“Dajjal’s palace” is what some locals call the Kingdom Palace. The Kingdom Palace stands near Medina. It may seem like a modern structure. Yet, it is tied to ancient prophecies.
Welcome to a place where history and prophecy meet. Here stands the Kingdom Palace in Medina. Medina is the second holiest city in Islam. It is celebrated as the place where Muhammad established the Muslim community. His body is entombed here.
In Ottoman times, this area housed a small military landing ground. It was near the garrison’s barracks south of Medina. Now, the King’s palace and its satellites occupy this land.
Interestingly, this palace sits atop Jabal Habshi. Some pilgrims claim locals call it “Dajjal’s palace.” This name connects it to Islamic eschatology. Some believe the Dajjal will stand on Jabal Habshi. He will point to a white palace. He will claim it is the mosque of Ahmad.
The palace’s location is significant. Jabal Habshi is about 7 kilometers from the Prophet’s Mosque. From the summit, one can directly see the mosque. At night, the mosque’s white lights shine brightly.
The hadith is relevant to the topic. There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah. Madinah will shake thrice and Allah will expel all the non-believers and the hypocrites from it.
Medina itself is an ancient city. It was known as Yathrib before Islam. The Prophet Muhammad’s arrival in 622 CE marked a new era. Medina became the capital of the growing Islamic state.
The Prophet’s Mosque is at the city center. Muhammad helped build it. Non-Muslims cannot enter this sacred area. They can glimpse it from outside. Over centuries, caliphs added to and improved the mosque complex.
The residents of Medina are Arabic-speaking Muslims. Most belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. Many Muslims settle here after making the pilgrimage.
Medina’s economy thrives on dates and accommodating pilgrims. The city is known for its date palms. Fruits and vegetables are also cultivated here.
The city has undergone modernization. The old city wall was dismantled. It merged with pilgrim camping grounds. The Anbariyyah quarter became the commercial center.
Visiting the Kingdom Palace offers more than meets the eye. It is a place where modern construction touches ancient narratives. Whether seen as a palace or something more, it holds a unique place in Medina’s landscape. It reminds us of the city’s layered history. It causes us to reflect on its spiritual importance. The Kingdom Palace stands as a testament to Medina’s past. It also serves as a focal point for its future.