What a Wonderful World: Reminiscing Madinah

~Salam Ramadhan Al-Mubarak 1442hijri to all Muslim~

In Islamic Calendar, Ramadhan is the 9th month whereas Muharam is the 1st month.

"1 Muharam detik permulaan
Perkiraan tahun Islam Hijrah
Perpindahan Nabi dan Umat Islam
Dari Kota Mekah ke Kota Madinah"

Such an inspiring song about the migration story of our Prophet Muhammad and other Muslims from Mecca to Medina, marks the beginning of Islamic Hijri Calendar. Indeed, our New Year is fall on 1st Muharam. It's not just a resettlement, it's more to sacrifice, struggle, brotherhood, unity, belief, and love. When I was in high school, I learn basic Arabic اللغة العربية. Madinah in Arabic simply means "city". And Madinah is a very beautiful and peaceful city in the world.

Welcome to Madinah

By taking Saudi Arabia Airlines (SV), we flew directly to Madinah via Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Although we arrived after 6pm, but it was already dark, and already time for Maghrib. From this new airport, only takes less than 30-minutes drive to Masjid Nabawi.

MASJID NABAWI

The beauty of exterior and interior look of Masjid Nabawi. Modern, holy, yet cozy. I'm really impressed with the 'umbrella' look-alike awning. So practical. Perfect idea ever!

RAUDHAH

A week before departure, we received an updates on the schedule to visits 'Raudhah' for women. All this while, I always heard people mentioning 'Raudhah', but I don't really understand and I can't imagine anything until I went there myself. 'Raudhah' is actually a small area inside Masjid Nabawi, which extends from the tomb of Rasulullah to his pulpit (mimbar). The most sought after spot in Masjid Nabawi where every Muslim wants to be in. Why? Because it is the place where your do'a will comes true. The closer the better. But to get into the spot will never gets easy. Imagine that you'll need to bump shoulder-to-shoulder with other bigger and tough Muslimah. But no worries, patient is the key. May Allah ease everything~

Tips : Wear black/dark telekung instead of white. They gave priority to the local people. Bring along the provided folded chair. You may pray at the Raudhah with less hassle and more focus, as no one will step on you.

ACCOMMODATION

In Madinah, we stayed at Al-Fayroz Shatta Hotel. It's not the best hotel but as long as it's affordable and close to Masjid Nabawi, then it's good enough. In fact, we spent most of our times at the mosque and tour. Hence, hotel's condition is not our top priority. Now, how close? It's located at the same building with Golden Tulip Al-Zahabi; less than 50meter walk to Gate 25. And this Gate 25 is one of the entrances to women's praying area. If you have more budget, you may stay at 5-star hotel where available. You may stay at The Oberoi, Madinah Hilton, Anwar Movenpick etc.

If you can see from above photo, there's a newly built of ladies or washroom; for convenience. The same building with the basement parking. There are plenty of it. Probably 6-7 for ladies and 6-7 for gents. And each of it probably have 25-30 toilets. Definitely time effective, no need to run back to hotel's room if there's 'emergency'.

ZIARAH DALAM

Walking tour surrounding Masjid Nabawi.