ALMISKEENAH

Gaze inward

behold your secret

Muhammad Wafa

Man’s body is feeble

His spirit august

Rumi

Your spirit is a divine jewel

Illuminated

Abu al-’Aza’im*

Light from this City of Light reflects the microcosm of the human spirit in one small narrow street from the myriad of older chaotically winding streets. While the Light SallAllahu alaihi wasallam from this City illuminates the entire macrocosmos, impregnating physically, virtually and soulfully more than all the small winding chaotically narrow streets….if man only knew that he is the microcosm combining within himself all the forces of Nature.

Sometimes it is the singing that wafts up into my humble space; sometimes it is the swish swish of the brooms scratching on the irregular ground that alerts me to the regular routine sweeping. Singing as the dust billows around them. Singing as they throw rubbish into the truck. Singing as they swelter under innocuous orange overalls. Singing as they scavenge through the most foul of refuse for the aluminium cans and cardboard they collect to add to their meager wage. A pittance at SR 350 per month! Sounds of bashing metal and breaking of porcelain as they retrieve anything and everything that is salvagable from an array of discarded plumbing fixtures and assorted junk strewn at the collection point. Bless them.

The maze of old back alleys reverberates with such a variety of life. Children play into the late hours of the night, their infectious squealing and games that circle around the block fill the space with an innocent charm, but they should be in bed fast asleep! Bless them.

A melodious lilt from the early hours of Tahajjud emerges from the Madrassah directly opposite, as the angelic voices of the young boys soar to meet that of the Angels. The rigid discipline is punctuated by a weekly respite from memorizing as they invade the street to play cricket or soccer with roars befitting a world cup match. Bless them.

The shabab, the ‘local lads’, bless them too! even though their raucous revelry is jarring. They have the habit of using parked cars and pickups as their lounge rooms; sitting, eating, beating on the roof, bonnets and trunks. Percussive rhythms beat the air, with interludes of the distinctive Saudi hand clapping as a featured chorus echoing all night long. They are oblivious to their impulsive littering stripping away half of their Iman. All seem deaf to the glory of Adhan, and the local masjid a few steps away appears invisible to them. 

Maybe a hip hop rap to pierce their hearts could be:

Gaze inward, behold your secret.  

Man’s body is feeble, his spirit august. 

Your spirit is a divine jewel, illuminated.

An assortment of trucks rumble by. The orange gas bottle truck. Bottles clanging as a whirligig whizzes and metal clink clinks on the empty bottles, alerting people to its presence and to refuel their supplies. Yesterday saw a stream of heavy duty equipment promptly attending to a sewerage leak, the second in a few months. Bless all so employed.

So what happens in your microcosmos ‘street’?

Do you sweep and clean the refuse from your heart while singing?

Do you promptly attend to sewerage leaks with the best of equipment?

Do you monitor words, actions, deeds that directly impact on others?

Are you deaf to Adhan and blind to the Masjid and what they symbolize?

Does your child-like innocence keep you awake playing while more gain is from praying?

Do you respond to the inner whizzing sound of the whirligig to recharge your Iman?

And do you have a regular ‘attendance record’ at Madrassah al-Qalb?

From the streets of Madinah to the streets of the heart shines the Light SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, so bedazzling that the potential of the spirit being an illuminated divine jewel is not only realized but IS!

Be this illumination…for the sake of our family in Palestine, in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in Darfur, in Somalia, in Chechnya, in Kosovo, in your street, my street, in all streets weaving across the globe and the Streets Of Madinah, Ameen.

Gaze inward, behold your secret. 

Man’s body is feeble, his spirit august. 

Your spirit is a divine jewel, illuminated.

Bless them all, bless us all, bless the way to You, Ameen.  

 
*Introductory quotes from the first three months of the Divine Longing Calendar.

 
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. 

