nmusba.wordpress · durood shareef. comes from the lips. 6. When finally entrance to Madeenah is imminent, then together with . durood shareef. this du‘aa should be recited:

nmusba.wordpress.com

byShaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

The rituals of visiting theHoly Prophet’s Masjid

and his rawdhah explainedin simple English

How to PerformZiyaarah

IDA

© Islãmic Da'wah Academy

i

Contents

Contents ............................................................................. iIntroduction ...................................................................... iiImportant Instructions .................................................... 1Ziyaarah ............................................................................ 3

What is Ziyaarah? ................................................. 3Virtues of Ziyaarah .............................................. 3When to perform Ziyaarah ................................. 4Niyyah (intention) ................................................ 4

En Route to Madeenah Munawwarah ......................... 5In Madeenah Munawwarah .......................................... 7Entering Masjidun Nabawi ............................................ 9At the Holy Grave ......................................................... 12After Salaam ................................................................... 19The Pillars ....................................................................... 20

1. Ustuwaanah Mukhallaq .............................. 202. Ustuwaanah Aa’ishah radhiyallahu anha .... 213. Ustuwaanah Tawbah ................................... 224. Ustuwaanah Sareer ...................................... 245. Ustuwaanah Ali radhiyallahu anhu.............. 246. Ustuwaanah Wufood ................................... 247. Ustuwaanah Tahajjud .................................. 248. Ustuwaanah Jibra’eel ................................... 25

While in Madeenah Munawwarah ............................. 26Farewell Salaam and Departurefrom Madeenah Munawwarah ................................... 30Some Aadaab ................................................................. 31Conclusion ...................................................................... 32

ii

INTRODUCTIONThrough the Infinite Mercy and Grace of Allah, a book “How

to perform Umrah”, written by this humble servant of Islaamwas published this month. Unfortunately, neither the Hajj northe Ziyaarah was discussed in the aforementioned book as Ihad intended to discuss these two topics separately.

While “How to perform Umrah” was undergoingpublication, the Hadeeth related by Ibne Adee; “Verily, he whoperformed Hajj and refrained from visiting me, has renderedme an injustice”, crossed my mind over and over again leavingme restless and leading me to make a firm resolution tocommence the compilation of a book on Ziyaarah in the holymonth of Ramadhaan.

However, when the booklet “How to perform Umrah”finally reached me, I repeatedly asked myself this question,“How will you stand in front of the beloved Prophet sallallahualayhi wasallam if you did not accomplish this work?” Thus todayon the 26th Sha‘baan, the last Friday before Ramadhaan, after‘Asr I have made a start in the name of Allah.

I will endeavour to bring forth all the necessary informationconcerning Ziyaarah and explain its method in its propersequence, in plain and simple English. May Allah through HisKindness cause it to reach completion and pardon me for anyerrors herein.

I will humbly request every reader to include this humbleservant, his parents, teachers, family, friends and all thoseassociated with the publication of this booklet in du‘aa andconvey their salaam at the holy graves.

Muhammad Saleem DhoratSha‘baan 1410 / March 1990

How to Perform Ziyaarah of Madeenah Munawwarah

1

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS1. It must be stressed at the very outset that there

should be a sincere intention to perform Ziyaarah,for all actions are judged by intentions. The HolyProphet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:“The reward of deeds depends on the intentions”.

BukhaariThe intention must be to please Allah exclusively,hopeful of earning rewards only from Allah theCreator, believing in what has been promised byAllah through our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam and performing the act according to theway shown by him. Hence this must always beborne in mind.

2. Do not let the thought enter your mind that youare going on a trip or a holiday. No! You are goingto Madeenah Munawwarah, the blessed city of theProphet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. This is the citywhich Allah had chosen for his Messenger and towhich he was to flee for safety. This is the city whereAllah revealed to him the obligatory duties of aMuslim. He set forth the sunnah for his Deen andhere is the place from where he had to fight againsthis enemies. Here is the place where his Deenbecame victorious and here he strove until deathovertook him. Here he lies buried and also his twosuccessors. Here at every step one finds the spotswhere his feet once trod.

Important Instructions


2

Important Instructions

3. As regarding your visit to the holy places it mustbe borne in mind that Allah does not grant suchblessed opportunities to all, and for those whomHe has blessed with the opportunity, it will be veryunfortunate to have spent time and wealth andgain no benefit and reward. Generally, the loss andruin is brought by Shaytaan and Nafs (basedesires). Therefore, be conscious of their deceptionand wickedness.

4. It is advisable to study this book prior to yourdeparture for Ziyaarah, preferably with an aalim(scholar) of your locality, seeking his explanationson what you do not understand. Thus you will beable to follow the instructions laid down in thisbook with ease.

