Golden Pages of Madinah Munawwarah

6
‫الن َِّة‬ ِ ‫ي َب ْيتِى َو ِمن َ ِْبى َر ْو َض ٌة ِم ْن ِر َي‬

َ ْ ‫اض‬ َ ْ ‫َما َب‬
Nabi 0 said, “Between

my house and my pulpit, there
is a garden from the gardens of
Jannah.” (Bukhari)
Golden Pages
from
MADINAH
MUNAWWARAH

By Moulana Afzal Ismail
First Edition Sha’baan 1440 / April 2019
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CONTENTS
Introduction�� 12
The name of Madinah Munawwarah�� 14
Virtues of Madinah Munawwarah�� 16
The city of Nabi’s 0 hijrah and demise�� 16
Beloved to Nabi 0�� 16
Double in blessings�� 16
Salaah in Masjidun Nabawi�� 17
Seeking knowledge�� 17
Death in Madinah Munawwarah�� 17
A place of Imaan�� 18
A garden of Jannah�� 18
Dates of Madinah Munawwarah�� 19
Sand of Madinah Munawwarah�� 19
Fruits of Madinah Munawwarah�� 20
Miscellaneous Virtues�� 20
Allah’s  tajalli upon Madinah Munawwarah�� 20
Why was Nabi 0 brought to Madinah Munawwarah?�� 21
Golden Stories of Madinah Munawwarah�� 23
Umar’s amazing dua�� 23
Uthmaan’s  martyrdom�� 23
Faatimah  �� 23
Aisha  and haya (modesty)�� 24
Prescription for rain�� 25
Intercession of Nabi 0 brings rain �� 25
The intercession of Nabi 0�� 25
Uwais al-Qarni P falls unconscious �� 26
Tilawah in homes at Tahajjud time�� 27
Adhaan from the blessed chamber�� 27
Imam Shaatbi P recites Qur’aan to Nabi 0 �� 27
A centre of teaching and learning�� 28
A beautiful fragrance emanates from the grave�� 28
Cleaning the blessed Rawdhah with his beard�� 29
Cured through the dua of Nabi 0�� 30
A unique lesson in hadith�� 30
Understanding a ruling of fiqh�� 31
Shaikh Zakariyya P and Imam Maalik P�� 31
Desiring death in Madinah Munawwarah�� 32
The Bedouin women of Madinah Munawwarah�� 32
Blessed relics of the Topkapi�� 33
Fakhruddeen Pasha’s heroic defence of Madinah Munawwarah��33
The men who replaced the coverings of the blessed chamber�� 35
Attempts to steal the bodies of Nabi 0 and the Sahabah ��38
Punishment for cursing the Sahabah �� 44
Stories of Ziyarat�� 46
Shah Waliyullah Muhaddith Dehlawi P �� 46
A Bedouin�� 46
Sayyid Ahmad Rifaa’i P �� 47
Samhoodi’s P love�� 48
Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri P�� 49
Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P�� 50
Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani P�� 51
Mufti Muhammad Shafi Uthmani P�� 51
Moulana Sayyid Munaazir Ahsan Gilaani P�� 52
Shaikh Muhammad Zakariyya P�� 53
Moulana Abrarul Haq P�� 54
Moulana Abdul Maajid Daryabadi P�� 54
Moulana Muhammad Farouk P�� 55
Stories of Love for Nabi 0 �� 58
Abu Bakr’s  love�� 58
Umar’s  love�� 59
Uthmaan’s  love�� 60
Ali’s  love�� 60
Love of the Ansaar�� 61
 love�� 62
Bilal’s
Khubaib’s  love �� 62
The desire of a disciple of Isa �� 63
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz’s P love�� 63
Imam Maalik’s P love�� 64
Ibn Aamir Shaami’s P love�� 65
Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi’s P love�� 66
Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi’s P love�� 67
Haaji Imdaadullaah’s P love�� 68
Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri’s P love �� 68
Shaikh Muhammad Zakariyya’s P love �� 69
A child’s love for Madinah Munawwarah�� 69
Love of the Ulama of Deoband �� 70
Moulana Abdur Rahmaan’s P love�� 71
A Turkish poet’s love�� 72
Uthmani Khilafah’s Love�� 73
Demise of Nabi 0�� 76

The Messengers  are alive in their graves�� 79
The four righteous khalifs�� 81
Abu Bakr  �� 81
Umar �� 83
Uthmaan �� 84
Ali �� 86
Etiquette of visiting Madinah Munawwarah�� 88
Etiquette of visiting Nabi 0 at the blessed Rawdhah �� 91
Blessings of salaat upon Nabi 0�� 93

Masjidun Nabawi�� 95
Foundations of the Masjid�� 95
Expansion after the Battle of Khaibar�� 95
The homes of the wives of Nabi 0�� 96
The Blessed Chamber�� 97
The mimbar (pulpit)�� 98
The first lamp�� 99
Pillars�� 99
The Suffah�� 101
The Mihraab �� 103
Doors�� 104
The Green Dome�� 105
Blessed Sites in Madinah Munawwarah��106
Jannat al-Baqi �� 106
Masjid Quba�� 109
Mount Uhud�� 109
Bir Haa�� 112
Bir Rooma�� 112
Bir Arees�� 113
Madinah Munawwarah in relation to Qiyamah��114
The Message of Madinah Munawwarah ��115
Bibliography��117
Duas and salaam at the Rawdhah.......................................120
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FOREWORD
by Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq 9

Principal of Darul Uloom Azaadville
‫حامدا و مصليا و مسلما‬

All praise and honour is solely due to Allaah  the Creator, Nourisher and
Sustainer, to Whom we are all going to return. I praise and honour Him, with
praises and honour most befitting to Him, as He has praised and honoured
Himself!
Salaat-wa-Salaam - Salutations and Peace - be upon the most Honourable

and Sublime of personalities (after the most honourable and lofty position
of Allaah  ) our Nabi and our Rasul ‫صىل اهلل عليه وسلم دائام ابدا‬. May our lives be
sacrificed for him.
In his great humility and kindness, Moulana Afzal Ismail has asked me to
write a foreword to yet one more of his monumental works on the topic
of visiting Nabi-e-Akram ‫ صىل اهلل عليه وسلم‬and the honourable city of Madinah
Munawwarah. Where am I in relation to Nabi-e-Akram ‫صىلاهللعليهوسلم‬, the Sublime
Masjid-e-Nabawie ‫ عيل صاحبها الف الف حتية و سالما‬and the Honourable City of Madinah
Munawwarah?! What is the relation between the dirt and filth of the ground
and the lofty stars, moon and sun?! There is absolutely no comparison. But
what gives me the audacity and boldness to venture into this most sublime,
pure and noble path is that by the acceptance of this kitaab and those reading
it and fulfilling the rights of Rasul-e-Akram ‫صىلاهللعليهوسلم‬, Masjid-e-Nabawie and
the Capital of the universe, Madinah Munawwarah, I make dua that Allaah’s
 Mercies and Forgiveness envelope this lowly and sinful slave as well. And
Allaah’s  Forgiveness and Mercies are all enveloping!
Ma-sha-Allah, Moulana has again done a most superb rendition by explaining
the lofty position of Madinah Munawwarah and important matters relating
to the Great City and, more importantly, the Great Personality for whom
this great journey is undertaken, the etiquette required to be observed, the
love to be developed, and the great benefits to be realised. This kitaab is a
‘must read’ for anyone who is thinking of visiting Nabi-e-Akram ‫صىل اهلل عليه وسلم‬,
Masjid-e-Nabawie and Madinah Munawwarah! May Allaah  grant us all the
great honour to visit Nabi-e-Akram ‫ صىل اهلل عليه وسلم‬over and over, and yet over
and over again, while observing the lofty aadaab (etiquette) and respects as
required and learned from this beautifully presented kitaab. May Allaah 
in His unlimited Mercies, Kindnesses and Forgiveness grant us mawt (death)
in Madinah Munawwarah and tuck us away in some small corner of Baqi-e-
Gharqad.
‫آمين يا رب العالمين و يا ارحم الراحمين و يا اكرم االكرمين‬
‫والصالة والسالم عليه و على آله الى يوم الدين‬
Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq

Azaadville
16 Jumaadal Ula 1440 / 23 January 2019
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INTRODUCTION
The land of Madinah Munawwarah carries special significance for every Muslim
because it bears within its sands the traces of prophetic magnificence. Here
the footsteps, words and gestures of Nabi 0 come to life. It was here
that Nabi 0 and his blessed Sahabah  walked and made sajdah.
Here Muslims can reflect upon the past and focus towards the future with
renewed vigour and vitality.
Madinah Munawwarah is important to us because the relics and landmarks

of Nabi 0 give us insight into his teachings. They teach us about the
objectives of his mission. If man were ever to gather the legacies and relics of
every great king, ruler, sovereign, monarch and emperor, they would not even
come close to that which Madinah Munawwarah has to offer. The debt which
humanity owes to Nabi 0 far outweighs the combined intellectual
legacy of every thinker, philosopher, scholar, poet and sage.
Madinah Munawwarah reduces many to tears. Its memories bring joy and
emotion to the heart. Standing at its threshold strengthens a Muslim’s spiritual
link with Nabi 0 . It also allows us to appreciate the tremendous
sacrifices that led to the propagation of Islam in distant lands.
Visiting the Rawdhah (grave of Nabi 0) is among the greatest bounties

that a Muslim can be blessed with. Millions of Muslims around the world
crave for this opportunity. In fact, it is one of the greatest days in the life of
a Muslim when he can stand before Nabi 0 at his Rawdhah and recite
salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0 . One who is blessed with this bounty
should utilise it wisely by being spiritually prepared for it in advance. If this
opportunity is used properly, one will acquire many benefits and rewards. If
it is used inappropriately, one will have lost out a great deal.
This book has been compiled to guide those who visit the city of Madinah
Munawwarah. It includes a discussion of the history and relics of the city so
that visitors can appreciate the glorious legacy of Nabi 0 and his
Sahabah . A chapter on the stories of love for Nabi 0 and the
respect of the pious ones at the Rawdhah will In-sha-Allah inspire readers
to be humble in the presence of Nabi 0 and in the magnificent city
of Madinah Munawwarah.
I would like to acknowledge all those who assisted in making this publication
possible. I am especially grateful to Moulana Moosa Kajee and Moulana Imraan
Kajee who kindly agreed to edit and proofread the manuscript. I am deeply
grateful for the foreword to the book by Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq
9 whose duas and encouragement have greatly enhanced the value of
the book. Jazakumullaahu Khairan.
May Allaah  accept this publication from us and grant us death in Madinah
Munawwarah. I humbly request those who read this book to remember me,
my family and my teachers in their duas.
Afzal Ismail
16 Jumaadal Ula 1440 / 23 January 2019
GOLDEN PAGES FROM MADINAH MUNAWWARAH
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THE NAME OF MADINAH
MUNAWWARAH
The city was called Madinah Munawwarah (the radiant city) when Nabi
0 entered it, because it was as if everything became illuminated
by his presence. Anas ibn Maalik  narrated, “The day Nabi 0
entered Madinah, everything was illuminated, and the day Nabi 0
passed away, everything became dark and gloomy.” (Ahmad)
Allaamah Samhoodi P in Wafa ul-Wafa has mentioned 94 names for Madinah.

Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi P mentioned 60 names in Jazbul
Quloob. According to Haafidh al-Munaawi P it has around 1 00 names.
Haafidh Ibn Hajar al-Makki P stated that according to some of the latter
scholars, it had 1000 names. The fact that the city has so many names, points
to its greatness and grandeur.1
The name Madinah is mentioned at 4 places in the Qur’aan:

ِ ‫اب من ِف ُق ْو َن َو ِم ْن َا ْه ِل ا ْلم ِد ْينَة ِ مر ُد ْوا َع َلى ال ِّن َف‬ ِ
َ‫اق ل‬ ََ َ ُ ِ ‫َوم َّم ْن َح ْو َلك ُْم ِّم َن ْالَ ْع َر‬
‫اب َعظِي ْ ٍم‬ٍ ‫َت ْع َل ُم ُه ْم ن َْح ُن َن ْع َل ُم ُه ْم َسنُ َعذِّ ُب ُه ْم َّم َّر َت ْي ِن ُث َّم ُي َر ُّد ْو َن اِلى َع َذ‬
Among the villagers around you are hypocrites and from the
people of Madinah as well. They persist in hypocrisy. You do not
know them but We know them. We shall soon punish them twice,
after which they will be returned to a monstrous punishment.
(Surah Tawbah, verse 101)
1 Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, Vol 2, p24
14 www.matwork.co.za
ِ ‫َان ِلَ ْه ِل ا ْل َم ِديْنَةِ َو َم ْن َح ْو َل ُه ْم ِّم َن ْالَ ْع َر‬

‫اب َا ْن َّيت ََخ َّل ُف ْوا َع ْن َّر ُس ْو ِل اهللِ َو َل‬ َ ‫َما ك‬
‫َي ْر َغ ُب ْوا بِ َا ْن ُف ِس ِه ْم َع ْن َّن ْف ِس ه‬
It is not befitting for the people of Madinah and those villagers
around them to remain behind the Rasool of Allah or to prefer
their lives over his. (Surah Tawbah, verse 120)
‫َل ِئ ْن َّل ْم َينْت َِه ا ْل ُمن ِٰف ُق ْو َن َوا َّل ِذ ْي َن ِ ْف ُق ُل ْوبِ ِه ْم َّم َر ٌض َّوا ْل ُم ْر ِج ُف ْو َن ِف ا ْل َم ِد ْين َِة َلنُ ْغ ِر َين ََّك‬
‫َك فِ ْي َهٓا اِ َّل َق ِل ْي ًل‬ َ ‫او ُر ْون‬ ِ ‫بِ ِه ْم ُث َّم َل ُي َج‬
If the hypocrites, those with a disease in their hearts and those

who spread rumours in Madinah do not desist, We will definitely
grant you authority over them, after which they will hardly be
able to live with you there. (Surah Ahzaab, verse 60)
‫َي ُق ْو ُل ْو َن َل ِئ ْن َّر َج ْعنَٓا اِ َل ا ْل َم ِد ْين َِة َل ُي ْخ ِر َج َّن ْالَ َع ُّز ِمن َْها ْالَ َذ َّل َوِهلل ِ ا ْل ِع َّز ُة َولِ َر ُس ْولِه‬
ٰ
‫ي َو َل ِك َّن ا ْل ُمن ِٰف ِق ْي َن َل َي ْع َل ُم ْو َن‬ َ ْ ِ‫َولِ ْل ُم ْؤ ِمن‬
They say, “If we return to Madinah, the honourable ones among
us shall certainly exile the humiliated ones.” All honour belongs
to Allah, His Rasool and the believers, but the hypocrites do not
know it. (Surah Munafiqoon, verse 8)
www.matwork.co.za 15
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VIRTUES OF MADINAH
MUNAWWARAH
The city of Nabi’s 0 hijrah and demise

Nabi 0 said, “In a dream I saw that I was migrating from Makkah
to a land of palm trees. I thought that it was Yamaamah or Hajar, but it was
actually Madinah.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Nabi 0 desired his burial in Madinah Munawwarah. He said, “There

is no place on earth which I love more for my grave than this.” He said this
three times, referring to Madinah Munawwarah. (Muwatta) It is for this reason
that he returned to live the remainder of his life in Madinah Munawwarah
even after Makkah Mukarramah had been liberated.
The presence of the blessed body of Nabi 0 in Madinah Munawwarah

causes numerous mercies and blessings to continuously descend upon the city.
Beloved to Nabi 0
Nabi 0 said, “O Allah, make Madinah beloved to us as Makkah was
beloved to us or even more.” (Bukhari)
Double in blessings
Nabi 0 said, “O Allah, grant double the blessings to Madinah as You
have granted to Makkah.” (Bukhari)
This dua together with the various other duas Nabi 0 made for the
city of Madinah Munawwarah ensured that it is blessed in many ways.
Salaah in Masjidun Nabawi

Nabi 0 said, “A Salaah in this Masjid of mine is superior to 1 000
Salaahs in other masajid besides Masjidul Haraam (in Makkah Mukarramah).”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Nabi 0 said, “One who performs 40 Salaahs in my Masjid without

missing even one, emancipation from the fire and safety from punishment
will be written for him, and he will be free from hypocrisy.” (Musnad Ahmad,
Al-Mu’jamul Awsat of Tabraani)
Seeking knowledge
Nabi 0 said, “One who comes to my Masjid for no other reason than
to learn or teach, is like a mujahid in the path of Allah.” (Ibn Maajah)
Death in Madinah Munawwarah

Nabi 0 said, “Whoever has the ability to pass away in Madinah should
do so because I will intercede or be a witness on the day of Qiyamah for
whoever dies in Madinah.” (Al-Mu’jamul Kabeer of Tabraani, Shu’abul Imaan of
Baihaqi)
This intercession could either be to raise his rank, to ensure that he would be
protected from the trials of Qiyamah or that he would be granted entrance
into Jannah without reckoning.
The desire to pass away in Madinah Munawwarah and be buried in Baqi should
be within the heart of every Muslim. The pious and righteous, throughout the
ages, have desired death in this blessed city.2 May Allah  , in His kindness
and compassion, also grant us death in Madinah Munawwarah. Aameen!
2 Umar  used to make dua for death in Madinah Munawwarah. Imam Maalik
P did not leave Madinah Munawwarah except for Haj, and he returned to the
city immediately after performing Haj, fearing that he may pass away out of the city.
Many of the Ulama of Deoband passionately desired death in the blessed city and
some permanently migrated to it despite difficult circumstances.
A place of Imaan
Nabi 0 said, “Imaan will return to Madinah just as a snake returns
to its hole.” (Bukhari)
A snake leaves its hole in search of food and then returns. Similarly, Muslims
will spread out in the world and will return to Madinah Munawwarah close to
Qiyamah. This will be during the era when the entire world will be immersed
in sin, immorality and disbelief. The only safe haven for people of Imaan will
be Madinah Munawwarah. However, according to Ibn Hajar P, the hadith
means that every believer is attracted to Madinah Munawwarah because of
his love for the city. This applies to every era, not only to the era close to
Qiyamah: during the era of Nabi 0 , people flocked to the city to learn
from him; during the era of Sahabah , Taabi’een and Tab’ut Taabi’een,
people flocked to the city to follow the guidance of these righteous people;
and in the eras that followed, people flocked to the city to visit the grave and
Masjid of Nabi 0 and to derive barakah (blessings) from viewing his
relics and those of his Sahabah . Even in today’s times, Muslims throughout
the world flock to Madinah Munawwarah in droves despite escalating costs
and regulations enforced by the authorities.
A garden of Jannah
Nabi 0 said, “Between my house and my pulpit, there is a garden
from the gardens of Jannah.” (Bukhari)
Many ulama have taken the literal meaning of this hadith. According to them,
this portion of land will physically be transferred into a section of Jannah
on the day of Qiyamah. It could also mean that good actions done in this
place will assist the doer to enter Jannah. Hence, it is an encouragement for
Muslims to visit the blessed grave and perform ibaadah in this Masjid.3 A third
meaning is that it resembles the gardens of Jannah in terms of the mercy
and goodness it draws due to the ever presence of the gatherings of dhikr.
3 Umdatul Qaari
Dates of Madinah Munawwarah

From the many varieties of dates4 that grow in Madinah Munawwarah, Nabi
0 gave prominence to one particular kind, namely ajwah. He said,
“One who eats seven ajwah dates in the morning will not be affected by
poison or black magic.” (Bukhari) Nabi 0 also said, “Ajwah dates are
from Jannah and they contain cure for poison.” (Tirmidhi)
Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas  stated: Once I was ill and Nabi 0 came to
visit me. He placed his hand upon my chest until I could feel the coldness of
it on my heart. He said, “You have a sickness of the heart. Call for Haarith
ibn Kaldah, from the tribe of Thaqeef because he is knowledgeable regarding
medicine. He (Haarith) should take seven dates from the ajwah of Madinah,
grind them together with their pits into a powder and give it to you as a
drink.” (Abu Daawood)
Besides ajwah dates, some ahadith also mention the virtue of barni dates.
Sand of Madinah Munawwarah

The sand of Madinah Munawwarah is a cure from illness. Aisha  stated that
when any person fell ill or had any ailment or injury, Nabi 0 placed
his forefinger upon the ground and then lifted it reciting, “In the name of
Allah, the dust of our ground mixed with the saliva of some of us is a means
of cure for our illness, with the permission of Allah.” (Muslim)
According to Ibn Qayyim P this was an extremely potent cure because it

combined a number of effective elements: firstly, the best and most blessed
of sands on earth mixed with the saliva of Nabi 0 ; secondly, Nabi’s
0 words of cure were combined with the name of Allah  ; and
thirdly, the dua incorporates tafweedh (resigning oneself to the decision of
4 Moulana Husain Ahmed Madani P stated, “Many types of dates grow in Madinah
Munawwarah. History books such as Khulasatul Wafa and others have listed 130 different
categories of dates, each having a different taste, colour and shape. Today, at least 40
types are commonly grown and sold.” (Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, p35)
Allah  ).5
Fruits of Madinah Munawwarah

Nabi 0 said, “O Allah, grant blessings to our fruit, grant blessings
to our city, grant blessings in our saa, grant blessings in our mudd6. O Allah,
Ibraaheem was Your servant, Your friend and Your Messenger. I am Your
servant and Your Messenger. He made dua to You for Makkah. Just as he
made dua for Makkah, I am making dua to You for Madinah with a request
for an equal addition.” (Muslim)
Miscellaneous Virtues
Some of the other virtues of Madinah Munawwarah are as follows:
1. The roads leading to it are protected by angels, hence Dajjaal and plagues
cannot enter it.
2. It is the land where Qur’aanic revelation descended.
3. Blessings are recorded for one who bears its difficulties with patience, eats
its fruit, drinks its water or uses its sand for cure.
4. Many Sahabah  lived here and are buried in its sands.
5. The great angel Jibril  used to frequent it.
6. From this city, hidayah (guidance) spread throughout the world.
Allah’s  tajalli upon Madinah Munawwarah

Allah’s tajalli (the divine manifestation of Allah’s  gaze, mercy and
compassion) continuously descends upon the heart of Nabi 0 in
Madinah Munawwarah. Ordinarily, due to human weakness, Nabi 0
would not have been able to endure the power and grandeur of Allah’s 
tajalli. However, Allah  strengthened his heart to bear this tajalli by washing
it with zamzam and filling it with imaan and wisdom. As a result, he could
5 Zaadul Ma’aad
6 Saa and mudd are units of measurement.
now endure that which others could not. He traversed the seven heavens
and witnessed Jannah and Jahannam, he gazed at Jibril  in his original
form, and he went until the tree of Sidratul Muntaha.
This tajalli upon Nabi 0 manifested itself in the form of perfection

in his speech, knowledge, awe, beauty, etc. The Sahabah received portions of
each of these qualities and they were then passed on to successive generations
by a heart-to-heart transmission. A few fortunate souls are, however, able
to receive a share of these qualities by drawing directly from the heart of
Nabi 0 .
It is possible to draw from this tajalli in various ways. One is by visiting the
grave of Nabi 0 . Those who present themselves with due etiquette
and respect at this blessed place receive splashes of this tajalli. Another
way of drawing from this tajalli is to recite salaat and salaam upon Nabi
0 . This strengthens the link between the heart of Nabi 0
and his followers. The stronger this bond, the easier it is to draw from his
blessed heart. A third way to draw from this tajalli is to meet the Hujjaaj
and Mutamireen who return from Madinah Munawwarah. The dates and gifts
they bring from Madinah Munawwarah also contain a portion of this tajalli.7
The tajalli of peace which descends upon Nabi 0 can be felt throughout
Madinah Munawwarah. Visitors to the city experience this peace and serenity
together with the cool natured temperament of its residents.
Why was Nabi 0 brought to Madinah

