Medina City is a very important and special place for Muslims. It is in Saudi Arabia, not too far from the Red Sea. After Mecca, Medina is the second most important city in Islam because Prophet Muhammad moved there, which started the Islamic calendar. As of 2022, about 1.4 million people live in Medina. Most of the people are local, but some come from other countries. Many Muslims visit Medina when they do Umrah or Hajj. Prophet Muhammad’s body is buried in the Prophet’s Mosque, which is also in Medina.
Let’s Dive Into Background and Prestige of Medina
1. Historical significance Of Medina
Medina City possesses an important history in Islam. It was initiated when the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad moved to Madina from Mecca in 622 CE. This migration marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijra. When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he established the first Islamic state there and laid the foundation for a community based on Islamic principles. This greatly impacted the history of Islam, as the number of believers in Islam increased significantly more than in Mecca.
Medina was also known as the capital of the Islamic state during the time of Prophet Muhammad and played a very important role in the early development of Islam. The city became a center for religious activities in the Prophet’s mosque, Masjid al-Nabawi, at its heart. Medina is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca and is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Muslims annually.
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2. Distance of Medina From Major Cities and Countries
Here is an overview of the distance guide for Madina from major cities and countries with average travel time.
| Major Cities | Distance |
| Riyad, Saudi Arabia | About 724.5 km(450 miles) |
| Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | About 420 km(261 miles) |
| Mecca, Saudi Arabia | About 339.57 km(211 miles) |
| Dubai, UAE | About 1581.99 km(983 miles) |
| Cairo, Egypt | About 1033,2 km(642 miles) |
| Amman, Jordan | About 906.06 km(563 miles) |
Asia
| Istanbul, Turkey | About 2088.93 km(1298 miles) |
| Karachi, Pakistan | About 2768.07 km(1720 miles) |
| Tehran, Iran | About 1683.37 km(1046 miles) |
| Delhi, India | About 3754.6 km(2333 miles) |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | About 8029.2 km(4989 miles) |
Europe
| London, UK | About 4510.99 km(2803 miles) |
| Paris, France | About 4221.31 km(2623 miles) |
| Berlin, Germany | About 3820.58 km(2374 miles) |
Africa
| Johannesberg,SouthAfrica | About 5771.11 km(3586 miles) |
| Nairobi, Kenya | About 2880.73 km(1790 miles) |
3. How to reach Medina?
There are many transportation options to reach Medina from major cities and countries, considering factors like speed, cost and convenience.
By Air
- Pros
Air transportation is the most convenient and luxurious way to reach Medina from major cities and counties. The main airport is Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport, located within the city centre. It serves both national and international flights. It accommodates many international flights, including Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.
- Cons
Air transportation is indeed very costly.
By Train
- Pros
Like the Haramain High-Speed Railway, many fast and modern high-speed trains connect Medina with cities such as Mecca, Riyad, and Jaddah. These trains are also a convenient, fast, and luxurious option for travellers, especially for those who perform the Hajj or Umrah. Travellers can also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding environment. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Medina from Mecca.
- Cons
Your travelling schedule may be ruined due to the availability of train
By Bus
- Pros
Bus transport is another option for traveling from major cities within Saudi Arabia to Medina. The bus is cheap for tourists to reach Medina from cities like Mecca, Jeddah, and Riyad.
On the bus, we can also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding environment. Some major private companies also offer bus services from neighbouring countries like Jordan and Egypt.
- Cons
Due to traffic problems, tourists can face problems of arriving late.
By Car
- Pros
Car drive is another transportation option from other cities within Saudi Arabia or from neighbouring countries to Medina. Rental car options are also available, so you can travel easily using maps and GPS. You cannot face any problems while travelling because the roads are safe and amazing.
- Cons
A huge amount is required to rent a car and for fuel.
By Sea
- Pros
From neighbouring countries, you can reach the Jeddah Islamic Port by sea. Jeddah Islamic Port is about 400 km from Medina. You can take a car, bus, or train from Medina.
- Cons
Travelling by air is significantly slower than air.
Choosing the best option
Some ways to get to Medina are as follows: Air transportation is the fattest and most convenient way to reach Medina from major cities and countries, but the cost is relatively high. It takes longer to get there by train and is a little more formal than a plane, but it is excellent and comfortable. One of the disadvantages is the train schedule, which may ruin your plan. It is very economical by bus if you come from major cities like Jeddah, Mecca, and Riyadh. It feels uncomfortable for someone because the journey is very boring. By car, visitors can road tour from other cities within Saudi Arabia or other countries by managing traffic and cost problems. By sea, you reach Jeddah Islamic port, about 400 km from Medina, and then you can reach Medina by car, bus or train.
Cost Range
| By Air | Domestic Flight: $75-$150International Flight: $400-$1200 | Depending on the departure city, airline and how early you book |
| By Train | $30-$50 | Depending on the route and train schedule |
| By Bus | Domestic Bus Travel: $15-$50International bus Travel: $60-$100 | Depending on a fixed schedule and booking of a bus |
| By Car | $60-$150 | Depending on the fuel, tolls fees and car rent |
| By Sea | $300-$600 | Depending on the type of vessel and class, distance and route, transportation from Jeddah |
4. Best Time to Visit Medina
Medina’s weather is hot throughout the year, but you can visit from November to March. The weather during this period is comparatively cooler, so you can easily perform Umrah. This is also a period when the hajj is not performed, so it is suitable for pilgrims to perform Umrah. For pilgrims, the month of Ramadan is best for performing Umrah.
