By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. The historic Well of Uthman (Bir Uthman) was purchased by Caliph Uthman ibn Affan to provide free water to the people of Madinah. Its endowment (waqf) continues to serve the city till today.
2. Water from Ghars Well was used to wash the blessed body of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh after his passing, marking it as a site of deep reverence.
3. Salman Al-Farsi Garden: Here, the Prophet pbuh personally planted date palms to help free Salman Al-Farsi from slavery.
4. Fun fact: Wadi al-Jinn, a mysterious valley near Madinah where cars appear to move without acceleration. While attributed to magnetic forces, local legends abound, making it a fascinating tourist attraction.
5. Dar Al-Madinah Museum: This institution houses remarkable models and exhibits on the Islamic history of Madinah — including replicas of Masjid Nabawi and pivotal battles.
6. Jannat al-Baqi: One of the holiest cemeteries in Islam, it is the resting place of more than 10,000 Sahabah(companions of the Prophet), including many of the Ahlul Bayt.
7. Masjid Quba: The first mosque built in Islam, established by the Prophet himself upon his arrival in Madinah.
8. Masjid Qiblatain: This is where the Qiblah was divinely changed from Jerusalem to Makkah during congregational prayer led by the Prophet.
9. The Seven Mosques (Sab’ah Masajid):A cluster of small mosques built on the sites where the Prophet and his companions stayed during the Battle of the Trench.
10. UMZA Flight Updates (13/05/2025):UMZ3508 departed Minna to Madinah at 18:20hrs with 482 Niger Pilgrims (314 M, 168 F). UMZ3408 followed at 21:36hrs with 312 Niger Pilgrims (171 M, 141 F). Total Airlift to Date: 12,160 pilgrims | 30 flights.
11. NAHCON Advisory: States are urged to submit pilgrims’ manifests at least 24 hours prior to arrival to ensure NUSUK card activation and avoid logistical delays.
12. Governor of Sokoto has called on pilgrims to exhibit devotion and disciplinein the Holy Land, urging them to be ambassadors of good character.
13. Following the de-escalation of tensions, 642 pilgrims from Srinagar are set to depart today via six scheduled flights. Recent conflict had caused seven flight cancellations, with one now rescheduled for May 15.