Assalamualaikum.
Day 9 of our 2026 Umrah journey marked our third day in Madinah.
The gentle coolness of the air and the quiet serenity of Masjid An-Nabawi seemed to embrace us with every step toward the sacred mosque.
Unlike in Makkah, where we would leave our hotel at least an hour before each prayer to secure space at Masjid al-Haram, here in Madinah the rhythm was calmer. A simple 30‑minute walk brought us comfortably to Masjid An-Nabawi, where ample space awaited, allowing us to arrive with ease and tranquility.
Beyond the complimentary bottled water—often neatly arranged in boxes along the courtyards and shopping lanes of Masjid An-Nabawi as a heartfelt act of sadaqah (charity) by local donors—pilgrims also find bread freely offered. In this moment captured, a simple bag of pita bread rested upon a bollard at the entrance of Masjid An-Nabawi, a quiet gesture of generosity awaiting those in need.
My eyes grew misty as I thought of the donor’s quiet generosity. Someone had considered the hunger of pilgrims, taken the effort to walk to a nearby bakery, and purchased a simple bag of bread to share. Perhaps they once knew the ache of hunger themselves, the longing for food when means were scarce.
What touched me even more was noticing that the bag had already been opened—some bread taken. It was around 4:50 a.m., and someone had been hungry. Perhaps that person was not alone, perhaps a family waited with them, and together they found sustenance in that humble gift.
The shops near Gate 336 of Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, particularly the Al Munawara gift shop, offer a variety of souvenirs, including prayer mats, dates, perfumes, ouds, and miniatures of the Kaaba door. This area is known for affordable souvenirs and a "Made in Madina" focus, located near the northern courtyard.
Almunawara Store (Gift Shop): A boutique known for selling premium, locally made Madinah souvenirs. It is highly recommended for original Madinah prayer mats, high-quality perfumes, musks, and religious accessories. Most items have fixed prices, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer not to bargain.
Women's Prayer Area: The signs explicitly point towards the Women's Prayer Area - Eastern Section. Most women's entrances are located in the northern and eastern courtyards, such as Gates 25, 29, and 32.
The Women’s Prayer Area is a highly organized and essential part of the mosque's vast layout, designed to manage millions of visitors while maintaining privacy, safety, and a spiritual atmosphere.
📘Integration into the Masjid Layout
🔹The prayer areas for women are not localized to just one spot but are strategically distributed to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims:
🔹Designated Zones: Major sections for women are located in the Northern, Northeastern, and Northwestern parts of the mosque.
🔹Capacity and Expansion: The mosque can hold up to 1.5 to 2 million worshippers in total. Within this, the women's sections cover significant areas, such as a 16,000-square-meter section in the northeast and an 8,000-square-meter section in the northwest.
🔹Gate System: To avoid overcrowding and maintain gender separation, women have dedicated entry gates. The primary gates for ladies are 11–17 and 23–31. Gate 25 is particularly well-known as a primary entrance for those wishing to be near the prayer areas and the Rawdah.
This is Gate 25. Gate 25 (often associated with the adjacent Gate 24 and 26, known as Bab Uthman ibn Affan) is a primary, well-known entrance for women at Masjid An-Nabawi because it provides direct, dedicated access to the northeastern women's prayer halls. It is famously used by female pilgrims to access the Rawdah Mubarak.
📘Key Reasons for Its Popularity:
🔹Direct Access to Women’s Section: It serves as a main entry point for the dedicated women-only prayer areas on the eastern side.
🔹Rawdah Access: It is considered one of the primary entry points for women aiming to visit and pray in the Rawdah (the area between the Prophet’s house and his pulpit).
🔹Location and Convenience: Situated in the eastern/northeastern area, it is close to several hotels on that side of the mosque, offering easy accessibility for visiting female pilgrims.
🔹Signage and Crowd Control: As a long-standing designated gate for women, it is well-known and often managed by security to ensure a comfortable experience, separated from the main male entrances.
Over 100 military-trained female officers are stationed at Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah to ensure the security, safety, and orderly movement of female worshippers, especially in the Rawdah area. Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, these officers monitor for beggars, manage crowd flow, and provide assistance in a highly rewarding, specialized role, often working with diverse languages.
📘Key Details About Female Security at Masjid An-Nabawi
🔹Deployment: The initiative began with an all-female batch of 113 military-trained personnel to specifically manage security for female visitors, as highlighted by Arab News and The Islamic Information.
🔹Roles: They monitor for safety violations, manage the flow of visitors (particularly in the Rawdah area), and handle lost items or medical situations.
🔹Appearance and Training: They are distinguished by uniforms that include tan outfits and black berets. Some personnel are referred to as Mursheeda, who can be identified by a pink card (in training) or a green/white seal (fully trained/ranking) on their uniform.
