ALMISKEENAH

 THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

The Ottoman designed lights at the front of Masjid Ghamama, one of the four masaajid comprising the area known as Al-Musalla, where it is aid that our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the three subsequent Caliphs RadhiAllahu anhum offered Eid Salats. Masjid Ghamama, the cloud masjid is so names as according to many narrations Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam prayed for rain at the request of a Beduoin farmer, and before the two raka’ts were completed a cloud appeared showering the area with so much rain that the following week the request came for Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to make Du’a for the rains to abate, SubhanAllah.

The Ottoman influence is in evidence throughout the Hijaz, with some of the most beautiful filigree in the lacy iron worked designs of light fittings, door decorations and the magnificent painted glass lamps  inside Masjid Nabawi and the Haram Makkah. I wish it was possible to take photos of these as I often sit staring at the intricate patterns. 

A view showing the how close Masjid Ghamama is in relation to our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Abode of Peace. During these pre-Hajj days countless groups come for Ziyarah to these close-by sites. The Turkish pilgrims are proudly taking photos of the architectural features that originated from their culture. The front of the Masjid has been secured with the steel grill seen in the first photo. 

The Mihrab and the wooden door with filigree brass features, detail below. Insha’Allah one time I would like to focus on the details with a better camera.

One of the many Red Crescent converted golf buggies stationed around the courtyard in the event of an emergency. Two medicos are on duty with each one, the yellow frame is a removable stretcher.  

In between Asr and Maghrib, taken from the first floor walkway connecting the two Taiba buildings. A favourite place for the pavement vendors….until the ‘authorites’ appear and they seem to magically vanish into thin air! Today there was one who was stationed to be on the look out..he suddenly began to whistle in a shrill sound, with many gathering their sheets or trolleys and scampering off. Entertainment is never far away during the peak seasons! The saff for maghrib filled the courtyard space and spilled into this walkway, SubhanAllah. And then about fifteen minutes after Salat it was business as usual.

Looking from the other side of the connecting bridge with more of the same street vendors. There is hardly a pathway within the first ring road area where they are not present. One has to admire their dilgence and persistence! But during the very crowded times they add to the congestion and can be a hazard.

The buses lined both sides of the street, pilgrims waiting inside while final adjustments were being made to secure the luggage on the roof. Sometimes the wait can be for hours. My heart feels for all departing the Mubarak sacred confines of this Radiant City. May Allah Ta’ala return them all again and again, Ameen.

This connecting bridge has panels of coloured lead light as a feature, the reflection of these is seen in the above photo.  

Insha’Allah more tomorrow.

I meant to comment earlier about the Fourth Annual Brass Crescent Awards currently open for voting ‘for the best writers and thinkers of the emerging Muslim blogosphere’. This humble space has mysteriously been nominated in the multimedia category! Alhumdulillah. But we all can see that this humble speck can barely organize categories on the blog (I’ve been waiting for help to materialize from the stream of visitors for as long as this blog has been fumbling along, Khair, hint hint hint) let alone branch out into anything ‘multi’!! LOL! Insha’Allah may all nominees be given a well deserved boost for sharing such a variety of styles, topics, views and encompassing a diverse array of reflections within the Islamsphere. And a ‘giggly’ shukr to all

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.