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Ramadan In Medina: A Spiritual Journey In The City Of The Prophet Muhammad (Photos)Ramadan In Medina: A Spiritual Journey In The City Of The Prophet Muhammad (Photos)

As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, the sacred city of Medina is witnessing a profound sense of devotion and preparation. The authorities in Medina have significantly enhanced cleanliness, accessibility, and facilities at Masjid an-Nabawi to accommodate millions of pilgrims from around the world. According to various sources, 161 cleaning vehicles have been deployed to ensure continuous floor washingbankbet0, while the entire mosque is being cleaned and sanitized five times a day to maintain hygiene in the sacred space.

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To facilitate worshippers, especially the elderly and differently-abled, authorities have expanded accessibility measures. A total of 2,782 restrooms, 180 escalators, 25 elevators, and more than 300 wheelchairs have been arranged, ensuring ease of movement for visitors. Additionally, 30,000 chairs have been allocated to support elderly worshippers during long hours of prayer.

Further upgrades include newly installed public restrooms in the western courtyards and an improved sound system to provide clear and uninterrupted recitations. The mosque will also be perfumed with incense four times daily, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Worshippers will pray on over 27,000 carpets that have been laid out across the mosque.

Enhancements in infrastructure extend to lighting and audio systems, with 138,560 lights illuminating the mosque and 6,060 loudspeakers installed for seamless audio coverage.

This photo story captures the essence of Ramadan in Medina, from its sacred spaces to the shared moments of faith and community.

The route to Medina The route to Medina

The road to Medina stretches wide and smooth, guiding travelers toward the city of peace just 15 km ahead.

For those traveling from Jeddah, there are multiple transport options to reach Medina:

Shared Green Taxi: Costs around 80 SAR (~₹1,800), offering an affordable and convenient ride.

Bus: A budget-friendly option costing 40-50 SAR (~₹900-1,100).

Haramain High-Speed Train: The fastest and most comfortable option, priced between 150-200 SAR (~₹3,400-4,500).

Market area near Masjid an-Nabawi Market area near Masjid an-Nabawi

In the market area near Masjid an-Nabawi, a group of Uzbek Muslims moves through the arched walkway, their expressions a mix of reverence and curiosity as they navigate the local shops.

Masjid an-Nabawi Masjid an-Nabawi

The sun sets over Masjid an-Nabawi, casting a golden glow on the courtyard (Sehan). Pilgrims from all over the world walk peacefully, some heading to prayer, others pausing to take in the moment. The large umbrella canopies provide shade, while the cool marble beneath their feet offers comfort after a long day.

Al-Baqee Gate in Masjid an-Nabawi Al-Baqee Gate in Masjid an-Nabawi

Pilgrims exit through Al-Baqee Gate (Gate No. 41) after offering their salutations (salam) at the Rauza (resting place) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the iconic green dome marking the sacred resting place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) rising in the background.

The site is revered as the second holiest mosque in Islam, after the holy ka'aba. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah said “Whoever visits me after my death is like he who had visited me during my life.”

This door is to facilitate the flow of people leaving the masjid after offering salutations to the Prophet PBUH.

Local market of Medina Local market of Medina

A young shopkeeper in a local market of Medina stands among shelves filled with dates including Ajwa, Safawi, and Mabroom—favorites for iftar during Ramadan, welcoming visitors with a warm smile.

Masjid an-Nabawi Masjid an-Nabawi

Under the golden glow of Masjid an-Nabawi, as the call to Maghrib nears, Muslims from every corner of the world—Asian, African, Western—sit side by side in Masjid an-Nabawi.

Holiest spot in the Prophet’s Mosque Holiest spot in the Prophet’s Mosque

Riaz Ul Jannah is known as a garden of paradise on Earth. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said, “Between my house and my pulpit (minbar), there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank (i.e. Al-Kauthar).” This makes it one of the holiest spots in the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi).

Praying in Riaz Ul Jannah holds great spiritual significance. One Salah (prayer) offered here is said to be equivalent to a thousand Salahs in any other mosque, except for Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah. Because of this, millions of Muslims from around the world visit the Prophet’s Mosque, hoping to find a chance to pray in this blessed area.

Earlier, the entire floor of the mosque was covered in red carpet, except for Riaz Ul Jannah, which had a distinct green carpet, marking its special status. However, now the entire mosque has been carpeted in moss green, making it easier for more worshippers to pray comfortably.

