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A L - M E D I N A A L - M U N A W W A R A |
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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.
Al-Medina al-Munawwara in the 21st century
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.
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution A panoramic view of the recently built hotels near the Prophet`s Mosque [273]
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution A motorway in Madina Munawwara in the morning [247] In Madina schools start at 7.30 am and end at 1.30 pm except for the month of Ramadan where school hours are normally 10.30 am till 2.30 pm. So expect more traffic at these times.
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution Buildings around the Prophet Mosque, Madina [274]
click on the image to see it at a higher resolution Graffiti, Madina [047] Next to this building there is an open area where the teenagers of this region used to gather in the evening and at night to play football and to chat.
A Syrian working in a restaurant, Madina [049] Still there are many foreigners working in Saudi Arabia (some 5.5 million in 2006) although the Saudi government has made efforts to reduce its reliance on non-Saudi labor (the total population is around 27 million in 2006).
Wadi Aqeeq, Madina [441] 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.
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.
Road sign on one of the main roads of Medina [051]
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 : www.tariqramadan.com ; one of the most influential Islamic thinkers in Europe. You may download some of his speeches (in French) at www.vert-islam.com The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ; a website having more information about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Call to Destroy Uhud Cave Rejected ; an article from Arab News about the controversy of the call to destroy Uhud cave, the cave where the Prophet (PBUH) took rest during the battle of Uhud. Hotels in Medina ; you will find detailed information about a list of hotels in Medina Munawara, their locations, services offered and their prices. |
