Ziyarat

 

A beautiful book about visiting the One who is the

raison d'être of the whole universe.

These are the days of Haj. People who are getting the honor of

performing Haj as well as paying their respects to the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in the same journey. Some

people are straightaway going to Madina and some are going

there after completing of the Haj rites. Those who are lucky

enough to pay their respects to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) get the honor of being cleaned of their sins in

the court of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and

then go on the blessed house of Allah. Those who are first

going to Makkah are getting the chance of being cleaned of all

sins before Allah and then get to pay their respects to the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

Presenting oneself before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) is a great bounty for a believer and the means of

achieving the highest (spiritual) stations. Presenting oneself

before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the

surest possible means of gaining the closeness of Allah. It is the

means of forgiveness of sins and a strong shelter for gaining

mercy and pardon.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has given glad

tidings of intercession for those who visit His sanctuary. Allah

Himself has declared doing so to be a means of forgiveness and

pardon for the sinners and the transgressors, a special center

for acceptance of repentance (Tauba) and descent of divine

mercy. Allah says in Surah Nisa:

And We have not sent any Messenger but that he must be

obeyed by the Command of Allah. And, (O Beloved,) if they,

having wronged their souls, had come to you imploring the

forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger (blessings and peace be

upon him) had also asked forgiveness for them, then (owing to

this mediation and intercession) they would certainly have

found Allah Most Relenting, Ever-Merciful. Surah Nisa (4:64)

In this verse Allah mentions 3 things:

(1) Presenting oneself before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam) on committing a sin.

(2) Repentance.

(3) The intercession of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) for them.

When all these 3 things are done, then Allah grants acceptance

to the repentance for that person and that person becomes

deserving of the illimitable mercy of Allah.

All the experts of Hadith and exegesis agree that this command

was not limited only to the earthly life of the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but that it holds good even after

His passing away into the presence of Allah.

At least 2 incidents are found in this regard, which show that

the command of this verse is to be followed after the demise of

the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as well.

A Bedouin coming 3 days after the demise

An incident in this regard is mentioned on the authority of

Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) in Tafseer Bahr

Al Muheet and in Subul Ul Huda War Rashad:

Translation: Muhaddith Ibn Nomaan (May Allah shower His

mercy on him) has related on the authority of Muhaddith Ibn

Sama’ani in his book “Misbah Uz Zalaam Fil Mustaghitheen Bi

Khair Il Anaam” which he has narrated with his own chain of

authority from Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with

him): Hadhrat Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) said:

Three days after the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

passed into the presence of Allah, a Bedouin came and started

crying. He started putting the dust of that place into his head

and said: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)! You

heard the Word of Allah and safely passed it to us. We heard

this from you and remembered it. Among the verses revealed

to you, the following verse if also present: (O Beloved,) if they,

having wronged their souls, had come to you imploring the

forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger (blessings and peace be

upon him) had also asked forgiveness for them, then (owing to

this mediation and intercession) they would certainly have

found Allah Most Relenting, Ever-Merciful. O Prophet of Allah

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)! I have weighed down my soul with

sins and I have presented myself before you so that you pray for

my pardon. A voice was heard from the blessed grave: Verily,

you have been forgiven.”

(Tafseer Bahr Ul Muheet, Surah Nisa – 64; Subul Ul Huda War

Rashad, Vol. 12, Pg. No. 380)

Visiting the grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) – Clarification by ‘Allama Ibn Katheer

Allama Ibn Katheer has written under the aforementioned

verse:

Translation: Allah says: (O Beloved,) if they, having wronged

their souls, had come to you imploring the forgiveness of Allah

and the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) had also

asked forgiveness for them, then (owing to this mediation and

intercession) they would certainly have found Allah Most

Relenting, Ever-Merciful. Through this verse, Allah is guiding

the sinners and transgressors that when they slip up and

commit a sin, they should present themselves before the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and should ask for

forgiveness there and should request the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) to intercede in their favor. Because,

when they do so, Allah will accept their repentance and will

shower His special mercy on them and will forgive their sins.

