How to Visit Madinah? Best Guide For Visiting Madinah
Are you in search of the ideal way to visit Madinah? If so, then you’ll be glad to know that you’re in the right place!
If you’re planning to visit Madinah sometime in the future, then there is a certain order of steps that you must follow in order to make your visit the most valuable. With this article, we bring to you a complete guide of how you should visit Madinah and what you are suggested to do once you get there. Additionally, we’ll also help you acknowledge the most divine sites in Madinah that you are highly recommended to visit during your stay in Madinah.
Why Do Muslims Visit Madinah?
Before we commence the complete and thorough guide of how you can visit Madinah, it’s essential for you to fully comprehend the spiritual meaning and importance of this place. Although visiting Madinah isn’t obligated for Hajj or Umrah, but pilgrims still feel the desire to visit this holy city because of the numerous unique merits that the place holds.
Madinah holds immense importance in the history of Islam since the land is closely associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims feel the utter need to visit Madinah and pray in the holy mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, that was originally established by the prophet Muhammad himself.
A visit to the holy city of Madinah reinstates a Muslim’s faith and devotion to his religion. It refreshes their memory of the constant sacrifices and struggles of the prophet and his companions in the process of spreading the message of Islam among the populations. Such a visit could prove to be memorable for you and can benefit you in countless different aspects.
What is the Procedure of Visiting Madinah?
As stated earlier, a visit to Madinah isn’t obligated in Hajj or Umrah; therefore, pilgrims typically make the choice of visiting Madinah either before the ritual of Hajj or Umrah or after it. Moreover, you must also understand that there isn’t any Ihram or Talbiyah while you’re undergoing your visit to Madinah.
Although there is no official method or sequence of events while visiting Madinah, but still you’re suggested to follow the steps listed below to ensure the best possible experience for yourself. With that said, let’s not waste any more time and understand the complete process of visiting Madinah.
1.) Make the Intention:
If you get blessed to visit the divine city of Madinah, then the first step before initiating your journey is making the intention of traveling to this place. Make your sincere intention with the following words.
“O Allah! I start my journey to the holy tomb of your beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with a pure heart and a sincere intention. Please accept it from me.”
Following this intention, you are advised to recite Darood Sharif continuously throughout your journey to Madinah.
2.) Al-Masjid an-Nabawi:
Once you reach your residence in Madinah, purify yourself by taking a bath or performing wudhu, put on good clothing, apply perfume, and advance towards Al-Masjid an-Nabawi while consistently reciting Darud.
“It took Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions eight months to build Masjid al Nabawi 1,401 years ago. The construction of Masjid al Nabawi started in September 622 AD (Rabi-ul-awaal), and the mosque was completed in April 632 AD (Shawwal).”
3.) Enter Through Bab-e-Jibril:
After reaching Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, you are advised to enter the mosque through Bab-e-Jibril. If this is not possible, then enter through Bab-us-Salaam. If none of the two options are available, then you may enter through the nearest gate. While entering the mosque, step in with your right foot and keep reciting the following words.
Subhan Allah, Alhamdu Lillah, Allahu Akbar
4.) Offer Two Raka’t Nafl:
If you’re lucky enough to enter the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, pay your gratitude to Allah by offering two rakahs of Nafl, preferably inside Riyad al-Jannah.
Tombs of Prophet and Companions:
If you stand in front of the sacred tomb of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), you’d witness three sections of brass screens with a single hole inside each of them. The big hole on the left is in front of the face of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The one right next to it is in front of the face of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique. The right-most hole is in front of the face of Hazrat Umar Farooq.
Offer Salam: Stand in front of the hole at the left and greet the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by reciting the following words in a soft and respectful voice.
“Assalamu alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuhu”
Also, offer salam from your friends or relatives in your own language.
5.) Salam on the Companions:
Stand in front of the grave of Hazrat Abu Bakr and greet him respectfully in your own language. Next, stand in front of the grave of Hazrat Umar and repeat the action.
6.) Offer Forty Prayers:
For men, it is a Sunnah to offer forty prayers in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi because of the immense importance of the mosque in the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). This practice is only Mustahab, which implies that performing it would reward you; however, missing it won’t be a sin.
7.) Departure from Madinah:
Once you’re ready for your departure from Madinah, you need to offer your salam to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) one last time and pray to Allah for another opportunity to return in the future.
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