5. If you have any query concerning religious mattersor concerning the Ziyaarah, consult an aalim or aknowledgeable person and seek his advice.


3

ZIYAARAH

What is Ziyaarah ?Ziyaarah is to present one’s self in the sacred court of

Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, (i.e. to visit thegrave of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam inMadeenah Munawwarah). It is indeed among thegreatest blessings and fortunes. It is an important act ofpiety. It is also a very desirable form of ibaadah(worship), a very successful way of attaining spiritualelevation and an encouraging reason for an acceptableintercession. In view of Rasoolullah’s sallallahu alayhiwasallam countless favours on the ummah and the hopesthat are expected from the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam after death, it is indeed unfortunate if Ziyaarahis not made in spite of having means. To miss the greathonour of Ziyaarah and to offer excuses is beingneglectful and careless.

Virtues of Ziyaarah

1. Whoever visits my grave, my intercession becomesobligatory for him.

Dara Qutni2. Whoever visits me and has no other motive, has a

right over me that I intercede on his behalf.Tabraani

3 Whoever visits me after my death is like he whohad visited me during my life.

Tabraani, Dara Qutni

Ziyaarah


4

4. The person who performs Hajj then visits my graveis like he who had visited me during my lifetime.

Bayhaqi5. Whoever undertakes a journey specially to visit

me, will be my neighbour on the Day of Judgement.Bayhaqi

6. Whoever performs his Hajj in Makkah, then comesto Madeenah with the sole aim of visiting me inmy Masjid, for him shall be written (the rewardsof) two accepted Hajj.

Daylami

When to perform ZiyaarahIt is permissible to perform the Ziyaarah before or

after Hajj. However, the following course is best:(a) If the Hajj is fardh (compulsory) then the Ziyaarah

should be performed after completing the Hajj.(b) If it is a nafl (supererogatory) Hajj then it is optional

to perform Ziyaarah before or after Hajj.(c) If Madeenah Munawwarah is on the route to

Makkah then the Ziyaarah should be performedbefore going to Makkah.

(d) In the case of Umrah, it is again optional to performZiyaarah before or after Umrah.

Niyyah (intention)

When about to set out for the journey to MadeenahMunawwarah, the intention should be the visiting ofthe sacred grave as well as Masjidun Nabawi.

Ziyaarah


5

EN ROUTE TO MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH1. One should take special precautions on this journey

not to neglect any sunnah, even though sunnahactions are normally considered of lesserimportance while on a journey.

2. A special effort must be made to recite durood shareef(salutations upon the Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam) abundantly, and with complete sincerityand faith. The more durood shareef is recited, thebetter. Besides the compulsory duties andnecessities of life, most time should be spent inreciting durood shareef. The most virtuous act onthis journey is the abundant recitation of duroodshareef.

3. Travel with great enthusiasm and excitement andincrease the yearning as Madeenah comes nearer.In order to intensify that enthusiasm, one shouldrecite poems in praise of the Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam. If a biography of the Prophet sallallahualayhi wasallam is available, read it or have it readfor others to listen to, so that in the circle oftravellers the life of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhiwasallam is discussed and all thoughts are focusedon him, so much so, that when the time of enteringMadeenah is near, the longing should be thegreatest.

4. When nearing Madeenah, enthusiasm andexcitement should be at its climax. Durood shareefshould be repeatedly recited.

En Route to Madeenah Munawwarah


6

5. Finally, the eye will fall on the trees and buildingsof Madeenah. It is best, if possible to descend fromyour vehicle and to proceed barefoot towards thecity while tears flow in unrestrained manner fromthe eyes, and durood shareef comes from the lips.

6. When finally entrance to Madeenah is imminent,then together with durood shareef this du‘aa shouldbe recited:

allaahumma haazaa haramu nabiyyika,faj‘alhu li wiqaayatam minannaari, waamaanam minal azaabi wasoo il hisaab.“O Allah, verily this is the sanctuary of YourNabee sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Make it aprotection for me from the fire (of Hell) and asafety from punishment and an evil reckoning.”

7. Enter Madeenah with humbleness and humility.When the green dome of the Masjid comes intosight, let the mind remember that underneath thatdome lies buried he who is more exalted than anyother being; he who is even more exalted than theangels. His grave is more exalted than any part ofthe earth and the portion adjacent to his holy bodyis even more exalted than any other place in heavenand on earth.

En Route to Madeenah Munawwarah


7

In Madeenah Munawwarah

IN MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH1. After your entry into the sacred city of Madeenah,

attend to the arrangement of your lodging andendeavour to proceed straight to the Masjid.

