Virtues of Madinah

Introduction

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Among the most beloved cities to the hearts of the believers is the radiant city of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ – al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. The Virtues of Madinah are numerous and unmatched: its sanctity, its light, its being the refuge of Iman, and its blessed link to the Prophet ﷺ who lived, taught, and was buried there. What follows is a faithful presentation of the authentic texts concerning its excellence, the etiquettes of residing within it, and the manners of visiting it.

The Sacred Status and Virtues of Madinah

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The city of the Noble Messenger ﷺ – Taybah at-Ṭayyibah – is the cradle of revelation where Jibril descended with the words of Allah to His final Prophet. It is the land to which Iman will retreat, the meeting place of the Muhajirin and Anṣar, and the home of those who settled and embraced faith. It was the first Muslim capital: from it banners of truth were raised, from it light spread to every horizon, and from it mankind was led from darkness into light.

It was the destination of the Hijrah; there the Prophet ﷺ lived the last ten years of his mission, there he passed away and was buried, and from there he will be resurrected; and his grave will be the first to open on the Day of Rising. Truly, reflecting upon the Virtues of Madinah reminds every believer of its unmatched status and connection to the Messenger ﷺ.

Allah honored and distinguished this blessed city, making it the best land on earth after Makkah. When the Messenger ﷺ was forced to leave Makkah, he turned to it saying: “By Allah, you are most certainly the best spot upon the earth of Allah and the most beloved part of the earth to Allah. Had I not been forced out of you, I would not have left.” (Collected by at-Tirmidhī and Ibn Majah).

Among the greatest virtues of Madinah, like Makkah, was declared a ḥaram (sacred sanctuary). The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed Ibrahim declared Makkah sacred, and I have declared al-Madinah sacred.” (Muslim.)

He ﷺ also said: “Al-Madinah is a ḥaram in all that lies between ʿAyr and Thawr.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

And he ﷺ said: “I have declared sacred what lies between the two black mountains of al-Madinah and have forbidden cutting its thorny shrubs or killing its game.” (Muslim.)

The boundaries of the ḥaram are precisely those identified by the Prophet ﷺ; anything within them shares its sanctity, and whatever lies outside belongs to Madinah geographically but not to the ḥaram. Where uncertainty exists regarding a boundary, the believer should err on the side of caution, as the Messenger ﷺ said: “He who avoids doubtful matters absolves himself regarding his religion and his honor. However, he who falls into doubtful matters will fall into that which is unlawful.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim, from an-Nuʿman ibn Bashir.) Indeed, respecting these sacred limits is part of recognizing the Virtues of Madinah and its elevated status in Islam.

Among the names of this noble city are Taybah and Ṭabah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed, Allah gave al-Madinah the name Ṭabah.” (Muslim.) Both names derive from goodness and purity, befitting the city’s noble qualities and further illustrating the Virtues of Madinah in divine naming and praise.

He ﷺ also said: “Iman will surely retreat to al-Madinah as a snake retreats to its hole.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim.) Meaning that when trials appear, faith will return there for safety, and believers will find peace within its walls.

He ﷺ further said: “I have been commanded to migrate to a town which devours all towns. They call it Yathrib, and it is al-Madinah.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim.) Its “devouring” of other towns refers to its triumph and dominance—spiritually, politically, and morally—as light and reform spread from it to the entire earth.

This global influence and enduring legacy stand as one of the greatest Virtues of Madinah.

Patience, Hardship, and Reward in Madinah

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The Prophet ﷺ encouraged steadfastness amid its challenges: “Al-Madinah is better for them, if they only knew.”

And he ﷺ said: “No one leaves it out of dislike for it except that Allāh will replace him in it with someone better; and no one endures its hardships and difficulties except that I will intercede or bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim.)

Therefore, patience in bearing its heat, scarcity, or other discomforts brings the guarantee of intercession from the Messenger ﷺ — one of the greatest Virtues of Madinah mentioned in authentic narrations.

