DOWN MEMORY LANE: MADINAH & MASJID NABAWI

Madinah in 2015 during Umrah

Bazaar in Madinah in 2012 and 2015 during Umrah

Mosque at Madinah in 2017 (during Hajj)

MADINAH AL MUNAWWARRAH

Madinah (officially Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the "Enlightened City") is the second holiest city in Islam and was the first capital of the Islamic state. Historically known as Yathrib, it became the "City of the Prophet" after Muhammad's migration (Hijrah) from Mecca in 622 CE.

Masjid Nabawi in 2015 (Umrah)

Masjid Nabawi during Hajj in 2017

THE PROPHET MOSQUE

Masjid Nabawi (the Prophet' Mosque) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, the second holliest site in Islam and one of the largest mosques in the world. Originally built by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. himself in 622 C.E after his migration from Mekkah, it has served as a religious, social and political heart for the Muslim community for over 1,400 years.

Key Sacred Area of the Mosque

1. The Green Dome: iconic landmark, marks the resting place of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. He is buried there alongside his closest companions and first two caliphs of Islam, Saidina Abu Bakar as-Siddiq and Saidina Umar Al-Khattab. 
2. Rawdah al-Jannah: located between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit (mimbar), according to Hadith, it is a "garden from the gardens of Paradise."
3. The Mimbar: the pulpit from which the Prophet delivered his sermons. 

Over centuries the mosque has expanded from a simple-air-structure to a massive architectural marvel that can now host over one million worshippers.

The Modern Features and Capacity:

1. 250 Rectractable Umbrellas: giant automated umbrellas shade the courtyard from the intense heat. 
2. Sliding Domes: it features 27 sliding domes that open to allow natural light and ventilation. 
3. Advanced Infrastructure: the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to receive electricity and now features sophisticated cooling and water. 

Spiritual Significance

• Multiplied Rewards: Praying a single prayer in Masjid Nabawi is believed to carry the reward of 1,000 prayers in any other mosque, except for Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
• Always Open: The mosque is generally open 24/7 for visitors and worshippers regardless of the time or season.

THE PROPHET'S GRAVE

Wikipedia : Green Dome

The Prophet’s Grave (also known as the Sacred Chamber or al-Hujra al-Nabawiyya) is located in the southeastern section of Masjid Nabawi in Madinah. It marks the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his two closest companions and the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq and Umar ibn al-Khattab.

The grave is situated exactly where the Prophet (PBUH) passed away, in the house of his wife Aisyah R.A. 

The iconic Green Dome (al-Qubbah al-Khadra) was built directly above the chamber.

Makam Rasulullah in 2015 (Umrah)

Makam Rasulullah during Hajj in 2017

JANNAT AL BAQI

Jannat Al Baqi or the Garden of Baqi is the oldest and first Islamic cemetery in Medina, located immediately to the southeast of Masjid Nabawi. Established by Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, it serves as the final resting place for approximately 10,000 companions (Sahaba), members of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his wives.

Jannat Al Baqi during Umrah in 2015

Jannat Al Baqi in 2017 (during Hajj)

SOKAIFAT BANI SAEDAH

Sokaifat Bani Saedah (also known as Saqifah Bani Sa'idah) is a historic site in Madinah located just a short walk northwest of Masjid Nabawi. It is most famous for being the place where the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gathered immediately after his passing to discuss and decide on the future leadership of the Muslim community.

This site is where the companions, including both the Ansar (the local helpers of Madinah) and the Muhajirun (the migrants from Mekkah), held their first political dialogue after the Prophet's death. It was at this location that Saidina Abu Bakar as-Siddiq was chosen and received the initial pledge of allegiance to become the first Caliph of Islam. 

PROPHET MARKET

The Prophet's Market (historically known as Souq al-Manakhah or Souq al-Nabi) was the first Islamic marketplace established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah. After the Hijrah, he personally designated this area to create a fair, tax-free economic system that broke the monopolies of existing markets.

Madinah is served by the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport located off Highway 340. 

Airport at Madinah in 2015 (Umrah)

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

19 April 2026: 10.47 p.m