ALMISKEENAH

 

I’ve been "cranespotting", which is not hard to do in the CBD around our Sacred Haram. So many hotel projects at various stages of progress, displaying a vast array of styles and architectural features. Take a few moments to visit this site and keep scrolling over two pages of finished renderings of many of the buildings, some completed, some already under construction, and others awaiting in line. All facets of construction; surveying, engineering, architecture, contracting, represent the biggest industry within the city, with rigorous competition between rival consultants and companies vying for that unique "look". The result being such designs that seemingly grab from every culture, every age and every colour, when really all that is required are simple, affortably priced accommodation for Muslims to come and perform their Ibadah. The individual designs may have some artistic appeal if they were free standing with landscaped surroundings. But they are as conglomerate of blocks so close together that all distinguishing features tend to melt into one blurry vista.  Walking through the densely placed buildings is akin to being blown through a tunnel, the wind being trapped in the small roadways between the massive concrete edifices.

 

This will be one of the prime locations once it is complete, being opposite the north eastern corner of Masjid Nabawi, the main entrances for the ladies to access Rowdha As-Shareef for Ziarah of our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. And this building is on the perimeter of the new eastern courtyard (the expansion work being between the building and Masjid Nabawi), making it’s position even more appealing. At the moment it is only one of a few buildings on this eastern side, with large sections of vacant land in the process of being surveyed and divided into lucrative real estate investment lots.

 

This vacant land proves to be an invaluable parking lot for the hundreds of buses transporting pilgrims to and from this City of Light. The minaret in the middle background if of Masjid Ejabah.
 

To the north of Haram just on the other side of the First Ring Road. This area was demolished more than a year ago, but many buidlings have been left like this. Maybe the focus is to concentrate on the main inner CBD area, where the demand is higer due to its proximity to Masjid Nabawi. The stell barrier on the left is typical of how sites are fenced as work progresses. That is the western corner of Jabal Uhud peeking through the space on the left!  

 

What spectacular views these crane drivers must have…..and nerves of steel!

 

No crane in sight, as it is behind me…this caught my eye as I was taking a picture of a crane opposite ….thinking that I could be in any of the major capitals of the world with such universal brands, which have become common in Makkah and Madinah.

Men who are not distracted, either by commerce or profit, from remembering Allah, keeping up the prayer, and paying the prescribed alms, fearing a day when hearts and eyes will turn over…(24:37)

May we train our hearts to be spiritually connected and immersed in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala regardless of what distractions may be placed before us.  

Every which way one turns is a crane! And lately buses lining the streets loading and unloading pilgrims. This group were on their way for Umrah. 

 

Left. Looking towards the northern side of Masjid Nabawi, and right a crane operating in the narrow space between existing buildings.

 

Looking towards Jabal Uhud from the central Tareeq Malikul Fahd, beside the clock tower.

 

A street parallel to the above. 

 

This is on the southern side of Masjid Nabawi, which after the Shariah Court is to the right of this photo. Madinah Movenpick, with the most popular City Plaza shopping complex to the left, not to be confused with the other Anwar Movenpick hotel on the northern side.

"O Allah! Let us be of those who listen to every command that You give and then obey it. And let us Muslims become sincere friends and close companions. O Allah! Bestow Your special blessing on our Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and convey our humble Salams to our Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and let us have the pride and honour of receiving a response from him. 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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.