Munawwarah?
The wisdom of Nabi 0 being in a land distant and separate from
Makkah Mukarramah is to demonstrate his exceptional virtue. He was a
leader and not a subordinate. If he were to be buried in Makkah Mukarramah,
the primary objective of a visitor to Makkah Mukarramah would then have
been Makkah Mukarramah or Haj, and Nabi 0 would have been the
secondary objective. This is not befitting of his superior status. For this reason,
7 Adapted from The Secrets of the Holy Lands
it was appropriate that he be in a separate location distinct and distant from

Makkah Mukarramah. One who travels to Madinah Munawwarah does so to
visit him exclusively and he retains the superiority and supremacy he deserves.
Madinah Munawwarah was selected above other cities in the region because
of its superior characteristics. It had an abundance of water and dates, and
its inhabitants were good natured people. In addition, the maternal uncles
of Nabi 0 were from Madinah Munawwarah. Moreover, those who
showed the greatest interest in assisting and supporting him were the Ansaar
of Madinah Munawwarah.8
Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar P also elaborated upon this issue. He said: If

Allah  had willed, Nabi 0 would not have been compelled to make
hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah. Allah  could have made the leaders of
the Quraish submit to Islam. However, there was a deeper reason why Nabi
0 was brought to Madinah Munawwarah. The reason was that a Haaji
would remain focussed upon Allah  when going to the Ka’bah, and he would
remain focussed upon Nabi 0 when going to Madinah Munawwarah.
Otherwise (if the Rawdhah of Nabi 0 was in Makkah), a Haaji would
have desired to present himself at the Rawdhah; but at the Rawdhah while
reciting salaat and salaam, he would have desired to perform tawaaf and
be at the multazam. So Allah  saved our hearts from confusion. When
at the Ka’bah, focus upon the worship of Allah  , and when in Madinah
Munawwarah, focus upon Nabi 0 and continue reciting salaat and
salaam.9
8 Al-Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat al-Qabar al-Mukarram, p103-105

9 Rashke Awliya Hayaate Akhtar, p335
0
GOLDEN STORIES OF
MADINAH MUNAWWARAH
Umar’s  amazing dua

Umar  used to make the following dua, “O Allah, grant me martyrdom
in Your path and grant me death in the city of Your Messenger.” (Bukhari)
People used to wonder how it could be possible for him to become a martyr,
whereas Islam had spread so far and wide during his khilafah, and non-
Muslims lived in awe of him. However, Allah  accepted both these duas
when he was assassinated by the fire-worshipper, Abu Lu’lu’, after Fajr Salaah
in Masjidun Nabawi.
Uthmaan’s  martyrdom
Uthmaan  was martyred in his home in Madinah Munawwarah. He was
one of those who had intense love for the Qur’aan. In addition to being a
scribe of revelation, he was amongst its greatest scholars. He was martyred
while reciting the Qur’aan and the blood from his body fell on the verse in
Surah Baqarah, “Allah will be sufficient for you against them.”10
Faatimah 
The house of Faatimah  is directly behind that of Aisha  and the
blessed chamber where Nabi 0 is buried. Initially, when Ali 
married Faatimah  , he built a house which was a distance from that of Nabi
0 . Due to Nabi’s 0 love for Faatimah , he desired that
10 Taareekh al-Tabari, Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah
she move closer to him. So Faatimah  suggested that he ask Haarithah ibn
Nu’maan  who owned a house closer to the Masjid. But, Nabi 0
felt shy to ask Haarithah  as he had already given him several houses
close to the Masjid. When news of this reached Haarithah  , he came to
Nabi 0 and said, “O Nabi of Allah, I have heard that you would like
Faatimah  to move closer to you. Take my house. From all the houses of
the Banu Najjar, it is the closest in distance to you. My wealth and my life
are for the pleasure of Allah and his Nabi 0 . By Allah, O Nabi of
Allah, that wealth which you take from me is more beloved to me than that
which you do not take.” Upon this, Nabi 0 replied, “You are true in
your claim. May Allah bless you.” He then moved Faatimah  to the house
of Haarithah . 11
Faatimah  was concerned about her modesty throughout her life and
even at the time of her death. During her final illness, she said to Asma bint
Umais12 , “I dislike what happens to women (after they pass away). They
are covered in a cloth which allows their bodies to be (viewed and) described.”
Asma bint Umais  said to her, “Would you like to know what I saw in the
land of Abysinnia?” She then asked for some fresh branches of a palm-tree,
bent them into shape and threw a piece of cloth over them.13 Faatimah 
said, “This is excellent!” She also made a bequest that she be buried at night
and her wish was fulfilled.14
Aisha  and haya (modesty)

Aisha  said, “I used to enter the chamber in which Nabi 0 and
my father (Abu Bakr  ) were buried without donning the hijab. I would
11 Tabaqaat ibn Sa’d

12 Asma bint Umais  was the wife of Abu Bakr  . She took care of Faatimah 
during the latter’s final illness. This shows the close contact between the family of
Abu Bakr  and the family of Ali  .
13 This was how the grave would be covered when women were lowered into it at
the time of burial.
14 Usd al-Ghabah
say to myself, ‘This is my husband and my father.’ But when Umar  was
buried with them, I would only enter while in hijab out of modesty for Umar
.” (Al-Mustadrak Lil Haakim )
Prescription for rain
Madinah Munawwarah was once in a severe drought and people complained
to Aisha  about it. She said, “Make a hole in the ceiling directly above
the grave of Nabi 0 so that there remains no barrier between him
and the heavens.” They did as advised and it rained in abundance, causing
vegetation to grow and camels to fatten. The year came to be known as the
year of abundance.” (Mishkaatul Masaabeeh, Daarami)
Intercession of Nabi 0 brings rain

During the khilafah of Umar , the inhabitants of Madinah Munawwarah
were afflicted by a drought. A person came to the grave of Nabi 0
and said, “O Rasulullah, ask Allah to grant your Ummah rain as they are
experiencing difficulty.” Nabi 0 then appeared to him in a dream and
said that they would receive rain. Soon thereafter it rained. Nabi 0
also said to the man, “Go to Umar and convey to him my salaams. Inform
him that they will receive rain. Also tell him to be astute.” So the man came
to Umar  and informed him. Umar  cried when he heard the message
and he said, “O Allah, I am not negligent except in cases when things are
not in my control.”15
The intercession of Nabi 0

Uthmaan Ibn Hunaif P narrates: A certain man came to see Khalifah
Uthmaan  on more than one occasion for some problem, but the Khalifah
paid no attention to him and neither did he try to assist him with his problem.
The man complained to Ibn Hunaif P who advised him, “Make wudhu
15 Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaibah; Al-Isti’aab; Al-Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat al-Qabr al-
Mukarram, p175; Fadhaaile Madinah, p50
and perform two rakaats of Salaah in the Masjid of Nabi 0 . Then

recite this dua,
‘O Allah, I ask You and I turn to You through Our Nabi Muhammad 0 ,
The Messenger of mercy. O Muhammad, through you I turn to Your Lord that
my need be fulfilled.’
Then place your need before Allah.” The man did as he was advised. Thereafter,
he went to Uthmaan  . When he reached there he was surprised to see
the gate-keeper coming out to meet him and guide him into the presence
of Uthmaan , who met him with great honour and respectfully begged
his forgiveness for not having been able to assist him. Uthmaan  then
asked him about his needs and very quickly assisted him saying, “If there is
any need for my help in the future, then inform me without any hesitation.”
The man left and returned to Ibn Hunaif P to thank him for his advice,
“Through your intercession and pleading, my problem is sorted out.” Ibn
Hunaif P replied, “I never did any pleading on your behalf. The truth
of the matter is that I was once in the presence of Nabi 0 when a
blind man came to complain of his blindness. Nabi 0 said, ‘If you
so wish, then have patience and if you so wish, I shall make dua to Allah for
your sight.’ The man said, ‘O Nabi 0 , I have no guide to lead me and
suffer great discomfort.’ Nabi 0 told him to make wudhu, perform
two rakaats of Salaah and then recite this same dua and thereafter place his
problem before Allah. It was not long afterwards that the same man came
along healed of his blindness, with no loss of sight at all.’”16
Uwais al-Qarni P falls unconscious

Uwais al-Qarni’s P love and respect for Nabi 0 was indescribable.
As he entered and stood at the door of Masjidun Nabawi, it was said to him,
“This is the grave of Nabi 0 .” Upon hearing this, he fell unconscious.
When he recovered, he said, “Remove me from here! I cannot bear to remain
16 Fazaaile Madinah
in a city where Muhammad 0 lies buried.”17
Tilawah in homes at Tahajjud time

The Taabi’ee, Abu al-Zinaad P, stated: When I used to emerge from my
house to go to Masjidun Nabawi at the time of Suhoor, I would hear the
recitation of Qur’aan from every house that I passed. Further, when we as
young people intended to meet for some necessity, we used to say that we will
meet when the reciters of Qur’aan are reciting (i.e. at the time of Tahajjud).18
Adhaan from the blessed chamber

The renowned Taabi’ee, Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyab P met many Sahabah .
He was present in Madinah Munawwarah when the unfortunate incident of
Harrah occurred. As a result of the battle between Yazeed and the inhabitants
of Madinah Munawwarah, many people fled the city. A number of civilians
were also martyred. Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyab P mentioned that during this
painful event, there was nobody in Masjidun Nabawi besides himself. When the
army would enter the Masjid, they would see him and remark, “What is this
old mad man doing here?” However, it was predestined for him to remain in
the Masjid safe from their oppression so that he could narrate the events that
transpired. Amazingly, Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyab P narrated that the sound
of the adhaan and iqaamah could be heard 5 times a day from the blessed
grave of Nabi 0 . This enabled him to perform his Salaah on time.19
Imam Shaatbi P recites Qur’aan to Nabi 0

Imam Shaatbi P, one of the great Imams of Qira’at, stated: I saw Nabi
0 in the blessed Rawdhah for 10 consecutive nights in a dream. I
recited the entire Qur’aan to him and Nabi 0 then said to me, “May
17 Ihyaa, Safar-e-Hijaz, p110

18 Qurani Daairatul Ma’aarif, p438
19 Fadhaaile Haj, p202; Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, p64-65; Tarjumanus Sunnah
Allah protect you from doubts.”20
A centre of teaching and learning

One of the Imams of Qira’at, Imam Naafi’ P, taught in Masjidun Nabawi21.
When Imam Warsh P , another Imam of Qira’at, came to Madinah
Munawwarah as a student to learn from Imam Naafi’ P, the latter had a
full schedule. He would listen to the recitation of other students and could
not accommodate him. Upon the intercession of other scholars, he eventually
asked Imam Warsh P to sleep in the Masjid and present himself at the
time of Tahajjud. Imam Warsh P complied and the next morning Imam
Naafi’ P called for him. He recited 30 aayaat and was then motioned to
stop. Appreciating that he had come all the way from Egypt to learn Qira’at,
two students from the inhabitants of Madinah Munawwarah each then gave
their time for reciting 1 0 aayaat to Imam Warsh P. In this way, Imam
Warsh P recited 50 aayaat every day to Imam Naafi’ P and completed
the entire Qur’aan a number of times. Later other students also gave him their
allotted slots and he used to complete a full recitation of Qur’aan every week.
He then returned to Egypt where he became an Imam in the field of Qira’at.22
A beautiful fragrance emanates from the grave

During the era of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz P, a pious person by the name
20 Al-Fathul Mawaahibi fi Tarjumatil Imam Al-Shaatbi, p53

21 Masjidun Nabawi was a madrasah from its inception. Nabi 0 was the first
teacher and the Sahabah  were the first students. The people of the Suffah had
dedicated their lives to acquiring the knowledge of Islam from Nabi 0 who
would often sit amongst them. After his demise, the Sahabah  and later generations
continued using the Masjid as a base for imparting knowledge. Ubay ibn Ka’b  ,
Abdullah ibn Abbaas  , Abu Hurairah  , Ibn Shihaab Zuhri P, Sulaimaan ibn
Yasaar P, Ibn Dhakwaan P and Rabi’atur Ra’y P were some of the scholars
who taught here. According to Imam Sakhaawi P, Imam Maalik P used to teach
at Ustuwaanah Sareer. Many ulama commenced and terminated their writings at the
blessed Rawdhah in order to derive spiritual blessings from it.
22 Tuhfa-e-Huffaadh, p227
of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Aqeel P lived in Madinah Munawwarah.

He would daily visit the grave of Nabi 0 at the time of Tahajjud. He
would begin by conveying his salaams to Nabi 0 and then engage
in optional Salaah. After performing Fajr, he would engage in dhikrullah
and other ibaadah. He mentions, “One day, as normal, I left my home at the
time of Tahajjud. As I approached the home of Mughirah ibn Shu’bah , I
perceived the most delightful fragrance. Never in my life did I smell anything
like it. Captured by this amazing fragrance, I entered Masjidun Nabawi. When
I reached the blessed grave, I was astonished to see that a wall of the grave
had collapsed. I then realised that this was the source of the fragrance.23
Samhoodi P, the author of Wafa ul-Wafa, describes a similar experience

when he entered the blessed chamber in 881 Hijri, “As I entered the rear
of the chamber, I perceived a fragrance the sweetness of which I had never
perceived in my entire life. I then conveyed my salaam in awe and modesty
upon the noblest of the Messengers and thereafter upon his two Sahabah.”24
Cleaning the blessed Rawdhah with his beard

In the year 548 Hijri, a loud sound was heard from within the blessed chamber of the
Rawdhah. It was as if something had broken and fallen to the ground.
Investigations revealed that a section of the eastern wall had collapsed onto
the grave. It was now necessary to clean the area out. A pious resident of
Madinah Munawwarah by the name of Umar al-Nasai al-Musali P was
chosen for this task. His piety was such that for 4 0 years, he had fasted
during the day and worshipped during the night. When he was approached
and commissioned with the task, he said, “I do not consider myself worthy
of this important task. I will first need to prepare myself for this.” So, he
stopped all food and drink for a number of days. He also began reciting
abundant salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0 and other forms of dhikr
to spiritually purify himself. When the time came to clean the area, people
lowered him into the blessed chamber using ropes. He then used his beard
23 Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, vol 2, p227, Wafa ul-Wafa, vol 2, p112

24 Taareekh al-Masjid al-Nabawi al-Shareef, p170
(and not a broom) to clean away the debris that was present.25
Cured through the dua of Nabi 0

On 2 March 1952, Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani P was afflicted with
partial paralysis of the right side of his body. Moulana was deeply shocked
and perturbed. But, the next day he said, “I saw Nabi 0 in a dream
last night. He recited a dua, blew upon my right hand and then said, ‘Husain
Ahmad, there is nothing to be concerned about.’ ” As a result, Moulana Madani
P was completely cured by the grace of Allah  .26
A unique lesson in hadith

Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani P was fortunate to teach hadith in Masjidun
Nabawi for 18 years. Once, while teaching, the subject of Nabi 0 being
alive in his grave came up. Moulana provided the relevant proof, however
some of the students objected to it. Moulana answered them, but they again
objected. Moulana again answered them, but they objected for a third time.
Moulana then turned his head and looked towards the Rawdhah. The students
did the same to see what had caused Moulana to look that way. To their
amazement, they found that the railing around the Rawdhah had disappeared.
There was now an open space before them in which Nabi 0 was
seated. Thereafter, Moulana and the students turned their gazes back to their
books. When they looked up again, the Rawdhah had returned to its normal
form with the railing back in place.27 28

26 Ishqe Rasool aur Ulama-e Deoband, p161
27 This was a miracle which Allah  made possible for him. It is called a karaamah.
Such miracles which are manifested at the hands of the pious are proven from the
Qur’aan.
28 The Ulama-e-Deoband and their love for Rasulullah 0 , p33; Khutbaat Mahmood,
vol 3, p136
Understanding a ruling of fiqh

Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani P used to teach Hidayah (a book on Hanafi
fiqh) in Masjidun Nabawi. He mentioned, “I once came across a discussion in
the second volume of Hidayah which I could not understand even after much
thought, reflection and checking through various footnotes and commentaries.
Eventually, in desperation, I presented myself before the blessed Rawdhah. After
conveying salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0, I presented the matter before
Nabi 0 . Shortly thereafter, I understood the discussion.”29
Shaikh Zakariyya P and Imam Maalik P

Once Shaikh Alawi Maaliki P came to visit Shaikh Zakariyya P in
Madinah Munawwarah. As Shaikh Alawi P was leaving, Shaikh Zakariyya
P sent his attendants to escort him out. Shaikh Alawi P commented,
“I feel deep envy for you attendants. By Allah, you are in the service of the
Imam Maalik of our times. This is my claim and I have proof to back it up.
Consider how much of similarity we find between Imam Maalik P and
Shaikh Zakariyya. Firstly, Imam Maalik P and Shaikh Zakariyya both had
intense love for Madinah Munawwarah. Secondly, they both share in their
preoccupation with the noble hadith of Rasulullah 0 and their love
for it. Thirdly, the Muwatta of Imam Maalik P is considered to be amongst
the best of books in the world, and the best commentary of Muwatta available
today is Awjazul Masalik by Shaikh Zakariyya. The fourth similarity will In-sha-
Allah manifest itself in the future: Imam Maalik P lies buried in Jannat
al-Baqi and Shaikh Zakariyya shall also be buried in Jannat al-Baqi.” When
the incident was narrated to Mufti Hussain Kamani, he added a fifth point
of similarity: Imam Maalik P was buried next to his shaikh and ustadh
Imam Naaf ’i P in Jannat al-Baqi, while Shaikh Zakariyya P is buried
next to his shaikh and ustadh Maulana Khaleel Ahmed Saharanpuri P.30
29 Naqshe Hayaat, p117

30 http://kmsz.org.za - Extracted from Mere bhaijaan by Maulana Yousuf Motala
Desiring death in Madinah Munawwarah

When Hajee Moulana Wajeehuddeen Mirti P left Karachi for the Haramain,
he had a visa for 15 days. When 13 days had elapsed, he requested for an
extension of his visa. Moulana had completed all his Shar’i (religious)
responsibilities before leaving home. In the column explaining the reason
for extension in his visa application form, he wrote “al-wafaat”, meaning
“to die”. The authorities did not pay much attention to this and gave him an
extension of 15 days. Another 13 days passed of his extended stay and there
was now no possibility of a further extension. Moulana presented himself at
the blessed Rawdhah and said, “O Rasulullah 0 , now only two days
of my visa remain. Make dua that Allah has mercy on me! Allow me to meet
you, allow me to remain near you!” Alhamdulillah, he passed away the very
next day and lies buried in Baqi near the family of Nabi 0 .31 32
The Bedouin women of Madinah Munawwarah

A person used to purchase eggs from the Bedouin women of Madinah
Munawwarah who were dressed in hijab. One day some of the eggs were
rotten so he decided to stop purchasing eggs from these women in future.
Nabi 0 then appeared to him in a dream and said, “These black
women dressed in hijab come from far off and are poor. Continue purchasing
eggs from them. Do not disappoint them.” This dream caused the man to sob
immensely and he, thereafter, recommenced purchasing from them everyday
despite the fact that he did not require eggs.33 34
31 In the court of Rasulullah 0

32 Moulana Badre Aalam Mirti P also made hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah
so that he could be buried there and Allah  accepted his noble desire. Moulana
Qaasim Nanotwi P expressed his desire to live and die in Madinah Munawwarah
in poetic verses.
33 One should never look down upon others especially in the city of Madinah
Munawwarah because one never knows who is beloved to Nabi 0.
34 Haramain Shareefain Me Haadhiri Ke Aadaab, p19
Blessed relics of the Topkapi

Some of the relics in the Topkapi museum were sent to Istanbul in 1335 Hijri
/ 1917 by Fakhruddeen Pasha, the last Uthmani military ruler of Madinah
Munawwarah. When he found it difficult to protect the city from the rebels,
he loaded the sacred treasures of Masjidun Nabawi onto the Hijaz Railway
train and sent them off to Istanbul guarded by 2000 soldiers. The train was
called “the train of the sacred trusts.” A detailed list of all these trusts was
compiled and also sent to Istanbul. The list included copies of the Qur’aan,
rare manuscripts, prayer beads, candlesticks, wall decorations and fans. After
arrival in Istanbul, the Shaikhul Islam headed a committee appointed by the
Sultan to check that the treasures matched the list. They were then transferred
to the Sultanic treasury.35
Fakhruddeen Pasha’s heroic defence of Madinah

Munawwarah
Fakhruddeen Pasha was known as the “defender of Madinah Munawwarah”
and “the tiger of the desert”.36 His defence of Madinah Munawwarah is one
of the most amazing events in the history of the city. He was deployed by the
Uthmani Khilafah to Madinah Munawwarah on 28 May 1916 when Shareef
Husain revolted against the Khilafah. Fakhruddeen Pasha reached Madinah
Munawwarah before the rebels and fortified the city. Shareef Husain had already
destroyed the railway and telegraph lines around Madinah Munawwarah on June
3. He had also occupied the outlying areas of Madinah Munawwarah. He then
attacked Madinah Munawwarah’s outposts on 5-6 June, but he was repelled.
As governor of Madinah Munawwarah, Fakhruddeen Pasha had close relations
with the Arabs in the region and took them into his service. Fakhruddeen Pasha
continued to defend the city despite limited means and resources.
Shareef Husain also laid siege to the Madinah Fortress, but Fakhruddeen
35 Al-Kawkabud Durri, p207

