Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered a sacred month and is dedicated to fasting and praying. It marks the event when the angel Jibreel appeared before the Prophet Muhammad and revealed before him the holy book of Quran. Ramadan in Madinah is observed with utmost devotion, joy and happiness. Pilgrims can rejoice in the festive vibe and spend their time remembering Allah, going for iftar and praying congregations, and paying their respects at the ziyarats.
Why Celebrate Ramadan In Madinah?
Madinah is the city of immense historical and religious significance in Islam. It has a history of existence around 1500 years before Muhammad decided to migrate from Makkah. It is celebrated as the city where the Ummah or the Muslim community was first established by Prophet Muhammad in 622CE. The place of his burial is the sacred Masjid Al-Nawabi, where pilgrims from all over the world come to seek blessings and rewards from Allah.
The Al-Nawabi mosque is also the former house of Prophet Muhammad. The modern structure is a beautiful and massive mosque featuring sky-high green domes and a couple of high minarets. People touring Madinah visit this glorious place that is one of the most important religious sites in the Muslim culture.
Besides Masjid Al Nawabi, Madinah is home to a lot of places of historic importance in Islam, such as Masjid Al-Ahzaab, where the battle of Ahzaab began; Mount Uhud, where an important Islamic battle was fought; and Jannat-Ul-Baqi, the cemetry where several who accompanied the Prophet are buried.
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Today’s Madinah, the ancient Yathrib, is surrounded by the range of Hejaz Mountains and empty valleys. It also has the Nafud Desert and dormant volcanoes in the vicinity. It served as the capital of the Muslim caliphate under Muhammad’s leadership but currently exhibits a cross-cultural environment between Sunnis (in the majority), Shias (in minority) and non-Muslim migrant workers.
How Is Ramadan Celebrated In Madinah?
During Ramadan, a certain calm and positivity descends over the streets of Madinah. Its residents dedicate themselves to the service of Allah and his men. People coming from all walks of life try to do their best to serve those who need help and focus on spending some quality time with their families. The beginning of Ramadan in Madinah is akin to entering the month of celebrations.
1. In the holy month of Ramadan, before and after Salat al-Maghrib or the sunset prayer, the streets of Madinah are full of mosque-goers who heartily exchange congratulatory wishes or Dua with each other.
2. During this time, the roadside is covered by billboards and posters offering well-wishes and inviting people to join orphans for Iftar.
3.One can find many people passing on gifts and food to the needy. Tourists celebrating Ramadan in Madinah can also contribute towards helping those in need.
Celebrations At Masjid Al-Nawabi During Ramadan
4. The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is the most visited religious site during the month of Ramadan. Every year, during Ramadan, the citizens decorate the mosque and equip it with essential supplies. They passionately cook and serve meals to fellow Muslims and prepare Iftar tables in the mosque. The act aids those who are observing the fast and strengthens the feeling of companionship and brotherhood among people.
According to the guidelines, only the authorised Iftar service providers are responsible for organising meals and looking after other arrangements.
Iftar Celebration During Ramadan in Madinah’s Al-Nawabi
5. During Iftar, the area outside of the mosque is divided into two segments, one for men and the other for women. People visiting the mosque must be mindful of these divisions.
6. The Iftar meals served inside the mosque consist of bread, coffee, dates, and yoghurt. The meals served in the mosque’s courtyard are comparatively more elaborate and consist of meat, rice, dates, juices, coffee, tea, and water. These meals are prepared right after Asr prayers.
7. Once Iftar is over, the mosque premises are efficiently cleaned and prepared for evening prayers and Taraweeh. People in Madinah participate in Taraweeh and evening prayers with full enthusiasm during Ramadan.
8. More than 300 tons of Zamzam water is provided to the mosque to prepare 1500 water containers on the mosque premises.
9. During this time, the general presidency of the mosque works round the clock to ensure proper arrangements and the comfort of worshippers.
Popular Dishes To Relish While In Madinah During Ramadan
10. During Ramadan, the followers of Islam observe fast and practice abstinence from food, water, and chewing gum from dawn to sunset. Only when the day is over, Muslims end their daily fast with the evening meal known as Iftar.
Here are some special meals that people relish during Iftar:
- Jareesh: To prepare it, wheat or corn is dried and boiled and squashed. It is then boiled again with or without meat.
- Dukka: It is an add-on that is prepared by mixing dry coriander, lemon salt, cumin, and black salt and customarily eaten with Talbiya.
- Shireek and Madinah Fatout: The dish includes different types of pastries that are served as a side dish or appetiser along with the main course.
- Sobia: This beverage is made with a variety of ingredients that includes barley, oatmeal, baked bread, and raisins. The drink is then filtered, and cinnamon, sugar, and cardamom are added to it for an enhanced taste.
- Vermicelli: This dessert is basically dry ground dough cooked and added to harissa with some sugar.
Where To Stay In Madinah During Ramadan?
During Ramadan, the top hotels in Madinah also get into the festive mood. Staying at any of the luxury properties like Pullman Zamzam Madina, Shaza Madinah, Madinah Hilton, Dar Al Hijra InterContinental Madinah, Crowne Plaza Madinah, The Oberoi, etc. is sure to be a delightful experience. It is not just their opulent architecture and high-end services, but also the magnificent view from the windows and multiple cuisines in restaurants-on-premise that make the stay welcoming and cherishing.
The holy month of Ramadan is the time to worship Allah and be grateful to the almighty for all that he has provided us with. Muslims round the year eagerly wait for this occasion and celebrate it with utmost joy and jest. With so much going on in the spirit of Ramadan, Madinah becomes a city of celebration and festivities, brimming with devotional and spiritual vibes.
Ramadan In Madinah FAQs
How is Ramadan celebrated in Madinah?
Ramadan in Madinah is seen with the most extreme dedication, euphoria, and bliss. Pilgrims celebrate with merry energy and invest their time remembering Allah, going for iftar and praying congregations, and offering their respects at the ziyarats.
Which are some of the famous hotels in Madinah?
Staying at any of the luxury properties like Pullman Zamzam Madina, Shaza Madinah, Madinah Hilton, Dar Al Hijra InterContinental Madinah, Crowne Plaza Madinah, The Oberoi, etc. is sure to be a delightful experience.
What is the famous drink during Ramadan in Madinah?
Sobia is a beverage that is made with a variety of ingredients that include barley, oatmeal, baked bread, and raisins. The drink is then filtered, and cinnamon, sugar, and cardamom are added to it for an enhanced taste.
During Ramadan in Madinah, what is the most popular dish?
Shireek and Madinah Fatout is a dish that includes different types of pastries that are served as a side dish or appetizer along with the main course.
