Makkah And Madinah

The first mosque built in Islam and the first mosque built in the city of Madinah. Allah Almighty revealed the following verse about it: (A mosque founded upon piety from the first day is more deserving that you stand therein. In it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves) [Surah At-Tawbah, 9:108]. It is one of the largest mosques in Madinah after the Prophet’s Mosque. It is located south of Madinah, and it was built by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after his migration from Makkah to Madinah. The Prophet said regarding its virtue: 'Whoever performs ablution in his house and then goes to pray in Masjid Quba, he will receive the reward of an Umrah.' The Prophet was keen to visit Masjid Quba regularly, and it is established that he visited Masjid Quba every Saturday, either walking or riding. Muslims have maintained and expanded it throughout the ages, with the most significant expansion in its history occurring during the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. On April 8, 2022 (7 Ramadan 1443 AH), Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced the launch of a project to expand and develop the surrounding area, aiming to increase its capacity to accommodate 66,000 worshippers and 50,000 square meters.

Located in the west of Madinah, it was a village belonging to the Banu Ghifar tribe. Later, a flowing spring emerged there, leading to the formation of a village around it. Badr was a significant season and gathering place for the Arabs during the pre-Islamic era, and it was situated on the trade and pilgrimage routes. The area of Badr witnessed the decisive battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh in the second year of the Hijra (624 CE), which ended with the victory of the Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about those who witnessed it: 'A man who witnessed Badr or Hudaybiyyah will not enter Hell.' This battle is also known as the Battle of Furqan. Allah Almighty says: 'And [remember] the Day when We shall raise up in every nation a witness against them from among themselves, and We shall bring you [O Muhammad] as a witness against these people. And We have not sent you [O Muhammad] except as a mercy to the worlds' [Surah Al-Anfal, 8:41].

Located to the north of the Prophet’s Mosque, this site is of significant historical importance in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as it is overseen by Mount Uhud. The Prophet Muhammad said about it: 'A mountain that loves us and we love it.' The Battle of Uhud took place here in the month of Shawwal in the third year of the Hijra (625 CE). The site contains the remains of more than seventy martyrs from the companions who fell in the battle, including Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, known as 'The Lion of Allah' and 'The Master of the Martyrs,' and Musab ibn Umair. Allah Almighty revealed: 'And when a disaster struck you, although you had struck [the enemy] with one twice as great, you said, “From where is this?” Say, “It is from yourselves.” Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.' [Surah Al-Imran, 3:165].

Located between the volcanic fields of Waqim and Al-Wabra, this site is where the Muslims dug the trench to defend Madinah when the Quraysh and their allied tribes advanced during the Battle of the Trench (also known as the Battle of the Confederates) in the fifth year of the Hijra (627 CE). A surah in the Quran is named Surah Al-Ahzab (The Confederates) in reference to this battle. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray: 'There is no deity but Allah alone, who has honored His soldiers, supported His servant, and defeated the confederates alone; there is nothing after Him.' Allah granted victory to the Muslims as mentioned in the Quran: 'O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to you and We sent upon them a wind and armies you did not see. And ever is Allah, of what you do, Seeing.' [Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:9]. The confederates were returned defeated without a battle, and this miracle sufficed the believers. In the area, there is a modern mosque named the Mosque of the Trench and several small prayer areas on Mount Sal'.

Well of Rumah is located to the northwest of the Prophet's Mosque, near Wadi al-Aqiq. The well is surrounded by farms and orchards and is known for its ancient and pure water. The owner used to charge for the water, so the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Who will buy the well of Ruma and make his bucket alongside the buckets of the Muslims, he will have something better for him in Paradise?' Uthman ibn Affan purchased it, making it one of the first endowments in Islam.

One of the historical wells in the highlands of Madinah. It was constructed from basaltic stones used for the sides of the well and its outer wall. The well was dug by Malik ibn al-Nahhat, the grandfather of the companion Saad ibn Khaythama, who hosted the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Quba upon his arrival from his migration from Makkah to Madinah, before moving to Madinah. The well had deteriorated over time but was restored multiple times, including in 700 AH (1299 CE) and 882 AH (1477 CE). Recently, Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Governor of the Madinah Region, inaugurated the completion of the well's development while preserving its architectural heritage as an important historical site in Madinah.