2. Before proceeding to the Masjid, clean yourself bymeans of a ghusl (bath). If ghusl cannot beperformed, then at least wudhu (ablution) shouldbe performed.

3. Thereafter wear the best clothes you have. Menshould also apply sweet-smelling attar/perfume.Bear in mind that you do not wear clothing thatare un-Islaamic.

4. With great humility and utmost humbleness, butin full dignified manner, proceed to the MasjidunNabawi.

5. On your way, recite durood shareef abundantly andgive something in charity to the poor.


8

32

456

7

BaabeNisaa

Musallaa of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam

Mim

bar

Present mihraab

1

BaabeJibra’eel

BaabeBaqee

Su

ffah of

As‘h

aab

KE

Y T

O P

ILL

AR

S1 – U

stuw

aanah Mu

khallaq (Hannaanah)

2 – Ustu

waanah Sareer

3 – Ustu

waanah A

boo Lu

baabah (Tawbah)

4 – Ustu

waanah A

a’ishah5 – U

stuw

aanah Ali

6 – Ustu

waanah W

ufood

7 – Ustu

waanah Tahajju

d__ __ __ __ __ R

AW

DH

AH


9

ENTERING MASJIDUN NABAWI1. Enter the Masjid with utmost humility, reverence

and a sense of the sacredness of the place.2. Enter from any door you wish. However it is best

and more virtuous to enter the door called Baab-e-Jibra’eel.

3. When entering, put your right foot in the Masjidand say:

bismillaahi wassalaatu wassalaamu alaarasoolillaah, allaahummaftah lee abwaabarahmatik.In the name of Allah. May peace and salutations(of Allah) be upon the Messenger of Allah. OAllah, open for me the doors of Your Mercy.

4. Proceed straight to that part of the MasjidunNabawi which lies between the holy grave and themimbar. It is called rawdhah because the Prophetsallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “Between my graveand my mimbar lies one of the gardens (rawdhah) ofParadise.”Perform two raka‘at tahiyyatul masjid (salaatperformed upon entry into masjid), reciting Qulyaa ayyuhal kaafiroon in the first raka‘at and Qulhuwallaahu ahad in the second raka‘at.

Entering Masjidun Nabawi


10

NOTE: The women folk will not be able to goto the rawdhah. They should go into the section of themasjid allocated for them and perform these acts there.It is not obligatory even for men to perform them in therawdhah. However, it is more virtuous.

NOTE: The women will not be allowed topresent themselves at the holy grave but at certain fixedtimes. They normally run wildly screaming towards theholy grave, pushing one another and causing harm. Thisis against the dignity and honour of the sacred place.Walk with humility and a sense of sacredness of theplace. Wherever you get place, from there send yoursalutations upon Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallamand his Companions (see page 13). Engage in ibaadah,zikr, recitation of the Qur’aan, durood shareef and du‘aa.Allah will grant you acceptance and bless you with Hispleasure more than those who reach the front afterdisrespecting the holy place.5. Having performed the two raka‘at, thank Allah for

the great favour which he has bestowed upon youby bringing you to this sacred city and ask Him toaccept your Hajj/Umrah and Ziyaarah. Also humblyask Him for all your other needs.

6. Now you may perform another two raka‘at ofsalaatus shukr (salaat performed in gratitude toAllah) or merely perform sajdah shukr (prostratingin gratitude to Allah). This is performed ingratitude to Allah for having blessed you with thegreat favour of Ziyaarah.



11

Mas’alah: If at the time of entry into the Masjid, fardhSalaat is about to be performed or has already begun orthere is fear of your Salaat becoming qadhaa then do notperform tahiyyatul masjid. Perform the fardh andtahiyyatul masjid will be incorporated into the fardhSalaat.Mas’alah: When you enter at a time when it is makrooh(detestable) to perform any nafl salaat, (as for exampleafter Asr) then again no tahiyyatul masjid will beperformed.Mas’alah: Whenever you enter the Masjid or for thatmatter any other masjid, make the intention of i‘tikaaf(seclusion in a masjid for the purpose of worshippingAllah only).Mas’alah: When inside the Masjid, exercise all humilityand humbleness. Keep the attention away from all theinternal decorations of the Masjid.Mas’alah: When inside the Masjid, do not touch or kissthe mimbar, walls, doors and the pillars of the Masjid.Do not circumambulate (i.e. make tawaaf of / walk rightaround) any object in the Masjid. Do not bend downbefore the grave of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.Do not face the grave from any direction for the sake ofmaking Salaat with the intention that the grave is there.



