Topics: Islamic History

The Names of Madinah Munawwarah: Understanding Al-Jabirah and Al-Majboorah

Exploring the Names of Madinah: A Historical Perspective

Question: One of the names of Madinah Munawwarah is “Al-Jabirah” (the city that mends) because broken hearts are mended here and wavering faith finds stability. Another name is “Al-Majboorah” (the mended city) because Allah has mended it by making it the residence of His beloved Prophet ﷺ and has made it a source of virtues and blessings. (Wafa’ al-Wafa’ by al-Samhudi: 1/16, 1/24)

Answer: Scholars like Imam Nawawi and Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on them) have mentioned ten names for Madinah, which are: [Al-Madinah, Taybah, Tayyibah, Al-Dar, Al-Mutayyibah, Al-Miskinah, Al-Jabirah, Al-Majboorah, Al-Muhabbah, Al-Mahboobah, and Al-Qasimah]. Hamawi has listed 29 names in Mu’jam al-Buldan, which are: (Al-Madinah, Taybah, Tayyibah, Al-Miskinah, Al-Adhraa, Al-Jabirah, Al-Muhabbah, Al-Mahboobah, Al-Mahboorah, Yathrib, Al-Najiyah, Al-Mufiyah, Akalat al-Buldan, Al-Mubarakah, Al-Mahfoofah, Al-Muslimah, Al-Majannah, Al-Qudsiyah, Al-Asimah, Al-Marzooqah, Al-Hirah, Al-Mahboobah, Al-Mahroomah, Jabirah, Al-Mukhtarah, Al-Muharramah, Al-Qasimah, and Tababa).

Some others have counted forty or even more names, but we should suffice with the well-known ones. The two names mentioned in the question are also counted among the names of Madinah by scholars, as I have mentioned above. The book referenced is quite famous and is based on the history of Madinah. The full name of the book is “Wafa’ al-Wafa’ bi Akhbar Dar al-Mustafa,” authored by Ali bin Abdullah bin Ahmad al-Hasani al-Shafi’i, known as Nur al-Din Abu al-Hasan al-Samhudi (d. 911 AH). Historically, this book is informative, and it mentions various names of Madinah and their reasons at the beginning, including these two names and their reasons.

However, the book also mentions that whoever seeks help from the Prophet ﷺ or asks for something at his grave will have their wish fulfilled. This statement is incorrect and constitutes shirk (associating partners with Allah). We should call upon Allah alone for help.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Second Jamaat in Mosque: Permissible? Hadith Evidence

Is performing a second congregational prayer (Jam'at-e-Thani) in the mosque after the first one allowed? Detailed analysis with authentic Hadith… Read More

7 hours ago

Imam Ahmad on Yazid: Fabricated “Love Yazid” Quote

A detailed analysis proving that the famous quote attributed to Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal — “Can a believer love Yazid?”… Read More

7 hours ago

Shia Quran Alteration Belief: Rawafidh Tahrif Exposed

A detailed examination of classical Shia scholarly consensus on the alteration (Tahrif) of the Quran, backed by quotes from major… Read More

7 hours ago

Importance of Studying Seerah of Prophet ﷺ Today

In an age of rising blasphemy against the Prophet ﷺ, studying his Seerah is not just recommended but essential. This… Read More

1 week ago

Equality in Gifts to Children in Islam: Ruling

Is it necessary to treat children equally when giving gifts (Hibah) in Islam? Can parents give more to a son… Read More

1 week ago

Salman Nadwi Sahaba Criticism Exposed

A detailed compilation exposing Salman Nadwi’s alleged disrespectful remarks against noble Sahaba like Muawiyah, Abu Hurairah, and others, from an… Read More

1 week ago