Medina

The Hijra is the migration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to the city of Yathrib, later renamed Medina, in the year 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar. Muhammad's followers were facing persecution in Mecca, and his migration offered them a place to freely practice their religion. The welcoming of Muhammad and his companions in Medina was a pivotal moment in Islamic history, leading to the establishment of the first Muslim community under his leadership.

The Battle of Badr was a key battle in early Islamic history, fought on 13 March 624 CE between the early Muslims of Medina and a larger force from Mecca. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Muslim forces emerged victorious, which served to further consolidate the position of Muhammad and Islam in Medina. It is described in the Qur'an, and its outcome is seen as a divine victory for the Muslims.

The Battle of Uhud took place on 23 March 625 CE between the early Muslims of Medina and the forces of Mecca. The Meccans sought to avenge their defeat at Badr the previous year. The battle occurred at the valley near Mount Uhud. The Muslim army initially gained ground but the tide turned when some of their troops left their posts to claim spoils, leading to a defeat. The battle is considered a setback for Muhammad and the Muslims, although it was not catastrophic to their cause.

The Battle of the Trench, also known as the Battle of Khandaq, was a successful defense by Medina's Muslims against their Meccan opponents. Taking place in 627 CE, the battle saw the innovative strategy of digging a trench around the city, which effectively nullified the Meccan's cavalry advantage. The trench tactic was proposed by Salman the Persian. The siege ended without a decisive victory for the attackers, preserving Medina as a Muslim stronghold.

Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, passed away on 8 June 632 CE in the city of Medina. His death marked the end of the prophetic period and the beginning of the Rashidun Caliphate under Abu Bakr. Muhammad's death was a pivotal moment in Islamic history, creating a leadership vacuum and leading to debates about succession. His passing is remembered annually, and Medina remains a major site of pilgrimage for Muslims visiting his tomb in the Prophet's Mosque.

On 5 December 1925, the city of Medina fell into the hands of the Saudi army, led by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, during the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The conquest of Medina was part of a larger campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula under Saudi rule. This marked the end of Hashemite control over the city and led to the integration of Medina into the modern state of Saudi Arabia. The transformation of Medina under Saudi authority was significant in the history of the region.

While the Grand Mosque seizure occurred in Mecca, it had significant implications for Medina and the wider Saudi Arabia. On 20 November 1979, a group of militants seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca, which is Islam's holiest site, to protest against the Saudi monarchy. The event shocked the Islamic world and prompted a strong response from the Saudi government, leading to increased security measures in both Mecca and Medina. The siege ended with a deadly confrontation and lasting impacts on Saudi policy.

On 4 July 2016, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, killing four security officers and injuring several others. The attack occurred amidst a series of bombings across the kingdom targeting security forces and civilians during Ramadan. This attack shocked the Muslim world as it targeted one of Islam’s most revered sites. It underscored ongoing security challenges in the region despite heavy security around such holy sites.

On 5 March 2020, the Saudi government announced the temporary closure of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. This decision was part of broader efforts to combat the spread of the virus within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The temporary halt of religious activities in one of Islam's holiest sites highlighted the severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on religious practices and the unprecedented measures taken to protect public health.

On 29 September 2023, the King Salman International Conference Center was officially opened in Medina. This center is designed to host a wide range of international and local events, conferences, and exhibitions, marking a significant development in Medina's infrastructure aimed at boosting its status as a cultural and economic hub. The project is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and increase non-religious tourism.