🔹Impact: They have been credited with improving the experience for female pilgrims by providing a "woman’s touch" to a traditionally male-dominated security role.
📘Background
The introduction of these officers is part of a broader shift in Saudi Arabia, allowing women to serve in various security roles across the country's military and security forces, including the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Women’s Prayer Area.
There is a significant difference in the crowd of pilgrims during the winter season compared to others, largely driven by more comfortable, cooler weather in hot regions like Saudi Arabia. While often less crowded than the intense summer peak or Ramadan, winter—specifically December and January—is a popular, high-crowd time due to school holidays and mild temperatures.
No matter the route, I came across many of our Indonesian brothers and sisters, both in small and large gatherings. Indonesian pilgrims at Masjid An-Nabawi are commonly seen in two distinct group types: large, organized caravans (kloter) often wearing identical, vibrant attire (highly visible and synchronized, often wearing uniforms, batik, or bright scarves/hats, and using identifying markers on backpacks to avoid separation) for safety, and smaller, intimate family groups. Large groups are disciplined, frequently gathering with group leaders for guidance, while smaller groups often focus on individual spiritual moments and quiet contemplation.
Indonesian pilgrims are consistently among the highest in number, if not the highest, for Umrah annually, with over 1 million to 1.5 million visiting yearly. Due to the world's largest Muslim population, high demand, and long Hajj waiting lists, Indonesia frequently tops Saudi Arabia’s official lists of visitors for the lesser pilgrimage.
📘Key Details on Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims:
🔹Top Position: Indonesia is frequently ranked first in the number of Umrah pilgrims since the opening of the, for example, 1444 Hijri season (2022).
🔹High Volume: While Hajj is limited to around 200,000+, over 1.5 million Indonesians traveled for Umrah annually as of 2025.
🔹Alternative to Hajj: The high numbers are driven by a long Hajj waiting list (sometimes over 40 years), making Umrah a favored alternative to visit the Holy Land.
🔹Growing Infrastructure: The demand is so high that in August 2025, Indonesia formed a new ministry, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, specifically to manage the huge volume of pilgrims, ensuring better safety and logistics.
🔹Recent Figures: In early 2026, despite regional tensions, around 58,873 Indonesian pilgrims were recorded in Saudi Arabia within a single period, demonstrating high, continuous traffic.
📘While other nations like Pakistan, India, and Malaysia also contribute large numbers, Indonesia's combination of population size and demand keeps it at the forefront of global Umrah visitor figures.
The walks back from Masjid An-Nabawi and Masjidil Haram after each prayer hold a profound weight for me. Having spent seven days in Makkah and five here in Madinah, I find myself wondering when I will ever walk these paths again. Every step feels heavy with the realization that these might be my last. That thought alone made each step feel sacred—each breath a quiet act of gratitude.
I felt humbled by the gift of this Umrah, aware of how fleeting such moments can be. And amidst the crowd, walking side by side with my fellow brothers and sisters, I felt a deep sense of belonging—each of us part of a shared rhythm of faith and farewell.
These are Careem electric bikes (e-bikes) and e-scooters, part of a citywide micromobility initiative in Madinah. They are strategically placed near the courtyards of Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) to provide pilgrims and visitors with a convenient, eco-friendly way to navigate the city.
Why they are available:
🔹Connecting Holy Sites: They offer a quick and efficient way to travel between significant religious landmarks, most notably the popular 3km route between Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba via the Quba Walkway.
🔹Reducing Congestion: Especially during peak seasons like Ramadan, these vehicles help cut through heavy traffic and ease the pressure on traditional transportation like buses and taxis.
🔹Accessibility & Convenience: They serve as an affordable "first and last-mile" solution for visitors staying in hotels slightly further from the Haram area, allowing for easy commutes to and from prayers.
🔹Exploration: The service encourages pilgrims to explore the historical significance of the city at their own pace, visiting sites like the Battle of Uhud or other nearby companion mosques.
How to use them:
🔹App-Based: You can rent them by downloading the Careem app, selecting the 'Bike' option, and scanning the QR code on the vehicle.
🔹Pricing: Various passes are typically available, including daily (approx. 25 SAR), weekly, and monthly options.
I didn't notice any adults on the scooters, but the children completely took over on their E-Scooters. It was pure joy to watch them zip across the vast courtyards under the night lights, racing and chasing one another with total abandon. Their carefree laughter made the whole scene feel incredibly alive.
The Buddaah Lane.
Breakfast at the Al Ritz Al Madina Hotel.
That morning after breakfast we joined our group for a 'Madinah Ziyarat Tour'.