For this reason, Allah says: the Messenger (blessings and peace

be upon him) had also asked forgiveness for them, then (owing

to this mediation and intercession) they would certainly have

found Allah Most Relenting, Ever-Merciful. One section of the

scholars and exegetes have opined, among them Shaykh Abu

Nasr Bin Sabagh (May Allah shower His mercy on him), who has

recorded the anecdote of Hadhrat ‘Utba (May Allah shower His

mercy on him), he says: I was present at the blessed grave of

the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). One Bedouin

came, presented his greetings (Salaat) and said: O Prophet of

Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), I have heard Allah say (in the

Holy Quran): Surah Nisa-64. the Bedouin said: Indeed I have

come to you to make you the means for forgiveness of my sins

in the court of Allah. Then he recited the following couplets:

O most distinguished one of the universe

Whose personage the earth has kissed

By your presence, the lands and the mounds have been

rendered pure and fragrant

I would sacrifice my life for the sanctuary in which you are there

Which has purity, benevolence and generosity.

Hadhrat ‘Utba (May Allah shower His mercy on him) says:

When that Bedouin returned, I was overcome by sleep. In a

dream, I saw the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and

He said: O ‘Utba! Meet that Bedouin and give him the glad

tidings that Allah has indeed forgiven him.

(Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Vol. 2, Pg. No. 384, Surah Nisa-64; Mo’jam

Ibn Asaker, Hadith No. 738; Shu‘abul Iman, Hadith No. 4019; Al

Jawahir Ul Ihsaan Li Tafseeril Quran, Surah Nisa -64; Ad Durr Al

Manthur, Surah Baqarah-203; Tafseer Bahr Al Muheet, Surah

Nisa – 64)

Allah has granted such universal acceptance to these couplets

that even today, they are inscribed on the pillars adjacent to the

mesh of the sanctuary of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam)

Visiting the blessed grave is nothing but prosperity

Imam Qustullani, the interpreter of Sahih Bukhari has written in

Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat

Hasan Basri (May Allah shower His mercy on him), he says:

Hadhrat Hatim Asamm (May Allah shower His mercy on him)

went to the sanctuary of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) and prayed: O Allah! We have come to the door of Your

beloved Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), don’t return us

empty handed. He heard a voice: If we didn’t want to accept

you, we wouldn’t have given you the chance to come here at

all. You will return in such a state that We have forgiven you

and with you, all others who visited. (Mawahib Al Ladunniya,

Vol. 12, Pg. No. 200)

Glad tidings of intercession for those who visit the blessed

grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

The canons of jurisprudence and Hadith describe not only the

rules and regulations of Haj and Umrah, they also describe the

manner and etiquette of presenting oneself at the door of the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). They also contain the

glad tidings of special intercession promised for those who do

so. There is a Hadith:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat

Abdullah Bin Umar (May Allah be well pleased with them), he

says: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: My

intercession is imperative for those who visit my grave. (Sunan

Daraqutni, Hadith No. 2727; Kitab Al Hajju Wal Manasik, Hadith

No. 3095; Shu‘abul Iman, Hadith No. 4159’ Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal

Maraseel, Hadith No. 22304, Jam ‘Ul Jawame’, Hadith No. 5035;

Majma ‘Uz Zawaid, Hadith No. 5841; um, Hadith No. 42583; Al

Mawahib Al Ladunniya, Sharh Zurqani, Vol. 12, Pg. No. 179)

Hadith of visiting the grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) is rigorously authenticated – Clarification by

the Hadith-experts

This Hadith has been recorded by many Hadith-experts.

Hadhrat Mulla ‘Ali Qari writes that this Hadith is so rigorously

authenticated that deductions can be made on its basis:

Translation: This Hadith has been mentioned by Imam

Daraqutni and other exerts of Hadith and a section of the

Imams and the experts of Hadith have declared it as Sahih

rigorously authenticated. (Sharh Shifa, Vol. 3, Pg. No. 511)

‘Allama Sindhi (May Allah shower His mercy on him) has

recorded a detailed Hadith in this regard:

Translation: Visiting the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) is the best of all observances and the greatest means of

attaining the proximity of Allah. The proof of this is the Hadith

of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): My

intercession is imperative for those who visit my grave. Imam

Daraqutni and various other experts of Hadith have recorded

this Hadith and Muhaddith Abdul Haq has declared this as

rigorously authenticated. This Hadith is also a proof: Those

who come to visit me with no other intention apart from it,

then in Qiyamah intercession for that person is my

responsibility. A section of Hadith-experts have recorded this

Hadith. Among them is Muhaddith Abu Ali Bin Sakan who has

declared this Hadith as rigorously authenticated in his “Sunan

Sihah.” Both these persons are considered Imam in the science

of Hadith. They have declared these Hadith as rigorously

authenticated. Their saying so carries more weight that the

person who objects to it. (Haashiyatus Sindhi Ala Sunan Abu

Dawood, Hadith No. 3103)

