Madinah
Madinah - History
From Yathrib to Madinat an-Nabi ﷺ - the city that welcomed the Prophet ﷺ.
Why is Madinah called the City of the Prophet ﷺ?
Madinah was known as Yathrib before the Prophet ﷺ migrated there in 622 CE (the Hijrah). It welcomed him as ruler, teacher and imam, and became the first Islamic state. It was renamed "Madinat an-Nabi" - the City of the Prophet ﷺ.
Significance & history
Yathrib was an agricultural oasis of Arab and Jewish tribes. The Aws and Khazraj pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ at Aqabah, then invited him. He arrived in 1 AH, founded Masjid Quba, then Masjid an-Nabawi, drafted the Constitution of Madinah, and led the ummah through Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. After his passing, Madinah remained the political capital under Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them). Later capitals shifted, but Madinah remained the spiritual heart.
【BOOK】 The author's reflections on walking Madinah's old lanes will appear here.
Role in the ritual
Visiting Madinah is not a Hajj or Umrah requirement, but travelling to pray in Masjid an-Nabawi is a highly recommended Sunnah, as reported: "Do not undertake a journey except to three mosques..."
Etiquette
- Approach the city with humility - it is the Prophet's ﷺ chosen home.
- Increase salawat on the Prophet ﷺ throughout your stay.
- Behave calmly and kindly with residents.
- Do not treat historical sites as sources of blessing in themselves.
Key Facts
Hijrah year: 622 CE / 1 AH.
First Islamic state established here under Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Home to Masjid an-Nabawi - the second holiest mosque.
Also called Tayyibah ("the Good") in reports from the Prophet ﷺ.
Visitor information
- Location
- Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, western Saudi Arabia
- Timings
- Year-round; peak seasons around Ramadan and Hajj.
- - Plan at least 4-7 days in Madinah for the full Sunnah ziyarah.
- - Book Rawdah visits and study a simple ziyarah map beforehand.
- - Use Haramain tour buses for outlying historical sites.
- - Avoid weekend afternoons at the Prophet's ﷺ mosque during Ramadan for lighter crowds.