Most pilgrims visit Medina during the Hajj to perform the Hajj, which is the best time to visit the city.
- November to Match: This is the best period for visitors to visit Medina because the temperature is comparatively low.
- April to June: This period is not suitable for visitors because the weather is very hot during this period
- July to October: The temperature is also hot during this period, but it is the period when pilgrims perform Hajj, so it is best for pilgrims to perform Hajj
5. Top Place to Visit in Medina
There are many places in Medina to visit. These places are as follows:
Religious Place to Visit in Medina
Al-Masjid An-Nabwi
In the year of Hirja, When Holy Prophet Hazarat Muhammad emigrated from Makkah to Medina, He built Al-Masjid An-Nabawi. It is also called the Prophet’s Mosque. The body of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad is buried in this Mosque. The tomb is in the southeast corner of Al-Masjid An-Nabwi, where a bright green dome is recognized. After Masjid-e-Haram in Mecca, this is the second most visited Islamic place. During Hajj and Umrah, millions of pilgrims visit the mosque and offer prayer. It is always open regardless of time and date.
Quba Mosque
Quba Mosque is located in the village of Quba, about 6km from Medina. It was built at the time of the Holy Prophet in the 7 century CE, and according to Muslims, it might be the first Mosque in the world. When Hazrat Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, He spent 14 days in this mosque and waited for Hazrat Ali(His son-in-law), who was in Mecca for a return of guardianship. After the Prophet’s Mosque, this is the second-highest Mosque in Medina. Many visitors visit this mosque throughout the year.
Masjid Al-Qiblatyn
This is also known as the Mosque of Two Qiblas. It is the mosque where Hazrat changed the direction of the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca when he received the direction to change the Qibla. Sawad Bin Gulam built it in 623 CE. This mosque has two mihrabs.
Historical place to visit in Medina
Jannat-al-Baqi
It is also known as The Garden of Heaven and is among the first cemeteries of Medina. The various scholars, companions, and the family of the Prophet, including Hazrat Imam Hasan ibn Ali(His grandson) and Hazrat Fatima-al-zehra(His daughter), are buried in this place. Hazrat Muhammad Himself selected this place for the cemetery. The first person to be buried here was Al-Baqi after Hazrat Muhammad migrated to Medina. Gate no.1 Masjid-e-Nabwi is the best way to enter the cemetery.
Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud was the site of the Battle of Uhoud in 625 CE. It is about 4 km away from Masjid-An-Nabwi. About 70 martyrs of the Uhud War, including Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad, are buried in the cemetery near Mount Uhud.
The Desert of Saleh
The most beautiful tourist destination in Medina is the Desert of Saleh. Its wall contains several drawings, inscriptions, and a gigantic tomb and place. Tourists must visit the Desert of Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most beautiful and incredible site in Saudi Arabia, located South of Al Nafud.
6. Accommodation options in Medina
| Hotels | Rating | Charges per night |
| Puliman Zamzam Madina | Very Good(8.1) | $133.38 |
| Taiba Front Hotel | Good(7.3) | $143.28 |
| Haya Plaza Hotel | Above Average(5.9) | $57.05 |
| Sofitel Shahd AL Madinah | Very Good(8.0) | $164.12 |
| InterContinental Dar Al Iman Madinah | Fabulous(8.7) | $252.04 |
| Durrat Al Eiman Hotel | Pleasant(6.2) | $65.13 |
| Emar Elite Al Madina Hotel | Good(7.6) | $138.88 |
| Golden Tulip Al-Zahabi | pleasant(6.7) | $110.45 |
| Madinah Hilton Hotel | Very Good(8.3) | $171.61 |
| Grand Zowar Hotel | Above average (5.6) | $48.06 |
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People may Ask
1. What is the best time to visit Medina?
The best time to visit Medina is during the Hujj period.
2. Where is the tomb of Hazrat Muhammad located?
The tomb of Hazrat Muhammad is located in Al-Masjid An-Nabwi in Medina.
3. What are Medina’s travel options?
Medina’s travel options are by aeroplane, train, bus, and air.
4. What is the population of Medina?
As of 2022, about 1.4 million people live in Medina. Most are local, but some come from other countries.
5. Where is Jannat-al-Baqi located?
Jannat-al-Baqi is located near Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. It is a historical cemetery with religious importance.
Bottom Lines
Medina remains a dream destination, as is the second holiest city of the Islamic faith, with millions of people visiting it every year for spiritual guidance and to embrace the teachings of the Prophet. The cultural and architectural landmarks of the Islamic period, along with the accommodation and business facilities of the contemporary world, make it a place of interest for global travellers.
Apart from it being one of the most important religious cities in the Islamic world, Medina is a lively city of culture. Of course, it played an important role in the development of Islamic civilization, and it is evident that it is not confined only to the Middle Ages. As a centre of Islamic learning and scholarship, Medinah retains its religious importance in modern Muslim society.
