In the Islamic tradition, both ‘times’ and ‘places’ act as an impetus for spiritual progression. The month of Rabi al-Awwal has already commenced – a month which is filled with blessings and virtue. This month, one of the most recommended things to do is revisit some of the greatest prophetic traditions (hadith). Hadith collections are replete with narrations related to the virtues of the blessed city of Madinah al-Munawwarah. Many Hadith compilers dedicated an entire chapter to the topic, attesting to the fact that Islam places great emphasis on the topic. To rekindle our love for the beloved city of the Prophet ﷺ, we’ve listed ten Hadith discussing the blessed city’s importance, significance and virtues.
The Best Place
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned, ”For the believer, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand its virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become disenchanted with it, Allah will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the ordeals of Madinah, for him shall I be an intercessor on the Day of Qiyaamah.” [Sahih Muslim]
A Sacred Sanctuary
Anas ibn Malik RA narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw [Mount] Uhud and said, “This is a mountain which loves us and we love it. O, Allah! Ibrahim made Makkah Haram, and I will make what is between the two tracts of black stones (in Madinah) a Haram [sacred sanctuary].” [Muwatta Imam Malik]
One Prayer’s Worth
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The prayer in this Masjid of mine is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere except in the Holy Masjid of Makkah.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Love for Madinah al-Munawwarah
Aisha RA narrates that the Prophet ﷺ prayed, “O Allah! Make us love Madinah as much as we love Makkah or even more.” [Muwatta Imam Malik]
Safe From Plagues and Dajjal
Abu Hurayra RA narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘There are angels at the entries of Madinah, and neither plague nor the Dajjal will enter it.’ [Muwatta Imam Malik]
A True Sanctuary
Anas RA narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Madinah is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be cut and no heresy should be innovated nor any sin should be committed in it, and whoever innovates in it a heresy or commits sins (bad deeds), then he will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
The Excellence of Madinah al-Munawwarah
Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Madinah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
The Defended City
Sa`d RA narrated that he heard the Prophet ﷺ saying, “None plots against the people of Madinah but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
The City That Cleanses and Expels Evil
Jabir RA narrated that a bedouin came to the Prophet ﷺ and gave a pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day he came with fever and said (to the Prophet ﷺ), “Please cancel my pledge (of embracing Islam and of emigrating to Medina).” The Prophet ﷺ refused (that request) three times and said, “Madinah is like a furnace, it expels out the impurities (bad persons) and selects the good ones and makes them perfect.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Hastening To Enter Madinah al-Munawwarah
Anas RA narrated that whenever the Prophet ﷺ returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his Mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Medina. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Main Image Credit: Haidan (Unsplash)
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
