Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims, particularly for those performing Umrah. Visiting Madinah during Umrah is not obligatory, but it offers pilgrims a unique opportunity to connect with the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and experience the peace that the city is known for.
As per the teachings of Islam, making a religious journey is allowed for three places only:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Mosque of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) , and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, (Mosque of Jerusalem).”
Sahih al-Bukhari 1189
Today, we will explore how you can make the most of your time in Madinah, focusing on its spiritual, historical, and practical aspects.
10 Things to do in Madinah
1. Visiting Al-Masjid An-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
Al-Masjid An-Nabawi is one of the most important sites for Muslims, being the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Here are few things you can do:
- Pray in the Rawdah: The Rawdah is a small area inside the mosque between the Prophet’s pulpit and his residence. It is described as a “garden from the gardens of Paradise,” and offering prayers here is highly recommended. However, one needs to book a reservation on the app Nusuk in advance.
- Dua at the Prophet’s Tomb: After offering prayers, visit the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and send your blessings (Salam). Remember, this is not a place to ask the Prophet for help but to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness while honoring the Prophet.
- Tip: Book your reservation. The Rawdah is often crowded, and access is limited to reservation made in advance on an app named “Nusuk“. You need to register early and try multiple times to find an available slot.
2. Exploring Madinah
Madinah is rich in Islamic history, and visiting its sacred sites helps deepen your understanding of the early years of Islam. You can visit the following places during your trip to Madinah:
- Quba Mosque: This is the first mosque ever built in Islam, and offering two rakaat here is equivalent to the reward of an Umrah, according to the Prophet’s hadith.
- Mount Uhud: This mountain is the site of the Battle of Uhud, where Muslims bravely fought under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Visiting Mount Uhud is a humbling reminder of the sacrifices made by early Muslims.
- Masjid Al-Qiblatain: The mosque where the direction of prayer (Qiblah) was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah, while the Prophet was offering Salah.
- Madinah Museum: One of the best place to understand the history of early Islam and Prophet’s life is to visit Madinah Museum. You can find its directions here.
- Buying Dates: Madinah is a great place for buying dates for yourself and your family back at home. You can find good dates from shops near the Prophet’s Mosque. One of the best (but a bit far) place is buying them from Madinah Date Factory. You can find the directions here.
- Tip: Plan a Historical Sites Tour. Allocate specific times for visiting these sites. Preferably visit with a guide that provides historical context, so you fully appreciate the significance of each place.
3. Spending Time in Dhikr and Reflection
Madinah offers an incredibly peaceful atmosphere, perfect for spiritual reflection and increasing your remembrance of Allah (SWT).
- Spend Time in Salah and Dua: The Prophet’s Mosque is an ideal place for offering extra voluntary prayers (Nawafil), making dua, and seeking forgiveness.
- Engage in Dhikr: Spend time in the mosque after prayers engaging in dhikr.
- Tip: Use a Pocket Tasbih App. Many pilgrims find it useful to use a tasbih counter or app on their phones to keep track of their dhikr, especially during quieter moments in the mosque.
4. Be Mindful of Time
While the spiritual aspects of Madinah are paramount, managing your time effectively can ensure that you balance worship with rest and exploration.
- Avoid Burnout: With so much to do and experience, it’s easy to exhaust yourself. Make sure to get adequate rest and hydration, especially if you’re visiting during hot weather.
- Pacing Your Worship: Spread out your acts of worship throughout the day. It’s tempting to try and fit everything into the first few hours, but you’ll enjoy your experience more if you take it slow.
- Tip: Create a Time Table. List your top priorities, including prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, historical site visits, and personal time for reflection or relaxation. This helps avoid overwhelming yourself and ensures you make the most of your time.
5. Being Respectful and Courteous to Fellow Pilgrims
Madinah is filled with pilgrims from all over the world, each on their own spiritual journey. Observing proper etiquette ensures that your visit is peaceful and enriching for everyone.
- Be Patient in Crowds: The mosque can be very crowded, especially during prayer times and in the Rawdah. Be patient and considerate, giving space to others.
- Lower Your Voice: Out of respect for the Prophet (PBUH), it’s recommended to speak quietly, especially near his tomb.
- Tip: Practice Good Akhlaq (Character). Remember that a key part of our faith is showing kindness and patience to others. Smile at your fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments or frustration.
6. Maximize the Reward of Praying in Al-Masjid An-Nabawi
Prayers offered in the Prophet’s Mosque are said to carry a reward of 1,000 times more than prayers offered elsewhere. Make the most of this incredible reward by:
- Praying in Congregation: Joining the congregation for all the daily prayers is not only highly rewarding but also spiritually uplifting.
- Qiyam-ul-Layl (Night Prayer): Offering Tahajjud or Qiyam-ul-Layl in the quiet hours of the night holds special significance in the sacred city of Madinah.
- Tip: Stay in the Mosque After Fajr. Many pilgrims choose to remain in the mosque after Fajr, engaging in dhikr or reading Quran until sunrise, and offering two rakah prayers (15 -20 minutes after sunrise) to earn the reward of a Hajj.
7. Engage in Quran Recitation
Madinah provides the perfect environment for peaceful Quran recitation. Whether you’re seated inside the Prophet’s Mosque or in the mosque courtyard, this is the ideal place to connect with the words of Allah (SWT).
- Tip: Set Quran Goals. Aim to complete a certain number of pages or surahs during your stay in Madinah. This can help you stay focused on your spiritual growth throughout your visit.
8. Attend Classes or Lectures
The Prophet’s Mosque often hosts scholars and religious leaders who provide lessons and lectures on various Islamic topics. Attending these sessions can deepen your understanding of Islam and enhance your visit.
- Actionable Tip: Check the Schedule. Ask the mosque staff or look for notices about upcoming classes. These lessons are usually held in various languages, including Arabic, English, and Urdu, to cater to the diverse range of pilgrims.
9. Spend Quality Time with Family
If you’re traveling with family, Madinah is a wonderful place to create lasting memories with them while also focusing on worship.
- Tip # 1: Include Family in Acts of Worship. Engage in family-friendly worship activities, such as reading Quran together or sharing what you learned from a lecture at the mosque. This creates a shared spiritual experience that will strengthen your bond.
- Tip # 2: Educate you Children. Even before you reach for Umrah, it is imperative to teach your children about the significance of Umrah and the related experiences. Read them stories and explain various things on ground.
10. Reflect on the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
While in Madinah, take time to reflect on the life of the Prophet (PBUH), his teachings, and his sacrifices for the Ummah. This reflection can deepen your love for the Prophet and inspire you to implement his Sunnah in your own life.
- Tip: Read a Biography. Bring along a concise biography of the Prophet (PBUH) and read a few pages daily during your stay in Madinah. This will help you connect with the city’s history and the Prophet’s life on a deeper level.
Conclusion: Cherish Every Moment in Madinah
Visiting Madinah is a unique opportunity to connect with the spiritual legacy of Islam. Whether you’re engaging in worship at Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, exploring the city’s historical sites, or reflecting on your own spiritual journey, take time to cherish every moment in this blessed city. You can checkout the book The Umrah Experience for more details and various checklists, for having the best Umrah experience.
May Allah (SWT) accept your worship and grant you the full reward of your efforts. Ameen.