‘Allama Shahbuddin Khafaji has written in Naseem Ur Riyaaz

Sharh Shifa:

Translation: Imam Ibn Khuzaima, Imam Bazzaar, Imam Tabarani

and ‘Allama Dhahbi have declared this Hadith as fairly

authenticated (Hasan). This Hadith has many chains of

narration which support this. Criticism of the narrators of this

Hadith is simply unacceptable as Imam Subki has detailed.

(Naseem Ur Riyaadh Fi Sharh Shifa Al Qazi Iyaz, Vol. 3, Pg. No.

511)

Imam Qustullani (May Allah shower His mercy on him) writes:

Translation: Imam Abdul Haq has recorded this Hadith in his

“Ahkaam Wasti” and in “Ahkaam Sughra” and has not criticized

its chain of authority at all and that he did not do so in both of

his books is proof enough that this Hadith is rigorously

authenticated. (Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya Ma’a Sharh Zurqani,

Vol. 12, Pg. No. 179)

The aforementioned details make it clear that this Hadith has

been declared either rigorously authenticated (Sahih) or fairly

authenticated (Hasan).

Glad tidings of intercession and reward of an accepted Haj on

visiting Madina only to pay one’s respects to the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

Paying one’s respects is the means of eternal blessings. For this

reason, the Hadith encourage and exhort us to do so. Visitors

should go to there only to visit the blessed grave of the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), as the Holy Quran has

given an explicit command:

(O Beloved,) if they, having wronged their souls, had come to

you imploring the forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger

(blessings and peace be upon him) had also asked forgiveness

for them, then (owing to this mediation and intercession) they

would certainly have found Allah Most Relenting, Ever-Merciful.

Surah Nisa (4:64)

It is not the mark of a Muslim to deny an explicit command of

the Holy Quran. Trying to explain it away using unacceptable

deductions is a sign of spiritual deprivation.

Some people say that we should go to Madina with the

intention of going to Masjid Nabawi and not with the intention

of visiting the grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam). This kind of people should think that every Masjid is a

house of Allah. The distinction of Masjid Nabawi is because of

the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). When one can

travel with the intention of visiting this Masjid then why cannot

one travel to visit Him because of whom this Masjid was

granted this distinction? The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) has given glad tidings of special intercession for those

who come to pay their respects to Him.

There is a Hadith:

Translation: For the one who comes to visit me such that there

is no other intention apart from visiting me, then in Qiyamah,

intercession for him (or her) is my responsibility. (Mo’jam

Kabeer Tabarani, Hadith No. 12971; Mo’jam Ausat Tabarani,

Hadith No. 4074; Mustadarak ‘Alas Sahihain, 1747; Majma ‘Uz

Zawaid, Hadith No. 5842; Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel,

Hadith No. 21932; Jame’ Ul Kabeer, Hadith No. 4663; Kanz Ul

Ummal, Hadith No. 34928)

Reward for 2 accepted Haj for those who visit the grave of the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

There is a Hadith:

Translation: Whoever performs Haj, then comes to my Masjid to

visit me, for him (or her) the reward of 2 accepted Haj is written.

(Sunan Dailami, Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Hadith No.

21996; Jame’ Ul Kabeer, Hadith No. 4727; Kanz Ul Ummal,

12370)

Glad tidings of being with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam) in Qiyamah

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has not only

given the glad tidings of intercession for those who visit Him

but also said that those people will remain in His protection in

Qiyamah. As given in this Hadith:

Translation: The person who comes to Madina with the

intention of visiting me, in Qiyamah that person will be my

neighbor and under my protection. (Shu‘abul Iman, Hadith No.

