Saturday, 4 April 2026

Moments in Madinah: A Journey Through a Few of its Blessed Landmarks That Still Remain

Yesterday, I had interviewed my friend Noori on her recent trip to Saudi Arabia where she performed Umrah for the first time. This page has some additional information on the holy city of Medina, officially al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, also known as al-Madinah an-Nabawiyyah and Taybah




Masjid Al Quba 

πŸ“ Location

It is located on the outskirts of Medina, about 6 km from the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).

πŸ•Œ Historical Significance

  • It is the first mosque ever built in Islam.
  • Its foundation was laid by Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, shortly after his migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina.
  • The Prophet himself participated in placing its stones, emphasizing its importance.

πŸŒ™ Religious Importance

  • Mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:108) as a mosque “founded on piety.”
  • Praying here carries special reward. According to a famous hadith:
    • Offering two rak‘ahs (units of prayer) in Masjid Quba is equal in reward to performing an Umrah.




Masjid al-Shuhada is a historically significant mosque in Islam, closely connected to the events of the early Muslim community.

πŸ“ Location

  • Situated near Mount Uhud, just north of Medina
  • It lies close to the graves of the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud

⚔️ Historical Significance

  • The mosque is associated with the Battle of Uhud, which took place in 625 CE (3 AH)
  • This battle was fought between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh of Mecca
  • Many companions of Prophet Muhammad were martyred here



Mount Uhud and Masjid Al Shuhada




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Mount Ainin (Mount of Archers)



Masjid al-Qiblatain is one of the most unique and historically important mosques in Islam, known for a defining moment in Islamic practice.


πŸ“ Location

  • Located in Medina, about 5–6 km from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

πŸ•Œ Why It’s Called “Qiblatain”

  • “Qiblatain” means “the mosque of two qiblas (directions of prayer)”
  • Originally, Muslims prayed facing Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis / Al Aqsa Mosque)
  • During a prayer here, a divine command changed the direction to the Kaaba in Mecca

πŸ”„ Historic Event

  • The change of qibla occurred during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad around 624 CE (2 AH)
  • This event is referenced in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144)
  • While leading prayer, the Prophet received revelation and immediately turned direction toward Mecca, and the companions followed

πŸ›️ Architecture

  • The mosque has been renovated extensively
  • Earlier, it had two mihrabs (prayer niches) indicating both directions
  • Today:
    • Modern design with large prayer halls
    • Clean white structure with domes and minarets
    • Only one active mihrab facing Mecca
  • πŸŒ™ The Background
  • When Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina, Muslims were instructed to pray facing Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).
  • This continued for about 16–17 months
  • It also aligned Muslims with earlier prophets and communities

  • 🀲 The Prophet’s Wish
  • Even though he obeyed the command fully, the Prophet deeply wished that the qibla would be changed to the Kaaba in Mecca, because:
  • It was built by Ibrahim and Ismail
  • It held special spiritual significance as the original house of monotheistic worship
  • πŸ”Ή According to narrations, the Prophet would often:
  • Look toward the sky
  • Await revelation from Allah regarding this matter

  • πŸ“– Qur’anic Revelation
  • Allah responded to this wish with a verse in the Qur’an:
  • “We have certainly seen the turning of your face toward the heaven, so We will surely turn you to a qibla that you will be pleased with…”
    — (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:144)

🌟 Meaning and Lessons

This historical religious even shows:

  • Obedience first: The Prophet followed the original command without hesitation
  • Human emotion: He had a personal wish, but waited for Allah’s guidance
  • Divine response: Allah honored his wish at the right time
  • Identity of Islam: The change marked a clear distinction for the Muslim community
  • A hope expressed through patience
  • Fulfilled through revelation, not personal decision

Saba Masajid (Arabic: Sab‘a Masājid) means “The Seven Mosques” and refers to a cluster of small, historic mosques in Medina.

πŸ“ Location

  • Situated near the site of the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq)
  • At the foot of Mount Sela (Jabal Sila‘) in Medina


⚔️ Historical Significance

·       These mosques are associated with the Battle of the Trench (5 AH / 627 CE)

·       During this battle:

o   Muslims defended Medina by digging a trench

o   Different companions of Prophet Muhammad were stationed at various points

The mosques mark approximate locations where key figures prayed or stood guard.

