Al Madinah al Munawwarah holds a central place in Islam. It is the second holiest city after Makkah. It is first capital of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to this blessed city, lived there, taught the religion and was laid to rest. We will explain its names, history, landmarks, climate and developments.
Info Box
- Population: Around 1.4 to 1.5 million
- Location: 442 km from Makkah
- Altitude: 620 m
- Area: about 700 km
- Landmark: Mosque of Prophet (مسجد نبوی)
- Visitors: Around 7 to 8 million yearly
Al Madinah al Munawwarah: Place and Its Role
Al Madinah al Munawwarah is the administrative capital of its province. It is of great importance in the Islamic world. After Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah, he came to this city, spent the last ten years of his life there, and was buried there. The city was the first capital of Islam. It became the focal point from which the practicing Muslims of the Early Islam period developed the Muslims formed laws, agreements and public systems that enabled them to organize their lives. The importance of this city is unparalleled and this importance has not diminished over the years.
Names of City
The city holds about ninety five names. Each name reflects a feature or a memory tied to its story. It was called Yathrib after its first settlers. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) reached it, the city gained new names. Many names show care and respect. They include al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, al-Mu’mina, Tabah, Teebah, Dar al-Salam and Qalb al-Iman.
These names show the value of the city in Islamic life. They show how strong the emotional link to the city became across generations.
Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah in Early History
First Known Settlers
Records trace early life there to after the flood in the era of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him). The first known settler was Yathrib bin Awail. His name shaped the city’s first name.
Groups moved in and out of the region. Amalekites stayed in the area for long periods. Later tribes arrived. Some held the Torah. They believed a prophet would appear in the region.
Jewish tribes settled there in large numbers. Only a few groups remained when Banu Aus and Banu Khazraj entered the city. These two tribes became the main tribes of the Ansar.
The Ansar and Their Roots
Some families of these tribes traced their roots to scholars who traveled through Arabia and reached the city during older eras. These groups knew the signs of the coming Prophet (peace be upon him). Their knowledge shaped the way they welcomed him years later.
Life Before the Arrival of Prophet
The city faced tension. Leadership shifted between groups. Trade shaped daily life. Abd Allah Ibn Ubayy held leadership before the Prophet (peace be upon him) reached the city. He united Aus and Khazraj under his authority. This unity was rare before that moment.
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) reached Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah in 622, he reshaped the structure of the city. His arrival marked the start of the Hijri calendar. Life changed. Laws formed. A stable society grew.
Significance of Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah
The city lies 442 km from the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Together, both cities form a major duty in the life of every Muslim. About 93 percent of pilgrims who visit Makkah also visit Al Madinah al Munawwarah.
The Prophet’s Mosque stands at the center of the city. It is the second holiest mosque in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) lived next to it. The Rawdah lies within it. The mosque grew many times across history. The largest expansions came during the Saudi era. Today it holds about one million worshippers.
Jabal Uhud
Why the Mountain Matters
Jabal Uhud stands four km from the Prophet’s Mosque. It holds historical and emotional weight. The Battle of Uhud took place there. Seventy companions died there. Among them was Hamzah bin Abdulmuttalib, may Allah be pleased with him. He holds the title of Master of Martyrs.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Uhud is a mountain that loves us, and we love it.” This statement shaped how Muslims see the mountain. Visitors reach it to reflect on early Islamic events.
Geography of Al Madinah al Munawwarah
Location
The city sits on the western side of the Kingdom. It lies 250 km east of the Red Sea. Its altitude reaches about 620 m. Its area is about 700 km. Mountains surround the city on most sides. Lava fields border it from east to west.
Climate
The climate is hot in summer. Temperatures range from 36 to 46°C. Winter remains mild, from 15 to 20°C. Rain falls between November and January. The city receives about 94 mm of rain each year.
Population
The city holds Around 1.4 to 1.5 million people. It ranks fourth among the cities with more than one million people. Density reaches about 2,120 people per km².
Landmarks of Al Madinah al Munawwarah
Valleys
Several valleys run around the city.
Wadi al-Aqeeq (وادي العقيق) is the most known. Its name comes from the reddish color of its soil. It runs from the mountains near Makkah and grows as it reaches the city. Two branches form from it. One holds the Rumah Well. The other holds the Urwa Well. Wadi Buthhan (وادي بطحان ) flows from the upper lava fields. It passes through the city from north to south. Wadi ar-Ranuna (or Ranuna Valley) flows from Jabal Ayr. It joins Wadi Buthhan. Many link this flow with the story of Hamzah, may Allah be pleased with him. Wadi Mahzour flows from Harrat Shawran. It once passed near the Prophet’s Mosque.
Springs and Wells
Several wells still hold their names from early Islamic records.
Ayn al-Azraq was named after the city’s governor at the time of Muawiyah, may Allah be pleased with him. Ain al-Nabi links to the place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed ablution during the Battle of the Trench. Bir Aris holds the story of when the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) ring fell from the hand of Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him. Well of Urwa contains mineral water. It lies on Wadi al-Aqiq.
Mountains
Mountains appear across the region. Some lie close to the city. Others stand farther. Mountains near the city include al-Qilada, Sawi and al-Kueyra. The west holds Jabal Biram. The east holds Jabal Assib. Other mountains appear near Quba, Wadi Saf and al-Fath. The mountains near the Haram include Jabal Uhud, Jabal Ayr, Jabal Makhid and Jabal Ghrab.