Since then till now

an amoebic behemoth

has surreptitiously crept

like a sneaky slinking slithery spill

and seeping across the globe.

some say oh you exaggerate…you old fuddy duddy

intolerant of progress, technology, development, embellishment

acrobating in the mind

tormenting the senses

assailing the heart

denuding the resplendent particles painted with hues of taqwa iman ihsan

and a passion for how things were prior to this creature being on the rampage.

this wild drunken euphoria of acceptance and bewilderment

deluded by mirrors juggled

until the sane are transmogrified  to a torpor of topsy turvy confusion;

a prediction of the Prince of Peace.

tentacles gripping then devouring sacred ground

masticating blessed dust along with pious values

fearless and bold

seventy thousand Angels dip Wings of Light

echoing a rhythmic flutter of an antique psalm

sung to arrest the satellite dish of the heart

but the gyrating of the giant voracious machinations

muffles the syrupy sweetness

for all captivated by the jangle of ostentation.

and when the earth trembles

and bellows in agony

dispelling the dross

what then of this monsters efforts?

whitherto man’s gluttonous lust

of glittering windows and elaborate trimmings

there is no bubble to pop

for those waging war against this predator

as they dwell behind humble mud and cardboard

with sparks exploding from lustrous hearts

polished with the sublime simplicity of

Dalil al-Khayrat

The Guide to all Good Things

SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. 

* 

Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika
Salawaatu’llah ‘alaika

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. 

The Hajj season is truly bursting in the streets, markets of this Blessed and Radiant City.

The numerous tiny trinket shops, many with less than 2x2 meters of space to stand inside seem to be the most popular destinations for the Hujjaj to buy gifts to take back home. Most items are SR2 –SR 10, and even cheaper if bought in bulk.

These small booths appear only during the Hajj season….usually selling more of the same, along with fresh fruits, and the popular assortment of hats, scarves and tasbihs, etc.

The minaret of Masjid Ali behind the fence and lengths of steel being lifted by one of the hundreds of cranes doing their elegant dance across the skyline within the dense first ring road area.

Pilgrims relax and mingle around the Aswaq Al-Haram, the two story market area on the southern edge of the courtyard. The pavement vendors spread their sheets vying for sales with the long row of shops. Seconds after taking this as I looked up this area was empty! Once the word is instantly passed around that the inspectors are hovering about, the street vendors hurriedly bundle up their stock and run for it. I have seen many caught over the years, the men taken away, the items confiscated with the possibility of being deported if they are illegal. Many being mere lads have been in tears, I guess it is the risk they take in trying to make money while the crowds are about.

The shop to the left is typical of the food outlets immediately around Haram. The usual fare is chicken shawama, although with the recent bird flu scare this has now become scarce and many are wary of eating it. Individually wrapped slices of a simple pound cake, small packets of biscuits, assorted cold drinks, tea and coffee are the staple offerings. For the majority who are in groups that do not supply the daily meals this is a meager selection. Many who are housed further away from the main CBD area have more variety of foods to choose from, with various nationalities setting up small takeaway/eating places…Pakistani, Turkish, Bangladeshi, Egyptian and Malay/Indonesian. Madinah, unlike Makkah has a limited variety of fast food places close to Haram….there is KFC, the local Kudo, Al-Baik and a few other smaller outlets. Further away Pizza Hut, Dominoes Pizza, Mc Donald’s, Hardees, and the local Tazij are to be found.

Imitation watches from SR5 are popular, small and light for gifts.

The inner arcade of Aswaq Al-Haram. Altogether there are four long rows of shops extending the entire length of the Haram courtyard. More temporary stalls are erected during the two peak seasons in the middle of this arcade. No opportunity missed in allowing markets to spring up, with as many as possible cashing in on the millions coming and going.

Looking down on one of the many Miswak vendors who establish themselves at the base of the many pillars in this area. These brothers are mostly Saudi, and many belong to a long chain of generation after generation in this trade. Some of the brothers are very old, patiently sitting day in and day out. During Salat time they simply cover their stock while they walk across the courtyard for prayers.

The pre-wrapped bundles of miswak are easy to purchase for giving, but it is not the best quality. The long fresh pungent twigs are the best. These can be brought as they are, without having them cut, then wrapped in plastic, and kept in a refrigerator  while you may have access to one in your rooms….once back in your home country you can then cut into lengths for giving or storing… they can be frozen until needed. The bubble vacuum packs are also good for bulk buying….each individually wrapped stick keeping its freshness far better than the bundles which they keep soaking in water, leaching all the freshness out and leaving the stick very brittle.

This is the main entrance to the Shariah Court, on the other side of the road opposite the Aswaq Al-Haram. This door directly faces the Dome of Felicity, with the souk in between.