36 Makka Al-Mukarrama and Al-Madina Al-Munawwara in Photographs from the Ottoman
period, plxii
Pasha defended it. The fortress was situated in the middle of the desert.
The Istanbul government had, before the siege, asked Fakhruddeen Pasha to
evacuate the fortress, but he said, “I would never bring the Turkish flag down
from Madinah Fortress with my own hands. If you want this fortress to be
evacuated, you should rather bring another commander out here.”
During the siege of the city, Fakhruddeen Pasha constantly made dua through
the intermediary of Nabi 0 at his blessed grave. He was often heard
requesting Nabi 0 to make dua for Allah  to send His help to them.
On 2 April 1918, Fakhruddeen Pasha gave a Jumu’ah khutbah wrapped in a
Turkish flag and said, while pointing to the grave of Nabi 0 , “O Allah’s
Messenger, I will never leave you.”
Since the Muslims of Madinah Munawwarah could not receive any aid,
they were afflicted with hunger, thirst and disease. So, Fakhruddeen Pasha
instructed the doctors to analyze locusts to check that they were safe for human
consumption. Then, on 7 June 1918, he issued a communiqué encouraging
people to eat locusts, “What is different from a sparrow and a locust? It has
no feathers, but it has wings like a sparrow, and flies like one. It feeds on
plants, eats clean and fresh food, and enjoys both tobacco and lemon. The
main food of the Bedouins is locusts, and they owe their health and fitness
to the locusts they eat.” He then issued four different recipes for preparing
locusts as meals.
Meanwhile, the Uthmani Khilafah accepted defeat and signed the Truce of
Mudros on 30 October 1918. Fakhruddeen Pasha was asked to surrender Madinah
Munawwarah, but he refused to do so. He defended Madinah Munawwarah for
72 more days after the truce. The Khilafah from Istanbul removed his powers
and replaced him with Colonel Ali Najib who began negotiations to surrender.
However, the British and Arabs insisted that Fakhruddeen Pasha’s surrender
was not negotiable. So, Ali Najib agreed to hand over Fakhruddeen Pasha to
the British. Ali Najib and his entourage went to Fakhruddeen Pasha close to the
grave of Nabi 0 . Fakhruddeen Pasha thought that they had come to
enquire about his health, but they had not. They threw ash on his face, tied him
up and thereafter handed him to the British on 10 January 1919. Fakhruddeen
Pasha said that this was the most painful day of his life. On 27 January 1919,
he was taken to Egypt as a war prisoner. On 5 August 1919, he was exiled to
Malta and held captive for two years and 33 days. After his release, he returned
to Turkey where he passed away in 1948.37
The men who replaced the coverings of the blessed

chamber
A journalist by the name of Omar al-Midwaahy had the good fortune of
interviewing two of the men who made and installed the coverings38 of the
blessed chamber. He says: “I can never forget my discussions with the two
respectable men, while looking at their weaving of the covering of the Ka’bah.
I had gone to the factory in Makkah Mukarramah, where the covering of
the Ka’bah is manufactured. There I learnt that this factory also had the
honour of producing the covering of the blessed chamber of Nabi 0 .
I immediately set about gathering information from these men who, several
years ago, were blessed with the opportunity of producing the covering. I did
not want to waste the opportunity as the youngest of them was already in
his sixties and I feared that they may leave this world before I could gather
the information from them.
I recorded the discussions I had with them. They were mixed with tears and
respect. Sometimes words would betray them, and at other times tears would
stifle their voices. They spoke of their unique experience and their limbs
shook as they described it.
Shaikh Muhammad Ali Madani, the head of the automated weaving division
of the factory at that time, was very kind towards me. He was one of those
who took part in the production of the covering of the blessed chamber. I said
37 https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2017/12/22/fahreddin-pasha-ottoman-
officer-who-defended-the-holy-lands-with-all-he-had
38 The coverings of the Ka’bah and the blessed chamber of Nabi 0 were made
in various parts of the Muslim world at different times. Countries such as Egypt, Turkey
and India all had this honour. After a factory was established in Makkah Mukarramah
for this purpose, the coverings are now made here.
to him, “Tell me about the covering of the blessed chamber.” He gazed into
the distance as if to recall those treasured memories. He then said, “On that
day, I was overpowered by awe and amazement. The place is one of utmost
grandeur. I do not know the exact size of the blessed chamber, but I estimate
it to be around 48 meters. The awe of the place was so overwhelming that
I could not gaze at anything in particular. I was so taken aback that I saw
nothing except the lamps hanging from the chamber ceiling. These were gifts
that used to be given to the Masjid of Nabi 0 in bygone days. I was
told that there were some blessed relics that were kept there but I did not
know where they were. I also did not know where the blessed relics in the
chamber of Faatimah  were kept.
The chamber covering is made of pure silk which is green in colour. It is
padded with a strong cotton cloth, and it has a band similar to that of the
covering of the Ka’bah, except that it is red in colour. Embroidery of Qur’aanic
verses from Surah al-Fath is done on it using lines of cotton and wires of
gold and silver. With the same red material and embroidery, three pieces of
cloth indicate to the three graves. The covering of the blessed chamber is not
changed every year like the covering of the Ka’bah because it is inside the
chamber, far from the hands of people and away from the natural elements.
So it is only changed when the need arises. The covering is 6 meters in height.
It is replaced on the 6 Dhul Hijjah when a royal decree is issued. They keys
of the chamber of Nabi 0 are with the caretakers who also see to
its cleaning every Monday and Thursday.”
Then I met Shaikh Ahmad Saahirty who is the head of the embroidery division
of the factory. He was now old and his vision was weak. I asked him about the
covering of the blessed chamber of Nabi 0 and he replied, “How can I
ever describe to you my feelings the moment I entered the blessed chamber?
This is not possible for me to do. Please excuse me in this regard. Words
cannot describe this. But you can be sure that I do not have the courage to
enter the blessed chamber a second time.”
Shaikh Saahirty then drew closer to me. Pointing to the thickness of the lenses
of his spectacles, he said, “Look at my lenses and my white hair. Consider
the weight of years that I carry. I cannot exactly say how old I am, but I
have heard my family saying that I was born in the year 1333 Hijri. During
all these years, my greatest passion has been the love of beautiful scents and
perfumes. I have spent much of the years of my life trying to satiate this
appetite of mine and it is still with me. I have travelled much and evaluated
many types of fragrances. I can tell you with confidence that I have such
special blends of itr in my possession that you will not find with anyone else
and that no one else can even produce. I am telling you all of this because it
was on that night that I realised my inability and lack of knowledge. When
the doors were opened and we entered the blessed chamber, I perceived such
an aromatic fragrance that I never came across before or after. I still have not
come to know the basis of its composition. The itr from the blessed chamber
is superior to every scent and fragrance. It is absolutely unique and beyond
the knowledge of even experts in the field like us.”
I then asked him to describe to me the blessed chamber of Nabi 0 .

His body began shaking slightly. In a soft voice he replied, “I estimate the
chamber to be 11 meters in height. Below the green dome is another dome
on which is written, ‘The grave of the Messenger 0 , the grave of
Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq  and the grave of Umar ibn al-Khattaab .’ I also
noticed that there was another tomb that was empty, and next to the four
graves was the chamber of Faatimah  , which is the house in which she
lived. Due to our awe, we did not know how to remove the special pieces
made for the dome. Our fingers were shaking and our breaths were racing.
We continued working for 14 full nights from after the Isha Salaah until the
adhaan of Fajr. We continued removing the pieces, untying the knots of the
old covering, and cleaning the dust and pigeon feathers that had gathered
in the blessed area. This was in the year 1971. The covering we replaced was
put on 75 years ago, according to the date written on it. It had not been
changed during all this time. Besides some caretakers of the blessed chamber
of Nabi 0 , there were 13 of us who entered and most of them have
now passed away into the mercy of Allah  . We spoke in whispers, and this
too only when our signals did not suffice.
I was suffering from weak vision and always wore these spectacles, but in
that blessed chamber, it was an amazing situation. By the oath of Allah, I used
to thread the cotton through the hole of the needle without my spectacles,
despite the dim light in which we worked. Further to this, I did not suffer
from the allergy that I had usually suffered and still suffer from. Normally, I
suffer from a severe cough due to the slightest bit of dust, but on that day,
I was not at all affected by the dust of the chamber, nor the sand flying in
the air. It was as if the sand was no longer sand, but a cure for my ailment.
During those nights, I used to feel like a young man and that the strength
of youth had been given back to me.
I have also not been able to explain the reason behind another strange thing
that happened to me on that occasion. After changing the covering, we needed
to take the old covering out of the chamber. Somebody carried it out, but the
embroidered band, which was 36 meters long, remained behind. I told my
companions to wrap it up and leave it aside. I then took it, placed it over my
weak shoulders and carried it out. I did not feel its heaviness. Five people
then tried to carry it from where I had left it, but they could not manage to
do so.” The Shaikh began to weep silently and completed his story sighing,
“They asked me who had brought it out from the chamber. I replied that I
had brought it out. They would not believe me.”39
Attempts to steal the bodies of Nabi 0 and the

Sahabah 
First attempt
In the 5th century Hijri, an attempt was made to transfer the blessed bodies
from Madinah Munawwarah to Egypt. A group of Zindeeqs (heretics) convinced
the Fatimid ruler of Egypt, Al-Haakim Bi-Amrillah to transfer the body of
Nabi 0 to Egypt. They maintained that this move would attract many
people from around the world to Egypt, bringing honour to its people. So,
the ruler built a huge structure in preparation for this and spent a colossal
39 Baitur Rasool Me Eik Din, p86-93
sum of money in the process. He then issued the command to Abul Fatooh,
his governor of Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah. When Abul
Fatooh arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, its residents got to know of the
plot and gathered around him. Qari Zalbani P then recited the following
verses of the Qur’aan:
‫َواِ ْن َّن َك ُث ْوٓا َا ْي َمان َُه ْم ِّم ْۭن َب ْع ِد َع ْه ِد ِه ْم َو َط َعن ُْوا ِ ْف ِديْنِك ُْم َف َقاتِ ُل ْ ٓوا َا ِئ َّم َة ا ْل ُك ْف ِر اِن َُّه ْم‬
‫اج‬ ِ ‫ َا َل ُت َقاتِ ُل ْو َن َق ْو ًما َّن َك ُث ْوٓا َا ْي َمان َُه ْم َو َه ُّم ْوا بِاِ ْخ َر‬ ‫ان َل ُه ْم َل َع َّل ُه ْم َينْت َُه ْو َن‬ َ ‫َل َا ْي َم‬
‫ي‬ َ ْ ِ‫َخ َش ْو ُه اِ ْن ُكنْت ُْم ُّم ْؤ ِمن‬ ْ ‫هلل َا َح ُّق َا ْن ت‬
ُ ‫َخ َش ْون َُه ْم َفا‬ْ ‫الر ُس ْو ِل َو ُه ْم َبدَ ُء ْوك ُْم َا َّو َل َم َّر ٍة َات‬ َّ
If they violate their oaths after making a covenant and they
attack your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief for surely
their oaths mean nothing to them, so that they may abstain. Will
you not fight a people who violated their oaths and intended to
expel the Messenger while they attacked you first. Do you fear
them? Allah has a greater right that you fear Him if you are
believers. (Surah Tawbah, verse 12-13)
The residents of Madinah Munawwarah were furious and were about to kill
Abul Fatooh and his soldiers. Had the lands of Hijaz not been in the control
of the Egyptians, they would have done so. Abul Fatooh became afraid and
said, “Allah has a greater right to be feared. I will never proceed with this
plot even if the ruler decides to take my life.” That very evening a severe
wind swept through the area. It was like an earthquake that caused horses,
camels and many people to perish. This gave Abul Fatooh an excuse to leave
the city without accomplishing the task he had come for.40
Second attempt
Al-Haakim Bi-Amrillah again tried to carry out his evil plot. He sent a group
of men who took up residence at a dwelling close to the blessed chamber.
They began digging and formed an underground tunnel in the direction of
40 Wafa ul-Wafa
the grave. The residents were alerted to the plot when they saw a light and
heard a voice proclaiming, “O people, the body of your Messenger is being
excavated.” They investigated and found the culprits who were promptly
put to death.41
Third attempt
In the year 557 Hijri, Sultan Nuruddeen Zangi P, a pious and just Muslim
leader, saw Nabi 0 three times in a dream. Nabi 0 pointed to
two men, who were reddish in complexion, and said, “Save me from these two!”
He discussed the dream with his advisor and immediately decided to leave for
Madinah Munawwarah with a group of 20 people. They took along with them a
great quantity of wealth, and after 16 days, arrived in Madinah Munawwarah.
After presenting his salaat and salaam to Nabi 0 , the Sultan ordered
all the inhabitants of Madinah Munawwarah to come to him. The Sultan then
presented each person that came forward with a gift, and carefully inspected
his face to see if he could identify the two men whom he had seen in his
dream. When every person had been presented with a gift, he asked, “Is
there anybody left?” The people replied, “Everybody has come, except two
pious men from Morocco. They are very generous and give a lot in charity.”
The Sultan requested that they too should come to him. They refused, saying
that they did not require any wealth, but the Sultan insisted on seeing them.
When they came, he immediately recognised them to be the two men whom
Nabi 0 had pointed to in the dream.
He asked them where they were staying. They informed him that they resided
in a room close to the blessed grave of Nabi 0. The Sultan accompanied
them to their residence, but could find nothing, except two tents, books and
an enormous quantity of wealth. The people of Madinah Munawwarah again
praised the two men. The Sultan continued searching their residence. Finally,
he lifted the carpet that had been laid in the room and found a secret vault
that had been dug out. It had a tunnel that led towards the blessed grave of
41 Wafa ul-Wafa
Nabi 0 . When the people saw this, they were infuriated. The Sultan
confronted the two men and insisted upon being told the truth.
After being punished, they confessed that they were Christians from Morocco,
disguised as Hujjaj (pilgrims). They had been sent by a Christian king, who had
given them a huge amount of money to remove the body of Nabi 0 .
So they procured the closest residence to the blessed grave. At night, they
would dig and place the sand in leather bags. They would then go to Jannat
al-Baqi, pretending to visit the deceased, where they would empty the bags
of sand. When they were quite close to the blessed grave, severe lightning
and an earthquake occurred. That was the very night the Sultan had reached
Madinah Munawwarah. When he heard the story, he cried profusely, having
realised that Allah  had chosen him for such a noble task. He ordered that
the two men be beheaded and commanded that a ditch be dug around the
grave and filled with molten lead, so that no such wretched attempts could
be made in future.42
Fourth attempt
A number of Syrian Christians gathered in their land close to the Red Sea.
They built ships and set sail, harassing the Hujjaaj by destroying Muslim
ships and plundering their goods. They later openly declared their intention
to enter Madinah Munawwarah and remove the body of Nabi 0 .
They were only a day’s journey from Madinah Munawwarah when Allah 
repelled them through a naval army under the command of Husaamuddeen
Lu’lu P. They were defeated and many were captured as prisoners.43
Fifth attempt
The head of the service personnel of Masjidun Nabawi was Shamsuddin Sawab
Lamti P. He was a pious man, who was kind and generous towards the
poor. Sawab P had a close friend, who used to frequent the gatherings
of the ruler of Madinah Munawwarah and would keep him informed about
42 Wafa ul-Wafa
43 The Travels of Ibn Jubair, p 52
any major developments.
One day, his friend approached him and said, “A very disconcerting event has
occurred today.” Upon enquiry, he explained, “A number of people have come
from Syria and have bribed the ruler of Madinah Munawwarah with a huge
amount of wealth to allow them to open the blessed graves and remove the
bodies of Abu Bakr  and Umar  . The ruler has agreed to their request.”
Sawab P explains, “I became extremely worried. Shortly thereafter, a

messenger of the ruler of Madinah Munawwarah arrived, saying that the
ruler wanted to see me.” When I presented myself before him, he said to
me, “Sawab, a group of people will knock at the door of the Masjid tonight.
Open the door and allow them to do as they wish. Do not obstruct them in
any way.” Sawab P replied that he would do so.
Sawab P explains further, “I returned and spent the day crying, without
anybody knowing why I was so worried. At night, after we had performed
Isha Salaah, we locked the doors of the Masjid as usual. Shortly afterwards,
somebody knocked at the door of Babus Salaam. The ruler of Madinah
Munawwarah used to live in a fort in front of Babus Salaam. I opened the
door and forty people entered. I counted them as they walked past me, one
by one. They were carrying candles and tools that are normally used for
digging and excavating. They headed towards the sacred chamber, but I take
an oath on Allah, that they had not even reached the pulpit, when the earth
suddenly split beneath their feet and they were all buried together with their
tools. No trace was left of them.”
Sawab P continues, “The ruler became anxious, awaiting news regarding

them, and finally sent for me.” He asked, “Sawab, did a group of people not
come to you?” Sawab P replied, “Yes, indeed. But, the earth swallowed
them.” The ruler warned, “Think before you speak.” Sawab P insisted
that he was speaking the truth and then took the ruler to the spot where
the incident had occurred. He instructed, “This matter should remain here.
If you mention this incident to anybody, you shall be beheaded!”
This incident, which occurred in the middle of the seventh century Hijri, has
been recorded by Samhoodi P and others, who say that there were fifteen
or twenty people, and they were all swallowed by the earth when they had
advanced only a few steps towards the sacred chamber.44
Sixth attempt
In 1985, a Moroccan scholar, upon reaching Madinah Munawwarah, twice

saw Nabi 0 in a dream. Nabi 0 appeared to be worried.
After consulting with an aalim in Morocco, the scholar travelled to Karachi,
Pakistan. Here he contacted Prime Minister Ziya ul-Haq and narrated to him
the details of the dream. Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister cried for a long
time and thereafter contacted King Fahd. Prime Minister Ziya ul-Haq offered
him the security services of the Pakistani government and King Fahd agreed
to the proposal. So an experienced security team from Pakistan was sent to
Madinah Munawwarah. On arrival, they proceeded to Jannat al-Baqi and began
investigating the sounds emitting from a certain grave. After consulting the
Ulama of the city, they began to dig in the area and uncovered a tunnel which
had been prepared with extensive lighting. The security personnel entered
the tunnel and found that it was linked to a large hotel.
After investigations, it emerged that the hotel belonged to a widow, and around
200-250 people from a particular persuasion and nationality were residing in
it. The Saudi government destroyed the hotel and levelled the ground with
bulldozers. The owner was apprehended and punished. The report released
after the incident indicated that the intention of the instigators of this plot
was to transfer the body of Faatimah  to their country and to mutilate
the graves of other Sahabah  in Jannat al-Baqi. 45 46
44 Wafa ul-Wafa
46 These incidents teach us that the blessed bodies of Nabi 0 and his Sahabah
are divinely protected and preserved. The evil plots of the mischief-makers to harm
these blessed personalities will always be crushed by Allah . Allah  says,“They plan
and Allah also plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” (Surah Aal-Imraan, verse 54)
Punishment for cursing the Sahabah 

A pious man, known as Umar ibn al-Zaghab P, lived in the neighbourhood
of Madinah Munawwarah. He narrates his personal story: “On the day of
Aashura, I would go to the dome of Abbas and recite some poetry. Here, the
Imamiyyah Shias would also gather. Once, I stood at the door and asked for
something in the love of Abu Bakr Siddeeq .
An elderly man from the gathering came to me and said, ‘Remain seated for
a while until we are done. We will give you something.’ So I sat down and
waited. When they were done, the elderly man took my hand and led me to
his house, where he locked the door and commanded two of his slaves to
pounce upon me. They tied me up, beat me severely and he finally ordered
them to cut off my tongue. They then released me, saying, ‘Now go to the
one in whose love you were asking for something, so that he may restore
your tongue to its place.’
I left his house and proceeded to the blessed grave of Nabi 0 , where
I cried, ‘O Nabi of Allah, you know that what has happened to me is due
to my love for your companion, Abu Bakr. If your companion was on the
truth, I would like that my tongue be restored.’ That night, I fell asleep in
the blessed chamber, shaking with immense pain. In a dream, I saw that my
tongue had been restored to its place. When I awoke, I found my tongue as
it had been before, and I could speak once again. I exclaimed, ‘All praise be
to that Being (Allah  ) who restored my tongue.’ This caused my love for
Abu Bakr  to increase.
The next year, on the day of Aashura, I again went to the same place and
asked for a dinar in the love of Abu Bakr  . A young man from the gathering
approached me and said, ‘Be seated until we are done.’ When they were done,
the young man took my hand and led me to the very same house where my
tongue had been cut a year ago. He then entertained and fed me well. Once
we had eaten, and the food had been cleared, the young man opened a door
to a room in the house and began to weep. I went towards him to see what
had made him cry, and saw a monkey that was tied up. I asked what was
going on, and the young man cried even more. I managed to calm him down
and pleaded, ‘Please explain to me what is going on here.’
He explained, ‘If you promise not to relate this incident to anybody in Madinah
Munawwarah, I will tell you.’ I took a promise and the young man continued,
‘Last year, on the day of Aashura, a person came to the dome of Abbas, where
we had gathered, and asked for something in the love of Abu Bakr Siddeeq
. My father, who was a leading scholar and jurist of the Imamiyyah Shia
sect, asked him to wait until we were done. He then led this person to our
home, where he instructed two of his slaves to beat him severely and cut off
his tongue. The man left, but we do not know what has happened to him.
That very night, we were awakened by a fearful scream from my father.

When we rushed to see what had happened, we realised that he had been
transformed into a monkey. We were terrified and locked him in this room.
This monkey, you see here, is my father! We then renewed our faith in Islam
and abandoned our previous beliefs. We decided that the best thing we could
do was to announce his death. I made an announcement to the effect that I
had taken an oath that nobody would bath my father’s body, except myself
and my mother, so that nobody would realise what had happened. We took
a decayed piece of wood that resembled the body of a man, placed a cloth
around it and buried it. From then onwards, I have done nothing but cry
night and day over him.’
After hearing this, I asked, ‘If you see the man whose tongue your father had
cut, would you recognise him?’ ‘No,’ he replied. I explained, ‘It was I whose
tongue your father had cut,’ and I explained to him what had happened. The
young man hastened towards me and began kissing my face and hands. He
then gave me a dinar and some clothing and asked how my tongue had been
restored. I explained and left.”47
47 Az-Zawajir, p 382
0
STORIES OF ZIYARAT
Shah Waliyullah Muhaddith Dehlawi P

Shah Waliyullah P mentions in Fuyudhul Haramain: Whenever I was present
at the muwaajahah (facing Nabi 0 ) close to the Rawdhah, I felt waves
upon waves of mercy descending on the soul of Nabi 0. I also observed
that Nabi 0 specially focussed his attention upon the visitors present
at the Rawdhah who were reciting salaat and salaam. Nabi 0 replies
to their salaam. Nabi 0 also focuses his attention towards those who
recite poetry in his praise. In fact, Nabi 0 becomes pleased with them.48
A Bedouin
Utbi P, a companion of Sufyaan ibn Uyaynah P, said: I visited the
grave of Nabi 0 in Madinah Munawwarah. I conveyed my salaam and
then sat down in a corner of the Masjid. After some time, I saw a Bedoiun
entering to visit the grave. He said, “O best of Messengers, Allah revealed to
you a true book in which it is stated,
ِ
‫الر ُس ْو ُل‬
َّ ‫اس َت ْغ َف َر َل ُه ُم‬ ْ ‫َو َل ْو َان َُّه ْم ا ْذ َّظ َل ُم ْوٓا َا ْن ُف َس ُه ْم َج ا ُء ْو َك َف‬
ْ ‫اس َت ْغ َف ُر ْوا اهللَ َو‬
‫هلل ت ََّوا ًبا َّر ِحي ْ ًما‬
َ ‫َل َو َجدُ وا ا‬
‘If only it were that when they oppress themselves (commit sins),
they come to you seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and then the Rasool
seeks forgiveness on their behalf, they will then surely find that
Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful’ (Surah Al-Nisaa’, verse
48 Barakaate Durood Shareef, p186; Fuyudhul Haramain, p120
64).
I have come to you repenting to Allah  over my sins, seeking your intercession
before my Allah. He then cried and recited the following verses:
‫يا خري من دفنت بالقاع اعظمه * فطاب من طيبهن القاع واالكم‬

‫نفيس الفداء لقرب انت ساكنه * فيه العفاف وفيه اجلود والكرم‬
O the best of those who are buried in the earth,
Through whom that earth became fragranced with the most beautiful aroma.
May my life be sacrificed for that grave wherein you rest,
In it lies virtue, generosity and goodness.”
Utbi P continues: The man then begged Allah  for forgiveness and
departed. I fell asleep and saw Nabi 0 in a dream saying to me, “Find
that person and give him the good news that Allah has forgiven him through
my intercession.” I went out to find him, but there was no trace of him.49
Sayyid Ahmad Rifaa’i P

This great saint performed Haj in the year 555 Hijri. When he visited Madinah
Munawwarah, he recited the following verses at the grave of Nabi 0 :
‫ تقبل االرض عني وهي نائبتي‬... ‫يف حالة البعد روحي كنت ارسلها‬
‫ فامدد يمينك كي حتظى بها شفتي‬... ‫وهذه نوبة االشباح قد حرضت‬
From far off I used to send my soul to you,
To kiss the ground (where you rest) on my behalf.
Here now I have come in person
Stretch forth your hand so that my lips may have the fortune of kissing it.
Upon this, Nabi’s 0 hand was extended from his grave and Sayyid
Ahmad Rifaa’i P kissed it.50
49 Fadhaaile Haj, p146

