Zijarat - Medina

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Medina is considered the second holiest city of Islam, after the blessed city of Mecca. Considered the cradle of Islamic history and architecture, this city became a refuge for the blessed Prophet Muhammad and his faithful companions after migrating from the holy city of Mecca. It is also the burial place of the Prophet (pbuh), and millions of pilgrims flock to it every year to pay their respects to him.

The holy city of Medina is also home to three of the oldest and most important mosques in Islamic history, namely the Masjid-an-Nabawi, the Quba Mosque, and the Masjid-al-Qiblatayn. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to these holy sites to learn more about the blessed Prophet and what his life was like in this city. Below are some of the must-see holy sites to consider including in your itinerary as part of your Ziyarat duties during your pilgrimage.

Seven mosquesAn important place in Ziyarat is the complex of seven mosques visited by pilgrims every year during the hajj and umrah. The mosques are an integral part of Islamic history, are associated with the Battle of the Trenches, and are located west of Mount Sala. According to Islamic history, the Muslims stationed in these mosques dug trenches to defend Medina from the armies of Quraysh.The names of the mosques are: Masjid Salman Al-Farsi, Masjid Al-Fath, Masjid Ali bin Abu Talib, Masjid Umar bin Khattab, Masjid Sa'ad bin Mu'adh, Masjid Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, and Masjid Fatimah Az-Zahra. Masjid Qiblatain is also included in the complex of seven mosques, although it is located about 1 kilometer away because pilgrims visit along with others.

Jabal e Uhud
Jabal E Uhud is also simply called Mount Uhud and is a key Ziyarat site for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia. This is the site of the Battle of Uhud between the Blessed Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh polytheists. Although the Quraysh assumed victory in battle, their pagan victory remained inconclusive because their goal, the blessed Prophet (pbuh), was still alive. Many of the Prophet's companions are believed to be buried in the soil of this mountain. Jabal E Uhud is the largest mountain in the entire Medina, located about 6.4 kilometers north of the city.

Masjid E Qiblatain
Of immense historical significance in Islam, Masjid E Qiblatain (or the Mosque of the Two Qiblas) is the holy place where the Prophet (pbuh) was revealed to change the direction of qibla (prayer) from Jerusalem to the holy Kaaba in Mecca. The place is also revered by Muslims because it is the place where the congregational salah facing the holy Kaaba was first prayed.Centuries ago, the Masjid al-Qiblatain was the only mosque in the city consisting of two Mihrabs, hence the name. Since the revelation changing the direction of prayer towards the Kaaba, the Mihrab facing Jerusalem has been removed. It is a very important place of Ziyarat for pilgrims from all over the world.

Beer E Ghars
Beer E Ghars (or Bir al-Ghars) is one of the most revered places of Ziyarat that can be seen during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. It is one of the most favorite wells by the Prophet Muhammad and is believed to have drunk from it and made Wudhu out of it. It is also widely believed that after his death, he asked to bathe in the refreshing water from this well.The holy site has recently been renovated, and the area includes a small mosque towards the north, an outer wall fence, and a small sabil. It has been cleared of pre-existing rubble, allowing pilgrims to get a better look at one of the most important sites in Islamic history.

Masjid E Quba
Masjid E Quba, or simply Quba Mosque, is a highly revered place in Ziyarat. It is believed that the blessed Prophet himself founded the mosque after he moved to Medina from Mecca. It is also widely accepted that it is the first mosque in history built in Islam. In addition to being a key place of worship, the mosque also serves as an important town hall, madrasa, and cabinet. Invariably, located just 15 minutes by car from Masjid Nabawi, Masjid E Quba holds a prominent position in Islam. In addition to its religious significance, the mosque perfectly showcases an unparalleled marvel of authentic Islamic architecture.

Salman Farsi Date FarmThe Salman Farsi Date Farm, also called Salman Farsi Garden, is a prominent Ziyarat site, occupying an important place in Islamic history. The garden was planted by the Prophet and his faithful companions to free Salman Al Farsi from the slavery of his Jewish master. Salman Al Farsi is believed to have been the first Persian to embrace Islam. The garden was planted with 300 date palms as compensation in exchange for Salman Al Farsi's freedom. It also has a freshwater well that is used to water the farm. Pilgrims visiting this prominent Ziyarat site can enjoy views of the farm, drink water from the well, and buy dates.