May 7, 2008
THIRTY
Alhumdulillah all the major courtyard work is complete with no more areas sectioned off with barriers. So nice to once more wander unobstructed and without detours. The majority of the light pillars are stripped of the external decoration and work goes on under the pedestals in preparation for the installing of the umbrellas. The realization that once the courtyard is covered with these hundreds of umbrellas then the Dome of Felicity will no longer be visible whilst one is in the courtyard bringing a totally different perspective to the entire Haram area. Work is now being carried out on the walkways between the fence and the first line of buildings. The congestion during the peak times requires the the best of Sabr.
Two new ablution blocks in the eastern extension now extend over the fence. Speculation abounds as to whether this new area will be exclusively for sisters given the drastic overcrowding of their inadequate areas. May Allah Ta’ala guide the decision makers, Ameen.
Looking south across the new extension area towards Jannatul Baqi. The narrow walkway accessing the eastern entrance for the ladies no longer exists, the construction wall directly abutting on to the Masjid, meaning one must walk all around the Masjid to get from one side to the other.
Turning 180 degrees from the previous photo Jabal Uhud can be seen between the buildings. The first day in many that there has not been a haze veiling the City of Enlightenment. The green sign on the right is the Starbucks take away!
The view from a visiting sisters hotel room of the north eastern courtyard with the sectioned off ladies prayer court and the extension area at the top and some of the ‘naked’ pillars near the 11b ablution block, with what remains of a few metal barriers as finishing touches to the marble surface is carried out.
From the same room, the Abode of Peace behind the minaret….Darul Qiblah, the huge time share hotel rises far above the Shariah Court in front of it.
Slighty to the right of the above….and to the right some more below.
Assalamu ‘alaika Yaa Rasul‘Allah
Assalamu ‘alaika Yaa Kheerata’llahi min khalqihi
Assalamu ‘alaika Yaa Habib‘Allah
Assalamu ‘alaika Yaa Sayyida‘l Mursaleen wa Khaatama‘n Nabiyyeen
Assalamu ‘alaika wa ‘alaa aalika wa as‘haabika
Wa ahli baytika wa ‘alan Nabiyyeen-a wa saairi’s saaliheen
Ash-hadu annaka ballaghta‘r Risalah
Wa addayta‘l amaanah wa nasahta‘l ummah
Fajazaak‘Allahu ‘annaa afdhala maa jazaa Rasulan ‘an ummatihi
Salaams on you, O Messenger of Allah.
Salaams on you, O Allah’s choicest one in all his creation.
Salaams on you, O the beloved of Allah.
Salaams on you, O the leader of all the Messengers and the last of the Prophets.
Salaams on you and on your family and your companions
and your household and on all the prophets and on all well-known pious people.
I bear witness that you completed your duties as the Messenger of Allah,
fulfilled your trusts, and sincerely advised your community.
May Allah reward you on our behalf better than
the reward that any Messenger received on behalf of his community.
And thus ends this month of miscellany. JazakumuLlahu khairan to you all for your visits. This humble speck is going to ‘hide’ for a short moment. Insha’Allah back soon.
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.
May 6, 2008
TWENTY NINE
I feel the right foot press against my right, followed by the left, then the left leads out the door as I am aware of a prayer silently mouthed.
O Allah, I take refuge with You lest I should stray or be led stray, or slip or be tripped, or oppressed, or behave foolishly or be treated foolishly. I believe in Allah and I have come under the protection of Allah, and I have placed my trust in Allah, and there is no might and there is no power except that given by Allah. With a series of SubhanAllah SubhanAllah SubhanAllah as I cautiously proceed down the stairs.
A bag of household rubbish accompanies us, to be thrown in the messy corner opposite the building. But wait…I sense a shuffling step as the metal gate closes …. a small boy approaches. He is saying he will take the rubbish to the bin.
There will be nothing heavier on the Scale than good conduct.
May this small action of this small boy gain huge rewards Ameen. I have never witnessed such a thing in all my journeying here. An audible SubhanAllah and JazakumuLlahu khairan to the small boy as I am lifted into in the car to travel the short distance to the smooth marble of the courtyard. One of my favoured surfaces. I tend to slide as if on ice. My rubber soles become a rhythmic dance of silence as I glide to be facing the Green Dome. Other times resting at the base of a nearby pillar. More audible mumbling of name after name after name and the not unusual tear dropping on my dusty leather strap.
Today we travel near the fence of Baqi, haltering steps alternate with prolonged stops, before moving along the narrow walkway to where I see hundreds of amazing different styles of footwear tossed here and there. I am placed in the old cotton bag that once was black, but now a faded grey, next to two pairs of Converse shoes…or are they boots? The feet I carry everywhere used to wear these exact shoes decades ago. So many laces dangle around them, one pair has a fancy colourful lining. Such fiddling they must experience being put on and taken off with all those laces. Two young ones smile when they see me…I hear a light hearted and giggly conversation about how trendy and fashionable they are, Khala you should get some! So many styles are in the best shops in Jeddah! I am content to shyly hide in my bag and more than happy that I am not shared with any others. A sense of responsibility for safe and comfortable walking adds to the feeling that I am loved as I am.
