Uncle Muhammad Madani

First Hearing of Them

It took us two years to speak and interview Uncle Muhammad Madani. We first encountered him during a quick visit to the phone shop in Taiba Mall, during the ‘covid era’. His senior age and work made him stand out. The brothers who work with him in the shop, showed him great respect and care and told us his story, until we found enough strength to speak to him ourselves.

The brothers at the shop joked and said ‘he is our murshid (sheikh)’.

About Muhammad Madani

Most people call me ‘Madani’; it’s actually my official name. My father named me ‘Muhammad Madani’ out of love for Madina.

My father came to Madina in 1936 where he worked for most of his life and then passed away here. He is buried in Jannat al-Baqi; so is my mother.

Although my father lived and worked here, I grew up in Pakistan and came to Madina more than 45 years ago. I am in my 80s now.

My wife and children (all married and settled), are in Pakistan. I go back frequently to see them but love of Madina pulls me back and I can’t think of being away for too long. I want to spend my last days here and want to have the honour of being buried in al-Baqi like my parents. My greatest fear is that I may die outside of Madina!

I work in this shop to keep myself busy and live on my own in the Bab al-Awali area. I love Madina.

In the Shop