 

 

 

 

πŸ•Œ The Seven Mosques

Traditionally, the group includes:

1.     Masjid al-Fath (Masjid al-A‘la)

o   The largest and most important

o   Where the Prophet is believed to have prayed for victory

2.     Masjid Salman al-Farsi

o   Linked to Salman al-Farsi, who suggested digging the trench

3.     Masjid Abu Bakr

o   Named after Abu Bakr

4.     Masjid Umar

o   Named after Umar ibn al-Khattab

5.     Masjid Ali

o   Named after Ali ibn Abi Talib

6.     Masjid Fatimah (or Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh Mosque)

o   Associated with Fatimah or Sa‘d ibn Mu‘adh

7.     Masjid al-Qiblatain (sometimes included historically)

o   Though geographically separate, sometimes counted in older lists




Closed Mosque

πŸ›️ Current Status

·       Today, most of the smaller mosques are:


o   Closed or no longer in use

o   Some have been removed or consolidated

·       The main mosque still accessible is:

o   Masjid al-Fath, which has been renovated


πŸŒ™ Religious Perspective

·       Visiting Saba Masajid is part of ziyārah (historical visit), not a required act of worship

·       It serves as:

o   A reminder of sacrifice and strategy in early Islam

o   A way to reflect on unity and faith during hardship


🌟 Key Takeaway

Saba Masajid is less about the structures themselves and more about:

·       The Battle of the Trench

·       The companions’ roles

·       The historical memory of defense and faith







Masjid al-Fath (Masjid al-A‘la)




Masjid Ali




Bir Ghars (also called Bi’r Ghars) is a lesser-known but spiritually significant site in Medina.





 


πŸ“ Location

  • Located on the outskirts of Medina, not far from the Quba area
  • Historically part of agricultural land with date palms

πŸŒ™ Historical & Religious Significance

  • The well is closely associated with Prophet Muhammad

πŸͺΆ Key Narrations (Hadith-based)

  • It is reported that:
    • The Prophet drank from this well
    • He considered its water pure and blessed
  • A famous narration mentions:
    • The Prophet requested that water from this well be used for his ΨΊΨ³Ω„ (ritual washing) after his passing

πŸ‘‰ This gives the well a special emotional and spiritual connection in Islamic tradition.




Bir Al- Fuqair




Bir al-Fuqair is:

  • Also known as “Well of Salman al-Farsi”
  • Located in the orchards of Medina (Al-‘Aliya area)
  • A site connected to the life of Prophet Muhammad and Salman al-Farsi

🌴 The Key Story (Important)

According to the inscription:

  • Salman al-Farsi was enslaved and had a contract for freedom
  • One of the conditions was:
    • Planting a large number of date palm trees

πŸ‘‰ Then:

  • Prophet Muhammad personally planted the trees near this well
  • A miracle occurred:
    • The trees bore fruit unusually quickly (by the next year)
  • This helped fulfill the condition and led to Salman’s freedom











Masjid Al Areesh



Mimbar – Masjid Al Areesh





Masjid Al Areesh It is one of the very few mosques in the Medina region where you’ll clearly notice colored/stained glass elements

πŸ•Œ Masjid Al-‘Areesh

πŸ“ Location

  • Situated in Badr, about 130 km from Medina
  • Overlooks the plain where the battle took place

🌴 What “Al-‘Areesh” Means

  • “Areesh” = a temporary shelter made from palm branches
  • During the battle, a small hut was built for:
    • Prophet Muhammad

🀲 What Happened Here

  • The Prophet stayed in this shelter during the battle
  • He made intense du‘a (supplication), including:

Asking Allah for victory and saying that if this small group is defeated, true worship may disappear from the earth

  • Abu Bakr was with him, comforting him

πŸ›️ Today

  • A mosque now marks the approximate location of that shelter
  • The structure has been rebuilt and renovated over time
  • It is a key stop in ziyārah (historical visits) to Badr

⚔️ Battle of Badr

Battle of Badr

πŸ“… When & Who

  • Took place in 2 AH (624 CE)
  • Between:
    • Muslims from Medina (~313 men)
    • Quraysh from Mecca (~1000 men)

🌍 Where

  • In the plains of Badr, near a series of wells
  • These wells were strategically important for water supply

⚔️ What Happened

  • Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims:
    • Organized strategically
    • Controlled the wells
    • Relied on strong faith and discipline
  • The Qur’an mentions divine help (angels) being sent to assist

🏁 Outcome

  • Decisive Muslim victory
  • Around:
    • 70 Quraysh killed
    • 70 captured

🌟 Why It Matters

  • First major battle in Islam
  • Strengthened the Muslim community
  • Proved that:
    • Victory comes through faith + effort, not numbers

🧭 Key Sites Around Badr

When visiting the area, people usually see:

  • Masjid al-Areesh → Prophet’s du‘a location
  • The battlefield plains
  • The wells of Badr → strategic points
The graves of martyrs




 Badr battlefield plains















Martyrs of Battle of Badr



Rose and Habak of Madina

🌟 Cultural & Spiritual Value

  • Loved by visitors and pilgrims
  • Associated with:
    • Purity
    • Beauty
    • Connection to the blessed land of Medina

Habak / Habak Madani (Mint of Madina)

Habak




🌱 What is “Habak”?

  • “Habak” (Ψ­Ψ¨Ω‚) is an Arabic name commonly used for:
    • A fragrant herb similar to basil or mint

🌸 Characteristics

  • Strong, sweet and cooling fragrance
  • Soft green leaves
  • Grows well in warm climates like Medina
  • Smell is a mix of:
    • Mint 🌿 + Basil 🌱

 

 


 




Madina Munnawara – Exit Highway






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