I remember the time we were visiting a lavish mansion. I was surprised to see such glittery styles by the door, some with heels as high as I am long, skinny like a pencil. Some looking like Cinderella’s glass slippers, dainty beads and patterns sparkling in the sunshine. I was left among this array feeling a little embarrassed. Soon I was picked up and taken to a stuffy dark cupboard. Hours later I could hear sounds expressing surprise with shades of grief as shuffling feet approached this confined space I had been locked in. Hands grabbed me and placed me on the tiled ground. Young girls chuckling…but Khala, they look like they belong to the maid, so we took them away from the other visitor’s shoes. The drive home that evening was constant talk about simplicity, contentment, necessity, desire and excess. I overhear so many tales and lessons.
Another time I was placed just inside the door of another house. Girls were present with their mother, to later be joined by a young boy. As he entered the house I heard a shocked gasp…he went running to his mother yelling, asking who the man was inside the house with her! He thought I belonged to a man. People here do not know how famous my name is, nor my origin, my siblings or just how comfortable my moulded inner is, or even how expensive I am. Looks certainly are deceiving.
Just yesterday while walking home from the shiny marbled courtyard I stepped down from the pavement to wait for cars to pass before crossing the busy road. I sensed lights flashing, (if my buckles were shiny there would have been a glint, but I am happy to carry dusty layers from the Mubarak earth here) to soon realize that this kind driver was stopping for us to cross. SubhanAllah, another gesture of sincere Ikram.
Undoubtedly amongst you the most beloved and nearest to me on the Day of resurrection will be those having the most excellent conduct.
The tempo of the walk home was one of elation and gratitude. Amazing how such small acts affect ones step, along with repetitive sounds of glorification.
Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar as I climbed, knowing that this outing was about to end.
The key turned in the lock, I entered by the right hearing the familiar: In the name of Allah we enter and in the name of Allah we leave and upon our Lord we place our trust as the left foot was lifted from me, followed by the right. I was picked up by the left hand and placed in the corner to wait patiently for the next outing.
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.
May 5, 2008
TWENTY EIGHT
Continuing from the previous entry…
…the dark green area in the south, outlines the King Abdullah Park. This occupies a huge tract of the lava hill that has been a favourite place, even since the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to retreat to from the heat of the actual city of Madinah. Some say that Abu Bakr as-Siddiq had a house here, and Allah Ta’ala knows best.
The fresh wispy breeze is invigorating. And while the establishment of greenery is still in its infancy, Insha’Allah as it matures will provide an even more temperate retreat. It is opened for families only, meaning no single youth, men, supposedly. Security guards sit at the entrance but who is to say if the men and women that enter are related. Signs state that there is to be no sheesha, the water pipe and no smoking. I am not sure how these concerns are checked. Maybe the ‘Commission’ is secretly deployed to carry out their routine checks for ‘vice’.
The hours are from eight in the morning till midnight during the week while Thursday and Friday from after Asr until 2am. There is a Masjid within the walled area with ablution blocks scattered far and few between.
Apart from this day trip we also visited during the evening to find it very gloomy with minimal lighting. Not only making it feel somewhat scary but also dangerous given the rugged nature of the landscape. Maybe the maintaining of privacy for the individual families secluded in these confined areas is the reason for the lack of lighting. Volcanic boulders and abrasive rubble dominate the areas between the picnic structures dotted all over the park. The playground features for children are basic and scant in number with a rough scoria surface underneath the equipment. Not what I consider the most conducive for children playing. There are no places to ride bicycles, being the favoured activity in open spaces, or to run freely given the nature of the ground. Most families seem to passively sit in the areas shown. There are small pits within each of these for fires to be lit. I imagine people need to bring their own charcoal which is readily available throughout the city, not only for picnickers, but for households that still cook with this. Unlike outings in the desert where dry wood is obtained from the gnarled trees, there is no such supply in the park.
Adjoining the park is a horse track, but it does not seem to be open as yet. And whether it is for recreational use or for racing is unsure.
Several traditional pigeon houses are incorporated in the design of the mud rendered fence enclosing the entire park, as well as framing the entrance. Pigeons were cavorting around these towers.
Villas line the outside of the fence.
Masjid Quba is seen in the distance from the gentle rise of the park.
The orange area is a continuation of this huge expanse of volcanic tract currently being offered for sale. With the opening of the Aliat al-Madinah complex real estate nearby is booming along with many having to relocate from the inner precincts of this Radiant City to the outskirts.
This is one of the dozens of real estate ‘offices’ that line the recently asphalted surface of this road, with the desolate volcanic land for sale on either side.