3994; Sunan Sagheer Lil Baihaqui, Hadith No. 1818; Jame’ Ul

Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Hadith No. 22308; Jame’ Ul Kabeer,

Hadith No. 5039; Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No. 12373)

Why is the blessed grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam) in Madina

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was born in

Makkah. On the orders of Allah, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

emigrated to Madina. The Ka’aba is in Makkah. All the articles

of Haj are performed in Makkah, Muzdalifa and ‘Arafaat. If Allah

wanted so, He could have made the blessed grave of the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) anywhere among these

places, but it is not so. Allah has made the blessed grave of the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in Madina, so that

visiting the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) should not

be for the sake of Haj, but that a separate journey should be

made to visit the blessed grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) as Hadhrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz (May Allah

shower His mercy on him) says: It is the design of Allah that the

blessed grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is

not in Makkah so that visiting the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam) is not for the sake of Haj. After Haj, a separate

journey has to be made to Madina. As per the opinion of Imam

Shafa‘ee, like Makkah, Madina is also a divine sanctuary

(Haram), but everyone agrees about respecting it. (Jawame’ Ul

Kalim, Pg. No. 361)

Not visiting the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) – A

sign of deprivation

The Holy Quran and the Hadith order one and all to pay their

respects to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Doing

so has been encouraged and staying away from this has been

declared to be a sign of the hypocrites. It is given in the Holy

Quran:

And when it is said to them: ‘Come so that Allah’s Messenger

(blessings and peace be upon him) may seek forgiveness for

you,’ these (hypocrites) jerk their heads aside (insolently) and

you see them keeping away (from your presence) in arrogance.

Surah Munafiqun (63:05)

Also, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has declared

that the person who does not visit the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) in spite of being able to do so has committed

an excess against Him. As given in this Hadith:

Translation: It has been related from the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that He said: The person who does

not visit me in spite of being able to do so has committed as

excess against me. This Hadith has been narrated by Ibn

Farhoon in his Manasik and by Imam Ghazali (May Allah shower

His mercy on him) in Ihya Ul Uloom. (Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya

Ma’a Sharh Zurqani, Vol. 12, Pg. No. 180)

There is a similar Hadith in Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel,

Jame’ Ul Kabeer and Kanz Ul Ummal:

Translation: The person who performs Haj of the House of Allah

and does not visit me has been discourteous to me. (Jame’ Ul

Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Hadith No. 21997; Jame’ Ul Kabeer,

Hadith No. 4728; Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No. 12368)

How to present one’s greetings in the court of the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

Anyone’s preparation for a meeting depends on the one who

he/she is going to meet. In this world itself, we see many

examples of this. The court of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) is that place where even angels come

respectfully. The greatest saints go there with soft steps, their

heads lowered, trembling and exuding respect in every

possible way. Thus, all those who go there, must be mindful of

respect. Imam Qustullani (May Allah shower His mercy on him)

writes in Mawahib Al Ladunniya in this regard:

Translation: It is better for the person visiting the blessed grave

that he (or she) should stand 4 feet away. The visitor should

stand with absolute respect. He (or she) should obligate

sincerity upon himself. He should present himself with his eyes

lowered the way he would do so in the earthly life of the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and it should be

remembered that He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) knows that

the visitor is present there and hears the Salaam of the visitor as

He did in His earthly life, because there is no difference

between life and death of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) in regard to seeing the Ummah, their conditions,

intentions and aspirations and what goes on in their hearts as

well. All these are obvious to Him and there is nothing hidden.

(Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya Ma’a Sharh Zurqani, Vol. 12, Pg. No.

195)

Where should one turn when presenting one’s greetings

The visitors to the blessed grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) with the conviction that is alive, Himself hears

the greetings of the visitors and answers to it also. There is a

Hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah:

Translation: Indeed Allah has forbidden the earth to devour the

bodies of the Prophets. The Prophets are alive and are given

sustenance as well. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1706)

About the manners of visiting the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam), the Hadith-experts and the jurists have said that

when one goes there to present one’s greetings to the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), then one should face the

blessed grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam),

the back should be turned towards the Qibla (the direction in

which Salaat is offered). This is what Imam Malik (May Allah

shower His mercy on him) had told Caliph Abu Ja’afar Mansur

that when he visits the grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam), he should face the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) Himself. There is a Hadith in Subul Ul Huda

War Rashad:

Translation: When the second Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja’afar

Mansur Abdullah Bin Muhammad Bin Abbas had a discussion

with Imam Malik (May Allah shower His mercy on him), the

Imam said:

O Commander of the faithful! Don’t raise your voice in this

Masjid, because Allah taught etiquette to a better community

(i.e. the Companions) with the words: Don’t raise your voices

over the voice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

Indeed, the way respect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam) was necessary in His earthly life, it should be

followed even after His demise.

