ALMISKEENAH

 

As this Blessed Month slowly slips away, as surely as the moon’s face slowly changes before our eyes, the seconds for earning the Divine Bounties are so precious.

 

Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy is overflowing, His Generosity and Kindness beyond our comprehension during this unique month, says our Noble Master SallAllahu alaihi wasallam: "In every hour of Ramadhan Kareem, six hundred thousand people are delivered from divine punishment. It goes on like this till the Night of Power. When the Night of Power comes, the rate of deliverance becomes equal to the total of those spared in all the hours between the beginning of Ramadhan and the Night of Power; it continues like this till Eid."

Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu reports: "The Messenger of Allah said to us one day: ‘On the last night of Ramadhan, the Heavens the Earth and the Angels weep for the misfortune of my Ummah.’ When we asked: ‘What misfortune, O Messenger of Allah?’ he gave us the reply: ‘The misfortune of Ramadhan being over. In Ramadhan prayers are accepted, charity is received, good deeds are recompensed many times over, punishment is waived and sins are pardoned; so what misfortune is as great as the passing of Ramadhan?'’

Heaven and Earth and the Angels weep for the passing of this Blessed Month, but it is us who should be wailing and weeping for our negligence and wasting of time. Allah Ta’ala instructs the recording Angels: "Write down the good works of the Ummah of Muhammad, but do not record their bad deeds, and wipe out their past sins."

May we all be striving our utmost, increasing our efforts in all aspects of our Deen, and encouraging others to do so too.

 

Rewards For Performing Taraweeh During Ramadhan

 

1ST NIGHT - Almighty Allah Ta’ala forgives all the sins of a Mu’min.

 

2nd NIGHT – Allah Ta’ala will forgive your parents if they died as Mu’min

 

3rd NIGHT - Below the Arsh-Allah’s throne an Angel is commanded to proclaim: "O, MU’MIN your deed was pure, Allah Ta’ala has forgiven your past sins"

 

4th NIGHT - You are awarded the thawaab of reading the Torah, Injeel, Zaboor and the Quraan Majid.

 

5th NIGHT - You get thawaab equal to that which you would gain if you read your salaat in the Sanctuary of the Ka’aba, Al-Madina Al-Munawwarah and Masjid Aqsa.

 

6th NIGHT - You gain the thawaab of the Tawaaf made by the 70,000 angels made at Baitul Mamoor in the seventh sky.

 

7th NIGHT - You receive the thawaab of those good people who helped Musa alaihis Salaam when he fought Fir’un and Haman.

 

8th NIGHT - The rewards for the 8th Taraweeh are equal to the thawaab awarded to Ibrahim alaihis Salaam

 

9th NIGHT - The rewards of this night are that one becomes the beloved of Allah Ta’ala, Allah loves that servant.

 

10th NIGHT - Allah proclaims for you all the best in the world, one is endowed with the goodly provisions of this world and the Hereafter.

 

11th NIGHT - The reward for this night is that when a Mu’min leaves this world, he does so with Iman.

 

12th NIGHT - On the Day of Resurrection you will appear with a face with so much Nur, lustre on it, as much as the shining full moon.

 

13th NIGHT - On the Day of Resurrection, you will be protected from evil and stand secure.

 

14th NIGHT - On the Day of Resurrection, the Angels will be witnesses for the Taraweeh you are performing. On this evidence Allah Ta’ala will grant your entry into Paradise without account.

 

15th NIGHT - All the Angels who carry the Throne and the Footstool pronounce benedictions for the servant performing Taraweeh on this night.

 

16th NIGHT - Allah Ta’ala gives instructions giving you immunity from Jahannam, and entitling you to enter Jannah.

 

17th NIGHT - Allah grants you the thawaab of the Anbiya Alaihumus Salaam

 

18th NIGHT - On this night an Angel announces that Allah is happy with you, and your parents.

 

19th NIGHT- The reward for this night is that Allah Ta’ala elevates your position in Jannah.

 

20th NIGHT- On this night Allah Ta’ala rewards you by granting to you the thawaab of the martyred and the pious.

 

21st NIGHT - On this night, Allah Ta’ala builds a pavilion of Nur for you in Paradise.

 

22nd NIGHT - You will arrive to the Resurrection ground duly freed from sorrow and distress.

 

23rd NIGHT - On this night Allah Ta’ala makes a garden ("shaher") for you in Jannah.

 

24th NIGHT - On this night Allah Ta’ala grants twenty-four duas, prayers.

 

25th NIGHT - Allah Ta’ala lifts his punishment from your grave.

 

26th NIGHT - Allah Ta’ala increases for you the thawaab of 40 years.

 

27th NIGHT - The rewards for this night of Taraweeh are that you will be able to cross the Pul-Siraat (bridge) like lightning.

 

28th NIGHT - Your position in Paradise is increased by one stage.

 

29th NIGHT - Allah Ta’ala grants the thawaab of 1,000 "makabul" (accepted) Hajj.

 

30th NIGHT - By performing this night of Taraweeh you would be one of the many persons who, on the Day of Resurrection will hear Allah Ta’ala say in Paradise, "Eat whichever fruit you like to eat, bathe with the water of Salsabil and drink from the Kawthar! I am thy Lord and you are my slave!

 

May we all be striving our utmost, increasing our efforts in all aspects of our Deen, and encouraging others to do so, thereby gaining our own thawaab as well as what we have encouraged. May our greed for the spiritual gains of Ramadhan match our greed at Iftar! Insha’Allah.

 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

..and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night.. (2:187)

The following is from the Islam in Perspective section of Arab News.

The author discusses how fasting was before the Revelation regarding the stipulated times between sunrise and sunset, and then describes how it was first interpreted by some of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum.

"The Qur’anic verse speaks of distinguishing the whiteness of the day against the blackness of the night. This is an idiomatic translation of this Qur’anic statement. A more literal translation may be rendered as follows: "You may eat and drink until you can distinguish the white line from the black line at dawn." The Arabic term, khayt, used for "line" also means "thread". Some of the Prophet’s companions, RadhiAllahu anhum, however, took this expression literally. Adiy ibn Hatim RadhiAllahu anhu reports that when the verse was revealed he said to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam: "Messenger of Allah! I placed under my pillow two ropes, a white one and a black one, so that I could distinguish night from day." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to him: "Your pillow is certainly wide. This is a reference to the blackness of the night and the whiteness of the day." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Adiy ibn Hatim RadhiAllahu anhu was not alone in doing so. We have several Hadiths that suggest that many of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum understood the statement literally and tried to determine the time for the beginning of fasting by holding a white thread and a black one. They continued to eat and drink until they couls clearly distinguish one from the other. We note here how the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam explained to Adiy RadhiAllahu anhu what was meant by the Qur’anic verse.

He first told him that his pillow was wide. He meant that Adiy RadhiAllahu anhu would be sleeping late if he waited until he could distinguish one rope from the other. The break of dawn takes place earlier. Much of the light of the approaching day would be needed before we are able to distinguish the two ropes. Ibn Hajar, a great scholar of Hadith in his own right, mentions in his extensive commentary on Al-Bukhari’s Sahih anthology of Hadiths that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam reply was figurative, pointing in a different direction. He is of the view that Adiy RadhiAllahu anhu’s pillow must be very wide indeed if he could cover the two ropes Allah Ta’ala meant, i.e. the blackness of the night and the whiteness of the day. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made this abundantly clear to his companions, they were in no doubt about the time when they had to start their fast. Anyone could determine that by merely looking at the sky. He is certain to note when the first ray of light shows against the blackness of the night."

