Has not the time yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and for the truth that has descended. (57:16)
I envisage my humble whisperings weaving a diverse fabric of contemporary impressions interwoven with the rich and wondrous stories passed down to us of Allah’s Most Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Sahabah Radhiallahu anhum. A humble endeavour of portraying facets of living in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah through the eyes of my heart. Wandering, roaming, strolling, meandering, journeying over the blessed earth, rocks and dust, where the Best of Creation, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Companions Radhiallahu anhum trod.
The awe of residing in such a Mubarak place never leaves one. I am forever reminded of the Hadith which states to the effect that Allah Ta’ala blesses the places where His remembrance is practiced. The houses where there is Dhikr shine unto the dwellers of Jannah, as do the stars shine unto the inhabitants of the earth. Madinah, the Radiant, glows with the millions from all corners of the globe constantly flowing into this effulgence of Light to visit the Light of Lights, the Most Beloved of Allah Ta’ala, His final and last Messenger, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Hearts and tongues constantly engaged in Dhikr, earning all the promises of Sakeenah and Rahmah enveloping the entire city. No soul can be untouched by the sanctity bestowed upon this hallowed and precious piece of ground, with the brilliance of the light piercing the heart.
I am moved contemplating the satellite image of Madinah, and many nebula images from Hubble, reflecting the essence of this Hadith. Subhanallah, one massive nebula, from untold millions illuminating the skies, and Madinah shining back to the Heavens. Humbling one to the blessed gift of dwelling in Ya Taiba. Physically so close to Allah’s Most Beloved Messenger-may Allah bless him eternally and grant him peace, and his noble Companions, whom Allah is pleased with, as they are pleased with Him. May all who descend on this Dome of Islam, also be spiritually uplifted to the realms of becoming closer to Allah the Bountiful, and being blessed with an intimate nearness to His Habib, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
When one attempts to conceive the magnitude of the entire Universe, the mind is benumbed. Ponder on the Earth, one minute aspect of the whole. And according to one narration, to ponder on the Greaness of Allah Ta’ala for one second is as if one is worshipping for 80 years.
Magnificence is every where, the tiniest cell, the loftiest mountain, the oceans deep, the “the sky a preserved and protected roof” of seven heavens, all harmoniously attuned to the rhythms assigned to each and every particle by our Generous Creator. How from all the places created by Allah Ta’ala, this one tiny area of Madinah has been ordained to welcome the Most Noble of Men, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, to impart to the most noble of peoples, his Ummah, the most complete way of living: the Sunnah. Mercy from the Most Merciful, gifting mankind with knowing the purpose of their existence and the ways to happiness and salvation.
It is He Who has sent amongst the unlettered an apostle from amongst themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, although they had been, before, in manifest error. (62:2)
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the Enlightened City, the Illuminated City, also known by numerous other titles. I list some as I find them so inspiring, adding to one’s understanding of the grandeur of Al-Madinah,
The Protected City,
The Land of Hijra
The City That Eats Towns
The City Of Iman
The Devoted
The Sacred Place
The City of The Prophet
The Residence
The Residence of Pious People
The Residence of Sunnah
The Curer
Taba
Taiba
The Revealer
The Dome of Islam
The Chosen City
The Entrance of Truth
The Endowed
The Extraordinary
The Formidable
The Comforter
The Beloved
The Destroyer of Disbelief
The Abode of the Justified
The Centre of Emigration
The Abode of Peace
The Centre of Conquest
The Preferred
The Excellent
The Abode of the Chosen
The Village of the Helpers
The Possessor of Date Palms
The Eminent of Towns
The Possessor of Nobility
The Abode of Superiority
The Kindness
The Best
The Mediator
The Blessed
The Believer
The Successful
And Al-MISKEENAH, THE HUMBLE.
The name I have chosen as the title of the blog. Representing to me the gentle, compassionate atmosphere permeating the city, but also the dual implication that I am a mere speck in the grand scheme of things, and thus humble myself to the very dust around me, feeling that it has been here since time immemorial, and was witness to our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Companions Radhaiallahu anhum, and their selfless sacrifices for all who followed.
Aside. Insha’Allah these humble whispering will evolve in time! A work in progress. I am not so computer literate to know all the technical ins and outs of “blogging”. Sabr and Shukr. May the words dancing on the screen be of benefit. May Allah Ta’ala see my intention, forgive any mistakes and accept this meagre effort. May He bless all readers.
