[Saudi Arabia] In the holy land of the Holy Prophet (SAW)

We left for Saudi Arabia on 31 July to perform Hajj Umrah under the guided tour of Kaafilah Travel. A group consisting of 40 members was all eager to set foot in the holy land for a spiritual journey. Some were first-timers while others were repeaters. After an exhausting travel, we reached Makkah by 3 o’clock in the morning.

Makkah

Makkah, the birth place of Muhammad (SAW) had been a centre for commerce and spirituality since time immemorial. In the jahilya period, the Kabah was an abode for 360 idols, venerated by the Arabs. After the conquest of Makkah, the Muslims had destroyed all the idols in order to purify the Kabah. After taking a rest in our hotel, we proceeded to the Haram at dawn to do the rituals of umrah. Neither fatigues nor laziness could have an upper hand on us because the zeal to see the Kabah and to perform the rite of Safa and Marwa was at its pinnacle. By 10 o’clock, we returned to our hotel and relaxed for some time. The idea that one salaat is equal to 100,000 salats compelled us to maximize our prayers in the Haram.

Some ziyarats were organized to see places of interest’ such as Minah, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Other historical places in the vicinity of Makkah were on our priority list. Mount Hirah and Mount Thur, two mountains of paramount importance have a drawing power of high spirituality. In Hirah, Rassool (SAW) had received the first revelation of surah Iqrah while in Thur, the Prophet and AbuBakr had sought refuge.

Taif

According to history, people of Taif had a bad reputation because of their obnoxious behavior towards the Prophet. It is to be noted that after the conquest of Makkah, the Taif people in their arrogance had blamed Abu Suffian to be a chicken-hearted leader who had surrendered before the Muslim force.  In fact, they had shown resistance for some time but after a siege of several weeks by the Muslims, they had no alternative than to surrender before the growing force. Taif is a place remarkable for its greenness and the Grape Garden. Then we visited the rawzah of Abdallah ibn Abbas.  

Madinah

After spending about six days we made for Madinah. One salaat here is equivalent to 1000 salaats, while in Masjid ul Aqsha, it is equal to 500 salaats. Like the Kabaa here also people throng to visit the rawza of Muhammad SWA and convey their heartfelt salaam to the last prophet of Allah. A salaam is also sent to his two close companions, hazrat AbuBakr RA and hazrat Umar RA respectively.  

Badr

A vsit to Badr was important. 170 km away from Madinah is located Badr where the first battle between the Quraish and the Muslims had taken place. Before the battle, the Holy Prophet had supplicated Allah to help the 313 sahabas. otherwise nobody on the earth would be left to remember Allah.  About five thousand angels fought the Quraish. Abu Lahab lost his head in that battle. Fourteen sahabas were martyred and seventy Quraish were killed. This battle was a moral victory for the Muslims.

Uhud

We visited the graves of the fallen sahabas at Uhud. One thousand Muslims were to fight the 3000 Quraish who were under the command of a great warrior called Khalid Bin Walid. Abdullah B Ubay, the hypocrite fled the battle field with 300 Muslims. Despite being in minority, the Muslims would win the day. Fifty archers who were placed on the hill committed a blunder by getting down the hill. Khalid Bin Walid wheeled round the hill and made a surprise attack on the Muslims. Hazrat Hamzah and other sahabas were martyred while the Prophet was severely wounded.

On the way to our hotel, we also paid a visit where trenches were dug in order to face the confederates. Allied with the Jews and other Makaan tribes, Abu Suffyan was determined to do away with the Muslims. They had settled away from Madinah, waiting for the right time to attack the Muslims. But by Allah’s favour, a tremendous tornado accompanied by heavy rainfall washed away the enemies’ tents and equipments. Dismayed by such a bad weather, they returned to Makkah without fighting. It was another moral victory for the Muslims.

Some other places which we visited were Masjid E Koobah, the first mosque to be built in the history of Islam and Masjid Kiblatein where the Prophet (SAW) was inspired to move from the direction of Jerusalem towards the Kabah while prayer was in full progress. 

After completing our Umrah, we left the holy land on 14th August 2024. A little knowledge of Islamic History is advantageous for the pilgrims in order to connect the past with the present. Each event of the past is a necessary ingredient to enhance your love for Muhammad (SAW) and his companions. The two Harams may be far from our eyes but they are close to our hearts. No doubt, we received value for money.

By Cassam Tupsy