Page "Medina" Paragraph 15

Like Mecca, the city of Medina only permits Muslims to enter, although the haram ( area closed to non-Muslims ) of Medina is much smaller than that of Mecca, with the result that many facilities on the outskirts of Medina are open to non-Muslims, whereas in Mecca the area closed to non-Muslims extends well beyond the limits of the built-up area.

Both cities ' numerous mosques are the destination for large numbers of Muslims on their Hajj ( annual pilgrimage ).

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims come to Medina annually to visit the Tomb of Prophet. Al-Baqi ' is a significant cemetery in Medina where several family members of Muhammad, caliphs and scholars are buried.