50 Fazaaile Haj, p189; Nuzhatul Majalis wa Muntakhabun Nafaais, p229
Samhoodi’s P love
Samhoodi P states that he was invited by the supervisor of Masjidun
Nabawi to view the inside of the blessed grave so that he could gain blessings
thereby. He says, “My enthusiasm to visit it intensified and I was overwhelmed
by a sense of excitement. I recalled how one of the pious predecessors had
asked Aisha  to show him the blessed grave. As I strengthened my resolve
to proceed, some verses of poetry flashed through my mind,
If Majnoon was told that a particular piece of ground had on it the dust from
the feet of Layla, he would exert himself and hasten towards it;
So that he might be able to see something associated with her which will
entertain a heart which was about to split into pieces.
I purified myself and set out, reminding myself of the major task ahead of me.
I was given the opportunity of presenting myself at a house most plentiful in
generosity and forgiveness. I then recalled another verse of poetry,
I disobeyed, so how can I meet Muhammad while my face is covered with the
veil of sins
Perhaps Allah, due to Habeeb 0 and his closeness, will forgive me;
His forgiveness is after all most vast.
I asked Allah  to grant me the best etiquette befitting for that magnificent
place, that He inspires me with the appropriate reverence and honour, and
that He grants me His acceptance, pleasure and forgiveness for what has
passed. I sought permission to enter and then proceeded from the rear of
the blessed chamber. I had not advanced beyond that point when I perceived
a fragrance the sweetness of which I had never perceived in my entire life.
I then passed my salutations fearfully and modestly upon the most noble of
Messengers and then upon his two companions, the chosen bosom friends. I
made an easy dua and I sought the intercession of the leader of the inhabitants
of the heavens and the earth. I then entered into his house. I have valued
that moment forever. The poet says,
Derive benefit when you have been successful in acquiring closeness
And acquire whatever you can of provisions

I have widened the doors of closeness;
And I have brought close my home for the visitors.
The fragrant winds of Najd are blowing; enjoy and drink from it with big
glasses.
Gather the fragrance of the Najdi sweet-smelling flower
You will not find the sweet-smelling flower after evening time.”51
Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri P

Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri P used to present himself at the blessed
grave of Nabi 0 in a remarkable manner. Besides being extremely
quiet, he never stood too close to or in front of the muwaajahah52. Fearfully,
respectfully and carefully, he used to walk towards the grave. Resembling
a criminal or convict, he used to stand at a distance and present his salaat
and salaam with utmost humility. He used to be greatly grieved by those
who recited their salaat and salaam in a raised voice. He would say, “Nabi
0 is alive. To present the salaam in such a tone is disrespectful and
a source of inconvenience to him. Salaam should be presented in a soft tone
as Nabi 0 hears it.”
A person once objected to this, “The blessed body of Nabi 0 is

surrounded by many walls. How is it possible for him to hear a soft tone?”
Moulana replied, “This objection will equally apply if one has to scream and
shout because no matter how loudly a person raises his voice, it will not reach
into the grave. Rather, this is his speciality. Ordinary laws do not apply here.”53
Some narrations state that when Moulana would stand before the Rawdhah
to recite salaat and salaam, he would tremble from head to toe and tears
would flow from his eyes. He once stood at the Rawdhah and recited the
51 Wafa al-Wafa, vol 2, p169

52 The front portion of the grave with the metal railings where salaat and salaam is
presented to Nabi 0.
53 Ishqe Rasool aur Ulama-e Deoband, p196-197
entire Qur’aan to Nabi 0 in Taraweeh.54
Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P

After performing Haj, Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P proceeded to Madinah
Munawwarah in the company of a number of other great personalities such
as Moulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi P and Moulana Muhammad Ya’qub
Nanotwi P. The final stop, before the minarets of Madinah Munawwarah
would be visible, was Bir Ali. Here at the mountainous area, Moulana Qaasim
Nanotwi P jumped down from his camel, removed his shoes and placed
them in the camel’s saddle. He then began to walk barefoot. His love for
Nabi 0 was so overwhelming that he began reciting verses of poetry.
Encouraged by his enthusiasm, others in the group also jumped off their
camels and began to walk. Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P expressed his
surprise when he saw them dismounting and walking as well. He was in a
state of intoxicating love and affection, but how long would they be able
to imitate him? Some of them managed to walk 2 0 steps, others 100 steps
but they finally could not manage. The stones were just too sharp to walk
upon with bare feet. But Moulana continued and reached the Haram walking
without shoes. His feet were immersed in blood. One who is intoxicated with
love knows nothing (of the pain) whether it be by arrows or swords. The
love of something makes even the bitterest of things sweet and enjoyable.55
Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P would also walk around bare-footed in the

streets of Madinah Munawwarah, causing his feet to bleed. When questioned
why he did not wear shoes, he replied, “I would have worn shoes, but my
heart could not accept the idea of them trampling upon the sand where Nabi
0 had walked.”56
54 The Ulama-e-Deoband and their love for Rasulullah 0, p37

56 Ahle Dil Ke Tarpadene Wale Waqiaat, p122
Moulana Husain Ahmad Madani P

When Moulana would stand before the Rawdhah, his head would be lowered.
He would remain absolutely silent out of respect, and tears would flow down
his cheeks. He would stand in this manner for one to one-and-a-half hours
and recite salaat and salaam.57
Moulana said, “In the evenings, I used to walk in the alleys of Madinah
Munawwarah and pick up the discarded vegetable peels, because these were
the peels from the alleys of the city of my grandfather 0 . I would
wash them in water, chew upon them and then drink some water. I would
then stand in the Riyadhul Jannah the entire night reciting Qur’aan.”58
In Madinah Munawwarah, Moulana was filled with a great desire to learn.

For this reason, he began acquiring knowledge, in addition to his spiritual
training, worship and teaching. Moulana Abdul Jaleel Buraadah P, a famous
teacher of Arabic literature, resided in Madinah Munawwarah at the time. So
Moulana Madani P began studying a number of books with him. This was
the outer dimension of Moulana’s endeavours in Madinah Munawwarah. The
inner dimension of his endeavours was the spiritual knowledge he derived
from the being of Nabi 0 .
Mufti Muhammad Shafi Uthmani P

When at the Rawdhah, Mufti Shafi P would not go close to the metal
railing. He used to stand close to the pillar that is in front of the railing
behind somebody else. He explained his rationale for doing so, “Once, the
thought came to my mind that I am a very evil-hearted person. The servants
of Allah  are those who go close to the railing and seek to gain from
this closeness; and the closer one gets to the best of creation of both the
worlds 0 , the greater the blessing. But what can I do? My feet do
not carry me forward.” As I stood there, this thought flashed through my
57 The Ulama-e-Deoband and their love for Rasulullah 0, p 37

mind. However, immediately I felt as if a voice from within the Rawdhah was
saying, “One who does not practise upon our Sunnahs is far from us, even if
he is touching our railing.”59
A person once came to Mufti Shafi P and asked, “Please tell me a formula
to recite through which I can see Nabi 0 .” Mufti Shafi P replied,
“You are a very courageous man! You desire to see Nabi 0 . We do
not even have the courage to desire this, because we are very far off (from
being spiritually prepared) to see Nabi 0 ; and even if we do see
Nabi 0 , how can we show respect and fulfill the necessary rights
and requirements? We have not made an effort to achieve this, neither have
we learnt the method through which we can see Nabi 0 . However,
if Allah  allows us to see him, it will be a gift from His side. If He grants
us this, He will also grant us the ability to show the necessary respect.”60
Moulana Sayyid Munaazir Ahsan Gilaani P

After performing Haj, Moulana travelled with his group to Madinah
Munawwarah. In his words, he explained, “It was as if we forgot each other
completely. When we reached Madinah Munawwarah, a storm of sentiments
began boiling within me. It was as if Bilal  was coming, Abu Dhar  was
going, Umar  was here and Abu Bakr  was there.”
The sentiments and madness reached such levels that Moulana himself said,
“Whatever I had read and written was now forgotten. I was now practising
upon the guidance I was receiving from the teacher (Nabi 0 ) himself.
For 24 hours of the day, I was in such a state of intoxication that words cannot
express. I had no control of myself. Thereafter, I slowly began returning to
my senses and remembered some of what I had read in the books of history.”
Moulana then began to search for every place he had read about and visited
it in accordance with the Sunnah. He visited Masjid Quba many times
where he performed Nafl Salaah. After a week, he could remember nothing

except Madinah Munawwarah. He even forgot his elders, close friends and
professorship in Jamia Uthmania. His heart, tongue and feelings had made a
firm decision that the spiritual fountain he was drinking from here could never
be found elsewhere. He had never felt such happiness and delight before.61
Shaikh Muhammad Zakariyya P

Shaikh Zakariyya P mentioned in his book Fadhaaile Haj that the best place
to perform Salaah in Masjidun Nabawi was the place where Nabi 0
performed Salaah. He advised visitors to perform two rakaats of Salaah here.
However, Shaikh Zakariyya P mentions that he did not have the courage
to stand at this place despite residing in Madinah Munawwarah for one year.
When presenting himself at the grave, his attendant noticed that he only stood
at the muwaajahah on the first day. Subsequently, he would always sit close
to the wall where the poor sat, and recite salaat and salaam from here for a
number of hours. After Isha, he would then perform two rakaats of Salaah
in the Riyadhul Jannah. The next day, his attendant thought that he was not
presenting himself at the muwaajahah because of the large number of people
there. So he said to Shaikh Zakariyya P, “There is presently no crowd
there. You may present yourself at the muwaajahah.” Shaikh Zakariyya P
replied, “I did so yesterday already.” On the third day, when his attendant
again requested him to present himself at the muwaajahah, Shaikh Zakariyya
P replied, “Brother, I do not have the courage to go in front. With what
face can I go there? On the first occasion, I went with Moulana Sayyid Asad
Madani. You should go.”
Shaikh Zakariyya P once wrote in answer to a question that hoping to

see Nabi 0 is a noble desire, but it is something that Allah  alone
can bless one with. He stated that he had seen Nabi 0 many times
in a dream, but he had never made an effort for this. This was because he
did not know how he could ever present his face before Nabi 0 .62

62 Akabir Ulama-e-Deoband Ka Taqwa, p94
Moulana Abrarul Haq P

Hakeem Akhtar P stated: Moulana Abrarul Haq P used to make a lot of
dua at the Rawdhah. He used to be pushed around by the crowds, but he took
pleasure in this. He would say, “Where else can a person be pushed around
like this? Even the pushing around there is beloved. Allah  is watching
and Nabi 0 is watching how their beloved is being pushed around.
Will they not show mercy?”63
Moulana Abdul Maajid Daryabadi P

Describing his thoughts before visiting Nabi 0, Moulana Abdul Maajid
Daryabadi P stated, “What a blessed morning this is! Today, the greatest
desire of my life will be fulfilled. Today, an atom will become a sun. Today, a
runaway slave will present himself in the court of his master. Today, a sinful
ummati will be honoured by being able to present his salaam at the threshold
of the intercessor and compassionate one, Rasul 0 .64
Moulana then went on to say, “In a narration recorded in Saheeh Muslim and
Abu Daawood, Hudhaifah  states that he was walking and was in need of a
ghusl. In front of him, he saw Nabi 0 approaching in his direction.
Hudhaifah  immediately sneaked away and had a ghusl. When he later
met Nabi 0 , he explained that he had earlier not been in a state of
purity. Similarly, another attendant of Nabi 0 , Abu Hurairah 
stated that he once met Nabi 0 . As Abu Hurairah  was in need
of a ghusl, he sneaked away and had a ghusl. He later came to the gathering
of Nabi 0 . Allah! Allah! Which personalities displayed such caution?
Hudhaifah  and Abu Hurairah  , who, through the blessed company of
the being who was the leader of the pure ones, had become spiritually pure.
In fact, they reached such a level that through their company, the impure
ones would become pure. Nabi 0 was intent on meeting them, but on
their part, they turned and slipped away instead of hastening towards him.
63 Haramain Shareefain Me Haadhiri Ke Aadaab, p24

64 Safar-e-Hijaz, p87
They were prepared to bear the temporary displeasure of Nabi 0 ,

but they could not accept their temporary impurity coming into contact
with the epitome of nur (celestial radiance). When this is how Hudhaifah
 and Abu Hurairah  conducted themselves regarding their temporary
fiqhi impurity, O upholders of the perfect religion and O muftis of Islam, what
verdict will you pass regarding those whose impurity is not temporary but
permanent. Their impurity is not on the outer body, but within the soul. It is
not external but internal. It cannot be washed away with a few jugs of water.
It cannot be removed even when one is immersed into an ocean of water.”65
Moulana further said, “The body is being groomed but what is the state of
the heart? All the writings I looked at explaining the etiquette of ziyarah
mention that one should have a ghusl, apply itr, dress in new clothing, but
none explain how the heart should be groomed. What is the state of the heart
at this time? Is it happy? Is it sad? Is it engulfed in wonder? Is it beating in
awe? Is it jumping and leaping in enthusiasm? What is it? Who can say and
how can words ever describe this? The tongue is made of flesh and skin and
it can express the sentiments of speech. But, to express the sentiments of
the heart requires a tongue from the heart. How can this ever be captured
by paper, writing and ink?”66
Moulana Muhammad Farouk P

Shah Muhammad Farouk P expressed his thoughts on route to Madinah
Munawwarah, “How exalted and unblemished is the status of Madinah, and
how ignoble and wicked am I! How exalted is the status of Madinah and how
sinful am I! From where have you mustered the courage to come here? With
what face will you present yourself before Rasulullah 0 ? … On the
one hand, the enthusiasm and passion to be in the presence of Rasulullah
0 was spurring me forward, whilst on the other hand, my shortcomings
were pulling me back. What should I do? I cannot measure to what extent I
have opposed his lifestyle. How many sunnats of his have I trampled beneath
my feet? Today I will come face to face with that benefactor whose lifestyle
and mannerisms I have undermined and whose sunnats I have trampled. Am
I worthy of standing before him? I became entangled between a feeling of
restlessness and endurance. Are you aware of what you are doing? Where
have you taken the courage to come?
However, the poetic brilliance of a saintly person was a source of guidance for
me from which I derived immense reassurance and solace. I do not remember
the first line…
Let the darkness of your sins accompany you to the perfect spiritual guide.
The stark realisation of my inner impurity troubled me, but I was going
towards an ocean brimming with purification. Most certainly, any person
who dives into this ocean will be spiritually purified. However, how can I
pre-empt my inner reformation? Surely, by taking the darkness of your sins
(to the ocean of recognition) this darkness will, In-sha-Allah, upon reaching
there be immediately obliterated. Subsequently, this verse of the Qur’aan
came to mind,
ِ
‫الر ُس ْو ُل‬
َّ ‫اس َت ْغ َف َر َل ُه ُم‬ ْ ‫َو َل ْو َان َُّه ْم ا ْذ َّظ َل ُم ْوٓا َا ْن ُف َس ُه ْم َج ا ُء ْو َك َف‬
ْ ‫اس َت ْغ َف ُر ْوا اهللَ َو‬
‫هلل ت ََّوا ًبا َّر ِحي ْ ًما‬
َ ‫َل َو َجدُ وا ا‬
The understood meaning of this verse is, “When you have oppressed your
souls and you have perpetrated sinful deeds, then present yourself to Our
Rasul 0 , and in his presence seek forgiveness from Us, and when
you do that, you will find Us accepting your repentance and having mercy
upon you. (Surah Nisaa’, verse 64)
As Moulana proceeded towards Masjidun Nabawi, he thought to himself, “O

Allah, my fortune has proliferated. You have showered immeasurable favours
upon a nonentity like myself who is devoid of any worth and significance.
O Allah, You have truly honoured Your servant despite his insignificance.
For this unfaithful servant, at this moment, there is no greater favour and
honour that You could have bestowed upon him.
O Allah, my eyes are so impure that they do not deserve the vision of the
grave of Rasulullah 0 . How do I find purity within my eyes that will
enable me to look at the blessed Rawdhah?
O Allah, if only You can grant me such tears that will purify and cleanse
the impurity and weakness of my sight so that I can see the blessed grave
of Your beloved Nabi 0 . This purification will enable me to view it
with due respect.”
After Moulana presented his salaam, the appearance of Nabi 0

flashed across his mind, “SubhanAllah! What a beautiful glowing face, all
dressed in white. His blessed beard is beyond description. SubhanAllah! What
beauty Allah  has given to the beloved son of Aaminah! Alhamdulillah!
How handsome is Rasulullah 0 with a radiant face wearing a round
hat on his head. Oh, his gentle beautiful eyes with surma (antimony) applied
to them, focussing towards his visitor – looking at his Ummati. This is a
moment when a lover is infatuated by the ecstasy of meeting his beloved.
How deficient and weak am I in front of the greatest of mankind. Our eyes
are imperfect, so what can we see? It is no small favour that the blessed and
perfect eyes of Rasulullah 0 have focussed upon this insignificant
and sinful servant. It is something most precious and significant.”67
67 In the Court of Rasulullah 0
0
STORIES OF LOVE FOR NABI
0
The tradition of love for Nabi 0 began with the Sahabah  and
continued uninterruptedly in successive generations of the Ummah.
Abu Bakr’s  love

Abu Bakr  was prepared to kill his own son in the defence of Nabi 0
and his mission. Abdur Rahmaan, the son of Abu Bakr  , fought on the
side of the Quraish during the battle of Badr. Later, after he accepted Islam,
he said to his father, “I had the opportunity of killing you at the battle of
Badr, but I left you and did not kill you.” Abu Bakr  replied, “If I had the
opportunity of killing you, I would not have left you.”68 This amazing incident
in which a father was prepared to kill his own son is a sterling proof of the
love Abu Bakr  had for Nabi 0.
Another example of Abu Bakr’s  love for Nabi 0 was their hijrah
journey from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah. This was a
journey of genuine love. While walking, sometimes Abu Bakr  would walk
in front of Nabi 0 and sometimes behind him. When Nabi 0
asked why he was doing so, he replied, “O Nabi of Allah, when I think of
those in pursuit of you, I walk behind you, and when I fear an ambush, I
walk in front of you.” When they came to the cave, Abu Bakr  asked Nabi
0 to wait a moment, while he went in and covered up all the holes
so that no wild beasts or insects would harm Nabi 0 . When they
entered the cave, Nabi 0 laid down on the lap of Abu Bakr  and
68 Taareekh al-Khulafa of Suyuti
fell asleep. A snake emerged and bit Abu Bakr  on his leg. However, he
dared not move, fearing that it would awaken the Nabi of Allah. But tears
began to fall from his eyes due to the pain. Nabi 0 was awakened
by a tear which fell on his face and realised what had happened. He applied
some of his blessed saliva to the wound and it instantly healed.69
Umar’s  love
Saaib P narrates that he was once in the Masjid of Nabi 0 when
someone threw a pebble at him. When he looked around, he realised it was
Umar  calling him. Umar  said, “Bring those two people to me.” When
they were brought, he asked them, “Where are you from?” They replied,
“From Taif.” He then said to them, “If you were inhabitants of this city, I
would have punished you. How dare you raise your voices in the Masjid of
Nabi 0 !” (Bukhari)
Another example of Umar’s  love for Nabi 0 was his desire to be

buried next to him. Close to his demise, Umar  said to his son, “O Abdullah
ibn Umar, go to the Mother of the Believers, Aisha  and say, ‘Umar ibn
Al-Khattaab conveys his salaam to you.’ Then ask her permission that I be
buried together with my two companions.” When Aisha  heard this, she
said, ‘I had reserved this place for myself, but today I will give preference to
him over myself.’ Abdullah  conveyed the news to his father. Umar 
then stated, “There is no place more honourable to me than that place. When
I pass away, carry my body and convey my salaam to her. Then say, ‘Umar
ibn Al-Khattaab requests your permission.’ If she agrees, then bury me there,
otherwise bury me in the cemetery of the Muslims (Baqi).” (Bukhari) Umar
 sought Aisha’s  permission because the grave was in her house and
it was her right to be buried there.70
69 Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh
70 From this we learn that it is permissible to have the desire to be buried close to
a righteous person in order to benefit from the mercies which descend close to his
grave as well as to benefit from the duas of the pious who present themselves at the
grave. (Fathul Baari)
Uthmaan’s  love
When Uthmaan  was besieged in his home by the Khawaarij, Mughirah
ibn Shu’bah  came to him and offered him three options which would
guarantee his safety. Firstly, he could choose to confront the enemy and
fight them; secondly, he could flee to Makkah Mukarramah where they could
not attack him; or thirdly, he could flee to Syria where he could be in the
protection of Mu’awiyah  . Uthmaan  refused all three options. He did
not want to fight them because he did not want to be the first in the Ummah
to spill the blood of Muslims. He did not want to flee to Makkah Mukarramah
because he had heard Nabi 0 declaring a severe punishment for a
Quraishi person who did so. Regarding him fleeing to Syria, he said, “I will
never separate from the land of my hijrah and from the close proximity of
Nabi 0 .” (Ahmad)
Abdullah ibn Salaam  says, “When Uthmaan  was besieged in his home
by his enemies, I once went to greet him there. He said to me, ‘Dear brother,
so good to see you. In a dream I saw Nabi 0 through that window
and he said to me, ‘O Uthmaan, have they besieged you in your house?’ I
replied, ‘Yes.’ He then said, ‘Have they made you suffer thirst.’ I replied,
‘Yes.’ Nabi 0 then hung down a pail of water from which I drank.
I can still perceive the coolness of it between my shoulders and my chest.
Thereafter Nabi 0 said, ‘If you so wish, then you will be assisted
against them, and if you so wish you may come and break your fast with us.’
I then chose to break my fast with Nabi 0 .’ That same day, Uthmaan
 was martyred. 71
Ali’s  love
Ali  once decided to build a door for his house. He asked the carpenter
to construct it at Jannat al-Baqi, a distance away from the blessed grave so
that the noise would not inconvenience Nabi 0 .72
71 Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah, Fadhaail Madinah Munawwarah

72 Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, vol 2, p137; Fazaaile Haj, p163
Love of the Ansaar

Due to the torment and persecution suffered by the early Muslims at the
hands of the Quraish in Makkah Mukarramah, Nabi 0 migrated to
Madinah Munawwarah. The news of his departure from Makkah Mukarramah
had spread and the Ansaar of Madinah Munawwarah eagerly awaited his
arrival. Every morning, they would go to the outskirts of the city and wait
until the heat of the sun made it unbearable for them to remain. They would
then return home sad and disappointed. On the day when Nabi 0
finally arrived, it was the same. The Ansaar had come out and then returned
to their homes. Amazingly, it was a Jewish lad who was the first to see him.
He loudly announced his arrival and everybody rushed out to meet him. Nabi
0 and Abu Bakr  were sitting beneath the shade of a tree. Many
of the people of Madinah Munawwarah did not see Nabi 0 before,
hence they did not know which of the two was the Nabi of Allah. Abu Bakr
 realised their difficulty and shielded Nabi 0 from the sun with
a cloth, thereby dispelling their doubts.73
About 500 people were there to welcome him. The men stood at the doors
and the women climbed on their roofs to catch a glimpse of him. Anas
 mentioned that this was the happiest day in the history of Madinah
Munawwarah. The young lads proclaimed, “Allahu Akbar. The Nabi of Allah has
come.”74 Bara ibn Aazib  mentioned, “I never saw the people of Madinah
Munawwarah express their happiness as they did on the day when the Nabi
of Allah arrived.” (Bukhari) The little girls sang in chorus,
The full moon has come over us

From Thaniyyatul Wadaa’ - the hilltop where travellers are given the farewell
greeting.
It is necessary for us to show our thanks
For as long as there is a caller to Allah.
73 Seerah Ibn Hishaam

74 Al-Seerah al-Nabawiyyah of Ibn Katheer and al-Seerah al- Nabawiyyah of Abul Hasan
Ali Nadwi, p196
O you who has been sent to us