Due to the high number of visitors, Riaz Ul Jannah used to get extremely crowded. To manage the rush, the Saudi government introduced an online booking system, allowing pilgrims to reserve a slot for praying at the Rawdah.

Abdul Razzaq, head of the arrangements for Bab Malik Abdul Azeez gate of Masjid an-Nabawi Abdul Razzaq,fef777 head of the arrangements for Bab Malik Abdul Azeez gate of Masjid an-Nabawi

At Gate No. 33, Bab Malik Abdul Azeez of Masjid an-Nabawi, Abdul Razzaq watches over the iftar preparations with quiet dedication. Speaking to Outlook India, he shares the sheer scale of this daily act of generosity.

“Our government distributes more than 500,000 iftar packets every day to fasting pilgrims from across the world,” he says in Arabic. “In 2022, in just the first third of Ramadan, we served over 1.3 million meals.” For Razzaq, it’s not just a job. As the sun sets and prayers begin, his work ensures no one goes hungry in this sacred gathering of faith and devotion.

Iftar meal boxes Iftar meal boxes

A young volunteer stands at Gate 33, known as “Bab Malik Abdul Azeez”, carefully handling stacks of iftar meal boxes. Like hundreds of others, he is part of a massive effort to ensure that every fasting pilgrim receives a meal before Maghrib.

Iftar provided in Masjid an-Nabawi Iftar provided in Masjid an-Nabawi

As the call to Maghrib prayer echoes through the sacred halls of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, thousands of worshippers break their fast with a simple yet nourishing iftar provided by the Saudi government.

Every evening, over 500,000 people gather on beautifully arranged green mats, sharing dates (khajur), laban (yogurt), Zam Zam water, Arabic coffee (kahwa), and a soft bun—symbolizing unity, generosity, and the spirit of Ramadan.

 This tradition, deeply rooted in Islamic hospitality, transforms the mosque into a space of devotion, gratitude, and brotherhood, welcoming people from all walks of life.

Yemeni Kid pours tea for worshippers after iftar Yemeni Kid pours tea for worshippers after iftar

A Yemeni Kid carefully pours tea for worshippers after iftar. His small hands carry a big lesson—kindness, generosity, and the spirit of Ramadan, passed down through generations.

Amid the golden lights and the echoes of prayers, this simple act of service becomes a beautiful reminder that giving knows no age.

Zamzam water containers for worshippers Inside the Masjid an-Nabawi Zamzam water containers for worshippers Inside the Masjid an-Nabawi

Inside the Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, these Zamzam water containers are placed for worshippers to quench their thirst. Whether cold or regular, the blessed water is available for everyone, making it a source of refreshment and comfort. Zamzam (Arabic: زمزم) is a sacred prominent well located in al-Masjid al-Haram, 21 meters far from the East of the Ka'ba. According to hadiths, Zamzam, which originally was a spring, was a miracle of Allah for Isma'il (a).

 Ibrahim (a) was ordered by God to bring his wife Hajar and his son Isma'il to the dry scorching land of Mecca, abandoning them and entrusting them to God. After a while, Hajar ran out of water. She ran the distance between the two mountains al-Safa' and al-Marwa seven times seeking for water.

Zamzam water in the serene halls of Masjid an-Nabawi Zamzam water in the serene halls of Masjid an-Nabawi

A young boy from Kurdistan fills his cup with Zamzam water in the serene halls of Masjid an-Nabawi, preparing for his iftar.

In a conversation with Outlook India, he shared the survival challenges in Kurdistan due to the conflicts and his deeply spiritual journey to Medina, where faith and resilience guide his path.

Students of Islamic University of Medina Students of Islamic University of Medina

Outlook India spoke to students of Islamic University of Medina in the university’s hostel campus to understand the challenges of observing Ramadan far from home.

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Sohail Abdul and Musa Ahmad from the African countries and Saquib and his friend from India shared their thoughts, emphasizing that life in Ramadan at the university is spiritually enriching.

"Of course, we miss our families, our mother, father, and siblings—but here, every student from different parts of the world (from nearly 170 countries) lives like brothers. There is a deep sense of closeness, and we don’t feel alone," said Sohail. On asking about their meals, they said “The university has partnered with Gulf Catering Company to provide high-quality meals for Iftar and Sehri, ensuring nutritious and well-prepared food for students and worshippers during Ramadan here in the hostel campus”.

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