Significance of Madeenah
Madeenah is the land of Hijrah and home of the Muhajiroon and the Ansaar. It is the first city, capital and country of Islam, and the place from which the light of guidance spread to all corners of the world. It is the place honored by the presence of the Prophet when he was living in it, and will be honored till the end of time as his burial place. Madeenah is the only place on the face of earth that is known to be a burial place of a Prophet, for no burial place is known for any other Prophet. It is the place where faith reached its highest point, and it is going to be its abode till the end of time. Madeenah, as shown in many ways in this article, is unique, among cities and places.
However, for Muslims, and for the reasons discussed here, Madeenah is truly special. Their love for it will always be strong, whether they could or couldn't visit it. Following are some famous Prophetic narrations concerning the special characteristics and qualities of Madeenah:
‘Abdullah ibn Zayd reported that Allah's Messenger said: "Verily, Ibraaheem (i.e. Prophet Abraham ) declared Makkah Sacred and supplicated (for blessings to be showered) upon its inhabitants, and I declare Madeenah to be Sacred. I have asked Allah (for His blessings to be showered) in its Saa’ and its Mudd (weight measurements) twice as did Ibraaheem for the inhabitants of Makkah.” [Muslim]
Sahl ibn Haneef reported that Allah's Messenger pointed towards Madeenah and said: "That is a Sacred territory and a place of safety." [Muslim]
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqaas reported that Allah's Messenger said: "He who intends to do harm to the people of Madeenah, Allah would efface him just as water dissolves salt." [Muslim]
It should be clear that Allah Alone is the One Who sanctifies places; a fact implied in the aforementioned narrations and their likes. In addition, the Haram, or the Madeenah's Sanctuary, like that of Makkah, is not limited to the area of the Prophet's Mosque as some might think. The Madeenah's Sanctuary includes all that between the two mountains, ‘Ayr and Thawr, and what is between the Harratayn (two areas of wastelands). Madeenah today has expanded beyond these borders. Though the Sanctuary is limited to these borders, places beyond them are still part of Madeenah.
The Harratayn are two areas of wastelands situated in plains of volcanic rocks. The road to Madeenah passes through them. They represent a dramatic reminder of the region's volcanic past. Muslim historians recorded several eruptions in the area, the most violent of which were those of the year 1257 C.E.
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah observed: "Verily Islam started as something strange, and it would again revert (to its old position) of being strange just as it started, and it would recede between the two Masjids just as the snake crawls back into its hole." [Muslim]
Abu Hurayrah reported that Allah's Messenger said: "Atime will come for the people (of Madeenah) when a man will invite his cousin and any other close relative saying: Come (and settle) at (a place) where living is cheap, come to where there is plenty, but Madeenah will be better for them; would they know it! By Allah, none amongst them would go out (of Madeenah) out of dislike for it, but Allah would make his successor in it someone better than him. Behold, Madeenah is like a furnace, it eliminates worthless materials. The Last Hour will not come until Madeenah casts out the evil ones among its people just as fire purges the iron ore from foreign materials." [Muslim]
Abu Bakr narrated that the Prophet said: "Madeenah will not be affected by the terror caused by Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjaal (the False Christ). By then, the Madeenah will have seven gates, and there will be two angels at each gate, guarding them." [Al-Bukhari]
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqaas reported that Allah's Messenger said: "He who eats seven dates (of the land) situated between these two lava plains in the morning, no poison will harm him until it is evening." [Muslim]
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar narrated: "I heard the Prophet saying: "...And truly, I will intercede for one who dies in Madeenah." [Tirmithi]
Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri said: "I once asked Allah's Messenger : "O Allah's Messenger, which of the two Mosques are founded on Taqwa (Piety)" So, he took a handful of pebbles and threw them on the ground and said: "This Masjid of yours (the Masjid of Madeenah)." [Muslim]
‘Abdullah ibn Zayd Al-Maazini narrated that Allah's Messenger said: "Between my house and the pulpit there is a meadow of the gardens of Paradise." [Al-Bukhari]