From the second floor of the Aswaq looking south towards Makkah. The corner of the Shariah Court on the left.   

(Apologies…the net connection is ever so cantankerous, which is sort of contagious to this speck clicking here….Insha’Allah, when both net and speck are back to being reasonable I will insert some comments…meanwhile, pretend you are here… )

Above comments added day after posting.  

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. 

The neighbourhood!

Sign says ‘Abdulla Palace’, and like so many of these older buildings they some how skirt the compulsory inspections giving approval for housing pilgrims. These places overflow with the poorer faithful during the peak seasons, narrow streets bustling with activity. An amorous indiscriminate sky embraces the entire City of PEace and Enlightenemt with its brilliance.

Graffiti one and…. 

Graffiti two. 

Another funduq….the balconies converted into the residences for the staff, accomodation in all other rooms.  

Local workers occupy this building…  

and this is their ‘window box’….I love this explosion of green and this tiny CO2 factory! 

A recently vacated upstairs….the ground floor still occupied….

the building next door to the above….everything and anything goes for home improvements! These street signs appear on most streets, but merely serve as decoration as nobody refers to them for directions or defining where they live, and unfortunately the efforts to implement a postal service has been shoved into the ‘too hard basket’.

Dilapidated remains of the old wooden mashrabiyah style of ventilation and sutrah. 

Old wrecks like these litter alley ways already providing inadequate parking space.

Another burst of green reaching for the skies, detail below. 

Roadside shopping for interior decoration….and…. 

leisurely diversions…..ummm.

Neighbours….

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbour is one who behaves best towards his neighbours.

Narrated Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu anhu Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: AbuDharr, when you prepare the broth, add water to that and give that (as a present) to your neighbour.

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam observed: He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct.

On the authority of Ayeshah RadhiAllahu anha who said: the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Jibreel Alaihis Salam adivesd me to do good to the neighbor to the point I almost thought he would eventually advise me to make my neighbor my heir.

Narrated Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: By Allah, he does not believe; by Allah, he does not believe; by Allah, he does not believe. When he was asked who does not believe he answered, he whose neighbor does not feel secure from his mischief.

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. 

Treasures are hidden under these streets….not the sort that gold diggers would be interested in. No, far greater than any earthly, worldly, or materialistic thing, is the knowing that these streets were blessed with the Mubarak feet of our Esteemed Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his illustrious guiding stars, the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu. His most blessed sandals treading the earth, his noble self alighted on a camel, or a horse, traversing this land now occupied by buildings. The closer one is to Masjid Nabawi, the more likely it was that the earth folded for him, witnessing these sacred footsteps, while being perfumed with amber and musk. So is the bliss of walking these streets….one is transported with the knowledge that the richest of treasures are hidden in the earth, in the air…the gaze is held humbly down and each step seems to float upon this blessedness.

Behold the dancing dust,

still sparkling from the gentle steps

of the pinnacle of messengers,

igniting hearts, intoxicating souls,

emblazing galaxy-like bursts of love,

reaching far off realms divine,

spreading glistening beads of a fragrant elixir

all along the way.

And also hidden in the streets of Madinah, minutes from the sacred Haram are treasures of a different worldly kind. The dilapidated shop front opens to a festive array of colour and texture.

Enter the doorway to a blaze of delight!  

Beads, braids, trims, ribbons, sequins, boas, flowers, pearls, buttons, and more cram every inch of space. One can barely fit in the small isles overflowing with cascading lace, yarn, and fabric. An old man has sat almost trapped in the middle of these decorative and festive trims for the past four decades. (he proudly told me his story) He sits in this one place directing an assistant and sometimes offering advice….but always collecting the money. Customers come in droves seeking that special touch, bringing samples to match colours and design. A few years ago when I first discovered this shop I could barely remain inside whilst choosing ribbons I was wanting as there was no fan or AC in there. It was suffocating. Alhumdulillah, when going there this time an AC had been installed. An amazing little world minutes from home and minutes from Masjid Nabawi. How long some of these older establishments remain is only a matter of time, a short time, as more and more of these prime locations are sought for hotels and thus demolished.    

