Medina

Medina (officially Al Madinah Al Munawwarah) is a city in the Hejaz region of the Arabian Peninsula, in modern-day Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, and the burial place of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

History

Medina was originally known as Yathrib, an important city in ancient Arabia. The city's name was changed to Medina, meaning "the city," following the migration (or Hijra) of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca in 622 CE.

Religious significance

Medina is home to the three oldest mosques in Islam, including Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque. This mosque is the second holiest site in Islam, after the Kaaba in Mecca, and is Muhammad's final resting place.

Geography

Medina is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia, in the Hejaz region. It is situated in a fertile oasis, where dates and vegetables are grown. The city is approximately 210 miles (340 km) north of Mecca.

Economy

The economy of Medina is largely based on religious tourism, with millions of Muslims traveling to the city each year as part of the Hajj pilgrimage. The city is also a major agricultural region, known for its dates and other crops.

Culture

Medina is a city rich in Islamic culture. The city is known for its historic mosques and Islamic landmarks, as well as its traditional Arabian architecture.

See also

• Hijra (Islam)
• Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
• Kaaba
• Hajj