A Rihla to the City of the Beloved

Fundraiser for the Rihla

2005-12-29T15:36:00.000Z

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I am writing to let you all know about this Friday's dinner with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf in Toronto, which is a joint fundraiser for Ihya Foundation and Deen Intensive Foundation. I know many of you through working with Deen Intensive, and having attended the DIs in 96, 97 and 99 in Toronto, and in 00 and 01 in Florida, as well as Rihlas in 97 in Nottingham, 98 in Fez, 00 in Spain, 01 in Hayward, 02 in New Mexico, and 05 in Madinah, alhamdulillah, I have had the opportunity to see with my own eyes the impact that these programs have had on the students, and having kept touch with many of you, I know that you have taken what you have learned and have benefitted others by it in your own communities. For over 10 years now, programs sponsored by both Ihya Foundation and Deen Intensive Foundation have helped make the teachers and teachings of traditional Islam accessible to local communities in North America, and around the world.

Now we are asking for your support.

Last summer, Deen Intensive Foundation held its annual 3-week Rihla, or Sacred Journey, to Madinah al-Munawwarah, The City of The Beloved, may Allah shower him with Blessings and Peace. Over 220 attendees, both young and old, made the journey from all parts of the world, including North America, Europe, mainland Asia, and the Middle East. It was my first time being there, and the first thing that I noticed was the magnetic quality of the city, and of the mosque, which your heart is immediately drawn towards. By the grace of Allah, our group was given many openings and blessings, the pinnacle of which was the private opening of the Rawdah, the Garden of the Prophet for us, not once, not twice, but three times. I encourage all of you to go to http://q-rihla.blogspot.com and read for yourselves the testimonials and journal entries of attendees of the program. This program, along with all of the other programs these two organizations sponsor do not go without cost. Insha'allah, Shaykh Hamza will speak about our experience in Madinah, and about the City itself and it's most Beloved treasure, the Messenger of Allah.

Insha'Allah, the Deen Intensive plans another Rihla to the City of the Messenger of Allah in the summer of 2006. In order to do this, and other programs, we need your help and support.

This letter is my appeal to all of you both living in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), where this program is being held, and those outside the GTA as well, who may not be able to attend physically.

For those of you who are in the GTA and can attend, please go to http://www.ihyafoundation.com, and purchase a ticket online for you, your family, your parents, your friends and/or your loved ones. If you can get a group of 10 together to buy a table, we will reserve a table for you close to the front. You can also help by forwarding this email to your friends and other lists, and inviting them to support this noble cause.

For those of you outside the GTA, you can also help by forwarding this message on to others you may know in the GTA or to other lists, etc. You can of course donate without attending, and anyone who is interested can email me directly at ahson.ahmad@gmail.com

Donors can be issued a tax-receipt upon request. Also, we have a babysitting service at a reasonable cost - $5/child - at the dinner for parents of young children who might otherwise not be able to attend.

You may find more information about the program on http://www.ihyafoundation.com

I hope to see you on Friday, take care,
wassalam
Ahson Ahmad

An enduring memory

2005-12-24T01:53:00.000Z

Photo: Stallholder and her sons outside Masjid Nabawi. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

How do I describe what I feel when I hear “Medinah”? Or, what I feel knowing that I am unable to attend Shaykh Hamza’s lecture on “A Sacred Journey to the Radiant Medinah” in Brampton (Canada) and that there is nothing I can do to change that? Most of all, how do I explain how desperately I long to go for hajj this year and how I wish to pray one more prayer in the Mosque of our Nabi (صلي الله عليه و سلم)? Not a day passed in the last 5 months when Medinah was not on my mind. Sometimes in my thoughts, other times in my dreams. Some days, I had this sudden urge to write to my close friend (who I was fortunate enough to share the Rihla experience with) and recall our mutual experiences from our journeys through Medinah and Makkah. I often wonder if I will ever revisit. If Allah (swt) will deem me worthy enough to return. If I will walk on the blessed streets of Medinah again and speak to the beautiful, gentle people who neighbour our Master (صلي الله عليه و سلم). One of my last memories in Medinah, before our departure for Umrah, was at the money exchange, a few feet away from the gates of the Prophet’s Mosque. By that point in our trip, the local shop owners were aware of the lucky “American group” and recognized many of us by face. The elder gentleman behind the counter asked me to pray for him in Makkah. I asked him to pray for me, always. He had what I will probably never have – constant proximity to our Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم). As we embarked our bus and made our way to Makkah, and as we chanted “Labbayk”, tears streamed down our faces. We were preparing for our pilgrimage and were ready to be at Allah (swt)’s service, but we were also leaving our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I miss him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) so much. I dread the idea of ever forgetting the images of Medinah and of ever becoming insensitive and numb to the memories of this vibrant city- a city that is as alive today as it was yesterday. If our deeds don’t weigh heavily enough on that Day, may our love for him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and his city protect us and shield us.

- Anonymous

A Mirror in Medina

2005-12-24T01:41:00.000Z

Photo: Worshippers hurry to the Prophet's (saw) mosque for Maghrib prayer. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I realize that it has been months since we returned from our stirring journey through the two holy cities, but I sit here knowing that I am still writing this too soon. I had no idea that we had started a blog until I returned to America and began sifting through the plethora of emails I had received in the time I was gone. I sit assured that no time will ever come when I will feel like I am ready to talk about the tumultuous journey my heart followed during our Rihla.

We were one of the last groups there. The arrival was sudden and overwhelming. I had not left the states since I was three, and, specifically, I had imagined for so long what it would be like to visit the blessed city of my Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Sure, I had so often shuffled through the poetry so that I could let my mind wander to what the streets the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) walked down, and what the trees he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) sat under. Nothing in the world could prepare me for what I was about to get into, which is something I realized much later. When we arrived there, it was straight to a cab, and on the cab ride to the hotel – I saw the minarets in the distance. SubhanAllah. I was left speechless, breathless, and filled with awe. I couldn’t cry, I couldn’t smile; I was completely outside of myself. For some reason, my brain could not comprehend where I was. I kept telling myself – this is what you came here for, to see the beautiful vision of the light that comes from the Prophet’s صلي الله عليه و سلم masjid.

There I was and it was different. To be honest with you, I couldn’t explain it then, and I really can’t even do it now. As we started taking the field trips, it became impossible for me to deal with everything. It was immensely intense to imagine that these roads that I dare put my unworthy shoes on, or that my unworthy forehead prostrate on were the same roads that the blessed foot of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) tread in his daily life. Suddenly, all those stories I had collected during my childhood, and my teenage years, and even in college were coming to life. I have been blessed to be able to attend the Seerah classes of Dr. Sherman Jackson at the ALIM program, and while Dr. Jackson did an amazing job of humanizing the seerah in the classroom, I relived the entire class, and Dr. Jackson came with me everywhere. His booming voice resounding in my head as I walked through the tranquil city.

Each day I would come home at night to our hotel room, having no idea how to handle this. I have had my share of tests in my life, and I have been through emotional situations, but nothing of this caliber. I slowly let the intensity build up, and as the intensity increased my capability to handle myself was diminishing. Finally, at the end of the first week, I couldn’t take it anymore. Suddenly, the city had turned into an enormous microscope that allowed me to look at myself. My insides hung all over the town, and suddenly it seemed all my weaknesses had been revealed to me. That Friday, I broke down, and I was scared out of my mind. I had never felt so alone and so scared. I knew that I had been taken apart, I was unwoven, and I knew that all I had left to do was put myself back together.

The day I broke down was the first time I went to the Rawda and subhanAllah, because I could not bring myself to feel okay within the beautiful garden of the Rawdah. There were so many things that just made me realize that I was not worthy of this, and that there were so many people in the world that were more deserving of such a visit. I could not imagine bringing my face in front of the grave of my beloved Rasul (صلي الله عليه و سلم), but I had to. The man led us through the du’a to read in front of the grave, and after a list of salawat and salaams, he ordered us to say the most important thing I have ever said. There I was, standing in the middle of the city of the Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم), son of Abdullah, and it was over 1425 years ago that someone was here, saying it for the first time. My lips barely spilled the words: Ashhadu an La ilaha illa Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah. That was it.

It didn’t matter how many times in my life that I had said those words, but I just bore witness at the grave of the man who brought me the message that guided my life, the message that meant more to me than anything else which the Lord of the worlds created. Every other time I said it would be so secondary to the idea of bearing witness before the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), because I knew then, that I could never betray those words. When I say betray, I don’t mean by worshipping a Lord besides Allah, or that the love I have for the Rasul (صلي الله عليه و سلم) will diminish, because those things are in the hands of Allah, and I pray they are never taken away from me. My fear, which makes me tremble with every fiber in my being, is that I betray this with action. I fear I will not be actively preserving the message that our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) sent. I fear that I will betray the message the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) sent forth, and that I will not be the person I should be or that I can be. That one action of mine will be in contradiction to the declaration I made that day, and then I will be counted as someone who lied to the Prophet of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

I could spend a lifetime telling you about the beauty of the city of Medina, and the marvelous person the Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم was, but you have so many sources for that, all of which can relate to you these things in a much more articulate and beautiful manner. Instead, I can tell you what happened to me when I tried to wrap my head around these sources, because something inside me tells me that I was never alone in my desperation. That the troubles I have are troubles of the heart, and that someone somewhere battles the same troubles. And the thought of the words I write reassuring someone somewhere that indeed, these problems are a test for many, is my principle motivation.

The image of everything that occurred in those twenty-one days is emblazoned in my mind. There is a light that forever shines within, which reminds me of the warm glow of the Prophet’s صلي الله عليه و سلم mosque. There is a shade of gray that reminds me of the cosmic building the Sacred Mosque is. There is a smell, which I never hope to get rid of, that reminds me of the greatest human to have walked this earth. Each time I see a black sheet, I immediately remember the feel of the House of our Lord. When I see a crowd, I can’t help but be reminded of the rush on Fridays at the Prophet’s mosque صلي الله عليه و سلم, or the constant crowd surrounding the Ka’ba. Most of all though, each time I look in a mirror, I know that I am nothing but a small being, who once stood before the greatest man ever created (صلي الله عليه و سلم), and repented for all that I have done, and all that I will do. I am a small being, capable of enormous misdeeds. I am a small being, created by a Lord no one will ever comprehend. I am a small being, who has been given the greatest gift a human can receive. For that, this small being, wishes she could show enough gratitude, but I know in my heart of hearts, that it is a blessing I will never be fully grateful for. And for that, I repent again.

Lubna Grewal

My henna-ed hands

2005-11-27T23:28:00.000Z

The night before Eid, as I laid out my hands to get my henna done, I noticed that at the very tips of my fingernails there was a slight hint of orange coloring at the tips. I soon recalled that I had put that henna on my nails for the first night that we went into the rawdah! As I sat getting the elaborate and intricate designs on my palms, I couldn’t help but think how that simple plain circle I had put on right before going to the rawdah was the grandest piece of art ever on my palms. As I sat patiently, I began to think of all I had done with those hands with henna. I bought a tasbeeh with beads so small that I had to put in an effort to move the beads around. I prayed with those hands at the mosque of the prophet. I hugged a number of sisters from different places in the world with those hands. I did wudu with zam-zam water with those hands. I did sajda with those hands in the rawdah.
My henna-ed hands.

- Anonymous

A journey that began with uncertainty

2005-09-21T23:13:00.000+01:00

I start in the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful and peace and blessings be on our beloved prophet Muhammad.

The most important thing I wrote whilst at High School was in the front cover of my English book. It read:

Four things come not back:

(1) The spoken word;
(2) The sped arrow;
(3) Time past
(5) The neglected opportunity

Why am I stating this? As I sit here in a tranquil park gazing across a valley over a month after coming back from the Rihla with a pen in my hand trying to write down my physical and spiritual experiences but finding that words to describe what I went through elude me, my thoughts turn back five months and how I nearly neglected the opportunity to take a journey that would change my life forever.

Thanks to the constant encouragement and support of my family especially my aunt and my uncle and with the immense mercy and blessings of Allah, I was after eight long years, once again preparing to visit the holy cities of Makkah al Mukarramah and Medina al Munawwarah. Unbeknown to me then, Allah had shown tremendous courage in me as I was one of a select and privileged few to have been chosen by Him to visit His house and our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) from numerous others who I have no doubt would have fulfilled the rights of the two holy sanctuaries much better than I ever could. For this I can not thank Allah enough.

Medina. How can I put into words the emotions I went through when entering the city of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (صلي الله عليه و سلم), and on seeing the minarets that seem to touch the sky and the green dome that is so simple yet so beautiful. No words can fully do justice to the ethereal quality that the illuminated city has. I could only express my joy at being here once again from the tears that rolled down my face, the same tears that so many others have shed upon entering the city, the same tears that are such a noble and humble companion for the duroods that flowed from my tongue and the same tears that I will shed many a time before I leave.

So many times one can not express his true feelings of hope, gratitude and joy due to the fear of opening ones heart – the most sacred of places – and relaying emotions that no words can fathom. It is easy to leave what is in ones heart between him and his Lord, but with Allah’s guidance we try our utmost in expressing our thoughts so insha’allah others can take inspiration and courage. For me this is one of those times.

The most poignant part of my journey was the farewell visit to the Rawdah. Standing in the lobby of the hotel, my heart fluttering and smiling but tinged with sadness, knowing that very soon it will see its Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) again but wary that with every breath and every step its time in the illuminated city was ebbing away. The courtyard passes by where so many people are supplicating and so many young, innocent children are playing seemingly unaware of the beautiful mosque that is their backdrop. Everything is so peaceful as I enter the mosque. The mosque is quiet. My heart has never felt safer as I walk towards the Rawdah. Praying peacefully behind every pillar that I can, I feel so privileged.

The time has come. I walk slowly and stand humbly before my prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I am here standing in front of the best of creation, the one who spent night after night weeping for forgiveness for his Ummah and I am standing in front of Him knowing I am not worthy of this moment, knowing I have done nothing, sacrificed nothing for my religion but still Allah has seen something in me to bring me thousands of miles from my home and stand me in front of the one he loves the most. I am truly fortunate. My heart prays, prays that the prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) would just glance at me for a millisecond and acknowledge my presence and my heart would be content. Before a word even crosses my lips tears stream down my face and nothing matters to me at that time for I am in front of my prophet praying for salvation, doing the exact same thing that millions of people have done before me and millions will do after me, praying that with his intercession I will cross the bridge of sirat, praying that with his hands I will drink the sweet water of Hawdhe Kawthar and praying I will see him again.

