The Profound and Sacred Virtues of Madinah: A Guide to the Prophet’s City

The Virtues of Madinah are unparalleled, marking it as a city of immense spiritual significance second only to Makkah in sanctity. Known as Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (The Enlightened City), it was the destination of the Hijrah (Migration), the capital of the first Islamic state, and the final resting place of Allah’s final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This article delves into the unique status, blessings, and spiritual rewards associated with this blessed city, as detailed in the classical Islamic tradition.

The Sacred Sanctuary (Haram) of Madinah

One of the foremost Virtues of Madinah is that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) designated it a “Haram,” a sacred sanctuary, just as Prophet Ibrahim (ﷺ) did for Makkah. This sanctity grants it special protections and rules.

• Defined Boundaries: The sacred area of Madinah is defined as the land between the two volcanic tracts (the Lava fields), or specifically, what lies between the mountains of ‘Air and Thawr.
• Prohibitions within the Haram: It is forbidden to cut its wild trees or hunt its game. This establishes Madinah as a place of peace and environmental preservation.
• Divine Protection: This status is a divine safeguard, making the city a secure and blessed haven for its inhabitants.

The Prophet’s Prayers and Blessings for Madinah

The Prophet (ﷺ) frequently supplicated to Allah for Madinah, and these prayers are a core reason for its enduring blessings.

• Blessing in Sustenance: He specifically prayed for blessing (Barakah) in the “Sa'” and “Mudd” (measures of food) of its people, meaning their provisions would be sufficient and fulfilling.
• Love for Madinah: He prayed, “O Allah, make us love Madinah as we love Makkah or even more.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
• Removal of Diseases: Upon arriving in Madinah, which was initially a land of fever, he prayed for its health and that its diseases be transferred to Al-Juhfah, a prayer that was miraculously answered.

H2: The Purity and Purifying Nature of Madinah

Allah Himself has given Madinah names that indicate its pure nature, which is one of its greatest Virtues of Madinah.

• The Names “Tayyibah” and “Tābah”: These names, meaning “The Good” and “The Pleasant,” are derived from the word “Tayyib” (pure, good). They signify the city’s inherent purity in its land, air, and essence.
• Expelling Evil: The Prophet (ﷺ) likened Madinah to a furnace that expels impurities from silver. Similarly, it expels evil people and sinners, leaving only the righteous and pure in faith to reside there. It “expels its evil elements as fire expels the impurities of iron.”

Unique Protections and Miraculous Virtues of Madinah

Madinah is endowed with specific, miraculous protections that distinguish it from all other cities.

• Protection from Plague and the Dajjal: The Prophet (ﷺ) declared that Madinah is guarded by angels, preventing the plague and the False Messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal) from entering it. The Dajjal will be unable to approach the city, finding angels stationed at every gate.
• Healing from its Earth and Dates: The soil and dates of Madinah hold healing properties.
  • The Prophet (ﷺ) would use its soil in ruqyah (healing supplications), saying, “With the soil of our land, and the saliva of some of us, our sick person is cured by the permission of our Lord.”
  • Eating seven dates from the ‘Ajwah variety of Madinah in the morning provides protection from poison and magic for that day.
• A Stronghold of Faith: In the end times, faith will return and concentrate in Madinah, just as a snake retreats to its hole. It will remain a bastion of true belief.

Immense Rewards for Residents and Visitors

The spiritual rewards associated with Madinah are a powerful testament to its status.

• Reward for Patience: Whoever endures the hardships and high cost of living in Madinah with patience will have the Prophet (ﷺ) as their witness or intercessor on the Day of Judgment.
• Intercession for Those Who Die There: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever can manage to die in Madinah, then let him die there, for I will intercede for whoever dies there.” This is why companions like Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) prayed to die in the city of Allah’s Messenger.
• The Prophet’s Love for Madinah: The Prophet (ﷺ) had a deep, personal love for Madinah. Upon returning from journeys, he would hasten his mount upon seeing its walls out of love, and he expressed his affection for Mount Uhud, saying it is “a mountain that loves us and we love it.”

A Severe Warning for Those Who Harm Madinah

Reflecting the city’s sanctity, the Prophet (ﷺ) issued severe warnings against anyone who seeks to harm it or its people.

• Curse for Causing Trouble: “Whoever introduces an evil practice in Madinah, upon him is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.”
• Destruction for Those Who Seek to Harm It: “Whoever intends to harm the people of Madinah, Allah will cause him to dissolve (in destruction) as salt dissolves in water.”

Key Sacred Sites Within Madinah and Their Virtues

The Virtues of Madinah are also manifest in its specific landmarks.

• Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque):
  • Second Holiest Mosque: It is one of the three mosques to which journey is permissible (the others being Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem).
  • A Garden from Paradise: The area between the Prophet’s house and his pulpit (minbar) is known as the “Rawdah,” a garden from the gardens of Paradise.
  • Prayer Multiplied: A single prayer in it is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque, except Masjid al-Haram.
• Masjid Quba: The first mosque built in Islamic history. The Prophet (ﷺ) would visit it and pray there. “Whoever purifies himself in his house and then comes to Masjid Quba and prays in it, he will have a reward like that of ‘Umrah.”
• Jabal Uhud (Mount Uhud): The site of the Battle of Uhud. The Prophet (ﷺ) expressed his love for this mountain, and it is the burial place of many martyrs, including his beloved uncle, Hamzah (رضي الله عنه).
• Al-Baqi’ Cemetery: The main cemetery of Madinah where thousands of the Prophet’s companions and family members are buried. He used to visit it to pray for its inhabitants.

Important Guidelines for Visitors to Madinah

When visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and his grave, it is crucial to adhere to correct Islamic etiquette and avoid innovations (Bid’ah).

• The Objective of Visit: The primary purpose is to pray in the mosque and send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ). It is not permissible to travel solely to visit his grave.
• Correct Etiquette at the Grave:
  • Stand facing the grave, greet the Prophet (ﷺ) peacefully, then move slightly to the right to greet Abu Bakr and then Umar (رضي الله عنهم).
  • Do not raise your voice.
  • Crucial Prohibition: It is strictly forbidden to pray to the Prophet, seek his help for things only Allah can provide, or make du’a directly facing the grave. All supplication must be to Allah alone.
  • Do not touch, kiss, or circumambulate the chamber.
• Avoiding Innovation: The Prophet (ﷺ) strongly warned against turning graves into places of worship, as the Jews and Christians did. All acts of worship are reserved for Allah alone.

A Final Word to the Residents of Madinah

For those blessed to live in Madinah, it is a tremendous responsibility. This great blessing should inspire increased gratitude, piety, and good deeds. Merely residing there without fulfilling the obligations to Allah does not guarantee salvation. The true Virtues of Madinah are reaped by those who combine their residence with sincere faith and righteous actions.

In conclusion, the Virtues of Madinah are deeply rooted in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah. It is a city protected, blessed, and beloved by Allah and His Messenger. Understanding and respecting its sanctity allows Muslims around the world to appreciate its unique place in Islam and to hope for the opportunity to visit this radiant city, the home of the final Prophet.

Read also on our wesbite about the Hijra of the prophet Peace be Upon Him from Makkah to Madinah