One of the historic mosques in Madinah, located southwest of the Prophet's Mosque. The original construction of the mosque dates back to the caliphate of Al-Walid ibn Abdul-Malik. During the governorship of Omar ibn Abdul-Aziz over Madinah (87-93 AH / 706-712 CE), he ordered the renovation of all the mosques and sites where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed. The mosque is a prominent historical landmark in Madinah and is known as Masjid Al-Musalla because it was the place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed the Eid and rain prayers. Abdullah ibn Zaid reported: ""The Prophet (peace be upon him) went out to the Musalla to seek rain, faced the Qibla, turned his cloak, and prayed two units of prayer."" It is commonly known as Masjid Al-Ghamama. The mosque was renovated in 1373 AH / 1953 CE during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and subsequent maintenance and restoration works have continued.

One of the historic mosques in Madinah, located southwest of the Prophet's Mosque. The original construction of the mosque dates back to the caliphate of Al-Walid ibn Abdul-Malik. During the governorship of Omar ibn Abdul-Aziz over Madinah (87-93 AH / 706-712 CE), he ordered the renovation of all the mosques and sites where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed. The mosque is a prominent historical landmark in Madinah and is known as Masjid Al-Musalla because it was the place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed the Eid and rain prayers. Abdullah ibn Zaid reported: ""The Prophet (peace be upon him) went out to the Musalla to seek rain, faced the Qibla, turned his cloak, and prayed two units of prayer."" It is commonly known as Masjid Al-Ghamama. The mosque was renovated in 1373 AH / 1953 CE during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and subsequent maintenance and restoration works have continued.

"One of the historic mosques in Madinah, located in the area of the city market, southwest of the Prophet's Mosque. The original construction of the mosque dates back to the caliphate of Al-Walid ibn Abdul-Malik, when Omar ibn Abdul-Aziz, the governor of Madinah at that time (87-93 AH / 706-712 CE), ordered the renovation of all the mosques and sites where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Eid prayers at this location on occasions of need, and Abu Bakr also prayed here during his caliphate, following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The mosque has been renovated and repaired multiple times during the Saudi era."

One of the historic mosques located southwest of the Prophet's Mosque. It overlooks the western side towards the Quba Road and the northern side towards the area of Masjid al-Musallā (also known as Masjid al-Ghamama). It is believed that Masjid Omar ibn al-Khattab is one of the places where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed on special occasions. The mosque is attributed to the companion Omar ibn al-Khattab because he prayed there during his caliphate. The mosque has been renovated and repaired multiple times during the Saudi era.

One of the historic mosques located in the southwestern part of Madinah. It is believed that this mosque is one of the sites where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed on special occasions. The mosque was first built during the caliphate of Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik. During his rule, Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz, the governor of Madinah at that time (87-93 AH / 706-712 CE), ordered the construction of all mosques and sites where the Prophet had prayed. The mosque has been rebuilt and renovated several times during the Saudi era.

Is situated in the region of Unaif, a settlement of the Banu Bli tribe, located between Banu Amr ibn Awf in Quba and Al-Usbah. It is located southwest of Masjid Quba. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to visit Talha ibn al-Barra when he was ill and came to offer condolences after his death. During this period, the Prophet prayed at the site where this mosque now stands. The mosque is elevated from the ground, with about two meters of its walls remaining before renovation. It is built from basalt stone, and the mihrab (prayer niche) is clearly visible. The current structure, which has been restored, is made of uncovered stone and was recently renovated during the Saudi era.

