Why Is Madinah Called “Taibah”?
- Madinah was known as Yathrib before Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated there in 622 CE
- The Prophet ﷺ gave the city the name Taibah, meaning pure and good
- An 8th century rock inscription found in Madinah refers to the city as “Taybah”
From Yathrib to Taibah
Before Islam, the city was called Yathrib. The name is linked to the Arabic roots tharb and tathrib, which carry meanings of blame and corruption.
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to the city, he gave it a new name. He called it Taibah, a word meaning pure, good and wholesome. A closely related name, Tabah, carries a similar meaning and was also used for the city.
Historical Evidence
An 8th century rock inscription discovered in Madinah refers to the city by the name Taybah, showing that the name has been used since the early centuries of Islam.
Other Names of Madinah
Alongside Taibah, the city is known by several other names, each reflecting a part of its history:
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Al-Madinah | The City |
| Madinat an-Nabi | City of the Prophet |
| Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah | The Enlightened City |
| Dar al-Hijrah | Land of Migration |
Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque), built by the Prophet ﷺ in 622 CE, stands at the heart of the city and remains one of the most visited sites for Muslims travelling to Madinah today.
