Every God fearing Muslim surely has an overwhelming desire to visit Medina or Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. There is, in reality, no devout Muslim whose entire being is not infused with its love and admiration. It’s also known as Madinat un Nabi (City of the Prophet); to be sure, artists have performed numerous nasheeds and Islamic poems to sing its praises.
Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) emphatically encouraged Muslims to love this blessed city. In Sahih Al Bukhari, he prayed to Allah to make believers love Medina as much as they love Makkah. Indeed, even more.
Masjid e Nabwi (The Prophet’s PBUH Mosque) was markedly built in Medina; his extended families were evidently housed in its hujras (small rooms).
What Makes The City Of The Prophet So Special?
Medina, the place where Allah specifically willed the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to migrate and take refuge (Hijrah) in. Yathrib was the original name of Madinah whose inhabitants valiantly defended the Prophet (PBUH) with their wealth, lives, and sons until Allah SWT granted them victory.
It was a place in which an unparalleled ‘Brotherhood’ (Muwwakhat) was surely established between the newcomer immigrants (Muhajireen) and their Helpers (Ansars). Medina was also where the Muslims were commanded to partake in Jihad. From where armies generally marched forth, and ambitious campaigns were launched.
It was a city in which Divine revelation and laws descended; the very first Islamic constitution was drawn. Medina, was where the first ever Islamic State was founded, which went on to become the headquarters for all Muslim activities. A place from where Islam spread far and wide and lands were conquered.
It was in Medina that Islam gained a stronghold and made its presence felt. The Muslims fought many battles while they were in Madinah. Indeed, this included the first Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhud, and Battle of Trench (Ditch). Madinat un Nabi, the place our beloved Prophet (PBUH) chose to return upon the conquest of Mecca (Makkah); where his noble body lies buried today.
Some Noteworthy Benefits of the Prophet Muhammad City (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
It is considered a superior city. Good deeds are multiplied in Medina. The reward for a single prayer in Al Masjid An Nabwi is a thousand times greater. This is in comparison to one offered at any other masjid; except Al Haram in Mecca. Neither Dajjal nor the plague can enter Medina as Allah’s angels guard its gates 24/7.
In it is one of the Gardens of Paradise; a believer who dies in Medina is guaranteed the Prophet’s intercession. The Prophet (PBUH) said, in Sahih Al Bukhari, that between his house and minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise.
Ibrahim A.S declared Mecca inviolable; Muhammed (PBUH), in addition, did the same for Medina. It has been called by the names Tabah and Taibah; all that it encompasses is good, including its land, dates, and air.
In Sahih Al Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) described Medina as a city that surpasses other cities, saying it purifies people. In Sahih Muslim, Muhammad (PBUH) stated that faith will withdraw to Madinah like a snake withdrawing to its hole.
Furthermore, in Sahih Al Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) warned that those who plot against Medina will be dissolved like salt in water by Allah. Mecca is the best spot on earth, while Medina is considered the second best.
Virtues of Madinah Reported in Sahih Bukhari
- Medina is a sanctuary.
- Its trees should certainly not be cut.
- No heresy should be innovated; no sin should be committed in it.
- Whoever innovates in it heresy or commits a sin, or gives shelter to such an innovator in it, will markedly incur the curse of Allah; the angels; and all the people; none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted.
- The horror of Dajjal (the Antichrist) will stay out of Medina; at the time of Dajjal, Medina will have seven gates, each protected by two angels.
- The plague will not enter Medina.
- Three earthquakes will occur; Allah will throw the disbelievers and hypocrites out of Madinah.
- Medina expels bad people, keeps good people, and makes them perfect.
- The Prophet (PBUH) asked Allah to grant Medina twice as many blessings as he conferred upon Mecca.
- Umar (R.A) asked Allah to bestow him with martyrdom and allow him to die in Medina.
A few final notes on Medina
It must be said, that Allah had indeed destined Medina for greatness through Islam and its Prophet. The dwellers of Medina had never seen a brighter day in their history; until the arrival of Muhammed (PBUH).
In Musnad Ahmed, Anas, a blessed companion of the Prophet (PBUH) said that he never saw a greater or brighter day than the day of the Prophet’s (PBUH) arrival in Medina. He also never saw a worse or gloomier day than the day of the Prophet’s (PBUH) death.
Upon his arrival, two warring factions, namely the Aws and Khazraj were united. The immigrant and helpers were tied into a bond of brotherhood. After years of monetary and physical sacrifice, the inhabitants of Medina had marched to Mecca. This was a day on which truth triumphed, and falsehood perished.
In closing, a beautiful piece of advice from the Prophet of Islam, from Sahih Al Bukhari. He said that Madinah is a sanctuary; so, one who performs evil actions in Madinah or shields a wrongdoer may have the curse of Allah, the angels, and mankind upon him. Additionally, Allah won’t accept his compulsory or voluntary deeds on the Last Day.
Wrapping Up
Madinah, a sacred city, holds profound significance in Islam. It is the place of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration, where unity was fostered, battles were fought, and Islamic principles were firmly established. Medina’s virtues are numerous, and it remains a source of inspiration and spiritual growth for Muslims worldwide, embodying the values and teachings of Islam.
