Treasures are hidden under these streets….not the sort that gold diggers would be interested in. No, far greater than any earthly, worldly, or materialistic thing, is the knowing that these streets were blessed with the Mubarak feet of our Esteemed Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his illustrious guiding stars, the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu. His most blessed sandals treading the earth, his noble self alighted on a camel, or a horse, traversing this land now occupied by buildings. The closer one is to Masjid Nabawi, the more likely it was that the earth folded for him, witnessing these sacred footsteps, while being perfumed with amber and musk. So is the bliss of walking these streets….one is transported with the knowledge that the richest of treasures are hidden in the earth, in the air…the gaze is held humbly down and each step seems to float upon this blessedness.

Behold the dancing dust,

still sparkling from the gentle steps

of the pinnacle of messengers,

igniting hearts, intoxicating souls,

emblazing galaxy-like bursts of love,

reaching far off realms divine,

spreading glistening beads of a fragrant elixir

all along the way.

 

And also hidden in the streets of Madinah, minutes from the sacred Haram are treasures of a different worldly kind. The dilapidated shop front opens to a festive array of colour and texture.

 

Enter the doorway to a blaze of delight!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beads, braids, trims, ribbons, sequins, boas, flowers, pearls, buttons, and more cram every inch of space. One can barely fit in the small isles overflowing with cascading lace, yarn, and fabric. An old man has sat almost trapped in the middle of these decorative and festive trims for the past four decades. (he proudly told me his story) He sits in this one place directing an assistant and sometimes offering advice….but always collecting the money. Customers come in droves seeking that special touch, bringing samples to match colours and design. A few years ago when I first discovered this shop I could barely remain inside whilst choosing ribbons I was wanting as there was no fan or AC in there. It was suffocating. Alhumdulillah, when going there this time an AC had been installed. An amazing little world minutes from home and minutes from Masjid Nabawi. How long some of these older establishments remain is only a matter of time, a short time, as more and more of these prime locations are sought for hotels and thus demolished.    

 

And sitting at regular intervals on the side walks of these streets of Madinah are ladies selling candy and roasted nuts, ‘treasures’ to appease the small children accomanying their mothers as they shop for all their party attire.

The streets of Madinah….treasures above and below….earthly and divine…..

Behold the dancing dust,

still sparkling from the gentle steps

of the pinnacle of messengers.

 

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.