Madinah - A Holy City of Islam

Madinah is the second most sacred place for followers of Islam in the world located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. If we look at the historical roots of the city, its original name was Yathrib.

But over the centuries, it was referred by different names before settling for Madinah as we know it today. It was referred as Madīnat an-Nabī (meaning "city of the prophet") or Al Madīnah al Munawwarah ("the enlightened city" or "the radiant city"). And the literal meaning of the different names of Madinah clearly indicate the kind of religious importance it has enjoyed for centuries.

Madinah has the proud distinction of being the place where the first Islamic state was established. Its religious appeal was also enhanced because of the fact that Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) died and was buried in this city. Nothing surprising, another common name for this city has been 'Madina an-Nabiy' which means 'Prophet's Town'.

Madinah boasts of a series of crucial landmarks for Islam. Key among them being : the Prophet's Mosque where the Prophet was buried. The Mosque of the Two Qiblahs is another vital relic of the past. And so is the Tomb of Hamza, Mohammed's (pbuh) uncle who died at the Battle of Uhud.

Modern day Madinah, however, is not only a world renowned religious seat. It has a modern look and is primarily reflected in the modern irrigation facilities used by the farmers of the region. The main agricultural produce of Madinah and its surrounding areas are dates, fruits, vegetables and cereals. Dates of Madinah, in fact, are world famous and are processed and packaged for export. The city is also lined up with small-scale industrial units dealing in automobile repair, brick and tile making, carpentry and metals.