Jabal Eyr, corresponding to Babul Jahannam, lies outside the sanctuary of Madinah is in the hazy distance. Several new villas at various stages of construction can vaguely be seen silhouetted near the foot of this mountain.
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.
May 4, 2008
TWENTY SEVEN
Coloured dots and squiggles after such a long time…representing a very different aspect of this Enlightened City…that of space age development consumerism, echoing the warning from our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who said he did not fear our poverty but rather our wealth. Ya Rabb.
The blue area, approximately 5km directly east of Masjid Nabawi on the King Abdul Aziz Road is the place where the
Knowledge Economic City will be constructed. We went there the other day finding that it is still very much an arid Harrah, lava tract, as can be seen on the google map being a darker shade from some of the adjoining land.
From a recent article… ‘we are confident that we will gain the trust of investors to turn Madinah into an international knowledge-based center where you can find international expertise in all fields of knowledge, technology and communication…. KEC is the first of its kind knowledge-based city in the Kingdom. It is part of the government’s plan to ‘rationalize’ capitals and attract investment in various projects throughout the Kingdom.’
While the real estate developer explains the objectives of the project:
Create a knowledge based cluster that will support the economic development of the city
Provide a state of the art infrastructure that will attract local and international IT companies to invest in the project
Attract local and international universities and Islamic institutions and scholars to work and do research in the project
Provide a wide range of services (Schools, medical facilities, green space for the tenants of the project and the Madinah as a whole)
The following images (scroll down a bit) give an impression of the scale of the project and the futuristic theme. More Kingdom wide projects here, scroll to Madinah.
We then drove to the new Al-Rashid "MEGA" Mall (red dot north west of KEC) International Carrefour Hypermarket is the supemarket chain operating form this complex. This terminology..mega, hyper bemuses this speck on the one hand but also saddens knowing that all these ’super’ changes are transforming not only the city but the hearts of the Madanians. Dunya is parading in its finest apparel enticing even the most austere to be part of these trends.
This is a SR300 million plus Mega Mall sprawling over an area of more than 140,000 square meters. The completed project is designed to house 400 showrooms, hypermarkets, integrated amusement, an ice-skating rink, fountains, and large food courts. The facility will also house hotel suites targeting visitors to the holy city, being located only five minutes from Masjid Nabawi and ten minutes from the airport.
This was taken around the back of this Mall. Note the poorer housing directly opposite the car park, and below, the conrtast between the old and the new. These humble homes all had for sale signs painted on the walls, and will probably fetch huge prices as the entire area under development, a real boom time.
The view of Jabal Uhud taken from the same place, looking towards the north east (The corner of Jabal Uhud visible between the blue and red dots on the map) Construction rubbish was littering the the land opposite the Mall. The blue dot is yet another ‘mega, hyper, super’ complex, almost opposite Shuhada Uhud…while Al Noor Mall, (below is the artists rendition followed by the real thing), is the lime green dot. Another space age complex comprising more of the same.
They are still working on the majority of the site, while the Geant franchise has begun operating in the area to the far left.
The pink dot to the south of Masjid Nabawi and Masjid Quba marks where Aliat ul Madinah sprawls across the southern Harrah, where Hyper Panda is the main supermarket with hundreds of other brand name stores gradually occupying the complex as it becomes completed. This is so big that several photos are needed to convey the size and the various architectural styles vying for each other. I previously included this project in a post, linking to
here for an idea of the scope of the site.
The yellow dot is another major supermarket, Bin Dawud, under construction.
So strategically placed around the second ring road are these five massive complexes, along with KEC, and only Allah Ta’ala knows if there are to be more. And to think, that according to the Hadith, there will be three earth tremors towards the end of the times in Madinah and yet we build as though this time is mortal. Ya Rabb.
Next post, Insha’Allah, continuing with the two other areas to the south marked on the google map.
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.
May 3, 2008
TWENTY SIX
…a hazy Juma’ah in this resplendent City of Light…
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.
May 2, 2008
TWENTY FIVE
Their Sustainer gives them glad tidings of mercy and pleasure from Him, and of gardens wherein there is everlasting comfort for them. They will abide therein forever. Surely with Allah there is a mighty reward. (9:21-22)
Usamah ibn Zayd RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Listen! Is there anyone to strive towards Paradise? Surely Paradise is such a plce that there is no danger in it. I take an oath by the Lord of the Ka’abah it is a light that glitters, a sweet basil that quivers, a fortified castle, a copiously flowing river, a ripe fruit, a beautiful attractive wife, adundant jewellery, a place in eternity in a secure abode, fruits, greenery, luxury, and comfort in a lofty splendid abode.” The Companions RadhiAllahu anhum replied: “Yes Rasulullah! We are all ready to strive for it.” He said: “Say: ‘If Allah wills.’ They all said: ‘If Allah wills.’”