As I walk back wiping the tears from my face I feel happy and immensely privileged to be part of a group that had an opportunity to be so close to the prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). As a group we experienced so much that we can only thank Allah for choosing us.

My journey that started five months ago with uncertainty ends with happiness on a rain lashed landing strip at Heathrow Airport or, has my journey to eternal bliss only just begun? Only Allah knows.

Finally I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the shuyookh, Sheikh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Qadi and Sheikh Jamal for their guidance, knowledge and inspiration and to all the Rihla participants for their kindness and patience. To the friends I made at the Rihla and to one friend who said I should try and write a podcast (you all know who you are), jazakamullahu khair for putting up with me and giving me the most unforgettable three weeks of my life. I miss you all. Insha’allah we will all meet once more in the city of our beloved prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

A-R B

By the gate of your generosity stands a sinner

2005-09-19T18:25:00.000+01:00

Photo: Shaykh Abdallah Al-Kadi and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

To be invited to Madina is indeed a great blessing, and, truth be told, it is sufficient as a blessing. But Allah is wonderfully Generous. Not only were we present in Madina, we were there with some of the most gifted Shuyukh of our time, luminaries on the path to God. Among them, a direct descendent of he who came to illuminate the hearts of men and to take humanity out of darkness into light like the dazzling full moon on a black night. It was a truly humbling experience to sit at the feet of Shaykh Muhammad al Yaqoubi, who taught us the Shama’il of Imam Tirmidhi. Shaykh Muhammad is truly awe-inspiring, explained in part, by him being from the blessed progeny of the Beloved of God, peace be upon him.

A description of Shaykh Muhammad here is but laconic; there is little chance of doing justice to him in such few words. Just by looking at him, it instils in you a thirst for knowledge about our Nabi, peace be upon him.

He is in the room but I’m convinced he isn’t. As some brothers mentioned, it’s like he’s from a different era. Throughout his classes I was mesmerised by his deep insight and candour. His joy at discussing all the different aspects of Rasoolullah’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) life is a joy to behold. It made me think at some points that he didn’t need any of us there. He would get the same joy at just teaching to an empty room – such is the love that he has for his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah, صلي الله عليه و سلم. How could I be grateful enough to the Prophet of Islam, صلي الله عليه و سلم, when I was still benefiting from that which he left behind?

The study of the Shama’il was nicely complimented by the class taught by Shaykh Abdullah al –Kadi, which was titled Buyut an-Nabi: ‘Houses of the Prophet’, صلي الله عليه و سلم. I had never met or even heard of the Shaykh prior to this trip, so it was a gift from the Rihla organisers to unite us here in Madina. It was Shaykh Abdullah who had facilitated for us most of our trips around the Holy cities, and he worked around the clock to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. Shaykh Abdullah warms the heart with his amazing personality. He narrated inspiring and moving stories about our Nabi’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) relationship with his wives. His (صلي الله عليه و سلم) undying love for Khadija, may God be pleased with her, her sacrifices for him (صلي الله عليه و سلم), and the deen of Allah, her belief in him as a Messenger of God (صلي الله عليه و سلم); we were taught that their relationship is a time-honoured template for those looking for success. We covered all of the wives of the Prophet – raised by Allah with the title Umm al Mu’mineen: Mothers of the Believers. The class on his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) relationship with A’isha, may God be pleased with her, was particularly memorable as it highlighted the everyday matters of relationships and some of the hardships that he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) experienced. But it was constantly peppered with insights into the Prophets’ character and kindness. ‘I am no longer concerned about death because I know you will be my wife in Jannah’ he used to say to A’isha.
On another occasion we learnt of his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) tenderness with Saffiyya, may God be pleased with her. He (صلي الله عليه و سلم) wiped away her tears with his thobe because she had become upset at being called a Jew by the other wives. He (صلي الله عليه و سلم) told her ‘Say to them: My husband is a Prophet, my father is a Prophet [Aaron] and my uncle is a Prophet [Moses], whereas only your husband is a Prophet.’

Shaykh Abdullah – himself from the blessed family of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) – advised us throughout to be gentle with our spouses, to resolve disputes in the best of ways and to have excellent character when dealing with one another. A beautiful class taught by a beautiful teacher.

In the blessed company of Shaykh Jamal Zahabi, a hanafi scholar, we covered the fiqh of Umrah. Shaykh Jamal would often mix with the brothers at meal times and his patience and good humour really left a mark on me. And who could forget his heart-stirring voice? His rendition of ‘Ya Imam al-Rusli’ brought tears to the eye, joy to the soul and cultivated the seeds of love for the Best of Creation, peace be upon him.

And, of course, inspiring us with his very presence was Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. The inimitable Shaykh Hamza, under whose guidance and leadership this sacred journey came to fruition. I’ve been deeply moved by Shaykh Hamza ever since I came across his lectures and writings and the Rihla proved I’m not alone. If I was to write about every person whose life he has touched I would need to write a few volumes and that would just be brushing the surface. During the three weeks, I saw glimpses of what makes him the man he is. Anyone who observes, with a clear mind, will see a man lost in the love of the Prophet, صلي الله عليه و سلم. Shaykh Hamza carries with him the spirit of Islam: deeply sincere, magnanimous in nature and a truly selfless soul. On one of the nights we went to visit the Rawdah, he made a plea to the brothers not to elongate their Nawafil prayers at the various places of worship and to give other brothers and sisters the chance to pray there. He said, ‘that is where the reward is, to think of your brother before you think of yourself.’

Shaykh Hamza taught from the Reflections of Pearls dua’a book and although we never managed to complete it, what we did cover was sufficient. Mainly, that if we take up the sunnahs of the Messenger, صلي الله عليه و سلم, we will find barakah in our lives and the road to paradise becomes smooth, God Willing. Commentating on the dua’a for the market place, Shaykh Hamza reminded us, ‘God purchased your soul for your life and against it is paradise. That is the souk of the Akhira.’

Along the way we celebrated the life of the Prophet, صلي الله عليه و سلم, by visiting the many places he visited, masajid he prayed at, wells he drank from, streets he walked by, battlefields he negotiated, and the sites of historic speeches he gave, صلي الله عليه و سلم. It was surreal. This is where it all began. One man (صلي الله عليه و سلم) with a small band of followers. They gave their lives so we could live to say ‘La ilaha ilallah.’ What a legacy they left behind. At masjid-e Aqabah, where the first Muslims from Madina came to pledge their allegiance to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), I felt as though we had been moved back to that very time; such was the spirit of chivalry, brotherhood and sacrifice that still emanates from within those four walls.

The moments spent in the Rawda of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), were moments from another world. Spending time in his company (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Tears flowed naturally here, hard hearts melted; arrogance wilted. Minutes seemed like days. Everyone longs for their beloved. I was at home here. Shaykh Muhammad reminded us: ‘We go to him, peace be upon him, with no knowledge and no claims – except with the claim that we love him, peace be upon him.’ My feelings are conveyed far more eloquently than I ever could in the poem of the great scholar Shaykh Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani:

By the gate of your generosity stands a sinner, who is mad with love,
O best of mankind in radiance of face and countenance!
Through you he seeks a means [tawassala], hoping for Allah’s forgiveness of slips;
from fear of Him, his eyelid is wet with pouring tears.
Although his genealogy attributes him to a stone [hajar],
how often tears have flowed, sweet, pure and fresh!
Praise of you does not do you justice, but perhaps,
In eternity, its verses will be transformed into mansions.
My praise of you shall continue for as long as I live,
For I see nothing that could ever deflect me from your praise.

- G. H.

His Presence Never Fails Me

2005-09-14T10:53:00.000+01:00

Photo: A young female worshipper inside a mosque on the way to Taif. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Finally, after a long journey, we landed and excitement took over. I was yearning to go to Masjid Nabawi but I had to be patient. I was so close yet so far away. On our way to the hotel, I was hoping to get a glance of the masjid. I saw bits and pieces but not the whole thing.

Arriving at the hotel, we unloaded our luggage and got the keys to our rooms. I wanted to drop everything and go. Soon, fajr came in. I got up and walked to the Masjid of our Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I couldn’t believe I was actually there. There I was in the city where the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once walked.

Days passed and I still didn’t get the chance to visit the rawdah. The desire began to accumulate and I could no longer be patient. I had to end this wait. I had to find a way, since it was my first time ever I didn’t know where the rawdah was, so I was told that you can say salaam outside the green dome and its no different. So there I was under the hot blazing sun staring at the green dome. I thought SubhanAllah, I am staring at the original part of the Masjid, all these years passed and there it proudly stands. This is where the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once prayed, once lived, and once got his revelations, and there I was standing. SubhanAllah. As I made my salaam, I felt peace overpower me and the strong presence of our Rasool (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Without a doubt, the best experience I had in Medina was actually being in the rawdah. Standing, prostrating, and making dua next to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is a feeling I can’t describe. Visiting all the historical sites, and being able to go places many people can't, made me realise how fortunate I was. Out of the six billion people on the face of the earth I was chosen, by Allah, to experience and be where the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once was.

Something interesting happened the day we left Madinah. I was sitting in the bus when I noticed rain drops. Shocked and surprised, I thought to myself, rain is a blessing from Allah Taala - did this have to do with anything of us leaving? Excited to go to the House of Allah Taala, I was also sad leaving the city of Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) not knowing if I’ll ever come back.

- Anonymous

A Meeting of Kindred

2005-09-01T02:35:00.000+01:00

Photo: Shaykh Yaqoubi greets students after a Shama'il session. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem

To be invited to the holy cities is an immense blessing from Allah, and to tread on the very same soil that our beloved and most noble Master Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم) also trod, we must undoubtedly count ourselves fortunate beyond what one can ever imagine. To have been selected amongst hundreds of brothers and sisters much better than ourselves to be a part of the Rihla to Madinah the Radiant we were blessed in so many ways.

One of the most unique aspects of the Rihla was that we were given the opportunity of connecting to our Most Beloved Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) through the recitation and commentary on the Shama’il of Imaam Tirmidhi (also known as Shama’il E Muhammadiyah) with an unbroken chain. This noble task was supremely conveyed to us by our eminent and erudite scholar Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi Al-Hasani may Allah increase him. So many students on the Rihla made the same assertion, that to be taught the Shama’il in Madinah by Shaykh Muhammad was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Every class was a savoured moment in time, the mental image of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) being built up in our minds, his Sunnah being brought to life by his grandson. We look back now remembering how Shaykh Muhammad showed us how most eloquently the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) would lick his fingers after a meal, how he would sit and how he would walk with vigour and determination. I remember the description of his illuminated face (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and how a companion came to the conclusion that it was indeed more beautiful than the full moon and his hair that he would care for by placing olive oil in it. Some days we would meet friends and comment on how we saw traits of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) in people we knew and saw, not a moment would pass by that our attention wouldn’t be brought back to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) through a deed or spoken word. In studying the Shama’il we all felt so much more connected to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and our stay in his city was brought to life.

We were also blessed with Shaykh Muhammad’s presence when we visited the Rawdha, we observed the etiquette with which the Shaykh conducted himself in this, the most holiest of places. I guess it’s difficult for us to understand or even comprehend the manner with which the people who are close to Allah and his Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) make their salutations, after all, they are the true seekers, true heirs. Like Shaykh Hamza Yusuf said, these precious moments will either count for us or against us on the Day of Account. Being sat in the Rawdha was surreal, it was calm and serene, brothers and sisters supplicating, taking stock of the occasion and being mindful to pray in the exact points where the forehead of our Blessed Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) touched, we pray that those days count in our favour. As our gaze wondered, we saw Shaykh Muhammad looking into the Holy enclosure, later amongst friends we spoke about the meeting of the grandson with his Grandfather (صلي الله عليه و سلم). That night we were fortunate enough to witness a meeting of kindred, a meeting like no other.

We sat with him, sang with him, laughed with him and shed tears with him, for this and so much more we are indebted to Shaykh Muhammad for blessing us with his presence physically and spiritually during the Rihla to Madinah.

- Z.Z. & A.Q.P.

His Signs

2005-08-31T02:46:00.000+01:00

Photo © Sana Siddiqi. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Spiritual experiences in life often evade the abilities of expression and can very rarely be successfully imparted to others. Yet, still we try our best to articulate feelings that often we ourselves don’t fully understand, and we do so to remind ourselves of His Blessings and pay heed to His reality.

My journey to Madinah perhaps started similar to those of others, one initiating with a longing, beginning with a hope, and ending in yet a greater longing.

It was a cold March this year, and the city of New York made room for another event. I sat in one of Hammerstein’s gilded ballrooms listening to Sheikh Abdul Sattar. His message was of the compassionate relationship between the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and his daughter, Fatima (RA). He spoke of a daughter like no other, and of a father like no other; a father that relayed the message of Islam to his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) daughter and asked her to accept, a daughter who, then a mere a child, looked at her father and offered her heart in belief. And one day, when all grown up, this daughter returned to her father (صلي الله عليه و سلم) in tire and weakness, seeking his help.

As Sheikh Abdul Sattar went on, my tears continued. That evening, alone in a hard to come by space in the city, I gathered myself around my faith and cried the cry of an emotion-filled child. I longed for the father of Fatima (ra), the Messenger of Allah. In my despair, I cried out a request to present myself before him, so that I could share with him my sorrows, my afflictions, my shame, so that I could have even a moment of his attention - a mere second in that third of the day that he offered to all who came to seek his help. It was a sincere and intense plea, a plea that perhaps granted me His Mercy that faithful day.

It was the 15^th of Rabi Awwal that I learned of my acceptance into this year’s Rihla program. That late afternoon, I was blessed with a sign that only my memories can try to understand the depths of. I saw the name of our Lord in the sky and in awe, felt an invitation in my heart.

Upon entering The City, tears rolled down my face as I recalled his seerah. Walking on the ground of Madinah, a strange sense of self-detachment came about, and my concerns became an only concern. Our first night in the Rawdah, I was neither here or there. As I prayed aside from his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) resting place, a heavy consciousness took over and shades of shame lowered my gaze as we said our salaam. I forgot everything that night. All I could think of was that I was in heaven on earth and that I longed only for this heaven in the hereafter.

