Jum-Bangla Desk: Every year, millions of Muslims go to Medina, the first capital of Islam, to perform Hajj and Umrah. Medina is considered the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca. Because there is the 'Masjid of the Prophet', which means Masjid Nabbi, built by the last prophet of Islam. Built in 622, this mosque is still considered one of the largest mosques in the world. 'Masjid-e-Quba', known as the first mosque of Islam, is located in the city of Madinah.

madina

Before the advent of Islam, the city of Medina was called 'Yathrib'. It was well known for its commercial and geographical importance at that time. Because this city had mountains, plains, oasis, gold, silver and copper mines. According to the Saudi tourism website ' Visit Saudi' , Muslims and foreigners can travel to Madinah's tourist attractions without any restrictions.

These sites include Jabal Uhud, Jabal Jabab, Jabal Al Ramah (Archer's Hill) and Jabal Noor. These places have religious importance. There are also many museums in Medina, where you can learn about the history of the city at a glance. Some such 'sacred' sights of Madinah are mentioned in this text.

Quba Masjid
is located just three and a half kilometers away from Masjid Nabbi. It is the first mosque in the history of Islam, the foundation of which was established by the Prophet of Islam with his own hands. It is believed that he spent four days in Quba before entering Medina. Muslims also believe that performing the prayer in Masjid Quba is an act of virtue equal to Umrah. Many people visit it for its unique architecture and historical significance.

The mosque has four minarets with a forty-seven meter high white dome, the first of which is attributed to Hazrat Omar Ibn Abdul Aziz.

Hijaz Railway
Construction of the Hijaz Railway was started around 1900 to connect the Syrian capital Damascus and Madinah, because at that time it took at least 40 days to reach Makkah from Damascus. Many caravan passengers died while crossing dry deserts and mountain passes on the way. But when it was launched in 1908, the 40-day journey was reduced to just five days. Although damaged during World War I, it was closed in 1916.

Near Hijaz Railway Station is Madain Saleh or Al-Hajr Qila. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. The remains of the Nabataean Empire are found here in the first century. There are 111 tombs open for tourists. Traces of ancient paintings are found in the caves there.

Urwa Bin Al-Zubayr Palace
Built in the first year of Hijri, this place is one of the monuments of the beginning of the Islamic era, which is located about three and a half kilometers from Masjid Nabbi. It was made of mud and stone. There are brick tiles and lava stones in some places on the floor. There are three huge gardens, multiple rooms (with antique architecture, furnished) and kitchen. There is also a water well. It is believed that pilgrims to Mecca used this well to drink water.

Qiblatin Masjid
It is said about this mosque located in Banu Salama area of ​​Madinah, in two Hijri, there was an order to change the 'qibla' (the direction to face during prayer) during prayers in this mosque. The Prophet of Islam along with his companions turned their faces towards the Kaaba in Makkah instead of 'Al-Baitul Muqaddas' or 'Baitul Maqdis' in Jerusalem during prayers.

Since this mosque offers prayers facing two different qiblas, this mosque is named 'Masjid Qiblatin', i.e. the mosque with two qiblas. The interior of the mosque is domed and the outer arch is on the north side. This mosque was rebuilt during the Ottoman Empire. It was renovated during the reign of Saudi King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.

Al Binte Dam and Khyber
Khyber have numerous archaeological sites, which will fascinate the visitors. However , historical accounts differ on how the Al Binte Dam (dam means dam, which holds back water) in Khyber was built. But that difference will not prove to be a hindrance to the beauty of the dam. Al Binte Dam, also known as Sahba Dam. It is believed to have been built during the Sheba period, three thousand years ago.

This dam looks a lot like Marib Dam in Yemen. Its mighty rock separates the Herat Khyber from the waters of the dam on the other side.Standing in front of this dam, you will feel how small you are compared to its enormity. Because its height is 50 meters, length is 250 meters and width is 10 meters. The nature around the dam looks different from other areas. There are palm trees and other fruit trees.

But the infrastructure of the dam will catch your eye. Because it has no doors or gates to let the water out and its steps are made of stone. People use them to dip down or measure water. But part of this dam has already collapsed. The road facing the dam is easily accessible by vehicles.

Ali Mosque
Located in the Masjid Fateh area of ​​Madinah is the 'Ali ibn Abi Talib' mosque, abbreviated as Ali Masjid. This place is a symbol of Islamic cultural heritage. It was built between 706 and 712 and renovated in 1990 during the reign of Saudi King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz. The length of this mosque is 31 meters or 93 feet and the width is 22 meters or 66 feet. It has seven domes.

The Prophet of Islam offered Eid prayers at the site where the Ali Mosque is built. After his death, Hazrat Ali also offered Eid prayers at the same place.

Jannat al-Baqi
The oldest cemetery in Medina is Jannat al-Baqi, located near Masjid al-Nababi. Many companions and family members of the Prophet of Islam are buried here. 'Baki' means the place where wild plants are found. The cemetery has three entrances from north, east and west.

Niagara Falls

During the last expansion of Masjid al-Nababi, the houses between the cemetery and Masjid al-Nababi were demolished. Then connecting Jannat al-Baki' to the eastern courtyard of Masjid al-Nababi