12

AT THE HOLY GRAVE1. After completing prayers in the rawdhah, walk

towards the holy grave with all thoughts centredon the exalted personage of the Holy Prophetsallallahu alayhi wasallam. The mind should realisethat entrance is about to be made to the dignifiedpresence of a very great personality. His highposition, his honour, his exalted eminence shouldat all times be borne in mind with durood shareefflowing from the lips.

NOTE: Here, a point to note is that when facingthe grave of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, thereare three gold wire-mesh enclosures. There are roundholes in all these three enclosures. Most people are underthe wrong impression that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhiwasallam is resting inside the first enclosure, Abu Bakrradhiyallahu anhu is in the second and ‘Umar radhiyallahuanhu is in the third one. This is not so. They are all restinginside the middle enclosure.

There are three round holes in the middle enclosure,while only two in the enclosure on your left and two inthe enclosure on your right. The first hole in the middleenclosure (which is the largest of all) directly faces theholy face of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.Moving slightly to the right is the second hole (of themiddle enclosure) which faces the face of Abu Bakrradhiyallahu anhu. Likewise, a third hole on this sameenclosure marks the spot where the face of ‘Umarradhiyallahu anhu rests.

At the Holy Grave


13

2. Stand three or four paces away from the goldenwire-mesh enclosure facing the holy grave withyour back towards the qiblah and turn slightly tothe left so that you directly face the holiest of faces.Do not look around from side to side. Do not standvery close to the holy grave. Do not touch the wire-mesh enclosure. Do not kiss it nor make prostration.Stand still, bearing in mind that now you standfacing the blessed Prophet of Allah sallallahu alayhiwasallam and that he is aware of your presence;looking at you; and will listen to whatever you aregoing to say.

3. Now recite salaam (to invoke peace upon theProphet sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in a moderatetone, not too softly nor too loudly:

At the Holy Grave


14

At the Holy Grave

assalaatu wassalaamu alayka yaarasoolallaahassalaatu wassalaamu alayka yaanabiyyallaahassalaatu wassalaamu alayka yaahabeeballaahassalaatu wassalaamu alayka yaakhaatamal anbiyaaassalaamu alayka ayyuhan nabiyyuwarahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhash hadu allaa ilaaha illal laahu wa annakaabduhu warasooluh.Peace and salutation be upon you O Messengerof Allah.Peace and salutation be upon you O Prophet ofAllah.Peace and salutation be upon you O Beloved ofAllah.Peace and salutation be upon you O FinalProphet.Peace be upon you O Prophet and Mercy ofAllah and His Blessings. I bear witness thatthere is none worthy of worship besides Allahand I bear witness that you are His servantand Messenger.


15

At the Holy Grave

NOTE: It is not compulsory to recite the abovewords of salaam. You may recite in any other words youwish or you may add as much as you desire to thesewords, as long as the words convey respect and honour.However, the minimum requirement is to say assalaamualayka yaa rasoolallaah, “Peace be upon you O Messengerof Allah”.

Shaykhul Hadeeth Maulana Zakariyyaa writes inVirtues of Hajj: “I personally feel that a visitor to theholy grave should at every visit recite seventy timeswith complete humility:

assalaatu wassalaamu alayka yaarasoolallaah,Peace and salutation be upon you O Messengerof Allah

This is best and better than to continue reciting inparrot-fashion without understanding anything as is thecustom. “4. After reciting salaam, supplicate to Allah through

the waseelah (medium) of the Holy Prophetsallallahu alayhi wasallam i.e. make du‘aa to Allah,asking Him to forgive you and to grant your wishesthrough the blessings of the Holy Prophet sallallahualayhi wasallam. Also ask for the shafaa‘at(intercession) of the Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam. Say: O Allah, Your word is the truth and


16

At the Holy Grave

you did say: ’And (O Muhammad sallallahu alayhiwasallam) when they having been unjust to theirown selves, come to you and seek Allah’sforgiveness, and the Rasool begs forgiveness forthem, then surely they will find Allah Forgiving,Merciful’. And now I have come to you (O Rasool)seeking forgiveness (from Allah) for my sins,seeking your intercession on my behalf in thepresence of Allah, and I ask you O Allah to grantme these, and to grant me forgiveness in a similarmanner as you had granted to them who came tothe Rasool in his lifetime.O Messenger of Allah, I ask you for intercessionand I request Allah through your waseelah(medium) that I die as a Muslim (steadfast) uponyour religion and way.

Mas’alah: Do not raise your hands whilst making theaforementioned du‘aa facing the holy grave.5. Now, having recited the salaam, convey the salaam

of those who have asked you to convey theirgreetings to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.Hence convey the message thus:

Peace be upon you O Messenger of Allah from….He requests you to intercede to your Lord onhis behalf.