You have come with a message that is to be followed.75
Bilal’s  love
After the liberation of Damascus, Bilal  asked Umar  to allow him to
reside there. Umar  agreed. Bilal  then married and settled down there.
After some time, he saw Nabi 0 in a dream saying to him, “O Bilal,
how unfaithful! Has the time not come for you to visit me?” Bilal  awoke
distressed and afraid. He immediately set out for Madinah Munawwarah.
When he arrived, he presented himself at the grave of Nabi 0 and
cried. Hasan  and Husain  then came to meet him. Bilal  hugged
and kissed them. They then asked him to give the adhaan that he used to
give at the time of Nabi 0 . Bilal  agreed to their request. As
he began his adhaan, the people of Madinah Munawwarah broke down into
tears. When he recited, “Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah,” even the
women emerged from their homes in shock and asked, “Has Nabi 0
come back to life?” This was the day on which people sobbed and wept the
most after the demise of Nabi 0 .76
Khubaib’s  love
Khubaib  was captured by the disbelievers during an expedition. Before they
hanged him, they asked him whether he had any last wish. He said, “Allow me
to perform two rakaats of Salaah.” They agreed and he performed Salaah. He
then said to them, “Had I not feared that you would think I was afraid of death,
I would have prayed for a longer time.” So it was Khubaib  who initiated
the tradition of performing two rakaats of Salaah before being executed.
Khubaib  then made dua, “O Allah! I cannot find any person here to
convey my salaams to Your Messenger, so You convey my salaams.” Jibril
Ali Nadwi, p197
76 Taareekh Dimashq, Siyar A’alaam An-Nubalaa; Usdul Ghaabah; Fazaaile Haj, p145-146
 subsequently conveyed his salaams to Nabi 0 . Nabi 0

replied by saying, “And may my salaams be upon you, O Khubaib,” and he
informed the gathering that the Quraish had killed Khubaib  . (Bukhari)
When Khubaib  was about to be hanged, the disbelievers asked him, “Do
you wish that Muhammad was in your place?” Khubaib  answered, “No,
by Allah, the Magnificent! I would not like even a thorn to prick his foot in
exchange for my freedom.”77
The desire of a disciple of Isa 

A disciple during the time of Isa  expressed his desire to see the final
Messenger, Nabi Muhammad 0 . He asked Isa  to make dua to
Allah  for this to happen. So Isa  made dua to Allah  to fulfil
the desire of his disciple. His dua was accepted with the condition that the
disciple would have to take the form of a snake. The disciple’s desire to see
Nabi 0 was so intense that he accepted this condition and was turned
into a snake. He was then informed that Nabi 0 would travel from
Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah and stop in the cave of Thaur
during this journey. So the disciple, in the form of a snake, made his way to
the cave and waited for the appointed time.
When Nabi 0 and Abu Bakr  stopped at the cave at the time of
hijrah, Abu Bakr  entered the cave and filled up the holes in it to prevent
any venomous creature from emerging and harming Nabi 0 . He
managed to cover all the holes except one which he covered with his foot. It
was from this hole that the snake emerged and bit Abu Bakr  so that he
would remove his foot, enabling it to see the blessed face of Nabi 0 .78
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz’s P love

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz P would send a rider on camel all the way from
77 Fathul Baari
78 Khutubaat Mahmood, vol 3, p135 quoted from Izalatul Khifaa of Shah Waliyullah
Shaam to Madinah Munawwarah on various occasions to convey his salaat

and salaam upon Nabi 0 .79
Imam Maalik’s P love

Imam Maalik P passionately desired death in Madinah Munawwarah.
For this reason he never left Madinah Munawwarah except once when he
performed his Fardh Haj. He returned to Madinah Munawwarah immediately
after completing the Haj. His respect for the city was such that he did not
mount a conveyance for the duration of his stay in the city. He would say, “I
am ashamed to mount a conveyance on the land which bears the footsteps
of my beloved Nabi 0 and in the city where he walked.”80
The Khalifah Ma’mun once gave Imam Maalik P a sum of 3000 dirhams
to purchase a home and offered him the choice to come and live with him.
Imam Maalik P refused the offer saying, “It is not possible for me to join
you because Nabi 0 said, ‘Madinah Munawwarah is better for them
if only they knew,’ and ‘Madinah Munawwarah will remove its impurities just
as a furnace removes the impurities of iron.’ Here are your dirhams. You may
take them or leave them as you please.”81
Khalf ibn Umar P narrates: I was with Imam Maalik P when Ibn
Katheer P the Qaari of Madinah Munawwarah came to him and handed
him a note. Imam Maalik P read it and placed it beneath his musallah. As
Ibn Katheer P left, I also stood up to leave, but Imam Maalik P asked
me to sit down. He then gave me the note to read. It contained the following
message: I saw in a dream as if it was being said to me, “This is Nabi 0
seated with people around him saying, ‘O Nabi of Allah, give us something.
O Nabi of Allah, command for something to be given to us!’ Nabi 0
said to them, ‘I have placed a great treasure below the mimbar and I have
instructed Imam Maalik P to distribute it amongst you. So go to Imam
79 Fazaaile Haj, p146; Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, Vol 2, p217

81 Taareekh Dimashq
Maalik.’ So they went to him. Some were asking others, ‘Do you think that
Imam Maalik P will do so?’ They were told, ‘He will surely fulfil what
Nabi 0 has instructed him.’” This had such an impact upon Imam
Maalik P and he cried so much that he was still crying when I left him.82
Once, in Masjidun Nabawi, Khalifah Abu Ja’far al-Mansoor debated with Imam
Maalik P regarding some issue. So Imam Maalik P said to him, “O
Ameerul Mu’mineen, do not raise your voice in this Masjid because Allah 
reprimanded a group of people saying, ‘Do not raise your voices above the
voice of the Nabi and do not speak to him loudly as you speak loudly with
each other, lest your actions be destroyed without you realising it.’ Allah
 praised a group of people saying, ‘Those who lower their voices in the
presence of Rasulullah are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for taqwa.
They shall receive forgiveness and a great reward.’ He reprimanded a group
of people saying, ‘The majority of those who call you from outside the rooms
have no understanding.’ So, one should respect him after his demise in the
same way as during his lifetime.” Abu Ja’far al-Mansoor humbled himself
upon hearing this and then asked Imam Maalik P, “When making dua,
should I turn to the qiblah or face towards Nabi 0 ?” Imam Maalik
P replied, “Why should you turn your face away from him, when he will
intercede to Allah  for you and your father Adam on the day of Qiyamah?
Rather, face towards him and seek his intercession, because Allah  will
accept his intercession. Allah  says, ‘If only it were that when they oppress
themselves (commit sins), they come to you seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and
then the Rasool seeks forgiveness on their behalf, they will then surely find
that Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Surah Al-Nisaa’, verse 64)83
Ibn Aamir Shaami’s P love

Mullah Ali Qari P narrated that Ibn Aamir Shaami P said, “When
I met Waathilah ibn Asqa  , I asked, ‘Did you pledge allegiance to Nabi
82 Tahdheebul Asmaa, Tadhkirah A’immah Arba’ah aur Mashoor Muhadditheen, p34
83 Al-Shifa vol 2 p 26; Ishqe Rasool 0 and Ulama Deoband, p113
0 with this very hand?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ I then kissed his hand.”84
Allamah Jaami’s P love

Allamah Jaami P wrote many poems in the love of Nabi 0 ,
however his Qaseedah received the greatest acceptance. After performing
Haj, he thought of the idea of going to the grave of Nabi 0 and
reciting this poem in the presence of Nabi 0 .
As he was leaving Makkah Mukarramah, the governor of the city saw Nabi
0 in a dream instructing him to prevent Allamah Jaami P from
entering Madinah Munawwarah. So the governor found Allamah Jaami P
and stopped him. However, Allamah Jaami P was so consumed by the love
of Nabi 0 that he quietly left Makkah Mukarramah and headed for
Madinah Munawwarah. Again the governor saw Nabi 0 in a dream
instructing him to stop Allamah Jaami P. The governor immediately sent
out his soldiers who found Allamah Jaami P on the road to Madinah
Munawwarah. They apprehended him and brought him back to Makkah
Mukarramah. Assuming him to be a criminal, the governor had the pious
man imprisoned. For a third time, Nabi 0 appeared to the governor
in a dream and said, “He is not a criminal or traitor. Instead he is my devoted
lover. He has written a poem in my praise which he intended to recite at my
grave. If he succeeds in doing this, I will be compelled to extend my hand
from my grave to greet him. This will cause great commotion.” Upon this,
the governor realised his mistake and apologised to Allamah Jaami P. He
released him from prison and treated him with honour and dignity.85
Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi’s P love

Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P had a great deal of love for the Sunnah of
Nabi 0 . Once, the British issued a warrant for his arrest. He remained
confined within his home for three days, after which he emerged, saying,
84 Muqaddimah Ilmul Qira’at Wa Tadhkirah Aimmah Qira’ate Asharah aur un ke Ruwaat, p70)
85 Barakaate Durood Shareef, p232; Virtues of Salaat Alan Nabi, p195
“Nabi 0 hid in the cave for three days only and I would not like to
remain in hiding for longer than this time period. I do not want to perform
an action that is contrary to the Sunnah.”86
One day, a person came to meet Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P and gave him
a pair of green shoes as a gift. Moulana accepted the gift but did not wear it.
After a number of days, he was asked, “The shoes were a splendid gift. They
were very finely made and are commonly worn in the neighbourhood. Why
do you not wear them?” Moulana replied, “I accepted the gift so that the
man would not be disappointed. However, I have not worn them because the
thought came to mind that the dome above the blessed grave of my master,
Nabi 0 , is also green in colour. I cannot wear a pair of shoes of the
same colour.”87
Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi’s P love

Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi P was a great scholar of his time. Once,
a person who had returned from Haj presented him with a gift of clothing
from the blessed lands. When Moulana received it, he kissed it with a great
deal of respect and placed it over his body. Students who were sitting in
his company remarked in amazement, “This clothing is not from Madinah
Munawwarah. It is manufactured in another country and then bought by
traders in Madinah Munawwarah, who then resell it to those who visit the
city!” Moulana replied, “I do realise that it is not manufactured in Madinah
Munawwarah. However, I am honouring it, because it has been touched by
the winds of Madinah Munawwarah.”88
Moulana Husain Ahmed Madani P once presented some dates of Madinah

Munawwarah and some sand from the blessed chamber to Moulana Gangohi
P. Moulana Gangohi P mixed the sand with his surmah which he used
daily. He took 3 dates and broke them into 27 pieces which he distributed.

Whenever he distributed the dates of Madinah Munawwarah, he would advise

the people, “Do not discard the date pits.” He would grind the pits into a
powder and daily consume some of it.89
Haaji Imdaadullaah’s P love

A person once requested Haaji Imdaadullaah P for a prescription that
would enable him to see Nabi 0 in a dream. Haaji Imdaadullaah
P replied, “You are speaking about something that requires immense
courage. Due to the awe in my heart, I cannot even look at the green dome.
Such ambitions require tremendous courage and are only felt by people of
spiritual stature and perfection.”90
Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri’s P love

Moulana mentioned, “When I left Saharanpur (for Madinah Munawwarah) I did
not make the intention of hijrah and I have still not done so. This is because
I do not know whether I am worthy of this blessed land or not in the sight
of Allah  . If Allah  does not accept the residing of this worthless one
in this blessed land, then I will take my evil actions and return.”91
Upon completing Haj, Moulana decided to travel to Madinah Munawwarah.

However, the road to Madinah Munawwarah was not safe at the time. Haaji
Imdaadullaah P said to him, “Molwi Khalil Ahmad! What is your intention?
I have heard that the road to Madinah Munawwarah is not safe. For this reason
many Hujjaaj are returning home (without going to Madinah Munawwarah).”
Moulana replied, “Hadhrat, I have firmly made up my mind to go to Madinah
Tayyibah. The time of death has been stipulated and cannot be avoided. If
death has to come while travelling on this road, what more can a Muslim
desire? It is the grace of Allah  that He has brought me this far. If I were
to abandon the trip to Madinah Tayyibah due to fear of death, who can be
90 In the court of Rasulullah 0

more unfortunate than me?” Haji Imdaadullaah P was greatly pleased

with his answer.92
Shaikh Muhammad Zakariyya’s P love

While Shaikh Zakariyya P was in Madinah Munawwarah during his journey
of Haj, a particular person was appointed to take him from his residence to
the Haram and back by car. One day, the driver was delayed for some reason.
When Shaikh emerged from the Haram after performing Salaah, his attendants
asked him whether they should procure another vehicle to transport him back
home. He declined, saying, “He will come albeit a little later than normal.
We will wait.” Due to Shaikh’s illness, it was very difficult for him to stand,
so he decided to sit down on the ground. His attendants rushed to spread a
musallah for him to sit on, but Shaikh refused. Instead he sat down on the
bare ground. When the attendants insisted, he said, “You may sit upon it. I
am nothing but a dog of this place. I will sit upon the bare ground.”93
A child’s love for Madinah Munawwarah

This incident occurred at a time when Saudi Arabia was not financially well-
off like today and the kingdom’s income was mainly derived from Hujjaaj who
spent in the blessed lands. The inhabitants were in great poverty and it was
difficult to make ends meet. Moulana Zafar Ahmad Uthmani P states, “At
that time, I performed Haj and then reached Madinah Munawwarah. We had
our meals and dusted our dastarkhan94 on a heap so that the animals could
eat the left over pieces of bread and bones.
After some time, I emerged from my room and was surprised to see a 8-9 year
old handsome young boy picking up the pieces of bread and eating them.
His plight saddened me. So I brought him back to my room and gave him a
full meal because I was in the city of that personality who was the guardian

93 Akabir Ulama-e-Deoband Ka Taqwa, p93-94
94 A cloth upon which meals are served.
of the poor and slaves. The young boy was visibly pleased with my response
towards him. As he was leaving, I asked him, ‘What does your father do for a
living?’ The boy replied, ‘I am an orphan.’ I then asked him, ‘Would you like
to come with me to India? There I will feed you with the best of foods and
dress you in the best of clothing. I will educate you in our madrasah. When
you have become an aalim, I will personally return with you and hand you
over to your mother. Go and seek her permission.’
The boy was very happy with my proposal and ran to his mother. She was
in difficulty, having to take care of her other children, so she agreed to let
him come with me. The boy quickly returned and said, ‘I am ready to come
with you. My mother has given her permission.’ He then asked, ‘Do you also
get the type of gram seeds of this area there?’ Moulana replied, ‘Son, you
will get all of these things in large amounts.’”
Moulana continued, “The boy then took hold of my finger and walked with
me to Masjidun Nabawi. As we approached, he suddenly stood still. He looked
at the Rawdhah and the door of the Masjid and asked, ‘Father, will we also
find this door and this Rawdhah there?’ I said to him, ‘Son, if this was found
there, why would I come here?’ Now the boy’s expression changed. He let
go of my finger and said, ‘Father, you go. If this cannot be found there, I
will never leave this door and go away. I will remain hungry and thirsty. I
will satiate my hunger and quench my thirst by looking at this door like I
have been doing all this time.’ He then began to cry. Seeing his love, I also
began to cry.”95
Love of the Ulama of Deoband

Many of the Ulama of Deoband lived with the passionate desire that they would
be in the proximity of Nabi 0 at the time of death and be buried
in the blessed land. Moulana Badre Aalam Mirthi P left his country and
made hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah for this very reason. Allah  accepted
his noble desire.96 Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi P expressed his desire to live
and die in Madinah Munawwarah in touching poetic verses. Ulama of Deoband
who are buried here include Moulana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri P, Shaikh
Muhammad Zakariyya P, Moulana Muzaffar Husain Khandhelwi P,
Shah Abdul Ghani Mujaddidi P and Moulana Saeed Ahmad Khan P.97
Records indicate that over 60 Ulama of Deoband are burried in Jannat al-Baqi.
Moulana Abdur Rahmaan’s P love

Moulana Abdur Rahmaan P was a righteous individual from Peshawar. He
once saw Nabi 0 in a dream. Nabi 0 was very pleased and
asked, “Abdur Rahmaan, what do you desire?” Moulana replied, “O Rasulullah,
now that my eyes have seen you, they should not see anyone else.” Nabi
0 said to him, “Think carefully about what you are saying!” Moulana
said, “I have already thought about it. It is now unbearable for me to see
anyone else once my eyes have seen you.” When Moulana awoke from his
sleep, he had lost his eyesight and became completely blind. Alhamdulillah, he
was happy and said, “O Allah, it is your great favour that you have permitted
me to see your beloved Rasul 0 with these polluted eyes.”98
96 Moulana Badre Aalam P, a great scholar of hadith, passed away in Madinah

Munawwarah and is buried in Jannat al-Baqi. The authorities dug up his grave on 3
separate occasions 6 months apart following his burial in order to bury others in his
grave. On each occasion, his body was found to be perfectly intact. His body had not
decomposed in the least. It was as if he had just been buried. Even his burial shroud
had not disintegrated. What was the reason for this? Moulana Aaftaab Aalam P,
his son, offered an explanation, “My father had a unique quality. Despite being a great
scholar himself, he would never stretch his feet towards children who were Huffaadh
of Qur’aan. He would say, “Just as it is not appropriate to stretch one’s feet in the
direction of a Qur’aan, it would also be disrespectful to stretch one’s feet towards a
person who bears the Qur’aan within his chest.” It is likely that the blessings of such
respect have caused his body to remain intact.” (Tuhfah-e-Huffaadh, p392)
97 Ishqe Rasool aur Ulama-e Deoband, p200-201, 348
98 In the court of Rasulullah 0, p14
A Turkish poet’s love

Nabi’ P was a Turkish poet during the Uthmani Khilafah. He decided to
perform Haj in 1678 with some employees of the Uthmani Khilafah. With the
consent of Sultan Mehmed IV, the poet set out for the blessed lands. During
his journey, Nabi’ P noticed a person laying down and stretching his legs
towards Madinah Munawwarah. Nabi’ P was deeply affected by this and
composed his famous poem in praise of Nabi 0 .
When his caravan arrived close to Madinah Munawwarah at around the time
of Fajr, the poet heard his poem being recited from the minarets of Masjidun
Nabawi,
“Refrain from behaving disrespectfully;

This is the place of the beloved of Allah;
This is the place Allah looks upon.
This is the place of the beloved Mustafa.
O Nabi’! Enter this place with respect....
Excitedly, the poet went to enquire from the muaddhin why he had recited
these verses, informing him that he was the only one who knew them. The
muaddhin was surprised and asked, “Are you Nabi’?” Nabi’ P answered,
“Yes,” upon which the muaddhin grabbed his hands and hugged him. When
the muaddhin was asked how he knew Nabi’s P name, he narrated his
dream, “Last night, I dreamt of our Messenger 0 who said to me,
‘O Muaddhin! Awake from your sleep! A poet called Nabi’ from my Ummah
is coming to visit me. This poet is filled with love for me. Welcome him by
reciting his own verses from the minaret of my Masjid!’ Immediately, I woke
up, performed wudhu and rushed to the minaret, wondering who had been
praised by our Messenger 0 .”
When the poet heard this, he began to cry, “The Messenger 0 regarded
me as a member of his Ummah. The sun of both the worlds accepted me as
part of his Ummah…”99
Uthmani Khilafah’s Love

The Uthmanis were spiritually and emotionally connected to the Haramain
and this was reflected in their national traditions and international policies. 100
They established numerous charity organisations in Makkah Mukarramah and
Madinah Munawwarah. Waqfs, under the name of Awqafal-Haramain, in Egypt,
Syria, Anatolia (Adana and Tarsus) and other areas provided the resources
for these services.101 Istanbul foundation deeds show that many foundations
in Uskudar were solely devoted to the “poor of Madinah Munawwarah.”102
The Uthmani Sultans displayed deep love and respect for the blessed lands.
Sultan Abdul Aziz was once in bed, pale and semi-conscious when he was
told that a petition from the people of Madinah Munawwarah had come. He
immediately commanded that he should be taken downstairs so that he could
listen to the petition standing. He said, “A request from the neighbours of the
Messenger of Allah cannot be heard whilst seated with my legs outstretched.
It is contrary to respect.” In fact, the Uthmani Sultans used to make wudhu
before touching letters that arrived from Madinah Munawwarah. Some of them
would even kiss and wipe these letters respectfully over their eyes. Sultan
Abdul Aziz would say, “They have the blessed dust of Madinah Munawwarah
on them.”103
The Uthmani Sultans preserved everything associated with the blessed lands.
Pieces of wood, stone, iron, glass and porcelain tiles that were used in the
repairs of these places were preserved. Even the dust, called jawhar al-sa’adat
(jewel of bliss), that gathered in the blessed chamber of Nabi 0 was
99 Hajj Mabrur and Umrah, p97-98; http://www.turkishclass.com/forumTitle_53886

100 The Yildiz Albums of Sultan Abdulhamid II Mecca - Medina, p17
period, pxlvii
102 The Yildiz Albums of Sultan Abdulhamid II Mecca - Medina. p18
103 Civilisation of Virtues, p133; The Sacred Trusts, p264
kept due to it being in close proximity to him. Similarly, the water that was
used to wash the chamber was kept. Over time, the water dried up but the
bottle in which it was kept has been preserved. The brooms and dust pans
used to clean the blessed chamber are also preserved till today in the Topkapi
Palace.104 This tradition of preserving every material object that was connected
to Nabi 0 speaks volumes of the love the Uthmanis had for him.
The respect shown to Nabi 0 during the construction and maintenance

of Masjidun Nabawi was unbelievable. The Uthmani builders handled each
stone in the state of wudhu and after reciting bismillah.105 Before commencing
with repair work in the Rawdhah, they built a wooden slab supported by high
pillars between the roof and the ground which would serve as a barrier from
the vibrations and falling debris while the roof was being dismantled. They
also placed a cover over the grave which extended from the roof to the ground
so that no sand and dust would reach the blessed grave. Precautions were also
taken to avoid noise by covering hammers with a soft material.106 When the
sacred chamber was being revamped, complete silence was observed.107 They
also did not allow buildings to be built in Madinah Munawwarah higher than
the Masjid of Nabi 0 as a sign of respect.108
Even when the Hijaz Railway was built, the Uthmanis were careful not to
interrupt the silence and tranquility of the city. The route of the railway and
the station were structured in such a way that they would not disturb the
blessed area around the grave of Nabi 0 .109 The station was built 1
kilometer from the Haram outside the city walls.110
104 The Sacred Relics, p9