He ﷺ also said: “Whoever dies in either Makkah or Madinah will not be resurrected without being among the safe.” (Authentic narrations.)

And: “Whoever among you can die in Madinah, let him die there, for whoever dies there I will intercede for him or be a witness for him.” (at-Tirmidhī and Aḥmad.)

These narrations clearly emphasize the Virtues of Madinah, highlighting the immense honor and spiritual reward of living and dying in this sacred city.

Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭab (raḍiyallahu anhu) used to pray: “O Allāh, grant me martyrdom in Your path and make my death in the city of Your Messenger.” Allāh answered him with both — a beautiful reflection of his awareness of the Virtues of Madinah and his love for the Prophet’s ﷺ city.

Anas (raḍiyallahu anhu) reported: “When the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ entered Madinah, it became illuminated, and when he died, it became dark. We had not shaken the dust from our hands after burying him before we felt our hearts change.” (Aḥmad.)

Such are the signs of the city’s spiritual life, a powerful reminder of the Virtues of Madinah and its unique light among all lands.

He ﷺ also supplicated: “O Allāh, remove the fever of Madinah and place it in al-Juhfah.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

This prayer lightened its climate and made living there easier for believers — yet another of the many Virtues of Madinah through which the Prophet ﷺ invoked mercy and comfort for its people.

The Prophet’s Supplications and Divine Protection

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The Prophet ﷺ invoked abundant blessing upon Madinah: “O Allāh, bless us in our fruits; bless us in our city; bless us in our sāʿ and our mudd.” (Muslim.)

He ﷺ also said: “O Allāh, bless our city twice as You blessed Makkah.” (Muslim.)

And: “O Allāh, make Madinah dear to us as You made Makkah dear—or even more so.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

The Messenger ﷺ informed that angels guard the entrances of the city: “At the entrances of Madinah are angels. Neither plague nor the Dajjāl will enter it.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

And he ﷺ said: “Upon every path leading to Madinah are angels guarding it; neither plague nor the Dajjāl shall approach it.” (Muslim.)

Thus, it is protected until the final hour.

He ﷺ also described the city’s sanctity enduring till the end of time: “The people will abandon Madinah while it is better for them. It will be visited by birds and beasts until the last hour; the last to be gathered will be two shepherds from Muḍar who will find it desolate.” (Muslim.)

Its holiness remains even when deserted.

Warning Against Innovation and Harm

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Among the strongest warnings of the Prophet ﷺ is his statement: “Al-Madinah is a ḥaram from ʿAyr to Thawr. Anyone who innovates some form of heresy there or shelters such an innovator shall incur the curse of Allāh, His angels, and all mankind; and Allāh will not accept any obligatory or optional deed from him.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

He ﷺ also said: “Whoever wishes evil for the people of Madinah, Allāh will melt him as lead or salt melts in water.” (Muslim.)

And: “Whoever intends harm for its people, Allāh will cause him to be dissolved like salt in water.” (al-Bukhārī.)

No one may plot against its residents or disturb their peace without incurring divine punishment. This is one of the Virtues of Madinah.

Furthermore, its plants and animals are protected; the Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed Ibrāhīm declared Makkah sacred, and I have declared al-Madinah sacred in what lies between its two black mountains. Its thorny shrubs are not to be cut, and its game not to be hunted.” (Muslim).

The Two Blessed Mosques

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Among the greatest Virtues of Madinah is that it contains two of the most honored houses of Allah on earth – the Prophet’s Masjid and Masjid Qubāʾ.

The Messenger ﷺ said: “A journey should not be undertaken except to three mosques: al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, this Masjid of mine, and al-Masjid al-Aqṣā.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

He ﷺ also said: “One prayer in this Masjid of mine is better than one thousand prayers anywhere else except al-Masjid al-Ḥarām.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

Within his mosque lies a blessed area of Paradise. He ﷺ said: “What lies between my house and my pulpit is a garden among the gardens of Jannah.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim.)

