Madinah is a city of cultural heritage and tranquility. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Muslim community. Madinah is home to a number of tourist attractions, museums, vibrant markets and pious sites that offer inner peace and serenity. With so much to explore, there is no dearth of captivating sightseeing spots and things to do in Madinah during Umrah.
While visiting this holy city during the Umrah pilgrimage, pilgrims must visit different religious, cultural and historical sites in Madinah. Besides, there is authentic Arabic food to try and some really beautiful souvenirs to splurge on. The best things to do in Madinah, for most tourists, start by taking a tour of the city’s religious and historic places.
Best Things To Do In Madinah During Umrah Pilgrimage
The sacred city of Madinah holds great importance in Islamic culture as it is one of the main sites for performing Umrah. Also known as the ‘city of the Prophet’, Madinah sees scores of Muslims visiting the city for both pilgrimage and vacation purposes. It is dotted with a number of sacred, culturally and historically important sites. To make your Umrah journey fulfilling and memorable, here are the top things to do in the holy city of Madinah:
1. Perform Ziyarat – The most important of things to do in Madinah during Umrah
The holy city of Madinah is considered to be a highly sacred and important destination in Islamic culture. Millions of Muslims from across the globe visit Madinah each year to perform Umrah. One of the most essential things to do in Madinah during Umrah is performing Ziyarat, which implies going on a pilgrimage to places associated with Prophet Muhammad, his family, descendants and his companions.
These sites include mosques, battlefields, caves and mountains. For performing Ziyarat, Madinah is one of the best places as it is home to a large number of religious sites, including Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque, Al Madinah Museum, Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatayn. However, three of the most important places in this divine city for performing Ziyarat are:
- Al-Masjid al-Nabawi: Also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi holds great importance amongst Muslims. Constructed by the Prophet himself, this mosque is believed to be his resting place as well.
- Mount Uhud: Another important site in Islamic culture, Mount Uhud is the famous battleground where the historic Battle of Uhud took place. Graveyards of fighters, who were killed during this battle, can also be found near this major pilgrimage site.
- Jannat-al-Baqi: Known to be the first and oldest cemetery in the holy city of Madinah, Jannat-al-Baqi is the resting place of companions and relatives of Prophet Muhammad. This makes it one of the holiest cemeteries in Islamic culture.
2. Explore historical sites – They are the most popular tourist spots in Madinah
Madinah is the city of important historical sites and archaeological wonders, including Jannat-al-Baqi, Mosque of Badr, Masjid Al Ghamamah and Abu Bakr Masjid. Exploring these places is one of the best things to do in Madinah during the Umrah pilgrimage. It has a legendary city that has witnessed some of the most dramatic Islamic struggles and is therefore, a revered city among the followers of this faith. That’s also the reason why the historical and religious places to visit in Madinah cannot be distinguished clearly.
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The top three historical sites in Madinah are:
- Al Jum’ah Mosque: Also known as Bani Salim Mosque, Al Jum’ah Mosque is known to be the first mosque where Prophet Muhammad and his companions performed a Juma prayer for the first time while migrating from Makkah to Madinah.
- Grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib: Paternal uncle and companion of Prophet Muhammad, Ḥamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib was martyred in the Battle of Uhud. According to popular belief, Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatima used to visit the grave and tend it.
- Desert of Saleh: Amongst the most wonderful historical sites in Madinah, Madain Saleh is home to huge tombs and graves. Truly an archaeological marvel, this tourist attraction is also known to be Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Try the local cuisine – One of the most fun things to do in Madinah during Umrah
Being on a pilgrimage, another interesting thing to do is to absorb the city’s culture & cuisine. What better way to do it than trying to get a taste of the local food. Some of the most popular restaurants in Madinah are Al Fateh Restaurant, Abu Tarboosh, Nirala Taibah Restaurant and Tayaba. They are the best places for savouring authentic Middle Eastern dishes during Umrah pilgrimage.
A few other popular eating joints in the city are:
- Arabesque Restaurant: This restaurant is a must-visit for all the pilgrims in Madinah during Umrah or otherwise. It is located on King Farhad Road and serves delicious, authentic Middle Eastern dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
- Ennap Restaurant: Situated on King Abdullah Road, this restaurant is known for serving delectable dishes in a contemporary setting.
- Ruqn Shami: This eating joint offers a wide variety of dishes for lunch. It serves authentic Middle Eastern dishes and is convenient to reach as it is situated on the airport road.
4. Shopping in Madinah – From masterpieces to trinkets
Channelising your innate shopaholic is one of the best things to do in Madinah during Umrah pilgrimage. The sacred city houses some of the most beautiful malls and vibrant local markets. Offering a wide variety of latest goods and culturally important things, like dates, scarves and prayer beads, Madinah’s shopping culture attracts a large number of visitors on a regular basis. The top three places for shopping in Madinah are:
- Taiba Commercial Center: This place is a one-stop shop for all types of items. From fresh produce to religious items to apparel, this place is a must-visit.
- Old Bazaar: One of the oldest markets in Madinah, Old Bazaar has street hawks, kiosks, stalls and eating joints. Here, one can look forward to buying prayer beads and mats, abayas and dates.
- Al Noor Mall: Having something for everyone, Al Noor Mall is one of the most renowned malls in the city of Madinah. Also the largest mall in the holy city, Al Noor Mall has everything under one roof for the convenience of the visitors.
Visiting Madinah for Umrah pilgrimage is a perfect way to seek the blessings of Allah. However, to get the best of this city and make the entire journey memorable, the above-mentioned things are perfect to be added to the Umrah trip to Madinah.
Things To Do In Madinah During Umrah FAQs
What is Ziyarat?
Ziyarat implies going on a pilgrimage to places associated with Prophet Muhammad, his family, descendants and his companions. These sites include mosques, battlefields, caves and mountains. For performing Ziyarat, Madinah is one of the best places as it is home to a large number of religious sites, including Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque, Al Madinah Museum, Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatayn.
Which are the important places to perform Ziyarat?
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, Mount Uhud, and Jannat-al-Baqi are the three important places where Zinayat is performed.
Which are the top three historical sites to visit in Madinah after performing Umrah?
Al Jum ah Mosque, Grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib and Desert of Saleh are the top three historical sites in Madinah.
What are the popular eating places in Madinah after performing Umrah?
Some of the popular places to eat in Madinah are Arabesque Restaurant, Ennap Restaurant and Ruqn Shami.
What to do in Madinah?
Tourists can perform Ziyarat, visit historical locations, taste the food of the area, and shop from the local souks.
How to perform Ziyarat in Madinah?
Individuals should not indulge in any other activity besides worship. One can read Salawat (a particular Arabic phrase including salutations to the Prophet) along with praying numerous duas.
What is Madinah famous for?
Madinah is a calm city with a rich cultural legacy. Madinah is home to a variety of tourist destinations, galleries, bustling marketplaces, and religious locations that provide inner peace and quiet. Madinah is one of the most important cities in Islamic culture since it is an important destination for doing Umrah.
Is it necessary to visit madinah during Umrah?
Yes, believers of Islam find it mandatory to visit madinah during Umrah.
What are the places for ziyarat in Madinah?
Ziyarat is conducted at three prominent locations: Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, Mount Uhud, and Jannat-al-Baqi.
