A City Guide to Al Medina Al Munawwarah

The second holiest city in Islam after Makkah Al-Mukarramah is none other than
Al-Medina Al-Munawwarah. It is also recognized with various names such as City
of the Messenger, Home of Immigration and Taibah. When the Prophet
Mohammad (peace be upon him) immigrated from Makkah, people from this city
known as Ansar welcomed him. Al-Medina Al-Munawwarah literally means the
city of light. Al Quba Mosque is the first mosque of Islam and it is also located in
Medina. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was supported by the Ansars
along with the Muhajireens. Together they joined him in fighting unforgettable
battles which were monumental in the victory of Islam. Their unwavering love
towards the Holy Prophet was subsequent and played a big role in the spread of
Islam throughout the world. The Holy Prophets Mosque and his noble grave, the
world famous Islamic University, The Holy Quran printing at the King Fahd
Complex and many archaeological Islamic features are all found in this Holy city.
Millions of pilgrims visit the Prophets mosque after performing Hajj and Umrah.
The Prophet's Mosque is unique in its stature. The Prophet (peace be upon him)
himself built the mosque along with his companions and led prayers in it for
years.
The city is located in the Hejaz Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Medina
Al Munawwarah is surrounded by mountains. A number of historical mountains
surround it namely: Al-Hujaj, Salaa, Al-E'er and the most important in Islamic
history is the mountain of Uhad. Plentiful greenery is found amidst a hot and dry
mountainous region. The city is geographically located 620 mts above the sea
level. It is a desert oasis consisting of various stony areas from all sides.
Shops are lined up around the Prophet's Mosque and they sell products of
different varieties. The pilgrims generally prefer to purchase janamaz (prayer rug
used to offer salaah), topi(caps), burqas or known in Arab as Abayas, Tasbeeh,
beautiful old and new pictures depicting the holy city and mosques, DVDs or cds
containing religious information, Holy Quran and other Islamic related products as
precious souvenirs and gifts for their family and friends. The most favored
product to take back from here is the different varieties of Dates. They are unique

and special which are not found anywhere else in the world. Big shopping
complexes and ultra modern malls sell products from all over the world. Pilgrims
from different parts of the world visit the city. Luxury, Semi Luxury and budget
Hotels are available to accommodate them. The visitors gets unique
opportunities to get indulge in oriental and local dishes and satisfy their taste
buds with the high quality fresh ingredients.
Comfortable and luxurious buses at an affordable rate are provided by The Saudi
Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO). They operate round the clock and
are well connected with all the major cities of Saudi Arabia. Private buses also
provide the transportation services. Taxis are a major source for the visitors to
get around the city.
It is a great honor for the pilgrims to visit our beloved Prophet's mosque. The
Holy Prophet said:
"A salaah performed in the Prophet's Mosque is better than a thousand salaats in
any other place except Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah"
Related by: Bukhari and Muslim.

Source: - http://blog.daleeli.com/a-city-guide-to-al-medina-al-munawwarah/