Mas’alah: If several people have asked you to conveytheir salaam and you cannot remember their names, say:


17

At the Holy Grave

Peace be upon you O Messenger of Allah, fromall those who had asked me to convey salaamto you. They request you to intercede to yourLord on their behalf.

Mas’alah: If it becomes difficult to convey the salaam ofan individual or a group in Arabic, then do so in yourown language.

NOTE: The writer humbly requests and begs ofyou to remember (at the holy grave) to say salaam on hisbehalf: “Peace be upon you O Messenger of Allah, fromMuhammad Saleem Ibraaheem Dhorat. He requests youto intercede to your Lord on his behalf”.6. Now move two steps to the right and recite greetings

to Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu anhu saying:

assalaamu alayka yaa khaleefata rasoolillaah.jazaakallaahu an ummati muhammadsallallahu alayhi wasallamPeace be upon you O Caliph of Rasoolullah.May Allah reward you well on behalf of theummah of Muhammad sallallahu alayhiwasallam.


18

7. Thereafter take one more step to the right and recitegreetings to Hadhrat Umar radhiyallahu anhusaying:

assalaamu alayka yaa ameeral mu’mineenjazaakallaahu an ummati muhammadsallallahu alayhi wasallamPeace be upon you O Leader of the Believers.May Allah reward you well on behalf of theummah of Muhammad sallallahu alayhiwasallam.

Mas’alah: You are at liberty to recite lengthier or shorterformulae of salaam.8. Now face the qiblah and make du‘aa silently for

yourself, your parents, family, relatives, friends,well-wishers, teachers, and the entire ummah ofthe Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. If youremember, do include this humble writer in yourprayer.

Mas’alah: Du‘aa is made to Allah only. No prophet, saint,or holy man can grant our wishes.

At the Holy Grave


19

AFTER SALAAM1. On completion of the du‘aa, proceed to the

Ustuwaanah Abu Lubaabah. Perform two raka‘atnafl and make du‘aa.

2. Then perform nafl salaat in the rawdhah in anyquantity you wish (providing the time is notmakrooh). Recite durood shareef in abundance andmake du‘aa.

3. Now go to the mimbar and if possible, place thehands on that part of the mimbar which is knownas the rummaanah and make du‘aa. This is the spotwhere the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam usedto place his hands.

4. Thereafter proceed to the Ustuwaanah Hannaanahand perform nafl salaat and make du‘aa there. Dothe same at all the other pillars which are of specialsignificance (see page 20). After this, return to yourplace of residence.

Mas’alah: These are mustahab (desirable) acts, whilesafeguarding the dignity of Muslims is fardh. A fardhcannot be sacrificed for an act which is merely mustahab.Some ignore this fact when they harm others in theirzeal to perform these acts. It is haraam to harm a Muslimto perform a mustahab act, therefore if the area is crowdeddo not be rude or harmful to anyone but wait withpatience or perform these acts at another time when thearea is not crowded.

After Salaam


20

THE PILLARSThere are certain pillars in Masjidun Nabawi which

have a special significance.Mulla Ali Qaari writes: “Those pillars of the Masjid,

which are of special virtue and blessed should be visitedby the visitor of Madeenah. There he should keep himselfbusy with nafl salaat and du‘aa. This applies to thatportion of the Masjid which used to be the Masjid duringthe time of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam (beforeits enlargement). According to Imaam Bukhaari, theCompanions of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallamused to offer many prayers at these pillars. They areeight in number.”

1. Ustuwaanah MukhallaqThis is also called the Ustuwaanah Hannaanah (the

weeping pillar). This is the most blessed of the pillarsfor this was Rasoolullah’s sallallahu alayhi wasallam placeof Salaat. On this spot there once used to grow a datepalm. Before the advent of the mimbar, Rasoolullahsallallahu alayhi wasallam used to lean on it whiledelivering the khutbah (sermon). When the mimbar wasmade Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam used it forthe khutbah. It so happened when the change took place,such a bitter sound of weeping was heard from the treethat the whole Masjid echoed; and those in the Masjidstarted weeping. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallamthen went to the tree, placed his hand on it and the cryingstopped. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam then said:

The Pillars


21

“The tree cries because the zikr of Allah was near it, andnow that the mimbar is built it has been deprived of thiszikr in its immediate vicinity. If I did not place my handon it, it would have cried thus till the Day of Qiyaamat.”

Afterwards the tree dried up and was buried.According to another Hadeeth it is said that when

the mimbar was prepared and Rasoolullah sallallahualayhi wasallam went to it for the first time, the tree criedso loudly that it almost split open. Rasoolullah sallallahualayhi wasallam descended from the mimbar and went toput his hand on the tree and its crying subsidedgradually as a child quietens when he is being consoledafter crying bitterly.

