“Ever wonder why Medina is known as the ‘City of the Prophet’?” Here before us stands Masjid Abdullah Mvuz. It is a testament to Medina’s rich Islamic history. Medina is where Prophet Muhammad lived after migrating from Mecca in 622 AD. That day marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Medina, originally called Medina Al Munawwarah, means “The Enlightened City.” This city plays a key role in Islamic history. Visiting Medina is a lifelong dream for many Muslims.
After persecution in Mecca, Allah instructed Prophet Muhammad to migrate to Medina. On September 20, 622 CE, he and Abu Bakr journeyed to Medina. The people of Medina welcomed Prophet Muhammad. He established a thriving Muslim community here. Medina became the center of the Muslim Empire under Prophet Muhammad’s leadership.
Masjid Abdullah Mvuz reminds us that Medina is the burial place of Prophet Muhammad. He passed away here and is buried within Masjid an-Nabawi. Non-Muslims cannot enter the center of Medina where Masjid an-Nabawi is located. Medina is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca.
Medina houses some of Islam’s most significant mosques. Besides Masjid an-Nabawi, there is also Masjid Al-Quba. Prophet Muhammad himself constructed Masjid Al-Quba upon arriving in Medina in 622 CE. This makes it one of the oldest mosques in Islam.
Masjid Abdullah Mvuz stands as a reminder that Medina is known for its date palm trees. Despite being in a desert city, Medina has always been an agricultural center. It produces over 300 varieties of dates.
Millions of Muslims visit Medina every year. They come to pray in Masjid an-Nabawi. The Prophet Muhammad said that prayer in his mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere. Except for Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca.
Medina is deeply revered by Muslims. Twenty-eight Quranic verses were revealed here. They are known as the Madni Surahs. These verses teach Muslims methods of worship. They help them understand and practice their religion freely.
The Prophet Muhammad made Medina a sanctuary. He said that Allah bestowed twice the blessings on Medina as on Mecca. Angels guard Medina day and night. Even Dajjal cannot enter its premises.
Masjid Abdullah Mvuz serves as a symbol of Medina. It is a city of sanctuary. Heroes were welcomed here. Millions still flock here for spiritual refuge. This is a place of safety. The asylum granted by any Muslim is to be respected by all. The Prophet Muhammad loved Medina. Whenever he returned from a journey and saw its walls, he would make his mount go fast because of his love for Medina.