And even at Aqabah, as we sat together in a place heavy with trust, the belief in the Messenger of Allah and the Message he imparted was the only thing I could think of. Seeing all of us sitting around the shayukh, hanging on to every word, my heart filled a sense of joy as I recalled the first migrants who came to pay their allegiance to our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). As I looked toward the door of that masjid, I truly felt that it was just by a very small amount of time, perhaps a mere day, that we missed his presence there. Although, we were not at the level of those that came to this place not too long ago, we too were blessed to sit on an earth that bore witness to a trust. Perhaps we too succeeded in making the devil cry again upon that near hill.

I am back to life here and reflect day after day at the weight of my experience. Although, I never did ask our Rasul (صلي الله عليه و سلم) what concerned me that evening in New York, I now pay closer attention to the advice he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) gave his daughter when she beseeched him for help - "Remain at your place…. Shall I teach you a thing which is better than what you have asked me? When you go to bed, say, 'Allahu-Akbar' thirty-four times, and 'Subhan Allah thirty-three times, and 'Alhamdu-lillah thirty-three times.”

This Rihla has taught me to remain in my place.

This was my personal experience that I wanted to convey with the picture I took above. Insh’Allah, we should continue to reflect on His Signs, and we’ll see that, often, they are very apparent, if not blatant.

- Sana Siddiqi

A palace from Paradise, home to the best of creation

2005-08-27T00:12:00.000+01:00

Photo: Worshippers stroll to the Prophet's (saw) mosque for Asr prayer. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

The plane lands. The wait is over. I am finally in Madina. The exhaustion and impatience evaporates; I put all my effort into concentrating on the fact that I am in the City of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). During the drive to the hotel, with my head bowed low, I increase my invocations upon the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I think to myself, “Alhamdulilah, I’ve made it.” My heart is at peace.

After reaching the hotel, I prepare myself to visit the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I hear the call for tahajjud being made, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar!” In haste, not wanting to miss a moment with the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), I put on clean clothing and a nice scent and hurry to the Masjid An-Nabawi. As I anxiously walk towards the Mosque of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) (heart beating at dangerous speeds), I realize why Madina is called “The Illuminated.” The light emanating from the pillars of the Masjid An-Nabawi seems to reach all corners of the blessed city. I am awe-struck by the sheer magnificence of the Masjid. It is like a palace from Paradise, home to the Best of Creation (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Overwhelmed, I walk into the Masjid repeating, “Allahuma Sali wa sallim ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad.” I can swear I am dreaming. It doesn’t feel real. Every step I take takes me closer to the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I clear my mind of everything. “Allahuma Sali wa sallim ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad.” I reach the Ottoman section of the Masjid An-Nabawi. I take a step into that section and I feel an alteration in my surroundings. My senses are heightened. My hearing, my sight, it’s all very different. I feel goose bumps and electricity all over my body. I look around the Holy Sanctuary: the carpet; the walls with their intricate designs; the ceiling; the colors – the deep reds, greens, and gold; then I look upon the Rawda; the beautiful Arabic calligraphy everywhere states, “Muhammad Rasool Allah.”

That one step from the new section of the Masjid into the old one is a gateway into a different realm. I don’t know what it is, but this section of the Masjid transports me somewhere. Like a faded memory that belongs to a different person, I suddenly remember the life I live – my neighborhood, my school, my friends, my hopes, my fears, my attachments – they all mean nothing at this one moment. I am no longer in the world. I keep walking deeper into the Mosque until I can walk no further. I make a left turn.

And there is the Prophet of Allah.

As I look upon the golden gate to the resting place of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) my pulse quickens. I look at the sign above his blessed resting place, “Here is the Messenger of Allah.” It is like being struck with a hammer. I am overwhelmed with a plethora of emotions. Bliss. Love. Longing. Safety. Shame. Hope. Lots of hope. Here I stand and send greetings and salutations upon the Beloved of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Every moment before the golden gates seems like an eternity. I speak intimately to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). My feelings begin to release themselves from my chest in the same manner that a flood destroys a dam. I beg for his love, for his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) intercession, and for nearness to him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) on the Day of Reckoning.

After what seems like hours, I realize that the time for the Fajr prayer approaches. I want to be there forever, but I painfully realise that I must leave. I gently excuse myself from my Beloved’s side (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and prepare to pray. I leave the Beloved’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) side transformed. I smile as I look forward to the days ahead spent at his side (صلي الله عليه و سلم), may Allah’s peace and blessing everlastingly shower upon him (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

- Amjad Tarsin

Saintly Places

2005-08-26T19:22:00.000+01:00

Photo: Rihla participants gather in the mosque built over the spot where the companions of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) pledged their allegiance to him (saw).© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I read this poem Saintly Places by Sidi Abdal Hayy Moore and it summed up my feelings about the Rihla experience. I don’t know how Sidi Abdal Hayy does it but he always amazes me with his saintly words.

- Ayaz Hyder

Saintly Places
by Daniel Abdal Hayy Moore

We need to stand in saintly places
the way our body needs food to not topple over

We need to go there and find nearness there
even just a rude rock-strewn place where something

saintly took place or is taking place
tombs in giant sepulchers or a rude

rock-strewn place you can feel under your
feet or at the base of the heart the

non-physical saintliness of a real person in whom
God was by that person’s pleasing pleased

and stand there in its crystal waters rushing
past our ears and bathing our limbs the way

careful mothers of all creatures bathe their young
in the same way really we need to

find and stand in saintly places in this world
or stand with saintly ones and

stand with them for a time or for all time
and once found not ever leave their sainted precincts

in time or out of time
but stand with them

in their saintly places or those
who have gone before whose places are still

palpably alive the way even other live places
are not but these places are refuges and

refueling places not known anywhere
else on earth or with any other practitioners

and to stand in the bounty of a saintly place is
indescribable but evident if not then

then now in its great effect and the continuous affect
it has on us to

stand just once or have stood for even a small time
in space

in saintly places

When the candle goes out, all goes dark...

2005-08-23T12:26:00.000+01:00

Photo: Worshippers hurry to the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque for Maghrib prayer. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Upon visiting the Prophet’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) grave the Quranic statement that kept returning to my mind was: “Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah.” (The Holy Quran, 3:144) I realized how the Sahabah must have felt on the day of Uhud when this ayah was revealed after the spread of the rumor of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) being killed. Imagine, the state of these people, in the heat of battle, defending their beloved Prophet, hearing news that he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is killed. Not having anything to live for, many turned back, stopped fighting, struck deeply by this statement. Some simply put down their weapons and sat down, loosing all drive to continue the struggle.

I imagined the state of Medina at the time when the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) died. Although going through difficulty and hardship, through hunger and pain, bearing the loss of loved ones and fortunes, there was none in comparison to this for the Sahaba. The revelation from the heavens had been cut off. Their lifelong guide had departed. Life felt like it could not continue without his presence. Umar (RA), the man who’s positions would be supported by revelations. The man who the Prophet said: “If there were to be a prophet after me it would be Umar.” The man who would unsheathe his sword at moments notice upon the Prophet being insulted. The man who when everyone made hijra secretly under the protection of the night, went to the Ka’ba in broad daylight and announced his intention to migrate, threatening anyone who would follow in pursuit. This fearless Umar could not bear the news and threatened to kill all who confirmed it.

This was truly a test of perseverance for the inhabitants of Medina, at this point, when it seemed that all was lost, Abu Bakr stood up. Swallowing his sorrow, knowing that he did not have the luxury to grieve like the others. The stakes were too high. All that their Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) had worked for risked being lost. At this moment of trial, the only companion who’s companionship was confirmed in by the Quran, gathered the people and proclaimed: “Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah.” (The Holy Quran, 3:144)

After spending a few weeks within the sacred boundaries of the harem under the guidance of dear scholars, the difficultly of leaving is only compounded. A place so beloved to Allah (swt) that he sent His beloved Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) to honor it with his footsteps and his sujood. A land so protected that when enemy armies invade they are warded off by raining stones or when volcanoes erupt they are diverted to the surprise of geologist. Take note of this nauseating feeling one gets leaving this land of constant dhikr, cities closing upon the athan, and Muslims from every corner of this planet. Now imagine the feeling of those Companions whose love of the Prophet we cannot even fathom let alone hope to achieve. Leaving the side of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) to go out upon his command to spread the Call to humanity. Imagine being these Sahaba, knowing that they most probably will never see his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) beloved face, never hence on pray behind him in congregational prayer, never again defend him against his enemies. How can we even grasp the pain? They, however, were taught in the best of schools, under the best teacher known to mankind. Their love for the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) didn’t result simply in yearning for his physical presence but rather to seek his pleasure, thus providing them with drive, causing them to leave his company, going out to further his cause. They knew that for this man, the cause was above all, even himself. For him (صلي الله عليه و سلم), the burden of the responsibility placed upon him of guiding humanity to their Lord was of utmost importance. We claim to love the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Aren’t we then responsible to ease his load, play our part in delivering his message? The companions not only understood vision, but placed their lives, wealth, and families at ransom for its realization. Take heed from this example. Long for the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) in private, walk in his footsteps even if you walk alone.

- Saif Omar

Hanging onto Medina

2005-08-19T20:48:00.000+01:00

Photo: Rihla participants look through digital photographs as the group prepares to leave a banquet hosted by the Governor of Madinah.
© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I rushed home tonight in order to make it back on time to break my voluntary fast. Only 40 minutes until maghrib remained and I still had to help my mother prepare food and clean up the house. As the sun settled in and maghrib approached, my thoughts drifted back to Medina.

“I miss the adhan of Medina” I told my mom.

“It feels weird without it, doesn’t it?” my mother sympathized, reflecting back to her own childhood days in the Muslim world when the beautiful call to prayer would fill the skies and each person would leave whatever busied them and would quickly respond to the call for prayer.

“But it isn’t only the adhan”, I thought, “it’s the people, the shayukh, praying in his masjid (صلي الله عليه و سلم), being in the rawdah during the night hours - it’s everything and anything about Medina that I miss so much”.

I do everything I can to carefully recreate those moments for myself - from reading my litanies in the same order as I did in Medina to praying on the same prayer mat. Each day since I received the 2000 photographs DVD, I go through as many as I can with myself. After developing my favourite 50 photographs I placed them in my purse to be with me at all times, without exception. Throughout the day as I travel the buses and perform my daily routines, each time I run into a friend or an acquaintance I quickly pull out my photographs and offer to go through them with a short history lesson accompanying each photograph. It fails to tire me. I repeat the same stories, each time with equal, if not more, excitement and vigour. But sometimes the photographs are just not enough. Sometimes my memories of kissing the Blackstone and hanging on the multazam are not enough. Even tears are not enough because they won’t take me back.

People say that as the days go by the memories will fade and “things will return back to normal”. I irk each time I hear that because I just don’t want to go “back to normal”. In the end, our prayers will have to be enough. May He (swt) always keep these memories alive and may we all return again, soon, inshaAllah.

- Anonymous

To You, my Lord, I complain of my weakness...

2005-08-16T15:45:00.000+01:00

Photo: The mosque built next to the grave of Adaas, a Christian slave who became Muslim after he served the Prophet (saw) grapes in Taif. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Where to begin? To encapsulate a beautiful dream in a few words would be to squeeze a camel through the eye of a needle…

‘To You, my Lord,
I complain of my weakness,
lack of support and the humiliation I am made to receive.
Most Compassionate and Merciful!
You are the Lord of the weak,
and you are my Lord.
To whom do You leave me?
To a distant person who receives me with hostility?
Or to an enemy You have given power over me?
As long as you are not displeased with me,
I do not care what I face.
I would, however,
be much happier with Your mercy.
I seek refuge in the light of Your face by which all darkness is dispelled and both this life and the life to come are put in their right course against incurring your wrath or being the subject of your anger.
To You I submit,
until I earn Your pleasure.
Everything is powerless without your support.’

Bleeding and shaken, our Holy Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) invokes his Lord; how? He first identifies himself with ‘the weak,’ a humble being who is all too aware that he is subject to his Lord’s mercy, He it is who has the power to leave his own chosen one wherever He wills; even in the hands of his enemies.

He (صلي الله عليه و سلم) complains to his Lord; why? He has been stoned out of Taif, where he went with a peaceful message, seeking refuge from persecution, all to be pushed back from whence he came; to be returned to where he received insults and foul language, where his path was laid with thorns, his holy body was smeared with intestines…

Exiled and humiliated, our Holy Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) craves for his Lord’s pleasure. ‘As long as [He] is not displeased’ nothing matters. Our Holy Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is agitated and perplexed, he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is disturbed…why? Although his Lord has forgiven his sins, chosen him above mankind, revealed to him the Holy Book, brought him near to Him like none other, placed his name alongside His own, our Holy Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is concerned that perchance his Lord is angry with him (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Humiliated and powerless, our Holy Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) seeks refuge in The Light of the heavens and earth, he submits his entire being to Him. Eleven years later, in the eighth year of Hijrah the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) returns to Makkah as the most modest of conquerors, having achieved the greatest victory for Islam.

The link between Taif and the Fath cannot be overstated. His complete turning to, and trust in Allah was eventually rewarded. If in the twenty-first century we share the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) feelings at this time in his life, then we must turn to Him as he did, with the same level of conviction, and in the same desperate manner. The power of this dua cannot be overstated; the fruits which it bore are clear for the eye to behold. Our beloved Shaykh Hamza could not hold back his tears when relating this event.

You may ask why I have blogged about the darker side of a trip that was Alhamdulillah full of smiles and joy; why have I touched upon the low point of the Prophet’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) life? I sincerely believe that the solution we are yearning for lies in this dua. Don’t you think that our Ummah is in no better a state than he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was when making this Dua? Where is our guaranteed forgiveness for past and future sins? Where is our promised seat in Jannah? Our status is miles below his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) yet despite our sorry condition we fail collectively to turn to Him as he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) did. Insha-Allah this dua will inspire all and insha-Allah through following his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) example we will reach out from the depths of darkness into Light.

May Allah reward our beloved Shuyookh who guided us through the Rihla as well as the wonderful organisers, who through their hard work and dedication made the Rihla a magnificent experience. Ameen. I am still failing to push the camel through the needle’s eye…this beautiful dream can never be described in its entirety, it is impossible to render into words the enrapture of mind, body, heart and soul when standing before the greatest of creation (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and before the house of The Greatest.