It is common for Umrah agencies to take their pilgrims on visits to historical sites around the city of Madinah. This tour is commonly called the 'Madinah Ziyarat Tour' or 'Madinah Historical Tour'. It focuses on visiting significant Islamic sites, or "Ziyarat," surrounding the city, including Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, the Shuhada' (Martyrs) Cemetery, and often a date farm, typically lasting half a day.
A Madinah Ziyarat tour invites travelers into a profound journey—guided or private—through the city’s treasured historical and spiritual landmarks. Beyond the Prophet’s Mosque, our tour's itinerary highlights pivotal sites in Islamic history, including Quba Mosque, Mount Uhud, the Shuhada’ Cemetery, and a serene date farm.
While many itineraries stop at Masjid al-Qiblatain—the site where the Qibla was famously changed—our particular tour features a drive-by view of this landmark rather than a scheduled stop.
Here’s the list of places usually visited during a Madinah Ziyarat Tour.
Our Madinah Ziyarat Tour unfolds as a tapestry of faith and history, guiding hearts through sacred echoes.
📘Masjid Quba shines as the first foundation of faith, its walls breathing the serenity of beginnings.
🔹The first mosque built in Islam by the Prophet Muhammad (622 AD) upon his arrival in Madinah. Praying here holds immense reward, as narrated in authentic hadith. It is a Sunnah to pray two Raka'at here, which holds the reward of an Umrah.
📘Mount Uhud stands as a silent sentinel of sacrifice, echoing faith and resilience across the ages.
🔹A significant historic site where the intense Battle of Uhud occurred, featuring panoramic views and the nearby Shuhada' (Martyrs) Cemetery, where companion Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA) is buried. Visitors often pause to remember the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness.
📘Shuhada' (Martyrs) Cemetery rests as a sacred garden of martyrs, where devotion and sacrifice bloom eternally in silence.
🔹Resting place of the companions who gave their lives in the Battle of Uhud, including Sayyid al-Shuhada Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA). Pilgrims pay respects and offer prayers for the martyrs.
📘Aryaf Taiba date farm unfolds as an oasis of sweetness, where the earth’s bounty whispers gratitude beneath Madinah’s sun.
🔹Madinah is famous for its dates, especially Ajwa. Visiting a farm offers both cultural insight and a chance to taste the blessed fruit mentioned in hadith. Often a stop for rest and local shopping, such as at Aryaf Taiba or Al-Radadi Farms.
The urban vibes of Madinah's central district (Markaziah) are defined by a unique blend of modern grandeur and profound spiritual serenity.
Based on the following photos, the atmosphere can be described through these core elements:
🔹Architectural Harmony: The streets are lined with towering, high-end hotels that mirror the aesthetics of the Prophet's Mosque. You see a consistent use of sandstone-colored facades, intricate geometric latticework (Mashrabiya), and elegant arches that bridge the gap between ancient heritage and contemporary luxury.
🔹Vibrant Commercial Life: The ground floors are a hive of activity, featuring everything from local perfumeries and date shops to international brands. It creates a lively, global bazaar feel where pilgrims from every corner of the earth converge.
🔹A "Hallowed" Bustle: Despite the traffic and the density of the buildings, there is a distinct lack of "big city" chaos. The atmosphere remains orderly and respectful, dictated by the five daily prayers that rhythmically pause the city's heartbeat and pull everyone in the same direction.
🔹Pedestrian-First Design: The wide, polished stone walkways are designed for massive crowds. There is a sense of organized flow, where the city breathes through open courtyards that act as transition zones from the bustling commercial life to the quietude of the Masjid.
🔹Cleanliness and Light: The bright, sun-drenched streets and the meticulously maintained pavements give the city a crisp, luminous quality that feels welcoming and safe at any hour.
This is the Masjid Imam Bukhari, a notable historic mosque located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is traditionally believed to be built on the site of the house where the renowned Islamic scholar Imam al-Bukhari (author of Sahih al-Bukhari) lived and worked during his time in the city.
📘Major projects near Masjid an-Nabawi, such as the Rua Al Madinah project, are governed by strict regulations established by the Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA) to preserve the mosque's sanctity and improve pilgrim capacity.
📘Building Heights and Distance
🔹Height Sensitivity: Buildings are designed to be sensitive to height, ensuring that they do not obstruct views of the Prophet's Mosque or its minarets.
🔹Visual Balance: Guidelines suggest a 1:1 building height to right-of-way width ratio to provide clear views and prevent a sense of enclosure for pedestrians.
🔹Buffer Zones: Development plans like Rua Al Madinah include vast open and green spaces—accounting for 63% of the project area—to act as buffers and transition zones between the mosque and commercial districts.
📘Architectural Style and Heritage
🔹Islamic Identity: All buildings adjacent to the mosque must adhere to a traditional Islamic style. Designs often simulate old Madinah architecture, featuring Al-Rawashin (distinctive Hijazi wooden window panels).
