Exploring Landmarks around Masjid Nabawi and Rawdah Essential Insights
Umrah Series - Part 2
As I stood at the gates of Masjid Nabawi, the vastness of Madinah spread before me like a quiet sanctuary, enveloping me in an inexplicable sense of peace. Walking through Madinah meant following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, his companions and generations of believers. It was a journey not just across a landscape but across centuries, through moments that shaped the faith and lives of millions. I felt a stirring of humility, a calling to understand more deeply on seerah that would shape my own spiritual journey.
Taman Saqifah Bani Saidah : A Historic Election
Continuing from Umrah series Part 1, we embark on a soulful journey around the serene expanse of the Prophet's Mosque. It is a profoundly historic site in Madinah, where the early Muslim community convened to elect the Khalifah (leader) following the death of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. This crucial decision shaped the future of the Islamic community. Unfortunately, during our visit, the site was undergoing construction, obscuring some of its historical elements.
The open area surrounding Taman Saqifah Bani Saidah serves as a marketplace where the poor can earn a livelihood according to our mutawif sharing, this embody the compassion and care of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w for his people. Currently it's empty and not sure if they'll build anything there in the near future.
Masjid Al Ghamamah
This historic mosque is renowned for its tranquil ambiance and the flocks of birds that frequently grace its surroundings. It is believed to be the site where Prophet Muhammad s.a.w performed the Eid prayer and Solat ul-Istasqa here when Madinah faced a severe drought, seeking divine intervention for rain. The mosque’s significance extends beyond its architectural beauty; it holds a revered place in Islamic history as a symbol of faith and hope during times of need.
After the Asar prayer, my family and I visited Taiba Shopping Centre. We bought some abaya’s for us to wear during Umrah because we brought only a few from Malaysia. The shopping experience in Madinah was delightful, with a wide range of beautiful and affordable abayas available.
The architecture of Masjid Nabawi, both inside and out, is truly breathtaking. The grand minarets, intricate designs, and expansive courtyards create an atmosphere of awe and reverence. Each detail reflects the mosque's spiritual significance and historical importance.
As narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A) : Prophet Muhammad s.a.w said,
"A prayer in my mosque is a thousand times (x1000) more excellent than a prayer in any other mosque, except Masjid-al-Haram, Makkah (x100,000)"
I love the unlimited supply of Zamzam water and the convenient refill stations.
From Maghrib to Isyak prayer, we stayed at the mosque for i'tikaf until 7:20 pm. Afterward, we returned to our hotel room to rest and recharge with a nap until 9:00 pm. We then made our way to the hotel lobby for our scheduled visit to the Rawdah. We had booked the slot while in Malaysia, a day before we flew to Madinah. Our time slot for the Rawdah on the Nusuk app was 11:30 pm. Nusuk is an app that helps manage and book visits to the Rawdah in Masjid al-Nabawi, providing a time slot for entry during our visit in 2023.
Riyadhul Jannah (Rawdah)
To stand in the same vicinity where Prophet Muhammad s.a.w used to live and worship is an out-of-the-world feeling. That is why touring Riyadhul Jannah is something every Muslim looks forward to while visiting Madinah.
Rawdah is the highlight of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and is characterized by the iconic green dome. It is the burial place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the room in which he (PBUH) passed away, in the house of his (PBUH) wife Aisha (R.A). Besides the grave of the last Messenger (PBUH), the chamber also houses the tombs of two Caliphs, Abu Bakr (R.A) and Umar (R.A).
This part is the Garden of Paradise or Riyadhul Jannah, which extends from the Sacred Chamber to the pulpit (mimbar), where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to give sermons. Another notable construct that can be easily spotted is the golden Mehrab, the praying area of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH). As narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet SAW said, “Between my house and my pulpit there is a garden of the gardens of Paradise, and my pulpit is on my fountain tank”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1196)
Upon entering the Rawdah (picture above) for the first time, I was enveloped by a profound sense of tranquility and spiritual connection. For women, the Rawdah area is limited to the first five or six rows. Though the mimbar and mehrab were partially obscured by white canvas for muslimah (refer first picture below), my focus for 45 minutes was entirely on my prayers. I immersed myself deeply in prostration (sujud) and supplication.
The second picture below shows the right side of Maqam Rasulullah s.a.w, a sight that deeply fulfilled my spiritual yearnings.
“Assalaamu 'alayka Yaa Rasullulah”
Peace be upon you, Oh Messenger of Allah. Then move about two steps to the left (for muslimah section) and extend our greetings to Abu-Bakar as-Siddiq RA
"Assalaamu 'alayka yaa Abu-Bakr”
Move another step or two to the left and extend greetings to Umar al-Khattab RA
"Assalaamu 'alayka yaa Umar"
Sometimes, when it is crowded, the guard asks people to walk past the graves quickly. I wish I could pause, have a moment of reflection there and thank them for all their sacrifices in bringing Islam to us.
As I exited the Rawdah, it was as if my soul had been cleansed, reborn in the serenity of the moment. I have a profound appreciation for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w for bringing Islam and Al-Quran to humanity also for the caliphs who preserved its true meaning. Each of us has a role in this world, and it's essential to find our true purpose. May Allah makes us the bright future of this ummah and the carrier of Rasulullah s.a.w message.
The weather was pleasant outside at 11:45pm, perfect for taking photos outside Door 40 (Jibreel Gate) and the iconic green dome view. We managed to capture a few photos before it closed between 12 and 2 am.
In Madinah, you won't find high-rise buildings. The tallest structures are hotels, which are no more than 14 stories high. This is due to a regulation by the Madinah Municipal Council, which mandates that buildings must not exceed the height of the minarets of Masjid Nabawi.
My time in Madinah was a blend of awe, spiritual growth, and reflection. The city's serene beauty and profound history left an indelible mark on my heart.
To this day, I often look at videos in my phone and long for the feelings I had while I was there. Prior to my Umrah journey, the thought of settling in Madinah had never crossed my mind. Yet, after my visit, I find myself fervently wishing to be laid to rest in the Baqi' cemetery, a place of great spiritual significance.
Baqi' is one of the most revered cemeteries in Islam, as it is the resting place of many of the Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w companions and early Muslim figures.
Benefits of Burial in Baqi': The spiritual significance of being buried in Baqi' is profound, given its proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque and its status as the resting place of many early Muslim figures.
Eternal Blessings : Being buried in such a sacred place is believed to bring spiritual benefits and a favorable intercession on the Day of Judgment.
Introspect
For those who have yet to perform Umrah or Hajj, studying or re-reading the Seerah can provide valuable insights into the historical context, struggles and development of the early Islamic community. This understanding will deepen your appreciation when you visit Tanah Haram.
For those who have been to Rawdah, did the proximity to Masjid Nabawi deepen your connection to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w?
I’d love to know your thoughts, do share them in the comment section below
Love to read your journey as it is filled with experiences and guidance for those who are in preparation for umrah or hajj or just as a reminder. Nice 👍
This is an excellent read, Bella. Thank you for sharing! I found it spiritually insightful. If you ever visit JB, let’s definitely catch up over coffee. My treat! 😁