|
A L - M E D I N A A L - M U N A W W A R A |
|
The minarets of the Prophet`s Mosque from 2 .6 km away [045] Al-Medina al-Munawwara (the Lighted City) also known as Madina an-Nabi (the city of the Prophet), is located in Hijaz, on the western part of Saudi Arabia, some four hundred kilometers north of Mecca. Medina has a population of about 600 000 inhabitants. Medina is second to Mecca in spiritual importance among Muslims. The presence of the Prophet`s Mosque (masjid al-Nabawi), the burial place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and many other historical sites in Medina attract millions of visitors every year. Medina became a city of religious importance with the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in it in the year 622 A.D. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions (R) were persecuted in Makkah for practising and preaching a monotheistic religion, that is, Islam which is diametrically opposed to the polytheistic religion of the Makkans of the Jahiliya period. As Islam began to have a greater influence among the Arabs of Makkah, the Qureish tribe who were the guardians of the Ka`ba and the 360 idols around it, feared that they would lose their privileged position among the Arabs. They devised all means to stop the spread of Islam which is threatening their social, economic and religious status. They intensified their persecutions on the the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions (R) to such an extent that the latter were compelled to leave their beloved homeland, their dear ones, and their belongings behind and migrated to Medina to be able to practise their religion. This event is such an important one in the history of Islam that during the caliphate of Umar bin Khattab (R), the caliph chose this event to mark the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution Aerial view of Madina Munawara, Medina [605]
Amir Abdullah road (second ring road), Medina [046] Al-Medina al-Munawwara becomes more lively during the hajj and Ramadan seasons. During these seasons all the markets and shopping centers around the Prophet`s Mosque are crowded with visitors and are opened till late at night. In fact, the economy of Medina depends mainly on the millions of visitors it welcomes throughout the whole year, more particularly during hajj and Ramadan seasons, by offering services such as transport and communication facilities, food and accommodations services just to mention a few.
Hotels around the Prophet`s Mosque [048] The old hotels around the mosque of the Prophet are being replaced by new ones. This picture depicts a contrast between the new hotels and the old ones. There is a large area in the middle of the image that has been cleared for new buildings.
A motorway in Madina Munawwara in the morning [247]
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution Uhud region, Madina Munawwara [601]
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution Uhud region, Madina Munawwara [603]
Buildings around the Prophet Mosque, Madina [274]
Graffiti, Madina [047]
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution Wadi Aqeeq, Madina [612] Wadi Aqeeq is one of the most famous valleys of Madina. Wadi Aqeeq is also a blessed valley as stated by the Prophet (PBUH). After heavy rainfalls, wadi Aqeeq is transformed into a river and remained as such for several weeks. Since this is a rare occurrence in Medina and since Medina does not have any permanent rivers or lakes, the locals seize this opportunity to spend their leisure time in the evening along wadi Aqeeq (cars aligned on the left bank of the `river`).
The landscape in Baydah, Madina [050] Muntazah Baydah is a recreational park in Madina and is located some 20 km away from the Prophet`s mosque. The locals used to come here with families and friends to relax and even camp here. You can hire tents to set up your own camp. Here the landscape is mountainous and there are lots of thorny plant. To really explore this area, you will need a four wheel drive vehicle.
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution A panoramic view of mountain Uhud, Madinah [208] Mountain Uhud (Jabal Ouhud) is one of the greatest mountains of Madina. It is named `Uhud` due to its isolation from the other nearby mountains. The famous battle of Uhud took place at the foot of this mountain in the second year of the Islamic calendar, more particularly between mountain Uhud and mountain of the archers (Jabal Rumaat).
Related links : The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ; a website having more information about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hotels in Medina ; you will find detailed information about a list of hotels in Medina Munawara, their locations, services offered and their prices. |