Masjid Qubāʾ was the first mosque built by the Prophet ﷺ after the Hijrah. He visited it regularly every Saturday, walking or riding, and prayed two rakʿahs there (al-Bukhārī and Muslim). He ﷺ said: “Whoever purifies himself in his house then comes to Masjid Qubāʾ and prays therein will have a reward like that of ʿUmrah.” (Ibn Mājah and others).

Manners of Residing in Madinah

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Whoever is blessed to live in Madinah should constantly thank Allāh for this favour and show gratitude through piety, good conduct, and patience. The Prophet ﷺ loved Madinah dearly; when returning from travel and seeing its walls, he would hasten his mount out of love for it (al-Bukhārī).

To earn the Virtues of Madinah, Residents must:

1. Love the city and its people.
2. Obey Allāh and His Messenger and avoid sin.
3. Multiply good deeds, especially prayers in Masjid an-Nabawī.
4. Display noble manners as examples for visitors.
5. Avoid innovation or sheltering innovators, lest they fall under the stated curse (Muslim).
6. Respect the natural sanctity of its land; do not cut its trees or harm its animals.
7. Bear hardships patiently, for the Prophet ﷺ promised intercession for those who do.
8. Never harm its residents; whoever does is destroyed like salt dissolving in water (al-Bukhārī).
9. Remember that virtue lies in deeds, not merely residence (al-Ḥujurāt 49:13; Muslim).
10. Seek knowledge within its walls, for the Prophet ﷺ said: “Anyone who enters this Masjid of ours to learn something good or to teach it to others is like the mujāhid in the cause of Allāh; and anyone who enters it for some other reason is like a bystander looking at what is not his.” (Aḥmad and Ibn Mājah).

Manners and Etiquettes of Visiting Madinah

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Just as residence in al-Madinah has particular manners, so does visiting it. Whoever travels to this blessed city should observe the same reverence and good conduct as its residents. He should realize that the objective of his journey is to visit the Masjid of the Messenger ﷺ, not the grave itself. Reflecting upon the Virtues of Madinah reminds one that every visit to this sacred land must be filled with adab and humility.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “A journey should not be undertaken except to three mosques: al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, this Masjid of mine, and al-Masjid al-Aqṣā.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

This ḥadīth forbids travelling specifically to any place other than these three with the intention of seeking nearness to Allāh — and is among the clear Virtues of Madinah that highlight the Prophet’s ﷺ Masjid as one of the holiest sites in Islam.

When the visitor reaches this blessed city, it is prescribed for him to visit two mosques and three cemeteries. The two mosques are: the Masjid of the Messenger ﷺ and Masjid Qubāʾ, whose Virtues of Madinah have already been mentioned.

Visiting the Prophet’s Grave and His Two Companions

After praying in the Prophet’s Masjid, the visitor proceeds to the Prophet’s grave. Standing with calm and dignity, he faces the grave and greets the Prophet ﷺ saying: As-salāmu ʿalayka ayyuhan-nabī wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.

He then steps slightly to his right to greet Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, saying: As-salāmu ʿalayka yā Abā Bakr raḍiya Allāhu ʿanka wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.

Then he moves a little further and greets Umar ibn al-Khattab, saying likewise.

He does not face the grave to make duaʾ; rather, after sending his salam he turns to face the qiblah and supplicates to Allah for himself and the Muslims. It is prohibited to ask the Prophet ﷺ for needs or to seek his intercession directly, for duʿāʾ is worship and must be directed only to Allāh. This respectful conduct is among the practical Virtues of Madinah, demonstrating how the believer maintains reverence without transgression.

Places to Visit in and around Madinah

Among the virtuous sites is Masjid Qubāʾ. The Prophet ﷺ used to visit it every Saturday, walking or riding, and pray two rakʿahs there (al-Bukhārī and Muslim). He ﷺ said: “Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to Masjid Qubāʾ and prays therein, will have a reward like that of ʿUmrah.” (Ibn Mājah and others)

This is among the shining Virtues of Madinah, showing the spiritual blessings connected to its sacred places.