🔹Preservation: Modern designs must remain rooted in the cultural and geographic context of Inner Madinah.
📘Walkability and Pedestrian Management
🔹Maximum Walkability: For central hotels, a "walking distance" is typically considered within 100 to 500 meters of the mosque, which translates to a 3- to 10-minute walk.
🔹Dedicated Corridors: New mega-projects feature pedestrian corridors up to 60 metres wide to facilitate direct access to the mosque's squares.
🔹Superblock Design: Large developments use a "superblock" layout that separates pedestrian paths from vehicular traffic to enhance safety and ease of movement.
📘Traffic and Logistics
🔹Underground Solutions: To maintain the sanctity of the area, mega-projects often utilize underground parking and loading facilities to keep surface levels clear for pedestrians.
🔹Public Transit Integration: Plans include dedicated bus stops, metro stations, and tracks for self-driving vehicles to manage the high volume of pilgrims.
🔹No-Fly Zone: Strict no-fly zones are maintained over the mosque to prevent noise pollution and ensure safety.
The image shows the ruins of Masjid Bani Ghifar, an ancient mosque located on the southeastern side of Jabal Sela (Mount Sela) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Facebook +2
📘Historical Significance
🔹Prophet's Prayer Site: The mosque commemorates a location where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is recorded to have performed prayers.
🔹Cultural Context: It is one of over a hundred historic Islamic landmarks in the Madinah and Makkah regions that have been preserved to consolidate religious and cultural heritage.
Asharq Al-Awsat English
🔹Architectural Style: The ruins feature traditional Islamic architectural elements,
including prominent arched structures that blend with the rocky landscape of Mount Sela. Some researchers note similarities in the construction to Ottoman-era architectural works.
📘Location & Access
🔹Position: It is situated approximately 700 meters northwest of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque).
🔹Alternative Names: In some contemporary contexts, the site is also associated with or referred to as the Cave of Bani Haram (or Kahf Bani Haram).
🔹Visiting: The site is part of the historic landmarks in Medina that are now open to visitors for sightseeing and spiritual exploration.
This photo showcases a modern cityscape in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The view looks toward the historic central district from an elevated position of a bridge/flyover near the King Faisal Road (1st Ring Road) area.
The urban landscape in your photo captures a city in the middle of a massive architectural transition. Medina is currently undergoing one of the most significant urban redevelopments in its history to accommodate the vision of hosting over 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030.
📘The Contrast of Old and New
The image highlights the physical "collision" between two eras:
🔹The Older Quarters: On the right, you see low-rise, older concrete structures. These areas typically consist of traditional residential blocks and small-scale local shops. Many of these neighborhoods are being phased out to make room for high-capacity infrastructure.
🔹Modern Hotel Clusters: The left and center background show the rising "hotel towers." These are designed with a specific aesthetic—often using beige stonework and arched windows—to blend modern hospitality with Islamic architectural motifs.
📘Drivers of Transformation
This shift from small-scale quarters to massive blocks is driven by several factors:
🔹Capacity & Safety: Older, narrow alleys cannot safely handle the "tidal wave" of millions of people moving toward the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) during prayer times. Wide, paved plazas (like the one in the foreground) are essential for crowd control.
🔹The "Haram" Expansion: As the central mosque expands, the "first ring" of the city is effectively pushed outward. What used to be residential suburbs are being converted into "hospitality zones" to keep pilgrims within walking distance of the Holy Site.
🔹Infrastructure Integration: The bridge and wide roads on the left represent the push to connect the city center with the Haramain High-Speed Railway, allowing pilgrims to transit from Jeddah and Makkah in record time.
The city feels like a living palimpsest—layers of history being rewritten by modern needs. Pilgrims walking these streets encounter both the echo of old Madinah’s intimate quarters and the grandeur of new developments, a duality that mirrors the balance between tradition and modernity.
The mountains in the distance remind visitors of Madinah’s timeless natural backdrop, anchoring the city’s rapid urban evolution in its enduring landscape.
The highway overpass in Madinah, framed by the timeless silhouette of Mount Uhud, captures the city’s dual identity. On one side, the rugged mountain stands as a witness to battles and sacrifices etched into Islamic history; on the other, the sleek lines of modern infrastructure pulse with the rhythm of a 21st‑century metropolis. The scene perfectly illustrates a city that honors its 1,400‑year‑old heritage while embracing the demands of a high‑speed, global urban hub. It is a place where pilgrims walk in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ, yet also navigate multilane highways, towering hotels, and carefully managed traffic systems. Madinah’s skyline and streets thus become a living dialogue between reverence and progress—where sacred echoes meet the hum of modern life.
The stone archways in Madinah, such as the one in below image, serve as both decorative markers and cultural symbols. These structures are integral to the city's modern identity, blending historical reverence with urban planning.
