While visiting Madinah is not an obligatory part of Umrah, it is highly recommended and holds immense spiritual value. Madinah is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi), one of the holiest mosques in Islam, and visiting this city allows pilgrims to connect with the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and experience the peace and serenity of the place where he lived and preached.
Importance of Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) in Madinah is the second holiest mosque in Islam, after the Kaaba in Mecca. It was built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and has since become a symbol of Islamic history and faith. Visiting Masjid al-Nabawi offers several spiritual benefits:
Praying in Masjid al-Nabawi:
Prayers performed in Masjid al-Nabawi hold great merit. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"One prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers anywhere else, except for Al-Masjid Al-Haram."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This makes offering prayers in this mosque a spiritually rewarding experience, offering believers a chance to increase their good deeds.
Visiting the Prophet’s Tomb:
Located within the mosque is the Tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), alongside the tombs of his closest companions, Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA). Visiting the Prophet’s tomb is an act of deep reverence and a chance for Muslims to send their peace and blessings upon him.
It is Sunnah to visit the Prophet’s grave and offer the following dua:
"Assalamu alayka ya Rasulullah"
(Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah).
The Rawdah:
A special part of Masjid al-Nabawi is the Rawdah, which lies between the Prophet’s pulpit (minbar) and his tomb. It is often described as a garden of paradise, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"What is between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Offering prayers in the Rawdah is highly recommended and considered one of the greatest spiritual blessings during the visit to Madinah.
Key Places to Visit in Madinah
Madinah is filled with significant Islamic sites that offer spiritual and historical insights into the early days of Islam. Here are some key places to visit:
Masjid al-Quba:
Masjid al-Quba is the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and holds great significance in Islamic history. It is Sunnah to visit this mosque and offer two units of prayer, as the Prophet himself encouraged this practice.
The Prophet said: "Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to Masjid Quba and prays therein, will have a reward like the Umrah."
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
Masjid al-Qiblatayn:
This mosque is historically significant because it is where the command to change the direction of prayer (Qiblah) from Jerusalem to Mecca was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It serves as a reminder of the flexibility and adaptability of Islam’s teachings.
Mount Uhud:
Mount Uhud is a site of great importance, as it was the location of the Battle of Uhud, one of the major battles in Islamic history. The battle was fought between the early Muslims and the Quraish of Mecca, and many companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were martyred here.
Pilgrims often visit the graves of the martyrs, including that of Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who died in the battle.
Al-Baqi Cemetery:
Jannat al-Baqi is the main cemetery in Madinah and is the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions, including his daughters, wives, and prominent figures in early Islamic history.
Visiting the cemetery is a reminder of the transient nature of life and provides an opportunity to make duas for the deceased.
The Seven Mosques (Masajid As-Sab’a):
These are seven small mosques located near the battlefield of the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwa Khandaq). They commemorate the events of the battle, where the Prophet and his companions defended Madinah against the invading forces by digging a trench.
Proper Etiquette in Madinah
Madinah is known as the City of the Prophet and holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. As such, it is important to uphold proper etiquette when visiting this sacred city and its historical sites.
Show Respect for the Prophet’s Mosque:
Masjid al-Nabawi is a place of immense spiritual significance, so maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor inside and around the mosque is crucial.
Dress modestly, in accordance with Islamic guidelines, and avoid any form of loud behavior or unnecessary distractions.
Refrain from pushing or being aggressive, especially when visiting the Rawdah or the Prophet’s tomb, and be considerate of others who are there for worship.
Maintain Humility and Quietness:
Madinah is known for its tranquility, and pilgrims should respect this peaceful atmosphere. Lower your voice, avoid unnecessary conversations, and focus on worship and reflection.
When visiting historical sites, take time to understand their significance, make duas, and avoid turning the experience into a purely tourist-like activity.
Offer Salawat to the Prophet:
It is encouraged to send Salawat (blessings and peace) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when visiting his mosque or tomb. This is an act of love and reverence for the Messenger of Allah.
You can say:
"Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhammad"
(O Allah, send your peace and blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad).
Be Mindful of Time and Space:
Masjid al-Nabawi can become crowded, particularly around prayer times and in specific areas like the Rawdah. Be patient and avoid rushing. Respect others’ time and space, and perform your acts of worship with mindfulness.
Avoid Superstitious Acts:
Some pilgrims may be tempted to engage in acts that are not part of Islamic teachings, such as excessive veneration of the tomb or walls of the mosque. It is important to focus on worshipping Allah alone and following the Sunnah of the Prophet without engaging in any un-Islamic practices.
Conclusion
Visiting Madinah offers a unique and spiritually uplifting experience. With its deep historical significance, especially at the Prophet’s Mosque, the city provides an opportunity for reflection, worship, and learning about the early days of Islam. By observing the proper etiquette, showing respect for the sacred spaces, and visiting key sites, pilgrims can ensure that their visit to Madinah is meaningful and spiritually enriching.