Two days in Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Desert Dreams: Flight of Awe from Taif to Madinah
We arrived at Taif airport to depart for Madinah, we were in for an unexpected surprise. We had never before witnessed a sight like this - fighter planes flying right next to the commercial planes at Taif Airport. It was an awe-inspiring sight from the lounge that left us way too much surprised. The fighter planes were magnificent, soaring high in the sky with a powerful roar and disappeared in an eyeblink.
We boarded our flight, and after it took off the plane was flying low, giving us a panoramic view of the vast, majestic desert that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The dry mountains and sandy dunes seemed to go on forever, with hues of orange, brown, and yellow blending seamlessly in the sunlight. We felt like we were flying through a painting.
The window of our aircraft acted as a portal to a different world, one that we had never seen before. There was something uniquely beautiful about the barren desert landscape that captivated us.
As we landed in Madinah, the view changed, but the sense of awe remained. The city was clean, peaceful, and pleasant. The vibe was serene, and it felt like a sacred place. We felt a sense of calm and serenity wash over us, and it was truly a soul-stirring experience.
We stayed at Marriot Executive Apartments. I can't recommend this place enough. It was the best hotel we had booked so far. Hotel had a free shuttle to Masjid E Nabwai. It was after sunset when we arrived at the hotel. We had a shower and straight away took advantage of their shuttle and arrived at Masjid Nabwi and offered Isha prayer there.
Taken at Roza e Rasool SAW, Madinah
Masjid al-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque, is one of the most sacred sites in Islam. It is the second holiest mosque in the world after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. The mosque is an architectural masterpiece. The central courtyard of the mosque is enormous and it is known as the Rawdah. It is considered one of the most sacred areas of the mosque, where millions of Muslims visit every year to pray, recite the Quran, and pay their respects to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. At the center of the Rawdah lies the Prophet's tomb, which is covered by a green dome that can be seen from afar. The tomb is a place of great reverence for Muslims, who come from all over the world to offer their respects and seek blessings.
We explored all the area in and around the mosque and it was a wonderful experience.
Mustafa and Jabal e Uhud in the background
Two days in Madinah
Visit Masjid al-Nabawi: This is the Prophet's Mosque and is one of the most important sites in Madinah. Spend some time admiring the beautiful architecture and exploring the grounds.
Visit the Quba Mosque: This is the first mosque ever built in Islam and is located on the outskirts of Madinah. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit.
Visit Mount Uhud: This is the site of the Battle of Uhud, which took place in 625 CE. It is also the resting place of many of the Prophet's companions.
Explore the Old Bazaar: This market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, spices, and other local goods. It is located near the Prophet's Mosque and has a vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Dates Market: Madinah is known for its delicious dates, and the Dates Market is the best place to find a variety of fresh and dried dates.
Visit the Garden of Salman al-Farsi: This is a beautiful garden located on the outskirts of Madinah, and it is said that the Prophet used to visit this garden often. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the city.
Visit the Al-Baqi Cemetery: This is a historical cemetery located near the Prophet's Mosque where many of the Prophet's companions and family members are buried. It is a peaceful and humbling place to visit.
These are just a few suggestions for how to spend two days in Madinah. There are many more sites to explore and experiences to be had in this beautiful and historic city. We flew back to Jeddah to leave the country after spending time in Madinah. Jeddah is also the city where we started our jounrey. You can click on the orange button that says Jeddah to find out more about it.