105 Civilisation of Virtues, 67
106 Civilisation of Virtues, 67
107 Mecca the blessed, Madinah Munawwarah the radiant, p184
108 The Yildiz Albums of Sultan Abdulhamid II Mecca - Medina, p117
109 Osmanli History and Institutions, p467
period, p150; plvii
Uthmani Sultans used to send a yearly Surreh Aaliya or Mahmal Turki to the
Haramain Sharifain. Surreh means “money purse” and it consisted of gifts,
carpets, gold and grain for the sayyids (descendants of Nabi 0 ),
teachers in madrasahs, righteous people, attendants of the Masjid, the poor and
other inhabitants of the blessed lands. It was sent with the annual Haj caravan
and was of considerable value.111 When Shareef Hoosein and his accomplices
revolted against the Uthmanis in World War 1, Fakhruddin Pasha, the Turkish
governor of Madinah Munawwarah at the time, who was defending Madinah
Munawwarah against the rebels, put these gifts in chests and sent them to
Istanbul in order to protect them from being looted. These chests were 300
in number.112 During the reign of Sultan Saleem, 200000 gold coins were sent
as part of the Surreh to the Haramain Sharifain.113
When the Surreh caravan would reach the outskirts of Madinah Munawwarah,
the delegation that transported it would stop outside the city and spiritually
prepare themselves before entering it. They would perform Istikhaara Salaah
and only enter the city after receiving a spiritual sign to do so. When leaving
Madinah Munawwarah, they would carry some of the blessed sand of the city
away with them for blessings.114
period, plxi
112 Endowment, Charity and Service in Islam, p31
113 Osmanli History and Institutions, p244
114 Civilisation of Virtues, p67
0
DEMISE OF NABI 0
Towards the end of his life, there were a number of indications and signs
pointing to the fact that Nabi 0 was soon to leave the world. These
included various Qur’aanic verses and statements he made. For example, Nabi
0 said to the Sahabah  , “Allah gave His slave the choice between
taking whatever beauties of the world he desires or whatever is by Him. The
slave opted for taking whatever is by Him.” When Abu Bakr  heard this,
he burst into tears saying, “May our parents be sacrificed for you.” The other
Sahabah  found Abu Bakr’s  reaction surprising. They did not realise
that Nabi 0 was the slave who had been given this choice and that
he had chosen to return to Allah. The Sahabah  only later appreciated
Abu Bakr’s  knowledge and insight. (Bukhari)
During his final days, Nabi 0 became very weak. He requested
permission from all his wives to remain in the home of Aisha  . They
agreed. He could not lead the Salaah as Imam, so he requested Abu Bakr 
to lead them during the period of his illness. Shortly before his demise, he
recovered a little. He drew the curtain from the room of Aisha  and gazed
upon the Sahabah  who were in Salaah. The scene pleased him a great
deal, so he smiled and then laughed. The Sahabah  were overjoyed,
115
thinking that he had recovered from his illness and would join them in Salaah.
Abu Bakr  thought of stepping back and allowing Nabi 0 to lead
the Salaah, but Nabi 0 indicated that they should continue. He then
115 Scholars state that the face of Nabi 0 beamed with joy at the sight of the
Sahabah  in Salaah because he had perhaps seen the positive results of his life-long
endeavour, or he was convinced that his Sahabah  had attained the desired level of
spiritual elevation in communion with Allah  . Whatever the reason, he felt reassured
that the attachment of his Sahabah  to Allah would not waver after his demise.
drew the curtain. (Bukhari)
Aisha  narrates: One of the bounties of Allah upon me is that Nabi 0

passed away in my home, on my day with him, between my chest and my
neck, and Allah mixed my saliva with his at the time of his demise. Abdur
Rahmaan ibn Abu Bakr  entered my home with a miswaak in his hand.
Nabi 0 was then leaning upon me and I saw him looking towards the
miswaak. I realised that he desired the miswaak, so I asked him if I should
get it for him. He nodded in the affirmative, so I got it for him. But it was
too hard so I asked him whether I should soften it for him. He nodded in the
affirmative, so I softened it for him. Never did I see him using the miswaak
in a better way than on that day. Close to him was a utensil filled with water.
He would dip his hands into it and rub them on his face, saying, “Laa ilaaha
illAllaah. Surely, death has its pangs.” He then raised his finger and began
saying, “With the Exalted Companion,” until he passed away and his hand
fell to the side. (Bukhari)
When Abu Bakr  heard the news of the demise of Nabi 0 , he

headed towards the home of his daughter where Nabi 0 lay covered
in a cloth. Abu Bakr  leaned down, kissed Nabi 0 and cried. He
said, “May my father be sacrificed for you, O Nabi of Allah. Allah will not grant
you death twice. The death that was ordained for you has come.” (Bukhari)
The Sahabah  were in utter shock. Umar  , for example, could not
accept that Nabi 0 had actually passed away. Abu Bakr  called the
Sahabah  to the mimbar and addressed them, saying, “Whoever worshipped
Muhammad, then indeed Muhammad has passed away; and whoever worships
Allah, then know that Allah is alive and never dies.” He then recited the
verse of Qur’aan, ‘Muhammad is but a Messenger. Many Messengers have
passed before him. If he passes away or is martyred, would you then turn
back on your heels? He who turns back on his heels can never harm Allah
in the least. Allah shall soon reward the grateful ones.’ (Surah Aal Imraan,
verse 144) It was as if people had not known of this verse until Abu Bakr
 recited it. (Bukhari)
When Nabi 0 passed away, Faatimah  said, “O my father! You

replied to the call of your Sustainer. O my father! The Garden of Firdaus is
your abode. O my father! We shall convey this news to Jibril.” (Bukhari)
Abu Bakr  said that he had heard Nabi 0 saying that every
Messenger was buried on the spot where he passed away. So Nabi’s 0
bedding was removed and Abu Talha  dug the grave at the very same spot.
(Ibn Maajah, Baihaqi) People came in batches to perform the Janaazah Salaah:
first the men, then the women and finally the children.
After the grave was dug, Ali ibn Abi Talib  , Fadl ibn Abbaas  , Quthm ibn
Abbaas  and Shuqraan  the freed slave of Nabi 0 descended
into the grave to place his blessed body therein.
After Nabi 0 was buried, Faatimah  asked Anas  , “How did

you have the heart to throw sand over Nabi 0 ?” (Bukhari) Scholars
mention that Anas  remained silent at the question of Faatimah  about
throwing sand over his grave, out of consideration for her sadness. However,
it was as if he had replied, “We did not have the heart to do so, but we were
obliged to follow his instructions.”
It was the gloomiest of days in Madinah Munawwarah. Bilal  rose to

give the adhaan for Fajr Salaah, but when he remembered Nabi 0
he began to cry and sob. This plunged the Muslims in greater sadness. All
along, they had listened to the adhaan while Nabi 0 was amongst
them. Now he was no more.116
Some of Nabi’s 0 final instructions in the days before his demise

were as follows:
1. Remove the polytheists from the Arabian Peninsula. (Bukhari)

2. Receive the delegations as I used to receive them. (Bukhari)
3. Guard your Salaah and be careful about those you possess (as slaves or
Ali Nadwi, p407
servants). (Ahmad)
4. Do not make my grave an idol to be worshipped. (Muwatta)
The Messengers  are alive in their graves

According to the belief of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, Nabi 0
and all the Messengers of Allah  are alive in their graves. This can be
proven from the following:
1. Allah  says, “And do not term those who have been killed in the path of
Allah as dead. In fact, they are alive but you perceive not.” (Surah Baqarah,
verse 154). Since the living of the martyrs is proven from this verse, the living
of the Messengers  is also proven because the Messengers 
are superior to the martyrs. In addition, Nabi 0 combined both
prophethood and martyrdom.
2. Anas ibn Maalik  narrates that Nabi 0 said, “The Messengers

are alive in their graves performing Salaah.” (Bazzaar, Abu Ya’laa)
3. On the night of Isra, Nabi 0 led the Messengers  in Salaah

at Baitul Maqdis and also conversed with them. (Bukhari and Muslim)
4. Anas ibn Maalik  narrates, “On the night of Isra, Nabi 0 passed
by the grave of Moosa , and found him performing Salaah in his grave.”
(Muslim)
5. Aws ibn Aws  narrates that Nabi 0 said, “Send salawaat in

abundance upon me on Friday, as your salawaat are presented to me.” The
Sahabah  inquired,“How is it possible for you to receive our salawaat
when your body will have been decayed?” Nabi 0 said, “Allah has
made it forbidden for the earth to consume the bodies of the Messengers.”
(Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, Ibn Maajah, Daarami)
6. Nabi 0 said, “I hear the one who recites salawaat upon me at my

grave; and one who sends salawaat upon me from a distance, it is conveyed
to me.” (Baihaqi in Shua’bul Imaan)
7. In many incidents throughout history, Nabi 0 is reported to have

replied to the salaam of people who sent salaat and salaam upon him at his
grave. One such example is quoted here. Shaikh Nasr Abdul Wahid ibn Abdul
Maalik ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Sa’eed Soofi al Karkhi P says, “After Haj, I
went to visit Nabi 0 in Madinah Munawwarah. Having greeted him,
I sat down near the grave when Shaikh Abu Bakr Diyaar Bakri P arrived
and greeted Nabi 0 , ‘Assalaamu Alayka, O Rasulullah.’ From inside
the room of the grave I heard a voice replying, ‘Wa Alaykumus salaam, O Abu
Bakr.’” All those nearby also heard this reply.117
The above proofs from the Qur’an and hadith are irrefutable evidence that
the Messengers of Allah  remain alive in their graves after they leave
this world. This has been the belief of scholars throughout the eras.118
117 Fazaa’ile-Madinah Munawwarah, p49

118 http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/19662; http://www.daruliftaa.com/
node/6016?txt_QuestionID=
0
THE FOUR RIGHTEOUS

KHALIFS
Abu Bakr 
Abu Bakr  was honoured to be the father-in-law of Nabi 0 through
his daughter, Aisha . Abu Bakr  was called ‘Siddeeq’, because he accepted
the message of Nabi 0 without any reservations or hesitation. After
returning from mi’raj, Nabi 0 explained to the people what had
transpired. Some people disbelieved his story. Others went to Abu Bakr 
and asked him if he believed the claim of his companion that he had travelled
to Baitul Maqdis and returned home in one night. Abu Bakr  replied, “Yes,
I do. I believe him about matters that are even more amazing.” Due to this
incident, he was given the title ‘Siddeeq’. (Al-Mustadrak Lil Haakim)
Nabi 0 said, “I have repaid all the good that others have done for
me except for Abu Bakr, as his goodness is such that Allah Himself will repay
and reward him on the Day of Qiyamah. No person’s wealth has benefitted
me as much as the wealth of Abu Bakr. If I were to choose a bosom friend, I
would choose Abu Bakr. (Tirmidhi)
When Nabi 0 could not lead the Sahabah  in Salaah due to his
final illness, he appointed Abu Bakr  to do so.
Abu Bakr  was a very close friend of Nabi 0. The clearest indication
of this was perhaps when Nabi 0 chose Abu Bakr  as his companion
for the hijrah journey from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah.
Aisha  states, “Nabi 0 used to come to the house of Abu Bakr 
either in the morning or at night. When he was given permission to migrate,
he came to us at an unusual time. When Abu Bakr  saw him, he said, ‘Nabi
0 has come at this time due to something important.’ Nabi 0

entered and said, ‘I have been granted permission to migrate.’ Abu Bakr 
asked, ‘Can I be your companion?’ Nabi 0 said, ‘Yes, you will be my
companion.’” Aisha  said, “Before that day, I never thought that anyone
could cry out of happiness , until I saw Abu Bakr crying!” Abu Bakr 
119
said to Nabi 0 , “O Nabi of Allah, here are two mounts which I have
prepared especially for this occasion.”120
After the demise of Nabi 0 , Abu Bakr  was chosen as his khalifah.
Some of Abu Bakr’s  outstanding achievements during his khilafah were
as follows:
1. Compilation of the Qur’aan - During the Battle of Yamamah, many Sahabah

 were martyred. After consultation with Umar  , Abu Bakr  had
the Qur’aan compiled into a book form. He entrusted Zaid ibn Thaabit 
to gather all the verses of the Qur’aan from skins, bones, palm leaves and
from the hearts of the Sahabah  who had memorised them.
2. Fighting the apostates - During the time of his khilafah, a group of people
refused to give Zakaah. They began to renegade from the true teachings of
Islam and there was a real possibility that they would return to their pre-
Islamic beliefs of ignorance. Abu Bakr  took the bold decision to fight
them. Some of the Sahabah  were apprehensive about this move, but later
realised Abu Bakr’s  wisdom. Abu Bakr  wanted to reaffirm the truth
that Islam was complete and no modifications to it would be entertained.
His decisiveness and determination to bring these apostates back into line
preserved the sanctity of Islam at a time when things could easily have gone
wrong, so soon after the demise of Nabi 0 . Subsequent generations
of Muslims will forever be thankful to Abu Bakr  for this.
119 Abu Bakr  was delighted that he was chosen to serve the Nabi of Allah 0.
He knew that it was an honour for him to give his life in the defence of his best friend.
120 As Seerah An-Nabawiyyah of Ibn Katheer
Umar 
Nabi 0 said, “If there was to be a Messenger after me, it would have
 was honoured to be the father-in-law of
been Umar.” (Tirmidhi) Umar
Nabi 0 through his daughter, Hafsah  .
Umar’s  conversion to Islam greatly strengthened the ranks of the Muslims

in Makkah Mukarramah. Prior to his accepting Islam, they would practise their
religion secretly, fearing to even make tawaaf of the Ka’bah. However, when
he entered the fold of Islam, his energy and vitality spurred the Muslims to
practise Islam openly. Now, they began to perform Salaah in the open and
marched to the Ka’bah in two rows, one led by Hamzah  and the other
by Umar . It was at this time that Nabi 0 gave him the title ‘Al-

Faarooq’ - one who differentiates between truth and falsehood. Umar
personally informed each leader of the Quraish that he had accepted Islam
and that it was the right of the Muslims to worship as they pleased.
When it was time to migrate to Madinah Munawwarah, all the Muslims left
in secrecy except Umar  . Umar  wore his sword, prepared his bow
and took a number of arrows. He then went to the courtyard of the Ka’bah
where the Quraish had gathered. He made tawaaf, performed Salaah at the
Maqaam Ibraaheem and then addressed the Quraish, “If any one of you wants
his mother to lose a child, to make his children orphans, or make his wife a
widow, then let him meet me behind this valley.” Not a single person from the
Quraish was bold enough to accept his challenge. He then assisted a number
of his family members and other Muslims to leave Makkah Mukarramah for
Madinah Munawwarah.
After the demise of Abu Bakr , Umar  was appointed as the khalifah
of the Ummah. Umar’s  term as khalifah was in many ways the golden
age of Islam. During this time, Islam spread far and wide to lands such as
Egypt, Palestine, Syria, etc. Mighty empires such as the Roman and Persian
empires were defeated. Umar  standardised issues of government in line
with Islamic laws. He also introduced the Islamic calendar. His system of
justice and service to the public was amazing.
Umar  frequently expressed opinions in the presence of Nabi 0

which were later supported and confirmed by Qur’aanic revelation. Some of
these were as follows:
1. He suggested that the Maqaam Ibraaheem be made into a place of worship.
2. He suggested that the pure wives of Nabi 0 should remain in hijab

because good and evil people enter their homes.
3. He advised Nabi 0 that Janaazah Salaah should not be performed

for a hypocrite.
4. He suggested that the prisoners taken by the Muslims at Badr should be

killed.
Uthmaan 
Uthmaan  was married to two of the daughters of Nabi 0: first
Ruqayyah  and then Umm Kulthoom  . For this reason he earned the
title, ‘Dhun Noorain’ – the possessor of two lights. When he migrated with
Ruqayyah  to Abysinnia, they became the first Muslim family to migrate
for the cause of Islam, after the migration of Ibraaheem  with his family.
After the demise of Umar  , Uthmaan  was appointed as khalifah.

During this time, the Qur’aan was recited in various qira’ats. Hudhaifah ibn
al-Yamaan  informed Uthmaan  that people in areas such as Syria
and Iraq were reciting the Qur’aan differently. Some who recited it in one
qira’at began regarding other qira’ats as wrong. Due to this, Uthmaan 
gathered the senior Sahabah  and discussed the matter. They agreed that
only a single standardised copy of the Qur’aan should be kept. The copy of
the Qur’aan prepared by Abu Bakr  was then in the possession of Hafsah
 . Uthmaan  requested her for it and had a single text prepared. He
advised that the Quraishi dialect should be preferred if any differences arose
in the script, and that all qira’ats which conformed to this script should be
regarded as acceptable. Copies were made of it and sent to various parts of
the Muslim world. All other manuscripts of the Qur’aan were then burnt.
Uthmaan’s  martyrdom was a sad event, but it exhibited his exceptional

personality. The rebels besieged Madinah Munawwarah and surrounded the
house of Uthmaan . During this time, many senior Sahabah  approached
Uthmaan  and volunteered to defend him. Among them were Ali , Zubair
ibn Awwam  , Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah  , Abdullah ibn Zubair  , Hasan
ibn Ali  , Abdullah ibn Umar  , Abu Hurairah  and others. Uthmaan
 appreciated their kindness to defend him but refused their suggestion
to fight. He was on the path of truth, but he insisted that he did not want to
be the first to shed blood in the Ummah. He did not feel it appropriate that
other Muslims should give their lives for his sake.
Uthmaan  was blessed with numerous outstanding qualities. Two of these

are mentioned below.
1. Haya (modesty) - Uthmaan  was a paragon of modesty. Nabi 0

said, “The most modest of my Ummah is Uthmaan.” (Tirmidhi) Aisha 
narrates, “Nabi 0 was lying down in my home with his shin exposed.
Abu Bakr  requested permission to enter. He was allowed in and they spoke
in that way. Then Umar  requested permission to enter. He was allowed
in and they spoke in that way. Then Uthmaan  requested permission to
enter. Nabi 0 sat up and straightened his clothing. Uthmaan  then
entered and they spoke. When he left, Aisha  asked, “O Nabi of Allah, when
Abu Bakr  entered, you did not change your posture or care (to rearrange
your clothing). When Umar  entered, you did not change your posture or
care (to rearrange your clothing). But when Uthmaan  entered, you sat
up and straightened your clothing.” Nabi 0 replied, “Why should I
not be modest and shy before a man whom the angels are modest before?”121
2. Generosity- Uthmaan  was a wealthy man and extremely generous. He

freely spent for the sake of Islam whenever the need arose. He purchased
the land to expand Masjidun Nabawi for 10 000 dirhams and then sold it to
121 Muslim and Al-Adabul Mufrad
Nabi 0 in return for a home in Jannah.122 For the battle of Tabuk,

Nabi 0 requested for sponsors so that the army could be equipped.
Uthmaan  rose to the occasion and gave 940 camels, 60 horses and then
placed 10000 dinars in the lap of Nabi 0 . Nabi 0 flipped
these coins between his fingers and remarked, “Nothing Uthmaan does will
harm him after this.” (Tirmidhi) Uthmaan  purchased an orchard called
Hassh Kawkab. This piece of land was then incorporated into Jannat al-Baqi
and Uthmaan  is also buried here. 123
Ali 
Ali  was the fourth khalifah of Islam. He was the cousin of Nabi 0
and also his son-in-law, as he was married to Faatimah  , the youngest
daughter of Nabi 0 . From this happy union came the two beloved
grandsons of Nabi 0 , Hasan  and Husain  amongst others.
Ali had the great honour that the progeny of Nabi 0 continued
through his two sons, Hasan  and Husain  .
Ali  was the first among the youth to accept Islam. He was brought up
in the home of Nabi 0 and Khadija  . As a result, Ali  learnt
many of the noble qualities of Nabi 0 .
The house of Nabi 0 was surrounded by the bloodthirsty Quraish

on the night when he was migrating to Madinah Munawwarah. At this time,
Nabi 0 asked Ali  to sleep in his bed. Ali  complied. Nabi
0 also instructed Ali  to hand over the trusts that had been in
Nabi’s 0 care to their respective non-Muslim owners.
Ali  was a great mujahid. At the battle of Badr, he went into single combat
with one of the master Quraishi warriors and killed him. He also killed one of
the finest warriors of the Quraish, Amr ibn al-Wud in the battle of Khandaq.
In the battle of Khaibar, Nabi 0 announced that he would give the
flag to a person who loved Allah and His Rasool 0 and they in turn
122 Al-Mu’jamul Kabeer of Tabraani

123 Al-Isaabah
loved him. Many of the Sahabah desired to have the flag, but Nabi 0
gave it to Ali  . This was proof that Nabi 0 believed in the bravery
and ability of Ali , and loved him dearly.
Ali  was a great scholar as well. He was one of the great jurists among the
Sahabah. Nabi 0 appointed him as the Qadi (Judge) of Yemen with
the following dua: “0 h Allah, enlighten his heart with guidance and place
the truth on his tongue.” (Ibn Maajah, Nasai, Ahmad)
Ali  was one of the very important members of the “Shura” (advisory
council) during the time of the first three khalifahs. He was among the panel
of six persons who were tasked with selecting the khalifah after Umar .
Uthmaan  had great regard for Ali  and regularly consulted him.
After the martyrdom of Uthmaan  , Ali  was appointed as the next
khalifah. Ali  was martyred by Ibn Muljam. There is a difference of opinion
regarding the location of his body. Some reports state that he was buried
in Kufah, however the preferred opinion is that the location of his grave is
unknown.
0
ETIQUETTE OF VISITING
MADINAH MUNAWWARAH
1. When intending to travel to Madinah Munawwarah, make the intention of
visiting Nabi 0 . Nabi 0 said, “Whoever comes to visit me
with no other intention except to visit me, it is a duty upon me that I be an
intercessor for him on the day of Qiyamah.”124
2. When entering Madinah Munawwarah, reflect and ponder upon its distinction
because of the presence of Nabi 0 . For the duration of your stay in
Madinah Munawwarah, focus upon the superior status of Nabi 0 .
Your heart should be overawed in your respect for him just as it would be
if you were to see him.125 Remember that Nabi 0 is your host and
you are his guest.
3. Recite abundant salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0 while in Madinah

Munawwarah, even while walking to and from the Masjid and when seeing
the green dome.
4. While you are in the Masjid, look towards the direction of the Rawdhah
where Nabi 0 is buried. When you are outside the Masjid, look at
the green dome. Your love for Nabi 0 will increase greatly.
5. Visit Jannat al-Baqi, Uhud, Masjid Quba and other places of historical virtue.
6. Give plenty of sadaqah to the people of Madinah Munawwarah.
7. Remain focussed on the blessedness of the city. Remember that your purpose

125 Al-Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat al-Qabar al-Mukarram, p122
for coming to Madinah Munawwarah is to derive blessings from the beloved

company of Nabi 0 . Do not be distracted from this noble objective
by the malls, hotels and restaurants.
8. Respect the people of Madinah Munawwarah. They are the neighbours of

Nabi 0 .
9. Try to complete at least one recitation of the entire Qur’aan in Madinah

Munawwarah.126
10. While in Madinah Munawwarah, increase in your worship and obedience.