Masjid al-Qiblatain is located in the residential area of Banu Salama from the Khazraj tribe, on the edge of the western Harrah of al-Wabara, making it one of the historically significant mosques in Madinah. This mosque is notable because it was the site where some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) changed their direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba when they received the news that a verse had been revealed about changing the qibla (direction of prayer). The hadith narrates: “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed towards Al-Aqsa Mosque for sixteen or seventeen months. The Prophet loved to be directed towards the Kaaba, so Allah revealed: {Indeed, We see the turning of your face toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qibla with which you will be pleased} [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:144], and he turned towards the Kaaba. The foolish among the people, namely the Jews, said: {What has turned them away from their qibla which they used to face? Say, To Allah belongs the east and the west. He guides whom He wills to a straight path} [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:142]. A man prayed with the Prophet (peace be upon him), then after praying, he passed by a group of Ansar praying the Asr prayer facing Jerusalem and said: ‘I bear witness that I prayed with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and that he turned towards the Kaaba,’ so the people turned and faced the Kaaba.” The mosque was rebuilt and expanded by order of King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1350 AH (1931 CE) and was further expanded and renovated during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1408 AH (1988 CE).

The mosque is named after its proximity to the well of al-Suqya, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) drank and performed ablution before heading to the Battle of Badr in 2 AH (624 CE). He prayed two units of prayer near it, asking Allah to bless the city and granting victory to his army. The water from this well was considered sweet and pure. The well of al-Suqya had fallen into disrepair, but it was restored by a benevolent individual from the region in 778 AH (1376 CE), earning it the name ""Well of the Foreigners."" It fell into ruin again and was subsequently restored by Khawaji Badr al-Din ibn Alayba in 886 AH (1481 CE). The original construction of the mosque dates back to the caliphate of Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik, built by Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz, the governor of Madinah at that time (87–93 AH / 706–712 CE). The mosque was renovated during the Saudi era, specifically during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1423 AH (2002 CE). More recently, it has been restored and rehabilitated as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud project to develop historic mosques, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of preserving Islamic historical sites through development and rehabilitation programs adhering to the highest technical standards.

One of the historic mosques in Madinah, it is located on top of Jebel Dhubab or Jebel al-Rayah, and it is named after this location. It is one of the sites where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set up a tent during the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Ahzab) to oversee the digging of the trench. The original construction of the mosque dates back to the time of Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz, who was the governor of Madinah at that time (87–93 AH / 706–712 CE). The mosque was built at the site where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) observed the trench's excavation. The mosque has been recently renovated during the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

A historical well located among the farms of high Madinah, dating back to the pre-Islamic period. It is also linked to the noble prophetic biography, as the esteemed companion Salman al-Farsi worked on its farms. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had planted date palms in exchange for Salman’s emancipation, and it was a prophetic miracle as they bore fruit the following year. The well has been preserved through the ages and has received care and attention from the kings of Saudi Arabia.

It is one of the historical wells known in Madinah since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is located in the high area of Madinah. This well belonged to the Banu Umayya clan of the Ansar, and their homes were in the garden of Al-Ihn. The well has been preserved through the ages and has received care and attention from the kings of Saudi Arabia. Its water was used to irrigate the garden of Al-Ihn until recently, but the well has dried up due to the decline in groundwater levels in the region.

Ar-Rawha is a notable stop for caravans on the route from Madinah to Badr. It is named "Al-Rawha" because travelers would rest there. Historically, it is associated with many events and is mentioned in several hadiths and in the books of Sirah (biography of the Prophet). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would stop there when performing Hajj or Umrah or returning from some expeditions, and he prayed in one of its mosques. Abdullah ibn Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed at the small mosque near the mosque overlooking Al-Rawha.

A historical well in Madinah surrounded by numerous farms and wells, it dates back to the pre-Islamic era. It is located in the Al-Usbah area, west of the Quba Mosque, where the early emigrants settled before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madinah. Abdullah ibn Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: "When the early emigrants arrived at Al-Usbah - the place in Quba - before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they were led in prayer by Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifa, who was among the most knowledgeable in the Qur'an."

