Asalam Waliykum,
As you may of read in my last post a few days ago, and if you are new to my blog check it out HERE!!. I was blessed to visit Mekkah and Medina last Ramadan, 2012. Alhamdulillah, I am so glad to have completed this journey and Allah invited me to be there during the last 10 days.
I spent Eid al Fitr in the beautiful and peaceful city of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) Al-Medina. Only a couple of days, short and sweet. Alhamdulillah the hotel was right next to the Masjid of the Prophet (PBUH) and was nice to be able to walk a short distance to go pray. And the womens section was right next to the exit of our hotel, double bonus!
The first thing you notice about Medina is there is a remarkable difference in the atmosphere and environment. Things seem a lot more calmer and peaceful in Medina, you don't get this feeling in Mekkah. Why you may ask? Well the Prophet (PBUH) said:
73. It is related that Abu Humayd said, "We came with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,from Tabuk until we overlooked Madina and he said, 'This is Taba (Goodness)." Sahih Al-Bukhari
1774. It is related that Abu Hurayra used to say, "If I were to see gazelles grazing in Madina, I would not hunt them. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,said, 'Everything between the two harras is a sanctuary.' Sahih Al-Bukhari
From these two hadiths alone you can see the beauty and blessing of Medina, there are over 15 hadiths explaining the goodness of this wonderful city.
The first day in Medina was on the day of Eid, we got up extra early and headed to Salahtul Fajr. It was such an awesome experience beautiful serene, calm even the air felt soft with a gentle cool breeze, really my words can not explain the atmosphere. The photo below was taken after Fajr prayer.
The sunrise was so beautiful, the clouds started to disperse. We all sat waiting for the sun to rise fully before performing Salahtul Eid. Lots of groups and families started to gather all showing off their new Eid outfits, and chatting. Was rather disturbing, and should be left till after the prayers. We should be remembering Allah, making takbir and contemplating Ramadan that has left us.
Already the temperature begun to rise, so they turned on the Giant fans that also spray a light mist of water. So refreshing and cooling. You would be surprised to see that a lot of people, mainly Asians actually sleep and stay at the Masjid rather then in a hotel. This is possible to do, however, you can not take luggage or large bags inside the Masjid so you will see people hang them up along the wall surrounding the Masjid. There is lots of shower and wash room facilities outside of the Masjid.
In the background you can hear people chanting the Takbirs, and reciting the following one of the most common forms of takbeer used by the Prophet (PBUH) and sahabah was: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilah Ila Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wallilahi Elhamd- (Translation: Allah is the greatest, He is the greatest. There is no god except Allah. He is the greatest. All praises and thanks are for Him)
After Eid Salaht I saw and waited for people to depart, the gates are narrow and I wanted to wait for things to calm down so I sat made some dua and took some final snaps before heading back to the Hotel for a big hearty breakfast. We stayed in Hotel Oberoi, Absolutely beautiful and the best thing as i mentioned before, was that is was right next to the womens entrance of the Masjid, if you come out of the hotel from the back entrance gate 11 is right in front of you which is only for women. Click Here!
It was well packed before Fajr that we could not pray inside the mosque, I preferred praying outside as per Sunnah. One thing I did find strange was after prayer people got up to leave and say Eid Mubarak and greetings to their family and friends but not to any other person. Which is not what happens in the UK on Eid, So it was strange for me to experience that and a little cold too.
I wish I had my camcorder with me, These Huge Parasols are operated electronically and open really slowly and look like spider legs, was fascinating to watch, and they open up just in time as the temperature quickly rose after sun rise. Alhamdulillah, retreated to the Air con' Hotel for some yummy buffet breakfast. They had food from every corner of the globe, I stuck to my usual "safe" food, toast, jam, cereal and coffee last thing I want in Saudia is a stomach bug.
Such a beautiful view, They should have these Parasols in Mecca too. I didn't take any photos inside the Masjid, it is forbidden and I really did not want to be one of those annoying people who puts a camera in someones face. It is too crowded inside and is strictly segregated unlike in Mecca.
I was able to go to the Rawda, the area where the Prophet SAW, Abu-bakkar and Uthman are buried. Which was the house of Aisha RA. They are included the mosque, but have left a gap to show a separation and built around it. As it is forbidden to pray in a mosque where a person is buried.
I would also like to mention that the Hotel and the Masjid are right next to the Taiba shopping centre, lots of clean and cute little shops selling all sorts, Gold, Dates, sweets, souvenirs etc.
In the afternoon we went on a little tour/ ziyarat of the surrounding area, visiting the area where the battle of uhud happened on mount Uhud where Hamza was martyred, and finally went to two famous mosques. In Sha Allah do a separate post on that.
Jazaka Allah khier for reading, hope you enjoyed the post. Please comment, and share, feel free to share on your own blog or Facebook etc, I dont mind at all. I pray you all and myself have the chance to visit mecca and Medina soon.
wasalam -x-
The first day in Medina was on the day of Eid, we got up extra early and headed to Salahtul Fajr. It was such an awesome experience beautiful serene, calm even the air felt soft with a gentle cool breeze, really my words can not explain the atmosphere. The photo below was taken after Fajr prayer.
The sunrise was so beautiful, the clouds started to disperse. We all sat waiting for the sun to rise fully before performing Salahtul Eid. Lots of groups and families started to gather all showing off their new Eid outfits, and chatting. Was rather disturbing, and should be left till after the prayers. We should be remembering Allah, making takbir and contemplating Ramadan that has left us.
Already the temperature begun to rise, so they turned on the Giant fans that also spray a light mist of water. So refreshing and cooling. You would be surprised to see that a lot of people, mainly Asians actually sleep and stay at the Masjid rather then in a hotel. This is possible to do, however, you can not take luggage or large bags inside the Masjid so you will see people hang them up along the wall surrounding the Masjid. There is lots of shower and wash room facilities outside of the Masjid.
In the background you can hear people chanting the Takbirs, and reciting the following one of the most common forms of takbeer used by the Prophet (PBUH) and sahabah was: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilah Ila Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wallilahi Elhamd- (Translation: Allah is the greatest, He is the greatest. There is no god except Allah. He is the greatest. All praises and thanks are for Him)
After Eid Salaht I saw and waited for people to depart, the gates are narrow and I wanted to wait for things to calm down so I sat made some dua and took some final snaps before heading back to the Hotel for a big hearty breakfast. We stayed in Hotel Oberoi, Absolutely beautiful and the best thing as i mentioned before, was that is was right next to the womens entrance of the Masjid, if you come out of the hotel from the back entrance gate 11 is right in front of you which is only for women. Click Here!
It was well packed before Fajr that we could not pray inside the mosque, I preferred praying outside as per Sunnah. One thing I did find strange was after prayer people got up to leave and say Eid Mubarak and greetings to their family and friends but not to any other person. Which is not what happens in the UK on Eid, So it was strange for me to experience that and a little cold too.
I wish I had my camcorder with me, These Huge Parasols are operated electronically and open really slowly and look like spider legs, was fascinating to watch, and they open up just in time as the temperature quickly rose after sun rise. Alhamdulillah, retreated to the Air con' Hotel for some yummy buffet breakfast. They had food from every corner of the globe, I stuck to my usual "safe" food, toast, jam, cereal and coffee last thing I want in Saudia is a stomach bug.
Such a beautiful view, They should have these Parasols in Mecca too. I didn't take any photos inside the Masjid, it is forbidden and I really did not want to be one of those annoying people who puts a camera in someones face. It is too crowded inside and is strictly segregated unlike in Mecca.
I was able to go to the Rawda, the area where the Prophet SAW, Abu-bakkar and Uthman are buried. Which was the house of Aisha RA. They are included the mosque, but have left a gap to show a separation and built around it. As it is forbidden to pray in a mosque where a person is buried.
I would also like to mention that the Hotel and the Masjid are right next to the Taiba shopping centre, lots of clean and cute little shops selling all sorts, Gold, Dates, sweets, souvenirs etc.
In the afternoon we went on a little tour/ ziyarat of the surrounding area, visiting the area where the battle of uhud happened on mount Uhud where Hamza was martyred, and finally went to two famous mosques. In Sha Allah do a separate post on that.
Jazaka Allah khier for reading, hope you enjoyed the post. Please comment, and share, feel free to share on your own blog or Facebook etc, I dont mind at all. I pray you all and myself have the chance to visit mecca and Medina soon.
wasalam -x-
Assalam-O-Alikum
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