Madinah isn’t just a city. It’s a witness.
A witness to revelation, to transformation, and to the building of a global ummah from the ground up. While Makkah was the birthplace of Islam, Madinah was the cradle where it grew into a civilisation — led by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself.
Here are 9 powerful events that took place in Madinah — each one a reminder of how our deen was shaped through sacrifice, unity, and divine guidance.
1. The Hijrah — 1 Hijri
The Prophet ﷺ and his companions migrated from Makkah to Madinah after years of persecution. This moment, known as the Hijrah, wasn’t just a change of location — it marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the formation of the first Muslim state. It turned Madinah into the heart of Islam, and gave the ummah a home to grow, govern, and thrive.
2. The Change of Qiblah — 2 Hijri
One of the most defining moments in Islamic identity happened in Masjid al-Qiblatain in Madinah. During salah, a command came from Allah to change the Qiblah from Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to the Ka'bah in Makkah. That shift was more than directional — it was spiritual. It unified the Muslims and signalled a new phase of independence in their worship.
3. The Building of Masjid al-Nabawi — 1 Hijri
Soon after arriving, the Prophet ﷺ began construction of Masjid al-Nabawi — a place that wasn’t just for prayer, but for community, education, and justice. It became the hub of Madinah and the beating heart of the early Muslim world. To this day, it remains one of the most beloved and visited mosques on Earth.
4. The Constitution of Madinah — 1 Hijri
The Prophet ﷺ drafted an unprecedented document — the Constitution of Madinah. This agreement brought together Muslims, Jews, and other tribes under one system of justice and mutual protection. It guaranteed religious freedom and civil rights, making it one of the earliest written constitutions in recorded history — and a shining example of prophetic leadership.
5. The Battle of Badr — 2 Hijri
Though the battle took place outside Madinah, it was launched from the city and was its first major defence. Badr was a turning point — the first military victory for the Muslims, despite being outnumbered. Allah called it “Yawm al-Furqan” — the Day of Criterion — when truth was separated from falsehood.
6. The Battle of Uhud — 3 Hijri
This painful and humbling battle took place just outside Madinah. Although the Muslims faced a setback, it taught the Ummah valuable lessons in leadership, unity, and trust in Allah. The Prophet ﷺ himself was wounded, and many beloved companions became martyrs — including Hamzah RA. Uhud still stands today as a mountain that "loves us and we love it,” as the Prophet ﷺ said.
7. The Battle of the Trench — 5 Hijri
When Madinah was surrounded by a vast enemy alliance, the Muslims dug a trench around the city — a strategy suggested by Salman al-Farsi RA. It was new to Arabia and proved effective, protecting the city and leading to a critical Muslim victory. This showed the strength of unity, planning, and reliance on Allah under pressure.
8. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah — 6 Hijri
Although signed outside Makkah, the negotiation and leadership came from Madinah. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was a masterclass in patience and diplomacy. It opened the door to peace with the Quraysh and allowed da’wah to spread — leading to a wave of conversions and the eventual conquest of Makkah without bloodshed.
9. Year of Delegations — 9 Hijri
As Islam spread across Arabia, tribes began sending delegations to Madinah to meet the Prophet ﷺ and accept Islam. This period became known as the Year of Delegations. It was a time when the Prophet ﷺ led not through the sword, but through the Qur’an, wisdom, and diplomacy.
A City of Legacy and Light
Madinah is more than a place — it’s a living classroom of seerah. Every masjid, every mountain, every stone carries a memory. When you walk its streets, you are walking in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ, the Sahabah, and the early believers who gave everything for this deen.
So when you visit Madinah, don’t just pass through.
Pause. Reflect. And let your heart absorb the history.
Because every corner whispers: “This is where it all began.”