It is located east of Madinah and is one of the prominent Islamic cities along the Kufa pilgrimage route. It served as a grazing area for the Muslims' horses during the time of Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Later, it became one of the key cities and stations on the Zubaydah Road, extending from Kufa to Makkah, also known as the Kufa pilgrimage route. It is mentioned in Akhbar (the news of) Abu Dhar al-Ghifari, who moved to this city during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) in the year 30 AH/651 CE, and established a mosque there where he died and was buried. It was one of the best places for pilgrims on the pilgrimage route, and its remains are still present to this day.

It is a deep depression located in a mountainous area called "Al-Hiliyyah" or Mount "Rawawah," situated south of Madinah between Al-Far' and Madinah. This site was a stop for pilgrims' caravans during the Islamic eras and is considered one of the most significant historical sites due to its collection of early Arabic inscriptions in western Saudi Arabia dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AH (7th and 8th centuries CE). These inscriptions are written in unpointed Madani script and are a valuable resource for studying the development of Arabic script in the early Islamic period. They also provide clear indications of the cultural growth and prosperity experienced by the region.

The Banu Waqif Fortress is one of the largest and most famous fortresses built in Madinah. It is located to the north of the Saffiyah Well, slightly to the east. The fortress is notable for its architectural style, featuring well-crafted arches made of stone and lime plaster. The fortress's area is approximately fifty meters, and it was constructed around fourteen centuries ago. Despite the passage of time, the remains and traces of this fortress still stand today.

One of the most prominent historical palaces is attributed to the revered Tabi'i (successor) Urwa ibn al-Zubayr, one of the seven jurists of Madinah. It is situated along the banks of Wadi al-Aqiq, to the west of Madinah, extending towards the road leading to the Mosque of Dhu al-Hulayfah (the miqat for the people of Madinah). The palace was built on an elevated hill overlooking the banks of Wadi al-Aqiq. Its walls and foundations are made of local mountain stones. The site includes remains of palaces from the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, including those of Urwa ibn al-Zubayr, Sa'id ibn al-As, Marwan ibn al-Hakam, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, and Sukayna bint al-Husayn. These palaces covered the banks of Wadi al-Aqiq, and each was built on a large area with its own well-maintained orchard. The palace has been restored, and a historical defensive fortress built from volcanic stones from the later Islamic period is located nearby. The fortress was intended for military protection and consists of an external arcade surrounding it on all four sides. Its walls rest on exposed stone foundations and are plastered both inside and out. Archaeological excavations at the site revealed its foundations, rooms, amenities, and many ceramic and pottery fragments. The adjacent military fortress has also been restored.

The Khanq Dam, also known as the Dam of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, is one of the most recently discovered dams, providing a prominent example of early Islamic engineering in dam construction. It is located in Wadi al-Khanq, east of Madinah and south of the village of al-Aqool. The dam is approximately 30 meters in length and stands about 20 meters high from the valley floor to the surrounding area. The dam has suffered collapse in its middle section due to earthquakes that have affected the region over the centuries, as well as from the destructive floods flowing through this narrow valley pass. Nearby, there is another dam that is longer but lower in height, designed to trap additional floodwaters overflowing from the reservoir of the first dam. This second dam has also experienced similar mid-section collapse as the previous one.

Built in Madinah with a distinctive architectural style from the late Islamic period, the railway project took about seven years to complete. The first train arrived in Madinah on the 22nd of Rajab, 1326 AH / August 23, 1908 AD. The railway line extended approximately 1,320 kilometers from Damascus to Madinah. The station experienced intermittent stoppages during World War I and ceased operation permanently in 1339 AH / 1921 AD. It was later renovated and developed during the Saudi era to become a public railway museum in 1419 AH / 1998 AD.

One of the largest fortresses in Madinah built for military purposes, this castle is located in the southern part of Madinah in the Quba area. It overlooks the Quba road leading to the neighborhood of Al-Dawimah, just before the Friday Mosque. It was in use during the period of 1279-1284 AH (1862-1867 AD) and served as a guard center during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Additionally, its outer plateau was used during King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's reign to position the Ramadan cannon. The fortress was renovated during the Saudi era as part of a project to restore several historical sites in Madinah.