And sitting at regular intervals on the side walks of these streets of Madinah are ladies selling candy and roasted nuts, ‘treasures’ to appease the small children accomanying their mothers as they shop for all their party attire.

The streets of Madinah….treasures above and below….earthly and divine…..

Behold the dancing dust,

still sparkling from the gentle steps

of the pinnacle of messengers.

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. 

I’ve been "cranespotting", which is not hard to do in the CBD around our Sacred Haram. So many hotel projects at various stages of progress, displaying a vast array of styles and architectural features. Take a few moments to visit this site and keep scrolling over two pages of finished renderings of many of the buildings, some completed, some already under construction, and others awaiting in line. All facets of construction; surveying, engineering, architecture, contracting, represent the biggest industry within the city, with rigorous competition between rival consultants and companies vying for that unique "look". The result being such designs that seemingly grab from every culture, every age and every colour, when really all that is required are simple, affortably priced accommodation for Muslims to come and perform their Ibadah. The individual designs may have some artistic appeal if they were free standing with landscaped surroundings. But they are as conglomerate of blocks so close together that all distinguishing features tend to melt into one blurry vista.  Walking through the densely placed buildings is akin to being blown through a tunnel, the wind being trapped in the small roadways between the massive concrete edifices.

This will be one of the prime locations once it is complete, being opposite the north eastern corner of Masjid Nabawi, the main entrances for the ladies to access Rowdha As-Shareef for Ziarah of our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. And this building is on the perimeter of the new eastern courtyard (the expansion work being between the building and Masjid Nabawi), making it’s position even more appealing. At the moment it is only one of a few buildings on this eastern side, with large sections of vacant land in the process of being surveyed and divided into lucrative real estate investment lots.

This vacant land proves to be an invaluable parking lot for the hundreds of buses transporting pilgrims to and from this City of Light. The minaret in the middle background if of Masjid Ejabah.
 

To the north of Haram just on the other side of the First Ring Road. This area was demolished more than a year ago, but many buidlings have been left like this. Maybe the focus is to concentrate on the main inner CBD area, where the demand is higer due to its proximity to Masjid Nabawi. The stell barrier on the left is typical of how sites are fenced as work progresses. That is the western corner of Jabal Uhud peeking through the space on the left!  

What spectacular views these crane drivers must have…..and nerves of steel!

No crane in sight, as it is behind me…this caught my eye as I was taking a picture of a crane opposite ….thinking that I could be in any of the major capitals of the world with such universal brands, which have become common in Makkah and Madinah.

Men who are not distracted, either by commerce or profit, from remembering Allah, keeping up the prayer, and paying the prescribed alms, fearing a day when hearts and eyes will turn over…(24:37)

May we train our hearts to be spiritually connected and immersed in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala regardless of what distractions may be placed before us.  

Every which way one turns is a crane! And lately buses lining the streets loading and unloading pilgrims. This group were on their way for Umrah. 

Left. Looking towards the northern side of Masjid Nabawi, and right a crane operating in the narrow space between existing buildings.

Looking towards Jabal Uhud from the central Tareeq Malikul Fahd, beside the clock tower.

A street parallel to the above. 

This is on the southern side of Masjid Nabawi, which after the Shariah Court is to the right of this photo. Madinah Movenpick, with the most popular City Plaza shopping complex to the left, not to be confused with the other Anwar Movenpick hotel on the northern side.

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. 

I share a visit I made to a friend who lives on the fourth floor of an apartment block, with the rooftop as part of their space, where the following photos were taken just before Maghrib. The building is located in the Awali area, which is a little south of Jannatul Baqi, a short distance from the first ring road.

During the time of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam the Banu Harith Khazraj tribe inhabited a place known as Sunah in this area. According to Hadith, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam declared this tribe the third most eminent from the Ansar;  the first was Banu Najjar  and the second Banu Abdul Ash’hal one of the Aws tribes.

Abu Bakr as-Saddiq RadhiAllahu anhu resided here after he migrated with our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and it was Kharija bin Zaid RadhiAllahu anhu from this tribe who was declared the brother of Abu Bakr as-Saddiq RadhiAllahu anhu by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam when he was pairing the Muhajireen with the Ansar.  And Abu Bakr as-Saddiq RadhiAllahu anhu married his Ansari brother’s daughter Habibah bint Kharija bin Zaid, who bore him Umm Kulthum. Also it was in this tribe that our Lady Aishah Ummul Mu’minin RadhiAllahu anha first lived after her arrival in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, prior to her living with our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Abdullah bin Rawaha RadhiAllahi anhu was one of the official poets to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was from this tribe. He later was assigned the position of Commander in the Ghazwah-e-Mutah where he obtained Shahadah, SubhanAllah.  

Sa’ad ibn Al-Rabi RadhiAllahu anhu, from this tribe, the half brother of Habibah bint Kharija RadhiAllahu anhu, was bonded in brotherhood with Abdur Rahman ibn Auf RadhiAllahu anhu, who, like the majority of the Muhajireen arrived to Madinah with nothing.  Sa’ad ibn Al-Rabi RadhiAllahu anhu offered Abdur Rahman ibn Auf  RadhiAllahu anhu half of his wealth, but the latter refused and asked him to show him where the market place was where he began to sell cheese and butter, and with his Makkan expertise in trading, he was soon to become one of the richest Sahabah.  

Sa’ad ibn Al-Rabi RadhiAllahu anhu was martyred in the Battle of Uhud. Just before he breathed his last he gave Ubai ibn Ka’b RadhiAllahu anhu the message to convey his Salam to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and to his tribe, telling Ubai ibn Ka’b RadhiAllahu anhu to remind them to be firm on the promise they made at Aqaba. He said Allah Ta’ala would not accept any excuse if the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was harmed while a single person of Banu Harith was left alive. SubhanAllah!

Such was the caliber of the Ansar and the people living in this area. Sa’ad ibn Al-Rabi’s widow RadhiAllahu anha came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam enquiring about the law of inheritance, soon after Jibreel Alaihis Sallam came with the detailed revelation:

So now we embark on a giant leap….to the here and now….Insha’Allah, we also are blessed with the huge giant leap we all need to make with our Iman. From the time when our blessed Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum were in the presence of our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, immersed in the perfection of all that he was and all that he imparted. The leap we take is not just one through time, but in the very core of our Faith. How Kareem is our Rabb Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala blessing us with a Faith that lives on in hearts after all these centuries. May we continually beseech Him to increase and strengthen our Iman as we relive such noble times by visiting the very land where so much of our heritage remains in the very dust. This view is to the southeast.

Looking down….signs of the youth culture…..the square "box" in the middle of land awaiting development is their "meeting place", set up with carpets and cushions resembling the coffee shop arrangements found throughout the Kingdom, minus the TV!  Insha’Allah take a few minutes to make Du’a for their Hidayah, for the reality of where they live and "hang out" to enter their hearts, Ameen.

The northeastern view with our loved Jabal Uhud standing guard! Allahu Akbar! 

Another gathering of the Shababul Al-Madinah! One had a duff, so every now and then they would set up a rhythmic beat. This happens in most areas around the Radiant City!  

A patch of green amidst the sombre browns, for how long, only Allah Ta’ala knows. Looking westward….the two mountains in the distance are Jabal Jammah on the right and Jabal Ghurabah to the left. 

Moving slightly to the left of the previous photo, the mud brick walls having been rendered in cement and given a touch of colour. 

The Minarets of Haram Shareef, looking directly north. A tiny corner of Jabal Uhud with the green topped Minaret beside the Green Dome just visible between the two buildings on the left. A pity that photos have to be compressed for the blog.

Maghrib almost in, as I turn a little to the left of the above photo. The double humped mountain in the background is Jabal Sal’a, with two Ottoman ruins silhouetted against the reddening sky. One of the western Minarets dwarfed by the crane and the green spired Minaret to the right of the whitish building, a light from it like a beacon announcing the position of our Beloved Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  

Moving to the left of the previous photo, Masjid Bilal minaret, cranes and telecommunication tower pierce the glow of the setting sun.

I was hoping the full moon would be up, but it was nowhere to be seen. Alhumdulillah for the perfection of the here and 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.  May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

Streets….construction….destruction…. 

Backtracking…..the photo that elicited the emotive responses in the last post, taken just before Maghrib a week or so back.

