The city of Madinah is the second holiest place for Muslims on earth. Although visiting the city is not required for performing Umrah or Hajj rituals, a visit to this city is included in all of the Umrah packages of different types, for example, Umrah packages Manchester or from any other city.
The biggest reason for the love of Madinah in the hearts of Muslims is that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) lived here for quite some time. During his stay in the city, he built various mosques and the most famous among them is the Masjid e Nabwi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque.
The number of mosques in Madinah is not clearly known but many of these have unparalleled spiritual importance. In this guide, we will list and explain all the mosques that a pilgrim must visit after performing Umrah in Makkah.
The Three Most Holy Mosques in Madinah
Among all the mosques in the city, there are three that are the most famous among pilgrims. It is not difficult to guess that Masjid e Nabwi is at the top of our list. Let’s explore these three places of worship.
- Masjid e Nabwi
It was constructed by Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions upon his arrival to Madinah in 622 CE after his migration from Makkah. At that time, the mosque was nothing more than a simple structure made from mud bricks, palm trunks and served as the Prophet’s residence and a place of worship. The current structure you see is a result of renovations and extensions by numerous Muslim rulers. Now the mosque is one of the most magnificent places in the world. Millions of Muslims visit this place each year to offer salam at the Roza e Rasool and ask forgiveness from Allah.
Inside the mosque, the most sacred area is Al Rawdah al Sharif. It is described as a garden of Paradise in one of the hadith and it is the wish of every Muslim to offer two rakat prayers inside this area. There are a lot of pilgrims waiting for their turn to go inside at any time of the day. Hence, it is always recommended to book your appointment in advance through the Nusuk app.
In addition to this, the mosque also houses the Prophet’s grave, known as Roza e Rasool along with Abu Bakr and Umar, two of his closest companions.
At present, the mosque can host over a million worshippers at peak times. There are many unique features in the mosque that serve as iconic landmarks in the Muslim world. The biggest of them is the majestic green dome that melts the heart of Muslims the moment they look at it. Plus, there are towering minarets, huge courtyards, electric umbrellas with AC units and many other features that make the stay of pilgrims easy and relaxing.
- Quba Mosque
If you haven’t studied about the mosques in Islam, you might be surprised to know that Masjid al Haram is not the first mosque in Islam but this distinction and status rests with Masjid e Quba. It was even created before Masjid e Nabwi but in the same year and during the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah.
While traveling, the prophet stopped at the village of Quba and laid the first brick of this mosque. Its construction style and materials were similar to the Masjid e Nabwi. The mosque is not only a structure but also a symbol of unity, faith, and the humble beginnings of the Muslim community in Madinah.
After the Holy Prophet went to Madinah, he didn’t stop visiting this mosque. Every Saturday, he would come to this mosque either by foot or on a camel. He also encouraged his fellow to pray there. The importance of this mosque does not end here. It is also mentioned in the Quran’s Surah Tawba as a house that was founded upon piety and righteousness.
The pilgrims that go for Umrah visit this place to offer prayers and nafals. The mosque’s elegant white domes and spacious prayer halls are an amazing sight to behold. As far as the capacity of the mosque is concerned, it is in the thousands. At present, the mosque is a grand structure but its roots still lie in the simplicity and humbleness of the original Islamic society. These two things are still at the heart of all Islamic teachings and this is why Muslims should adopt these qualities as much as they can.
- Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of Two Qiblas)
The status this mosque holds in Islam is not given to any other mosque. At this place, the command to change the qibla (direction of the prayer) was given to Muslims.
As most of us know, Muslims used to pray facing Jerusalem. However, while the Holy Prophet was praying at the mosque, a revelation came that ordered the Muslims to turn towards Kaaba in Makkah. If you study the history of Islam, this was a big event and changed the identity of the Muslim Ummah.
Even the translation of the mosque’s name, “the mosque of two qiblas.” This change was not only symbolic but also held a great spiritual meaning as well as it made Kaaba the center of the Islamic world and then every Muslim started praying while facing Kaaba.
Just like all the famous mosques in the city, this one was also built at the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and was a small and humble structure. It has been renovated and expanded as well and can now accommodate thousands of prayers at one time.
The Seven Mosques in Madinah
Other than the three mosques discussed above, there are seven mosques that are visited by all the pilgrims. These are located quite close to each other and are also known as the Sab‘ah Masajid Complex. Here is a brief description of each mosque.
- Masjid al Fath (Victory Mosque)
It is located at Mount Salah and is linked to the Battle of the Trench. The exact location is the place where the Holy Prophet prayed for victory against the Quraysh.
- Masjid Salman al Farisi
As the name implies, it is linked to Hazrat Salman Farsi, a close companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He was the person who suggested digging a trench to safeguard the city of Madinah from attackers.
- Masjid Abu Bakr as Siddiq
This mosque is dedicated to Hazrat Abu Bakr, who was a very close friend of the Holy Prophet and also served as the first caliph of Islam.
- Masjid Umar ibn al Khattab
It is linked with Umar, the second caliph and a close friend of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib
This mosque is associated with Hazrat Ali, son-in-law and cousin of the Holy Prophet.
- Masjid Fatimah (Masjid Saad ibn Mu‘adh)
It is a small mosque tied to the battle of the trench. The exact name of the mosque is not clear but it is quoted as Masjid Fatimah or Masjid Saad ibn Mu‘adh in different sources.
Other Historically Important Mosques
- Masjid Jum’ah (Mosque of Friday Prayer)
- Masjid Ghamamah (Mosque of Clouds)
- Masjid Abu Dhar al-Ghifari
- Masjid Bani Qurayzah
- Masjid Bani Qaynuqa
- Masjid Suqya (Mosque of Suqya)
- Masjid al Ijabah
If you want to visit all or some of these mosques, book your Umrah packages from Muslims Holy Travel and get ready to embark on a smooth and hassle-free Umrah trip.