I Visited MADINAH as a Non Muslim المدينة المنورة

Summary

In this travelogue, the narrator shares their experience of visiting Medina, Saudi Arabia, a city of deep religious significance. From taking a high-speed train to Medina from Jeddah to visiting the iconic Prophet's Mosque, the journey is filled with awe and wonder. The narrator reflects on the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, the hustle of the crowds, and the friendliness of the people. Exploring local culture, food, and the stunning architecture, the experience is emotional and unforgettable, offering a glimpse into one of Islam's most important cities while also revealing the personal impact it has on visitors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The traveler begins their journey by taking a high-speed train from Jeddah to Medina, offering a swift and modern travel experience.
• 😀 The train station in Medina is very quiet and spacious, with a modern, airport-like feel that surprises the traveler.
• 😀 The high-speed train route between Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina is fast and exclusive, making it an ideal transportation option for religious pilgrims.
• 😀 Upon arrival in Medina, the traveler is impressed by the city’s architecture, with luxurious hotels surrounding the iconic Prophet’s Mosque.
• 😀 The traveler stays in a luxurious five-star hotel near the mosque, where they are unexpectedly upgraded to a suite before the usual check-in time.
• 😀 The traveler is deeply moved by the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere in Medina, particularly within the Prophet’s Mosque, despite the busy crowds of pilgrims.
• 😀 The local infrastructure, such as buses and taxis, makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city, and public transport is convenient and well-organized.
• 😀 The traveler enjoys a meal at Al-Bake, a popular Saudi fast-food chain, noting its distinct flavor and the friendly service.
• 😀 The significance of Mount Uhud is emphasized as the traveler visits the site of a pivotal battle in Islamic history, feeling a sense of connection to the past.
• 😀 The traveler observes Medina’s modern shopping streets and the bustling, pedestrianized areas, showing the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.
• 😀 As night falls, the traveler reflects on the profound emotional experience of visiting Medina, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere and the welcoming nature of its people.

Q & A

What is the significance of Medina in Islam?

Medina is the second most holy city in Islam after Mecca. It is home to the Prophet's Mosque, which is the burial site of Prophet Muhammad. The city is a major destination for religious pilgrims, especially those on the Hajj pilgrimage.

What was the narrator's first impression of the high-speed train station in Jeddah?

The narrator was surprised by the quietness of the high-speed train station, as they expected it to be more crowded. Despite this, the modernity of the station impressed them, resembling an airport more than a typical train station.

How fast is the high-speed train from Jeddah to Medina, and how does it compare to Japanese bullet trains?

The train from Jeddah to Medina is very fast, taking less than two hours to reach its destination. The narrator compares it to a Japanese bullet train due to its speed and modern design, including the distinctive nose at the front of the train.

How did the narrator feel when they arrived in Medina?

Upon arriving in Medina, the narrator was overwhelmed by the beauty and scale of the Prophet's Mosque, which they had seen only in pictures before. They also noted a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, with a strong sense of calm despite the large crowds.

What was the narrator's experience with the hotel in Medina?

The narrator had a pleasant surprise when they checked into their hotel in Medina, which was close to the Prophet's Mosque. Despite arriving well before check-in time, they were upgraded to a suite and impressed by the friendly service. The room was spacious and cool, offering a comfortable retreat from the heat.

What did the narrator notice about the call to prayer in Medina?

The narrator mentioned hearing the call to prayer inside the hotel, which was played over loudspeakers. They observed that everyone in Medina seemed to be heading in the same direction towards the mosque when it was time for prayer, creating a sense of unity among the people.

What is the significance of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina?

The Prophet's Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam, as it contains the tomb of Prophet Muhammad. It is a major destination for Muslims who visit Medina for pilgrimage and prayers, serving as a symbol of peace and unity for the Islamic world.

What did the narrator think about the food in Medina, particularly Al Bake?

The narrator tried Al Bake, a Saudi fast-food chain known for its fried chicken, which is a popular local alternative to international chains like KFC. Despite not usually being a fan of fast food, the narrator enjoyed the experience and found the local food scene fascinating.

How does the atmosphere change in Medina as the day transitions into night?

As the day turned into night, the atmosphere in Medina became even more vibrant. The crowds swelled with people heading towards the mosque for the final prayer of the day, and the courtyard looked beautiful under the sunshades. The energy shifted, and the place felt even more peaceful and awe-inspiring.

What emotional impact did Medina have on the narrator?

The narrator felt deeply emotional and privileged to be in Medina, experiencing its significance first-hand. They noted that the atmosphere in the city was peaceful, calm, and spiritual, and they felt a profound connection to the place due to its importance to so many people around the world.