Seven of the most beloved places to the Prophet ﷺ

There are seven physical places that Prophet ﷺ loved and spoke about on several occasions. As Muslims, we should all make sure we stay connected to these places in the hope to grow our love for the Prophet ﷺ and become closer to him.

Makkah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  was born in Makkah and his prophethood journey began from there. He taught us to make Makkah our Qibla (Direction for Prayer) and a single prayer performed in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is equivalent to a hundred thousand performed in any other mosque. Sahih-Ibn Mujah It is a sanctuary where shedding blood (i.e killing) is prohibited. Saheeh-At-Tirmidhi The Prophet ﷺ  openly announced his love of Makkah and its significance in the sight of Allah when he ﷺ said, addressing it: “I swear by Allah! You are the best of the lands of Allah and you are the most beloved land to Allah.”  [Saheeh-At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad]

Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara

Our Beloved Messenger’s ﷺ loved Madinah so much that he made a prayer for it,

“O Allah! Make us love Madinah as much as we love Makkah or even more.” Bukhari It was narrated that when the Prophet ﷺ would return from a trip and see the walls of Al-Madinah, he would speed up his riding camel, and if he was upon a beast, he would agitate it, out of his love for Al-Madinah. (At-Tirmidhi)

Al-Quds (Jerusalem)

Jerusalem (Al-Quds) is considered a sacred site in Islamic tradition, along with Mecca and Medina. Part of Jerusalem’s significance and holiness to Muslims derives from its strong association with Abraham, David, Solomon, and Jesus. They are all regarded as Prophets of Islam and their stories are mentioned in the Qur’an. Due to such significance, it was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ took a miraculous night journey to Al-Quds (Jerusalem).

“Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing” (17:1) The Prophet ﷺ led all the Prophets in prayer in Masjid Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem) (Muslim)

Masjid Quba’ (Quba’ Mosque)

Quba is the place on the outskirts of Madinah where the Prophet ﷺarrived and first stayed after emigrating from Makkah. A masjid was established there by the Prophetﷺ, and it was the first mosque to be built in Islam.

A verse in the Quran shows the greatness of this mosque:  “…A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in.” (Quran 9:108)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The Salat in Masjid Quba is like Umrah.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Mount Uhud

Mount Uhud is the largest mountain in Madinah. It is located in the north of Madeenah with a length of seven kilometers. It is at a distance of five kilometers from the mosque of the Prophet ﷺ. The famous historic Battle of Uhud took place near this mountain. During this battle, the polytheists were victorious due to the mistake that was committed by the Muslim archers, who disobeyed the orders of the Prophetﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ ordered the archers to stay on the mountain to protect the backs of the fighters, but they descended when they thought that the battle was over. The fighters were therefore exposed from behind, and the polytheists killed many Muslims.

The Prophet ﷺ however made sure that the Muslims stay connected to the mountain despite this tragic event and he said: “This mountain loves us and we love it. O Allah! Indeed Ibrahim made Makkah sacred, and I make sacred whatever is between its (i.e. Al-Madinah) two lava tracts.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Al-Baqi’ (Burial Grounds in Madinah)

The Burial grounds of most of the Prophet’s companions, uncles, and aunties. Also, the Prophet’s son Ibrahim was buried there as well as his daughters, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatima. There are an estimated 10,000 companions of the Prophet buried in Al-Baqi’. It is called Jannatul Baqi’ because it’s like a piece of Paradise on earth since the Prophet ﷺ used to make dua’ for the people buried there.   

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to go to the Baqi’ (graveyard in Al-Madinah) at the last part of night and say, “May you be safe, O abode of the believing people. What you have been promised has come to you. You are tarried till tomorrow and certainly we shall follow you if Allah wills. O Allah, forgive the inmates of the Baqi’-al-Gharqad.” (Muslim)

Al-Rawda Al-Sharifa

Located inside the Prophet’s ﷺ mosque between the house of Aisha and the Prophet’s pulpit.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Between my house and my pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).” (Bukhari)

Visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque are always keen to offer nafl (non-obligatory) prayers in Rawdah.   Make sure to build a connection with these places in order to develop a greater love for our beloved Prophet ﷺ.