Islam places a high value on the cities of Makkah and Madinah. Muslims from all over the world use Umrah packages from the UK or any other country to travel to these cities for ziyarat. A type of pilgrimage known as ziyarat involves visiting locations associated with the Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions, heirs and other well-known Islamic figures. There is a comprehensive guide for pilgrims choosing from among the best ziyarat sites in Madinah which include mosques, mountains, maqam’s battlegrounds and caves. Let us first clarify a few things regarding ziyarat before moving on.
What does Ziyarat mean? How does one perform Ziyarat?
Ziyarat which means visit in Arabic refers to a type of pilgrimage that honors revered Islamic figures such as Sufi saint’s prophets and scholars as well as the Holy Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions and descendants. The main goal of ziyarat is for travelers to interact with Allah and request his blessings by going to see and conversing with him via his messenger. When you are in the city of the prophet follow these tips and regard this deed as a virtue and an honor.
- You should only focus on worship and nothing else.
- Remain patient and avoid being conceited or trying to gain popularity. 3. Read the Salawat as often as you can—a unique Arabic phrase that extends greetings to the Prophet. It will be more rewarding the more you read.
- Encourage the enthusiasm and energy. Read the Prophet’s books or poetry until you arrive in Madinah.
- It is advised to take a shower and change into new clothes upon arrival before visiting the Prophets Mosque.
- Give something to charity no matter how small before you enter the mosque. Allah is more interested in your intentions than in the quantity you are giving.
- In the Rawdha (Garden of Paradise) somewhere between the pulpit and the Prophet’s tomb give two rakahs in greeting before entering the mosque if the required prayers have not yet started.
- Stand at the head side of the tomb facing the Qiblah as you approach it. Humble yourself before it and show the Prophet respect by lowering your head.
- Say Assallamu Alaikum Ayyuhan Nabiyyu Rahmatullohi WA Barakatuh at the Prophet Muhammads tomb to express your condolences on behalf of your departed loved ones. Proceed toward Abu Bakar and Umar Bin Khattab’s tombs after that.
- It is customary to say the Sunnah prayer of farewell and wish to return to the holy city of Madinah in the future before departing from the city.
Madinahs Ziyarat Guide
The Enlightened City Madinah (formerly Yathrib) is the second-holiest site in Islam after Makkah. Upon leaving Makkah the city provided sanctuary to the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. In addition, the Prophet is buried there and pilgrims visit the city before during and after their Hajj and Umrah journeys to pay their respects and take in the sights. The following are a few of Madinahs well-known ziyarat locations:
Masjid-e-Nabwi
Masjid an-Nabawi is ranked first among Madina ziyarat locations. It is the 2nd-largest and most venerated mosque in the world, behind Masjid al-Haram. It is also mentioned as the second-holiest spot on earth in any ziyarat guide for Makkah and Madinah. Trust Islamic Travel Agency in the UK, Islamic travel offer the hotel accommodation near the Masjid An Nabawi in Madinah, The Prophet established the city after relocating from Makkah. It is said that this masjid is the most satisfying location in the world to give prayers. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad is interred there; his tomb can be found on the southwest side of the mosque.
The mosque at Quba
The Prophet himself laid the foundation for this mosque. While traveling from Makkah to Medina he stumbled across this website. It functions as a town hall a cabinet, a madrassa and more besides being a place of worship. This location is well-known in the Madinah ziyarat and is a marvel of Islamic architecture. The Masjid Nabawi is fifteen minutes away by car.
Jabal Uhud
This is where Uhud Battle happened. The Prophet spoke from this mountain saying This mountain loves us and we love it. Travelers are recommended to pace themselves and drink plenty of water when hiking up this mountain.
The Seven Mosques (Masjid Ahzab)
This location is a part of the Masjid Sabah (The Seven Mosques) group of masjids. Masjid Ali Masjid Umar Masjid Saad Abu Bakr Masjid Qiblatain and Salman Farsi are the other ones. At the battle of Ahzab the Prophet made his dua (prayers) at this location.
Ghamama Mosque
Masjid Ghamama which means clouds is another name for this location which is roughly 300 meters southwest of Masjid Nabawi. The Prophet recited the Eid salah there in his final years.
The Jannatul Baqi
This was Madinahs first cemetery, also called the Garden of Heaven. Many members of the Prophet Muhammads’ (PBUH) family friends and notable figures are buried here. It is claimed that the Prophet (PBUH) chose this site for the graveyard on his own. This place is also known as Baqi al-Gharqad. The first person interred here was Asas Bin Zararah a companion of the Prophet from the Ansari tribe. It is deemed righteous for Jannatul Baqi to come to this location (preferably on Fridays) and ask Allah for forgiveness.
Jummah Mosque
After moving from Makkah to Madinah, our prophet gave the command for the first Jummah salah in this masjid on the outskirts of the city. Masjid al Wadi another name for this location is located 2. 5 km from Masjid-e-Nabwi.
Mosque Qiblatain
This site, sometimes referred to as the Mosque of the Two Qiblas, is very significant historically for Muslims all over the world since here is where the Quranic pronouncement caused the Qibla to shift to face the Kaaba in Makkah. This mosque once had two mehrabs, or walls facing the Kaaba. One faced Bait-al-Maqdis and the other Makkah.
Saqifah Garden
Muslims used to congregate in this garden, which belonged to Banu Saedah to confer over the choice of the Prophet (PBUH) successor as Caliphate. The distance between this location and the Masjid Nabawi is 200 meters west.
Ladies ziyarat timings
The female ziyarat hours at Madinah’s Masjid An Nabawi are (6 to 11) a.m. and 9:30 p.m. to midnight. However, on Fridays, the hours are from 9 p.m. to midnight, and from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Although the hours of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah are from 10 pm to 12 am following the Isha prayer and from 7 am to 9 am following sunrise. If you are planning a 5-star Umrah packages tour of Madinah and Makkah, this comprehensive guide to Makkah and the ziyarat sites will be indispensable.
