Saudi Gazette report

MADINAH — Steeped in spiritual, historical, and cultural richness, Madinah stands as one of the most revered cities in the Islamic world — a place that not only welcomed the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, but also bore witness to the early revelations of Islam.

Today, the city attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims annually, drawn by its deep connection to the Prophet’s biography and the preservation of sites linked to his life and mission.

At the heart of Madinah is the Prophet’s Mosque, the city’s most iconic landmark and the second holiest mosque in Islam.

Pilgrims from around the globe come to pray within its blessed precincts and to visit Al-Baqi’ Cemetery, where many of the Prophet’s family and companions are buried.

According to the Madinah Research and Studies Center, the city includes over 50 historically and religiously significant sites.

These range from early Islamic mosques, exhibitions, and museums, to mountains and ancient wells that date back to the Prophet’s time.

Among the most notable are the Quba Mosque — the first mosque founded on piety — and the Friday Mosque, where the Prophet is believed to have led his first Jumu’ah prayer upon arriving in Madinah from Quba. Known also as the Banu Salim Mosque, it sits along the historic Quba Road.

Masjid al-Qiblatain remains one of Madinah’s most unique sites. Its name, “The Mosque of the Two Qiblas,” reflects the moment during prayer when the Prophet, by divine command, changed the direction of worship from Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah.

The mosque, located in the former village of Banu Salamah, also carries other names such as the Mosque of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari and Sajda Mosque.

The city is also home to Al-Ghamama Mosque, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque, Omar ibn al-Khattab Mosque, Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, Ijabah Mosque, Saqya Mosque, and Bani Haram Mosque — all of which are closely associated with key moments in the Prophet’s life.

Further enriching the city’s historical landscape are archaeological sites such as Jabal Sala’, Jabal Ainain (Mount of Archers), and the Martyrs' Cemetery of Uhud.

A network of ancient wells — including Bi’r Aris, Bi’r Ghars, and Bi’r al-Faqir — still exist today, restored under heritage development initiatives.

These landmarks are more than stone and soil; they are touchpoints in the life of the Prophet, offering visitors a chance to reflect, connect, and relive sacred history.

Museums and exhibitions like the Bustan al-Safiyah Museum, the Exhibition on the Architecture of the Prophet’s Mosque, and the International Exhibition on the Prophet’s Biography offer immersive experiences that trace the evolution of Islamic civilization and the architectural grandeur of Madinah through the ages.

Visitors — often referred to as “Guests of God” — are drawn by the timeless beauty and deep storytelling embedded in Madinah’s mosques, museums, and monuments. These sites stir admiration and contemplation, bringing to life the vivid legacy of the Prophet and the early Muslim community.

Whether walking through the courtyards of ancient mosques, standing before a centuries-old well, or contemplating the legacy displayed in modern exhibitions, pilgrims and history lovers alike find in Madinah a city that continues to inspire faith and reflection.