'''Medina''' is a city in [[Saudi Arabia]]. Followers of the [[Islamic]] religion consider it one of the three holiest cities, ranking second, after [[Mecca]]. [[Muhammed]] and the early [[Muslims]] fled to Medina from Mecca to avoid persecution by the polytheistic Meccans. This journey to Medina is called the [[hijra]], and the Muslim calendar dates from the start date of the Hijra. Much of the city is declared off-limits to people who are not Muslim. | '''Medina''' is a city in [[Saudi Arabia]]. Followers of the [[Islamic]] religion consider it one of the three holiest cities, ranking second, after [[Mecca]]. [[Muhammed]] and the early [[Muslims]] fled to Medina from Mecca to avoid persecution by the polytheistic Meccans. This journey to Medina is called the [[hijra]], and the Muslim calendar dates from the start date of the Hijra. Much of the city is declared off-limits to people who are not Muslim. |