Lava Fields
Harrat al-Wabra and Harrat Waqim lie west of the city. Other harrat include Harrat Quba, Harrat Fidek, Harrat Leyla and Harrat Ma’sem.
Historical Roads and Monuments
Old roads once linked the city to key sites. Some photos show these roads in the 1940s. Records also show palaces built by early rulers and leaders. These include palaces of Abi Hashim, Anbasa, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, Sa’id bin al-As, Ismail bin al-Walid and others. Most structures no longer stand, but their names appear in historical writings.
The Trench (خندق)
The trench lies north of the city. Muslims dug it in six days. It blocked the armies that came with the Confederates. Wadi Buthhan and Tamma formed natural barriers on its sides. This event shaped one of the major defensive moments in early Islamic life.
The Wall of Al-Madinah
The city once had a wall that surrounded it. It was built in 851. It had four main gates. The wall was rebuilt in later years. Modern growth removed the wall to open streets and support expansion.
Mosques of Al Madinah al Munawwarah
Mosque of Prophet (مسجد نبوی)
The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Mosque stands on the land chosen when his camel stopped at al-Mirbad. The Prophet (peace be upon him) bought the land and built the mosque. It had three gates. The Qibla was directed toward Jerusalem at first. Later, it changed toward the Grand Mosque. The mosque grew many times and holds strong connections to early Islamic stories.
Quba Mosque (مسجد قباء)
This mosque is the first in Islamic history. The Prophet (peace be upon him) placed its foundation in the first year of the Hijri calendar. Prayer there holds the reward of Umrah.
Al-Jum’ah Mosque (مسجد الجمعة)
This is where the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed his first Friday prayer in the city.
Al-Fath Mosque (مسجد الفتح)
Also called the Supreme Mosque. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made dua there during the Battle of the Confederates.
Other Mosques
Many more mosques stand across the city. Each links to a person or a moment in Islamic history.
Major Battles
Battle of Badr
The Muslims had about 300 men. The Quraysh had more than 1000. The Muslims won. Seventy from Quraysh died. Seventy were captured. Fourteen Muslims died.
Battle of Uhud
The Quraysh had 3000. The Muslims had 1000. Three hundred withdrew before the battle. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was injured. Seventy Muslims died.
Battle of the Trench (خندق)
Ten thousand fighters gathered against the Muslims. The trench blocked their path. A strong wind scattered their camp. They retreated.
Al-Harra
This event took place in 683. A large army reached the city. Many people died. The city faced harsh days after the conflict.
Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah in the Saudi Era
The city serves as the capital of the province. It borders Khaybar, al-Ula, Yanbu, Badr, Wadi al-Fara and al-Hanakiyyah. A development authority oversees major projects that support growth.
Education
The city holds two main public universities: Taibah University and the Islamic University. It also holds private universities, colleges and training institutes. Public schools exceed 1,900. Students reach more than 360,000 across the city.
Economic Activity
Industry holds about one third of local jobs. Government services and trade follow. The city hosts farms, markets and factories. Tourism brings about seven million visitors each year. People stay between 4.5 and 13 nights. Spending ranges Approx. from SAR999 to SAR3,700 per visit.
Services
The airport holds about 14 to 15 million travelers each year. The Haramain Railway links the city to Makkah and Jeddah in 2.5 hours. This increased the number of pilgrims moving between the two holy cities.
Efforts and Projects of Kingdom
Rua al-Madinah Project
- Location: East of the Prophet’s Mosque
- Coverage: 1.5 million m²
- Goal: Build 47,000 hospitality units by 2030
- Includes: Green areas, bus stops, a metro station and space for self-driving paths
- Aim: Support 30 million Umrah visitors yearly
Al Madinah Region Development Authority
This authority oversees projects that shape the region. It holds a budget and supports programs linked to transport, culture and services.
MADINAH Investments
This program promotes investment. It links private and public sectors. It identifies areas for new projects.
Madinah Buses
- Fleet: 30+ buses and 100+ stops
- Connections: The mosque, Quba, the airport and train stations
Restoration Projects
- The Qiblah Wall at the Prophet’s Mosque is being restored
- Historic mosques such as Abu Bakr Mosque and Umar Mosque receive care
Imam Muslim Road
This project improves routes between neighborhoods. It reduces traffic and supports smooth movement.
Wadi al-Aqiq Development
The valley will become a park with paths, greenery and public spaces. It will highlight the valley’s history.
City Gates
New gates will serve visitors. They will include mosques, gardens, shops and service centers.
Al-Salam Street
This project improves pedestrian flow on a major street near the mosque.
Quba Mosque Development
- Coverage: About 50,000 m²
- Capacity: Above 65,000 worshippers
- Focus: Restore historic sites around the mosque
Madinah Humanization
This program supports open spaces, green areas and cultural programs.
The Historic Path
This project revives Islamic sites and pedestrian areas.
Conclusion
Al Madinah al Munawwarah remains a place of faith, history and growth. Its mosques, wells, valleys and mountains carry the story of Islam’s early years. Its modern projects prepare it for future generations. The city welcomes millions each year. It gives each visitor a direct link to the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the rise of the first Islamic community.
Read More:
- 7 Most Iconic Historical Buildings in Jeddah
- 20+ Best Ziyarat places in Makkah
- Historical Components of Diriyah
- Historical Hajj Routes: A Comprehensive Overview
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