Etiquettes of Madinah
In ancient Arabia, there were three major cities—Makkah, Ta’if, and Yathrib. When the Prophet of Islam migrated from Makkah and made Yathrib his place of stay, the city came to be called Madinat-un-Nabi (the City of the Prophet). Later, this was shortened to just Madinah.
Going to Madinah is not a necessary part of Hajj. Without visiting Madinah, the Hajj is still complete. However, those who go for Hajj generally also visit Madinah. The reason is that Madinah has such a deep connection with Islam and Islamic history that, even though going there is not legally required, in practice it has become an essential part of a pilgrim’s journey.
Travelling from Makkah to Madinah, praying in Masjid Nabawi, and sending peace and blessings (durud) upon the Prophet at his grave—although not part of the rituals or duties of Hajj—carry great reward. A pilgrim should certainly visit there. One should leave for Madinah after performing the Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf) in Makkah.
Throughout the journey to Madinah, the pilgrim should consistently send blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad. Upon arriving in Madinah, the pilgrim is encouraged to take a bath, then proceed to Masjid al-Nabawi to offer two Rak‘ahs (units) of prayer, followed by supplication. After the prayer, they should respectfully approach the Tombs—a small enclosure within the Prophet’s Mosque—where the Prophet Muhammad and his two Companions, Abu Bakr and Umar, are buried. The pilgrim should do so with the utmost reverence, reciting Salat and Salam (blessings and peace) for the Prophet. During the stay in Madinah, it is recommended that as many prayers be offered as possible in Masjid al-Nabawi.
After praying and sending blessings in Masjid Nabawi, one should visit places in and around Madinah related to Islamic history. Seeing them brings memories of the time of the Prophet. For example:
• Jannat al-Baqi‘, where many Companions are buried.
• Masjid Quba, where the Prophet offered his first prayer in Madinah.
• Mount Uhud, where the second major battle between Islam and non-Islam took place.
• Masjid Qiblatain, where the command to change the Qiblah came during prayer—and so on.
While going from Makkah to Madinah, about twenty miles to the west is a place called Badr, a small town. In Ramadan of 2 AH, the first battle between Islam and non-Islam took place here. The opponents of Islam were advancing with the intention of attacking Madinah, but the Prophet came out to confront them. At that time, the Muslims were fewer in number and had less strength, yet they achieved an extraordinary victory. The place of Badr reminds the pilgrim that his greatest concern should be to remain firm upon the truth. Because if he does so, he will surely receive the help of God and gain victory over his enemies.
When the city of Madinah was surrounded by a wall, one of its gates was called Bab ‘Anbariyyah. During the Turkish period, there was a railway station here. Some remains of it still exist. The road from Makkah enters Madinah through Bab ‘Anbariyyah. As this area begins, one should increase in making duas.
The Prophet emphasised the respect of Madinah with these words: “Abraham declared Makkah to be a sacred place, and I declare Madinah to be a sacred place.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1361; Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3367)
The area between its two mountainous boundaries is all a sacred territory. No blood should be shed here, no weapon should be raised against anyone, and even the leaves of trees should not be shaken—though it is allowed to shake leaves for animal feed.
The Prophet himself built Masjid Nabawi with his own hands and prayed there for the last ten years of his life. Regarding this mosque, he said: “Praying in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque—except for Masjid Haram.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1190; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1394)
In another Hadith, the Prophet said: “One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers in other mosques, except Masjid Haram. And one prayer in Masjid Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers in other mosques.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1406)
Masjid Nabawi has many doors. It is better for a pilgrim to enter through Bab Jibra’il. But if it is crowded, any door may be used. One should never hurt anyone or argue with anyone in Madinah or inside Masjid Nabawi. Inside the mosque, there is a special place called Rawdah al-Jannah. This place has special excellence. The Prophet said: “The space between my house and my pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is at my Pond of Kawthar.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 9214)
Upon entering Masjid Nabawi, the pilgrim should pray two rak‘ahs. After prayer, he should ask God for goodness in this world and the Hereafter. If these two rak‘ahs are prayed in Rawdah al-Jannah, it is even better. However, if it is too crowded, the prayer can be offered in any part of the mosque.
After the prayer, go to the place where the Prophet is buried, along with his two special Companions, Abu Bakr and Umar. One should visit the graves and stand respectfully in front of the Prophet and say:
“As-Saalamu ‘alayka ya Rasool Allah wa barakatuhu.”
This means: “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and His blessings.”
It is narrated that the Prophet said: “Whoever sends salam upon me, God returns my soul to me so I can reply to his salam.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 2041)
After sending salam to the Prophet, one should also send salam to Abu Bakr and Umar and make dua for them.
The pilgrim should try to offer all five daily prayers in Masjid Nabawi, make abundant remembrance (dhikr), supplications (duas), and offer optional prayers, making full use of this great opportunity to earn reward.
It is also recommended for someone visiting Madinah to visit Masjid Quba and pray there. As mentioned in the Hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar, the Prophet used to visit Masjid Quba both on foot and on a mount, and he would pray two rak‘ahs there.
Similarly, visiting the graves in Jannat al-Baqi‘, and the graves of the martyrs—including Hamza—is Sunnah. The Prophet used to visit them and make dua for them. He said: “Visit the graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 23005)
From the Hadith, we learn that the purpose of visiting graves is to remember the Hereafter. The state of those who have passed on reminds those still living of their own end.
Three miles north of Madinah is Mount Uhud. About it, the Prophet said: “Uhud loves us, and we love Uhud.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2889) Now, the population of Madinah has grown close to Uhud. Near this mountain is the site where the Battle of Uhud took place. The Prophet’s uncle, Hamzah, was martyred in this battle. His simple grave still exists within a fenced area. Beside him are the graves of other Companions.
There are many mosques inside and around Madinah besides the mosque of the Prophet. If the pilgrim has the opportunity, he should visit these mosques and pray there. For example: Masjid Quba, Masjid Ghamamah, Masjid Sittiyah, Masjid al-Fath, Masjid Banu Haram, Masjid Dhubab, Masjid Qiblatain, Masjid al-Fadih, Masjid Banu Qurayzah, Masjid Banu Zafar, Masjid al-Ijabah, Masjid al-Sajdah, Masjid Abi, Masjid Abu Bakr, Masjid Umar, Masjid Ali, Masjid Ibrahim, etc.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 9 October 1983.