Anas RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Allah created rge Garden of Eden with His hand: one brick made of white pearls, one brick made of rubies, and one brick made of green chrysolite. Its mortar is musk, its grass is saffron, its pebbles are pearls and its soil is amber. He then said to it: ‘Speak.’ It said: ‘The believers have certainly triumphed.’ Allah said: ‘I take oath by My grandeur, no miserly person will come near Me with regard to you.’ Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then recited this verse:
Those who are saved from their own souls’ greed are truly successful. (59:9)”
Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “The land of Paradise is white. Its courtyard is rocks of camphor. Musk surrounds it like hills of sand. In it are copiously flowing rivers. The inhabitants of Paradise gather therein, the lowest of them and the last of them. They recognize each other. Allah Ta’ala then sends a wind of mercy. The fragrance of musk flows unto them. A man returns to his wife having increased in his beauty and fragrant smell. She says to him: ‘When you left, I was attracted to you. Now I am even more attracted to you.’”
Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “The fragrances of Paradise are experienced from a journey of 1000 years. I take an oath by Allah Ta’ala, that a person who is disobedient to his parents and a person who severs family ties will not enjoy this fragrance.”
Imran ibn Husayn and Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhuma narrate that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked about this verse:
and pleasant mansions of eternity…(61:12)
he replied: “A palace in Paradise is made of pearls. It has 70 abodes made of rubies. Each of these abodes has 70 sub houses made of green emeralds. Each of these 70 sub house has 70 beds. On each of these beds are 70 cushions of very colour. On each of these 70 cushion is a woman. In each of the 70 sub houses are 100 dining tables. Each of these tables have 70 different varieties of food. In each of the sub houses are servant girls. Just one of them will give the believer such strength that he will be able to accomplish all this [i.e. go to his wives and eat of all that food] in a single morning.”
(The author, ad-Dimyati RahimahuLlah, says: This means that this noble palace will have 490 abodes made of green emeralds, 28,630 beds, a like number of servant girls and a like number of dining tables. It will have one million four thousand and one hundred cushions and a like number of women and a like number of varieties of food. Glory be to Allah Ta’ala whose bounties can never be counted and whose gifts can never come to an end.)
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Al-Kauthar is the name of a river in Paradise. Its two banks are made of gold. It flows on emeralds and sapphires. Its soil is more fragrant than musk and its water sweeter than honey and whiter than ice.”
Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu narrates: “A single pomegranate of Paradise will be so huge that a large number of people will gather around it and eat thereof. If any of them merely thinks about something that he wants he will immediately find it in his hand, whereby he will eat from it.”
Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “The lowest of all the inhabitants of Paradise will be such that 10,000 servants will be at his beck and call. Each servant will have two platters: one of silver and the other of gold. Every platter will have a colour that the other does not have. He will eat from the least platter just as he ate from the first platter. The delicious taste that he will enjoy from the last platter will be completely different from what he enjoyed from the first platter. It will then come out as perspiration of musk and a burp of musk. They will never have the need to relieve themselves, nor spit.”
Maymunah RadhiAllahu anha narrates that she heard the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saying: “A man will desire a bird in Paradise. It will come like a Khurasani camel to him onto his dining table. No smoke would have gone into it due to cooking, nor would the fire have touched it. He will then eat thereof till he is satiated. It will then fly away.”
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: :There is a bird in Paradise which has 70,000 feathers. It will come and fall on a plate of a person from the inhabitants of Paradise. It will flap its wings and there will fall from every feather a food that will be whiter than snow, softer than foam, and tastier than honey. Every colour will be different from the other. It will then fly away.”
O Allah! We ask You for Your pleasure and Paradise, and all that will take us closer to them either by word or deed. We seek refuge in You from Your wrath and the Hellfire and all that will take us closer to them by either word or deed. We return to You with Your bounties and we admit our sins. Overlook then, by Your pardon our shortcomings. And forgive by Your grace our offences. Make us among Your devoted servants, O Sustainer of the Universe.
O Allah! Send salutations to Your most honoured creation, Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, Your servant, Your Messenger, Your chosen one, Your beloved and Your friend. And send salutations to his family and all his Companions RadhiAllahu anhum, and abundant and eternal peace on all of them till the Day of Recompense. Ameen.
From The Rewards of Good Deeds
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
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.
May 1, 2008
TWENTY FOUR
Even if it could be written to sit here till the Day of Rising.
The eyes would forever weep, until they rested upon yours.
The hands forever raised, until extended to give you Salam.
The tongue forever moving, until speechless at your countenance.
The feet forever frozen, until walking by your side.
The heart forever wretched, until inflamed by your smile.
The ears forever deaf, until the sound of your voice.
The lights forever bright, until extinguished by your presence.