I wonder how many of us actually rely on looking at the sky to determine when to begin our fast and when to break it? How it must have been during the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, when there was no electricity flooding the true depth of the sky and all its wonders! SubhanAllah! How it must have been to wander from a simple dwelling to directly observe the conditions. Maybe children would excitedly watch the sky and then excitedly relay their observations. Allowing the mind to wander back in time conjures such a different feel in the heart. Now the majority of us set the alarm clock, based on a printed calendar. Some places fire canons, beat drums, some villages use a caller to run around verbally announcing the time to stop eating and drinking in the morning. 

I wonder how many of us actually rely on looking at the sky to determine when to begin our fast and when to break it? How it must have been during the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, when there was no electricity flooding the true depth of the sky and all its wonders! SubhanAllah! How it must have been to wander from a simple dwelling to directly observe the conditions. Maybe children would excitedly watch the sky and then excitedly relay their observations. Allowing the mind to wander back in time conjures such a different feel in the heart. Now the majority of us set the alarm clock, based on a printed calendar. Some places fire canons, beat drums, some villages use a caller to run around verbally announcing the time to stop eating and drinking in the morning.

Maybe take time during this Ramadhan, to go outside, with your family, watching the pre-dawn signs, as well as at Maghrib, then comparing your observations with the clock, Insha’Allah.

Many of our actions towards this glorious Deen have become habitual and mechanical, cast in a mould and become second nature and performed like lifeless rituals. Let this Ramadhan herald some great change and progress in our lives. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to appreciate this Ramadhan, who knows it may be our last. Only Allah Ta’ala knows who may not even make it to celebrate the coming Eid. Each night as Taraweeh prayers are performed here in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Allah Ta’ala has deemed that we pray the Janazah prayers on the new inhabitants of Jannatul Baqi. May their new abode be full of Nur and perfumed by the heady fragrance of Jannah. Ameen.

May we value this Ramadhan and exert ourselves to the fullest, and make this time a real turning point in our lives.  

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

Divine Blessings are being showered upon us, Mercy raining down as the Shayateen are bound and the Heavens being decorated. May we take full advantage of this month of purification, determined to exit after our offering of fasting purely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, reformed and revitalized. May we be deeply immersed in our annual renovation of our inner spiritual qualities. This is the time to strengthen our Iman, purify our heart and soul, crying for our efforts to be accepted, crying for forgiveness, repenting over and over until not a trace of remorse is left in our heart. Begging for guidance, unity and peace for the entire Ummah. Ya Rabb, Ya Lateef, keep me awake to lament for my sins, keep my heart aflame with Your remembrance, with Your Book, with Your Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. I am weak, You are strong, I am in need, You satiate the needy, I am mortal, You are Everlasting.

Allah Ta’ala said to Musa Alaihis Salaam, when he requested to see His countenance, "Musa, how can you see My beauty when there are seventy thousand veils between us? You are incapable of seeing Me. But near the Resurrection I shall give a month as a gift to the Ummah of my Beloved Muhammad. That month shall be called Ramadhan. To the Ummah of Muhammad that fasts during that month, I shall so manifest Myself at the time of breaking fast that, whereas between you and Me there are now seventy thousand veils, there will be no veil at all between Us and the fasting Ummah of Muhammad at the time of breaking fast."

 

Allah the Exalted and Almighty said: "The fast is for Me and it is I who will reward it."

May our days and nights be steadfast and persistent in seeking this grand reward. "Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with the expectation of reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," said the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasllam.

 

 

A scant selection of sites from an overwhelmingly array available:

http://www.weneedtounite.com/sermon1.htm Go to the section on Ramadhan for a diverse "taste" of articles.

http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/madina.htm An inspiring article! I read this years ago with the burning desire and fervent Du’a that Allah Ta’ala grant me residence in this Radiant City, and SubhanAllah, Ramadhan in Madinah has become a reality for me!

http://www.islamonline.net/English/ram2002/10/topic05.shtml A huge smorgasbord of information!

http://www.duas.org/ramadhan.htm An excellent Ramadhan planner, not too late to check what you may be able to add to your schedule!

http://www.islam786.org/ramadan.htm#51609227 An extremely comprehensive selection concerning all aspects of Ramadhan, Eid and fasting in Shawwal.

http://www.zaytuna.org/ramadansection2006.asp The usual high quality offerings from Zaytuna, Masha’Allah.

http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/r.plan.asp Helps us to "wake up" to what we should be trying to achieve during this Mubarak time.

http://www.101ramadan.com/thoughts.html  e-cards and thoughts

 

And more and more in the following links!

http://www.sacredlearning.org/audio/general/2006/checkin_ramadan_32k.wma

http://www.alinaam.org.za/ramadhaan/countdown.htm

http://www.khutbah.com/index.php?type=5&id=574&language=8

http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/dua1/Ramadan_dua.html

http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa1/ramadan/ramadan_index.html

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=287&CATE=6

 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

Dajjal and the Boundary of Madinah

A lengthy hadith narrated by Ibn Majah, Ibn Khuzaimah, and ad-Dhiyaa’, attributed to Abu Umamah RadhiAllahu anhu, reports that the Prophet of Allah, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, said, “There will be three hard years before the Dajjal (appears). During them, people will be stricken by a great famine. In the first year, Allah will command the sky to withhold a third of its rain, and the earth to withhold a third a third of its produce. In the second year, Allah will command the sky to withhold two thirds of its rain, and the earth to withhold two thirds of its produce. In the third year, Allah will command the sky to withhold all of its rain, and it will not rain a single drop of rain. He will command the earth to withhold all of its produce, and no plant will grow. All hoofed animals will perish, except that which Allah wills.” He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked, ‘What sustains people during that time?’ He said, “Tahlil, takbir and tahmid (Saying, la ilaha ill Allah, Allahu Akbar and al-hamdulillah). This will sustain them just as food does.” [Sahih Al-Jami` as-Saghir, no. 7875]

Abdullah bin Umar RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “The fitnah of Al-Ahlas (continuous calamity) is mass desertion and war. Then, the fitnah of As-Sarraa [meaning ‘the rich’, when some reach people use their money to hire others to fight for them] will start from under the feet of a man who claims that he is of me (of my descendants). However, he is not of me, for my loyal friends are the ones who have taqwa. Afterwards, people will unite around a man whose reign is unstable. Then, the fitnah of Ad-Duhaymaa [it is called ‘dark and black fitnah’ because of its enormity] (will start) and will not leave any member of this nation without severely touching him. When it is thought that its time has come to an end, it will be lengthened. Meanwhile (during this fitnah), a man will wake up as a believer and will meet the night as a disbeliever, until people divide into two camps: A camp of belief that contains no hypocrisy, and a camp of hypocrisy that contains no belief. If this happens, then await the Dajjal on that day or the next.” [Ahmad, Abu Dawood and al-Hakim, Mishkatul-Masabih, vol. 4, no. 5403]

 

The red outline represents the Haram, sacred precincts of Madinah, as determined by the Ulema. Jabal Uhud (blue) inside Haram, and corresponding to a Bab of Jannah, demarcates the northern boundary while Jabal Eyr (green) to the south is outside Haram, it being regarded as a Bab of Jahannam. The area within this boundary is that which will be protected at the time of Dajjal.

Narrated Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Madinah and at that time Madinah will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate guarding them."

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu: Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "There are angels guarding the entrances, or roads of Madinah, neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal will be able to enter it."

