Another Awali visit…
Walking these alleys brings such sakeenah. The tumble down buildings, textured rubble walls, chaotic planning, drab monochromatic tones, scribbled graffiti and strange heady aromas add to a sensory adventure, seemingly transporting one to another world, another time. Being minutes from Masjid Nabawi and Jannatul Baqi, the area oozes a rich history steeped in piety and service to the Haram. Generations from Awali have produced Khadims, Ulema and Qaris. While many notable scholars still choose to reside here when they come for Hajj and Umrah.
A unique glow, that defies the crumbling bricks and mortar, emanates from amidst this dim and sombre alley-scape. Hidden, secluded places of learning, perpetuated by respected elders who have devoted decades to disseminating knowledge remain secluded from the nearby traffic snarls. Tiny derelict structures nestle across from the glitz and glamour of the newly constructed hotel complexes.
Sell this present world of yours for the next world and you will gain both in entirety, but do not sell the next world for this world, for so you shall lose the two together. Hasan al Basri
Allah was, and there was nothing with Him. He is now, as He was.
Ibn Ata’Allah al-Iskandari
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/199801/islam.on.the.roof.of.the.world.htm
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/198205/the.battle.of.talas.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_China
http://www.fonsvitae.com/tibetbook.html
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.
Assalamualaikum dearest sister,
What an enchanting walk through the streets, Jazakiallah Khaira
You mentioned that many Scholars choose to reside in the area while visiting with our Beloved Rasul (salallahualaihiwasalam), and this reminded me of several years ago when a friend of mine was visiting. He bumped into a man who asked if he would be interested in hearing Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed (db) speaking. My friend was then lead through the side streets and brought to a rooftop overlooking Baqi and there they sat listening to the pearls of wisdom. Subhanallah, only the beauty of The Beloved of Allah Ta’ala (Salallahualaihiwasalam) can attract such beauty from the world.
Fascinating links!
Comment by ikramuddin — August 13, 2008 @ 12:50 am
AA,
I love stopping by your blog, to get a scent of the calmness and tranquility that eminates from it.
JazaakiAllah khairan,
Wassalam
Comment by dailyreminders — August 13, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
Wa ‘alaikumus Salam Dear Brother Ikramuddin,
I include the link to Shaykh Zulfiqar(db)’s site for those who may want to feel as they are sitting on a rooftop in Awali listening to his lectures! The majority are in Urdu, as well as many in English.
Dear ‘dailyreminders’ JazakumuLlahu khairan for stopping by and sharing your appreciation. The internet connection has yet again been wayward here, so once I catch up on a few tasks I will visit your site.
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — August 14, 2008 @ 8:48 pm