The scale of the work all around Masjid Nabawi Al-Shareef is overwhelmingly gigantic!
Meandering from the south towards the Dome of Felicity, the work is now encompassing a much larger area of the courtyard, creeping very close to the Green Dome. All of the photos were taken this afternoon after Salatul Asr. There are still a considerable number of Hujjaj enjoying their last moments in and around the environs of this Enlightened City.
Taken from the ramp leading to Jannatul Baqi. I was tempted to take some photos looking inside, but commandos were lined up against the entire inside wall.
Long before Hajj the shops under the ramp of Jannatul Baqi were closed. Now they have erected a fence along the northern side. Maybe the new extension is to join onto this northern side of Jannatul Baqi. I have not seen any plans or drawings of the new extension. Insha’Allah they may appear in the papers soon.
The courtyard to eastern entrance of the mens area being ripped up. By the time I was walking home all of these slabs had been cleared away.
The excavations are deep. One wonders what history is being unearthed.
A tangle of wires, cables, steel and tentacles of machines. The fences are lined with pilgrims intrigued with the theatrics of this mammoth task.
Looking north, at the eastern corner of the ladies prayer area. Jabal Uhud just visible through the gap in the buildings. More of the Mubarak Madian earth being chewed up.
After Qaswa knelt at the place where dates were dried, belonging to the orphans Sahl and Suhail RadhiAllahu anhuma, a price agreed upon, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wassalam and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum began clearing palm trees and thorny shrubs, leveling the ground and removing old graves. It was the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam’s desire that the masjid be a simple edifice in the tradition of the "thatching of Musa Alaihis Sallam." When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam was asked what the thatching of Musa looked like he replied: "It was such that when he stood up his head would touch the roof. However the matter of this life is more transient that would even deserve a building of this magnitude."
As they laboured, they sang ballads and songs in expression of their joy and happiness at the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wassalam’s presence amongst them.
"O Lord, there is no living excepting one for the Hereafter, so help The Ansar and the Muhajirah.
O Lord, there is no good, excepting that of the Hereafter, so help O Lord, the Ansar and the Muhajirah."
I wonder what the workers are singing now?
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. Ameen.
