Saudi Arabia

 

Saudi Arabia is close to the heart of every Muslim. In addition to visiting Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, I have lived in Saudi Arabia during my father’s deputation to the country by Pakistan Army. I have been part of the Hajj and multiple Umrahs. Saudi Arabia features the holiest sites of Islam including the two holy mosques: Masjid al-Haram, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and many important Islamic landmarks and locations. On arrival in Medina, offering the prayers and reciting the Holy Quran at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi have been my main activities.

The mosque also features an entrance to Jannat al-Baqi, the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) and Rawḍah ash-Sharifah (often known as Riyad al-Jannah). Jannat al-Baqi is the first cemetery of Medina located close to the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It is the resting place of many of the companions and relatives of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W). Rawdah ash-Sharifah (The Noble Garden) is the area between the minbar and the burial chamber of the Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W). It is regarded as one of the Riyad al-Jannah (Gardens of Paradise). The area is covered in Green carpet in contrast to the rest of the mosque which is covered in Red carpet.

Visiting the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) and praying at the Rawdah ash-Sharifah is not an easy task as these areas are always densely crowded with pilgrims and the movement is controlled by policemen. One of the distinguishing features of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the beautiful Green Dome built above the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) and his companions. Prophet Muhammad’s (S. A. W) grave lies within the area that used to be his and his wife Hazrat Aisha’s (R. A) house. Alhamdulilah I have offered prayers at all of these sacred areas.

Up next, I have been to all important Islamic landmarks and locations in Medina. Starting all the way from Jannat al-Baqi once again, I have been to the Mount Uhud. Mount Uhud is a mountain in Medina that holds significance in Islam as it is the site of the Battle of Uhud between the Muslims and the Non-believers. I have also climbed up to the summit of Jabal al-Rumah, also known as the Archers Mountain. It is the site where many Muslim warriors were martyred as a result of not following the orders of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) during the battle.

The next destination of my visit has been the Wadi al Baidah, also known as Wadi e Jin. It is well-known for its gravitational effect. The drive to the Wadi e Jin features palm trees and rugged mountains in the desert. This area is also a popular holiday spot for Saudi families  on weekends. As I approached the area that has the gravitational effect, the driver stopped the vehicle to let me watch the effect of the gravitational force. Even though as it may sound unrealistic, a vehicle on standstill gained up to 120 km/hr as a result of the gravitational force. The experience left me speechless.

The next place of my visit has been Hazrat Uthman’s (R. A) Farm and Well. After visiting the Farm and Well, I have been to the Masjid al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the Two Qiblas) to offer prayers. The Masjid al-Qiblatayn holds historical significance in Islam as it is the mosque where the Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) received the command to change the Qibla (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem to Mecca. It is also one of the earliest mosques that date to the time of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W). 

After praying at the Masjid al-Qiblatayn, I have been to the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwat al-Khandaq) site. Formerly the site of the Battle of the Trench featured seven mosques which have now been joined into a single mosque known as Jamia al Khandaq. After offering prayers at the Jamia al Khandaq, I have been to the Quba Mosque to offer prayers. The Quba Mosque is historically one of the most important mosques in the world and is thought to be the first mosque that dates to the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W). The mosque has also been mentioned in the Hadith and the Holy Quran. After praying at the Quba Mosque, the next place of my visit has been the Ghars Well. Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) used to drink water from the Ghars Well. After visiting the Ghars Well, I have been to the Garden of Hazrat Salman Farsi (R. A). The garden features many date palms.

To perform the Hajj and/or Umrah, pilgrims travel to the city of Mecca. Mecca is home to Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world. It is also the holiest site in Islam. With multiple stops for prayers during my journey from Medina to Mecca and tomb of Hazrat Maymunah (R. A) in sight near Mecca, my journey from Medina to Mecca is the most memorable journey of my life. The feeling of arrival in Mecca is unexplainable, entering the Masjid al-Haram is an unforgettable experience and viewing the Kaaba is a dream of every Muslim. I have been blessed by the Almighty Allah to experience it all.

With the name of Almighty Allah, I have performed the Umrah with ease and I have been able to touch the Holy Kaaba during the Umrah. After performing the Umrah at night, I have been able to stand close to Kaaba and touch it, kiss it and offer prayers right next to it for about ten minutes. it is a moment in my life that I will never be able to forget. My main activities in Mecca have been praying and reciting the Holy Quran in the Masjid al-Haram. I have also offered the Friday prayers in the Masjid al-Haram right in front of the Holy Kaaba. The feeling of peace and tranquility that you get just by even being in the Masjid al-Haram and by viewing the Holy Kaaba is incredible.
 
I have also been to all important Islamic landmarks and locations in Mecca. Starting all the way from Jabal Thawr, a mountain in Mecca that houses the cave of Sawr, where the Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) took refuge from the Quraysh during the migration to Medina, I have been to the Nimrah Mosque next. The Nimrah Mosque is situated in Arafat, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Every year, Hajj sermon is delivered from the Nimrah Mosque.

After visiting the Nimrah Mosque, I have been to the Mount Arafat. I have climbed up to the summit of the Mount Arafat to offer prayers. The Mount Arafat is located in the plain of Arafat. Various important events have taken place on its summit such as Prophet Muhammad’s (S. A. W) farewell sermon and the reunion of Hazrat Adam (A. S) and Hazrat Hawa (A. S) after falling from Heaven. The mountain is also known as Jabal ar-Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy) due to the fact that it is the location where they were forgiven.

The mountain is very important during the Hajj as on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, also known as the Day of Arafah after the mountain itself, the Hajj pilgrims leave Mina for Arafat; this day is considered to be the most important day of the Hajj. The sermon is delivered and Zuhr and Asr prayers are prayed together in the valley. The pilgrims spend the whole day on the mountain and pray to Allah to forgive their sins.

After visiting the Mount Arafat, I have been to an another important Islamic mountain known as Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of the Light). The mountain houses the famed Cave of Hira, which holds tremendous importance for Muslims across the world as Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) is said to have spent a great deal of time in this cave, and it was here that he received his first revelation from the angel Jibra'il (also known as Gabriel). My Dad has climbed up to its summit to pray in the Cave of Hira back when we lived in the country during my Dad’s deputation to the country by Pakistan Army.
 
After visiting the Jabal al-Nour, I have been to Mina. Mina is located in Mecca and is one of the important locations in the Hajj. Mina is also known as the city of Tents as it features a large number of tents to accomodate the pilgrims from across the world during the Hajj Pilgrimage. I have been to some of the tents and I have also been to the Jamarat area, where the stoning of the devil is carried out by the pilgrims during the Hajj. After visiting Mina, I have been to Arafat and from Arafat, I have been to Muzdalifah. Muzdalifah is an area in Mecca that is associated with Hajj. During the Hajj, pilgrims pray at Muzdalifah and collect pebbles for Stoning of the Devil.
 
After visiting Muzdalifah, I have been to the Jannat al-Mu’alla. Jannat al-Mu’alla is a cemetry in Mecca where many of Prophet Muhammad’s (S. A. W) relatives are buried including his wife Hazrat Khadijah (R. A). After visiting the Jannat al-Mu’alla, I have been the Mosque of the Jinn. The Mosque of the Jinn has a historical significance in Islam as it is built on the location where a group of Jinn are said to have gathered to hear the recitation of the Holy Quran by Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W). Afterwards, Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) met their leaders and they embraced Islam. The incident is mentioned in the Chapter al-Jinn of the Holy Quran.