He should also visit al-Baqi al-Gharqad, the cemetery of the people of Madinah, and offer salam to its inhabitants saying: As-salāmu ʿalaykum dāra qawmin muʾminīn, wa-innā in shāʾa Allāhu bikum lāḥiqūn. Nasʾalu Allāha lanā wa lakum al-ʿāfiyah.

Likewise, it is recommended to visit the martyrs of Uḥud, foremost among them Ḥamzah ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu), the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ, and to make duʿāʾ for them — honoring the legacy that forms part of the Virtues of Madinah and its surrounding landmarks.

Innovations to Avoid During Visitation

Visitors must avoid all practices that the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions never performed:

• Supplicating to the Prophet ﷺ or seeking his help for needs. All duʿāʾ belongs only to Allāh.
• Wiping or kissing the walls, iron grill, or pillars of the chamber.
• Performing ṭawāf around the grave. Ṭawāf is only for the Kaʿbah.
• Raising the voice or crowding at the grave.

Allāh said: “O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you speak loudly to one another, lest your deeds become null while you perceive not.” (al-Ḥujurāt 49:2–3)

The Companions never did any of these acts; their love for him was shown through obedience. True love is proven by following him. Allāh said: “Say: If you truly love Allāh, then follow me; Allāh shall love you and forgive your sins for you. And Allāh is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:31)

Following these etiquettes preserves the purity of worship and reflects awareness of the Virtues of Madinah, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ himself.

The Prophet’s Companions Buried Beside Him

Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddiq (raḍiyallahu anhu) was the Prophet’s closest companion in life and in death. He was with him in the cave during the Hijrah, as Allah says:

“If you do not aid him, Allāh already aided him when the disbelievers expelled him—the second of the two while they were in the cave, as he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’ Then Allāh sent down His tranquillity upon him and strengthened him with troops you did not see; and He made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the Word of Allāh is the highest. And Allāh is Almighty, All-Wise.” (at-Tawbah 9:40)

Abu Bakr remained with the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah for ten years, participating in every expedition. When the Messenger ﷺ passed away, he became Khalifah and fulfilled his duty with justice. When he died, Allah honored him to be buried beside the Prophet ﷺ, and he shall rise with him in Jannah — a unique distinction among the Virtues of Madinah and its blessed residents.

As for Umar ibn al-Khattab (raḍiyallahu anhu), about forty men accepted Islām before him. He was once an enemy of the Muslims, but after Allah guided him, his strength became a means of victory for the dīn. Abdullah ibn Masud (raḍiyallahu anhu) said: “We have remained strong since Umar accepted Islam.” (al-Bukhari)

He stayed close to the Prophet ﷺ in Makkah, migrated with him to Madinah, and fought in every battle. When Abu Bakr was Caliph, Umar was his right hand, and after him Umar became Caliph for ten years during which the empires of Persia and Rome were defeated and their treasures distributed in the cause of Allah as foretold by the truthful Prophet ﷺ.

When Umar passed away, Allah honored him to be buried beside the Messenger ﷺ and Abu Bakr, and he too shall rise with them in Jannah — yet another of the Virtues of Madinah and its sacred soil.

Honour of the Two Khulafāʾ

It is noteworthy that these two great men were granted honour that none else received — to be the Prophet’s companions in life, in death, and in the Hereafter. Their faith, sacrifice, and service made them pillars of the Ummah. To harbour hatred for them is a sign of deviation. We seek refuge in Allāh from such misguidance.

“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in Īmān, and do not place in our hearts any rancour towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are Most Kind, Most Merciful.” (al-Ḥashr 59:10)

Such reverence and harmony among believers reflect the timeless Virtues of Madinah — a city chosen by Allah to be the resting place of His Messenger ﷺ and his most beloved companions.

