Virtuous acts in Madinah, and the dua on leaving
Fasting, seclusion in the mosque (i'tikaf) and visiting the blessed wells in Madinah, and the farewell prayer, supplication (dua) and keepsakes taken on departure.
While staying in Madinah, there are extra good deeds worth doing, and there is a proper way to say goodbye when it is time to leave.
Good deeds to do in Madinah
- Fast some days while you are there.
- Spend time in itikaf in the Prophet's ﷺ mosque, especially praying at night.
- Give charity to poor people in Madinah.
- Visit the seven wells where the Prophet ﷺ once poured his own water, drink from them, and make wudu or ghusl with the water if you can.
Before you leave Madinah
- Pray a farewell prayer in the Prophet's ﷺ mosque.
- Say a dua asking that this is not your last visit, and asking Allah to bring you back again safely.
- Feel real sadness at leaving; crying is a good sign here.
- Give some charity before you go.
- Take home a few blessed things if you can: dates from Madinah, some of its healing soil, water from the blessed wells, and Zamzam water from Makkah.
Before leaving Madinah, it is recommended to pray a farewell prayer in the Prophet's ﷺ mosque and then make dua that this is not your last visit and that Allah brings you back safely.
1اَللّٰهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلۡ هَذَا اٰخِرَ الْعَهْدِ بِنَبِيِّكَ وَمَسْجِدِهٖ وَ حَرَمِهٖ وَيَسِّرۡلِيَ الْعَوْدَ إِلَيْهِ وَ الْوُقُوفَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَ ارْزُقْنِى الْعَفْوَ وَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْاٰخِرَةِ وَرَدَّنَآ إِلٰٓى أَهْلِنَا سَالِمِينَ غَانِمِينَ اٰمِنِينَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Allāhumma lā tajʿal hādhā ākhira'l-ʿahdi bi-nabiyyika wa masjidihī wa ḥaramihī, wa yassir liya'l-ʿawda ilayhi wa'l-wuqūfa bayna yadayhi, wa'rzuqni'l-ʿafwa wa'l-ʿāfiyata fi'd-dunyā wa'l-ākhirah, wa raddanā ilā ahlinā sālimīna ghānimīna āminīna bi-raḥmatika yā arḥama'r-rāḥimīn.
O Allah, do not make this my last visit to Your Prophet, his Masjid, and his sacred sanctuary. Grant me the ability to return here and stand in his presence again. Provide me with forgiveness and comfort in this world and the Hereafter, and safely return me to my family with blessings, success, and security, through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
Virtuous acts to observe in Madinah
- Fasting during the stay in Madinah.
- Itikaf in Masjid al-Nabawi, especially combined with night prayer (qiyam al-layl).
- Giving charity to the poor of Madinah.
- Visiting the seven blessed wells.
| Well | Location |
|---|---|
| Bi'r Ariys (also Bi'r Khatam) | West of Masjid Quba |
| Bi'r Ehn | East of Masjid Quba, beyond Masjid al-Shams, in a garden |
| Bi'r Ghars | Half a mile east of Masjid Quba |
| Bi'r Bussa | In a garden on the left travelling from Madinah to Quba, beyond Jannat al-Baqi |
| Bi'r Ha | In Abu Talhah's garden, outside the city wall, opposite Masjid al-Nabawi |
| Bi'r Budha'ah | Outside the Sham Gate, on the way to Sayyiduna Hamzah's shrine, inside Jamal al-Layl Garden |
| Bi'r Roomah | In Wadi Aqiq, a third of a mile north of Madinah, beyond Masjid al-Qiblatayn |
It is recommended to visit these wells, where the Prophet ﷺ once poured his blessed saliva or wudu water, and to drink from them, make wudu, or bathe with their water where possible.
Before finally departing Madinah, a farewell prayer is offered in Masjid al-Nabawi, ideally at the Prophet's ﷺ own place of prayer, followed by dua for the visit's acceptance, the ability to return, and well-being in this world and the next.
Before final departure from Madinah, a farewell prayer of two rakats in Masjid al-Nabawi, ideally at the Prophet's ﷺ own place of prayer, followed by dua for the visit's acceptance, the ability to return, and well-being in both worlds, is recommended.
1اَللّٰهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلۡ هَذَا اٰخِرَ الْعَهْدِ بِنَبِيِّكَ وَمَسْجِدِهٖ وَ حَرَمِهٖ وَيَسِّرۡلِيَ الْعَوْدَ إِلَيْهِ وَ الْوُقُوفَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَ ارْزُقْنِى الْعَفْوَ وَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْاٰخِرَةِ وَرَدَّنَآ إِلٰٓى أَهْلِنَا سَالِمِينَ غَانِمِينَ اٰمِنِينَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Allāhumma lā tajʿal hādhā ākhira'l-ʿahdi bi-nabiyyika wa masjidihī wa ḥaramihī, wa yassir liya'l-ʿawda ilayhi wa'l-wuqūfa bayna yadayhi, wa'rzuqni'l-ʿafwa wa'l-ʿāfiyata fi'd-dunyā wa'l-ākhirah, wa raddanā ilā ahlinā sālimīna ghānimīna āminīna bi-raḥmatika yā arḥama'r-rāḥimīn.
O Allah, do not make this my last visit to Your Prophet, his Masjid, and his sacred sanctuary. Grant me the ability to return here and stand in his presence again. Provide me with forgiveness and comfort in this world and the Hereafter, and safely return me to my family with blessings, success, and security, through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
It is preferable to take home a few blessed keepsakes: dates such as Ajwah, Barni and Hilyah, the healing soil of Madinah (khaak-e-shifa), and water from the seven blessed wells, and, from Makkah, Zamzam water and other sacred items.
Mustaḥabb acts during the stay in Madinah
- Fasting during the period of residence.
- Iʿtikāf in Masjid al-Nabawī, particularly combined with qiyām al-layl.
- Ṣadaqah to the poor of Madinah.
- Ziyārah of the seven blessed wells.
| Well | Location |
|---|---|
| Bi'r ʿArīs (Bi'r Khātam) | West of Masjid Qubāʾ |
| Bi'r Ihn | East of Masjid Qubāʾ, beyond Masjid al-Shams, within a garden |
| Bi'r Ghars | Half a mile east of Masjid Qubāʾ |
| Bi'r Bussah | Within a garden to the left on the Madinah–Qubāʾ route, beyond Jannat al-Baqīʿ |
| Bi'r Hāʾ | In Abū Ṭalḥah's garden outside the city wall, opposite Masjid al-Nabawī |
| Bi'r Budhāʿah | Outside Bāb al-Shām, on the route to Sayyidunā Ḥamzah's shrine, within Jamal al-Layl Garden |
| Bi'r Rūmah | In Wādī ʿAqīq, a third of a mile north of Madinah, beyond Masjid al-Qiblatayn |
Ziyārah of these wells, into which the Prophet's ﷺ blessed saliva or wuḍūʾ water was once poured, is mustaḥabb, with drinking, wuḍūʾ, or ghusl from their water recommended wherever feasible.
Immediately before final departure, a farewell prayer is offered at Masjid al-Nabawī, at the Prophet's ﷺ own muṣallā where possible, followed by duʿā for the ziyārah's acceptance, the ability to return, and well-being (ʿāfiyah) in both worlds.
Immediately before final departure from Madinah, a farewell prayer of two rakʿahs at Masjid al-Nabawī, at the Prophet's ﷺ own muṣallā where possible, followed by duʿā for the ziyārah's acceptance, the ability to return, and ʿāfiyah in both worlds, is mustaḥabb.
1اَللّٰهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلۡ هَذَا اٰخِرَ الْعَهْدِ بِنَبِيِّكَ وَمَسْجِدِهٖ وَ حَرَمِهٖ وَيَسِّرۡلِيَ الْعَوْدَ إِلَيْهِ وَ الْوُقُوفَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَ ارْزُقْنِى الْعَفْوَ وَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْاٰخِرَةِ وَرَدَّنَآ إِلٰٓى أَهْلِنَا سَالِمِينَ غَانِمِينَ اٰمِنِينَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Allāhumma lā tajʿal hādhā ākhira'l-ʿahdi bi-nabiyyika wa masjidihī wa ḥaramihī, wa yassir liya'l-ʿawda ilayhi wa'l-wuqūfa bayna yadayhi, wa'rzuqni'l-ʿafwa wa'l-ʿāfiyata fi'd-dunyā wa'l-ākhirah, wa raddanā ilā ahlinā sālimīna ghānimīna āminīna bi-raḥmatika yā arḥama'r-rāḥimīn.
O Allah, do not make this my last visit to Your Prophet, his Masjid, and his sacred sanctuary. Grant me the ability to return here and stand in his presence again. Provide me with forgiveness and comfort in this world and the Hereafter, and safely return me to my family with blessings, success, and security, through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
It is preferable to carry home a set of blessed keepsakes: dates of the Ajwah, Barnī and Ḥilyah varieties, the healing soil of Madinah (khāk-e-shifā), water from the seven wells, and, from Makkah, Zamzam water among other sacred items.