Narrated Anas bin Malik RadhiAllahu anhu: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance, road, of both Makkah and Madinah but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Madinah will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it."

The large fuchsia dot is Jabal Habshi. A mountain that had its top sliced off for the construction of a huge Royal Palace complex, see photo below. (Similar to the fate of Abu Qubais, the mountain beside Haram in Makkah, which also has its top sliced off to accommodate the Royal Palace now over looking Ka’aba. Insha’Allah more on this fascinating story another time) Originally it was thought that this mountain, and hence the Palace was inside the Haram area. However, the Ulema have deemed that it is outside Haram.

 

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri RadhiAllahu anhu: Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told us a long narrative about Ad-Dajjal, and among the many things he mentioned, was his saying, "Ad-Dajjal will come and it will be forbidden for him to pass through the entrances of Madinah. He will land in some of the salty barren areas outside Madinah; on that day the best man or one of the best men will come up to him and say, ‘I testify that you are the same Dajjal whose description was given to us by Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.’ Ad-Dajjal will say to the people, ‘If I kill this man and bring him back to life again, will you doubt my claim?’ They will say, ‘No.’ Then Ad-Dajjal will kill that man and bring him back to life. That man will say, ‘Now I know your reality better than before.’ Ad-Dajjal will say, ‘I want to kill him but I cannot.’ "

The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam once addressed the people saying: "The Day of Deliverance, what is the Day of Deliverance!" and repeating it thrice. He was asked: "What is the Day of Deliverance?" He said: "The Dajjal (The Imposter of the End of Time) will come, climb on top of Jabal Habshi, look at Madinah, and say to his Companions: Do you see this white palace? This is the mosque of Ahmad. Then he will approach Madinah only to find on each path an angel with drawn sword. He will reach the wasteland of Al-Jurf and make camp. Madinah will then shake thrice and no hypocrite man or woman, nor corrupt man or woman will fail to go out to join him. This is the Day of Deliverance!" (Ahadith about the signs of The Hour, Mustafa Al-Adawi)

 

Note: "Al-Jurf" (red circled area) lies to the northwest of Madinah. There the Muslim army made camp prior to setting out for the Mu’ta expedition, then again before being sent by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to Syria under the leadership of the young Usama ibn Zayd RadhiAllahu anhu. Also the Quraysh set their camp up in this area during the battle of Uhud, and attacked from Al-Jurf.

The aqua line shows the approximate route Dajjal will reportedly take on attempting to enter Madinah. He approaches from the north of Jabal Uhud, then proceeds to Jabal Habshi. The Qur’an Printing Complex is the blue circled area diagonally opposite the Palace (fuchsia), in the above google image, and below a closer image with the Printing Complex blue and the Palace fuchsia.

 

Some reports state that Dajjal will destroy all Qur’ans. The close proximity of Jabal Habshi and the current Printing Complex, below, is uncanny. And Allah Almighty knows best, and He is our only protector.

 

The Dajjal’s death will occur after the Angels turn him towards Ash-Sham away from the outskirts of Madinah. He will perish in Ash-Sham, by the hands of Isa Alaihis Salam, near the eastern door of Lud, below, in Palestine. May Allah return it to the Muslim.

 

 

Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to invoke Allah Ta’ala in the prayer saying "Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min adhabil-qabri, wa a’udhu bika min fitnatil-masihid-dajjal, wa a’udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wa fitnatil-mamati. Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-ma thami wal-maghrami.

O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave and from the afflictions of Masih Ad-Dajjal and from the afflictions of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the sins and from being in debt."

Somebody said to him, "Why do you so frequently seek refuge with Allah from being in debt?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "A person in debt tells lies whenever he speaks, and breaks promises whenever he makes them." Aishah RadhiAllahu anha also narrated: I heard Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in his prayer seeking refuge with Allah from the afflictions of Ad-Dajjal. (Bukhari)

In multiple ِِAhadith the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told us to seek protection from the Dajjal in the first ten verses of Surat Al-Kahf (18:1-10) Another narration said to the effect that any who may survive to see Dajjal should recite over him the opening verses of Surah al-Kahf.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

Virtual Tour One 

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "For the believer, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand its virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become disenchanted with it, Allah will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the ordeals of Madinah, for him shall I be an intercessor on the Day of Qiyamah."

Insha’Allah by a series of "virtual tours" my intention is to visit each of the places marked on the image, relaying information about the significance of the location from the time of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. These are all within a manageable walking distance from Haram. May this series refresh the hearts of those who have been to Madinah, inspire those yet to visit, (may Allah Ta’ala answer the Du’a of all with this desire and hope and bring you here soon, Ameen.) and be a constant reminder for those who live here.

May we all continue to deepen our connection and love for this Mubarak City of Light, seeking and searching for more knowledge and understanding of the blessed events that shaped the history of this Glorious Deen so generously bestowed upon us.

 

 

Small dots:

blue: Thaniyyatul Wadaa (north)

red: Masjid Sabaq

violet:  Cave of Banu Haram

purple: Masjid Banu Haram

bright pink: Masjid Banu Saida, Saqeefa

aqua: Masjid  Ali ibn Abu Talib

green: Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq 

lime: Masjid Al-Musalla (Al-Ghamamah)

yellow: Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab

light pink: Banu Zuraiq

orange: Date Market

black: Masjid Uthman

Large Dots:

red: Banu Zafar

lilac: Masjid Ejabah (Banu Muawiyah Aws)

blue: Masjid Abu Dhar

lime: Masjid Rayah on Jabal Dhubab

yellow: Ottoman Railway Station

bright pink: Masjid Bani Dinar, or Masjid Maghsalah

light blue, dark blue centre: Masjid Anbariyah

aqua, red centre: place where Abu Talha’s RadhiAllahu anhu garden was see previous entry.

purple: Sab’ah Masaajid includes the following seven Masaajid

Masjid Al-Fath ( also known as Al-Ahzab and Al-Ala, )

Masjid Salman Al-Farsi 

Masjid  Ali ibn Abu Talib

Masjid Umar ibn Al-Khattab

Masjid Sa’d

Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddiq 

Masjid Fatimah  

Where the map compass is: Masjid Al-Suqya and place of Suqya Well.

Medium olive green: Zamzam filling station.

Navy line: waterfall, see previous entry

Northern Thaniyyatul Wadaa and place of Masjid Sabaq.

During the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam any expedition either leaving from or arriving to Madinah from the north would be farewelled or welcomed from this place. It is on slightly higher ground from the Haram, originally being a narrow mountain pass, this is the meaning of ‘thaniyyah’, and ‘wadaa’ meaning farewell. This was also the finishing line for the racing of the horses in preparation for Jihad from a place approximately 9 km from Haram to the west of Mount Uhud, called Hafya’.

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha narrated "Allah’s Apostle arranged a horse race amongst the

horses that had been made lean, letting them start from Al-Hafya’ and their limit (distance of running) was up to Thaniyat-al-Wada’. I asked Musa, ‘What was the distance between the two places?’ Musa replied, ‘Six or seven miles. He arranged a race of the horses which had not been made lean sending them from Thaniyat-al-Wada’, and their limit was up to the mosque of Bani Zuraiq.’ (see small light pink dot) I asked, ‘What was the distance between those two places?’ He replied ‘One mile or so.’ Ibn ‘Umar was amongst those who participated in that horse race."

The place of Masid Sabaq, just to the south of Thaniyyatul Wadaa was the training area for the horses. I have also heard that this is where the Sahabah would play games of throwing watermelon rinds to each other and where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi and Aishah RadhiAllahu anha would sometimes race with each other. Allahu ‘Alum. We can read the hadith narrating that such racing did occur, but Allah Ta’ala knows best as to whether it was this place or not. Alhumdulillah, it is heart warming knowing they enjoyed such moments, and that this happened some where in this Radiant City.

The southern Thaniyyatul Wadaa, is not on this map, it is near Masjid Juma’ah, and was the sending, receiving place for those traveling to and from Makkah. This is reported to have been the place that the children of Banu Najjar sang ‘Tala’al-Badru ‘alayna’ to welcome the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to Madinah after his arduous journey. He had previously spent some days at Quba. Some narrations say that he entered Madinah from the northern Thaniyyatul Wadaa, through the narrow pass between Mount Sal’ and its branch al-Qurayn. This narration says that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam chose this unusual entry from the north rather than the direst route from Quba to Madinah from the south due to showing courtesy to the Ansari tribes that resided on the northern and western fringes of Madinah, displaying a respect and strengthening mutual ties of friendship and trust. Allahu ‘Alum.

There are many variations of this moving song, still heard by the children walking around the alley ways here! Masha’Allah, so sweet to hear them playing and then to break out in their innocent versions of a song that has become so loved by us all. The air around Haram is also filled with recorded sounds played by the many shops selling recordings. This is the link to the google page offering many versions, you can then decide which ones you like.

Tala’al-Badru ‘alayna,
min thaniyyatil-Wada’
wajaba al-shukru ‘alayna,
ma da’a lillahi da’

O the White Moon rose over us
From the Valley of Wada’
And we owe it to show gratefulness
Where the call is to Allah

Ayyuha al-mab’uthu fina
ji’ta bi-al-amri al-muta’
Ji’ta sharrafta al-Madinah
marhaban ya khayra da’

O you who were raised amongst us
coming with a work to be obeyed
You have brought to this city nobleness
Welcome! best call to God’s way

Tala’al-Badru ‘alayna,
min thaniyyatil-Wada’
wajaba al-shukru ‘alayna,
ma da’a lillahi da’

 
Insha’Allah we will resume our next ‘tour’ in the area where Banu Haram was.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was in the month of Ramadhan that the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong…..and glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful. (2:185)

The Qur’an, the Miracle of Miracles, the Word of Allah, the Perfect Wisdom, the Sacred Light, the Luminous, the Wise Remembrance, the Clear Light, the Straight Path, the Firm Rope of Allah, the Useful Healing. And so many other uplifting names of the Noble Qur’an in the Qur’an inspiring the innate yearning of the soul. Each name opens doors into doors into doors for pondering and reflecting, releasing floods of sparkle to the heart, the residence of our Iman! Not to mention the intensity, the impact, the reward of each word, each letter This Exalted Reminder showers us with if we devote our time to it. This Noble Book provides protection for the one who clings to it and a rescue for the one who follows it, its wonders never cease, it never loses its freshness, it contains the springs of knowledge, the understanding of wisdom and the meadow of the hearts, it contains the news of the first and the last, it inspires wonder and respect, brings joy and is the best of companions. It contains commands, knowledge and factual truths, teaches manners and etiquette, expounding deeds that will earn us success in this world and the next, shows the causes of rise and downfall of nations. Its blessings are limitless; it is a fountain of the Mercies of Allah Ta’ala, the King of Kings, the Creator and the Owner, Who graciously rewards our efforts by remembering us in the Heavens and shining us with light and radiance on earth. Who generously keeps elevating our rank in His Garden according to how much we recite. SubhanAllah! Who has commanded His Holy Words to intercede for us, saying that we were kept awake by night due to our passion for the treasures glowing from every letter.  

This Book of Mercy is beyond space and time, because it is the Word of the Creator of space and time, and He has promised that it will always be above space and time. Sent down by His Command on the Night of Power from the Preserved Tablet to the Firmament of the Earth, then gradually revealed to the Most Chosen of the Chosen SallAllah alaihi wasallam by the most Angelic of the Angelic Alaihis Sallam, over twenty three years.

If the whole of mankind and Jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they supported each other. (17:88)

This Miracle of Miracles demands our devotion, our sacrifice, even more so during the month it was revealed, the month all previous Books were also sent down. The month when Jibreel Alaihis Sallam would listen to our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam recite all that had been revealed, and the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would likewise listen to Jibreel Alaihis Sallam’s recitation.

As we invite the Blessed Guest of Ramadhan into our homes for this Mubarak month, so too invite the intimate company of the Book of Books in our hearts.

Insha’Allah the following planner may be of assistance in organizing your daily recitation, enabling the completion of the Qur’an Majeed in easy stages throughout each day. Wherever and whatever circumstances we may be in, a few minutes after each Salat will soon see the intended target achieved. May we all make this Ramadhan a time for maximizing each and every minute, committing our attention to gaining all the promises associated with this memorable thirty days.

 

 

And if mulitiple readings are written, double or triple or quadruple this chart over and over and over. Only with Allah Ta’ala and His words and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is success.
Ameen Ameen Ameen.  

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble
speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

 

 

 

Have they not seen the birds above them, as they draw in their wings, having spread them-the Benevolent One alone holds them up, observing everything. (67:19)
Don’t you see all creatures in the skies and on the earth glorify Allah, even the birds on the wing? Each ones knows its prayer, and its manner of praise. And Allah is fully cognizant of what they are doing.
(24:41)
There is no animal on the earth, nor yet a bird on the wing, but forms communities like you. We have not neglected anything in the Book; and they will ultimately be gathered to their Lord.
(6:38)


Narrated Anas bin Malik RadhiAllahu anhu: Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him."
SubhanAllah, so many lessons unfolding as one peers transfixed from the hotel window looking down at the antics of the pigeons in the courtyard outside the Ka’aba. (lime dot, on the photo of the model of Jabal Umar in the previous post) People buying bags of wheat from the numerous sellers, (who sometimes seem to out number the pigeons!) scattering it around the clock tower. Pigeons flutter, gobble and depart, as the army of sweepers brush the grains in concentrated piles.

Sh Ahmad Yasin Al-Khairayi, authored ‘The Pigeons of the Sacred Hijazi’ in the mid 1300’s Hijrah. He was an eminent Madani scholar at the time who has written other informative titles in Arabic on Makkah al-Mukarramah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah.He explains that the respect given to pigeons in these two Holy Cities originates from three major events from our past history. He relates a lengthy Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu retelling the story of Nuh Alaihis Salaam. It mentions that there were 80 men and their families on the ark with Nuh Alaihis Salaam, and they were on the ark for 150 days when it was directed towards Makkah, and that it made Tawaf for 40 days before resting on Mt Judi. Nuh Alaihis Salaam sent a crow to see if it may return with any signs that land was once again habitable. However it was late in returning, so he sent a pigeon, which came back with an olive branch in its beak and muddy feet, indicating that water had receded. Nuh Alaihis Salaam then came down from the mountain and began building a village.
The second opinion regarding the heritage of the pigeons is that they are descendants of the birds that stoned Abrahah and his army, "The People of the Elephants" referred to in Surah Fil:

And He sent upon them flying birds in flocks, throwing stones of baked clay (105:3-4)

And the third event the author connects to the present day pigeons is the story of when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu were hiding in the Cave on Mt Thawr and Allah Ta’ala instructed the bird to build its nest over the opening of the cave to shield them from their pursuers. He also links how the people of Makkah are the people of Allah Ta’ala, and whatever enters Makkah is sacred.

 

While the people of Madinah are the family of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, concluding that the pigeons belong to this family.He relates that during the Ottoman times the trust authority in
Istanbul issued a decree that funds were to be accounted for on a daily basis to cover the cost of feed for the pigeons and for the wages of workers to feed them and as well as keep a huge trough of water filled for them.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Whatever the origins, it is amazing to see the amount of seed distributed to the pigeons around Haramain. Insha’Allah, this act is accepted as charity, according to the Hadith. Maybe you are aware of other aspects to the pigeon feeding? Insha’Allah you can share any information.

May our reliance on Allah Ta’ala, be a true reliance, as conveyed in the Hadith saying to the effect that He will sustain us as He does the birds, who go out in the morning with an empty stomach and return in the evening full. Insha’Allah  

A few fascinating pigeons facts, SubhanAllah.
Pigeons mate for life and rear their broods together, although if one dies the other will take a new mate. Once the simple nest is built, the female lays an egg and then another a day or so later. The incubation period for common pigeons is 17 to 19 days. The female sits on the egg from late afternoon through the night until about 10AM. The male then takes over and does the day shift. Once the eggs hatch, both parents feed the young squabs. The first food is pigeon milk or crop milk, a
cheesy substance that appears in the crops of the parents at hatching time and is fed for a week or so. Then the adults start regurgitating partially digested grains for the young. By the time the squabs are ready to fly, about 4 weeks, the father is doing most of the feeding.
The squabs are fed for another week to 10 days after they are free-flying.
The anatomy of birds has remarkable similarities to that of humans.       
Birds have nearly all the same organs, like a heart with right and left coronary arteries and 4chambers with 4 valves like ours, pumping blood into similar blood vessels.  However their heart beats much
faster than ours & pumps more blood for its size.  Also their aorta, the largest artery in birds as in man, arches to the right instead of to the left. Their brain & spinal cord have similar parts to ours, though there is a separate ocular lobe for sight.  Eyes, ears, lungs, intestines, liver, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, testes & our other reproductive organs, lymphatic system, thyroid & other endocrine organs are all present in birds.  Their kidneys have the same function as ours, filtering waste material out of the blood.  The kidneys are longer than ours, having 3 pairs of arteries compared with our single pair.  
  
  
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

I apologize for the delay in posting. Allah Ta’ala Willed that I was faced with major problems with my computer, leaving it three days sitting "resting", while frantic efforts were made to wake it up…after many attempts to revive it, it was sent to a "reformatory" for bad adab, and finally returned with the diagnosis that some Mubarak Madinah dust was the source of the problem! Alhumdulillah! In the meantime it limps along until all programs are reinstalled. A huge learning curve in this test for me, with the following offering one of the many anchors at such a time.

On the authority of Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu who said: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "A believer who is strong is better and more beloved to Allah than the one who is weak, although both bear goodness. Desire eagerly what benefits you, seek help from Allah and do not show slackness in struggle. If something [trouble] befalls you, you should not say: Had I done so and so, then such and such a thing would not have happened, but you should say that Allah destined it and did what He wanted, for the word "if" starts the work of Shaitan."
 

 

Makkah Al-Mukarramah

….whosoever enters it, he attains security (3:97)

Alhumdulillah, this humble speck, by the grace and bounty and generosity of Almighty Allah, completed the journey from the Enlightened City to the Honoured, Revered City of Makkah and back. Enabling the leaving to merge into returning; a minute circle within the huge cosmic circle. Alf Shukr, Alhumdulillah.

The majestic moon was our faithful companion throughout the night journey. Suspended as a glowing lamp for the wayfarer, casting a mysterious emanation on the awesome mountains along the way, while second by second waning closer and closer to announcing the Mubarak month of Ramadhan, Insha’Allah.

Makkah was not overly crowded. Apparently the week or so heralding Ramadhan is relatively quiet compared to the huge anticipated influx at the beginning of Ramadhan building up to the last ten days, and how the summer peak has just been. We were able to find a "room with a view" literally a few steps from Haram (aqua dot in the google image and the photo of the model), Alhumdulillah.

The pilgrims were about ten deep during Tawaf, which we began just before the Adhan for Tahajjud. I performed Saa’ee on the second floor, where there would have been only about one hundred retracing the anguished search of Hajar for water for her son, Ismail Alaihum asSalaam. How easy our Umrah has become. Flat smoothly polished marble, air conditioning, fans and Zamzam water all long the way. Such esteem Hajar Alaihas Salaam must have in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala, her struggle repeated over and over again by millions year after year. The effort she made, her trust knowing that it was the Will of Allah Ta’ala to be left in such harsh conditions should leave an indelible imprint on our hearts.

Insha’Allah the profound effect accompanying everyone after completing Umrah, this poignant ritual of worship, deepens our commitment to all aspects of our Deen, strengthens the collective Iman of the Ummah and is the means by which Allah Ta’ala draws us closer to His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  May it be accepted and blessed, and all Du’a answered in the best way for all of us as decided by Allah Ta’ala. Ameen

There were large areas sectioned off in the mataf (circumambulation area) and around the immediate first floor area, due to the marble flooring being renovated. The jarring sounds of jackhammering seems to have been a back ground sound for years now with all the renovations, maintenance and extensions; an endless, ongoing program, Alhumdulillah.

After all the media attention to the issue of women possibly being banned from joining in the Fardh Salat in this open Tawaf area, I was curious to see how the situation was. The enclosed section for women was not erected while I was there, and as I prayed my Fardh in one of the designated areas for women towards the back of the Masjid, I did not see if women were permitted to do their Salat in the mataf or not. However during the non-Fardh times the presence of women was throughout Haram, including many offering their Nawafil behind the men behind Makam Ibrahim. It was crowded around the Black Stone and Al-Multazam the times I went there harbouring the hope of kissing the Black Stone. But it was not meant to be this time, may Allah Ta’ala accept the attempts of all intending to offer this Sunnah from a distance.

Umar ibn Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu kissed the Black Stone and said: "I know that you are only a stone and can neither do harm nor bring benefit. Had I not seen Allah’s Messenger kissing you, I would not have kissed you."

Ibn ‘Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "The Black Stone came down from Paradise and it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black." He also heard the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam say: "By Allah, Allah will resurrect it on the Day of Resurrection with two eyes with which it will see and a tongue with which it will speak, and it will bear witness concerning those who touched it recognizing its virtue."

Abdullah Ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said: "Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam faced the Black Stone, touched it, and then placed his lips on it and wept for a long time." Likewise Umar RadhiAllahu anhu also wept for a long time. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: ‘O Umar, this is the place where one should shed tears.”’

Abdullah Ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu used to struggle hard to get through the crowd in order to reach the Black Stone, so much so that sometimes he was hit on the face till his nose bled. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to Umar: "O Abu Hafs! You are a strong man. Do not crowd others around the Black Stone. You may hurt a weak person. But if you find an opportunity to reach it in order to kiss it or touch it, do it. If not, then say ‘Allahu-Akbar’ and continue your tawaf.'’

Al-Musafi bin Shaibah said that he heard Abdullah bin Amr bin Al’Aas saying: "As Allah is my witness," –three times-placing his finders in his ears- then he told that he heard the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saying: "The Black Stone and the Maqam are two precious stones of Paradise. Allah extinguished their light. If He had not extinguished their light, they would have illuminated everything between the east and the west."