Curb your desires and disobedience. Refine your character, find peace in your
soul and exhibit compassion. Be regretful of your past negligence. Understand
that your evil actions and sins may deprive you of seeing Nabi 0 in
the Hereafter.127
11. When in Masjidun Nabawi, contemplate over the greatness of the place
you are in.128
126 Many portions of the Qur’aan were revealed in this blessed land, hence when
the reciter ponders over the bounty of revelation in the place he is in, together with
the perfection of the one to whom it was revealed, it will elevate him to a greater
level of concentration, humility, Allah-consciousness and honour. It will open for him
many doors of contemplation and reflection regarding what he is reciting and he will
be thankful to Allah  for this bounty. If his heart is pure and he is blessed with
spiritual foresight, it may even carry him to a new level of knowledge, wisdom and
refinement that he had never dreamt of reaching. (Al-Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat
al-Qabar al-Mukarram, p216-217)
127 Al-Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat al-Qabar al-Mukarram, p122
128 It is the resting place of Allah’s  beloved Nabi 0. It is here that revelation
used to descend. Allah  selected it as a place of worship for His beloved Nabi 0
for the duration of his stay in Madinah Munawwarah. Nabi 0 personally assisted
in its construction by carrying bricks with his blessed hands. Through revelation,
this piece of land was allocated as a place of worship by Allah  Himself. Allah 
chose it above other places in Madinah Munawwarah. Here Nabi 0 saw to the
guidance and spiritual training of the Sahabah by his excellent Sunnah, and these
individuals were the vital links in the chain which relayed this knowledge to us. (Al-
Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat al-Qabar al-Mukarram, p124)
12. As the noble Sahabah  acquired the divine knowledge of Nubuwwah

at the platform of Suffah, recite several ahadith and make tilawah here with
the intention of acquiring beneficial knowledge. Make dua to Allah  that
He inspires you too with the knowledge and spiritual blessings of Nubuwwah. 129
13. Before leaving Madinah Munawwarah, make the final salaam to Nabi
0 . Make dua to Allah  for acceptance of the visit and to allow
you to return. Let tears flow from your eyes. Give sadaqah before departing.
129 In the Court of Rasulullah 0
0
ETIQUETTE OF VISITING NABI
0 AT THE BLESSED
RAWDHAH
1. Prepare yourself spiritually in advance. Read an authentic book about
the life of Nabi 0 so that you can appreciate the greatness of the
personality you will be visiting. Learn the method and etiquette of visiting
Nabi 0 . Be excited about the visit because you will be going into the
presence of Nabi 0 .
2. Before proceeding to the Rawdhah, have a ghusl, wear your best clothing
and apply itr. Proceed with a heart brimming with love, respect and humility.
3. Give some sadaqah before entering the Masjid.
4. Make the intention of i’tikaaf before entering the Masjid and enter with
the right foot.
5. Proceed to the Riyaadhul Jannah, the area between the grave of Nabi
0 and the mimbar. Perform 2 rakaats of Tahiyyatul Masjid, seek
forgiveness and make dua to Allah  , thanking Him for the opportunity of
visiting Nabi 0 .
6. Proceed to the Rawdhah with the greatest degree of respect and humility.
With your back to the qiblah, stand about 3–4 steps back from the gates.
Stand still and do not look around. Look down out of respect. You are now
facing Nabi 0 and he is aware of your presence.
7. Recite salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0 in a soft tone. Do not recite
very loudly as this is disrespectful.
ِ‫الم َع َلي َك يا رسو َل اهلل‬

ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ ‫الس‬ َّ ‫َا‬
َّ ‫لص ٰلو ُة َو‬
8. Renew your imaan by reciting the shahadah. Request Nabi 0 to be
witness to your imaan just as he bore witness to the imaan of the Sahabah
during their lifetime.
ِ َ ‫َا ْش َهدُ َا ْن َّل اِ ٰل َه اِ َّل اهللُ َو ْحدَ ُه َل‬

‫ َو َا ْش َهدُ َا َّن ُم َح َّمدً ا َع ْبدُ ه َو َر ُس ْو ُل ه‬،‫ش ْي َك َل ُه‬
9. Allah  sent Nabi 0 to recite Qur’aan to the people, purify them
and rid them of evil qualities, and teach them the knowledge of the book,
wisdom and love of Allah  . Make dua that Allah  grants you these when
you are standing before Nabi 0 .130
10. Request the intercession of Nabi 0 on the day of Qiyamah and

make dua that Allah  grants you the honour of drinking water from his
blessed hands from the pond of Kawthar.
11. Make salaam to Abu Bakr  and Umar .

12. Make dua to Allah  for yourself and the ummah of Nabi 0 . You
may say, “O Allah, by virtue of the blessings of Your beloved Nabi 0 ,
accept my duas.”
13. Visit the grave of Nabi 0 as many times as possible during your
stay in Madinah Munawwarah.
Note: Refer to page 120 for duas and salaam to be recited at the Rawdhah
130 It is an accepted fact according to the ulama (scholars) of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal
Jama’ah that Nabi 0 is alive and well in his grave. Many ulama have confirmed
that it is even possible for the chosen, close and pure ones to see Nabi 0 in
person while awake. Along with this, every Muslim has the ability to derive benefit and
blessings from the blessed being of Nabi 0. As a common Muslim approaches
the Rawdhah, his heart, mind and gaze are ignited due to the love of Nabi 0.
With each breath, it becomes clear that he is approaching the best of Allah’s 
creation 0 and that he is in a place of awe and respect. When this is the state
of mind of a common Muslim, only the truly virtuous ones will know and appreciate
the state of mind of the righteous and pious people at such a blessed place. (Adapted
from Ishqe Rasool aur Ulama-e-Deoband, p152-153)
0
BLESSINGS OF SALAAT UPON
NABI 0
Nabi 0 said, “One who conveys one salaat upon me, Allah blesses
him with 10 mercies.” (Muslim)
Nabi 0 said, “The closest of people to me on the day of Qiyamah will

be those who recited the most salaat upon me.” (Tirmidhi)
Nabi 0 said, “All duas remain suspended until salaat has been recited
upon Muhammad 0 .” (Tabraani)
Nabi 0 said, “I hear the one who sends salaat upon me at my grave.
As for the one who recites salaat upon me from a distance, it is conveyed to
me (by angels).” (Baihaqi)
Nabi 0 said, “Allah has appointed various angels who travel through
the earth and convey to me the salaat of the followers of my ummah.” (Nasai,
Musnad Ahmad)
Nabi 0 said, “When a person sends salaat upon me (at my grave),

Allah has already returned my soul to my body so that I can reply to his
greeting.” (Abu Daawood)
Muhammad ibn Saeed ibn Mutrif P was a righteous and Allah-fearing

man. He says, “I made it an obligation upon myself to recite a fixed number
of salaat upon Nabi 0 before sleeping every night. One night, after
having completed this practice, I fell asleep and saw Nabi 0 in a
dream. I saw him entering through the door and the entire room became
illuminated by his presence. Nabi 0 approached me and said, ‘Stretch
forth those lips by which you recited so much salaat upon me, so that I may
kiss them.’ Due to modesty, I could not offer my lips to Nabi 0 and I
turned my face. Nabi 0 then kissed my cheek. I was greatly excited
and immediately woke up. My wife who was lying down near me also awoke.
We found the whole room filled with the most fragrant smell of musk. For eight
days thereafter, this fragrant smell of musk spread forth from my cheeks.”131
Sulaimaan ibn Suhaim P said, “I once saw Nabi 0 in a dream and

asked him, ‘O Messenger of Allah, are you aware when people come before
your grave to recite salaat upon you?’ Nabi 0 replied, ‘Yes, I am
aware of it and I reply to their greeting.’”132
The angels also send salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0 . Ka’b al-Ahbaar
P said: “Not a day goes by without 70000 angels descending and surrounding
the grave of Nabi 0 . They spread their wings and send salaat upon
Nabi 0 until night falls. When they ascend, another such group of
angels descend and do the same. This will continue until the earth will split
open for him and he will emerge with 7 0000 angels in procession around
him.” (Sunan Daarami, Baihaqi) These are special angels who are commanded
to send unique salaat and salaam upon Nabi 0 in accordance to their
position in his presence.
131 Virtues of Salaat Alan Nabi, p171

0
MASJIDUN NABAWI
Foundations of the Masjid

When Nabi 0 entered Madinah Munawwarah, the Ansaar were eager
to host him. But he declined their hospitality, saying that his camel was under
divine instruction. It would stop where Allah desired him to dismount and
reside. The camel stopped close to the home of Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari 
where Baab Jibril presently exists. The camel then stood up, walked a few
paces back and then returned to its original place. In this way, the boundaries
of the Masjid were stipulated.
Nabi 0 asked who the owners of the land were. After being told that
it belonged to two orphans, Sahl and Suhail, Nabi 0 approached them
with an offer to purchase it. They were happy to gift it, but Nabi 0
insisted upon purchasing it. He paid them 10 dirhams for it. The land had
some trees and graves of disbelievers. The trees were cut down and the bones
from the graves were relocated to another site. After the land was levelled, the
foundations were built. Nabi 0 placed the first brick. He then called
 to place the second brick, Umar  the third and Uthmaan
Abu Bakr
 the fourth. He then allowed the other Sahabah  to assist in the
construction.133
Expansion after the Battle of Khaibar

Soon the Masjid became too small to accommodate the Sahabah  , so Nabi
0 decided to extend it. The owner of the land was an Ansaari. Nabi
0 requested him to sell him his property in return for a home in
133 Taareekh Haramain, vol 2, p141-142
Jannah, but he refused. Uthmaan then came along and offered the man
10 000 dirhams. The man agreed to sell it and Uthmaan  purchased it.
Uthmaan  then sold it to Nabi 0 in return for a home in Jannah. 134
Nabi 0 helped the Sahabah  to carry the stones and bricks. Abu
Hurairah  narrated, “I saw Nabi 0 carrying so many bricks that
they reached his blessed chest. I thought it too much for him to carry, so I
said, ‘Allow me to carry them.’ He replied, ‘There are many other bricks which
you can carry. You are not in greater need before Allah than me.’”135
The homes of the wives of Nabi 0

The wives of Nabi 0 lived in simple houses. They were made of dried
twigs, branches of date palms, unbaked bricks and clay. The homes were small
and sparsely furnished. This can be gauged from a narration in which Aisha
 said, “I used to sleep in front of Nabi 0 while my feet were at
the place where he was facing towards qiblah. When he went into sajdah,
he used to touch me, and I would draw my feet towards me. When he stood
up, I used to stretch them out. The houses did not have lanterns in those
days.” (Bukhari)
Describing the height of these homes, Hasan Basri P stated, “I entered

the homes of the wives of Nabi 0 during the khilafah of Uthmaan
ibn Affaan . I could touch the roofs with my hand.” 136
During the time of Waleed ibn Abdul Malik, there was a need to make the
Masjid larger by demolishing these houses. Only Aisha’s  home was left
intact because of the presence of the bodies of Nabi 0 and his two
Sahabah. On the day when the other houses were demolished, people cried in
abundance. Abu Anas P mentioned, “I was present amongst the children of
the Sahabah  of Nabi 0 such as Abu Salamah ibn Abdur Rahmaan

135 Taareekh Haramain, vol 2, p141-142
136 Tabaqaat al-Kubra of Ibn Sa’d
P, Abu Umamah ibn Sahl ibn Hunaif P and Kharijah ibn Zaid P.
They cried to such an extent that their beards dripped with tears. Abu Umamah
P said, ‘If only they had left the homes without demolishing them, so
that people would restrain themselves in constructions, and they could see
what Allah loved for His Nabi 0 , whereas the keys to the treasures
of this world were in his hands.’137 At that time, the sage of the age Sa’eed
ibn Al-Musayyab P said, “If only these houses were kept as they had been
so that the people of Madinah Munawwarah and other parts of the world
could see how little Nabi 0 had in his life. In this way, they would
not compete and want more than others.”
The Blessed Chamber

Aisha  said: “In a dream, I saw 3 moons descending into my room. I narrated
my dream to Abu Bakr  . After Nabi 0 passed away and was buried
in her home, Abu Bakr  said to her, ‘This is the first of the moons and
it is the best of them.’” (Muwatta) The remaining two moons were Abu Bakr
 and Umar . There is a vacant space for Isa  to be buried here.
Abu Bakr  and Umar  are lying extremely close to Nabi 0 .
They have been like this for the last 1400 years and will continue to do so
until Qiyamah. How fortunate they are to be in the presence of Allah’s 
beloved. One day, Haroon Al-Rashid took the hand of Imam Maalik P
and they proceeded to the grave of Nabi 0 . When they arrived, the
khalifah asked the scholar, “Inform me about the status of Abu Bakr  and
Umar  in relation to Nabi 0 .” Imam Maalik P replied, “Their
proximity to him while he lived is the same as their proximity to him after
his demise.”138
Qaasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr P stated, “I visited Aisha  and
said to her, ‘O Mother, show me the graves of Nabi 0 and his two
Sahabah.’ So she opened up the area where the three graves were. The graves
137 Tabaqaat al-Kubra of Ibn Sa’d

138 Tartibul Madarik vol 2, p19; 100 Qissah Wa Qissah Min Hayat al-Imam Maalik, p27
were not very high above the ground, nor totally level with it. There were small
pebbles scattered over them and they were reddish in colour.” (Abu Daawood)
Abu Bakr al-Aajurri P stated, “I saw the grave of Nabi 0 during

the time when Umar ibn Abdul Aziz P had built the chamber. It was about
4 fingers above the ground.”139
The chamber in which the three great personalities are buried is 5-sided
in shape. It was built during the time when Umar ibn Abdul Aziz P
was governor of Madinah Munawwarah. It was not built 4-sided to avoid
resemblance to the Ka’bah so that people would not perform Salaah facing it.140
During the time of Waleed ibn Abdul Malik P a wall of the blessed chamber
collapsed. As they were repairing it, a foot became visible. They were then
gripped by fear as they thought that it was the foot of Nabi 0. However,
Urwah P said to them, “It is not the foot of Nabi 0 but the foot
of Umar .” (Bukhari)
There is consensus among the scholars that the sand touching the blessed
body of Nabi 0 is superior to any other portion of the earth. It is
even nobler than the Ka’bah. In fact, Ibn Aqeel Hanbali P stated that this
portion of ground is even nobler than the Arsh of Allah  .141
The mimbar (pulpit)

An Ansaari woman was instrumental in having the first mimbar built for Nabi
0 . Perhaps she was aware of the need for Nabi 0 to project
his voice to the audience when delivering the khutbah. She suggested to him,
“O Nabi of Allah, should I not have something made for you to sit upon, as
I have a carpenter?” Nabi 0 replied, “If you so desire.” So she had
the mimbar built for him.142 (Bukhari)
139 Al-Awnul Ma’bood

140 Taareekh al-Masjid al-Nabawi al-Shareef, p171-172
141 Ishqe Rasool aur Ulama-e Deoband, p258; Faza’il Madinah, p19; Fadhaaile Haj, p156
142 This incident indicates to the all-encompassing nature of Islam. Every member of
The first lamp

The first person to bring a light into the Masjid was Tameem al-Daari .
(Ibn Maajah). He brought lamps, oil and string during his trip to Syria. When
he reached Madinah Munawwarah, it happened to be the day of Jumu’ah. He
instructed his servant to hang a lamp using string. He then poured oil and
water into it and attached a candle wick to it. After sunset, he instructed
his servant to light it. When Nabi 0 emerged, his face was beaming
with joy. He asked, “Who did this?” The Sahabah  answered, “Tameem
al-Daari, O Nabi of Allah.” Nabi 0 said, “You have filled Islam with
light. May Allah illuminate your life of this world and the hereafter. If I had
a daughter, I would have married her to you.”143
Pillars
1. Ustuwaanah Hannaanah
Before the mimbar was built, a date palm grew at this spot. Nabi 0
used to lean on it while delivering the khutbah. After the mimbar was built,
the date palm began to weep with such a sound that the entire Masjid echoed
with it. On hearing its weeping, the Sahabah  also began to weep. Nabi
0 then went to the tree and placed his blessed hand on it. It then
gradually stopped weeping as a child quietens after being consoled.144 Nabi
0 said, “The tree cries because the dhikr of Allah was heard near
it. Now that the mimbar has been built, it has been deprived of this dhikr,
causing it to weep. If I did not place my hand on it, it would have cried until
the day of Qiyamah.”
the community, irrespective of gender, age or race, was permitted to extend a helping
hand in the construction and advancement of the Masjid.
143 Al-Isaabah
144 This was a unique miracle of Nabi 0. Imam Shafi’i P said, “No Messenger
was given that which Muhammad 0 was given.” He was told, “Isa  gave
life to the dead.” Imam Shafi’i P replied, “Nabi 0 was given a tree which
cried aloud in longing for him. This is greater than that.” (Fathul Baari)
After reporting this incident, Hasan Basri P said, “O servants of Allah,

a tree longed so much for Nabi 0 . You have a greater right to long
for meeting him?”145
2. Ustuwaanah Aisha
Aisha  reported that Nabi 0 said, “In this Masjid is a spot that,
if people knew the blessed nature of it, they would flock towards it in such
great numbers, casting lots to perform Salaah there.”146 When people asked
her to identify the spot, she refused. However, upon the insistence of Abdullah
ibn Zubair , she pointed it out. 147
The pillar is named after her because
she narrated the hadith and pointed out the spot. Abu Bakr  and Umar
 often performed Salaah here. 148
3. Ustuwaanah Tawbah
It is also called Ustuwaanah Abu Lubabah. Abu Lubabah  had dealings with
the Jews before Islam. During the battle against the Jews of Banu Quraizah,
they called upon him in order to find out what Nabi 0 intended to
do with them because of their treachery. Their wailing and tears led him to
disclose this information. He indicated towards his throat, suggesting that
they would be killed. He then realised his mistake and tied himself to a date
palm tree in the Masjid, saying, “I will not untie myself until my repentance
has been accepted by Allah.” For many days he remained tied to the tree,
except for Salaah times and answering the call of nature. He remained without
food and drink which weakened his body. Then, one morning at the time of
Tahajjud, Nabi 0 received the good news that Abu Lubabah  had
been forgiven. The Sahabah  hastened to untie him, but he insisted that
Nabi 0 should untie him with his own blessed hands. Nabi 0
145 Al-Shifa, p189; Fadhaaile Haj, p234-235

146 Mu’jamul Awsat of Tabraani
147 Mu’jamul Awsat of Tabraani
then untied him when he entered the Masjid for Fajr Salaah.149
4. Ustuwaanah Sareer
Nabi 0 used to sleep here during I’tikaaf. It was at this spot that
Aisha  used to wash the head of Nabi 0 while he was in I’tikaaf.
5. Ustuwaanah Hars
The Sahabah  used to stand guard at this spot. Ali  used to do this most
often, hence the pillar is also called Ustuwaanah Ali. After the verse, “Allah
will protect you from the people,” was revealed, Nabi 0 announced to
those who were standing guard that there was no longer any reason to do so. 150
6. Ustuwaanah Wufood
When delegations used to come to Nabi 0 , he used to meet and

speak with them at this spot.
7. Ustuwaanah Tahajjud
Nabi 0 performed Tahajjud Salaah at this spot.
8. Ustuwaanah Jibril
Jibril  used to enter from this point to meet Nabi 0 . It lies

inside the blessed chamber and cannot be seen nowadays.151
The Suffah
This was a covered section at the rear of the Masjid152 where many of the
149 Seerat Ibn Hishaam

150 Al-Mustadrak Lil Haakim
151 Fadhaaile Haj, p236-238
152 The raised platform presently located between Baab Jibril and Baab al-Nisaa’ is often
erroneously called the Suffah. This is not the Suffah. This platform was actually built
for the servants and workers of Masjidun Nabawi and was perhaps used as a security
poor Sahabah  lived. As they did not have any home or family in Madinah
Munawwarah, this became their home. Their numbers varied, depending on
whether they married, travelled or passed on. Some narrations state that
they were 70 while others state that they were 400. They lived simple lives,
having little or no food and clothing. Some would even collapse during Salaah
due to weakness. They bore these trials with patience and fortitude. This
was literally the first madrasah in Islam. Nabi 0 was fond of them
and took special care of them. Having committed themselves to acquiring
knowledge, they were often the first recipients of revelation that came to
Nabi 0 . Their worship and attachment to Islam drew Allah’s 
special mention in the Qur’aan: “Restrain yourself with those who, seeking His
pleasure, call to their Rabb morning and evening. Do not shift your attention
from them, intending to acquire the adornment of this worldly life.” (Surah
Kahf, verse 28).
Abu Hurairah  was one of the people of the Suffah. He mentioned: By

Allah besides Whom there is no deity worthy of worship, I used to press my
stomach on the ground because of hunger, and I used to tie a stone over my
belly because of hunger. One day, I sat down on the path where the Sahabah
 used to emerge. When Abu Bakr  passed by, I asked him about a verse
from the Qur’aan, and I asked him for the sole reason that he might satisfy
my hunger, but he passed by without doing so. Then Umar  passed by,
and I asked him about a verse from the Qur’aan, and I asked him for the sole
reason that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by without doing so.
Finally, Abul Qaasim Nabi 0 passed by, and he smiled when he saw
me. He knew what was in my heart and on my face. He said, “O Abu Hirr
(Abu Hurairah)!” I replied, “I am here, O Allah’s Messenger.” He said, “Come
with me.” He left and I followed him. Then he entered the house. I asked
permission to also enter and was given permission. He found some milk in a
bowl and asked, “From where is this milk?” They said, “Somebody sent it to
post at times. The actual location of the Suffah was the area at the rear of the original
Masjid in the time of Nabi 0. Presently, it can be assumed to be in line with
Baab Jibril and behind the Riyadhul Jannah. (In the Court of Rasulullah 0, p35)
you as a gift.” He said, “O Abu Hirr!” I said, “I am here, O Allah’s Messenger.”

