Medina << muh DEE nuh >> (pop. 1,411,599) is a city in western Saudi Arabia. It lies on a fertile plain about 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Mecca. Medina and Mecca are the holiest cities in Islam, the Muslim religion, and only Muslims may enter them. The Holy Mosque of the Islamic prophet Muhammad is in Medina. This mosque holds Muhammad’s tomb. Islam requires every Muslim to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca if possible. Most pilgrims who visit Mecca also go to Medina.
Farmers grow fruits and vegetables in the area around Medina. Agriculture and money spent by pilgrims form the basis of Medina’s economy. The city is the home of the Islamic University of Medina. Medina has kept much of its traditional appearance. As Medina has grown, however, the walls of the old city have disappeared. New suburbs have grown up, and wealthy residents live in these areas.
No one knows when Medina was founded. It was originally called Yathrib, and farmers settled there before 200 B.C. Medina received its present name, which means town or city, in the early 600’s. Muhammad and his disciples found safety in Medina after they were forced to flee from Mecca in 622. Medina became the center of the Muslim community, but its political importance fell as the Islamic Empire grew.
See also Muhammad (The Hijrah); Muslims.
