Madinah is the land that the Lord chose as the final resting place of the Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a paradise on earth. Believers love the Prophet more than they love their own selves. The journey to Madinah is made out of love for the Beloved Messenger. Just like Hajj, visiting Madinah is a cherished longing in a believer’s life. To set foot in the sacred land where the Prophet lived and where he now rests, to visit the historically significant places, to reach the vicinity of the Prophet and offer salutations — all this is pure joy for the believer’s heart.

Madinah is about 450 kilometers from Makkah. Throughout the journey, one must contemplate the history and the life of sacrifice and devotion of the Prophet and his companions. The virtues of Madinah are countless. The Prophet’s mosque, Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, holds the second highest rank among mosques in the world. A prayer offered there carries a reward ten thousand times greater than a prayer offered in any mosque other than Masjid al-Haram.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Between my house and my pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise.” That is why prayer in that specific area is especially meritorious. There are numerous prophetic traditions and sayings of the saints that emphasize the greatness of visiting Madinah. One hadith states: “Whoever visits me after my death, it is as if he visited me during my life.”

Another hadith says: “One who performs Hajj and then does not visit me has turned away from me.” These teachings highlight the immense significance and dignity of visiting Madinah. Therefore, one must never neglect this visit.

The Prophet’s blessed grave lies within the very house in which he resided. This house adjoins the Prophet’s Mosque. Alongside the Prophet rest two of his foremost companions, Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them).

During the visit, one must uphold utmost reverence. Raise not your voice and conduct yourself as though you are meeting the Prophet alive — with love, humility, and deep respect. Approaching the chamber of the Prophet, one should say with heartfelt reverence: “As-salāmu ‘alayka yā Rasūlallāh” (Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah). One should engage in reciting the Qur’an, making dhikr (remembrance), and supplications in that sacred vicinity.

Also in Madinah is Jannat al-Baqi’, where the graves of the Prophet’s wives and many of his companions lie. Numerous other sacred and historical places fill the city. One should not leave Madinah without visiting these sites.