Additional Virtues of Madinah

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The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: “Whoever dies in Madinah I shall intercede for him, or be a witness for him.” (at-Tirmidhī, Aḥmad)

This is among the greatest Virtues of Madinah—that dying there brings the intercession of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ.

He ﷺ also said: “Whoever can die in Madinah, let him die there, for whoever dies there I will intercede for him.” (Muslim)

Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu) used to supplicate: “O Allāh, grant me martyrdom in Your path, and make my death in the city of Your Messenger.”

Allāh answered both prayers; he was martyred and died in Madinah — a true reflection of the Virtues of Madinah and the blessings attached to dying there.

The Angels Guarding Madinah

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Angels are standing at the entrances of Madinah; neither plague nor the Dajjāl will enter it.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

He ﷺ also said: “Upon every path leading to Madinah are angels guarding it; neither plague nor the Dajjāl shall approach it.” (Muslim)

This divine protection is among the Virtues of Madinah, a sign of its sanctity and safety granted by Allāh — and it continues until the final hour.

Blessings of Its Soil and Air

Because the Prophet ﷺ supplicated for blessing in its climate, its soil and air became pleasant for the believers. He ﷺ said: “O Allāh, bless their measures, bless their fruits, and bless their city.” (Muslim)

And: “O Allāh, bless our city twice as You blessed Makkah.” (Muslim)

He ﷺ also said: “O Allāh, remove the fever of Madinah and place it in al-Juhfah.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

This supplication lightened its heat and disease, making it a comfortable home for faith — another of the countless Virtues of Madinah.

Its Relationship to Iman

The Messenger ﷺ said: “Īmān is Yemeni, and wisdom is Yemeni.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

He ﷺ also said: “Īmān will return to Madinah as a snake returns to its hole.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

Meaning that when corruption spreads across the earth, faith will find refuge in this city and remain among its sincere inhabitants — showing how the Virtues of Madinah are inseparable from the strength of faith itself.

The Limits of the Haram

The sacred limits of al-Madinah are well-defined. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Al-Madinah is a ḥaram between ʿAyr and Thawr; whoever commits evil in it or shelters one who does shall incur the curse of Allāh, His angels, and all mankind.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet ﷺ also forbade carrying weapons within its sanctuary except for necessity and prohibited hunting its animals or cutting its trees. Whoever shows arrogance or intends harm within its boundaries earns the displeasure of Allah. Respecting these divine limits is part of honoring the Virtues of Madinah.

Safety from the Dajjal and Calamities

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Neither plague nor the Dajjal shall enter Madinah. At that time it will have seven gates; upon each gate there will be two angels.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

When the Dajjal appears, he will camp outside the city, and Madinah will shake thrice to drive out every hypocrite and sinner, while only believers will remain. Thus, the city will be purified for the righteous — among the magnificent Virtues of Madinah that prove its divine protection.

Its Sanctity Until the End of Time

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The people will abandon Madinah while it is better for them. It will be visited by birds and beasts until the last day; and the last person gathered will be two shepherds from Muḍar who will find it desolate.” (Muslim)

Even when left deserted, its sanctity will remain intact until the Resurrection — another reminder of the eternal Virtues of Madinah.

Its Superiority Over All Lands After Makkah

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed, the most beloved land to Allah is Makkah, and the most beloved city to Allāh after it is Madinah.” (authentic narrations)

This ranking emphasizes that while Makkah holds precedence due to the Kaʿbah, Madinah follows immediately because of the Prophet’s residence, his grave, and the blessings it carries. The Virtues of Madinah thus make it the heart of Islam after Makkah.

