Introduction
Madina Madina (مدینہ مدینہ) is one of the most beloved and widely recited naats in the Islamic world. This beautiful poetic composition expresses the deep love, longing, and spiritual attachment that Muslims feel for Madina Munawwarah — the blessed city of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The naat has been performed by numerous renowned naat khwans across the globe and continues to move hearts with its soulful melody and heartfelt words.
The phrase “Madina Madina” is a passionate call to the holy city, reflecting the yearning of every believer who wishes to visit the Rawdah Mubarak and offer salutations at the blessed shrine. This naat is especially popular during religious gatherings, Mehfil-e-Milaad, and in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal when Muslims around the world celebrate the birth of the Prophet (PBUH). Its simple yet profound lyrics resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a staple in naat collections worldwide.
مدینہ مدینہ — اردو lyrics
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینے کا نظارہ دل چاہتا ہے
مدینے میں جا کر میں آنکھیں بچھا دوں
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
جو آیا مدینے میں بخشش ہوئی ہے
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینے کی گلیوں میں آنسو بہا دوں
مدینے کی خاک اپنی آنکھوں میں لگ لوں
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینے میں ہے میرے آقا کا روضہ
مدینے میں جا کر سلام عرض کروں
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ مدینہ
Romanized Transliteration
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeene ka nazaara dil chahta hai
Madeene mein jaakar main aankhen bichha doon
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Jo aaya Madeene mein bakhshish hui hai
Kisi ne kaha hai kisi ne suna hai
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeene ki galiyon mein aansoo bahaa doon
Madeene ki khaak apni aankhon mein lag loon
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeene mein hai mere Aaqa ka rouza
Madeene mein jaakar salaam arz karoon
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
Madeena Madeena Madeena Madeena
English Translation
Verse 1:
Madeena, Madeena, Madeena, Madeena —
My heart yearns to behold the sight of Madina.
Let me go to Madina and lay down my eyes (as an offering).
Verse 2:
Whoever has come to Madina has been blessed —
This is what someone has said, and someone has heard.
Verse 3:
Let me shed tears in the streets of Madina,
Let me apply the dust of Madina to my eyes.
Verse 4:
In Madina lies the sacred resting place of my Master,
Let me go to Madina and present my salaams.
Meaning and Background
The naat “Madina Madina” is a powerful expression of the spiritual longing that every Muslim feels towards the holy city of Madina Munawwarah. This city holds an unparalleled place in Islamic history and in the hearts of believers. It was the city that welcomed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his migration (Hijra) from Makkah and became the center of the first Islamic state.
The lyrics beautifully capture several profound themes:
Longing for the Beloved City: The repeated chorus of “Madina Madina” is not merely a name but a heartfelt cry of love. It echoes the sentiment of millions of Muslims who have grown up hearing stories of the Prophet’s city and yearn to visit it at least once in their lifetime. The desire to “lay down one’s eyes” speaks to the ultimate submission and humility before the sacred precincts.
The Gift of Forgiveness: The naat mentions that whoever comes to Madina receives forgiveness. This refers to the immense spiritual blessings associated with visiting the Prophet’s mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). It is narrated in authentic hadith that one prayer in Masjid an-Nabawi is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere. The atmosphere of Madina is believed to be filled with divine mercy and blessings.
Tears of Love: The reference to shedding tears in the streets of Madina reflects the emotional intensity of visiting a place so deeply connected to the Prophet’s life. Many pilgrims describe being moved to tears when they first see the green dome of the Prophet’s mosque. These tears are not of sorrow but of overwhelming love and spiritual connection.
Dust of Madina: Applying the dust of Madina to one’s eyes is a poetic expression of seeking blessings (tabarruk) from the sacred earth. This practice has been observed by Muslims throughout history, treating the soil of Madina with reverence because of its connection to the Prophet (PBUH).
The Sacred Rawdah: The naat culminates with the most profound truth — that in Madina lies the Rawdah Mubarak, the blessed resting place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Rawdah is described in hadith as one of the gardens of Paradise. Presenting salaam at the Rawdah is the culmination of every pilgrim’s journey, fulfilling the deep desire to greet the Prophet (PBUH) directly.
When and Where It Is Recited
“Madina Madina” is typically recited:
- During Mehfil-e-Milaad gatherings celebrating the birth of the Prophet (PBUH)
- At naat khwani events and Islamic musical gatherings
- In the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal
- On the occasion of Urs and other religious commemorations
- By pilgrims traveling to or returning from Madina
- In daily gatherings of dhikr and remembrance
Conclusion
“Madina Madina” remains one of the most cherished naats in the Urdu-speaking Muslim world. Its simple yet deeply emotional lyrics capture the universal love that Muslims hold for the city of the Prophet (PBUH). Whether recited in a quiet gathering or sung in a large congregation, this naat has the power to move hearts and remind believers of the ultimate goal — to be among those who are blessed to visit Madina and present their respects at the Rawdah of the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). May Allah grant us all the opportunity to visit Madina Munawwarah. Ameen.
Popular Renditions of Madina Madina
The naat “Madina Madina” has been performed by countless naat khwans over the decades, each bringing their unique style and emotion to the recitation. Some of the most beloved renditions include those by Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi, whose soulful voice adds a layer of spiritual depth to the lyrics. His rendition has become the most widely recognized version across the Indian subcontinent and is often played in homes, mosques, and Islamic gatherings.
Other notable reciters include Owais Raza Qadri, whose energetic and passionate style brings a different flavor to the naat, and Hafiz Ahmed Raza Qadri, whose melodious rendition has garnered millions of listeners online. In recent years, younger naat khwans have also recorded contemporary versions of this classic, introducing it to new generations. The naat has also been performed by international artists and featured in various Islamic music compilations.
The Spiritual Significance of Madina
To truly understand the depth of this naat, one must appreciate what Madina means in the Islamic spiritual tradition. Madina Munawwarah (the illuminated city) is not just a geographical location but a spiritual sanctuary. It is the city where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built the first mosque, established the first Islamic community, and where he spent the last ten years of his blessed life. The very air of Madina is believed to carry barakah (divine blessings), and every corner of the city is steeped in sacred history.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise” (Bukhari). This area, known as the Rawdah, is the heart of Masjid an-Nabawi and the focal point of every pilgrim’s visit. The love for Madina is so deeply ingrained in Muslim consciousness that even those who have never visited feel a profound connection to it – a connection beautifully expressed in the simple yet powerful refrain of “Madina Madina.”