Qasas al-Madinah by Imam Sarnubi

Translated by Sheikh Waleed whilst in Madinah during the Rihla 2007 program.

This is a unique and special collection of Qasas.

·         Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was created from the Mubarak earth of Madinah.

·         Madinah contains the greatest place in the world, the most virtuous place is the grave of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

·         Many of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum are buried in Madinah, including  the wives and  daughters of our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. By virtue of these people Madinah is blessed. They are the best of the first generation of Muslims, which is the most blessed generation.

·         The Shuhadah from the Battle of Uhud are buried in Madinah.

·         Allah Ta’ala chose Madinah for the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to migrate to, to establish the Islamic State and to be buried in this Mubarak soil. We should have a deep feeling of awe in our heart for Madinah, and if we cannot be with these noble people, then the least we can do is to strive to be like them.

·         Allah Ta’ala chose the Ansar RadhiAllahu anhum to help the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, giving him protection, refuge and sanctuary.

·         People embraced Islam before the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam arrived in Madinah. Bayah, the Pledge was from the people of Madinah, and they came to Islam, not by the sword or under duress, but by the virtue of the Qur’an, the main vehicle of Da’wah,  and the Akhlaq of the few Muslims they had met.

·         Before the conquest of Makkah it was obligatory for Muslims to make Hijrah. No other city was populated due to this reason. Those who migrated to Madinah were not to return to Makkah.

·         The most noble from this Ummah will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement from Madinah.

·         Some of the names of Madinah are found in the Qur’an. And Madinah is referred to ‘ard, earth, the ‘ardAllah (in grammatical terms this is ‘idafa) Allah Ta’ala refers to Madinah as Allah’s Earth, or the earth of Allah.

·         Allah Ta’ala willed that Madinah was founded on Haqq. Sheikh Waleed narrated the story of the Battle of BAdr. How some of the believers did not want to go once they discovered that the original plan to attack the lightly equipped caravan of Abu Sufyan was receiving extra support from Makkah when they found out they were to be attacked. The Muslims wanted the easiest fight, and showed less enthusiasm once they knew they would be outnumbered and the battle would be more difficult.

·         Allah Ta’ala swears by Madinah in the Qur’an….I Swear by This City, Surah 90 Al-Balad. (My note: some commentators of the Qur’an state that this Surah refers to Maakh…I am merely relaying what was presented in the session with Sheikh Waleed’s translation of the mentioned text, and Allah The Almighty Knows Best.)

·         And say (O Muhammad): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and likewise my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good. And grant me supporting authority from You.   (17:80) (and from another who was at this session: RasulAllah SalAllahu ‘alaihi wasallam said words to the effect that "If anyone heard the adhan and exits from Masjid al Nabvi without a need is close to a hypocrite"…)

·         Madinah was referred to in the Torah as the City where Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy descended.

·         The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made the Du’a: O Allah! Make Madinah as beloved to us as You made Makkah beloved or more than that; make it conducive to health, and bless us in its Sa’ and its Mudd and transfer its fever to Juhfa.

·         Whenever the Prophet returned from a journey he would stop outside, leave his mount and say, This is Taibah, expressing his joy and happiness upon returning to Madinah.

Imam Malik used to always do the same upon entering Madinah. Many previous scholars, due to utmost respect, would walk bare-footed once they entered the City proper.

·         Du’a for Barakah, until today is being made at all the Mubarak places associated with our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. (update from another attendee at this session: There was not a place RasulAllah salAllahu alaihi wasallam passed but that he made dua for barakah.)

·         The Haram area is sacrosanct. Sins committed in the holy confines are more grave than anywhere else, while Hasanat is multiplied by one thousand.

·         The first Masjid to be erected in Islam is in Madinah, Quba Masjid. And the first Juma’ah ever prayed was at the site where Masjid Juma’ah is now, which originally was established by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam with his own hands. Thus they were the first two places where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam established Qiblah.

·         Some say that the Masjid of Taqwa referred to in the Qur’an refers not only to Quba, but also Masjid Nabawi, and Almighty Allah knows best.

Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray).   (9:108)

·         Rowdha Mubarak, the Garden of Jannah is in Madinah. Some interpret this to mean that this section of earth will literally be transferred to Jannah on the Day of Judjement, it will find its place in Jannah. Others say that those who do good works there, then this will be the means of them entering Jannah, And Almighty Allah knows best.

·         The corresponding place of the original Minbar in Masjid Nabawi will be the Hawd, the Prophet’s fountain on the Day of Judjement, where people will drink from after crossing the Sirat. (My note: other narrations say it will be upon a river from the rivers of Jannah, and that the steps of the Minbar shall be the steps to Jannah)

·         Acts performed in the Haram area gain more Hasanah.

·         The one who performs 40 Rak’ats in Masjid Nabawi will gain salvation from Jahannam, and from punishment and hypocrisy.

·         Those who are in a state of Taharah as they walk to Masjid Nabawi every step is rewarded with Hasanah and sins are erased.

·         Performing two Rak’ats in Masjid Quba is equal to performing Umrah.

·         Fasting in Ramadhan in Madinah is as if one has fasted 1000 months, likewise attending Juma’ah is equivalent to attending 1000, and offering Salatul Janazah also equivalent to 1000. All acts similarly multiplied by 1000.

·         One should exit Madinah only if for a pressing need, otherwise it is likened to nifaq.

·         Ta’lim and Ta’lum in Masjid Nabawi carries great blessings. Some of the greatest scholars attended these Halaqas. Ayesha RadhiAllahu anha used to teach from behind a curtain from her room which is now part of the Masjid.

·         O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.  (49:2)

Insha’Allah extra Adab is required when in Madinah, increase reverence and respect for the entire City.

·         The position of the Mihrab is 100% correct, as it was established by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam himself.

·         The blessed mountain of Uhud is within the sacred boundary of Madinah, the mountain that loves us, and we love it, and it is also from Jannah.

·         The Valley of Aqeeq is also a Mubarak valley and from Jannah. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam encouraged people to reside in Madinah, as well as encouring them to try and seek death here, as they then die as a Shaheed and intercession is granted for them.

SUBHANALLAH!

(If any from the Rihla who attended this session find mistakes in the above, or have additional notes, your comments would be appreciated. JazakumuLlahu khairan for those who have assisted with this post, may your love for the Prince of this Radiant City SallAllahu alaihi wasallam bring you to him, Ameen. And once again JazakiLlahu khairan to Asiyah for her bright, colourful depiction of Radiant Madinah on her creative prayer mat above!)

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.