Madiina

Madiina, also commonly spelled Medina (مدينة), is a city in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. It is considered the second holiest city in Islam, after Mecca. Its significance stems from being the destination of the Hijra (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers in 622 CE, and the location of his tomb.

Madiina played a crucial role in the early development of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad established the first Muslim community (Ummah) in Madiina, and the city served as the political and religious center of Islam for several years. The Constitution of Medina, one of the earliest known written constitutions, was drafted here, governing relations between the various communities.

Key landmarks in Madiina include:

• Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque): The second holiest mosque in Islam, built on the site where the Prophet Muhammad settled after the Hijra. It houses the Green Dome, under which the Prophet Muhammad is buried, along with the Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar.
• Quba Mosque: The first mosque built in Islam, located just outside Madiina.
• Mount Uhud: The site of the Battle of Uhud, a significant battle in early Islamic history.
• Al-Baqi Cemetery: A major cemetery located near the Prophet's Mosque, where many members of the Prophet's family and prominent early Muslims are buried.

Madiina is a major pilgrimage destination for Muslims, especially during Ramadan and Hajj. Non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter the central areas of the city containing the holy sites. The city's economy is largely based on serving pilgrims and visitors. Madiina has a rich history and continues to hold profound religious and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide.