ALMISKEENAH

 

And the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand. (2:164)

The Radiant has been blessed by subservient clouds and caressing winds for many days now, Alhumdulillah. Dull skies but enlightened hearts, as "winter" wraps its welcomed grey blanket around the thousands flocking, as seasonal migratory birds to this Haven of Peace.

The following are another morning’s meanderings, beginning at the women’s western prayer area.

 

It is deserted at this time, as this is when the Rowdha is open for women which is accessed on the eastern side of Masjid Nabawi, (the opposite corner in the distance) where these days it is quite congested. I wanted to take photos there, but still feel hesitant taking candid shots of people. There were many large groups congregating in the courtyard between the Masjid and Jannatul Baqi, with guides addressing the new arrivals. Getting into Rowdha for women is akin to a cattle round up. Sad. 

 

The ripping up of the courtyard on the western side, through the slats of the safety fence, with a Bin Laden construction the entire length of this side under way. Cureently there are three huge areas in the courtyard under renovation in readiness for the erection of outdoor umbrellas.

 

A few meters to the south of the above, looking across to Masjid Ali with the dense clusters of new decorative buildings. 

 

Masjid Abu Bakr adjacent to the above. A study in monochrome greys, with a dash of red from the red Shammagh that happened by!

 

Four new hotels on the south side of Masjid Nabawi, the date market opposite to the left. The grey clouds slowly passing as the morning awakens.

 

A verdant patch of green in front of the date market, with "walls" of packaged dates awaiting collection to be sent to the home countries of the newly arrived pilgrims.

 

A newly exposed row of "shops" hitherto hidden by buidings recently demolished. this is nearing "home" and only minutes from Haram, but clearly a vast difference from the previous buildings. These older areas are bustling with the "poorer" pilgrims at the moment. Landlords revelling in the demand for rooms at a lower price, and the local businesses jubilant for the passing trade.

 

Buildings become festooned with flags indicating the nationality of the pilgrims. These old American school buses are used for transporting the local labourers to and from their place of work and their living quarters, mostly outside the sacred Haram.

 

 

Two of the older narrow alley ways. Gloomy in the early morning, coming alive with activity nearer the time for Salatul Zuhr. Many of these humble places also take in pilgrims.

Such is the earth supporting all these different structures and activities, with varying weather conditions. But never far from whatever may be happening on the physical level is the realization that this very same earth and air was once filled with the revelations of Allah Ta’ala, through the presence of His Beloved Angel Jibreel Alaihis Salaam, and His Most Beloved of Creation, Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Along with so many other Angels, and the shining stars of the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam, his family and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, the Taba’een, all the thousands of righteous scholars throughout our history Rahmatullahi alaihum, all gracing the honoured dust and earth, all hearing the echo of the celebrated praises of Allah Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallm. May all treading this noble earth be enlightened by inhaling the fragrance carried on the clouds and winds and embedded in the walls and dust. May we all be "a people who understand." 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.