They come from afar to be in his presence

Photo: The shiny marble surrounding the Prophet's (saw) mosque. © The Baksh family. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

They Come From Afar To Be In His Presence, To Die Where He Rests (Sal Allahu Alaihi Wa Salaam)

We journeyed from our respective homes to be with him (صلي الله عليه و سلم), to send him peace, and to beg for his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) intercession. What I realised immediately in the Blessed Madinah was that pure love for him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) resonated from all those surrounding him (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

What struck me the most was the plethora of grasshoppers scattered upon the cool marble floor of the Masjid in the moments after fajr prayer. They would come each day, traveling to the marble from wherever they may have resided, knowing very well they would be trampled on by crowds of pilgrims leaving the mosque.

Yet, each day they returned to his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) peace and warmth. They must have prayed as did Syedna Umar (Radi Allahu An), “O Allah, grant me martyrdom in Your path and let me die in the city of Your Messenger”.

Zainab Khan