Absolutely! Saudi Arabia boasts a plethora of captivating tourist attractions, such as Madinah Masjid Al-Haram, Masjid-al-Quba, Mount Uhud, Al-Qiblatain Mosque, Al-Musalla (Al-Ghamamah) Mosque, Seven Mosques, The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, and Al-Aqiq Valley. These remarkable destinations hold immense religious significance while also providing visitors with a chance to delve into the region’s historical, cultural, and picturesque offerings. Pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn to these sites, eager to immerse themselves in the rich Islamic heritage and the breathtaking natural beauty that Saudi Arabia has to offer.
Madinah Masjid Al-Haram (Prophet’s Mosque)
8 Best place to visit in Madinah Saudi Arabia. Situated in the revered city of Madinah, the magnificent Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque holds immense significance as a pilgrimage destination following the completion of the Umrah. In accordance with Islamic traditions, this hallowed site serves as the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Renowned as one of the largest mosques globally, it attracts millions of devout pilgrims annually. Offering prayers at this sacred mosque is considered one of the most cherished experiences during the Umrah pilgrimage.
Masjid-al-Quba
The first mosque constructed in Islam was built by the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) upon his arrival in Madina as a migrant. Prior to entering Madina, he spent four days in Quba. On the fifth day, he continued his journey to Madina accompanied by Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Allah Almighty, “A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves” (9: 108).
Quba Mosque holds great significance as the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) frequently visited and prayed there. He even stated that anyone who performs ablution at home, goes to Quba Mosque, and prays there will be rewarded as if they have performed ‘Umrah. Located southwest of Madina, Quba Mosque is situated in an area abundant with date palm plantations. It spans a total area of 13,500 square meters and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers.
The King Salman Project to Expand Quba Mosque, scheduled for 1443 AH, is the largest expansion project for the mosque. Its objective is to enlarge the mosque and enhance the surrounding area. The project aims to increase the total area of the mosque to 50,000 square meters, with a capacity to accommodate up to 66,000 worshipers.
Mount Uhud
Mount Uhud, located approximately 4 km north of the Prophet’s Mosque, is a truly remarkable mountain. It holds a significant place in the heart of the Noble Prophet pbuh, as he once expressed, “Uhud is a mountain that holds affection for us, and we hold affection for it.” This mountain witnessed the historic Battle of Uhud, which stands as one of the most significant battles in the annals of Islam. Within the vicinity of Mount Uhud, seventy companions of the Prophet pbuh attained martyrdom, including the esteemed Hamzah bin Abdulmuttalib, who is revered as the leader of all martyrs. May Allah be pleased with him.
Al-Qiblatain Mosque
The alteration of the qiblah direction was witnessed by the mosque.
During his time in Makkah, the Messenger of Allah, (blessings and peace be upon him), would face Jerusalem in his prayers, with the Ka’bah positioned between him and Jerusalem.
Upon migrating to Madina, he continued to pray towards Jerusalem for a year, although he desired to face the Ka’bah. Eventually, Allah revealed the following verse to him: “We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad]pbuh, toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So, turn your face [i.e., yourself] toward Al-Masjid Al-Haram” (2: 144). Immediately, the Prophet pbuh turned towards the Ka’bah.
It is said that the change in qiblah direction took place while the Messenger of Allah, (blessings and peace be upon him), was in the Bani Salamah neighborhood. He had already performed two rak’ahs of the Zuhr prayer when the change was revealed to him. Without interrupting his prayer, he promptly turned towards the Ka’bah and led the congregation from the new direction. As a result, the mosque became known as Al-Qiblatain Mosque.
This mosque is situated 4 km away from the Prophet’s Mosque and is located in the Bani Salamah area.
Al-Musalla (Al-Ghamamah) Mosque
The Al-Ghamamah Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Rain Prayer, was constructed on the very spot where the Messenger of Allah blessings and peace be upon him, performed the Eid and rain request prayers. Situated approximately 500 meters southwest of the Prophet’s Mosque, this sacred place was established during the rule of Caliph Omar bin Abdulaziz when he served as the governor of Madina. Over the course of time, the mosque has undergone various renovations, yet its original architectural style has been preserved. Currently, the Al-Ghamamah Mosque hosts the five daily prayers, excluding the Friday prayer, providing a serene space for worshippers to gather and seek spiritual solace.
The Seven Mosques is one of the 8 Best place to visit in Madinah Saudi Arabia
The Seven Mosques, also known as the Al-Khandaq Mosques, can be found on the western side of Mount Sala’ in Madinah. These mosques were built on the site where the Battle of the Trench, also known as the Battle of the Confederates, took place. The mosques include:
- Al-Fath Mosque, also known as Al-Khandaq or Al-Ahzab Mosque, was constructed by Caliph Omar bin Abdulaziz. It has undergone several repairs and restoration works over the years, including during the Saudi era.
- Salman Al-Farisi Mosque is located 20 meters south of Al-Fath Mosque.
- Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque is situated 15 meters southwest of Salman Al-Farisi Mosque.
- Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque is positioned 10 meters south of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque.
- Fatima Az-Zahra Mosque, also known as Sa’d bin Moadh Mosque, is the smallest among the seven mosques.
- Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque is located to the east of Fatima Az-Zahra Mosque, on a high rectangular mound.
- The Qiblatain Mosque is the mosque where the direction of the qiblah was changed. It is situated in the Bani Salamah area, approximately 4 km away from the Prophet’s Mosque.
The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s pbuh Biography and Islamic Civilization
This exhibition focuses on providing a comprehensive and scholarly presentation of the Prophet’s pbuh biography, utilizing innovative and creative tools. It is located in the southern area facing the Qiblah of the Prophet’s Mosque. The main objectives of the display are to introduce knowledge about Allah Almighty, His names and attributes, and signs of His greatness, as well as knowledge about Islam and Islamic values and teachings. Additionally, it aims to present the biography of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, give presentations on the prophets and messengers of Allah, and introduce Islamic monuments and Muslim civilizational landmarks.
Al-Aqiq Valley
The valley of Al-Aqiq holds a special place in the history of Madinah, being a blessed and authentic part of its heritage. It is renowned for its pure waters, fresh air, and fertile land. What sets it apart from other locations is its connection to the life of the Prophet pbuh, which has earned it great reverence and admiration among Muslims. Omar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, say, “Tonight, a messenger from my Lord came to me and said: Pray in this blessed valley.”
Many of the Prophet’s companions and followers chose to build their homes along the banks of this valley. One notable example is the Castle of Urwa bin Al-Zubayr, the remains of which can still be seen today. During the time of Omar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, pebbles from this valley were even used to adorn the floor of the Prophet’s Mosque.
Located more than 100 km to the south of Madinah, Al-Aqiq valley has now been transformed into a public park, featuring a beautiful garden, a park area, and a walkway.