The Rawdah – A Garden from the Gardens of Paradise

Among the greatest Virtues of Madinah is the Rawḍah, the area between the Prophet’s house and his pulpit. He ﷺ said:

“What lies between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is upon my ḥawḍ (reservoir).” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

The scholars differed on its meaning. Some said it refers to the immense reward of praying there, leading one to Paradise. Others said that on the Day of Resurrection, that area will literally be part of Jannah. Either way, it remains among the most blessed spots on earth and among the clearest Virtues of Madinah.

The Safety of Madinah

The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: “Whoever wishes evil for the people of Madinah, Allāh will melt him as lead or salt melts in water.” (Muslim)

And: “Whoever intends harm for its people, Allāh will cause him to be dissolved like salt in water.” (al-Bukhārī)

He ﷺ also said: “The people of Madinah are a protection for Islam, as the wall protects the city.” (Aḥmad)

Hence, its residents hold a noble station before Allāh — part of the ongoing Virtues of Madinah that extend to its people.

The Honor of Dying There

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever among you can die in Madinah, let him die there, for whoever dies there I will intercede for him.” (Muslim)

This virtue inspired many righteous believers to settle there, seeking the Prophet’s intercession in the Hereafter — one of the most cherished Virtues of Madinah.

Excellence of Its People

The Prophet ﷺ said: “There will come a time when a man will invite his cousin and his relative saying, ‘Come to ease and abundance, come to ease and abundance,’ while the city of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ will be better for them if they but knew.” (Muslim)

And: “None will plot against the people of Madinah except that Allah will melt him like salt in water.” (Muslim)

Its people remain blessed due to the Prophet’s dua for them, and their steadfastness continues to reflect the Virtues of Madinah until today.

Protection by the Angels

The Prophet ﷺ said: “On every path to Madinah are angels guarding it. Neither plague nor the Dajjal will enter it.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This divine protection continues until the Last Day, confirming that the city is under Allah’s care — a living manifestation of the Virtues of Madinah.

Patience and Reward

He ﷺ said: “No one will remain patient in the hardship of Madinah and its difficulties except that I shall intercede or bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

Hence, patience in enduring its heat, crowding, or high cost of living is counted among deeds leading to the Prophet’s intercession — among the noblest Virtues of Madinah.

The Blessings of Its Provisions

The Prophet ﷺ made dua: “O Allāh, bless their mudd and their sāʿ (their measures). O Allāh, bless them in their fruits and their city.” (Muslim)

Through this supplication, its fruits and provisions became sources of blessing and health — a practical sign of the Virtues of Madinah in daily life.

Light and Guidance

When the Prophet ﷺ entered Madinah during the Hijrah, Anas (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu) said: “When the Prophet ﷺ entered Madinah, it became illuminated; and when he died, it became dark. We had not yet shaken the dust from our hands after burying him before we felt that our hearts had changed.” (Aḥmad)

Even today, believers feel serenity in its streets and tranquility within its mosques — a timeless reflection of the light, peace, and Virtues of Madinah that continue through the ages.

Conclusion and Closing Dua

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The Virtues of Madinah are immense and beyond full enumeration. It is the city of the Prophet ﷺ, the place where revelation descended, the home of migration, the refuge of faith, and the sanctuary protected by angels. It is blessed in its sustenance, its air, its soil, and its people. It was the city that welcomed the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ and the believers when they were driven from their homes, and from it Islam spread to every corner of the earth.

Allāh made it sacred as He made Makkah sacred. No one should harm it, oppress its residents, or commit sin within its boundaries. It is the city that will remain protected from plague and from the Dajjāl until the end of time. Īmān will always find a home in it, and those who live there patiently will have the Prophet’s intercession on the Day of Resurrection — a clear sign of the Virtues of Madinah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever endures its hardship and difficulty, I will intercede or bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

He ﷺ also said: “Whoever dies in Madinah will have me as an intercessor or a witness for him.” (at-Tirmidhī, Aḥmad)

Living there demands gratitude, humility, and respect for its sacred limits. Visiting it requires following the Sunnah, avoiding innovation, and maintaining proper etiquette toward the Prophet ﷺ, his Masjid, and its people. True love for him is not expressed through unlawful acts or exaggerated displays, but through obedience and adherence to his guidance — which itself is among the Virtues of Madinah and its people.