📘Purpose and Role
These gates are primarily aesthetic landmarks used to welcome visitors and mark city limits or entry points to significant areas.
🔹City Beautification: They are a core part of Madinah's urban beautification projects. Instead of standard highway signage, the city uses these monumental structures to create a "sense of place" and grandeur.
🔹Orientation: They serve as visual cues for tourists and pilgrims, often appearing along major tour bus routes and the primary roads connecting Madinah to cities like Jeddah.
📘Architecture and Style
The style is a modern interpretation of Traditional Najdi and Hejazi architecture, common across Saudi Arabia.
🔹Fortress Design: The structures mimic ancient fortifications, featuring "crenelated" or stepped battlements along the top. This gives them a protective, majestic appearance.
🔹Material: They are typically constructed or clad in local stone, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural desert landscape.
📘Symbolism: What They Reflect
The archways are designed to reflect three core themes:
🔹Historical Heritage: They honor the architectural legacy of the Islamic Golden Age and the traditional fortified villages of the region.
🔹Hospitality: In Arab culture, a "gate" symbolizes the opening of a home; these structures represent the city’s welcoming nature to millions of pilgrims.
🔹Modern Identity: They reflect Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" goals of enhancing the quality of life and visual appeal of holy cities while preserving their distinct cultural roots.
Below photo captures a segment of the modern road infrastructure in Madinah, showcasing a multi-lane highway with integrated interchanges and organized traffic flow. This infrastructure is central to the Saudi government's broader strategy to modernize the city, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of life for residents and accommodate the increasing influx of religious tourists and pilgrims.
The highway system represents just one layer of a complex, multimodal transport strategy that includes rail, air, and public transit, all working together to position Madinah as a leading global cultural and investment hub.
This sculpture is titled "Ji'at Sharraft al-Madinah" or “I have come and honored the City”.
🔹This 23-meter-tall monument was created by the Syrian sculptor Rabea Al-Akhras.
🔹It was recently installed near the southern entrance of Medina, specifically before the Quba Mosque.
🔹Its name and form are inspired by the historical "Tala' al-Badru 'Alayna," the traditional Islamic song sung to welcome the Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Madinah.
🔹The artwork's design features multiple tall columns topped with abstract crescent shapes and upward-reaching hands, symbolizing greeting and celebration.
We arrived at Masjid Quba, and as we stepped off the bus, the air was filled with the welcoming sight of vendors offering perfumes, prayer beads, and an assortment of nuts to the pilgrims.
How profoundly the scene has changed since my wife and I were last here. The outer landscape of Masjid Quba has been transformed into expansive courtyards, offering visitors a deep sense of space and reverence. From this vast openness, pilgrims can behold the mosque in its entirety and take in the beauty of the surrounding scenery.
To create the expansive, open-air plaza and massive expansion seen around Masjid Quba today, local shops, smaller buildings, and previous commercial and exhibition spaces surrounding the structure were removed as part of the massive King Salman Project for Masjid Quba Expansion. This transformation, part of the wider development projects in Madinah, replaced older structures with a massive, open-air courtyard. This clearance was necessary to increase the mosque's capacity from roughly 20,000 to 66,000 worshippers and to visually connect the mosque with 57 surrounding historical sites.
📘Key details regarding the area's transformation include:
🔹Removal of Commercial Structures: Older shops and stalls that previously crowded the immediate vicinity of the mosque were removed to create the open plaza.
🔹Exhibition Removal: The older exhibition spaces and buildings near the mosque, including some exhibition facilities of the era, were cleared.
🔹"Quba Front" Development: While local shops were cleared, new organized, family-friendly spaces, cafes, and specialized kiosks (collectively known as Quba Front) were developed nearby.
🔹Newer Attractions: While older structures were cleared, new, modern exhibitions, such as the "On His Footsteps" exhibition, have been established in the vicinity.
The current design, which connects to the 3-km Quba Walkway, is focused on enhancing the capacity and experience for worshippers and visitors.
🔹An electric golf cart service now connects Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba, offering pilgrims a convenient alternative to walking the 3 km Sunnah Path. This modern transport option helps elderly visitors, families, and those with limited time experience the journey while still honoring the tradition.
🔹The buggies operate between Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba, offering a 10–15 minute, 3 km ride along the dedicated pedestrian path.
Before entering Masjid Quba for the Sunnah prayer, Ustaz Herman gathered us near the lane leading to the mosque. There, he offered a brief reflection and shared with us the moment when Abu Bakr (RA), upon arriving at Quba with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), shielded him with his cloak—a gesture of devotion and protection that still resonates deeply with pilgrims today.
The event in which Abu Bakr (RA) protected Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with his cloak occurred upon their arrival at Quba (a settlement on the outskirts of Medina) during the Hijrah (migration) in 622 CE. As they arrived on a Monday at noon, many of the Ansar (helpers of Medina), who had been waiting for them, had not seen the Prophet (PBUH) before and did not know what he looked like.
