Indeed Safa and the Marwa are among the signs appointed by Allah.. (2:158)
O Our Lord! I have made of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation by Your Sacred House; in order Our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and provide them with produce, so that they may be thankful. (14:37).
With all the modern changes to the Masaa area, one wonders how much the heart turns back to the noble Hajar Alaihas Salam’s running as a devastated mother’s concern for the well being of her son.
Her sense of urgency and her unshakable faith in Allah Ta’ala in such harsh circumstances are examples of not only what an excellent mother she was, but also what a strong believer in Allah Ta’ala she was. As we run over smooth marble with air conditioning and fans providing a cool fresh breeze, with the very water she was searching for available all along the way, with food and super fancy rooms to retreat to, with shopping outlets that rival the best in the world beckoning and tempting us, how much are we deepening our trust in Allah Ta’ala? How much do our actions, our Ibadah, honour the poignant Du’a Sayyidna Ibrahim Alaihis Salam made to his Rabb Subhanahu wa Ta’ala? And how much thought do we give to the ’signs appointed by Allah’?
The new minaret beside the Safa Hill. The Palace to the right.
Detail of the minaret with the massive Masaa project taking shape.
The elaborate facade showing the three levels plus the roof for performing Sa’i.
The feature section of the facade towards the Marwa end.
The Marwa end, jutting into the recently demolished area, that eventually will unite with the new extended part of the Haram.
The view looking from Marwa towards Safa. This new section was temporarily opened for the Ramadhan crowds, but now work continues with completing the final decoration and marbling of the floor.
Looking across the new section to what once was the courtyard and the base of the Palace. Earth digging machines were creating a deep trench just outside, but the photo is too dark to see them.
The noise is constant, as are the cleaners who are diligently and methodically at work attempting to combat the ever present dust.
The central section, between the two lanes of Masaa, which is designated for wheelchairs. The framework is the foundation for the barrier dividing the two way traffic.
A section of the central barrier separating the wheelchair pathways, looking over to what will exclusively become the one way path from Marwa to Safa. The area has been massively increased. While work progresses on the Safa to Marwa side, and the pilgrims are few, this one side accommodated the two way flow. Insha’Allah this ground level will be completed for the Hajj season. The second floor that was opened during Ramadhan was not available this visit while work continued to complete the extension.
Marble Zamzam outlets face towards the wheelchair pathway.
Decorative details seem to cover every surface. The absence of the hundreds of the Ottoman lanterns that were previously adorning the Masaa was sad.
This was looking into the Safa Hill. I could not get closer with all the scaffolding, but the drum of the dome that previously was decorated with a huge band of calligraphy had been resufaced with work being done on the dome. I am not sure what the plan is. It seemed the hill was still intact, though jackhammering was constant from this area. Notice the pillar on the right. Hundreds throughout the Haram have been stipped of their covering as they prepare the electrical wiring and whatever else in readiness for the entire structure to be airconditioned. Another awesome project.
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.
Subhan Allah!
the yearning continues…to be invited over & over & over…
jazaaki Allah Khairan
Comment by Slave — October 28, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
SubhanAllah Dear Almiskeenah! truly I cannot visualize in next 100 yrs of these two magnificent cities of the world.
JazakAllahu khair for sharing and keep me in your dua’s
Comment by Umm-e-Shiraaz — October 28, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
Dear k.n -jzk so much4sharing this with up,may Allah reward u4ur time&effort!requestin special dua4my exam2day plz&my health2plzz..all my luv t
Comment by T — October 29, 2008 @ 5:25 am
Wa ‘alaikumus Salam,
Dear Slave…but oh such sweetness in that yearning, and may you soon be here again.
Dear Umm-e-Shiraaz…Allahu ‘alum what tomorrow will bring let alone 100 years from now! Looking at the changes over the past one hundred years till now, I daresay if we were to see the Haramain in the future we would not recognize it. I find the fatwa issued by the authorities here regarding the validity of Salat in these new high rise buildings somewhat strange. One can be cosily in their glitzy room following the Imam. With the Jabal Umar project the room could be so far away and yet Salat would be acceptable…so maybe in one hundred years from now maybe no one will actually enter Haram??? Scary.
Dear T…how did your exam go? Are you not well? May any discomfort be the means of your Ajar being increased and sins cleansed. Insha’Allah extra Du’a for you and yours, and for mountains of Sabr!
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — October 29, 2008 @ 4:52 pm