The soul forever lost, until you cry ‘Ummati Ummati.‘
O Allah! Bestow mercy upon Muhammad equivalent to the amount of all those reciting salaat upon him, and bestow mercy on Muhammad as much as the number of all those who fail to recite salaat on him, and bestow mercy upon Muhammad as You did command us to recite salaat on him, and bestow mercy on Muhammad in the manner that You love the salaat to be recited on him, and bestow mercy on him in the most appropriate manner that salaat should be recited upon him.
Heartfelt gratitude to those who have shared photos for this post, may rewards be piling high for you and yours, 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.
April 30, 2008
TWENTY THREE
It’s a haunting lanscape between the Enlightened City and the Place of Honouring. Stark reminders of a primordial past, a harsh present, and only Allah Ta’ala the One knows what tomorrow will bring. SubhanAllah.
Ancient black volacanic spewings create a desolate landscape for mile upon mile…
….while the human condition spores a vista of litter; negligence, ignorance, arrogance, disrespect, irreverence. Sad enough to be along the highway, but when one is faced with similar scenes in the courtyard of Masjid Nabawi the sorrow is beyond description.
~*~
We are servants of whatever we love. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “May the servant of the dinar whither! May the servant of the dirham whither! May the servant of coins whither! May their hands whither, their heads hang low, and their feet stumble! If they should step on a thorn may there be nobody to remove it for them!” So be a servant of God with every object and in every situation, whether you are given to or prevented from receiving, whether you are debased or ennobled, whether you are raised to power or stripped of power, whether you are enriched or impoverished, whether you are expanded with joy or contracted with pain, whether you have what you need or need what you don’t have, whether you are in a hopeful condition or a desperate condition, whether you are passing away or remaining. These states are all the changing traces of divine activity. They are circumstances other than God that necessarily change and, in changing, transport you.
Now it is clear to you that people who are with their circumstances exist only for circumstances while circumstances exist for those who are with the One who transforms their circumstances. Shaykh al-Mursi has said, “Those who love to appear before others are servants of appearing. Those who love to be hidden from others are servants of hiding. But servants of God do not care whether God makes then appear before others or become hidden in anonymity.” Realize that the eternal One places you in a circumstance in order that you take something from the circumstance rather than having the circumstance taking something from you. Circumstance comes upon you bearing a gift for you: the potential for you to gain new knowledge about God. So turn to face each new circumstance uttering the name of the One who initiates (al-Mubdi) Enter each changing circumstance and remain in it as you have received the gifts that it bears for you. Stay respectfully attentive and cultivate proper comportment while it faces you, turning your whole attention toward it. Recognize when it is beginning to pass away, and uttering the name of the One who calls to return (al-Mu’id) (Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah al-Iskandari)
~*~
May we all be sincere servants to Allah Ta’ala in each and every circumstance.
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.
April 29, 2008
TWENTY TWO
Our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, There is a certain hour in the night wherein if a Muslim asks Allah Ta’ala for any good of this world and the Hereafter, Allah Ta’ala will certainly give it to him. And this continues throughout the night.
Tahajjud; a most blessed prayer. (previous detailed post)
O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, and whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth and whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth and all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; and all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth and Paradise is true and Hell is true and all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; and Muhammad is true, and the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, and with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) and I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous and future sins; and whatever I concealed or revealed You are the One who make (some people) forward and (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but You.
Looking towards the northern wall of our Lady Fatimah RadhiAllah anha’s home where our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s offered Tahujjud, both alone and with Ahl Suffa, diagram
here.
The plastic ’skirts’ attached to the columns that are on the periphery of the open umbrella areas are a relativley recent addition, protecting the Mushafs from the birds as they come and go for their ziyarah.
A closer view. Unfortunately bookcases have been placed in front of the decorative grill that surrounds the Mubarak Hujrah and the house of our Lady Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha. The oil painting of what seems to be a scene of Madinah, set in the Ottoman tile work always fascinates me…but I do not know the stroy behind it.
Taken from behind the raised platform looking towards the places of Tahujjud. Some narrations say this platform marks the place where the Ahl Suffa would stay, other narrations say it is to the right of this photo, and Allah the Almighty knows best.
This is the Baqi side of the raised platform, Babun-Nisa to the immediate left and Bab Jibreel to the left of where the lights are. The framed Hilye hangs above the shelf of Mushafs.
And We have sent you not but as a mercy for the Alameen, Al-Anbiya 21:107 is the main verse with the names Muhammad, Hameed, Mahmoud and Ahmad reading clockwise from the top right around the circular verses. I do not know the origin of this work either, please share if you know, Insha’Allah.
Rowdha As-Shareef is to the right of this corner. Note the elaborate Ottoman lighting fixture. It is one of a pair.
Detail of this decorative tile, displaying:
NASRUN LINA ALLAH WA FATHUN QAREEB WA BASHIR AL MU’MINEEN
Help from Allah and a near victory. And give glad tidings to the believers. As-Saff 61:13
A wider view of the platform, Babun-Nisa on the left.
This entire area is out of bounds for sisters during the crowded Umrah, Ramdhan, Hajj seasons…it is now fenced off and will be for months.
