Medinah

Medinah is a city located in the province of Medina in western Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, and serves as a major pilgrimage destination for Muslims worldwide. The city's historical and religious significance is primarily due to its association with the Prophet Muhammad.

The most prominent landmark in Medinah is the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque. This mosque houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad and is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is a central point of pilgrimage and prayer for millions of Muslims each year. Other important sites in Medinah include the Quba Mosque, which is believed to be the first mosque built in Islam, and the Jannat al-Baqi, a significant cemetery where many family members and companions of the Prophet Muhammad are buried.

Historically, Medinah was known as Yathrib before the Hijra (migration) of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca in 622 CE. Following this event, the city was renamed Medinat an-Nabi, meaning "City of the Prophet," which was later shortened to Medinah. It became the capital of the early Islamic caliphate and a crucial center for the spread of Islam. The city's strategic location on ancient trade routes also contributed to its early development and importance. Today, Medinah remains a vital religious and cultural hub, attracting a constant flow of pilgrims and visitors.