The caliph became respectful and asked Imam Malik:

O Abu Ubaidullah! Should I face the Qibla and supplicate or

should I face the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)?

Imam Malik said: How can you turn your face away from the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), when in Qiyamah, He

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the means (Wasila) in the court of

Allah and the means of your father Hadhrat Adam (May peace

be upon him)? You should always turn to the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), as He is the one because of whom

your supplication will be accepted for you. Allah says:

(Subul Ul Huda War Rashad, Vol. 11, Pg. No. 423)

Clarification of ‘Allama Ibn Taimiya

‘Allama Ibn Taimiya has clarified in this regard that when

presenting one’s Salaam, we should face the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the back should be turned

towards the Qiblah. This was the practice of the Companions as

well:

Translation: The Companions would present their Salaam in this

manner only. They would face the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) and turn their back towards the Qiblah. This is

the opinion of the majority of the scholars, like Imam Malik,

Imam Shafa‘ee and Imam Ahmed Bin Hambal (May Allah

shower His mercy on them). (Mukhtasar Mansik Shaykh Ul Islam

Ibn Taimiya)

Present the Salaam in the following words

Transliteration:

Assalaamualaika Ya Rasullah! Assalaamualaika Ya Habeeballah!

Assalaamualaika Ya Kheeratallah! Assalaamualaika Ya

Safwatallah! Assalaamualaika Ya Sayyidal Mursaleen Wa

Khataman Nabiyyeen! Assalaamualaika Ya Qaa‘idal Ghurril

Muhajjaleen! Assalaamualaika Wa ‘Ala Baitikat Tayyibeenat

Tahireen! Assalaamualaika Wa ‘Ala Azwajikat Tahiraati

Ummahaatil Momineen! Assalaamualaika Wa ‘Ala Ashabika

Ajma‘een! Assalaamualaika Wa ‘Ala Sairil Ambiyai Wa Saairil

‘Ibadillahis Saliheen! Jazakallahu Ya Rasulallahi Afdhal Ma

Jaazaa Nabiyyan Wa Rasulan ‘An Ummatihee Wa Sallallahu

‘Alaika Kullama Dhakarakadh Dhakiroon Wa Ghafala ‘An

Dhikrikal Ghafiloon. Ashhadu Allaailaha Illallahu Wa Ashhadu

Annaka ‘Abduhoo Wa Rasuluhoo Wa Ameenuhoo Wa

Kheeratuhoo Min Khalqihee Wa Ashhadu Annaka Qad Ballaghtar

Risaalata Wa Addaytal Amaanata Wa Nasahtal Ummata Wa

Jaahatta Fillahi Haqqa Jihaadihee. (Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya

Ma’a Sharh Zurqani, Vol. 12, Pg. No. 197)

Then make whatever supplication one wants to.

Then move 1 yard to the right side and present one’s greetings

to Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (May Allah be well pleased with

him):

Transliteration: Assalaamualaika Ya Khaleefata Sayyidaul

Mursaleen! Assalaamualaika Ya Man Ayyadallahu Bihid Deen!

Jazakallahu ‘Anil Islami Wal Muslimeena Khaira. Allahummarza

‘Anhu Warza ‘Annaa Bih.

Then again move 1 yard to the right and present one’s

greetings to Hadhrat ‘Umar Farooq (May Allah be well pleased

with him):

Translation: Assalaamualaika Ya Ameer Ul Momineen!

Assalaamualaika Ya Man Ayyada Khairallahu Bihid Deen!

Jazakallahu ‘Anil Islami Wal Muslimeena Khaira. Allahummarza

‘Anhu Warza ‘Anna Bih. (Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya, Vol. 12, Pg.

No. 210)

Requesting those who visit the sacred grave of the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) to present our Salaam

It is the heartfelt wish of every believer to present oneself in the

court of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and

present one’s greetings to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam). However, those who cannot go there, request the

people going there to present their greetings as well. Hadhrat

‘Umar Bin ‘Abdul Aziz (May Allah shower His mercy on him)

would regularly send a person from Syria to present greetings

on his behalf, as Imam Baihaqui and Imam Qustullahi have

recorded:

Translation: This tradition has reached authenticity that Hadhrat

‘Umar Bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz (May Allah shower His mercy on him)

would send his messenger from Syria to present his greetings

to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). (Shu‘abul

Iman, Hadith No. 4007/4008; Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya, Vol. 12,

Pg. No. 184) 19 www.ziaislamic.com

Excellence of offering Salaat in Masjid Nabawi

Masjid Nabawi is that great Masjid which is identified with the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). He (Sallallahu alaihi

wa sallam) stayed there, His house was here and His blessed

grave is also here.