When Ibrahim alaihis Salaam was building the Ka’aba, one more stone was needed. Ismail alaihis Salaam wanted to go and get something, but Ibrahim alaihis Salaam said: "Help me find a stone as I told you to do." So, Ismail alaihis Salaam set out looking for a stone, then he brought it to him and found that his father had set the Black Stone in place. He said: "O father, who brought you this stone?" He said: "It was brought to me by the one who is not relying on you to build it. It was brought to me by Jibreel alaihis Salaam from Jannah." (part of a Hadith narrated by Ali RadhiAllahu anhu in Tafseer Ibn Kathir)

I thank sweet Maryam for the delightful drawing of her father with his Saudi headscarf at the Multazam, arms outstretched, fingers trying to reach to the Door of the Ka’aba, the Black Stone to his left. SubhanAllah, so expressive. Whoever calls upon Allah Ta’ala in Al-Multazam, Allah Ta’ala will answer his prayers. Ameen.

It is reported that Abdullah bin ‘Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu used to cling to (Yalzam) the space between the Rukn, the corner housing the Black Stone and the Door of the Ka’aba, saying that no one clings to it asking Allah Ta’ala for anything, but it will be given to him.    

 

We had a clear view of the massive "devouring" of Jabal Umar (lime area) for the planned futuristic city, along with the gigantic King Abdullah tower project (red area). The model of the Jabal Omar project (below) does not include the King Abdullah towers, instead it shows the previous Ajyad Fort built by the Ottomans which, along with the mountain it was on was demolished to make way for the present complex. One of the five towers seems to have reached its designed height, peering over the Ka’aba.

From this great vantage point out of the hotel window (aqua) one could look across to the Intercontinental Hotel (blue) and the Makkah Towers (pink). In the past they seemed huge, but are now dwarfed by the King Abdullah structure.
The yellow area is another enormous project which has stripped the mountain top of the old style dwellings, preparing for yet another glitzy development.
The purple area is the Royal Palace built on Abu Qubais, which can be seen in many older photos. Like the Palace sitting atop the sliced off mountain in Madinah, and another overlooking Mina, they have replaced natural mountains with mountains of palace. The shame with this location is that Abu Qubais has such an important role in our history. It was the first mountain created by Allah Ta’ala, the Black Stone was protected in it when Allah Ta’ala sent the flood upon Nuh Alaihis Salaam, Darul Arqam, where the early Muslims would secretly meet with the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was situated on it. Also it is where the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stood when he split the moon and it is where Hajjaj fired the catapult into the Ka’aba, which resulted in the killing of Abdullah ibn Zubair RadhiAllahu anhu.
Now Abu Qubais has been reduced to being the foundations of a Palace. Ya Allah Ya Lateef.

 

As can be seen, the size of this development is maybe triple the width of Haram! It is referred to as the "giant" project! The committee overseeing this project have supposedly been studying the feasibility of such an undertaking for the past fourteen years, at a cost of multi million dollars, with the actual project in the billions of dollars. They have stated that this area will be considered to be within the Saf of Haram, and Allah the Almighty knows best. The residential districts of Makkah are being pushed further and further out, while the actual Ka’aba seems to be shrinking in relationship to all these endeavours.

Ya Allah, do not let our hearts shrink from Your Greatness. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

To be continued, meeting at the green dot! Insha’Allah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika Salawatullah ‘alaika.

Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika Salawatullah ‘alaika.

Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika Salawatullah ‘alaika.

Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika Salawatullah ‘alaika.

Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika Salawatullah ‘alaika.

Alhumdulillah, another blessed Yaum ul-Juma’ah.

May we impart all the Sunnah requirements for this chosen day to our children. May the Angels roaming about the earth see them welcoming this day by loving all the virtues associated with it. Especially increased Salawaat and Salam on our Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Reading Surah Kahf; rewarded with radiant Nur glowing around them from one Juma’ah to the next. On the eve of Juma’ah to read Surah Dukhan to have 70,000 Angels asking for their forgiveness, as well as all sins to be pardoned. Insha’Allah, we play these recitations to babies and toddlers for them to become accustomed to all the unique features of this day.

The following photos are taken from a book by some little Mu’mimeen, who are home schooled. Providing our precious little ones with the opportunity to integrate learning all aspects of our glorious Deen at an early age into fun activities helps to plant the seeds of love in their hearts. Making simple books from their innocent impressions of the Sunnah brings esteem to their achievements and creatively reinforces the basics.

 

 

 

 

Insha’Allah, sit with little ones you know and start your own library, or make books to gift to others.

A link to the work of a Saudi mother/author presenting imaginative books to engage young ones in understanding their unique identity, as the tiny tots of the Ummah of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. They almost look as delightful as my biased leanings to "my" special home ed children so far away, and their "Home Brand Books for Shnooks" Insha’Allah I post post more of their work later.

 

The following sites offer information on the Sunnah of Juma’ah, and previous posts refer to other important practices to instill into our cherished little ones.

http://inter-islam.org/Actions/Part9.html

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=316

http://www.lutonmuslims.co.uk/jumuah.htm

 

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving….

 

Allah Wills

Shifting sands moving

Grain by grain

Leaving one ripple

Merging into another

 

Allah Decrees

Moving bodies

Soul by soul

Leaving one journey

Merging into another.

 

Allah Calls,

Transferring people

Heart by heart

Leaving His Habib

Merging to Him.

 

Allah Beckons,

Moving limbs

Step by step

Leaving one Tawaf

Merging into another.

 

Allah Listens

Moving lips

Prayer by prayer

Leaving this realm

Merging into another.

 

Allah Directs

Correcting intention

Deed by deed.

Leaving desires

Merging into compassion.

 
Allah Answers.

Moving tears

Drop by drop

Leaving solace

Merging into submission.

 

Swirling

Defines time.

And time revolves in a circle,

Which was its form on the day that Allah created

the heavens and the earth.

 
Labaik, Allahumma Labaik.

Here I am O Allah, Here I am.

Leaving Your Beloved by Your Command.

Ya Lateef, complete this circle.

Leaving me not leaving You

or Yours. 

Ameen. 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Masjid Bani Dinaar and Masjid Al-Katibiyah and surrounds

 

Backtracking a little from previous tours 11 and 12, to refresh your orientation and the relationships between the sites we have been covering. Walking from the south western corner of Masjid Nabawi, we pass Musalla and Munakha (green circled area) to face the Amarah building (pink area), with Masjid Anbariyah (red dot) and the Ottoman railway station just behind it. (blue dot) Making an about turn continue along the southern side of Amarah, where the Bani Dinaar tribe (blue area) was during the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Bani Dinaar were a clan of the Khazraj tribe. A small mosque, also referred to as Masjid al-Maghsala, or Ghassalain, as the present suburb is called today, exists amongst the older style residences. The following is an older photo of Masjid Bani Dinaar. The terrain in this area is a slightly hilly rocky outcrop.

 

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was reported to have been requested to pray here, so the clan could then pray there after him. Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anhu also had a wife in the vicinity and once when he was ill the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam visited him there.

Such emotions well up when you feel that you are walking on the same dust that our Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam trod, not to mention the noble footsteps of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr AsSaddiq RadhiAllahu anhu, and so many of our illustrious Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. May their shining sifat seep through all of these sites and guide us according to how Rasulullah SallAlahu alaihi wasallam described them, as guiding stars, whoever follows them will be guided. May we be so guided. Ameen.