📘Context and Details of the Event
🔹Arrival at Quba: The Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) arrived in Quba at noon after an arduous eight-day journey from Mecca, having hidden in the Cave of Thawr for three nights.
🔹The Crowd's Confusion: Many inhabitants of Medina (Ansar) had been waiting for the Prophet (PBUH) daily in the heat. Upon his arrival, they flocked to him. Because Abu Bakr (RA) was older and actively receiving people while the Prophet (PBUH) sat silently, many people—especially those who had not seen the Prophet (PBUH) before—mistook Abu Bakr for the Prophet (PBUH).
🔹The Act of Protection: When the sun reached its peak directly above them, Abu Bakr (RA) realized that the crowds did not know who was the Messenger. Abu Bakr (RA), always watchful of the Prophet's comfort and safety, immediately stood up and shielded the Prophet (PBUH) from the sun with his cloak or shawl.
🔹The Realization: It was at this moment, seeing Abu Bakr serving the other man, that the Ansar realized that the seated man was indeed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
📘Significance of the Event
This incident is celebrated as a significant moment in the Hijrah, showcasing:
🔹Devotion: Abu Bakr’s immense love and immediate alertness to protect the Prophet (PBUH) from the scorching sun.
🔹Humility: The Prophet (PBUH) resting and allowing himself to be shielded by his companion.
🔹The Beginning of the Journey's End: This happened just before they established the first mosque in Islam, Masjid Quba.
After the briefing, we walked through the crowd and made our way to the mosque's main entrance, myself to the men's entrance and my wife to the women's entrance.
The image shows a large informational sign at Masjid Quba (Quba Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
According to the text on the sign, here are the key facts about this site:
🔹First Mosque in Islam: It was the first mosque established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon his migration (Hijra) to Medina in the first year of the Islamic calendar.
🔹Mentioned in the Qur'an: The sign quotes Surah At-Tawbah (9:108), which refers to it as a mosque "founded on piety from the first day."
🔹Significance: There are several Hadiths (prophetic sayings) encouraging prayer here; it is traditionally believed that performing two rak'ahs of prayer in Masjid Quba is equivalent to performing an Umrah.
🔹Modern History: The mosque has been rebuilt and expanded several times, most notably during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
At the entrance, shoe racks are thoughtfully provided, allowing visitors to place their footwear neatly before stepping into the mosque.
Having visited Masjid Quba before, I felt a deep sense of familiarity — not only with its graceful architecture but with the serenity that fills its air.
The multinational presence didn’t feel like a crowd of strangers; it felt like a reunion of hearts. Knowing that this place is so special in the hearts of my Muslim brothers made the experience even more poignant. The collective focus is rooted in a profound promise, as I was reminded of the immense virtue tied to this blessed mosque.
Performing Wudu at home and praying at Masjid Quba holds the reward of an Umrah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to the Quba’ Mosque and offers one prayer therein, will have a reward like that for 'Umrah". This Hadith is recorded in Sunan Ibn Mājah (Hadith 1412) and was narrated by Sahl ibn Hunayf. Scholars like Al-Albani have graded this narration as Sahih (authentic).
This hadith elevates Masjid Quba as a place of immense spiritual reward, encouraging believers to visit, perform ablution, and pray there with sincerity.
📘Key Details on the Reward:
🔹The Hadith: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "He who purifies himself at his home and comes to Masjid Quba and offers two rakats therein, will be rewarded the reward of an Umrah (lesser pilgrimage)".
🔹Required Actions: The key to this reward is performing ablution (Wudu) at home or your place of residence, then travelling to Masjid Quba and praying (usually interpreted as two rak'ahs).
🔹Sunnah Practice: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to visit Masjid Quba to pray every Saturday, walking or riding.
🔹Significance: Masjid Quba is the first mosque built in Islam, and this reward highlights its immense merit.
Amid the gentle hum of pilgrims performing their sunnah prayers, a calmness settled within me, a solitude wrapped in reverence, a stillness that felt both personal and profound. Yet, surrounded by my Muslim brothers, that solitude felt like a warm embrace — a shared devotion, each of us seeking the same divine reward of Umrah.
Praying underneath the dome’s two circles within Masjid Quba is described by worshippers as a profound, intimate, and deeply spiritual experience that bridges the gap between the modern day and the dawn of Islam. The two circles, located on the ceiling of the main prayer hall, directly signify the spot where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) prayed upon his arrival in Madinah.
The dome with the two openings is part of the main prayer hall, aligned toward the Qibla, and surrounded by six domes and four minarets.
📘How to Locate the Spot: To find this spiritually significant area, worshippers look for specific architectural markers in the main prayer hall.