Where Zamzam water sufficient for wuḍūʾ or ghusl is being carried, tayammum in its place is not permissible, since water is present with the traveller. Tayammum becomes available again only by rendering the water unfit for purification, for example, mixing in a fragrant substance such as rosewater or kewra, or by gifting the Zamzam water to a travelling companion and reclaiming it only after arrival at one's destination, so that during the journey it is, technically, no longer water in the traveller's own possession.
This is the English translation of Nisab Ahle Khidmaat Sharia, exactly as the book has it, for the passages this page was written from. About 500 words. Switch back to Guide for the rewritten version.
Permissible Actions in the State of Ihram Virtuous Acts in Madinah
- Observing fasts in Madinah.
- Performing I’tikaf in Masjid Nabawi, especially with Qiyam al-Layl (night worship).
- Giving charity to the poor in Madinah.
- Visiting the Blessed Wells
It is recommended to visit the seven wells where the Prophet (ﷺ) poured his blessed saliva and ablution water. Drinking the water, performing ablution, or bathing with it is also encouraged, if possible.
1. B’ir Ariys: Located west of Masjid Quba and also referred to as B’ir Khatam.
2. B’ir Ehn: Located east of Masjid Quba, beyond Masjid Shams, in a garden.
3. B’ir Ghars: Located half a mile east of Masjid Quba.
4. B’ir Bussa: Situated inside a garden on the left side while traveling from Madinah to Quba, beyond Jannat al-Baqi.
5. B’ir Ha: Positioned in Abu Talhah’s garden outside the city wall, opposite Masjid Nabawi.
6. B’ir Budha’ah: Located outside the Sham Gate on the right-hand side while traveling to the shrine of Sayyiduna Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), inside Jamal al-Lail Garden.
7. B’ir Roomah: Found in Wadi ‘Aqiq, a third of a mile north of Madinah, beyond Masjid al-Qiblatayn.
Permissible Actions in the State of Ihram Dua and Actions Before Leaving Madinah
Before departing Madinah, perform a farewell Salah in Masjid Nabawi. If possible, offer this Salah at the specific spot of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Musalla. After Salah, make the following supplication for the acceptance of the visit, the ability to return, and both worldly and spiritual well-being:
اَللّٰهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلۡ هَذَا اٰخِرَ الْعَهْدِ بِنَبِيِّكَ وَمَسْجِدِهٖ وَ حَرَمِهٖ وَيَسِّرۡلِيَ الْعَوْدَ إِلَيْهِ وَ الْوُقُوفَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَ ارْزُقْنِى الْعَفْوَ وَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْاٰخِرَةِ وَرَدَّنَآ إِلٰٓى أَهْلِنَا سَالِمِينَ غَانِمِينَ اٰمِنِينَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ .
"O Allah, do not make this my last visit to Your Prophet, his Masjid, and his sacred sanctuary. Grant me the ability to return here and stand in his presence again. Provide me with forgiveness and comfort in this world and the Hereafter, and safely return me to my family with blessings, success, and security, through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful."
At the time of bidding farewell to Madinah, one should express deep sorrow, cry profusely, and shed abundant tears, as these are signs of acceptance. Depart with grief over separating from the Noble Presence. Leave walking straight or backward—either way, as opinions differ—and give charity with whatever is possible. This act serves as a means of being safeguarded from every affliction and delivered from any blame.
It is preferable to take the following as blessed items from Madinah:
Dates like Ajwah, Barni, and Hilyah
Soil of Madinah for healing (Khaak-e-Shifa)
Water from the Seven Wells
Likewise, from Makkah, one should take Zamzam water and other sacred items. However, if Zamzam water is available for wudu or ghusl, tayammum (dry ablution) will not be permissible because water is present. But tayammum becomes permissible through the following workaround:
Mix a fragrant substance, like rosewater or kewra, in the Zamzam water, rendering it unfit for ritual purification.
Alternatively, give the Zamzam water to a companion as a gift, and reclaim it after reaching your destination.
Related
- Jannat al-Baqi, Masjid Quba, and other places to visit in Madinah The graves in the Baqi graveyard, the martyrs of Uhud, and the historic mosques of Madinah, including Masjid Quba.
- Visiting Madinah, and the etiquette of the Prophet's ﷺ grave The virtue of visiting Madinah, entering the Prophet's ﷺ mosque, and the words of greeting at his grave and those of Abu Bakr and Umar beside it.
- What Hajj is, and why it is the fifth pillar Hajj in a page: what the word means, why it is both a bodily and a financial worship, who owes it, and where Umrah and the visit to Madinah stand.
- The farewell circling of the Kaaba (Tawaf al-Wada) The last rite before leaving Makkah: who must perform it, how it differs from other circlings (tawafs), and the parting at the Multazam.