The people of Madinah, who sheltered the Messenger ﷺ, are among the most honoured of believers. The Anṣār were praised in the Qurʾān for their faith and sincerity:

“And those who, before them, had homes in al-Madinah and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrated to them and find no desire in their hearts for what the emigrants were given but give preference to them over themselves, even though they are in need. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his own soul—it is those who are the successful.” (al-Ḥashr 59:9)

They supported the Prophet ﷺ with their wealth and lives, and they were promised the highest reward. The city remained pure due to their legacy, and it will continue to be a place of faith until the final days — among the enduring Virtues of Madinah that testify to its chosen status.

Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ also said: “Neither plague nor the Dajjāl shall enter Madinah.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

He ﷺ made duʿāʾ for it, saying: “O Allāh, bless our Madinah; bless our sāʿ and our mudd; bless our city and our fruits.” (Muslim)

This supplication, filled with mercy and blessing, is one of the greatest Virtues of Madinah, showing that its barakah extends to its land and provisions.

The Companions and the righteous generations after them understood this sanctity and treated it with utmost reverence. They never innovated in religion, nor did they seek from the Prophet ﷺ after his death what is only sought from Allāh.

Whoever visits al-Madinah should intend the visit to the Prophet’s Masjid to pray therein, then greet the Prophet ﷺ and his two noble Companions with salām. He should not face the grave to make supplication, nor call upon the Prophet ﷺ for help, for these are acts of worship due only to Allāh. Rather, he faces the qiblah and asks Allāh directly. Such manners are part of the practical Virtues of Madinah, where faith and proper adab come together.

He should visit Masjid Qubāʾ, as the Prophet ﷺ did, and offer prayer there. He may also visit the martyrs of Uḥud and al-Baqīʿ, offering salām to them and supplicating for forgiveness for the deceased.

He should avoid all innovations and false practices that have no basis in the Sunnah, such as circumambulating graves, touching or kissing the walls of the Prophet’s chamber, or raising one’s voice in exaggerated emotion.

True love and reverence for the Prophet ﷺ are through obedience, following his Sunnah, and avoiding innovations. Allāh said: “Say: If you truly love Allāh, then follow me. Allāh shall love you and forgive your sins for you. And Allāh is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:31)

Whoever follows the Sunnah will be among those who love the Prophet ﷺ sincerely. Whoever innovates has been warned with the words of the Prophet ﷺ: “Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected.” (al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

He ﷺ also said: “Beware of newly invented matters, for every innovation is misguidance.” (Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhī)

Adhering to these teachings preserves the purity of worship and upholds the Virtues of Madinah — a city chosen by Allāh, beloved to His Messenger ﷺ, and protected until the end of time.

Closing Dua

O Allah, bless the city of Your Prophet ﷺ, bless its residents and visitors, and bless its air, soil, and sustenance. O Allah, grant us sincere love for Madinah as You granted to Your Messenger ﷺ, and make our hearts long for it in righteousness and truth.

O Allāh, forgive the people of Madinah, those who have died therein, and those who visit it seeking Your pleasure. O Allah, allow us to visit it in safety, to pray in the Masjid of Your Messenger ﷺ, and to follow his guidance sincerely.

O Allah, protect Madinah from all harm, calamity, and innovation. Keep it secure in faith until the last hour. O Allah, resurrect us under the banner of Your Prophet ﷺ, grant us to drink from his ḥawḍ, and make us among those who are gathered with him in Jannah.

Ameen ya Rabb!

Wallahualam (and Allah knows best)!

 

Footnotes:

• Source: This article is based on and adapted from the noble work titled “The Virtues of al-Madinah and the Manners of Residence and Visiting” by Shaykh Abdul-Muḥsin ibn Ḥamad al-Abbad al-Badr