Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A city in western Saudi Arabia: Al Madinah is a major urban center located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia.
   • Site of the tomb of Muhammad: It is the city where the Islamic prophet Muhammad is buried, within the Mosque of the Prophet (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
   • The second holiest city in Islam: In Islamic tradition, Al Madinah is considered the second most sacred city after Makkah (Mecca).

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Millions of pilgrims visit Al Madinah every year.
  • The Prophet's Mosque in Al Madinah is a place of great reverence.
  • After completing the Hajj in Mecca, many travelers go to Al Madinah.

Advanced Usage

• "The Prophet's City": A common epithet for Al Madinah, emphasizing its historical and religious significance.

  • He felt a deep sense of peace upon arriving in the Prophet's City, Al Madinah.

• "The illuminated city" (Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah): Its full Arabic name, often used in formal and religious contexts.

  • The journey to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah is a dream for many believers.

Variants and Related Words

• Medina: The most common English transliteration of the city's name.

  • The historical significance of Medina is profound.

• Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah: The full Arabic name, meaning "the enlightened city" or "the radiant city."

Synonyms

• The Prophet's City: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Yathrib: The city's name prior to the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad and the Hijrah (migration).

Related Terms and Context

• Hijrah: The migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Yathrib, which was subsequently renamed Al Madinah. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• Masjid al-Nabawi: The Prophet's Mosque, the specific site containing Muhammad's tomb in Al Madinah.

Noun

1. a city in western Saudi Arabia; site of the tomb of Muhammad; the second most holy city of Islam