alMunawwarah

Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, commonly known as Medina, is the capital of the Al-Madinah Region in western Saudi Arabia. It is regarded as the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca and serves as a major religious and historical center.

Etymology and meaning: The name al-Madinah al-Munawwarah translates from Arabic as "the Enlightened City" or "the Radiant City," reflecting its historical and spiritual significance in Islamic tradition.

Geography and history: Located in the Hijaz region inland from the Red Sea coast, Medina developed as an oasis and trading center in pre-Islamic times. In 622 CE, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated there from Mecca, an event known as the Hijra, establishing Medina as the base of the early Muslim community. The city is the site of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), which contains Muhammad's tomb and is a focal point for Muslim pilgrimage and devotion. The Quba Mosque, regarded as the oldest mosque in Islam, lies nearby and is connected to Medina’s early Islamic history.

Modern city and institutions: Today Medina is a major urban center with administration, education, commerce, and religious tourism playing important roles in the regional economy. It is home to the Islamic University of Medina and a range of educational and cultural institutions. The city is served by Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and is connected to Mecca and Jeddah by the Haramain high-speed railway corridor, which supports travel between the holy sites.

See also: The term often appears in reference to the broader Saudi administrative region and to Islamic heritage sites associated with Medina’s long history.