- Anonymous

Battle of Khandaq

2005-08-16T14:59:00.000+01:00

Photo: Shaykh Hamza briefs the students on the Battle of Khandaq. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

At the Battle of Khandaq the Muslims had established their largest army to date – they were 3000 men strong. Our blessed prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was seeking suggestions on how to prevent defeat and it was Salman (radi Allahu anhu) who proposed building a trench. He explained that in Persia when they feared attack they would create trenches. His brilliant idea was received with great enthusiasm even though it was a foreign technique unused in Arabia. Each set of 10 men was responsible for digging a fixed portion of the trench. Together they worked endlessly and in 6 days achieved a 5 km long trench – a very difficult and quite a miraculous task given that the dimensions of the trench were 7 m wide and 4 m deep, the tools were primitive and the terrain was extremely rough. Although the trench no longer exists, we walked upon the very roads where it once stood. Thereafter, we prayed two rakats in the modest Masjid Al Fat’h, which was the site of the control centre for the battle.

Photo: Students climb the small hill to reach Masjid Fath which was built over what was the Prophet's (saw) command centre. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

We were told of Jabir Ibn Abdullah (radi allahu anhu) who was one of the companions working hard at building the trench. His pangs of hunger led him to our master (صلي الله عليه و سلم). It was customary in those days to tie rocks to one’s stomach in order to alleviate the pain resulting from prolonged hunger. Jabir (radi allahu anhu) had done so as well and he showed our blessed prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa salaam) his rock. As Jabir (radi allahu an) would now learn, he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) had not one, but two rocks tied to his own stomach! Realizing how much more intense the prophet’s hunger must have been, Jabir (radi allahu anhu) and his wife invited him to join them for whatever little food they had in their dwelling. He accepted their invitation and brought along with him his other fellow companions. Worry overcame Jabir’s wife (radi allah anha) because she knew the food was not ample enough for two people – let alone 10! Our prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) blessed the food with the name of Allah and covered the pot. He then began serving his companions ten at a time. Each time ten men had eaten their fill, they were replaced by another ten until 1,600 men had eaten. The prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) then served himself and the food in the pot remained as it originally was. Shaykh Hamza and Shaykh Abdullah took us to Masjid Bani Haram where this miraculous incident took place. We remained in awe as we stood at the very spot where this incredible meal was eaten and where Allah had demonstrated his Magnanimous Power. (It was also here that the children from the neighborhood gathered to greet Shaykh Hamza because they recognized him from T.V J)

And yes, this is the same Jabir (radi allahu anhu) whose father was the first martyr at Uhud. He(صلي الله عليه و سلم) told Jabir (radi allahu anhu) that his father was in paradise and that he was asked by Allah The Almighty what he would liked. He wished for nothing more than to die again for His sake. But Allah (SWT) said that would not be granted. So he asked to simply let the people know of his elevated state in the heavens.

Photo: A blind old man makes dhikr in the masjid while the rihla brothers pray. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

As the companions continued excavating, their tools were unable to penetrate one very stubborn rock. With no other options left, they suggested diverting the trench around the rock. Upon inspecting the situation himself, the prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) raised his axe in the name of Allah and struck the rock. One third of the rock broke off, creating a great light. The prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) then raised the pickax and gave it a second strike and another third of the rock broke. The prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) struck the rock a final time. The entire rock then shattered and glittering light was emitted and seen in the skies. He told his companions that at the first light, Allah (swt) promised him Yemen; at the second he was promised Shaam; and at the third he was promised Persia. Salman (radi allahu anhu) saw this prophecy fulfilled and witnessed the great capitals of Persia, Rome, Syria, Egypt, Iraq being ruled by Muslims. He himself became the governor of Persia. Masjid Al Raya was in the vicinity of where these promises were made. It also served as the first control centre for the battle (it was later moved to Masjid Al Fat’h) and we had the honour of praying within its walls and stepping foot on where our noble prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) may have stepped.

Photo: The female participants perform their two rakaat's nafl prayer. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

The battle ended with the nonbelievers camping outside the city for 24 days with no food. Allah sent upon them cool wind and a dust cloud. They were weakened and their camels began to die. Hopelessness overtook them and they retreated before they even began to fight. Allah granted victory to our prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and his companions.

- Anonymous

Camels and quad bikes on Arafat

2005-08-12T12:25:00.000+01:00

© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

As the coaches made their way through the plains of Arafat, my companion who had performed Hajj, explained that during the season, the whole area would be filled with the white shrouds of pigrims. The mind boggled as how 2 million people performed their rites together and to imagine the whole expanse being filled with worshippers.... subhanallah.

As we approached the mount where our Beloved Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم) gave his last sermon, we were surrounded by a herd of brightly decorated camels and their keepers - "rides and polaroid photos for a fee!" were on offer. Amongst these were a few quad bikes zooming around the sand with young boys cheering.

All I could think of was the irony and madness of it all.... that on the plains on which we would be resurrected for judgement, there were camel rides and quad-biking! It just seemed so odd.

In a panic I searched for Shaykh Hamza and Shaykh Abdullah who I thought were on a camel ride somewhere in the distance.... but of course, they had walked past all the pomp, ascended the mount and delivered a beautiful briefing about the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) last sermon.

By the time most of us discovered this, the shayukh were done and it was too late to partake in the briefing. Talk about being distracted by dunia!

- Atif Ghaffar

Date Palms: "Words have all but left me..."

2005-08-11T23:03:00.000+01:00


Words have all but left me
there is nothing more to say
I’m one of the broken-hearted
who was once so far astray

With hardened heart and lost soul
by Allah’s invitation I did arrive
to the land of my Beloved
where I truly became alive

To the city of Medinah
I came with nothing to share
only tears could I shed
and my lonely soul did I bare

My heart was cracked open
as my Beloved came to me
through the light of Shaykh Ya’qubi
my eyes began to see

The palms pregnant with dates
gave life to us all
nourishing minds and bodies
when upon us exhaustion would fall

Our beloved shuyukh
so patient and kind
transported us with love
beyond all space and time

The kindness of those
whom I was honored to know
have planted seeds of love
for my heart to nourish and grow

Never shall I be worthy
of this journey I have made
my Beloved called me to Him
for this my life I would gladly trade

This servant had nothing
to offer her Master
other than a broken heart
and a longing for the hereafter

May Allah help us all
as we must wade through this life
continuing to struggle
with our nufs’ bitter strife

This sweet sadness I feel
and the longing of my heart
leaves me alone with the despair
of wanting never to be apart

May we forever keep our vow
which will never grow old
if on the sirat should we falter
that there may be a hand to hold

- Shannon Dwyer (Umm Iman)

صلي الله عليه و سلم

The first glance of the Kaaba

2005-08-10T11:05:00.000+01:00

My wife and I decided to get a taxi to Makkah (with Zeshan and Hena) so our journey would be a little quicker and (hopefully) easier. Our driver was a rather hurried and casual young man from "Balosh" (donning T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap) who had a knack for avoiding the traffic cops whilst making haste on the highway. We stopped at the miqat about 30 minutes away from Medina where we had the blessed good fortune of meeting Shaykh Hamza and his family briefly.

Then the journey continued, much of which was spent discussing the arrival of the Dajjal and the Mehdi. As we approached Maghrib, the weather took a turn for the worse - dark clouds building up and frantic surges of lightening could be seen illuminating the horizon. I was still in a daze contemplating the prophecies of the Imam Mehdi. This weather only enhanced my imagination.

As we entered Makkah, we were amazed at the rugged landscape and harsh mountains surrounding ourselves - during our descent through the numerous tunnels, Zeshan mentioned a hadith of the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) which described Makkah's belly being opened up!

The contrast of the trees and sakina of Medina to the harsh mountains and humidity of Makkah was stark. It really did feel that we were approaching the House of Allah to beg his forgiveness.

After we reached our hotel and sorted out the rooms, we set off quickly to begin performing the rites of Umra at the Haram, continually chanting Labayk Allahuma Labbayk. On entering the gate of Baba Salaam, we steadily approached the entrance pillars to the Kaaba. As soon as our eyes caught sight of it, we began making repentance and the tears began to flow - as if they themselves were called by Allah's command - and I felt an aching sensation in the depths of my heart as it were begging to be cleansed.

- Atif Ghaffar
On our way to Makkah. Apprx 5pm

Poem: Would that winds of the hijaz...

2005-08-09T17:38:00.000+01:00

Photo: A lone worshipper sleeps between 'isha and tahajjud at the foot of the Prophet's green dome. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Would that winds of the hijaz,
Still haunted my sleep,
Bidding me to awake and visit the one,
By whose generosity I exist.

O would that this dead heart,
Could flee back to Medina,
And bow down once again,
Where his blessed feet led prayers.

O pillar of the palm-trunk,
Elevated in station for eternity,
I still hear your weeping in the night,
As it is joined by my own.

Yet while my body drowns in sin,
My soul flies back to the Safe Haven.
Holding on to the rope of Allah,
I find myself in front of his blessed face.

- Faqir e ajam

صلي الله عليه و سلم

Reflections of Pearls

2005-08-09T00:51:00.000+01:00

Book: Reflections of Pearls, the superb little book of duas which Rihla participants studied with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. The book is now a close companion of many. © White Thread Press.

One of the many blessings at the Rihla was the opportunity to be seated before our shayukh to study a text and listen to them eloquently speak. With Shaykh Hamza, we journeyed through the text Reflections of Pearls – a collection of daily dua’a, salutations upon our Nabi (صلي الله عليه و سلم), the 99 Names of Allah, and other comprehensive dua’a from the Quran and ahadeeth. I have since made this short text my close companion and can bear witness, with absolute certainty, to the barakah I have gained in my time, worship, and daily routines. Amongst my personal favorites are calling upon Allah through his 99 names, sending blessings upon Habib Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) in the quiet moments after Fajr and the authentic dua’a:

O Allah, I beg of You Your love and the love of those who love You and I ask of You such deeds which will bring me Your Love (Tirmidhi).

In our opening session for this class, we were reminded about the need to call upon Allah. By making dua’a, we are in fact inviting Allah to be present with us. In the words of our Lord, we are told, “I am the companion of the one who remembers Me”.

Photo: Class with Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Our Master Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم) instructed us that “prayer is the weapon of the believer”. Physically articulating a prayer, however, is not enough. We must, as well, pay heed to the etiquettes of making dua’a and pray with sincerity, conviction, and concentration. Our beloved Shaykh Hamza recounted the tale of Ibrahim bin Adham from Al Basra (Iraq) and how people complained to him that despite calling on Allah, they did not receive what they asked for. He explained that it was because their hearts were dead due to the following 10 factors:

1) You know Allah (SWT), yet you do not fulfill His rights
2) You read the Qura’an, yet you do not follow it.
3) You claim to love the Prophet (Sal Allah Alayhi Wa Salaam), yet you do not act upon the sunnah.
4) You claim the devil is your enemy, yet you agree with him.
5) You claim to love Paradise, yet you do nothing to earn it.
6) You claim to hate the Fire, but you do nothing to flee from it.
7) You claim that death is real, yet you do not prepare for it.
8) You are preoccupied with the faults of others, yet you do not think of your own faults.
9) You eat the blessings of Allah, yet do not thank Him (SWT).
10) We bury the dead, yet take no lesson from it.

May we return to Allah (swt) with a sound heart and remember Him (swt) in every moment of our lives. "Truly, it is by the Remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest." [Qura'an, 13.28]

- Anonymous

How do I begin to speak of my internal rihla?

2005-08-09T00:16:00.000+01:00

Photo: Class with Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

All praises belong to Allah, the Most Merciful and Generous, and may the best of blessings and peace be upon our Master and Beloved Rasulullah and his families and companions, and those who follow them until the end of time.

It has been almost two weeks since I returned from the Rihla, and I’m still struggling to recover from the ‘Rihla Fever’… Like other participants, I’ve been bombarded with many questions about the Rihla.Unfortunately, I can only talk about my ‘external’ Rihla… The amazing lectures, field trips, the great hospitality, the feasts, the physical beauty and structures of the mosques, the destruction of the holy places and historical sites and so on.

For some reason, I’m having great difficulty talking about my ‘internal’ Rihla. I've resorted reading the stories and reflections written by fellow Rihla-mates on this wonderful blog to soothe my sick heart and search for some answers…

As I reflect on the other posts, I’m slowly beginning to realize what is happening to me… I feel very lost and disheartened because I left my heart and soul in the Haramain, Makkah and Madinah. Ya Allah! How do I retrieve them now? When I was there, I felt like I was on seventh heaven and I was going to stay there forever… How do I bring that heart back to earth again? How do you explain these experiences in words or any human language? Ya Allah!

I don’t know the answers to these questions, but one thing I know for sure is that I must strive harder and harder to improve my state – ‘cause going back to my old habits and routine is going to cause me more and more pain and grief. I also pray that my Lord, the Most Merciful and Generous, will not leave me alone wandering aimlessly after bringing me this far… Ya Allah!!!

I must continue to learn how to increase and carry my love and devotion for Allah ‘Azza wa Jjal and His Beloved Prophet, many blessings and peace be upon him, whatever I do and wherever I go…

According to a Hadith, we will not be truly grateful to Allah unless we show our deep gratitude to the people whom Allah chose to send His blessings upon us. So I would like to take this opportunity in my first post at this blog to thank all our beloved shuyukh and their blessed families, the organisrs and their blessed families, our tour guides, our hosts, our bus drivers, and all those who served us and tried to make our stay in the blessed cities a very pleasant one. May Allah subhanahu waTa’ala preserve them and immensely reward them in Dunya and Akhirah, and join us all with our Beloved in Janatul Firdous. Ameen!

I would also like to thank all the aunties, uncles, brothers and the sisters who blessed us with their company at the Rihla, including the children (our little angels :), for their wonderful companionship. I learned a lot from you all…

Last but not least, how can I forget all our families, friends and supports from all over the world. It was because of your constant support and du’a that we were able to experience what we’ve experienced at the Rihla. Jazakumu Allah kulail khair!