There is a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Offering 1 Salaat

in my Masjid is better than offering 1000 Salaat in any other

Masjid except Masjid Haraam. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 1190)

Offering 1 Salaat in Masjid Nabawi fetches reward of 50000

Salaat. There is a Hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah:

Translation: Offering 1 Salaat in my Masjid has the reward of

offering 50000 Salaat. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1478)

Excellence of offering 40 Salaat in Masjid Nabawi

It is the ultimate aim of a Muslim to pay his/her respects to the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and it is a great

privilege and honor to offer as many Salaat as possible in the

Masjid, which has such a relationship of the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

Offering 40 Salaat in Masjid Nabawi, which all the organizers

stress, is because the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

has given the good news of freedom from the fire of Hell, safety

from hypocrisy (Nifaq) and relief from punishment of Hell, as

given in a Hadith in Musnad Imam Ahmed and Majma Uz

Zawaaid:

Translation: Hadhrat Anas Bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased

with him) narrates from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): Any

person who offers 40 Salaat in My Masjid in such a way that no

Salaat is missed, for that person freedom from Hell and relief

from punishment of Hell is decreed and that person is saved

from hypocrisy. (Musnad Imam Ahmed, Hadith No. 12123, Pg.

No: 55; Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 4, Pg. No: 8)

The author of Majma Uz Zawaaid, Hadhrat Ali Bin Abu Bakr Bin

Sulaiman Haithami (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) writes

after mentioning this Hadith:

Translation: I say that Imam Tirmidhi has recorded a part of this

Hadith. Imam Ahmed has recorded this in his Musnad and

Imam Tabarani in his Mo’jam Ausat and the narrators of this

Hadith are reliable and trustworthy.

This Hadith is also mentioned in Mo’jam Ausat of Imam

Tabarani, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 5602, with a slight change in

wording:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat

Anas (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Whoever offers 40

Salaat in my Masjid in such a way that no Salaat is missed, Allah

decrees for that person freedom from hell and deliverance from

the punishment of hell.

Excellence of Riyaz Ul Jannah

Riyaz Ul Jannah means a garden and row of Jannah. This is the

sacred area which is between the pulpit of Masjid Nabawi and

the house of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

There is a Hadith about this:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat

‘Abdullah Bin Zaid Maazni (May Allah be well pleased with him)

that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The

area between my house and pulpit is a garden among the

gardens of Jannah. Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 1195)

After Masjid Haram, Masjid Nabawi and Masjid Al Aqsa, Masjid

Quba is superior to all other Masjid of the world. In Madinah,

the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) first offered Salaat

in this Masjid. Two Raka’at offered here have the reward of 1

‘Umrah. There is a Hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah:

Translation: Whoever comes to Masjid Quba from their house in

a pure (state of Taharah) and offers 2 Raka’at, will be given the

reward of 1 ‘Umrah.

(Sunan Ibn Majah., Hadith No: 1477; Jame’ Ul Ahadith, Hadith

No: 21785, Jame’ Ul Kabeer Lis Suyuti, Hadith No: 4516, Kanz Ul

Ummal, Hadith No: 34963)

There is another Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi and other books of

Hadith:

Translation of Hadith: Salaat in Masjid Quba is like an ‘Umrah.

This Hadith is present in the following books:

• Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith No: 325

• Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No: 1476.

• Al Mo’jam Kabeer, Hadith No: 569

• Shu‘abul Iman, Hadith No: 4031

• Musnad Abu Ya’ala Musili, Hadith No: 7015

• As Sunan Sughra, Hadith No: 1824

• Jame’ Ul Ahadith, Hadith No: 13639

• Jame’ Ul Kabeer Lis Suyuti, Hadith No: 119

• As Sunan Kubra, Hadith No: 10594

• Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No: 34962

Advice of Hadhrat Abul Barakaat (May Allah shower His

mercy on him) for those who go to Madina

The eldest son of Hadhrat Muhaddith-E-Deccan (May Allah

shower His Mercy on him), Hadhrat Abul Barakaat Syed

Khaleeullah Shah Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri (May Allah

shower His mercy on him) has mentioned some valuable advice

which his illustrious father gave. Observing and following them

will lead to eternal blessings of the two Holy Cities

My father would break into tears when he would instruct the

visitor to Madina about the special manners and etiquette of

Madina. He would say with a lot of emphasis: Listen son!