BukhaariThis is the reason for it being called Ustuwaanah

Hannaanah. The word hannaanah is used to describe acrying camel. Mukhallaq means the pillar which has ablended fragrance put onto it.

2. Ustuwaanah Aa’ishah radhiyallahu anhaThis is also called the Ustuwaanah Muhaajireen,

because originally the Muhaajireen used to sit near thisspot. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to sayhis prayers here and afterwards moved to the place atUstuwaanah Mukhallaq. It is also called the UstuwaanahQur’ah. The reason for this is that Aa’ishah radhiyallahuanha reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallamsaid: “In this Masjid is one such spot that if people knew

The Pillars


22

The Pillars

the true blessed nature thereof, they would flocktowards it in such that to pray there they would have tocast such lots (i.e. Qur’ah).”

People asked her to point out the exact spot whichshe refused to do. Later on, at the persistence of AbdullahIbne Zubayr radhiyallahu anhu she pointed to this spot.Hence it is called Ustuwaanah Aa’ishah, because theHadeeth is reported by her and the exact spot was shownby her. It is a fact that Abu Bakr and Umar radhiyallahuanhuma very often used to pray here.

3. Ustuwaanah Tawbah

Also known as Ustuwaanah Abu Lubaabah. AbuLubaabah radhiyallahu anhu was one of the famousSahaabah. During the battle against the Banu Qurayzah,while the Muslims were surrounding them, he becameimpatient and as a result of which he wanted to throwdown his arms. Before Islaam, he had much dealingswith the Jews of Banu Qurayzah. Now after the Jewsacted treacherously against the Muslims, the Jews calledon him during the siege in order to find out from himwhat Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam intended todo against them for their treachery. When he reachedthem they all began wailing and crying. He was affectedby this and he indicated towards his throat suggestingthey would be killed. Thereafter having done that hebecame so grieved at this indiscretion that he could notrest.


23

The Pillars

He thereupon came to the Masjid and here at thisspot where a date-tree used to stand, he bound himselfto the trunk saying: “As long as my repentance is notaccepted by Allah, I shall not untie myself from here.And Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam himself mustundo my bonds.” When Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhiwasallam heard this he said: “If he had come to me Iwould have begged forgiveness on his behalf. Now hehad acted on his own initiative, so how can I untie himuntil such a time that his repentance has been accepted.”

For many days he remained tied there, except forSalaat and the call of nature. At such times his wife anddaughter used to untie him and then again tied him tothe tree. He remained without food and drink as a resultof which his sight and hearing were affected. Then aftera few days one morning while Rasoolullah sallallahualayhi wasallam was in tahajjud prayer in the house ofUmme Salamah radhiyallahu anha, he received the goodnews that his tawbah had been accepted. The Sahaabahradhiyallahu anhum conveyed the news to him, andwanted to untie him but he refused, saying: “As long asthe Nabee sallallahu alayhi wasallam does not untie mewith his blessed hands, I shall not allow anyone else todo so.” When Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallamentered for Fajr Salaat he untied him.


24

4. Ustuwaanah Sareer‘Sareer’ means sleeping place. It is reported that

Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to make i‘tikaafhere also, and used to sleep here while in i‘tikaaf. Aplatform of wood used to be put here for him to sleepon.

5. Ustuwaanah Ali radhiyallahu anhuAlso known as Ustuwaanah Mah’ras or Hars. ‘Hars’

means to watch or protect. This used to be the placewhere some of the Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum used tosit when keeping watch or acting as gatekeepers. Aliradhiyallahu anhu used to be the one who mostly actedas such, for which it is often called Ustuwaanah Aliradhiyallahu anhu. When Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhiwasallam entered the Masjid from the door of Aaishah’sradhiyallahu anha room, he passed this spot.

6. Ustuwaanah Wufood‘Wufood’ means delegations. Whenever deputations

arrived to meet Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam onbehalf of their tribes, they were seated here and here heused to meet them, conversed with them and taughtthem Deen.

7. Ustuwaanah TahajjudIt is reported that this was the spot where late at

night a carpet was spread for Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhiwasallam to perform tahajjud prayer, after all the peoplehad left.

The Pillars


25

8. Ustuwaanah Jibra’eelThis was the usual place where Jibra’eel alayhis salaam

used to enter to visit Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhiwasallam. Today it cannot be seen as it lies inside thesacred room of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

These are eight special spots mentioned by theulamaa. However, what part of the Masjid is there wherethe holy feet of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam didnot touch or where he and the Sahaabah radhiyallahuanhum did not say their prayers? In fact what part ofMadeenah is there where these saintly souls did nottread?