🔹The Middle Dome: Navigate to the front row of the prayer hall and look toward the center.
🔹The Two Circles: Look directly up at the ceiling of this central dome. You will see two visible circles or "holes".
🔹The Prayer Spot: The precise location where the Prophet (ﷺ) is said to have prayed is directly between and underneath these two circles.
📘Historical Significance of the Circles
While the current structure is a result of modern expansions, these markers serve as a preservation of oral tradition:
🔹Camel’s Resting Place: Some local traditions suggest the larger circle marks where the Prophet's (ﷺ) camel first knelt upon his arrival in Medina.
🔹The First Fajr: Other accounts believe this area marks where the Prophet (ﷺ) led the very first Fajr prayer in Madinah.
The feeling of praying in this exact spot is frequently characterized by:
🔹A Tangible Connection to History: Worshippers often feel an overwhelming sense of connection, as if time has paused to embrace them. It is a feeling of "reliving the beginning," standing exactly where the Prophet (ﷺ) stood when he first established the foundation of community and faith.
🔹Deep Serenity and Reverence: The area is characterized by a "serene ambiance" that allows for intense contemplation and reflection. It is described as a sanctuary of peace where the heart finds tranquility, reflecting on the Prophet’s (ﷺ) humility and dedication.
🔹A "Seal" of Authenticity: Knowing this specific location—marked by the two black circles—is where the Prophet (ﷺ) performed his prayer gives a feeling of certainty, making it a beloved spot for pilgrims seeking the full blessings of the, as mentioned in hadith, “reward of an Umrah”.
🔹Spiritual Intensity (Hu'dhur al-Qalb): The atmosphere is often described as spiritually charged, prompting a feeling of being in a "hidden gem" that has survived through centuries of renovation.
I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being granted the chance to return here — again and again — each time, with my wife by my side. The very awareness of that blessing filled my heart with humility and joy. After completing my sunnah prayer, I sincerely and emotionally expressed my gratitude to Allah (SWT), whispering Alhamdulillah for the honor of standing once more in His sacred house, Masjid Quba. I acknowledged that this invitation was purely by His mercy, not by any merit of mine, and prayed that He accepts my Umrah, forgives my shortcomings, and blesses me with the opportunity to return again soon.
As seen in this photo, many pilgrims were drawn to the spot beneath the two circles. What struck me most was the beautiful, considerate behavior of my brothers who, after completing their prayers, graciously vacated the space so that others could also experience the blessing of praying there. Their actions reflected kindness, empathy, and respect for the needs of fellow worshippers. This thoughtfulness and courtesy — shown regardless of nationality — revealed an attentiveness and mindfulness that can only be described as selfless, gracious, and truly helpful which defines the bond of brotherhood so beautifully.
An Indonesian pilgrim approached me and kindly asked if I could take his photo. After I obliged, we exchanged a few words, and I casually asked whether he had managed to find the spot beneath the two circles to perform his sunnah prayer. He looked puzzled, so I explained and pointed out the area in the carpeted prayer hall where a small crowd had gathered. Grateful for the guidance and realized the significance, his face lit up with appreciation and he quickly made his way there. Once he reached the spot, he turned back toward me, and I signaled to confirm that it was indeed the right spot. He smiled, waved his thanks, and then proceeded to perform his sunnah prayer.
A simple favor—taking a photo for an Indonesian brother—turned into a beautiful moment of sharing. I felt honored and thankful for the opportunity to help a fellow pilgrim experience that special moment. It’s the small connections like these that make the journey so special.
The familiarity I felt earlier when I stepped into this mosque extended beyond the walls to the faces around me. Seeing pilgrims from every corner of the globe, I was reminded that this isn't just a historical landmark; it is a living sanctuary held dear in the hearts of millions. To be among such a multinational gathering was to witness the pulse of the Ummah, where different languages and cultures dissolved into a single, shared devotion.
This sanctuary is more than a place of prayer; it is a meeting ground of hearts, a sacred space cherished across nations. To stand among them was to recall that familiarity of belonging — the recognition that this mosque is special not just to me, but to countless Muslim brothers who hold it dearly in their souls.
It wasn't just the sight of the minarets that felt familiar, but the spiritual 'climate' of the place—a unique blend of vibrant energy and deep peace. Watching brothers from across the continents stand shoulder-to-shoulder, I realized that the familiarity I felt was the collective love we all carry for this sacred space. It is a place where the world meets in a quiet, reverent embrace, making every stranger feel like kin because we are all drawn here by the same faith.
There is a specific kind of peace found only in places where the whole world gathers to worship. This multinational presence didn’t feel like a crowd of strangers; it felt like a reunion. It reminded me that Masjid Quba is a home for every Muslim heart, a sacred intersection where our individual journeys merge into one shared experience of grace.
