There’s a softness to this city. An indescribable gentleness and safety.

The mornings are peaceful and hopeful.

Medina means a great deal to Muslims, because it meant the world to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was the city where he finally felt accepted as a prophet, and wherr he sought safety amidst intense persecution in Makkah.

It is reported that the Prophet pbuh once said, “O Allah! Bestow on Medina twice the blessings You bestowed on Mecca.”

And Glory to Allah, you can truly feel the blessings, the grandeur and tranquility that Medina was granted.

Our days in Medina were filled with goodness. Rising early in the morning to secure a spot inside Masjid El-Nabawi, walking through the streets hand-in-hand, and talking to Allah through the night. We went to bed tired, but happy.

Another thing I noticed, was that despite the many occasions where people were rude or aggressive – it did not overshadow the peaceful feelings of Medina. Nor detract from the laughs and happy moments we shared with people who barely understood a word we said.

Another cool thing, was seeing the sheer masses of people who visit this city EACH MONTH. During Rajab (22 Dec – 19 Jan) Masjied El-Nabawi welcomed 25.1 million worshippers! That’s just a single mosque in an entire city.

Cities across the globes with population numbers similar to this are known as hypercities and include the likes of Sao Paulo and Beijing!

Watching how the authorities control the masses is very cool! Imagine Cape Town during a Two Oceans Marathon, World Cup or Parade – but every single day😅.

Women shared their food, or their muslahs (prayer mats) with me, without wanting anything in return. Without hesitation. Without knowing a word of English.

This was also the city where I shed my first tears on this Umrah trip. Well… that’s not really true. I couldn’t stop crying the morning of the flight when I hugged my family goodbye 😭💖.

Medina was the perfect start for my first Umrah.

Alhamdulillah, I overcame some personal fears, I poured my heart out to Allah. I admitted my guilt, begged for forgiveness and looked with renewed hope for the future.

I pray that my husband, family and I get another opportunity to visit this stunning and blessed city again, very soon, In Shaa Allah means God Willing.