A Travellers Guide to Madinah

Title: Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah: A Travellers Guide to Historical Landmarks in the Noble City

Author: Abrar Vedachhia

Pages: 332

Publisher: Turath Publishing

The love for Madinah al-Munawwarah holds a significant place in the heart of every Muslim. This affection is not merely a historical or emotional attachment, but a religious virtue, established by the actions and explicit supplications of the Prophet ﷺ. He not only migrated to this blessed city, but he also prayed to Allah, saying: “O Allah! Make us love Madinah as much as we love Makkah, or even more” (Sahīh al-Bukhārī).

‘A Traveller’s Guide to Madinah’ is a significant contribution to the literature concerning the historical geography and Prophetic heritage of Madinah al-Munawwarah. This book distinguishes itself by bringing together meticulous historical research with highly practical navigational tools, therefore serving as both a scholarly reference and an essential guide for visitors undertaking Ziyārah – a visit to the blessed city.

The book’s core strength lies in its unprecedented level of detailed identification and location of Prophetic sites, many of which have been historically difficult to pinpoint for the English-speaking reader. The author has documented over 120 Prophetic landmarks, preserving and accurately representing the physical landscape of the Sīrah.

Detailed Content

The guide presents several features that stand out over conventional visitor pamphlets, providing substantial academic value:

• Al-Masjid an-Nabawī Expansion: The work includes a detailed, English-language historical account of the expansion of al-Masjid an-Nabawī, supported by 3D models. This structural analysis is crucial for understanding the mosque’s development from the Prophet’s ﷺ time to the present day.
• Residential History: It precisely locates 11 historic homes of the Prophet’s Companions immediately adjacent to al-Masjid an-Nabawī.
• Baqī’ Cemetery Documentation: The guide provides clarity on the resting places of the Companions and other key figures within the Baqī’ cemetery, aiding the visitor in offering Salām, knowing the identities of the deceased.
• Uncovered Sites: A notable achievement is the identification of over 35 Prophetic mosques and 17 Prophetic wells located in and around Madinah. The inclusion of these sites facilitates a more comprehensive and authentic engagement with the city’s historical fabric.
• “Did You Know” Facts: A highly engaging feature is the inclusion of “Did You Know” sections. Here, the authors present concise tidbits and factual anecdotes from the Sīrah pertaining to that particular location, adding a layer of rich, contextual history and making the site come alive for the visitor. These short, academic facts are sourced and make the historical information highly accessible and memorable.

Accessibility for the Traveller

The practical utility of the guide is significantly enhanced by its integration of modern technology:

• QR Code Navigation: Each of the over 120 landmarks is provided with a QR code for immediate and accurate location and navigation.
• Ziyārah Routes: To make the most of your time in Madinah, the book features planned Ziyārah routes, also accessible via QR codes. This methodical approach ensures a structured and efficient exploration of the historical sites.
• Visual Documentation: Beyond the 3D models of the Prophet’s Mosque, the book contains maps and historical images where available, crucial elements for academic accuracy and visual confirmation of site details.

The combination of authentic reference material and practical guidance makes this work a valuable resource for students of Islamic history and those visiting the blessed city of Madinah. It successfully bridges the gap between scholarly inquiry and experiential spiritual travel, ensuring that the connection to the history of Madinah is both profound and geographically precise.

This guide truly transforms your experience, making those historically significant places readily accessible for you to explore independently. Before this book, many of us only saw the lesser-known spots in a fleeting glimpse on a rushed group tour. Now, with the precise location data and QR codes, you’re fully empowered to find, explore, and discover these landmarks at your own pace. This independence allows you to get a much deeper, more personal connection to your ziyārah.

May Allah accept the efforts of the author, Shaykh Abrar and make it a means of continuous reward for him. Amin.

– Reviewed by: Mawlana Muhammad Ismail & Huzaifa Saleh