Every step taken in Madeenah is a “step on holyground”.

The Pillars


26

WHILE IN MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH1. Perform each and every fardh Salaat with

congregation in Masjidun Nabawi and remain busyin du‘aa, zikr and recitation of the Holy Qur’aan.Complete the recitation of the Holy Qur’aan at leastonce and endeavour to complete it in the Masjid.

2. Avoid all prohibited execrable acts and things.3. Spend as much time as possible inside the Masjid.

When in the Masjid, make niyyah for i‘tikaaf. Nafli‘tikaaf is of any duration. Even one minute nafli‘tikaaf is valid.

4. Present yourself at the holy grave as often aspossible and recite salaam in the manner prescribedearlier.

5. Give as much sadaqah (charity) as possible to thepeople of Madeenah and keep as many fasts aspossible.

6. Read durood shareef abundantly with completesincerity and love and do not neglect any sunnahaction.

7. Try to spend at least eight days in MadeenahMunawwarah so that you are able to perform fortySalaat in Masjidun Nabawi. The Holy Prophetsallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “He who performsforty Salaat in my Masjid, in such a way that hedoes not miss a single Salaat, Allah prescribes for

While in Madeenah Munawwarah


27


him freedom from the fire, freedom frompunishment and freedom from hypocrisy”.

Musnade Ahmad8. Sincerely repent from all sins. Make a firm intention

not to go near any sin in future and stay steadfaston it. Bear in mind that you have made this promisein the house of Allah and in the presence of theProphet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

9. Visit the blessed places of Madeenah Munawwarah,especially:-a. Jannatul Baqee – This is the graveyard of

Madeenah Munawwarah where lie manygreat Companions of the Prophet sallallahualayhi wasallam. Imaam Maalik puts theirnumber at ten thousand from whom the mostprominent is Hadhrat Uthmaan radhiyallahuanhu.How fortunate are those who are buried here.O Allah, bless me with martyrdom and deathin the sacred city of your Beloved Rasoolsallallahu alayhi wasallam. AameenEndeavour to visit the graves in thisgraveyard daily or at least every Friday. Du‘aaand eesaale thawaab should be made for all.

b. The Mount Uhud - The Prophet sallallahualayhi wasallam said, “Uhud is a mountain thatloves us, and we love it.”The visitor should also pay a visit to the gravesof the martyrs of Uhud. The most prominentof them is Hadhrat Hamzah radhiyallahu anhu,the uncle of the Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam.

Mas’alah: It is mustahab to visit these graves onThursday.

c. Masjid Qubaa – It is best to pay a visit on aSaturday with the intention of both visitingthe Masjid as well as performing Salaat in it.According to an authentic Hadeeth of Tirmizi,“Performing Salaat in Masjid Qubaa is equalto performing Umrah”. Another Hadeethstates that the Prophet sallallahu alayhiwasallam used to visit Masjid Qubaa everySaturday. (Bukhaari)

10. Appreciate and value every second of your stay inMadeenah Munawwarah. Remember! You maynot get this opportunity again.


28


3W

ive

s o

f Pr

ophe

t Muh

amm

adsa

llal la

hal

ayhi

was

alla

ma)

Zay

nab

Bin

te K

huza

ymah

b)Z

ayna

b B

inte

Jah

ash

c)S

awda

hd)

Haf

sah

e)U

mm

e H

abee

bah

f)S

afiy

yah

g)Ju

way

riyy

ahh)

Aa’

isha

hi)

Um

me

Sal

amah

1A

hlu

l B

ayt

(cl

ose

rela

tives

of

Prop

het M

uham

mad

sal

lal la

hu a

layh

iw

asal

lam

)a)

Faa

timah

b)A

bbaa

sc)

Has

an I

bne

Al i

d)Z

aynu

l Aab

idee

ne)

Muh

amm

ad B

aaqi

rf)

Ja‘fa

r A

s S

aadi

q2

Da

ug

hte

rs o

f Pr

ophe

tM

uham

mad

sal

lalla

hal

ayhi

was

alla

ma

)R

uq

ayy

ah

b)Z

ayna

bc)

Um

me

Kul

thoo

m

4a

)A

qe

el I

bn

e A

be

e T

aa

libb)

Suf

yaan

Ibn

e H

aari

thc)

Abd

ulla

h Ib

ne J

a‘fa

r5

a)