The following photo is the same view but walking up towards the foot of Jabal Sal’a (see the blue dot on the google map below) taken after last Juma’ah. The huge excavation area (yellow area on the map) has remained untouched for almost two years as the company working on this project went broke. Masjid Sabaq, previously to the left of this shot, was demolished to make way for this development several years ago, sadly it seems all too prematurely. 

Imagine turning around from the above position, looking up towards Jabal Sal’a, where the remains of an Ottoman structure stands. During the Ottoman times it would have been an advantageous lookout, overseeing the Haram area. Later it became a popular picnic place, but now relegated to neglect and a rubbish dump.

Architecturally it is only small, but the technique with the precision in the brick arches supporting the bluestone walls and two low circular domes forming the roof is quite impressive. 

A scan from an older photo showing the dome structure, looking down on a housing area long gone, having been replaced with modern hotels. 

These places are inhabited, satellite dishes a standard feature! The bottom left hand corner is the roof of one of the "residences" dug into the side of the mountain along the track up to this Ottoman structure.

 

 

 

The black and white photo above is looking south, across the Dome of Felicity, towards the direction of Masjid Quba at a time when this Radiant City was girthed by the silvery green of palm groves.

This is the road that leads to Masjid Quba, looking back towards Masjid Nabawi with the soaring slender minarets and Jabal Uhud nestled shyly in the background. As I wander these Mubarak streets I imagine I have the ability to strip away all the changes and developments over the centuries, zooming my heart back to the time of our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. I do not see the minarets, or the modern Shariah courts, or cars, or buildings, or billboards. Jabal Uhud, fully resplendent, beams an aura of peace.  The humble muted tones of the palm thatched Masjid shines heavenward without the modern means of tinted glass or electricity. A light emanating from the one, who the entire creation was created for SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, dims all manufactured lights and glitter.

And just as this piece of selected earth is the same chosen by Allah Ta’ala to fulfill and finalize all His Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala promises for the Deen, so too are many aspects of our daily needs as humans. The need for sustenance, water, air, clothing, shelter will never change regardless of the massive changes constantly happening around us, and our purpose as needy slaves will never change, and our path to success will never be any way other than the Sunnah of Habib Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

And so for the eyes to rest upon the fruits that were loved and eaten by our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam brings our presence to his presents; his habits and manners, his Sunnah.

Colours, shapes, textures, varieties, tastes, aromas, delight and titillate not only the nafs, but also inject the Iman with a massive dose of sweetness! Ya Allah Ya Rabb, SubhanAllah!

Watermelons, musk-melons, cucumber are among the specific fruits mentioned in Ahadith that were commonly eaten in the hot summers by our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

A previous post showed the simple arrangement of one brother setting up his “pavement shop”; this morning I walked a little further along this road to Quba to a more permanent “shopping mall”! The variety not only includes the local produce, but also many imported fruits, from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Yemen, and the decor is thrilling! 

This basic method of keeping the greens fresh with wet hessian bags is amazing. Temperatures are now in the low 40’s here, and yet the leaves of these vegetables, herbs and mints do not wilt.

The back of the "establishment", the storage area! The minarets of Masjid Nabawi are just beyond the trees.

Heat reflecting devices! 

The front of the "mall", the ancient pickups in the previous photos supporting the various sheets of canvas for shade. A shop specializing in HUBHUB, the local name for watermelon. 

The specialist himself! Normally I try to avoid people in photos, but he was insistent, and so proud of his business. Masha’Allah. Insha’allah I will make a print of this for him. May Allah Ta’ala bless these brothers for the hardships they endure while earning a Halal income. Ameen.

I did not buy a Hubhub, too heavy to carry home. But I did buy the first Indian MANGOES for the season, Alhumdulillah!

Reminding me of how Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would make the Du’a when eating the first fruit of the season:

O Allah! Bless us in our fruits. Bless us in our city, bless us in our Saa’, and bless us in our Mudd’. O Allah verily Ibrahim alaihis salaam is Your servant, friend and Nabi, and whatever he has supplicated to You for Makkah, I supplicate the same to You for Madinah.’

He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would then offer that fruit to a small child.

Being the morning, with children in school, I did not see a child to offer a mango, but someone with a child-like love for them was very happy, Alhumdulillah!

While my happiness was barely contained during my imagined walk to the market at the time of our Esteemed Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Alhumdulillahir Rabbil Aalameen.

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.