Holiday in Madinah

About Madinah

Madinah (al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, the Enlightened City) is the second holiest city in Islam and the place where the Prophet Mohammed emigrated from Mecca in 622 AD — this Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Madinah is a place of deep spirituality and impressive architecture, welcoming millions of pilgrims and visitors from around the world each year. The Prophet's Mosque (al-Masjid an-Nabawi) is the heart of the city and one of the largest mosques in the world. It can accommodate over a million worshippers at the same time and houses the grave of the Prophet Mohammed as well as his companions Abu Bakr and Umar. The distinctive green dome and the ten retractable umbrellas in the courtyard, which provide shade during the day, are iconic landmarks. The atmosphere in the mosque is characterized by a special calm and reverence. The Quba Mosque, located about 5 km south of the city center, is considered the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed himself laid the foundation stone in 622 AD. The current building has been modernized but preserves the historical site. A prayer in Quba is said to correspond to the reward of an Umrah (pilgrimage) according to Islamic tradition. Mount Uhud, located north of the city, is the site of the Battle of Uhud (625 AD), one of the most significant early battles in Islam. A cemetery at the foot of the mountain contains the graves of the martyrs, including Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet. The barren, rocky landscape of the mountain forms an impressive contrast to the modern city. The old town center (Old City) and the market next to the Prophet's Mosque offer dates, prayer beads, perfume oil (Oud and musk), and Islamic calligraphy. Madinah dates, especially the Ajwa variety, are among the most sought-after types of dates in the world and are taken as souvenirs worldwide.