Once again heartfelt appreciation to the Ashiq who dedicated his time to take photos for this humble space, JazakumuLlahu khairan katheeran.
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.
April 28, 2008
TWENTY ONE
….for all seeking to wed, about to wed, just wed and all wedded….
From the traditions of our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam:
Knowledge is an indispensable weapon against the ploy of Shaytan, without which couples remain susceptible and vulnerable.
The woman is like a rib; if you try to straighten her, she will break. So if you want to get benefit from her, do so while she still has some crookedness.
The world and all its contents are but perishable commodities, and the best of perishable commodities is a pious wife.
No believing man should totally dislike a believing woman, his wife. If he dislikes something in her, there would be something else in her that he would like.
Should I not inform you of the best of man’s treasures? A pious wife, when he looks at her she pleases him.
The most perfect belief is that of those who are best mannered and tender to their wives.
A man will be rewarded for spending on his wife, even for putting a morsel of food in her mouth.
O people, fear Allah Ta’ala concerning your wives. You have taken them into your possession with the permission of Allah.
The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives.
You shall not enter Paradise until you have faith, and you will not have faith until you love one another. Have mercy on those on the earth, and He Who is in Heaven will have mercy on you.
When a woman seeks the pleasure of her husband and carries out her domestic duties to his satisfaction, she gets the same reward as the men get for their services to Allah Ta’ala.
If it were permissible to prostrate to any one besides Allah Ta’ala, I would have asked the woman to prostrate before the husband.
A woman cannot do what she owes to Allah Ta’ala until she has done what she owes to her husband.
Everyone of you should adopt a remembering tongue, a thanking heart, and a believing wife who may help you in preserving your Iman.
The Road of Deliverance; a talk given to sisters by an Alim Rahmatullah alaihi, who rests in Jannatul Baqi having spent decades in Makkah and Madinah tracing the footsteps of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum.
1. One pious woman is better than 70 Saints, Awliya, and one pious woman means the whole family is pious, while one sinning woman affects seven generations.
2. One sinning woman is worse than one thousand sinning men.
3. The two raka’at prayer of a pregnant woman is 80 times better than the two raka’t prayer of a non-pregnant woman.
4. Allah Ta’ala grants a breast feeding woman one good deed for every drop of milk she feeds her baby.
5. The woman that welcomes and comforts her husband when he comes home, Allah Ta’ala grants her the reward equal to that of half a jihad.
6. The woman that cannot sleep at night due to her child’s crying is given a reward equal to that of freeing 20 slaves.
7. For the husband or wife who looks upon each other with kindness, Allah Ta’ala looks upon both of them with His Mercy.
8. If a woman cannot sleep due to comforting her sick child Allah Ta’ala forgives all her sins and bestows upon her a reward equal to twelve years of worship.
9. If a woman recites ‘Bismillah’ before milking her cow or buffalo, that animal prays for her.
10. If a woman recites ‘Bismillah’ while kneading flour Allah Ta’ala adds Barakah to the flour.
11. The woman who enjoys looking at other men is cursed by Allah Ta’ala. As it is Haram for men to look at non-mehrim women it is also Haram for women to look at non-mehrim men.
12. The woman who does Dhikr whilst doing her housework is rewarded by Allah Ta’ala as if she was cleaning the Ka’abah.
13. If you do not practice modesty then do as you like.
14. A woman who is steadfast with her prayer and fasting and is chaste and loyal to her husband has the choice of entering Jannah through any door.
15. There are two people whose prayers do not go above their heads; the runaway slave and the woman who is disloyal to her husband.
16. A pregnant woman’s day is considered equal to a day of fasting and her night to a night of worship.
17. When a woman gives birth, Allah Ta’ala bestows upon her a reward similar to that of 70 years of worship, plus for every pain she endures during labour she receives the reward equivalent to one Hajj.
18. If a woman dies within 40 days after childbirth she is given the rank of a martyr.
19. If a baby cries and the mother feeds it without cursing she will be given a reward equivalent to one year of Ibadah.
20. When a child reaches the age of weaning an angel comes to give the good news to the mother that he child’s entry to Jannah is Wajib.
21. Whenever a husband returns from a journey and is fed by his wife who has remained chaste and loyal during his absence she will be rewarded with 12 years of nafl worship.
22. When a woman massages her husband without him asking she is bestowed with the reward equal to 7 tola (1 tola=11grams) of gold in sadaqat. If she massages him after her requests it then she is rewarded 7 tola of silver.
23. For the woman whose husband is satisfied with her and then she dies, Jannah becomes Wajib for her.
24. To teach one’s wife one mas’ala is to get the reward equal to 80 years of worship.
25. In Jannah people will go to visit Allah Ta’ala, but for the woman who practices purdah and modesty in Dunya, Allah Ta’ala will come to visit her.