During the Battle of Uhud when the rumour that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had been martyred many of the Sahabah RadiAllahu anhum began to lose courage. But, in addition to those like Ali, Abu Dujana, Sahl ibn Hunayf, Talha ibn Ubayd Allah, Anas ibn Nadr and Adbullah ibn Jahsh, who fought so valiantly, some Muslim women, having heard the rumour, hastened to the battlefield. Of them, one from Bani Dinaar was Sumayra RadhiAllahu anha, who had lost her husband, father and brother, but her only concern was the wellbeing of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. When she saw him, she said: "All the misfortunes mean nothing to me as long as you are alive, O Messenger of Allah!" So as we visit the location where such courage and devotion was an attribute of the clan, our Iman sours as imaginary scenes from their daily lives conjure in the mind and heart.

The three aqua areas indicate where all buildings have recently been demolished, leaving huge tracts of flat dusty ground, pierced with twisted remains of steel rods randomly sticking up, transforming the ground into a surreal, and dangerous landscape. Obviously buried too deeply for the men who as the demolishing is happening scavenge for the lucrative steel rods. Mountains of these rods have been carted away for recycling. Standing alone looking like a forlorn sentinel is the partially damaged Masjid Al-Katibiyah. (lime dot) See previous post as to why there is not a current photo! The following image is an old one.

 

Prior to the demolishing of this area the Masjid was hardly discernable amidst the chaos of the old mud brick buildings. The squat chunky minaret submerged amongst satellite dishes and the usual array of junk collected and stashed on the rooftops, usually "home"to the "guest workers"! Once the dust settled and the rubble cleared this lone edifice proudly stood defying the earthmoving equipment. Until one day it was attacked, leaving gaping holes and a smashed interior, the fate of destruction seemingly written on its walls.

 

But apparently it drew the wrath of various locals who immediately approached the Amir saying that this Masjid has a significant place in our Islamic history, whereupon he ordered a halt to the attack. When we visited it the other day, noticeable was the addition of the typical red building bricks cemented into all the holes, securing the structure from any body entering. So it seems it has been partially spared until further investigation regarding its status is revealed.

Some of the local historians opine that it is built on or near the grave of the companion Rafi’ ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu, who was one of the martyrs of Uhud. I have not been able to verify this, Allah the Almighty knows best. Insha’Allah I will inform readers of any further information once it is known. The fact that the demolishing has been halted indicates that some research is ongoing, but sadly this damage could have been avoided had the homework been done prior to the workings of the bulldozer!

It is very interesting to look at how once hidden buildings now appear as the new front row, like peeling away a layer to reveal a totally different vista. And now with thousands of the cheaper places for accommodation no longer available, many of the poorer pilgrims have to seek rooms further away from Haram. I imagine the owners will be extremely happy with the coming of Ramadhan and Hajj with the demand for lower priced rooms. Sadly it seems that the poorer visitors are also the older and weaker ones, faced with long distances to walk.
I foresee an acute accommodation crisis in the making, as so many of the new residential buildings are not near completion, with so many of the older ones demolished all at the same time. Plus with the extensive work in and around the Haram courtyard, large areas will not be available as in the past to facilitate the thousands for Iftar and Taraweeh. Last year the Saf occupied the entire eastern area which is now fenced off due to construction, as well as spilling over into the streets on other sides. This year they are expecting larger numbers, but there is less space. May Allah Ta’ala make it easy.

I have marked the date market (fuchsia dot) in previous posts, but include it again as it is in the vicinity, and it is such a major non stop hub of activity, SubhanAllah.

And the yellow dot is HOME to almiskeenah! ALHUMDULILLAH.

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 I am aware that Virtual Tour 1 and 7 have "vanished". Insha’Allah I am preparing to post them again, along with two others which seemed to have joined them in this mysterious disappearing act. Alhumdulillah ‘Ala kulli Hal.

 

 

 

Sounds

I hear the excited squeals of children playing.

What would Sayyidatuna Fatimah have heard?

Maybe the hungry cries of her blessed children?

 

I hear the revving, honking, screeching of traffic.

What would AbdurRahman ibn Auf have heard?

Maybe the ambling of 2,000 laden camels entering Madinah?

 

I hear the swish swish of wood being sawn.

What would Abu Hurairah have heard?

Maybe the rustle of palm leaves being placed on the roof of Masjid Nabawi?

 

I hear metal gas bottles clanging against the metal truck.

What would Abdullah ibn Umar have heard?

Maybe branches of firewood being thrown from a donkey?

 

I hear a sudden offensive shrill from a mobile phone.

What would Sayyidatuna Ayesha have heard?   

Maybe the sweet voices of Jabir’s sisters reciting Qur’an?

 

I hear the high pitched whistle of the kettle boiling.

What would Umm Salamah have heard?   

Maybe the gurgle of water pouring from a water skin?

 

I hear the raucous voices of the youth playing soccer.

What would Ibn Abbas have heard?

Maybe the buzz of Dhikr from the Ahl Suffah?

 

I hear amplified Adhan from thousands of speakers.

What would Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri have heard?

Maybe the melodious voice of Bilal?

 

I hear the whirring of an engine pumping water to the roof tank.

What would Ali RadhiAllahu anhu have heard?

Maybe the plunk of the bucket sinking deep into the well?

 

I hear the hum of the cities air conditioners.

What would Mu’ath have heard?

Maybe the gentle murmuring of the evening breeze?

 

I hear the click click of stiletto heels on marble.

What would Abu Musa have heard?

Maybe the shuffle of bare feet on sand?

 

I hear the startling blare of the alarm clock at Fajr.

What would Abu Darda have heard?

Maybe distant roosters crowing?

 

I hear delivery trucks off loading crates.

What would Abu Ayyub have heard?

Maybe the muffled thud of a date falling to the ground?

 

I hear the monotonous drone of near by TV’s.

What would Hanzalah have heard?

Maybe the tumultuous cries of "Allahu Akbar" as troops left for Jihad?

 

I hear the cooing of pigeons around the Green Dome.

What would Rasulullah SaaAllahu alaihi wasallam have heard?

Maybe the ethereal sound of Jibreel’s 600 wings?

Maybe the Divine chanting of a new revelation?

Maybe the emotional words of the newly enlightened saying Shahadah?

Maybe the blissful sighs of the martyrs in their graves?

Maybe stones, trees, babies, animals, lizard, food, talking to him?

Maybe the sound of mercy rains quenching the valleys of Madinah.

Maybe the whisshh of arrows piercing the air targeting the enemy?

Maybe the sobbing of the palm trunk?

Maybe the water flowing from his Mubarak fingers?

Maybe the whack of the stone, hitting the bottom of Jahannam, after falling for seventy years.

Maybe the rhythmic grinding of Lady Fatimah’s flour mill?

Maybe the grumbling sound of so many empty stomachs?

Maybe the stamping of horses hooves as they train for battle?

Maybe the scratching of stone on rock recording verses of Qur’an Majeed?

Maybe the gentle breath of snuffing out the oil lamp?

Maybe the clinking of metal swords, shields and the booty from skirmishes being distributed?

Maybe the intimate whispers of Du’a being made in the dark of the night?

I hear the sounds of Madinatun Nabi.

Is our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam hearing enough Salawaat and Salam from us?

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ajeeb!!! Weird, strange AJEEB! 

AJEEB! Strange, weird things happening recently.

Posts disappearing, titles misbehaving??  Is blogsome being slightly bothersome, or some other "jinnish" theatrics taking centre stage? Or? Insha’Allah I will attempt to set things right soonish!