O our Lord, grant us the best in this life (Dunya) and the best in the next life (Akhira), and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

May Allah Subhanahu waTa’ala grant us all with many Rihalaat to return back to Him again and again, before our final Rihla to Him. Ameen!

- Your Sister-in-Islam

Complete love and trust for the one who leads

2005-08-08T12:39:00.000+01:00

Photo: Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Shaykh Mohammad Al-Yaqoubi at the khatm of the Shama'il. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

What Did You Learn? A question I have been asked several times since returning.

I find myself in a strange place, unable in many instances to speak at all amidst the usual daily chatter. I cannot tell more than two people at one time of my journey, for it is an intimate tale which must be told in a way that honors that truth.

But the answer to the question is always the same. I came to love our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) as I never have before, and I came to know why we must love him. I know that I certainly had to be in Madinah in order to know the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) deeply, to connect with him in the depths of my soul. For it is a stubborn soul, and so it had to be at the source in order to be convinced of certain realities.

By the Mercy of Allah, I had already been prepared by being in the company of a beautiful Shaykh, who in his character is a reflection of our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). This companionship has taught me the essence of the Sunnah as I did not understand it before. My love of my Shaykh was secure before I stepped foot on any airplane, and from that place I was able to be grounded well in the reality which was and is Madinah.

I have returned to tell the people that I know the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is alive in his grave, that his very essence penetrates all of Madinah, that it penetrated all of us, and that I felt it under my bare feet as I walked the streets. And through coming to know him in this way, I have come to love him more that anyone on this earth, and to love Allah even more for being so merciful to have given us the man as our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Not only do I love him, but I trust him (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Even in this time, he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) leads the way on the path to Allah for us all. I knew I could entrust my heart to him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) on that path, and that is no minor act. Through this I came to know the why of it - why we must have that love and trust.

The Path to Allah is one which is not easy. Most of us need a great deal of purification as we travel, and Allah often brings about that purification through trial and tribulation. It is a difficult road at times, so difficult sometimes that we might be tempted to give up. To walk straight, Allah has sent us a hand to hold on to, the hand of our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). But the only way we will never let go of that hand, no matter what trial or difficulty may come, is through complete love and trust for the one who leads. Then we may stay with the journey through all that is difficult, to that which is full of bliss and ease, and on to the next lesson on the road, whatever it may be.

I knew when my heart was firm in its love and trust of our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) that I would be better able to walk without wavering, insha’Allah. This was my greatest lesson.

I did not leave any part of my soul in Madinah, for I knew it was Allah’s decree that I would return to this place. Instead, I decided I would bring it home with me, to share as best I can. The time-space continuum means little to me now, for I know Allah can bring me whatever I need wherever I may be, and that I can be in the companionship of our Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) in any place. 1400 years seems little, for I know it is possible to go beyond the restrictions of time and place.

I reside here in America filled with love, and hope, and fear that I will never prove myself deserving of such a blessing. May Allah help us all prove ourselves deserving of what we received, and to only move on a path which brings us nearer to Him.

- Munira von Briesen

"Bury me in this beloved place"

2005-08-08T11:47:00.000+01:00

Photo: Sayyida Maimuna's grave, situated, as she desired, on the spot where she spent her wedding night with the Prophet (saw).
© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

The grave is situated on the outskirts of Makkah by the side of a highway - it is an isolated area, almost in the middle of nowhere. It's a starkly simple white wall which most people pass, not knowing who is buried there. Sayyida Maimuna, the wife of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), became ill in Makkah and instead of being buried in the city, she insisted she be buried at this site. Shaykh Hamza explained this was the place where Sayyida Maimuna spent her wedding night with the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Out of her intense love for the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), she chose it to be her final resting place.

- Anonysisters

"You can't talk to a dead man"

2005-08-06T18:50:00.000+01:00

Photo: Rihla students visit the library that has been built over the site where Sayyida Amina (ra) gave birth to the Prophet (saw). It is reported that the entire heavens were revealed to her at the moment of his (saw) birth.
© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

After the earlier blog on Talking to the Prophet, someone said, "You're forgetting the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is dead. It's shirk to try and talk to a dead man."

Astagfirullah... Kill the memory of the man who was sent as a mercy to mankind, why don't you?

Our generation is being robbed of an immense opportunity for salvation by those who try and downplay the role of the Prophet(صلي الله عليه و سلم). Don't let them tell you the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم)can't hear you. Don't let them tell you these is no such thing as intercession. If you do, you will be poorer for it.

Sh Ya‘qubi: "If I should not make it across the sirat"

2005-08-05T17:54:00.000+01:00

Photo: Shaykh Mohammad Yaqoubi completes teaching the Shama'il.
© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I just missed the 8:46am train into downtown Chicago. Sitting here on the station platform, waiting for the next train to arrive, it hits me how far from Madinah I’ve truly come. It’s been a full week since I’ve returned, and though I tried my best to remain in at least a semi-khalwa state in order to preserve the emotions, there’s only so long one can avoid the dunya, especially living here in this “great metropolis.”

But Madinah in fact is not so far away after all. In my bag I have with me the latest copy of Q-News, and as I flip it open, I come directly upon a shining, glorious portrait of our beloved Shaykh Muhammad al-Ya‘qubi, hafidhahullah. Suddenly, all the moments of our rihla come flooding back, as near as ever before my eyes…

Those of us who have sat with Shaykh Muhammad know how beautiful he is, and how he seems to exist simultaneously in parallel universes — one here with us in this dunya and another in a different plane which we can only perhaps experience through reading hikayat and stories of scholars past.

But at this Rihla, in the tranquil city of Shaykh Ya‘qubi’s blessed ancestor (صلي الله عليه و سلم), the other-worldly aura surrounding the shaykh was electric, almost tangible. He is a home in this town; he doesn’t just feel the presence of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), he walks with it. How many times did I sit in class and wish that I too could see through his eyes, feel through his heart. We know Shaykh Ya‘qubi experiences Madinah at a different level, but we can only hope to imagine what those openings are…

When I look at Shaykh Ya‘qubi, I’m reminded of the hayba they say Imam Malik possessed — an absolute awe-inspiringness that dares anyone to utter a single extraneous word. Shaykh Ya‘qubi possesses such hayba, and so, when he describes and physically demonstrates with utter humility and love the way our Beloved Rasul (صلي الله عليه و سلم) would grasp a morsel with his fingers, and the way he would bring the morsel to his lips; the way the Prophet would wear his sandals, and what these sandals looked like; the way the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) would walk with a determined pace, and the way he would sit when he ate; seeing all of these things demonstrated with the seriousness and humility of Shaykh Ya‘qubi made us pay attention all the more. This was because reading the Shama’il with Shaykh Ya‘qubi was not like simply hearing a description of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). It was in fact like hearing a first-hand account. He was not just relaying narrations he’d read in the sacred texts; he was saying to us “Pay attention! This is what my beloved grandfather (صلي الله عليه و سلم) used to do, and this is how he would do it…”

Shaykh Muhammad conveyed the knowledge of the Shama’il with great seriousness, but this does not mean that he was in any way stone-faced or cold. He was alive with the meanings of this text: sometimes somber, sometimes joking lightly with us, and sometimes breaking out into spontaneous song, out of love and longing for the Rasul (صلي الله عليه و سلم). It was not until the khatm of the text approached that I began to somewhat fully understand the immensity of this blessing: here we were, simpletons, Westerners, many of us embarking on the path to sacred knowledge for the first time, hearing this mubarak text of the Shama’il of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) in his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) own city, through the mouth of his own direct descendant…

Photo: Students sob as Shaykh Yaqoubi pleads they help him across the sirat on the Last Day if he should not make it as he promises to do the same for them. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

So on the day of the khatm, when our beloved Shaykh al-Sayyid Muhammad al-Ya‘qubi, begged us to please grab his hand if he faltered on the Bridge (sirat), to please grab his hand if we passed the Fire and saw him in it, these words pierced our hearts like daggers and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. If Shaykh Ya‘qubi had fear of such an outcome for himself, what could we expect? It is only by the light of faces such as his that we even hope to get by…

Now that I am back at home, it is difficult to even keep in mind the brilliance of his light. I struggle to maintain before my eyes the illumined faces of our beloved shuyukh, and to not forget the radiance of Madinah, al-Munawarrah (The Radiant). But tall buildings surround me, blocking my vision, and the quick, hurried paces of downtown pedestrians beckon with the illusion of other “important” preoccupations. As I speed off in the dark underground subway tunnels of my busy hometown, I can only clutch my masbaha and beg Allah to please, please not let me forget…

- Anonymous

Do you see the reflection of the green dome in my eyes?

2005-08-05T17:01:00.000+01:00

Shaykh Hamza speaks of the Prophet's (saw) final khutbah on the very spot where it was first delivered. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I smile at the thought of being branded Majnun of Madinah. If only I was as pure as the pigeons of that blessed city, inhaling and circling the air surrounding the most perfectly shaped green dome, the elevated mound of earth within which rests my Most Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم), Allah's (swt) Most Beloved.

As I relayed my experiences to a friend on my return from the Rihla, she asked, "Was there anything missing in your life? Were you unhappy in your job? Did you want to go away? Were you in search of a soulmate?"

"I'm going home. I'm going back to my source. I'm going to Madinah," I replied.

"That is the only significant thing in my life that is missing," I thought to myself as we tread where our Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم) once tread.

But blessed are those who don't even have to travel to Makkah and Madinah physically. They have their voids filled by Him who knows them best.

On my return, I feel I have moved to another station in my life, may Allah (swt) in His Grace and Mercy never return to my previous posts except under His Guidance and Protection.

Do you see the reflection of the green dome in my eyes? Can you hear the resonance of the salawat in my soul? Can you smell the musk of Madinah even ..... around my shadows? Do you recognise the zam-zam flowing from the windows of my heart? Can you feel the traces of tawaaf on the soles (souls) of my feet? Can you sense the veils of the of the Kaaba in the mirror of my self and the echoes of Labaik, O Allah humma Labaik in the depths of the "Abd..."?

SOULS .... do you hear the outpouring of the lost pleading to be found? the begging of the sick to be cured? the groaning of the starving to be nourished? the exposed to be sheltered and shaded? the fallen to be raised?

- Sister in Clouds

When Allah opens a way for you

2005-08-03T15:18:00.000+01:00

Photo © Munawar Ali. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I thought this summed up what we all went through on the Rihla:

When He opens a way for you and makes Himself known to you, then do not worry about your lack of deeds. He only opened the way for you because He desired to make Himself known to you. Do you not see that while He grants gnosis of Himself to you, you have only deeds to offer Him? What He brings you - What you bring Him - What a difference there is between them!

Sheikh Ibn Ata'llah from his book Al Hikam. The Wisdoms.

- Munawar Ali

The highest expectations of our Creator

2005-08-02T15:26:00.000+01:00

The Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque between Maghrib and Isha.
© Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

My mind keeps wandering to Madinah. I have to stop. I am in my office now and need to work. The holy mosque is so far away. The peace and tranquillity found there is so unique to the city of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

It has been a special journey for me. Last year, when I was performing umrah I prayed to Allah that He must make the impossible possible for me. Being a woman, I never had any chance to visit the Rawdah and pay my humble salams to our beloved Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Still I was asking Allah to make it happen for me as anything is possible for Him.

When Shaykh Hamza announced that the group was going to visit the Rawda, my heart was in a state of ecstasy. My prayer during a tawaf was now being answered one year later during this rihla. I was going to stand right in front of the resting place of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and say my salams.

My body was shaking when I was praying at the mimbar of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). How could I stand there and pray at the exact same spot where the purest of all mankind stood and prayed 14 centuries ago? A mix of extreme joy and gratitude was running through me while I tried to concentrate on my prayers.

Walking from the mimbar to the front side of the Rawdah was like walking on Heaven. The feeling cannot be describedwith mere words. I was one of the lucky women who got this unique opportunity and I kept on remembering the eagerness of my duas during my tawaf last year.

Not only did I feel the closeness of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), I realized that Allah actually does listen to our prayers and there is always a certain time of the answering of the prayers. What is needed is our eagerness and will to ask Allah for everything even though we might think that we are asking for the impossible.

From now on, I am going to ask for even more and inshaAllah, these prayers will also be answered when the right time comes!

Wasalam

F A K

Yogurt and hot bread - the best of times

2005-08-01T14:47:00.000+01:00

Shaykh Jamal Zahabi, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and the Rihla participants climb Mount Uhud, of which our Beloved Prophet (saw) said, “Uhud is a mountain that we love and it loves us.” © Farhan Syed. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Each moment of the Rihla has imprinted in my mind the fondest of deep memories. Each of these memories will take at least a lifetime to recount. When my friends and family ask me the generic question, “How was it?”, how do I explain my inability to summarise the multitude of feelings and lessons that I have felt and learnt in the past month?

Amongst the dearest of times was the second trip to “Masjids and Wells”. Our relatively smaller group of the day was led by Shaykh Hamza and Shaykh Abdullah and we began as Masjid Istijaba. What followed for the remaining of the morning were visitations to twelve different significant locations in the life of our noble Nabi (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Amongst other places, we saw sites of wahi (revelation), we prayed in the Masjid of Banu Unaif upon the hot sand, we were greeted by a group of children at Masjid Bani Haram and were told there resided in close proximity an elder woman who was a faqih in the Maliki tradition and knew all 7 qirat (recitations) of the Holy Qur’an.

We also climbed Jabl Uhud, of which our Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم) said “Uhud is a mountain that we love and it loves us”.

Before returning to the hotel, we were taken by Shaykh Mahir Ali to the house of his late Shaykh Muhammad Zakarriya (rahimullah) and were served yogurt and hot bread. In the serenity of his noble abode we enjoyed one another’s company, cooled down from the heat of the afternoon, and listened to Shaykh Hamza and Shaykh Jamal sing qasidahs.

We then returned to Dallah Taiba Hotel and prepared for prayer in the Masjid of our Messenger(صلي الله عليه و سلم).

SubhanAllah, how can we ever complain about anything?

Anonymous

I didn't deserve all this

2005-07-31T17:26:00.000+01:00

Shaykh Jamal Zahabi and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I have never met better people. This was the best experience I have ever had in my life.

From the very beginning, as I got off the airplane in Madinah airport, I felt that I was at home in the city of my Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I felt that his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) home was my home. I never felt as serene and secure as I felt when I was in the Madinah. You feel as though that is your homeland. All the places we visited held so many stories that it would take us hours to reflect on. Nevertheless, every time I would go into the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque I would experience an amazing phenomenon that is indescribable by the human tongue. It is something that only your soul can describe.

In Makkah, you visit the House of your Lord. That is more than enough to describe the emotions that overflow your veins every time you see the Kaaba and walk into the Haram. You feel that you are there with your whole family (the Islamic Ummah) and you are all just there to praise Allah (subhana wa talaa) and beg Him for His forgiveness because you have come with a enormous amount of sins.

I don't believe there was one minute in the whole trip where I felt that it wasn't incredibly brilliant to its last second. I feel that I will never be able to thank Allah, the Most Generous and Most Merciful, for His extraordinary blessings.

I just know that I didn't deserve all this and will never be able to come close to praising Allah (subhana wa talaa) enough for his Magnificence. I just pray that Allah accepts everything we all did over there and that Allah wills the trip for all the people who wished they could go and didn't go.

I truly think someone else deserved my spot and believe that Allah wills only what is best for us and always at the best time. Ok, I will stop typing. I know this is so long. I am sorry if I was irritating and forgive if I was. One more thing, I want to thank everyone, including the shuyukh, who had anything to do with making this all happen. I wish the best for every one, inshaAllah, and I hope to meet you all in paradise, inshaAllah with the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Salam Alikem.

Anonymous

The best of company, the best of memories

2005-07-31T14:09:00.000+01:00

Photo © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

While in the Holy Cities, despite my desire to tell the world about what I was experiencing, I could never manage to put anything into words. This was quite disturbing as I am known for spending long hours writing and revising personal journals and stories. I was told "the world is waiting to hear your story", but how do you write a story when there are no words that truly describe what is happening?

All I can say is that something in my heart has definitely turned, and I am not the same as I was before I left. Ever since I landed in New York, I’ve put myself in semi-seclusion in a last ditch effort to preserve the warmth and inspiration that has entered my heart. It’s almost as if I had the sweetest dream, and I’m lying still in my bed, trying to savor it before everything is snatched away by my waking consciousness. I woke up after my first night at home to despair over the fact that Masjid Al-Nabawi was not across the street, the Kaaba wasn’t a bus ride away, and my newly made sister-friends were not just down the hall. Part of me fears that despite all the pictures, blogs, websites, and friends made, what I experienced in Mecca and Medina will fade away. Now I make du’a that Allah (swt) will allow my memories to stay as strong as they are at this moment.

Most of my fellow Rihla participants have written about the Islamic aspect of this journey. I would just like to take a moment to mention the human aspect that moved me almost as deeply as seeing the Kaaba or visiting the Rawdah. Not only was I in the company of our Beloved Nabi (صلي الله عليه و سلم), but I was in the company of some of the best Muslims I have ever met.

As someone who was not born into a Muslim family, it’s often hard for me to "fit in" with Muslim community. But I was so well received by the other sisters, that often forget to label myself as "the convert". I remember the sister who went from bus to bus in the pre-Asr sun, looking for a candy bar when my blood sugar dropped, making me feel ill.

I remember the sister who comforted me by holding my hand in the Rawdah as we walked out, even though I later learned she was suffering, and that it should have been me comforting her.

I remember the sister who allowed me to pick my favorite surahs and recited them for me as I listened, enjoying the rare sound of a woman reading the Holy Qur’an.

I remember the sisters who listened to my constant whining and worries about marriage and being a convert, and never wavered in patience and tolerance.

I remember the sister who determinately found escorts for me so I wouldn’t have to walk to the infamous call center in Makkah by myself.

And I remember so many more sisters (and a few brothers) who were so kind to me that it totally changed the way I saw Muslims.

Also, I ask that the readers of this blog who could not attend this trip to forgive us for not writing as you may have liked. There was so much emotion and intensity on this trip that it was hard for many of us to express it. Even though some of us tried, many times it came out a bit too personal to share with the world. May Allah increase our iman. Ameen.

Bint Larry

It's weird being back

2005-07-31T14:06:00.000+01:00

Fresh Madinah dates. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Bismillahir Rahmeen ArRaheem

I have been home for a couple of days alhamdulillah. It's really weird. I'm not sure what to say. One of the biggest duas I made was that Allah would not let me go back to my old ways once returning home and that I constantly grow nearer to Him. This definately takes work on my part. It really is easy to fall back. You get used to the wonderful company. Returning to the dunya is very difficult. Not only do I miss Medina, I miss the company - being with people only for the sake of Allah.

During the whole trip I wondered why I, and the rest of us on the trip, were chosen out of the thousands, nay, probably millions, of people would have given an arm for an oppurtunity like this. I'm not a scholar or a pious worshipper. I'm nothing. But on the last day Shaykh Hamza said it... "This trip is a hujja (proof) against you" and he is very right. This trip will either work for me or against me. I pray that it works for me and all those who were on the trip. I think I'm going to put those words on my wall so I don't forget. :)

May Allah preserve our shuyukh. May Allah make us all steadfast in the struggle against ourselves. Ameen.

"D"

An opening in the house of Allah

2005-07-29T18:04:00.000+01:00

Photo: Worshippers saying their last duas and their farewell to the Prophet (saw) outside his mosque. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Although the entire Rihla had a significant effect on me, I believe each one of us had that one epiphany that we will probably remember for the rest of our lives.

I had expected a whirlwind of emotions, but I was not prepared for the intensity of them. I don’t think I could have sufficiently prepared for what I felt when I first saw the green dome, when I first walked toward the Masjid un Nabawi, during my first prayer there, and definitely not for what I felt in the Rawdah. Subhanallahil Adheem. And this was just in Madinah. What was to come in Makkah was a whole different story.

When departing Madinah for Makkah, the weather had taken a turn, and was overcast with the threat of rain. Although there was no downpour, I felt a drizzle on my face, and I’d like to think that I was fortunate enough to catch a few drops of blessed Madina rain. After seeking the Prophet’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) permission to leave his blessed city, it hit me, how attached I had become to this beautiful place in a relatively short space of time. As we rolled out, I caught my last glimpse of the green dome, and unable to hold back tears, I sought comfort in the words of the beautiful farewell dua…..

Farewell O RasulAllah! O beloved of Allah! May Allah not make this visit to you the last one; except with goodness, security, health and peace. If I live, by the will of Allah, I will come again, and if I die, then I keep in security with you my witness, my promise and assurance from this day, to the Day of Judgement, that ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One who has not partner and I witness the fact that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger’. Praise to the Lord, the Reverend, Who is free of what the infidels ascribe to Him, and peace be upon the Prophets, and All praise is to Allah, the Sustainer of the Worlds. RasulAllah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever visits my grave, his intercession becomes compulsory on me” and the Prophet, peace be upon him, also said, “Whosoever visits me after my death, it is as if he visited me during my life.”

At some point during the journey, my sadness turned into excitement and slight nervousness as I turned my thoughts to Makkah and what was yet to come. Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…

My first glance at the Kaaba... Subhanallah, the tears just stopped and I felt like someone had reached into my chest and gripped me tightly. It took a few seconds for the du’a to start pouring out, but when they did, I felt like I could stand there all night….They say the duas made when a person first sees the Kaaba are always accepted.

Photo: The rihla group stop at the miqat to make their intention for umrah. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Before I knew it, I had completed ‘Umrah, Alhamdulillah. It was only after this that I started to feel things I had never imagined that I would feel at the House of Allah.

I had expected to feel a heightened sense of awe in Makkah, compared to Madinah, which I did initially, but anxiety and a strange fear took over me. I just wanted to go and sit in a corner away from everyone, like a frightened child. I was deeply disturbed by this reaction, as every other person I spoke to was in complete awe of the place, and loved it. I made dua to Allah to let me realise the reasons for my discomfort at His house. I began to worry that my heart had been blackened so much by sins and hypocrisy that I was incapable of feeling close to Allah even at His sanctuary.

In the quiet of my hotel room, I was still reeling from what I had experienced at the Haram. Sleep was out of the question, and I began to think about the difference between Madinah and Makkah. My mind took me back to the Rawdah, the peace I felt there, the gratitude, the humility.

Then it dawned on me…

Madinah reminded me of Jannah and Makkah, of the Day of Judgement!

Memories of Madinah were filled with the presence of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم), his closest sahaba, his family; and prostrating in Riyadhul Jannah, an actual piece of Paradise, and all those warm, welcoming feelings.

The scenes I had witnessed in the Haram in Makkah were reminiscent of what I had learnt about the Day of Judgement. During tawwaf, I witnessed people circling the Kaaba at different paces, some struggling, some running, others walking, calling out to Allah in different languages, different tones, some crying, some shouting as if in desperation, some reciting as if in a trance, people hanging onto the Kaaba door as if their lives depended on it, people pushing, pulling, climbing on top of each other to get to the black stone…..

During sa’ee, I noticed the muffled wailing of people in sujood, and those rocking back and forth in a daze, calling out to Allah, some with their hand raised high.

Between Safa and Marwa, some pilgrims were sweating profusely and I remembered the description of Yamul Qiyamah, where people will be sweating, some up to their knees in it, others drowning in it.

At the top of each of the mounts, I saw children bringing cool water to their exhausted parents, and once again it reminded me of the Day when children who had died before puberty will be looking for their parents amongst the chaos and confusion to give them a cool drink.

Strangely I felt a huge sense of relief, which was quickly replaced by gratitude. I was so grateful to Allah for that experience, even if it represented only a tiny fraction of the reality of the Last Day. Since coming to Islam, I had belief in the Day, but this was the closest I had ever come to believing in the reality of it, and for me this was an immense opening.

After this realisation, the rest of my experiences at the Kaaba were awesome, and I wanted the images to burn into my memory, so that when I returned home, and tried to make those sacrifices that would bring me closer to Allah, the memories of the 'reality' of the Day of Reckoning would hopefully make them easier.

A. M.

They come from afar to be in his presence

2005-07-29T12:21:00.000+01:00

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

A legless pilgrim richer than I

2005-07-26T16:05:00.000+01:00

Photo: Rihla participants outside the Haram in Makkah. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Today was our last day in Makkah. Zakia Aunty and I decided to go to the Masjid al-Haram to pray and to do some last minute shopping in the area. Once there, Zakia Aunty suggested that we do a farewell tawwaf (seven circumambulations) of the Kaaba. Now, it was burning hot and the last thing I wanted to do was stand outside in the glaring heat, smothered by the crowd. But I was ashamed to realise that here I was, ready to brave that same heat, for the sake of a few riyals worth of shopping, yet not to make tawwaf of the Kaaba... especially as there was no knowing whether I'd ever be able to come back to Makkah again. So I made du'a and started. Alhamdulillah (all praises are to Allah (swt), it was made easy for us...there was a cool, gentle breeze that would always greet us at the Station of Ismail (at a particular place near the Kaaba), sent, no doubt, by Allah (swt).

At first, my concentration was divided between making tawwaf and counting down the numbers so that I could get out of the heat, as well as trying to make dhikr. But Subhanallah, my attention was caught by a one legged man, making tawwaf on crutches. I thought, "Mashallah, good for you!" and smiled as I said salam to him. But then, later, I saw something that will stay with me forever - If I am lucky. There, on the ground was a legless man, slowly making tawwaf by using a block of wood to propel/lever himself forward around the Kaaba. He didn't look impatient, or hot or resentful; he looked happy and focused on what he was doing. This man loved Allah (swt) so much, was so sincere in his iman (faith), that the powerful heat, the suffocating crowds, and the lack of legs to walk on still couldn't stop him from making tawwaf.

Subhanallah, here I was, with two perfectly healthy, strong legs and yet I had come half-reluctantly... thinking that I had already done three umrahs and that that was quite enough. I have never been more ashamed of myself as I was in that moment. What must Allah (swt) have thought of me? And Subhanallah, what a difference there was in that man's faith and mine! Watching him struggle to make Tawwaf, I questioned whether I have ever struggled with that much passion for anything to please Allah (swt). For any form of worship? When did pleasing Allah (swt) and worshipping Him ever seem as important to me as making tawwaf was for this legless man?

I knew that I had a long, long way to go before I could come even a little bit close to being loved by Allah (swt). What I needed to do was perfectly obvious: I needed to ask Allah (swt) to allow me to have the type of iman possessed by that legless man in Mecca. He was dressed in rags, and I in a beautiful new outfit, but there was no doubt as to which one of us was richer.

Now, as I sit here on the plane back to Miami, I feel afraid of falling back into the same state that I was in before I left for Madinah. Insha'allah I pray that these two weeks will allow me to be a better person, a better Muslim, for the rest of my life.

Yesterday, as I was making Saee (part of the umrah where you must walk back and forth between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa, seven times), I was feeling tired because of the heavy bag I was carrying. Going back and forth between Safa and Marwa, I suddenly realized that this is similar to what I imagine it will be like for us in the Hereafter, crossing over the Bridge of Sirat. Some of us will cross it so fast; it will be like we flew faster, even, than the speed of light. While others will travel at different speeds, proportionate to the amount of sins weighing us down - just as my bag was, in that moment, weighing me down.

My friend Danya asked repeatedly to take a turn holding my bag but I refused and insisted on lugging it around myself. Because when I am on that Bridge, there won't be any way to ask someone else to carry my "baggage" for me... and I wanted to think about just how awful and tiring this earthly experience was in the hopes that the memory will stay with me, and make me remember the Bridge of Sirat - and, accordingly, "pack lightly". Insha'allah Ameen.

Allah (swt) has been so incredibly kind in allowing me to have these two blessed weeks. It makes me think of the strange parallel between my life and that of Rasoolallah's (صلي الله عليه و سلم), in this particular regard. When he (صلي الله عليه و سلم), was feeling disheartened and saddened, Allah (swt) blessed him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) with the Isra' and Mi'raj in order to heal his spirits and to comfort his soul. I wasn't given a chance to visit Allah (swt), but was brought by Him (swt) to visit His house instead; I wasn't blessed with the Mi'raj but was granted the blessing of Madinah instead. But the end result was exactly the same: a beautiful, soothing healing, and a sense of being comforted by the love and kindness of God.

Subhanallah, it is true what Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an: "Never will you be able to count the blessings of your Lord." Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Alameen. O my Lord, truly Thou art the most forgiving, the most kind.

