Here is the sequel of my Umrah Post- specifically focused on the stay in Madina.

As mentioned earlier, we were supposed to spend only 2 days in the Holy city of Madina, according to the tour’s schedule, and they practically turned out to be one and a half day only. Madina is mainly famous for the various Zyaara, and a bit of shopping that pilgrims might be interested in- specially the dates.

The major pilgrim attraction in Madina, the blessed Masjid e Nabwi, has segregated portions for males and females- thus you are required to walk long distances, if you residence is not anywhere near the female portions. Gates number 25, 27 and 29 are dedicated to the females- and as they are less in number as you are supposed to enter at least 1.5- 2 hours before the prayer time, if you want to offer the prayer inside the mosque. If you get late- like I did several times- you will have to offer the prayer in the veranda of mosque. Although there are prayer mats provided, and the area is also secure with partitions, prayer inside the premises of the mosque would leave a lasting and more memorable impression indeed.

We left Makkah after Fajr prayer, and reached Madina right after Magrib (stopped for Ziyara en route). Although we have planned to go for Roza e Rasool Ziyarat on the next day, the plan changed to ‘let’s go today’- and both I and my husband went for the same day. While men can go for Roza e Rasool Ziyara after every prayer, there are timings specified for women. Here are the details that you might need for the Ziyara:

Men can enter from Bab ul Salam, and gates are opened after every prayer, all days of the week. They also do not need much time, and the whole process will take maximum one hour. Once you are at Roza e Rasool, make the most out of the opportunity and say prayer at Riyaz ul Jannah- it is distinguished from the rest of the area with a green colored carpet.  Pray for yourself, your loved ones and for the whole Ummah- prayers are heard more when said at the most sanctified places on planet earth.

For women, rules are slightly different. They can enter from gates # 27 and 29, for Ziyarat Roza e Rasool, after Fajr, Zuhr and Isha prayers. While there are three slots available, it is recommended that you opt for the after Fajr slot- as there are lesser number of ladies and thus less waiting time. I went after Isha, and had to wait for a good 3.5 hours before the gates were finally opened. While the duration after Zuhr is short and the rush increases drastically after Isha, Fajr timings are suggested.

While Roza e Rasool is not visible from the ladies section, however, they can offer prayer at Riyaz ul Jannah nevertheless- the same green colored carpet distinguishes the sacred portion, and you can say prayers wherever you get some space.

Besides the prayers at Masjid e Nabwi , there are a few essential Ziyaara offered in Madina, including Masjid e Qiblatain, Masjid e Quba and Uhad- that must be visited by the pilgrims travelling to Madina. There are also a few museums present alongside the Masjid e Nabwi, offering really enlightening and informative tours to the visitors. Jannat ul Baqee is also present right beside Masjid e Nabwi, and entry is allowed for males only, during specified timings.

The dates from Madina are famous all across the globe- and there are separate date markets, offering several types of dates. It is better to conduct a market survey before settling on any specific store, as the rates vary from one store to store- there is no fixed criterion.

It is advised that, whenever you are provided with the sanctified opportunity of visiting the best places on earth, spend more time in prayers, less in the markets. The stuff you might buy would be available at many other places, but the devoutness and piety that you might gain from praying in these places, is exclusive- you will never be able to find that anywhere else. So, try your best to get as many benedictions as possible- as only the lucky ones get the opportunity.

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