Before the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Medina was not known as The Illuminated City (Madinah-al-Munawarrah), but rather it bore the name Yathrib. Historical records suggest that this name originated from an ailing man who resided there, and his affliction was believed to cast a curse on those who ventured into the city. Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet, vividly described the initial state of Medina, stating, “when we reached Medina, it was the most unhealthy of Allah’s lands, and the valley of Bathan (the valley of Medina) used to flow with impure colored water” (Bukhari 1889).
The transformative journey began in the year 622 AD when the Sahaba, weary and ailing refugees, sought sanctuary within its walls. The city’s destiny underwent a profound change. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself renamed the city, declaring emphatically, “it is Madinah” (Muwatta 1605).
Numerous compilers of Hadith dedicated entire chapters to the virtues of Madinah. This shows the profound emphasis Islam places on Madinah.
Virtues of Madinah
Location of Hijrah
Madinah stands as the sacred site of the Hijrah (migration), where the Muhajirin (migrants) and Ansar (helpers) united. It serves as the epicenter of Jihad, from which armies embarked on campaigns, territories were conquered, the message of Islam flourished, and Shirk and its adherents were vanquished.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Medina, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron.”
In Madinah, a significant portion of the verses concerning laws and rulings were revealed. Despite conquering Makkah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) chose not to settle there. Instead, he returned to Madinah, the city of his migration, where he lived until his passing and was laid to rest.
City of Sanctuary
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I have designated Medina a sanctuary between its two mountains” (Bukhari 1869).
It is a sanctuary, where heroes found refuge. Madinah is a place where millions seek spiritual solace to this day. Medina is a place of safety and sanctuary.
Such protection even encompassed the animals, as Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he would avoid chasing any deer grazing in the city due to its status as a sanctuary. What a marvel of a city, where even the esteemed angels stand sentinel at its gates.
This is exemplified in the hadith where the Prophet (ﷺ) declared, “There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Medina; neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal will be able to enter it” (Bukhari 1880).
Blessed City
We all know the blessings of Makkah. But our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) asked Allah to make Medina more blessed than Makkah.
Narrated Anas:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O Allah! Bestow on Medina twice the blessings You bestowed on Mecca.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1885)”
People of Madinah are also truly blessed.
Narrated Sa`d:
“I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “None plots against the people of Medina but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water.”
Masjid Nabawi and Rawdha
The Prophet’s Mosque or Masjid Nabawi and the blessed Rawdha is in Madinah. Masjid Nabawi is the next holiest mosque in the world after Masjid Al Haram. It is located in the land of Paradise.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Between my house and my pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1196)”
Jannatul Baqi
Jannatul Baqi, commonly referred to as the “Garden of Baqi” or “Baqi of the Boxthorn,” serves as the primary burial ground in Madinah. Situated southeast of Masjid al-Nabawi, this cemetery houses the final resting places of numerous esteemed individuals. Among them are notable members of the Prophet’s family ﷺ, companions of the Prophet, Tabi’in, scholars, and righteous individuals.
Conclusion
Truly, the city of Allah’s Messenger, Madinah, is the most delightful of abodes. It is Taybah, the returning place and sanctuary of faith. Madinah is where was the dwelling of the Muhajirun and the Ansar. It is the sacred ground where the trustworthy Angel Jibril came to the Prophet (ﷺ) with the Divine Revelation.
Allah has bestowed honor upon the blessed city of Madinah, elevating it above all other cities after Makkah. Numerous narrations reference its excellence, virtues, sanctity, and lofty status. The Messenger (ﷺ) would lovingly supplicate for it and enlighten his Companions about its significance.