We borrowed a camera the other day with the intention of taking some photos of a particular masjid nearby, but the plan was thwarted when we went down to find the car had a flat tyre. By the time it was fixed it was too late to go out. So we continued on this mission the next day. After taking several photos with a very recalcitrant borrowed camera, we noticed that they were not appearing as having been taken! All the images I was wanting for the blog gone! We decided to drive around taking random images, rather than back tracking. The heat some times decides ones moves, rather than one pursuing the logical start all over again.

I like driving around this Mubarak City of Light observing the people and the massive changes taking shape with the destruction/construction activity. An on going disappearing- appearing act. The crowds are becoming denser by the day as we approach Ramadhan, Insha’Allah. They have predicted a record number of one million expected to flood Madinah during Ramadhan.

I do not enjoy the chaotic driving habits on the roads in the Kingdom at all, but this was a relatively quiet time after Salatul Zuhur, when the traffic is slightly less in quantity, but never the less still erratic. Such a test of patience, not to mention digging deep in the well of forgiveness for ones fellow brothers (can’t say sisters in this context!!) for the inconvenience of their driving "skills". 

Shock and horror when we uploaded the photos! Instead of the sky revealing the mid afternoon glare all shots are mysteriously dark and gloomy, as well as twisted and distorted. Ajeeb! I decided to share these unusual images anyway!

A photo of the front of new Amarah building mentioned in the "virtual tours" 11 and 12. Surreal lighting effects emanating from this building. It was not like this at all. I rather like the muted salmon/cream colour scheme and the simplicity of the design compared to other so many other examples where the layering of too many features and styles are combined creating garish mixtures. Notice the distinctive minarets of Masjid Anbariyah to the right.

 

 VERY WEIRD!

Driving around the back of the Amarah building was an imposing view of Masjid Anbariyah, with the Ottoman railway station just behind it. As we were taking this photo from the window of the car, a policeman suddenly appeared from behind us. Alhumdulillah he did not confiscate the camera, he was just curious as to what we were doing, and I guess worried as we were beside the back of this major government building. A new law has recently been passed in the Kingdom that photography is now "permitted". But our experiences since then have not been very pleasant. Like so many things here, I think it will take a few years before the truth of this decision is understood by everyone, especially the police.

 

 

Looking towards the Haram, Bab Salam side. The imposing construction on the left will be a six story building extending the entire western side of the courtyard, continuing the trend of suffocating the Haram from all sides. The fence to the right enclosing yet another excavation site preparing for yes, another hotel complex.

 

Another view of this building under construction. The Green Dome was visible in the middle of the concrete frame. Once this building is complete the minarets will barely be visible from this position. The huge area of the courtyard in front of this building is currently fenced off as workers have removed all the marble tiles and in the process of digging the necessary trenches for the facilities for the addition of the umbrellas on the light pillars. Another large section in front of the Green Dome is also having the same changes made. This is a massive undertaking, where it seems that eventually the entire courtyard will be lifted for the operation of attaching umbrellas to every light pillar. Allahu ‘Alum, this project was announced when the king visited a few months ago.

In lightof these bizarre dark photos I have made the decision not to borrow a camera again. Insha’Allah one will be written for blog purposes in the not too distant future. Ameen! In the meantime I will rely on archives, scans and images from others.

 

"Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler."

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alhumdulillah, continuing on from Juma’ah Mubarak 3 post is the remaining part of the Durood from "The Key to Arriving at The Door of The Messenger" by Shaykh Muhammad Sadiq Alawi, Volume 2. Published by Dar al Hawa 2006 Damascus.

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who endure with patience, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, to those who say when a misfortune strikes them: "To Allah we belong and to Him we are returning." Such are them on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided. I have rewarded them this day because they were steadfast; and they are indeed triumphant. (2:155,156)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who restrain their wealth, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Those who restrain their wrath and pardon other people for Allah loves those who do good. (3:134)
But whoever pardons and makes amends, his wage is the affair of Allah. He does not love wrong doers. (42:40)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who are active in goodness, of what Allah the Magnificent has said: 

And do good. Allah surely loves the beneficent. (2:195)
If some one produces a good deed, he shall have ten just like it, while whoever brings an evil deed will be awarded but the like thereof; and they shall not be wronged. (6:160)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who make charitable gifts, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And that you remit the debt as charity would be better for you, if you did but know. (2:280)
Allah will requite the charitable. (12:88)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who are truly devout, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And those who spend of what We have bestowed on them. And whatever you spend [in good cause], he will replace it. (34:39)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who are thankful, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And thank the bounty of your Lord if it is Him you serve. (16:114)
If you are thankful, I will give you more, but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is terrible indeed. (14:7)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who ask, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls out to Me. (2:186)
Call upon me and I will answer you. (40:60)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the righteous, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

The earth shall be the inheritance of My righteous servants. (21:105)
Those are the inheritors who will inherit Paradise, wherein they will abide forever. (23:10-11)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those who are active in goodness, of what Allah the Magnificent has said: 

Allah and His Angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe, invoke blessing upon him and salute him with a worthy salutation. (33:56)
He will give you twofold of His mercy and will appoint for you a light by which to walk, and He will forgive you. Allah is All Forgiving, All Compassionate. (57:28)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the recipient of glad tidings, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Theirs are good tidings in the life of this world and in the Hereafter, there is no changing the words of Allah, that is the mighty triumph. (10:64)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the triumphantly victorious, of what Allah the Magnificent has said: 

Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has truly won a mighty victory. (33:71)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the pious abstainers, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the abiding deeds of righteousness are better in your Lord’s sight for reward, and better in respect of hope. (18:46)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the unlettered ones, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

You are the best community that has ever been brought into being for the sake of mankind. You enjoin what is right and fair and you forbid what is wrong and unfair. (3:10)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the chosen ones, of what Allah the Magnificent has said: 

Then We gave the Book as inheritance to those whom We elected of Our servants. But of them are some who wrong themselves and of them are some who are lukewarm and of them are some who outstrip through good deeds, by Allah’s leave. That is the great favour. (35:32)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the sinners, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah; surely Allah forgives sins altogether; He is indeed the All Forgiving, the All Compassionate. (39:53)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the bringer of glad tidings, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Yet whoever does evil or wrongs his own soul, then seeks forgiveness from Allah, will find Allah All Forgiving, All Compassionate. (4:110)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to those drawn near, of what Allah the Magnificent has said: 

But as for those to whom the reward most fair has already gone forth before from Us, they shall be kept far from it. They will not hear the slightest sound thereof, while they abide in what their souls desire. The greatest terror will not grieve them and the Angels will welcome them, [saying]: "This is your Day that you were promised." (21:101-103)

O Allah grant blessing and peace to our master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor, to the believers, of what Allah the Magnificent has said: 

Men who surrender [to Allah], and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey, and women who obey, and men who speak the truth, and women who speak the truth, and men who preserve and women who preserve, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty, and women who guard their modesty, and men who remember Allah frequently and women who remember Allah, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward. (33:35)
And that man has only that for which he makes an effort, and that his effort will be seen. The he will be repaid for it with fullest payment. (53:39-41)

O Allah grant him a blessing by which breasts will be expanded, and by which problems will be rendered insignificant, and by which the veils will be removed, and grant him abundant peace, lasting until the Day of Judgement. Their prayers therein will be: "Glory be to You, O Allah!" and their greetings therein will be: "Peace!" and the conclusion of their prayer will be: "Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!" (10:10)

*

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

I have had to repost this as the first edition, posted Thursday 7th Sept seems to have been gobbled up by the system!?