Our Lord, give us joy in our spouses and offspring. Make us good examples to those who are aware of You. (25:74)
O Allah! Unite our hearts, grant us compatibility and love. Bless us with contentment and happiness.
O Allah! Forgive us and shroud us with Your protection and mercy. 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.
April 27, 2008
TWENTY
Allah has not created a disease except that He has created a cure for it; except for a single disease: old age. (Tirmidhi)
We are all wayfarers on the ‘Hereafterly Path’, each step taking us closer to this destination as well as taking us further from our youth. This is a touching Du’a for those of us stepping into the soft and subtle hue of twilight!
O Allah make most of the rizq you bestow upon me during my old age when nothing is left of my time.
O Allah make the best of my time at the end of it and the best of my deeds the last of them and the best of my days the day I meet You.
O You the Supporter of Islam and its people, make me firm upon it till I meet You. Ameen.
~*~
A special sister, from amongst all special sisters shares the following, JazakiLlahu khairan. I post it for those currently being tested by various circumstances. May it offer some solace and balm to hearts that have been chosen by our Rabb Subhanahu wa Ta’ala Who only gifts us with that which we can endure and draw closer to Him by.
Sufficient is the Knowledge of my Lord
Qasida of Imam al-Haddad
My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me
from asking or choosing
For my du’a and my agonising supplication
is a witness to my poverty.
For this secret (reason) I make supplication
in times of ease and times of difficulty
I am a slave whose pride
is in his poverty and obligation.
O my Lord and my King
You know my state.
And what has settled in my heart
of agonies and preoccupations.
Save me with a gentleness
from You, O Lord of Lords.
Oh save me, Most Generous
before I run out of patience (with myself)
My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me
from asking or choosing
O One who is swift in sending aid
I ask for aid that will arrive to me swiftly
It will defeat all difficulty
and it will bring all that I hope for
O Near One Who answers
and All-Knowing and All-Hearing
I have attained realisation through my incapacity,
my submission and my brokenness
My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me
from asking or choosing
I am still standing by the door, so please my Lord
have mercy on my standing.
And in the valley of generosity, I am in i’tikaf (solitary retreat)
So, Allah, make my retreat here permanent.
And I’m abiding by good opinion (of You)
For it is my friend and ally.
And it is the one that sits by me and keeps me company
All day and night.
My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me
from asking or choosing
There is a need in my soul, O Allah
so please fulfill it, O Best of Fulfillers
And comfort my secret and my heart
from its burning and its shrapnel
In pleasure and in happiness
and as long as You are pleased with me
For joy and expansion is my state
and my motto and my cover.
My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me
from asking or choosing
Here is the Arabic script along with audio versions 1,2.
Allahumma salli ala Sayyidina Mawlana Muhammadin tibbil qulubi wa dawaa’iha wa afiyatil-abdani wa shifaa’iha wa nurul-absari wa diyaa’iha wa ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallim.
O Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala! Send blessings on our leader Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the medicine of hearts and their cure, the light of eyes and their illumination, the health of bodies and their healing, and upon his family, companions, and send peace. 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.
April 26, 2008
NINETEEN
…a blustery overcast Juma’ah afternoon drive outside Madinah….Jabal Uhud equanamously calm as squalling winds played with dust and sand…
…new season dates shyly adorn dense groves…
….and the speck almost takes off on the way to the water containers…
…we prayed Maghrib here…
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.
April 25, 2008
EIGHTEEN
On Silence (Samt)
‘Abd Allah bin Yusuf al-Isphahani informed us…through Abu Hurairah RahdiAllahu anhu that the Messenger of God SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “Whosoever believes in God and the last day, let him not trouble his neighbor. Whosoever believes in God and the last day, let him be generous to his guest. Whosoever believes in God and the last day, let him say what is good or let him be silent.”
Ali bin Ahmad Abdan informed us….that Ukbah bin Amir RadhiAllahu anhu said, “I asked, O Messenger of God, what is salvation?” He said, “’Keep your tongue to yourself, stay home, and weep over your sins.’”
Silence is security. That is the root of the matter. This can be cause for remorse on occasions when keeping quiet is blameworthy. What is necessary is that one choose speech or silence according to the divine law and the obligation of a Muslim to command what is good and forbid what is evil. To say nothing at the proper time is a characteristic of true men, just as to speak at the proper occasion is one of the noblest qualities. I heard Abu Ali al-Daqqaq say, “Whoever holds back from speaking the truth is a devil without a tongue.”
One should be silent in the presence of God. God Most High said,
When the Qur’an is recited, hearken to it and give ear so that you may receive mercy (7:204)
And He said, referring to the Jinn who were in the presence of the Messenger,
When they were present with him, they said, ‘Listen!’ (46:29)
And
Voices will be lowered for the Beneficent, so that nothing will be heard but a whisper (20:108)
What a difference is there between a servant who is silent to protect himself from lying and gossiping and a servant who is silent because he is overwhelmed by the power of the awe he feels!