Ima

am

Ma

alik

b)N

afe‘

(th

e Te

ache

r of I

maa

m M

aalik

)6

Ibra

ah

ee

m (

son

of P

roph

et M

uham

mad

sal

lal la

hal

ayhi

wasa

llam

)T

he fo

l low

ing

are

also

bur

ied

in a

n un

mar

ked

area

clo

se t

oIb

raah

eem

rad

hiya

l lahu

anh

u•

Sa‘

ad I

bne

Abi

Waq

qaas

•A

bdur

Rah

maa

n Ib

ne A

wf

•U

thm

aan

Ibne

Maz

‘oon

•A

bdul

lah

Ibne

Mas

‘ood

•A

s ‘ad

Ibn

e Z

uraa

rah

7M

art

yrs

of

the

Ba

ttle

of

Ha

rra

h8

Uth

ma

an

Ib

ne

Affa

an

9H

ale

em

ah

10

Ab

oo

Sa

‘ee

d K

hu

dri

11

Sa

fiyy

ah

(the

aun

t of t

he H

oly

Prop

het s

alla

llahu

ala

yhi w

asal

lam

)

MA

Y A

LL

AH

BE

PL

EA

SE

D W

ITH

TH

EM

AL

L

56

8

7

11Qib

lah

32 1

4

9

10

ENTRANCE


30

FAREWELL SALAAM AND DEPARTUREFROM MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH

1. Perform two raka‘at in Masjidun Nabawi,preferably in the rawdhah.

2. Offer the farewell salaam to Rasoolullah sallallahualayhi wasallam and his two Companions. (In themanner prescribed on Page 13.)

3. Facing qiblah, pray for your needs and foracceptance of your Hajj (or Umrah) and Ziyaarah.Pray also for a safe return to your home and thatthis should not be your last journey to Makkah orMadeenah. This du‘aa should cover all Deeni as wellas worldly needs. Remember your family, friends,relatives and all Muslims. Do remember thishumble writer too. Let the tears flow at the time ofparting. If sincere, these tears can be a sign ofacceptance. When tears do not flow then at leastimitate those who cry.

4. With a heart, struck with grief of separation, departin the sunnah manner with durood shareef flowingfrom your lips.

May Allah accept your Ziyaarah and bless us withopportunities to visit the sacred places again andagain. Aameen

Farewell Salaam & Departure from Madeenah Munawwarah


31

Some Aadaab

SOME AADAAB1. One should not turn his back towards the grave,

not even in salaat nor out of it. In salaat, try at alltimes to stand in such a position where neither one’sfront, nor back is towards the grave. Apart fromsalaat there cannot be any possible reason why theback should be turned towards the grave.

2. When at any time one has to pass in front of thegrave, stand quietly for a while and say salaambefore proceeding. Some ulamaa have said thatshould one even pass the Masjid on the outsideone should even read the salaam from there.

3. Whilst inside the Masjid, one’s eyes should be fixedon the sacred room wherein lies the Prophetsallallahu alayhi wasallam. When outside the Masjidthen one should time and again gaze at the GreenDome. Inshaa-Allah this will be a rewarded act.

4. Be very careful of your behaviour. Do not raiseyour voice. Refrain from worldly talks in theMasjid. Do not be rude or harmful to others.

5. Bear all hardships and difficulties with a smile. Donot complain.

6. Honour and respect all inhabitants of MadeenahMunawwarah. Deal with them with love andkindness. Even if they are perhaps unjust or unkindto you, bear it with patience. Do not quarrel ordispute.

Conclusion

7. Whenever you purchase anything in MadeenahMunawwarah, do so with the intention of assistingthe merchants in their trade. Such an intention willbring reward.

CONCLUSIONI had intended to complete this booklet in the Holy month

of Ramadhaan 1410AH. However, during my three weeks stayin Barbados during Ramadhaan, I did not find time to evenlook at the manuscript due to an extremely busy schedule.Finally, I managed to complete it, through the sheer Grace ofAllah, after returning to England, after ‘Asr on Friday22nd Shawwaal 1410AH (May 1990).

Despite the desire and longing for its early publication, Iwas unable to do so. For everything, Allah has an appointedtime; thus it is now complete and ready for publication.

I am very grateful to all those brothers who have assisted inmaking this publication possible, especially MaulanaMuhammad Uthmaan Ghani. May Allah reward themabundantly in this world and the Hereafter. Aameen.

I conclude with du‘aa — May Allah ta‘aalaa accept thishumble effort and through His Kindness shower us with HisBounties, Blessings and Pleasure. May He instil in our heartsthe true love of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Aameen

Muhammad Saleem DhoratLeicester, EnglandSha‘baan 1415January 1995

Documents

nmusba.wordpress · durood shareef. comes from the lips. 6. When finally entrance to Madeenah is imminent, then together with . durood shareef. this du‘aa should be recited: