Category Archives: Ziyaratun Nabi

…Muhabbat fountains…

…links…

…such joy and exuberance from much loved little ones…exuding a happiness born of purity and innocence…in a fresh invigorating clime…but so so so far away…tugging at the heart strings…releasing an inner fountain of Muhabbat…

~*~

…while recently visiting the Awali area for Eid, squashed in a tiny alleyway was a newly installed slide, a whizzy thing and swings…all painted the serene green of the Mubarak Green Dome…squeals of laughter and cute playful sounds ricocheted off dusty mud walls…and dust danced with their happiness…releasing an inner fountain of Muhabbat…

~*~

…let’s go back thousands of years…when this very area was known as Bani Harith bin Khazraj…where Sayyidna Abu Bakr As Saddiq RadhiAllahu anhu first settled after his migration to Madinah…and where later he arranged for his wife, Umm Rooman and daughters Asmaa and Ayeshah, RadhiAllahu anhunna to reside…it was here that the young Ayeshah RadhiAllahu anha would spend time playing with her friends…they loved to swing…just as all children, and many adults, delight in the meditative rhythm…and devise imaginary tales with simple toys made from pieces of palm trunks and fibre and old fabric…one of her toys was a horse with two wings and when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam gently remarked that horses do not have wings, being a child born into the light of Islam, she intelligently replied that the Prophet Sulaiman Alaihis Salam’s horses had wings…which elicited a smile from her betrothed…releasing another inner fountain of Muhabbat…

~*~

…Lady Ayeshah As Siddiqah RadhiAllahu anha was born in the month of Shawwal four years after Prophethood, and nine years before Hijrah and then six years later, also in the month of Shawwal the Nikkah to our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was performed in Makkah, which was ten years after Prophethood and three years before Hijrah…and then a few years after migration she was given to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam from her parental home in Bani Harith…and thus his dream in which an Angel presented him with a gift wrapped in green silk became reality…as it was the beauteous face of our Lady Ayeshah RadhiAllahu anha shining under the silken cover…another effusive inner Muhabbat fountain sprinkles the heart with glistening diamonds…

~*~

…Madinatun Nabi during these current days is devoid of pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, one of the two periods in the year when visas are not issued meaning access for sisters to the Mubarak Rowdha Shareef and the area surrounding it is open and free of pushing and yelling, Alhumdulillah…the blessing of standing mere metres from the Mubarak Hujrah of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his beloved wife, our Ummul Mu’mineen, Ayeshah As-Saddiqah RadhiAllahu anha releases a forceful fountain of Muhabbat that belies description…long moments standing literally where the main door to their humble home would have been have been gifted…SubhanAllah…one’s body melts into an intoxicated oblivion…where all sense of what seems to be the reality of plush carpets, gilded decoration, Ottoman features…dissolves…and any moment our Lady Ayeshah RadhiAllahu anha will appear from under the dried palm frond roof carrying an empty clay water vessel…or maybe to attend to the needs of sisters gathered around her door…or to distribute Sadaqah…such is how the inner fountain of Muhabbat is released…

~*~

…may you experience the releasing of an inner fountain of Muhabbat as you reflect upon the exceptional life of our Lady Ayeshah RadhiAllahu anha…may time be devoted to filling the hearts of our young ones with the beauty and simplicity of her life, achievements and dedication to the cause of Islam, Insha’Allah

JUMA’AH MUBARAK!

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.

…hubb…habba…

16 Replies

…hubb is love in Arabic, habba is seed…

…seeds of love are blossoming during these Mubarak days of the First Spring. A month of lights where the love for our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s spiritual luminosity resonates deeply in hearts as we taste the sweetness of the harvest of this love.

…the joyfulness and jubilation fills the air in and around the Dome of Felicity…especially on the eve of the 12th…children and brothers were distributing drinks and sweet dishes to the thousands who spent the night in close proximity, both physically and spiritually, to the Noble Resident of the Green Dome, Al-Mustafa, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam…

…regardless of the frequent visits from the dear ‘vice squad’ who were constantly roving about in their ‘matchbox’ car attempting to move groups…

…who were serenely engaged in salutations and praise, spreading seeds of love as the wind disperses the fragrance of a rose…some quietly reciting various Qasidas…

…many recording the rejoicing to share with loved ones far away…

…or partaking of Sheer Korma and other home made dishes…

…or merely gazing…recalling the words of our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, ‘My most intense lovers are a group who will appear after me; one of them would love to exchange their family and wealth in order to see me’ as narrated by Abu Dharr RadhiAllahu anhu (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbali)

His words are all pearls from the ocean of reality

Because his heart was united with the ocean of Truth (Rumi)

…while strolling this morning…bursting from every direction and every heartbeat and every heart that did beat, the seeds of love resonate with the realization that we are the honoured Ummah of the Best of Creation SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, SubhanAllah…

…you are the moon…

…you are the sun…

…you are the light upon light…

…you are the light of Surraya,

Oh Beloved, oh Messenger…

Insha’Allah may we nurture the seeds of love in our hearts so that they flourish into lush manifestations of love for our Blessed and Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and hence for each other, as his Ummah, Ameen.

O Allah, perfume his noble grave with the fragrant scent of blessings and peace.

last night in Paradise…

8 Replies

Last night in Paradise
Angels were baking cup cakes
while chanting Ya Mustafa
as they strummed light waves
and plucked star strings
with feathered wings
tinkling bells chimed in unison
as they always do

these heavenly
vibrations reached far beyond the exosphere
ricocheting off the majestic name

M U H A M M A D

embellished on the Throne

eons before anything was and

beyond time and space

even long before “BE”

Last night in Paradise
Angels were baking cup cakes
the wafting aroma
caught in puffs of breeze
above the Abode
an ambrosia for yearning

repercussions were felt
in the Meadow
as obeisant foreheads melted
on the euphoric floral
green
entwined with thornless roses
and intoxicating jasmine
as veils lifted

veils finer than an ants wing
embroidered with resplendent
beads of pearls
every lustre and gossamer thread
spelling
M U H A M M A D
reflecting mercy on every surface
as it orbits
around a Universe
created just for him

glowing lamps flicker
entire galaxies
madly float
in hearts brimming
with adulation
tears spill in the Garden

oh that they mingle
where his blessed tears
fell as raindrops

where his wise counseling
was a melodious river

where his numinous light
still illuminates even the most wretched

where scent still rises
from his every footprint

where pillars still yearn
for his embrace

where the earth still sighs
from the kiss of his muddied forehead

where his gaze shot arrows of love

where his smile still dances in the air

where his touch
subdued the wildest ego
snuffed the flames of disbelief
united warring fractions
and harmony was finally defined
all by his shadowless perfection

Praiser and Praiseworthy
our stooping and weeping and supplications
are meek compared to your esteem and your vastness
our salutations
sullied
within a darkened stupor
our only hope
is the hope
that dazzles
from your Light
emitting sparks to needy slaves

Last night in Paradise
Angels were baking cup cakes

we sweep the rooms of our being
lay the sufrah
and now

Insha’Allah

patiently

wait

taste

them!

Makkah Al-Mukarramah :: farewell then welcome

6 Replies

After Adhan.

The Imam is already in position for Salat, facing Maqam Ibrahim, with the last few waiting for Iqama to join the Saff. Police stand at various places throughout the Salat.

Immediately Salam is recited brothers rush towards Hajaratul Aswad, Multazam and the Babul Rahmah…

…while the Imam (on the red prayermat) sits facing away from Ka’aba waiting to offer Salatul Janazah and Tawaf resumes.

There were approximately five to six bodies after each of the five prayers during this Makkan trip. They are placed on the marble within the Mataf when it is Fajr, Maghrib and Esha, but are placed under the Ottoman arches during the heat of the day of Zuhur and Asr times, then carried to the edge of the Mataf for the Salatul Janazah, with the Imam reciting the prayer from there also. Once the mayyit is placed on the ground they seem to be left alone, which puzzled me, but then I realized that once the brothers had laid them down they went to perform Tawaf and or Nafl Salat, reassembling around their loved ones for the Janazah.

This is the area of Mu’alla reserved for our esteemed and noble ancestors. Refer to a previous post on Mu’alla for details. After renewing the bravery and dedication of Asma bint Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anha with the Ghar Thawr episode, the love for her gallantry stirs even more knowing that she also rests here, SubhanAllah!

Rekindle your love for our Lady Khadija RadhiAllahu anha who rests behind the green door, by listening to this eight part series by Sheikh Ninowy, may Allah Ta’ala preserve, protect and increase him in knowledge, Ameen.

This is the area, to the right of the above photos, where those whose Janazah in Masjid Al-Haram are rested. There is also an additional extension area across the road. Brothers are seem here saying their final farewells as the deceased are being welcomed by all residents, including our Lady Khadija RadhiAllahu anha, SubhanAllah!

May Allah Ta’ala perfume all these homes of dust with a fragrant breeze from Jannah and fill them with Nur and Sakeenah, forgive all the inhabitants and unite on the Day of Rising with our Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and all the inhabitants of Jannatul Baqi and give them an eternal abode in His Garden. Ameen.

JUMA’AH MUBARAK!

In the Sacred Garden on the night of Shawwal 11

9 Replies

The Shawwal moon blossoms
as an unfurling silver petal
in a satin sky
embellished with glowing tapers
reaching heavenward
with Venus a sparkling companion
while under this canopy of velvet
the swish and flurry of robes
on marble lake
reflecting golden topped pillars
hasten to the Sacred Garden
where prostrations
on the Meadow Carpet
of entwining bouquets and garlands
form an intoxicating filigree
transferring the spirit
to divine realms fragrant of musky nectar
encrusted with glittery gems and milky pearls
the forehead melts
as each circling breath expands
awareness
gaining closer and closer
to the room of our Lady Fatimah
where playful sounds of Hasan and Hussain
permeate heart spaces
with unbounded joy
while beyond a mud wall
the gentle presence of her father
HabibAllah
the Preferred One
caresses
the most needy soul
obliterating all superfluous chattering
clouds of darkness
tinges of despair
shadows of grief
and pangs of pain.

Enter the Sacred Garden reciting greetings and praises.

As-salamu alaika Ya Habibi Sayyidi,

As-salamu alaika Ya Nabi al-Arabi

Ya Habibi Sayyidi

As-salamu alaika Ya Habibi Sayyidi

As-salamu alaika Ya Nabi al-Arabi

As-salamu alaika Ya Shafial-Muznibin

As-salamu alaika Rahamtallah lilAalamin,
SallAllahu alahi wasallam.

~*~***~*~

The Pearl Carpet, a worldly carpet of splendour is an elaborate embroidery of diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds, all so rare in this Dunya, but abundant in the Eternal Garden of Bliss. Such is Allah Ta’ala’s Hikmah, SubhanAllah! This carpet meadow seems to symbolize the quest of seeking the treasures of the Sacred Garden through the efforts of the now.

Insha’Allah we all frolic on carpets of diamonds, pearls, rubies and emeralds, in the presence of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his noble family and companions RadhiAllahu anhum, Ameen.

As-salamu alaika Ya Habibi Sayyidi,

As-salamu alaika Ya Nabi al-Arabi

Ya Habibi Sayyidi

As-salamu alaika Ya Habibi Sayyidi

As-salamu alaika Ya Nabi al-Arabi

As-salamu alaika Ya Shafial-Muznibin

As-salamu alaika Rahamtallah lilAalamin,
SallAllahu alahi wasallam.

‘in-still’

7 Replies

Extol, then, God’s limitless glory when you enter upon the evening hours, and when you rise at morn; and seeing that unto Him is due all praise in the heavens and earth, glorify Him in the afternoon as well, and when you enter upon the hour of noon. (30:17-18)

The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam has said: The persons who secludes himself in the Masjid in I’tikaf in true faith and hope for the reward of Allah, all of his previous sins shall be forgiven.

Our Lord Subhanahu Wa Ta’aladescends each night to the earth’s sky when there remains the final third of the night, and He says: “Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer it? Who is asking something of Me that I may give it him? Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him?”

The Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked: Which of the actions is best? He replied: Observing prayer early in its period.

In a Hadith Qudsi, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Out of all the ways through which My servant gets closer to Me Salah is the dearest to Me.

Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu narrates: I heard Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saying: Verily when Shaytan hears Adhan he flees until he reaches the place Rauha. Sulaiman RahimahuLlah said: I asked Jabir about Rauha. He replied that it is thirty-six miles from Madinah.

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar RadhiAllahu anhuma narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Three persons will b e upon mounds of Musk on the Day of Resurrection, envied by all former and all latter people. The man who calls Adhan for the five times Salat during the day and the night; and the man who leads Salat in a manner that people are pleased with him; and a slave who has fulfilled the rights of Allah and the rights of his master.

Salman RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: He who performs Wudu in his house and perfroms it well, then comes to the Masjid, he is the guest of Allah, and it is obligatory upon the Host to extend hospitality to His guest.

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Verily Allah will illuminate those who make their way to the Masjids in darkness with a brilliant light on the Day of Resurrection.

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Those who frequent the Masjids in darkness undoubtebly are the people who are immersed in Allah’s Mercy.

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Anyone of you who leaves his home to come to my Masjid, for every footstep a virtue is written, and for every other footstep a sin is erased until he returns.

JUMA’AH MUBARAK!

clouds, cleaners, cranes, crowds, cats, cockroaches and..

21 Replies

SubhanAllah the days have been cloudy and humid, with the blessing of a few drops of rain. Drops fall as dust bombs, sprinkling every thing in the City with a fine film of powdery polka dots!

Shorty before Maghrib teams of cleaners methodically displayed their skills leaving the area as a reflective mirror once more.

Amazing how dependent on the prevailing conditions, their tasks are immediately reassigned.

The scaffolding now encompasses the spire of the Ottoman minaret, with the addition of planks as a platform for the labourers to work from.

Sublime! regardless of how grey the sky may be, or what conditions Allah Ta’ala deems, SubhanAllah! And sublime regardless of how many times one may gaze upon this Noble Dome, SubhanAllah! the heart trembles with such a passionate love.

And regardless how many times I watch as the umbrellas are assembled the awe for the skill and engineering never fades. The crane delivers one of the brass segments, protected in plastic….

…to be positioned by the ones now so expert with the installing of the 184 umbrellas.

This group beside north eastern sisters area await the shade covers.

The already surreal-like tentacles appear more so with the dramatic cloud coverage….

…and the fuzzy moon…

…and the gradual illumination of the evening lights…

…while the blustery wind cavorts in and around flowing robes and scarves.

By the time Ziyarah for sisters is over, and one is drained from the chaotic crowds, and the rhythmic alternating of day and night has run its course, all is pristine clean and peace and quiet…

…except for the Haram cats! On the prowl for the evening cockroach parade!

…big ones, small ones and soon to be eaten ones!!!

….crawling from the tiny cracks they would scurry, as the cats nimbly hunted…and then feasted!!! SubhanAllah! I never knew cats ate cockroaches…

….and would never have thought cockroaches would be so prolific with the attention to cleanliness given to the Haram.

The following were taken just before Tahajjud, strolling from the almost deserted northern area to the southern courtyard.

Groups gather near Jannatul Baqi. You just can make out the construction work that is ongoing where they ate wodening the ramp, similar to what they previously did on the one on the other side. This is the one normally used by sisters after Asr, the only time they are permitted to go up on to the viewing platform, but at the moment they cannot due to this work.

Trying to bravely get closer and closer to Bab Jibreel on the left and Bab An-Nisaa on the right, but soon the ‘yallo yallo yallo’ is heard. The doors at these entrances are from the ottoman times and are very beautiful. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to the effect that Bab An-Nisaa was to be used only by women. Now the sad reality is that we cannot use it at all.