Masjid Quba women's prayer hall.
The Hayat National Hospital can be seen from the Masjid Quba's courtyard.
About 38 meters west of Masjid Quba is the ‘Ring Well’ known historically as he Well of Arees (or Bi’r Aris), or Well of the Ring (Bi’r al-Khatam). It is a historic site in Madinah where the silver seal ring of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was lost during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan.
📘Historical Background
🔹Name and Location:
The well is called Bir Arees (also spelled Arees or Aris), located approximately 38 meters west of the Quba Mosque. After the incident of the ring, it became known as Bir al-Khatam, meaning “Well of the Ring.”
📘Origin of the Name:
🔹The name Arees originally came from a Jewish man who owned the land where the well was dug. The Prophet ﷺ often visited this well and sat by its edge with his companions, his legs hanging over the side in a relaxed manner.
📘The Incident of the Lost Ring
🔹The Ring’s Significance: The ring bore the inscription “Muhammad Rasul Allah” (محمد رسول الله) and was used by the Prophet ﷺ to seal letters sent to rulers and leaders. After his passing, the ring was worn successively by Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA), and Uthman (RA).
📘How It Fell:
🔹During Uthman’s caliphate, in the sixth or seventh year of Uthman’s rule, he was sitting at the edge of Bir Arees when the ring slipped from his hand and fell into the well. Despite three days of continuous searching — even sieving the mud and water — the ring was never recovered and is believed to remain there to this day.
📘Spiritual Interpretation:
🔹Scholars note that the loss of the ring symbolized a turning point in the Muslim community’s history, marking the beginning of internal challenges during Uthman’s leadership.
📘Religious and Cultural Significance
🔹Prophetic Connection: The Prophet ﷺ once spat into the well, and its salty water turned sweet — a miracle remembered by locals. He also performed ghusl (ritual purification) from its water, making it spiritually significant.
📘Glad Tidings of Paradise
🔹This well is also the site where the Prophet ﷺ sat with his companions Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, conveying the "glad tidings" that they would all enter Paradise.
📘Connection to Masjid Quba:
🔹Water from Bir Arees was reportedly used in the construction of Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam.
📘Visiting Today:
🔹The well itself is no longer accessible to the public, but its location near Masjid Quba remains a point of reflection for pilgrims visiting Madinah. Today, the exact site is often marked by a circular floor marker or plaque in the mosque's courtyard to serve as a historical point of reflection for visitors. Many ziyarat tours include it as part of their itinerary, emphasizing its historical and spiritual value.
Masjid Quba is among the stops featured on the City Sightseeing Madinah bus route.
There's a map with caption "Step back in time to the dawn of Islam and learn more about the journey that changed the world".
🔹The map below illustrates the path of the Prophet's Migration (Hijra), which is the route taken by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH from Makkah to Al Medina (Yathrib).
🔹Also illustrated is the path of the Ansar's journey which will explore inside this experience.
The map of the Prophet's Migration (Hijra) path is part of a major exhibition called "On His Footsteps" (or The Hijrah in the Footsteps of the Messenger ﷺ), which is located immediately adjacent to Masjid Quba in Madinah.
📘Exhibition Overview: "On His Footsteps"
This immersive cultural experience opened in early 2026 to showcase the 470 km journey taken by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Madinah. It is situated in the area opposite or next to the main courtyards of Masjid Quba.
🔹Interactive Stations: The exhibition features 14 interactive stations designed by over 70 international artists to bring the historical journey to life.
🔹Archaeological Artifacts: It displays 53 historical artifacts related to the Prophetic era and the migration.
🔹Detailed Mapping: Visitors can view advanced 3D visual maps and simulations that trace the specific, less-traveled coastal route taken to avoid the Quraysh.
🔹Digital Technology: The site uses modern tech, including immersive displays, to guide visitors through documented stations like the Cave of Thawr and Wadi al-Safra.
📘The Hijra Path (Darb al-Hijrah)
The map specifically highlights how the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (RA) intentionally avoided the common trade roads.
🔹Starting Point: Makkah, beginning with three days in the Cave of Thawr.
🔹Alternative Route: They traveled northwest toward the Red Sea coast rather than directly north to maintain safety.
🔹Final Destination: The journey concluded at Masjid Quba, which became the first mosque in Islam, before the Prophet ﷺ eventually entered central Madinah (Yathrib).
The surroundings of Masjid Quba have been enhanced with clearly marked walkways, thoughtfully designed to be wheelchair accessible.
A date farm.
One of our group members kindly shared fresh strawberries with the group, a gesture of sadaqah for which we pray Allah SWT grants her abundant sustenance and wealth. Interestingly, strawberries are cultivated here in Al Madinah Province, particularly in the Asuwayq area.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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