The Spiritual Journey of Visiting Mecca & Madina

 As the holiest cities in Islam, Mecca, home to the sacred Kaaba, and Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) rests, offer an unparalleled sense of devotion, reflection, and transformation.

Madinah

Madinah, the city made sacred by the presence of our beloved Messenger Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ, and Makkah, the house rebuilt by Messenger Hazrat Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), also known as Abraham.  

Madinah holds a unique place in the hearts of Muslims, not merely for its serene beauty but for the unparalleled honor of the Messenger ﷺ. The love and reverence for him (ﷺ) and visiting him (ﷺ) draw millions to this blessed city, a love that transcends time, borders, and generations. The desire has always been there, but for one reason or another, the journey never materialized.

Madinah is a city infused with love for our Messenger (ﷺ), love for Allah, and love for humanity. Walking through its streets, you feel the presence of history, the weight of devotion, and the unity of millions who visit this blessed place out of their boundless affection for the Messenger (ﷺ). The reverence of the worshippers and the melodious call to prayer only deepened our spiritual connection.

Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba, the first mosque built by the Messenger (ﷺ). There is a 3.7 km straight walking track from the Masjid an-Nabawi. Although the track was built much later, it follows the path he (ﷺ) used to take every Saturday to visit Masjid Quba. Walking along this route with many others, reflecting on his (ﷺ) footsteps, is a humbling and spiritually enriching experience.  Along the roadside, many kind-hearted individuals were offering food for free to visitors, a beautiful act of generosity that reflected the spirit of the Madinah.

Makkah 

In Makkah, donning the white garments of Ihram, symbolizing equality and unity before Allah is a humbling experience to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with worshippers from every corner of the globe, united in purpose and devotion. Here, distinctions of wealth, status, and nationality faded away. we are all simply servants of the Almighty.  

The rituals of Umrah are simple. You need to do Tawaf (Circular motion) around the Kabba seven times, then you have to perform Sa’yi, the Run in memory of the historical run between Safa and Marwah by Bibi Hazera, wife of prophet Ibrahim (aws) and mother of prophet Ismail (aws). During the Tawaf and Sa’yi, don’t forget to drink Ab-i-ZamZam. After all this, hair must be shaved then Umrah is complete. Now we’re free to move without Ihram.

The sight of the Kaaba for the first time is never forgotten. The black-draped cube, surrounded by worshippers performing Tawaf, is a powerful symbol of submission to Allah. Despite Makkah’s barren, mountainous surroundings, it draws millions of hearts year after year, answering the timeless call of Messenger Hazrat Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Kabba is the place towards which billions of Muslims of the whole world bow down their head in fear of Allah, no human language can describe what you are feeling inside, tears come out from deep of your heart and you say, Allahu Akbar.

Makkah never sleeps. Its rhythm is fueled by devotion, as worshippers gather in prayer, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and peace.

Zabal Al Thour, the place where Prophet and his companions hid from the Kafirs on his way to Madina. So high, Prophet (ﷺ) stayed in a cave there for three days. 

Hajj–Mina, Mujdalifah, and Arafah, Judgment Day (Hashr) will be in this vast open land. Standing upon the top point of the hill from where the Prophet (ﷺ) gave his final sermon at the Hajj.

Zabal Al Nur which was inside Makkah city, on top of it stands the gaar-i-Hira, the cave where the first verses of the Quran were revealed by angel Zibrael (aws). 

Haram Sharif, Hazrat Khadiza (ra), the prophet’s first and most beloved wife, was 65 years old when the first revelation came. She climbed up the whole mountain (which is very straight in some places) to provide food for his beloved husband, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). 

Final Thoughts

The heart of every Muslim overflowed with gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the opportunity to visit Madinah, with its serenity and love. Makkah, with its devotion and energy, left an indelible mark on the soul.

The journey reminded us of life’s true essence: humility, gratitude, and devotion to our Creator. I pray that Allah grants everyone the chance to visit these blessed places and experience their profound spiritual beauty.