Feiza Naqvi

The coolness and hospitality of Taif

2005-07-24T16:37:00.000+01:00

Photo: A welcome meal, Taif-style. And raiding the blackberry bush in the adjacent garden. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Once in Taif, the air turned pleasently cool. It must have been the altitude, Alhamdulillah. It was so welcoming after that long bus-ride up.

We were surprised (actually not that surprised because the Saudis have been so welcoming to us throughout our stay) by an invitation to dinner from the Mayor of Taif. We are the fortunate beneficieries, nay, stragglers who benefit from the high regard shown to Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi and Shaykh Hamza.

Alhamdulillah, the meal, we were told, was in keeping with the tradition of the people of Taif. We were seated on carpets in an open area right next to a large garden. While we waited for what turned out to be a delicious roast lamb meal, we were served cool grapes and figs. Subhanallah, it did not escape us that when the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) sought shelter in an orchard during the Taif saga, he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was served grapes by Adaas, a Christian servant who later embraced Islam at the Prophet's (saw) hands.

While we waited, we explored the garden and were granted permission to raid a gorgeous blackberry plant. Oh the fruit was so full of flavour! We couldn't stop eating from it.

Living proof of a successful mission

2005-07-24T13:49:00.000+01:00

We are on our way to Taif and our bus has just broken down in the middle of nowhere (or rather, at a gas station in the desert, in the middle of nowhere). Many of us came back to the hotel after Fajr, after having done umrah, and went straight to bed, thus missing both breakfast and lunch. I woke up at Dhur time with about 20 minutes to shower, get dressed, pray and board the bus for our trip to Ta'if. We aren't going to return to Makkah until Maghrib (or well after if our past trips are any guide) and many of us are starting to feel hungry. I have been among the lucky few able to snack on an apple, but I am still feeling weak and wilted.

Alhumdulillah, it makes me think of Rasoolallah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and how there were times when all he had to eat were a handful of dates. The way I am feeling now, I could never gather enough energy to walk around outside in the desert heat for long, much less walk to Badr or battle or lead an army or fight like he, Rasoolallah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) did - on a handful of dates, no more.

Subhanallah, where did his strength come from? How was he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and the sahaba (ra) able to remain not only patient but active in their struggle to establish Islam even while having eaten so little? Just being on this bus, air conditioned and comfortable is still a bit of a hardship for me because of the hunger - and I've had an entire apple and just need to sit here in comfort.

If I had gone to Taif like he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) did, hungry, tired and weary from the heat, and had been treated like he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was stoned and chased out of town like some detestable vermin, I would have either broken down crying and tried to quit, or made an entirely different du'a that what he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) did.

Even when he was bleeding and chased by people whom he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) had really thought may have been receptive to Islam, even then he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was so patient. And not only patient but forgiving and compassionate. Anyone, if they try hard enough can succeed in being patient but it takes something extra, something more, to be compassionate and forgiving as well.

Everytime I hear about the Taif story, I wish that I could have been there to comfort Rasoolallah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and to tell him that I am living proof of the fact that his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mission would succeed - to do what I could to ease his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) sorrow and pain. But I can't travel back in time and hug Rasoolallah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) or say any words of comfort. All I can do is hope that one day, Insha'Allah, I'll be able to him and see him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) smile with joy as crowds upon crowds upon crowds of his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) ummah enter Jannah. Insha'Allah Ameen.

But until then, I have to remember that the path to that moment, that meeting lies in the here and now, on this bus, with me being patient and thankful for the apple I was blessed with.
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Alameen.

Feiza Naqvi

On the road to Taif

2005-07-24T12:25:00.000+01:00

Photo: The harsh terrain leading to Taif. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Aside from our farewell to Madinah, the roadtrip to Taif is, for me, definitely the most painful. How many hopes did our blessed Rasul (صلي الله عليه و سلم) carry with him as he traversed this land on his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) way to Taif? How heavy his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) heart must have been with worries and fear of rejection, and how truly alone he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) must have felt in this barren land, with Abu Talib gone and no other human strength to support him (صلي الله عليه و سلم) ...

We read about how the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was eventually turned away from Taif. We read about how deeply disappointed he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was at this point, and about his poignant prayer at the end of this trip, where he expressed his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) absolute dependence and need of Allah's help. For us, these are the climactic parts of the "Taif story".

But to actually traverse this path ourselves, to retrace our Beloved's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) heavy footsteps to Taif, brings on a pang of deep sorrow in the depths of our hearts, and helps us understand more truly how meaningful that climactic really was. The first thing that strikes me is the terrain - it is mountainous, brown, sun-baked, craggy mountains, with nothing green and hopeful in sight. Looking out from an air-conditioned bus, there's no way really to fathom how difficult this journey must have been for our Beloved (صلي الله عليه و سلم). With our pampered Western selves, we can barely stand for ten minutes in the heat to hear the stories of how Badr and Uhud were fought. How did he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) travel so far from Makkah, on such boiling and unwelcoming terrain? What was going through his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mind as he trekked this long and tiring journey? If Taif were to reject him (صلي الله عليه و سلم), where then would he go?

I wish I could have been there, if only to offer cool water to his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) thirsty lips, to carry whatever of his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) burden my small hands could have, to hold his blessed hand and offer any shred of reassurance that I possibly could.

Perhaps this journey towards an eventual rejection from Taif was part of Allah's wisdom - to remove from the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) heart any shred of reliance he (صلي الله عليه و سلم) may have had on the hope of support from other human sources. If only I could have been there to see his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) blessed smiling face when Allah (swt) finally rewarded him with the coolness of Madinah.

Fareeha

I touched next year's Kiswah

2005-07-23T14:49:00.000+01:00

Photo: A visit to the factory where the covering of the Kaaba is made. The entire process costs US$5 million and takes 8 months. A new kiswah is made every year. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

The visit to the factory where they make the cloth for the Kaaba was my favourite field trip. When we walked in, the workers were already sowing and embroidering the cloth. They first sewed on yellow stuffing onto the letters. Then they covered the stuffing with real gold and silver wire. It was awesome to see each letter embroidered by hand.

Then we walked over to the next room where they weave the black cloth. Everywhere around the room were pieces of black silk. They used to weave this cloth by hand but now they use a really complicated looking, self-automated machine. Turn it on and it automatically weaves the beautiful black fabric with words in praise of God.

As we left, most of us were given a little piece of yellow thread or gold or silver wire, or even a piece of black silk.

I got to touch the Kiswa that will cover the Kaaba next year. Most people don't get this opportunity even if they have been living here for years. For this opportunity, I am truly grateful.

Reema Lateef
Age 11

I can hear it in my sleep

2005-07-23T12:29:00.000+01:00

Photo (top): Worshippers walking to the Haram in Makkah for Asr prayer. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

We arrived in Makkah a couple of days ago and I have to say, I feel like I'm in another world. Makkah and Madinah are very different cities. Subhanallah. Madinah was cosier and I felt more at home. When I left Madinah, I really missed the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). I feel like I had gotten to know him and that I had left a piece of my heart in his home. Despite the awesome decor and architecture of his (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque, the little green dome is so humble and very befitting of his character and the mark he left behind.

Makkah feels very big. It's not so snug. I feel awestruck. I look at the Kaaba and wonder, "Whoa, is it really in front of me?" All those pictures I've seen just came to life. This morning, the tawaf circle was almost as big as te court area around the Kaaba. It's really larger than life. I walk around the Haram and I just hear all the pleas to our Creator and Sustainer. It rings in my ears and I even hear it in my sleep. Subhanallah.

Alhamdulillah, I got to do Umrah twice now. The best time to go is between 1 - 4 a.m. It's pretty cool and not terribly crowded.

Wa sallahumma ala sayyidina Muhammad wa ala wa sahabihi tasliman kathira.

Danya Shakfeh

Allegiance to Islam

2005-07-21T22:49:00.000+01:00

Photo: Masjid Baiyya, just on the edge of Mina, where the early Muslims pledged their allegiance to the Prophet (saw) - a move that changed the course of history. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

This masjid is a small, yellowed fortress on the side of a dirt path in a secluded area barely visible from the main road. It's a simple, understated building, the significance of which we did not even begin to fathom until Shaykh Hamza began to explain. The early Muslims swore their allegiance to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) right here and they never broke this trust. This solidarity changed the history of Islam, providing a strong foundation which helped Islam to grow. Shaykh Hamza's talk inspired us to pledge our allegiance to Islam here, during these trying time for Muslims. We have to try to practise Islam the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and his companions (ra) did.

Anonysisters

Farewell Madinah

2005-07-21T11:22:00.000+01:00

Photo: The humble green dome that lies directly above the Prophet's (saw) grave. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

The time has come to leave Madinah. Since the moment of arrival, we knew departure was inevitable and yet, this foreknowledge has done nothing to lessen the sadness of going nor decrease the longing to stay.

During one of our first lessons here, it was mentioned that Madinah is a city that purges itself of impurities and that not a single person leaves Medina except that they are replaced by someone better. Which leads one to realise that the Best of Creation (صلي الله عليه و سلم) resides still in Madinah and that those considered worthy, stay here with him till the Day of Resurrection. They are irreplacable. At rest in Madinah. At home in Madinah. Blessed to stay in Madinah.

As for myself. I go with a heavy heart. My time here is up and I must give over my space. My invitation has run its course I have tried to be a good guest. I pray that my host, pleased with my company, rushes to invite me round again soon.

Malik

The lava of Madinah

2005-07-21T11:05:00.000+01:00

Photo (top): The Rihla group are taken on a short walk on the hardened lava. Photo (above): Satellite image depicting the expanse of the site. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Last week, we visited the Lava of Madinah. I was unable to take down the exact details so I'm going to refrain from writing more. All I can say is that the miles and miles of rock hard lava from hundreds of years ago is surely a sign from Allah. Enjoy the pictures...

_______________________

The lava tracks are amazing! It's such a beautiful sight - all this lava that's been here for so many centuries and so well-preserved.The heat was unbearable - we were told not to wear flip-flops because they might burn, but it was worth it.

On the way there, we were told by the shuyukh of a Prophetic (صلي الله عليه و سلم) prophecy about the coming of Judgement Day. The prophecy was that one day there would be such a great fire in the land of the Hijaz (Makkah and Madina) that the light from that fire will be seen from the Shaam (Greater Syria) - hundreds of miles away.

True enough, in the 12th Century, there was an earthquake in Madinah which caused a fire to rage for almost two days. The light from this fire was seen by numerous witnesses in Syria, thus fulfilling the prophecy.

Additionally, the earthquake caused incredible amounts of lava to rise forth. The molten rock flowed for miles and miles and was threatening to overtake the city of Madinah. At this point, the people of Madinah - certain this was the end of their lives, prayed intensely for Allah's forgiveness. Even the Amir set about righting all the wrongs in his city. And then suddenly, the lava flow changed direction and Madinah was saved.

A Welsh geologist who dedicated his life to researching this area, joined us on the visit to the lava tracks. He, a non-Muslim, said, "The course of the lava flow was redirected abruptly 8km from Madinah. The only explanation for such a change in the flow is the intense prayers of the people of Madinah. We honestly have no other explanation."

Anony-sisters

Talking to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم)

2005-07-18T20:42:00.000+01:00

Photo: Masjid Qiblatayn where the Prophet (saw) was ordered, mid-prayer, to shift the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Until three hours before the flight to Madinah, I was on my computer trying to meet a deadline. My husband did my packing and we flew out the door, rushing to meet the rest of the British group at Heathrow airport. As is evident, I hardly prepared for this journey. I did not get a chance to read the Seerah again, nor engage in increased salawat on the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

In retrospect, not being prepared isn't all that bad. I came with no particular expectations and I wasn't comparing my experience with someone else's.

I realise now that in Madinah, I am in the process of finding myself. My relationship with God. My relationship with the best of creation (صلي الله عليه و سلم) with whom most of us don't have nearly the close relationship we should have.

What gave me profound guidance is the one thing my husband advised:

"When you get there, spend as much time as possible confiding in the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Talk to him like he's your best friend. Tell him everything...all your hopes, your fears, the things you did, the things you did not do."

I know I am not alone when I say that in my quietest, loneliest moments I have realised that no matter how much other people love you - and many of us are infinitely blessed with loved ones, Alhamdulillah, I know there is no truer friend than Allah and His Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم). They know your inner soul. They will not judge your intentions. They will not betray your best interest.

The shuyukh have strongly advised against reading off books here when making dua, but rather to speak from the heart. It's harder than it sounds. Everything sounds cheesy but you get on with it.

- f -

No praise is high enough

2005-07-18T00:14:00.000+01:00

Photo: Worshippers leaving the Prophet's mosque after Asr prayer. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I didn't do as much as I wanted to prepare for my visit to Madinah, other than increase my salawat and re-read the Seerah. Alot of it was about mental preparation for me.

We were so fortunate to have had the private time at the Rawdah. Women don't usually get proper access to the Rawdah. Our hosts managed to arrange this for us, not once, not twice but inshallah, thrice (this coming Wednesday evening before we leave Madinah).

Once in the Rawdah, I kept asking myself, who am I to be here? Most of us were completely overcome with emotion but after all that crying, a sense of peace overcomes you. It is almost as if the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is comforting you and assuring you that he will keep his promise to intercede for you on the Last Day, Inshallah.

I was at both the 2002 and the 2003 Rihlas in New Mexico. Such programs are always very spiritually uplifting but this one is different. We don't have the same class-heavy schedule. Our purpose here is to focus on ibadah - not just personal but collective. It is almost as if you cannot help but increase your level of ibadah here. Even the classes we do have, have a different tone to them, compared to the other Rihlas.

When we sing Qasidas here, the sense of joy, love and connection with the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) is very heightened. This is the land where people who loved the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) sang Tala Al Badru to welcome him. I feel inadequate in praising him. How can my praises for the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) be adequate when Allah Most High praised him?

I don't think I'll have any trouble convincing my friends back home that they should come to Madinah...if not for the next Rihla then just on their own. Muslims know the significance of this city. My only advice is that people spend longer periods in Madinah, than the usual 3-4 days. Our souls time to recharge and re-nourish. Come for 8-10 days.

It was an honour to be invited. The application process for this program was tough - all those forms and so on but those were nothing compared to the realisation that I would not be here unless Allah's most beloved hadn't invited me.

Kulsum

Forty steps to jannah

2005-07-16T19:30:00.000+01:00

Photo: Street vendor selling miswaks and other knick knacks outside the Prophet's Mosque. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

They have postponed the all-day trip to the site where the Battle of Badr took place. Most Rihla participants are trying to complete the forty consecutive prayers at the Masjid-in-Nabi. It is said that the hellfire will not touch those who are able to pray forty consecutive prayers in congregation (from the first rak’aat) at the Prophet’s (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque.

I had never heard of this before until a briefing last week when a few participants raised concerns that the long trip to and from Badr would break their consecutive forty because we wouldn’t be back in time for the next prayer.

I made my intention started my forty that evening with Isha.

It’s been such good training. It has taught me to be vigilant about prayer times, to pray every prayer at the mosque, to catch the congregational prayer from the first rakaat, if not sit there and wait well before the adhan or iqama.

I struggle with all of the above back home. It really isn’t that difficult if I put my mind to it. Freedom from the hellfire is enough motivation to get my priorities straight. In the presence of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) the afterlife seems more stark, more urgent…but also more hopeful.

Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم) was sent as a mercy to us. Allah has promised that He will not abandon those who love and continually say salaams upon His beloved Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

If the Badr trip hadn’t been postponed to allow eight clear days for everyone before we leave for Makkah, I would have been willing to skip the trip altogether (as much as I want to go).

- f -

Planet Madinah

2005-07-16T19:21:00.000+01:00

Photo: Worshippers praying in the courtyard of the Prophet's (saw) mosque. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

In class, we are reminded of the bloodless conquest of Makkah. In our field-trips, we are informed of the many expansions of the Masjid Nabawi.

The vast tide of souls pouring in, through and flooding out of Madinah suggests, Inshallah, a new sort of expansion; Madinah’s non-violent conquest of the world as her borders envelope more and more lands where people’s characters are shaped according to the Prophet, upon him be peace.

Then, any who choose might live and die in Madinah, Inshallah.

_______________

Eight days are what I need to make the forty prayers in Masjid Nabawi – Allah willing, of course.

I am now profoundly embarrassed that my thinking could have been so abstract, and my understanding so inadequate. I can only say that every single prayer that I have been blessed to make in Masjid Nabawi has been experienced as nothing less than a miraculous mercy from Allah. With every prayer I become increasingly aware of the truth of the dua:

In the name of Allah, I depend on Allah, and there is no power [to do good] or restraint [to do evil] except with Allah.

I am still hoping, Inshallah, to complete that forty prayers and increasingly aware that there is no help or hope save in Allah.

Anonymouse

Janazas in Jannah

2005-07-14T16:22:00.000+01:00

Photo: A model of Madinah as it was 100 yrs ago, at a local research centre we visited with Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Not a single person died in Madinah last night.

I know this because there was no Janazah prayer at fajr. All who die within the boundaries of this blessed city are prayed over in the mosque of RasulAllah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and their bodies then whisked away to be buried at Janat ul-Baqi’. There, in the earth amongst the Companions, the Umm al-Mumineen, ‘Awliya and righteous people, I can only imagine what kind of radiant grave awaits them.

The Blessed Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) has said of Baqi’, “Do you see this cemetery? Allah will resurrect seventy thousand from it on Resurrection Day, [their faces] like the moon on the night when it is full, who shall enter the Garden without prior judgement.”

The people of Baqi’ will be the first to be resurrected after RasulAllah (صلي الله عليه و سلم), Abu Bakr and Umar - their place in Paradise guaranteed.

People are known by their end, and what a blessing to end in Madinah. I pondered this as I made my way to the Rawda – that piece of heaven on earth – and as I prayed a quick two rakat, squished and stepped upon, I was grasped with fear that that moment was the only part of Paradise I would ever know.

Malik

Photos and women

2005-07-14T08:44:00.001+01:00

Photo: The Shaykh meets with our Saudi guides before we proceed to visit Jannatul Baqi. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Photo: Jannatul Baqi taken from outside where the women were briefed by a local guide. In the distance, see the Rihla men gathering around their guide. The green arrow points to the rock which notes where Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (ra) is thought to be buried. The specific locations of other graves are not know, we are told by our Saudi guide (who, being a well-meaning person, also felt the need to tell us that our primary obligation as women was to make our husbands happy but let's not get into that right now)

Take your cameras everywhere, said Sh Abdallah, except where it is not allowed. He wants us to pool all our photos together and create a photo essay together and create a photo essay at the end of this journey.

It turned out, there are very few places where cameras (and women, for that matter) aren't allowed because we are guests of the Governor of Madinah and special arrangements had been made. The exceptions so far, have been the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque, inside Jannatul Baqi and a part of the massive publishing company that prints all those free Qurans.

I for one, even take my massive tripod everywhere. The photograph taken at Masjid Quba (below) would not have been possible without a tripod and a remote control.

This Rihla has been dominated with field trips to historical sites, loads of free time to perform ibadah at the Prophet's (صلي الله عليه و سلم) mosque and the study of texts that nurture love and understanding of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). The organisers have what it takes to make radical decisions like calling off all fiqh classes so as to free up time for other actions more appropriate for short stays in Madinah.

The group is not lacking in capable teachers. We are walking amongst masters - Shaykh Hamza (Maliki fiqh), Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi (Shafi'i), Shaykh Jamal Dhahabi (Hanafi) and Shaykh Muhammad Yaqoubi (Hanafi). They have so far been accessible and approachable by those with specific fiqh questions (including, should we enter the hotel elevator if it means we will be alone with a member of the opposite sex? Answer: You may. The elevator isn't secure and doesn't really fulfill the conditions of khalwa. Besides, you're either going up or going down. [Laughter from the class] -- Fab. Now people can stop missing the jamaat at the masjid while waiting for single-sex elevators.)

It is decisions based on nuanced understanding of how a Rihla to Madinah should be like, that has made this stay so special so far. For example, a number of sisters missed the private time at the Rawdah last Friday because of menstruation. The whole lot of us are therefore, being invited to the Rawdah again tomorrow night (Friday).

90 more private minutes on a piece of Paradise. Allahu Akbar.

-f-

Far, far away from London

2005-07-13T22:19:00.000+01:00

Photo: Masjid Quba. This is the first mosque in the history of Islam whose foundation stone was laid down by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself on his migration to Madinah. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

The morning we arrived in Madinah, we decided not to rush to see the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم). Someone told us it is better to do ghusl, put on some new clean clothes, recite some salawat on the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and then visit him. The British gang were weary (and probably a little stinky) after a 5 hour flight and another 7 hour bus ride from Jeddah to Madinah - the anticipation was spiritually uplifting but we all know what happens when the first blast of hot, humid Jeddah air hits you.

As we stopped for a drink at the hotel cafeteria, our dear friend Aftab rushed past me. He said, "There's been a terrorist attack on London. Several bombs went off on the tube."

I froze. Bombs. Terrorists. Tube. Central London. Home. My home. My husband. My sister.

I ran upstairs to my hotel room, desperate to find my mobile phone so I could speak to my husband. Who cared about exhorbitant Vodaphone charges for global roaming calls. I flicked the TV on as I struggled with the dialing codes.

And then, my heart sank. The CNN ticker at the bottom of the screen said "Bus explosion at Tavistock Square" - just outside our home, as footage from the Russell Square and Kings Cross Tube Stations (both local to us) flashed across the screen.

My husband's phone was dead. I kept trying and at some point, I began to weep.

When embarking on a journey as momentous as the Rihla in Madinah, all the 'big questions' pop up. What if I never come back? What if I die in Madinah (Alhamdulillah, everyone who dies in the Radiant city is buried in Jannatul Baqi)? What will happen to my husband and my family?

To learn that something disastrous has happened in my home city and that my husband is unreachable was too much to deal with at that point. I am generally an optimist but am capable of moments of sheer paranoia. My mind raced. How should I deal with this pain if my worst fears come true? I should lose myself in Madinah. Allah will nurse my heart.

Suddenly, my husband's voice came through the phone. I lost it at that point. I was so grateful.

After I had calmed down, the anger grew within me. We had no idea who the perpetrators were at that point. Muslim (most likely) or not, I was furious and I felt violated. How dare they. I was furious at all the half-baked rhetoric we hear from sections of the Muslim communities - "Islam is about peace... but look what they're doing to us in Iraq"... "Muslim youth are some of the most disenfranchised in British society" - so flippin' what? Are these justifications for blowing oneself up while trying to kill as many other civilians as possible? Call me sick but I sometimes wonder what the culprits in our community, who encourage their impressionable followers to become suicide bombers, would say if their own wives and children were blown to pieces as collateral damage. After all, these people have no trouble living in the UK while they peddle their myopic agendas.

I was a little miffed that I was here in Madinah and not in London where I could have been of some help in my area. With over 50 dead and 700 injured in the four bombs, there were requests for blood donations, etc. If a leaf does not fall from its tree without Allah's order, I grew certain I was in Madinah for a good reason. I did not fancy the thought of dealing with all the calls from the media.

Later that week, at the Rawda, I cried relentlessly as I asked Allah and the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) why our people have reached this low point. I asked Allah to instill love, mercy and patience in our hearts. I asked Him to increase our remembrance of our Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم) - in whose name these criminals misguide our young men.

Fellow Muslims may be suffering in Palestine, Iraq, Kashmir, Chechnya but Allah has not made us His vicegerants on this earth so we can learn from the perpetrators of injustice. They are not our teachers. We do not stoop just because they stoop.

- f -

Treated like royalty

2005-07-12T23:53:00.000+01:00

Photo: Masjid Jum’a. This mosque was built at a place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) offered his first Jum’a prayer in Madinah. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

I am so happy to be here, Alhamdulillah. I feel like Allah has chosen and invited me out of thousands that wanted to come. We are being treated like royalty. We are being taken on tours that dignitaries are taken on. It started out bumpy with flight issues but Subhanallah, it is by the wisdom of Allah because such trials bring us closer to Him. Anything worth experiencing is indeed worth being trialed for. The visit to the Rawdah was a real treat and the Saudis areproving to be wonderful hosts. I pray that those reading this blog can also experience this wonderful trip. Ameen.

Danya Shakfer

The barakah of Madinah

2005-07-12T23:52:00.000+01:00

I have come to realize that the beauty and blessings of Medina include: the little sleep that feels like hours, the little food that keeps you full, and Zamzam that takes care of everything else.

Nadia Saif

No better place than Madinah

2005-07-12T22:41:00.000+01:00

Photo: The minarets of the Prophet's mosque. © Fareena Alam. Please do not re-use without permission and proper credit.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

There is no city better than Madinah for the Deen Intensive Rihla. I had been here just a day when I felt a softening of my heart, the dhikr easier on my tongue and the spiritual satiation overwhelming. Like previous Rihlas, we were in the company of our teachers, Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi, Shaykh Muhammad Yaqoubi, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Shaykh Jamal Zhahabi but it's different this time.

Even if the schedule for the classes were to fall apart, it's no big loss. The participants are happy enough spending hours praying and engaging in dhikr at the Prophet's صلي الله عليه و سلم mosque. So far, the program has focussed on learning the Seerah, studying the Shamail and visiting places of significance.

May Allah bless Shaykh Abdallah Al-Qadi. We have been given special access and tours to some of Islam's holiest sites in Madinah (and Inshallah, Makkah between 21st-26th July). We have visited Masjid Quba, Masjid Qiblatayn and Mount Uhud. We have been given a full tour of the underground command centre that oversees the smooth running of the Prophet's صلي الله عليه و سلم Mosque. Did you know that the conditioned air that keep pilgrims cool in the masjid is piped from an air conditioning system 7 km away? Any closer, the noise from the system would be too loud to bear. We were shown how the sliding domes work, how many tonnes of zam zam are consumed everyday (3000), how many people tirelessly upkeep the masjid (it is spotless at any given time) and so on.

At every place of visit, we were thoroughly briefed by Shaykh Hamza who either spoke to us himself or eloquently translated from a local guide.

The highlight of the Rihla so far has been our visit to the Rawdah. We were given the opportunity to visit the Rawdah privately one evening after the mosque had been closed to the public. I can safely say people wait a lifetime for opportunities like this. We spent 90 min there... Most of us were awed... shocked actually... we said very little. We forgot anyone else was there as many of us wept quietly and uncontrolably. I missed the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) so much that evening. I wept out of thankfulness. I was there because Allah and His Messenger had invited me. What an honour. I was not deserving of this gift but Allah gives from His infinite Mercy and Love for us, and not according to what we deserve. We were given time to pray on the beautiful green carpet that demarcates the area which is literally a piece of Jannah.

What has been consistent during this Rihla, and really, at most Rihlas is that the womenfolk are treated very well. The field trips, and the visit to the Rawdah are always well-managed so that the women don't feel left out. At the Rawdah, the women were given the first opportunity to pray on the left hand side - closest to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and his companions, while the men were given the opportunity to pray on the right hand side, at the Prophet's Mihrab (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and where the palm tree (which wept when he stopped using it as his mimbar) was. Then we swapped. The women then prayed at the Mihrab and behind Aisha's (ra) pillar.

The two groups were also alternately taken to the front of the grave where we stood between the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) and the Qibla and conveyed our salaams (we recited after a Shaykh who works for the Haram). This was unprecendented, of course. Women are never EVER allowed in that part of the mosque. We are ever so fortunate... the fruits of keeping the company of good people, no doubt.

I made dua for everyone I could think off once we returned to the green carpeted area for the last few moments. For my family, parents and ancesters to my friends, everyone who asked me to make dua for them, people who have been good to me, those who have been not-so-good to me. At moments like that, your heart is filled with such intense generosity and love for humanity, even those who have hurt you immensely. Allah's mercy is so vast, it is not too much to pray He forgive even the worst human beings. Who knows, I may be among them on the Day when I will have nothing more than my love for Him and His Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

More later. I actually love getting up for tahajjud prayers now but a girl needs her sleep.

- f -

In the City of the Beloved of God صلي الله عليه و سلم

2005-07-07T19:55:00.000+01:00

Assalamu alaikum friends,

We begin in the name of Allah who sent a mercy to all the world's so we may know love and good character. We report from Rihla 2005 from the city of the Prophet, Madinah the Radiant.

Visitors since 9th August 2005