The Shaykh's comment on those who say "Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah"

The Shaykh : I am drawing your attention to a matter: currently, among the people generally, at both the official and popular levels, it is called Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. I am not saying anything against this, but I choose a description that is better and brings more honor to the city, which is Al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah. This is the point of pride. "Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah" implies that every town into which Islam has entered is illuminated. Allah the Exalted said: So whenever this light enters any town, it is illuminated. But Al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah—who gets that? Which town gets that except the city of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)? That is why the phrase of our scholars and the Salaf was in two forms: either simply "Al-Madinah" or "Al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah." Did you understand? This is found even in the Qur'an: simply "Al-Madinah." And is it possible for us to exalt the city more than Allah has exalted it? It is not possible. So I prefer this, and I do not forbid "al-Munawwarah." Do not say: "He forbade it." I do not forbid "al-Munawwarah," because this is the term currently in use. But I prefer that if we want to describe it, may Allah increase its honor, if we want to describe it, we say: Al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah. This is the best. Did you understand and know? First: this is following the Salaf. Second: if we say "Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah," this becomes general, because every city into which Islam has entered is illuminated. But "Al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah" is specific; it does not include any city except the one in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) resided. May Allah make us and you among his followers. This is the last question. The brothers who came from Al-Madinah will pray the midday prayer with us, if Allah wills, and on their way back they will take the remaining two questions. May Allah reward you, and praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his Companions. Until we meet again, and peace be upon you all from me.