: Allah is the Master of all, and none has power over Him.
The khutbah ended with a call for unity, striving in Allah’s cause, and remembering His greatness:
“Allah is the Greatest, and there is no power except with Allah, the Mighty.”
Masjid Al-Jummah stands as a reminder of this historic event, marking the first congregation led by the Prophet (SAW) in Madinah.
SHOHDA-AL-UHUD
JANNAT-UL-BAQEE
MOUNT-UHAD-SITE-OF-BATTLE
MOUNT-UHAD-SITE-OF-BATTLE
MASJID-QUBA
MASJID-UL-QIBLATAIN
MASJID-UL-JUMMAH
SAQIFAT-BANI-SAAIDA (1)
FAQs
Why is Madinah important in Islam?
Madinah (Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah) is the second-holiest city in Islam after Makkah. It is home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mosque and resting place. It was also the center of the first Islamic state and where many Qur’anic revelations occurred.
Can non-Muslims enter Madinah?
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the sacred core of Madinah, including the city center and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi area. However, they may visit the outskirts of the city. Noble Hajj Umrah ensures all pilgrim routes respect these regulations.
What are the main ziyarat sites in Madinah?
The main ziyarat sites include:
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)
- Jannat al-Baqi (cemetery of many companions and family of the Prophet ﷺ)
- Mount Uhud & Shohada Uhud (graves of martyrs including Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib RA)
- Masjid Quba (first mosque in Islam)
- Masjid al-Qiblatain (where the qibla changed from Jerusalem to Makkah)
- Masjid Al-Jum’ah and Masjid Al-Ghamama
Who is buried in Jannat al-Baqi cemetery?
Jannat al-Baqi is the resting place of thousands of Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ﷺ), family members of the Prophet, and many of the Tabi’een. Notable figures include the wives of the Prophet ﷺ, Imam Hasan ibn Ali (RA), and Fatimah (RA) according to some narrations.
What happened at the Battle of Uhud in Madinah?
The Battle of Uhud took place in 3 AH between Muslims of Madinah and Quraysh of Makkah. Despite initial Muslim success, disobedience by archers led to a counterattack by Quraysh under Khalid bin Waleed. Hamza (RA), the Prophet’s uncle, was martyred, along with Mus’ab ibn Umair (RA) and many others. Their graves remain at Uhud today.
Why is Masjid Quba significant?
Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ laid its foundation upon his arrival in Madinah after Hijrah. Performing two rak’ahs of prayer in Masjid Quba holds great reward, equivalent to one Umrah according to hadith.
What is the importance of Masjid al-Qiblatain?
Masjid al-Qiblatain is where the qibla (direction of prayer) was changed from Jerusalem (Bait al-Maqdis) to Makkah (Kaaba) during prayer. This mosque symbolizes a major historical event in Islamic worship.
What is Mount Uhud famous for?
Mount Uhud is where the Battle of Uhud took place. It is considered a mountain of paradise in Islamic tradition. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Uhud is a mountain which loves us, and we love it” (Sahih Bukhari).
Can pilgrims visit the graves of Uhud martyrs, including Hamza (RA)?
Yes, pilgrims can visit the site of Shohada Uhud, where Hamza (RA), Mus’ab ibn Umair (RA), and other martyrs are buried. It is a place of reflection, remembrance, and dua for Muslims visiting Madinah.
How does Noble Hajj Umrah organize Madinah ziyarat tours?
Noble Hajj Umrah arranges guided ziyarat tours for pilgrims in Madinah, covering all major Islamic landmarks such as Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba, Qiblatain, Mount Uhud, and Jannat al-Baqi. Our tours ensure historical, spiritual, and logistical support so pilgrims can focus on worship.
