Al-Madīnah (المدينة)
Etymology
The term “Al-Madīnah” (المدينة) translates literally to “The City” in Arabic. Originally known as Yas̱rib (يثرب), it was renamed Al-Madīnah, “The City” or Madīnat-un-Nabī (مدينة النبي), “the City of the Prophet,” after Prophet Muhammad sought refuge and ultimately settled there.
Historical Significance
Al-Madīnah is celebrated as the burial place of Prophet Muhammad and holds immense religious importance, second only to Makkah. Traditionally, it is believed that angels guard its roads, preventing the entry of plague and the Dajjāl (Antichrist). Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, “There are angels guarding the roads to al-Madīnah, on account of which neither plague nor the Dajjāl can enter it.”
Geographical and Structural Features
- Location: Built on the elevated plains of Arabia, near the eastern base of the ridge separating the interior tableland from the lower lands by the Red Sea.
- Topography and Climate: Situated in a depression resulting in water courses that create numerous pools during the rainy season, making the climate relatively unhealthy.
- Architecture: Al-Madīnah spans an oval area of about 2,800 paces in circuit. It’s surrounded by strong stone walls standing between 35 to 40 feet high, flanked by approximately 30 towers and integrated with a ditch for defense.
Water and Agriculture
- Water Supply: An underground canal from the village of Qubāʾ (approximately 0.75 miles south) supplies the town. Several wells are distributed across the city, significantly aiding in irrigation and domestic uses.
- Agriculture: The surroundings of Al-Madīnah are rich with date plantations and gardens, a testament to its historical significance as a settled area even before the advent of Islam.
Key Buildings
- Great Mosque: Houses the tomb of Prophet Muhammad.
- Education: Home to two notable colleges.
- Castle: Located at the western extremity, surrounded by strong fortifications and towers, containing a deep well of fresh water.
Religious and Cultural Importance
Al-Madīnah’s significance in Islam is further emphasized by Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and the city’s history of being a sanctuary for the early Muslim community. This religious focus has made it a site of pilgrimage, reverence, and study.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Life of Muhammad” by Ibn Ishaq
- “Al-Madīnah & Makkah: Forgotten Cities of Islam” by Robert Hillenbrand
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Madīnah stands out not just as a key location in Islamic history but as a dynamic, living center of faith and culture. Its blend of historical significance, rich agricultural traditions, and unique role in the life of Prophet Muhammad make it indispensable in understanding Islamic tradition and civilization.
Al-Madīnah remains deeply embedded in the spiritual lives of Muslims worldwide, heralded as a place of peace, reflection, and an emblem of Islamic unity.