Silence has two parts, outer quiet and the quiet of the heart and mind. Someone who trusts in God stills his heart as a way of laying claim to his sustenance. The Gnostic stills his heart in acceptance of destiny through the quality of harmony with God. The one relies upon the fineness of His work. The other is content with the totality of His decrees. With this meaning they have said:
His misfortunes came over you,
And the cares of your inner being were relieved.
Bishr bin al-Harith said, “When speech makes you conceited, be silent. When silence makes you conceited, speak.” Sahl ibn Abd Alah al-Tustari said, “Silence is not appropriate for a person until his ego has been compelled to retreat. Repentance is not appropriate for a person until his ego has been compelled to silence.”
It is related that Muadh bin Jabal said, “Speak to people little and speak to your Lord much. Perhaps your heart will see God Most High. Someone asked Dhul-Nun al-Misri, “Who among people best protests his heart?” He replied, “The one among them who best controls his tongue.”
Ibn Masud said, “Nothing is worthier of a stay in prison than the tongue.” Ali bin Bukkar said, “God Most High made two doors for everything, but He made four doors for the tongue, the lips are two leaves of a door, and the two jaws are the two leaves of a door. It is said that Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, for many used to hold a stone in his mouth in order to limit his speech.
A wise man said that the human being was created with only one tongue, but with two eyes and two ears so that he may hear and see more than he says. Ibrahim bin Adham was invited to a banquet. When he sat down the guests began to gossip. He remarked, “It is our custom to eat the meat course after the bread, but you have begun by eating the meat! (He was pointing to the saying of God,
Would one of you like to eat the dead flesh of his brother? No, you would abhor it (59:12)
A Sufi said, “Silence is the tongue of forbearance.” Another said. “Learn silence as you have learned speech. Speech will guide you, and silence will protect you. It is said, “The chastity of the tongue is its silence.” And it is said, “The tongue is like the beast of prey. If you do not tie it up, it will attack you.”
Abu Hafs was asked, “Which is better for the Friend of God, speech or silence?” He replied, “If the one who speaks knew what disasters there are in speech, he would be silent even if he lived as long as Noah, and if the one who keeps silent knew what disasters there are in silence, he would pray to God Most High twice as much as Noah did until he could speak.”
Excerpts from Qushayri. This is a brilliant book, elaborating the main stations and states while referring to Qur’an, Hadith and a rich array of scholars.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
…a respectful reflection on silence one.
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.
April 23, 2008
SEVENTEEN
O Allah! Send blessings upon our master Muhammad, Your Servant, Your Prophet, Your Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, and upon his children and companions by the number of what is in the heavens and the earth and what is in between them. And let Your kindness forever pour upon our affairs and upon all of the Muslims, O Lord of the worlds!
O Allah! Send blessings upon our master Muhammad and upon his family and companions by the number of that which was, which will be and that which exists in the knowledge of Allah.
O Allah! Send blessings upon the spirit of our master Muhammad amongst the spirits and send peace and blessings upon his body amongst the bodies and send peace and blessings upon his grave amongst the graves and send peace and blessings upon his name amongst the names.
O Allah! Send blessings upon our master Muhammad, Your Servant by whom You united souls who were divided, Your Messenger by whom You illuminated hearts that were darkened, Your Beloved whom You preferred over all other lovers.
O Allah! Send blessings upon our master Muhammad as it ought to be sent according to the greatness of his rank. Peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad that matches his worth and the extent of his greatness. Peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad the benevolent Messenger, the trustworthy, the one who is followed.
O Allah! Send peace, salutations and blessings upon the fountain of protection, the beauty of the Day of Resurrection, the treasure of guidance, the most beautifully garbed, the most celebrated of the kingdom, whose speech is a testimony, the intercessor of the nation, the leader of the Gathering, and the Prophet of mercy, our master Muhammad, and upon Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim al-Khalil, and upon his brother Musa al-Kalim, and upon the spirit of Allah, Isa al-Amin, and upon Dawud, Sulayman, Zakariyyah, Yahya and upon their descendants, whenever the people of remembrance remember You and the heedless are heedless of You.
Salutations of Nur ad-Din Ash-Shuni from The Key to Arriving at the Door of the Messenger.
And continual appreciation to the special Ashiq and his family for sharing these photos. They inflame tears of adulation for our master Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
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.
SIXTEEN
‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud RadhiAllahu anhu related that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Earning an honest living is a duty next to the principal duties of Iman. (Bayhaqi)
‘Umar bin al-Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Pay a worker his wages before the sweat dries on his brow. (Ibn Majah)
Ibn ‘Umar RadhiAllahu anhu reported that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Whoever buys a garment with ten dirhams in which even only one dirham is earned unlawfully will not have his prayer accepted by Allah the Almighty, as long as the garment lasts upon his body. (Ahmad and Bayhaqi)
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.
