Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "I have been commanded regarding a town which will encompass all other towns. People say: This is Yathrib, whereas it is Madinah. It will expel people just as a furnace removes the rust from iron." (Imam Ibn Hibban, may Allah have mercy on him, says:) The statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), "I have been commanded regarding a town which will consume other towns," is an example being given, and what is meant is: Islam will begin from Madinah Munawwarah and then it will prevail over other towns and will dominate the entire country, so it will be as if Madinah has prevailed over the whole country. It does not mean that Madinah will literally consume other towns.