He said, “Go and call the people of Suffah to me.” The people of Suffah were
the guests of Islam who had no families, no money, and nobody to depend
upon. Whenever any charity came to the Messenger, he would send it to
them without taking any of it for himself. Whenever any gift came to him,
he used to send some of it for them and take some of it for himself. The
command of the Messenger (to call the people of the Suffah) saddened me,
and I said to myself, “How can this milk be enough for the people of Suffah?
I am more entitled to drink from this milk in order to strengthen myself.”
But the Messenger commanded me, so I had to give them. I wondered what
would remain for me of the milk. In any case, the command of Allah and His
Messenger had to be obeyed, so I went to the people of the Suffah and called
them. They came and asked permission to enter. They were given permission
to enter and sat down in the house. The Messenger 0 said, “O Abu
Hirr!” I said, “I am here, O Allah’s Messenger.” He said, “Take it and give it
to them.” So I took the bowl and started giving it to each person. He would
drink to his fill and then return it to me. I would then give it to another
person who would drink to his fill and then return it to me. Finally, after the
whole group had drank to their fill, I reached the Messenger 0 . He
took the bowl and put it on his hand. He then looked at me, smiled and said,
“O Abu Hirr!” I replied, “I am here, O Allah’s Messenger.” He said, “Only you
and I are left.” I said, “You are right, O Allah’s Messenger.” He said, “Sit down
and drink!” So I sat down and drank. He again said, “Drink,” and I drank. He
kept on telling me to drink, until I finally said, “No, by Allah Who sent you
with the truth, I have no space for anymore.” He then said, “Give it to me.”
So I gave the bowl to him. He praised Allah, took Allah’s name and drank
the remaining milk. (Bukhari)
The Mihraab
This was the place where Nabi 0 used to lead the Salaah during his
lifetime. There was no mihraab here at that time. It was built many years
later by Umar ibn Abdul Aziz P. Due to the mihraab, the forehead of one
who makes sajdah here will be at the place where Nabi 0 stood in
Salaah.153 This is the most correctly positioned mihraab in the world because,
according to the narrations, Jibril  advised Nabi 0 regarding
the direction of qiblah.
Doors
Baab al-Siddeeq
It is named as such because it is situated where the opening of the house of

Abu Bakr  led into the Masjid. Abu Bakr’s  house was adjacent to the
west wall of the original Masjid. It was a mark of distinction for him, when
Nabi 0 ordered that the doors of the homes of all the Sahabah 
be closed off except the door of Abu Bakr .
Baab al-Rahmah
A person entered the Masjid on the day of Jumu’ah from the door closest to
Dar al-Qadha while Nabi 0 was on the mimbar. He stood in front of
Nabi 0 and said, “O Nabi of Allah, goods have been destroyed and
roads are not in use. Please make dua to Allah for rain.” Nabi 0
raised his hands and said, “O Allah, grant us rain. O Allah, grant us rain, O
Allah, grant us rain.” Anas  , the narrator, mentions, “By Allah, we did not
see any cloud in the sky, nor was there any house between us and Mount
Sila’. But a small cloud rose from behind the mountain like a shield. When
it reached the middle of the sky, it split and began to rain. By Allah, we did
not see the sun for 6 days thereafter. The man again entered from the same
door the next Jumu’ah while Nabi 0 was on the mimbar. He stood
in front of him and said, “O Nabi of Allah, goods have been destroyed and
roads are inaccessible. Please make dua to Allah to stop the rain from us.”
Nabi 0 raised his hands and said, “O Allah make it rain around us
and not upon us. O Allah, send the rain upon the mountains, in valleys and
upon the trees.” It instantly stopped raining, and when we walked out, the
sun was shining.” (Bukhari) Rain is a sign of Allah’s mercy, hence the door
153 Taareekh al-Masjid al-Nabawi al-Shareef, p194
through which the man entered was called Baab al-Rahmah.
Baab al-Nisaa’
Nabi 0 commanded that this door should be left exclusively for the
use of the females. (Abu Daawood)
Baab Jibril
When Jibril  used to visit Nabi 0 , he would enter through

this door.
Baab al-Salaam
Umar  opened this door of the Masjid in 17 Hijri. As a result, people could
enter the Masjid through this door and proceed straight to the Rawdhah to
convey their salaams to Nabi 0 .
The Green Dome

The first dome over the blessed grave was built by Mansoor Qaalawoon in
678 Hijri. It was covered with lead plates to prevent rain water from entering
it. It was renovated at different times until 1253 Hijri when the Uthmani
Khalif Sultan Mahmood had it painted green. From then it has been called
the ‘green dome’.
0
BLESSED SITES IN MADINAH

MUNAWWARAH
Jannat al-Baqi
It is also called Baqi al-Gharqad due to the abundance of thorny trees (Gharqad)
which were present at the time of its inception.
Nabi 0 said, “On the day of Qiyamah, the earth will split for me first,
then for Abu Bakr and then for Umar. I will then go to the people of Baqi
and they will be gathered together with me. I will then await the people of
Makkah who will meet me between Makkah and Madinah.” (Tirmidhi)
Nabi 0 once said to Umm Qais , “Do you see this cemetery, Baqi
al-Gharqad, Allah will bring back to life from it 70 000 people on the day
of Qiyamah who will be glowing like the full moon. They will enter Jannah
without reckoning.” (Al-Mustadrak Lil Haakim)
Nabi 0 frequently visited Jannat al-Baqi and made due for its
inhabitants. Aisha  narrates that Nabi 0 said, “Peace be upon
the people of this abode from the believers. You have received what you were
promised. Our appointed time will soon come. We will join you, if Allah wills.
O Allah, forgive the inhabitants of Baqi al-Gharqad.” (Muslim)
Imam Maalik P stated that about 10 000 Sahabah  are buried in Baqi.154
Some of the more commonly known Sahabah  and Taabi’een who are
buried in this blessed graveyard include:
1. The 9 wives of Nabi 0 – Aisha, Hafsah, Sawdah, Zainab bint
154 Tarteebul Madaarik Wa Taqreebul Masaalik
Khuzaimah, Umm Salamah, Juwairiyah, Umm Habibah, Safiyyah and Zainab

bint Jahsh 
2. The 4 daughters of Nabi 0 – Faatimah, Zainab, Ruqayyah and
Umm Kulthoom 
3. Uthmaan 
4. Aqeel ibn Abi Taalib 
5. Abbas ibn Abdil Muttalib 
6. Abdullah ibn Ja’far (al-Tayyaar) 
7. Sufyaan ibn al-Haarith 
8. Sa’d ibn Muaadh  155
9. Faatimah bint Asad 

10. Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib , the aunt of Nabi 0
11. Aatikah , the aunt of Nabi 0
12. Ibraaheem  , the son of Nabi 0
13. Uthmaan ibn Maz’oon  156
14. Abdur Rahmaan ibn Awf 

15. Sa’d ibn Zararah 
16. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas  157
17. The head of Husain ibn Ali 

18. Hasan ibn Ali 
158
19. Haleemah Sa’diyah 
155 The throne of Allah  shook upon his demise.

156 He was the first Sahabi to be buried in Jannat al-Baqi. Aisha  mentioned that
Nabi 0 cried upon his demise and the tears could be seen flowing from his
eyes.” (Abu Daawood) When he passed away, his body was taken and placed in the grave.
Nabi 0 then instructed a person to bring a stone, but he could not manage to
carry it. So Nabi 0 raised his sleeves exposing his forearms and carried it. The
narrator mentioned that he could see the whiteness of Nabi’s 0 forearms. He
then placed the stone at the head side of the Sahabi’s grave, saying, “This will show
me the grave of my brother. I can now bury here whoever from my family passes
away.” (Abu Daawood)
157 Iraq was liberated at his hands.
158 Before he passed away, he made a bequest that he be buried next to his mother
Faatimah  . His request was duly carried out after his demise. (Wafa ul-Wafa)
20. Zainul Aabideen P, the son of Husain 

21. Jafar al-Saadiq P
22. Imam Maalik ibn Anas P
23. Imam Naafi’ P, the teacher of Imam Maalik P
24. The martyrs of Harrah
Regarding this graveyard, Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi P mentioned:

After the graves of the Messengers of Allah, the greatest burial area of truth
and sincerity is the graveyard of Jannat al-Baqi. If you are familiar with the
conditions and stages in the life of Nabi 0 and the Sahabah, you will
find a true sense of reality here. You will stand still at every step. You will
desire to drench every heap of sand with your tears. The legacy of imaan,
jihaad, love and compassion is engraved upon every inch of ground. In every
heap of sand, a treasure of Islam lies buried.159
A Muslim who passes away in Madinah Munawwarah and is buried in Baqi is

truly fortunate. In addition to the ahadith praising the inhabitants of Baqi,
one who is buried here enjoys the close proximity of thousands of Sahabah.
Mufti Mahmood Gangohi P narrated an interesting incident in this regard.
A majzoob used to be seated at the door of Masjidun Nabawi. One day the
body of a deceased person was brought to the Masjid. When the majzoob
saw it, he began to cry. However, as the body was carried into the Masjid,
he began to laugh. Then, when it was carried out of the Masjid, he again
began to cry. When people finally carried it to the graveyard to bury it, the
majzoob again began to laugh. People asked him for the cause of his crying
and laughter. He replied, “When I saw the body being brought, I noticed
angels of punishment accompanying it. Feelings of mercy overpowered me
and I began to cry. When the body was taken into Masjidun Nabawi, I noticed
that the angels remained outside, so I was happy. When the body was then
brought out of the Masjid, the angels of punishment accompanied it, so I
began to cry. But, when it was lowered into the grave, it happened to be the
159 Apne Ghar se Baitullah Tak, p39
grave of a Sahabi who said to the angels, “What are you saying to it? This is
my guest.” Upon this, the angels left.160
Masjid Quba
Nabi 0 stayed at Quba for a few days before entering Madinah
Munawwarah. At Quba, he built a masjid where the Muslims could perform
Salaah. Nabi 0 never forgot about this masjid. Even after Masjidun
Nabawi was built, he would come to Masjid Quba every Saturday to perform
Salaah.
Nabi 0 said, “Whoever comes and performs Salaah in Masjid Quba

will receive the reward of an umrah.” (Nasai)
The residents of Quba were praised by Allah  in the Qur’aan with the
words, “In it are men who love to cleanse themselves thoroughly.” When
Nabi 0 asked them to explain the nature of their cleansing, they
explained that they thoroughly washed themselves with water after relieving
themselves. (Ahmad)
Mount Uhud
Nabi 0 said regarding this mountain, “This is a mountain which
loves us and we love it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Anas ibn Maalik  narrates: Nabi 0 climbed the mountain with Abu
Bakr , Umar  and Uthmaan  and it began to shake beneath them.
So Nabi 0 said, “Remain still, O Uhud! Upon you is a Messenger of
Allah, a Siddeeq and two martyrs.” (Bukhari)
Nabi 0 at various times used the example of Mount Uhud to explain

things to the Sahabah  . For example, he said, “If I had gold equal to
Mount Uhud, it would not please me that anything of it should remain with
me after three nights except what I would keep for repaying debts.” (Bukhari)
He also said, “Do not verbally abuse my Sahabah, because if any of you were
160 Malfoodhaat Faqihul Ummat, vol 6, p1o8
to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, it would not equal a mudd or even half
a mudd spent by one of them.” (Bukhari)
The historic battle of Uhud was fought at this mountain. The Quraish of
Makkah Mukarramah sought to avenge the defeat they had suffered at Badr
where 7 0 of their prominent leaders were killed. Their army consisted of
3000 soldiers, 3000 camels and 200 horses. In comparison, the Muslim army
were only 1000 in number and were decreased to 700 when 300 hypocrites
deserted them shortly before the battle.
Nabi 0 carefully stationed his army before the battle. A group of

men armed with arrows were placed on a hill to protect the Muslim army
from being attacked from that direction. They were commanded not to leave
their positions. Initially the Muslims were victorious, however some of these
men decided to leave their posts and collect the booty. The Quraishi enemy
capitalised on this and, with Khalid ibn Walid at the forefront, launched a
counterattack. Victory was changed into defeat for the Muslims and many were
martyred. Even Nabi 0 was wounded. While some fled the battlefield,
others defended Nabi 0. Exceptional heroism was shown by men such
as Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas, Mus’ab ibn Umair , Abu Dujaana  and
others. Amongst the women, Umm Ammaarah  stood out as a heroine in
the defence of Nabi 0 .
The battle of Uhud is referred to in a number of verses of the Qur’aan. Allah

 pointed out the mistake of the Muslims who overlooked Nabi’s 0
command and opted to secure the booty. Allah  made it clear that it was
Shaitaan who had misled them. However, Allah  had forgiven them and
commanded Nabi 0 to also do the same.
Seventy Sahabah  were martyred in the battle. Hamza , the uncle of

Nabi 0 , was one of them. He was given the title ‘Sayyidush Shuhada’
 who were also
– the leader of the martys. Other well-known Sahabah
martyred included Mus’ab ibn Umair  , Amr ibn Jamooh  , Anas ibn
Nadhar  , Hanzalah  and Abdullah ibn Jahsh  .
Amr ibn Jamooh  and Abdullah ibn Amr  were buried in a single
grave. Years later, the grave was uncovered by a flood. Their bodies were
then removed from the grave and moved to another location. Amazingly, both
bodies were found to be perfectly intact. It was as if they had passed away
only the day before. One of them had placed his hand over a wound he had
sustained and he had been buried in this manner. When his hand was pulled
away from his wound and released, it returned to where it had been. This
incident occurred 46 years after the battle of Uhud. (Muwatta) According to
some narrations, the graves were emitting the fragrance of musk.161
Jaabir ibn Abdullah  mentioned that Mu’awiyah  decided to dig a canal

close to the martyrs of Uhud 40 years after the battle had taken place. The
families of the martyrs were called to assist. When the bodies were dug up,
they were found to be completely intact. While digging, a spade struck the
foot of Hamzah  and blood began to flow from it. It was as if they had
been buried the day before. Jaabir  mentioned that his father appeared
to be sleeping in his grave. That is, his body had not changed in the least.162
Regarding Uhud, Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi P writes: This is the land
which has been drenched by the most precious of blood. The most truthful,
the best and the most superior of stories detailing love, compassion and
loyalty, the likes of which cannot be found in world history, transpired in this
land. In the love of and devotion to Nabi 0 , here Sayyidush Shuhada
Hamzah’s  body was cut up and his liver was chewed. It was here that
Ammaarah ibn Ziyaad  sacrificed his life. It was at this mountain that Anas
ibn Nazhar  smelt the fragrance of Jannah and sustained over 80 wounds
before taking leave of this world. Here the blessed tooth of Nabi 0
was sacrificed and his blessed head was injured. Here the devoted lovers
made their hands and backs into shields for their beloved. It was here that
the tender nurtured youth of Makkah, Mus’ab ibn Umair  was martyred
in a single garment and then buried in the same garment. Here the lion of
161 Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah

162 Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah
Islam lies buried. This entire land contains the dust of the moths around the
lamp of prophethood. Here lies the community of supporters and lovers of
Rasulullah 0 . Its air and mountain still bring back the sound of the
phrase, ‫موتوا عيل ما مات عليه رسول اهلل‬. Come, let us renew our pledge of living and
sacrificing our lives for Islam.163
Bir Haa
This well was in an orchard owned by Abu Talhah  . It was close to Masjidun
Nabawi. Nabi 0 used to drink from its water and lie down in the
shade of its trees. Abu Talhah  was a very wealthy Sahabi and he owned
many date palms. This orchard was the most beloved to him. When the verse,
“You will never attain piety until you spend of that which you love,” was
revealed, Abu Talhah  came to Nabi 0 and said, “O Nabi of Allah,
the most beloved of my wealth to me is Bir Haa. I hereby give it in sadaqah,
hoping for Allah’s reward and recompense. Dispense of it as you please.”
Nabi 0 said, “Excellent! This is profitable wealth! This is profitable
wealth! I have heard what you said and I think you should give it away to
your family members.” Abu Talhah  said, “I will do so, O Nabi of Allah.”
He then gave it away to his family members and cousins. (Bukhari)
Bir Rooma
This well was owned by a Jew and he would sell its water to the people. The
Muslims found this difficult, so Nabi 0 said, “Whoever will buy the
well of Rooma to make it easier for the Muslims will enter Jannah.” Uthmaan
 was a wealthy Sahabi and he decided to buy it. He went to the Jew and
asked him to sell the well to him, but the Jew refused. Uthmaan  then
asked the Jew if he could buy half of the well. In this way, the Muslims would
be able to draw water one day and the Jew could sell the water the next day.
The Jew agreed to sell it to him for 20000 dirhams. Now the Muslims were
able to draw water from the well every second day and they would draw water
for two days. After some time, the Jew realised that nobody was buying his
163 Apne Ghar se Baitullah Tak, p41-43
water. So he came to Uthmaan  and asked him if he wanted to buy it.

Uthmaan  bought the entire well and gave all the water to the Muslims.164
Bir Arees
This well was in an orchard in front of Masjid Quba. Its water was very sweet
and Nabi 0 would sometimes perform wudhu with it. He entered the
orchard at times and would sit close to the well. Once Nabi 0 was
sitting on the wall of the well and Abu Bakr  came. Nabi 0 gave
him glad tidings of Jannah. After a while Umar  came and Nabi 0
also gave him glad tidings of Jannah. After a while, Uthmaan  came and
Nabi 0 gave him glad tidings of Jannah, while also saying that he
would be tested with a calamity. (Bukhari and Muslim)
The ring of Nabi 0 fell into this well during the khilafah of Uthmaan
 . The ring was engraved with the words Muhammad Rasulullah. It was
passed on to Abu Bakr  , then to Umar  and finally to Uthmaan  .
Uthmaan  had its water removed for three days but the ring was not found. 165
164 Zadul Ma’aad

165 The Sahabah  loved everything associated with Nabi 0. His ring had
special significance for them because he wore it and also used it as a seal. Some scholars
stated that the loss of the ring signified the beginning of trials in the ummah. Just as
the loss of the ring of Sulaimaan  signified the end of his rule, the loss of the
ring of Nabi 0 brought challenges for the Muslims. It was during the latter
part of the khilafah of Uthmaan  that the Shias emerged and he was assassinated.
(Fathul Baari)
0
MADINAH MUNAWWARAH IN
RELATION TO QIYAMAH
Nabi 0 said, “On the roads of Madinah Munawwarah there are angels,
hence epidemics and Dajjaal will never enter it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Close to Qiyamah, when Dajaal emerges, there will be three earthquakes in

Madinah Munawwarah. This will cause the hypocrites and disbelievers to flee
Madinah Munawwarah in fear. Only the sincere believers will remain.
The city of Madinah Munawwarah will be the final city in the Muslim world to
be destroyed before Qiyamah. (Tirmidhi) It will remain a stronghold of imaan
till shortly before Qiyamah when all the residents will desert it.
Close to Qiyamah, Isa  will descend from the heavens and kill Dajjaal.
He will live for 45 years, during which time he will marry and have children.
He will be a follower of the religion of Nabi 0 , namely Islam. He
will then pass away and be buried in the empty space close to the grave of
Nabi 0 . On the day of Qiyamah, these four great personalities (Nabi
0 , Abu Bakr  , Umar  , and Isa ) will rise together from
their graves.166
After the Muslim ruler of Syria is defeated by the Christians, Al-Mahdi will
be in Madinah Munawwarah. Muslims will search for him to overcome their
problems. Al-Mahdi will go away to Makkah Mukarramah in fear of being
made the ruler of the Muslims. Pious Muslims will identify him making tawaaf
and pledge allegiance to him. The Muslim army from Madinah Munawwarah
will then join him in Makkah Mukarramah. Al-Mahdi will return to Madinah
Munawwarah, visit the grave of Nabi 0 and then proceed to Syria.167

167 Bahishty Zewar, vol 2, p158
0
THE MESSAGE OF MADINAH
MUNAWWARAH
Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi P writes: Madinah is the source of the
concept of inviting to Islam. From this source, take this concept of inviting
to Islam as a gift to your homeland. The dates, rose water, sand of cure, etc.
of this land should all be viewed with love. However, the foremost and most
superior of gifts from this land is the pledge to sacrifice and give one’s life
for Islam and inviting towards Islam. Every inch of the ground of Madinah
and Masjidun Nabawi, every particle of Baqi and every stone of Uhud gives
this message. How can any visitor to Madinah forget that the foundation of
this city was established upon jihad and inviting to Islam? From Makkah,
such people came to Madinah who in Makkah had everything, but did not
have the means of jihad and inviting to Islam.168
Moulana P also writes: Look upon every particle of Madinah Tayyibah

with love and devotion. The world is drowning in complaints and objections.
Will it be an issue if for a few days you walk amidst the flowers, distant from
the thorns? If your gaze still hinders or hesitates, then carefully think before
you act; this is nothing but our weakness. It is from here that we have the
best of this world and the hereafter. Here we learnt to be human. If it was
not for this land, how many of us may have been in places of idol worship,
fire worship and churches, Allah forbid? But how have we fulfilled this right?
What efforts have we made to teach and train the young people of this land?
What efforts have we made to remind the people of this land regarding the
spirit and purpose of Islam? The excuse of living far from the city does not
hold. The noble people of this land traversed oceans and deserts, and climbed
over mountains to propagate the religion to us. Have we ever realised our
obligation? Instead we have assumed that our recompense for Islam can be
fulfilled by merely dishing out a few coins in the alleys of Madinah. In their
limited understanding, our Hujjaaj assume these as a token of their kindness.169
Look at the green dome and the tranquil city of Madinah. One cannot find a
more radiant example of truth, sincerity, steadfastness and loyalty than this.
At Baqi, renew your pledge to serve Islam and make dua to Allah that He
enables us to live upon the path of Islam, and death comes to us in loyalty
to it. This is the actual message of Baqi and the lesson of Madinah.170
169 Apne Ghar se Baitullah Tak, p43-44

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Sha’baan, Ahmad Muhammad. Al-Rawdhah al-Shareefah. Madinah al-
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Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi. Apne Ghar se Baitullah Tak
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DUAS AND SALAAM AT THE
RAWDHAH
Presenting salaam to Nabi 0

ِ‫الم َع َلي َك يا رسو َل اهلل‬
ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ ‫الس‬ َّ ‫َا‬
َّ ‫لص ٰلو ُة َو‬
Assalaatu wassalaamu alaika yaa Rasulallaah

Renewing one’s imaan

ِ َ ‫َا ْش َهدُ َا ْن َّل اِ ٰل َه اِ َّل اهللُ َو ْحدَ ُه َل‬
‫ش ْي َك َل ُه‬
‫َو َا ْش َهدُ َا َّن ُم َ َّمدً ا َع ْبدُ ه َو َر ُس ْو ُله‬

Ash-hadu al laa ilaaha illalaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu
wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasuluhu

Requesting Nabi’s 0 intercession

ِ‫لش َفا َع َة َيا نَبِ َّي اهلل‬
َّ ‫َا‬
Ash-shafaa-ata yaa Nabiyallaah

Presenting salaam to Abu Bakr  and Umar 

‫ال ُم َع َل ْي َك ي َا َاب َا َبك ٍْر‬ َّ ‫َا‬
َ ‫لس‬
Assalaamu alaika yaa Abaa Bakr
‫ال ُم َع َل ْي َك ي َا ُع َم ُر‬ َّ ‫َا‬

َ ‫لس‬
Assalaamu alaika yaa Umar

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6

‫الن َِّة‬ ِ ‫ي َب ْيتِى َو ِمن َ ِْبى َر ْو َض ٌة ِم ْن ِر َي‬

Nabi 0 said, “Between

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Demise of Nabi 0����������������������������������������������������� 76

Etiquette of visiting Nabi 0 at the blessed Rawdhah ��� 91

Blessings of salaat upon Nabi 0������������������������������� 93

by Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq 9

‫حامدا و مصليا و مسلما‬

Salaat-wa-Salaam - Salutations and Peace - be upon the most Honourable

‫آمين يا رب العالمين و يا ارحم الراحمين و يا اكرم االكرمين‬

‫والصالة والسالم عليه و على آله الى يوم الدين‬

Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq

Madinah Munawwarah is important to us because the relics and landmarks

Visiting the Rawdhah (grave of Nabi 0) is among the greatest bounties

Allaamah Samhoodi P in Wafa ul-Wafa has mentioned 94 names for Madinah.

The name Madinah is mentioned at 4 places in the Qur’aan:

1 Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, Vol 2, p24

ِ ‫َان ِلَ ْه ِل ا ْل َم ِديْنَةِ َو َم ْن َح ْو َل ُه ْم ِّم َن ْالَ ْع َر‬

If the hypocrites, those with a disease in their hearts and those

The city of Nabi’s 0 hijrah and demise

Nabi 0 desired his burial in Madinah Munawwarah. He said, “There

The presence of the blessed body of Nabi 0 in Madinah Munawwarah

Salaah in Masjidun Nabawi

Nabi 0 said, “One who performs 40 Salaahs in my Masjid without

Death in Madinah Munawwarah

Dates of Madinah Munawwarah

Sand of Madinah Munawwarah

According to Ibn Qayyim P this was an extremely potent cure because it

Fruits of Madinah Munawwarah

Allah’s  tajalli upon Madinah Munawwarah

This tajalli upon Nabi 0 manifested itself in the form of perfection

Why was Nabi 0 brought to Madinah

7 Adapted from The Secrets of the Holy Lands

it was appropriate that he be in a separate location distinct and distant from

Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar P also elaborated upon this issue. He said: If

8 Al-Jawhar al-Munazzam Fi Ziyarat al-Qabar al-Mukarram, p103-105

Umar’s  amazing dua

10 Taareekh al-Tabari, Al-Bidayah Wan Nihayah

Aisha  and haya (modesty)

11 Tabaqaat ibn Sa’d

Intercession of Nabi 0 brings rain

The intercession of Nabi 0

and perform two rakaats of Salaah in the Masjid of Nabi 0 . Then

Uwais al-Qarni P falls unconscious

in a city where Muhammad 0 lies buried.”17

Tilawah in homes at Tahajjud time

Adhaan from the blessed chamber

Imam Shaatbi P recites Qur’aan to Nabi 0

17 Ihyaa, Safar-e-Hijaz, p110

Allah protect you from doubts.”20

A centre of teaching and learning

A beautiful fragrance emanates from the grave

20 Al-Fathul Mawaahibi fi Tarjumatil Imam Al-Shaatbi, p53

of Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Aqeel P lived in Madinah Munawwarah.

Samhoodi P, the author of Wafa ul-Wafa, describes a similar experience

Cleaning the blessed Rawdhah with his beard

23 Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, vol 2, p227, Wafa ul-Wafa, vol 2, p112

Cured through the dua of Nabi 0

A unique lesson in hadith

25 Taareekh Haramain Shareefain, Vol 2, p230

Demise of Nabi 0�� 76

Etiquette of visiting Nabi 0 at the blessed Rawdhah �� 91

Blessings of salaat upon Nabi 0�� 93