Madinah is the city of the holy Prophet PBUH and the light of every Muslim’s life. It is the second most sacred place in Islam after Makkah where the Messenger of Allah Almighty escaped to find shelter and peace from the persecution of Quraysh. Muslims from all around the world come to Makkah and Madinah each year to perform Umrah.
Are you considering a pilgrimage this October? Get all-inclusive October Umrah packages to end up with an unforgettable journey. Before you go on this religious trip, you must know the history and significance of Madinah. Let’s get started with this blog post ahead!
The Most Historical Events Of Madinah
Madinah has faced some key events that transformed the Islamic world. Have a look here;
The Hijrah
One of the most important historical events in Islamic history is the Hijrah. The period of Madinah began in 622 when the Prophet PBUH made the 200-mile journey from Makkah to Madinah. This journey was given the name of Hijrah. The people of Madinah, also called the Ansar (Helpers), warmly welcomed the Prophet PBUH along with his companions. They provided them with safety and support. This was the turning point for the whole Muslim community. It allowed them to establish a cohesive society and practice their faith firmly.
The Establishment Of Masjid Al-Nabawi
The holy Prophet PBUH’s entry into Madinah led to the foundation of Masjid al-Nabawi. This mosque later became the true essence of spiritual, social, and political life for Muslims. It was a site for worship as well as a hub for community discussions and education. The Messenger PBUH himself took part in the construction. All Muslims gathered there for daily prayers. Adding more to this, Hazrat Muhammad PBUH used to deliver sermons there and teach the Quran. This mosque still stands today and has continually beautified over the last centuries.
The Charter Of Madinah
The Charter of Madinah is also called the ‘Constitution of Madinah.’ The Prophet PBUH drafted this document to create governance in the city. It made a framework for coexistence among the religious communities and diverse tribes. The key purpose of this charter was to encourage mutual protection, justice, and the rule of law. This made it one of the earliest examples of a well-written constitution in history. As a Muslim, you must know the events that occurred in the history of Islam. It will help you carry out your religious activity efficiently.
The Battles Of Badr, Uhud, And the Trench
You might not know but Madinah was the base for many battles. All these battles were requisite to expand Islam across the globe. The first battle fought between Muslims and Quraysh was the Badr. Though the Quraysh of Makkah were more in number, Muslims emerged victorious. Next was the battle of Uhud. After facing the large coalition of tribes, Muslims dig a trench around Madinah. This was the defence against the enemy’s attack and showed the strength of Muslims. You must be aware of the most historical battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench.
The Treaty Of Hudaibiyah
Another historical incident of Madinah was the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. It was signed between the Qurayshi tribe and Muslims in 628 CE. This brought a great period of peace and also improved the interaction between the two groups. Not only this but the Treaty of Hudaibiyah allowed the message of Islam to spread much faster. It set the stage to conquer the religious place of Makkah. Moreover, Madinah remained a centre of faith and learning at that time. After the Treaty, the Prophet PBUH performed Umrah with his companions in Makkah.
The Farewell Pilgrimage
In 632 CE, Hazrat Muhammad PBUH performed Umrah with all his wives. That was also the time when the Messenger PBUH delivered the farewell sermon. Though this event took place in Makkah, its importance resonated in Madinah. The sermon showed the major principles, such as equality, sanctity of life, and justice. When the Prophet PBUH retired to Madinah, he passed away. Since then, Masjid al-Nabawi is considered to be the final resting place of Prophet PBUH. That is also the leading reason why Masjid al-Nabawi has a great place in the heart of Muslims.
The Era Of Caliphs
After the passing of the Prophet PBUH, the era of Caliphs started in Madinah. The first caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A united the Arabian Peninsula. Under the leadership of Hazrat Umer R.A., Islam expanded beyond Arabia into Egypt. During the caliph of Uthman Ibn Affan, the holy book of the Quran was compiled into a single written text. Shortly, Madinah continued to play a crucial role in the spiritual life of the Muslim world. Adding more, Ali Ibn Abi Talib was known to be the fourth caliph of Islam. During this time, Madinah remained a city for Islamic scholarship.
The Expansion Of Masjid Al-Nabawi
Throughout Islamic history, successive rulers renovated Masjid al-Nabawi. The purpose of this expansion was to make room for the growing number of visitors. The Ottoman Empire and later Saudi rulers made immense contributions to its architecture. Today, Masjid al-Nabawi is a centre of Islamic art and attracts millions of pilgrims on an early basis. You can come to this place at any time of the year, but October is a more pleasant month to visit. So, if you’re planning your pilgrimage during this month, invest in Umrah packages.
Top Visiting Places In Madinah During Umrah
The following are some of the top visiting places in Madinah for ziyarat during Umrah;
Quba Mosque
Quba is one of the oldest mosques in Madinah which makes it requisite to visit during Umrah. Hazrat Muhammad PBUH built this religious place after his migration from the city of Makkah. Many Muslims consider Quba mosque to be the third most important shrine in Saudi Arabia. Not only this but pilgrims also find it obligatory to go to this site while in Madinah.
Al-Madinah Museum
This is known to be the first and the oldest museum in Madinah. It narrates the heritage, history, and rich culture of Islam. The museum welcomes visitors every Saturday to Thursday. Adding more to this, the Al-Madinah Museum has rare artefacts and pieces to show the rich history of the city.
The Garden Of Hazrat Salman Farsi R.A
The Messenger PBUH planted 300 date palms here to save Hazrat Salman Farsi R.A from slavery. This garden is present near Masjid Quba and looks so beautiful with tonnes of palm trees. There is a date shop in the garden where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea amidst greenery.
Jannat-Ul-Baqi
It is a graveyard where daughters, wives, and companions of the Prophet PBUH are buried. The very first grave in this place was of As’ad Bin Zararah (RA). He was the travel companion of Hazrat Muhammad PBUH. The Prophet PBUH himself selected the cemetery for this graveyard. No matter when you go to Madinah, be sure to visit this place for the peace of your soul.
Masjid Al-Qiblatain
The traditional and lavish structure of the mosque is a sight to behold. It is famous for its twin Mihrabs. The Prophet PBUH received a command here from Allah to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Makkah. The reconstruction of this place started during the reign of King Fahd. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Madinah where you can offer prayer during your Umrah.
The Final Words
Madinah holds great significance in the lives of Muslims. A lot of historical took place in Madinah that you must be familiar with. This will enhance your pilgrimage experience. Among many months, October is ideal for less crowded and pleasant weather. When you plan for a pilgrimage, it is best to opt for October Umrah packages for a memorable tour.