Madina is like the court of live king.

You should be sure that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) immediately knows whatever you say and/or do. The

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is alive as He was in

His worldly life. 23 www.ziaislamic.com

While explaining this, he would often relate the incident of a

person, who told his friend that everything in Madina is good,

but the curd here is a bit smelly. The same night, he saw the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in his dream who said:

If you don’t like the curd of my city, then why do you stay here?

After relating this incident, Hadhrat would instruct that while

staying there, one should be very careful about one’s words and

actions. Be careful! Don’t hurt anyone there.

Even craziness will pass before Allah

But be careful before Hadhrat Muhammad

Those who go for Haj and to Madina should consider their stay

there a great respite and should be punctual in Salaat and

should also offer Salaat Ul Tahajjud, Ishraq, Chaasht,

Awwabeen, etc. When in Ihraam, they should recite the

Talbeeh profusely and recite Durud as well.

One should visit and offer 2 Raka’at of Salaat in Masjid Quba

and Qiblatain. One should also visit Jannatul Baq‘ee where

more than 10,000 Companions, Taba‘een and Taba Taba‘een

are resting. One should also visit Uhud where the graves of the

Leader of the Martyrs, Hadhrat Ameer Hamza (May Allah be well

pleased with him) and other martyrs of Uhud are present.

Slamming slippers on the ground in Masjid Nabawi

Any work should be done with proper restraint and calmness.

Haste and rashness are not suitable for a refined temperament.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did every work

with calmness and grace. See a sentence from a lengthy Hadith

of Sahih Muslim:

Translation: Ummul Momineen Hadhrat Aisha Siddiqua (May

Allah be well pleased with her) says: The Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) softly took His cloak, calmly wore

His sandals, opened the door softly, stepped outside and softly

closed the door. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Pg No: 313, Hadith No:

974)

Slamming the slippers on the ground and putting them down

in such a way that they make noise is not preferred anywhere.

In Masjid, this act is all the more denounced. While entering the

Masjid and leaving them, the etiquette of the Masjid should be

kept in mind. Nothing should be done which disturbs the

people offering Salaat or those busy in Dhikr or recitation of the

Holy Quran. Thus, while removing slippers or wearing them, we

should do it softly.

These are the rules for any Masjid. The rules for Masjid Nabawi

and the Haram are stricter than that of other Masjid. Thus,

while wearing/removing slippers, one should keep in mind the

sanctity of these places.

Raising one’s voice in Masjid Nabawi is prohibited

Calling out to someone in a loud voice in Masjid Nabawi is

strictly prohibited and against the etiquette of Masjid Nabawi.

This is the place where the blessed grave of the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is present. We should present

ourselves here as models of respect and reverence. This is that

court where raising one’s voice has been prohibited and the

punishment for raising one’s voice is that all the good deeds

and worship will be wiped out and the person will not even be

aware of it. Allah says about the manner of presenting oneself

before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):

O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the

Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud

to one another lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive

not. Surah Hujuraat (49:2)

Even after the passing away of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) into the presence of Allah, the command

remains the same that voices should not be raised there.

There is a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari:

Translation of Hadith: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat

Saib Bin Yazid (May Allah be well pleased with him), he said: I

was standing in Masjid Nabawi, when someone threw a pebble

at me. I turned and saw it was Hadhrat Umar Farooq (May Allah

be well pleased with him). He gestured: Bring these 2 men to

me. I took both of them and went to Hadhrat Umar (May Allah

be well pleased with him). Hadhrat Umar (May Allah be well

pleased with him) asked them: From which tribe are you? Or

he asked: Which place do you come from? Both of them said:

We are the natives of Taif. Hadhrat Umar (May Allah be well

pleased with him) said: If you had lived in this city, I would have

punished you. You dare to raise your voices in the Masjid of the

Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)? (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab

Us Salaat)

Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah

Farooqui (May Allah shower His Mercy on him), the founder of

Jamia Nizamia writes in the explanation of this Hadith:

Translation: This shows that nobody could raise their voices in

Masjid Nabawi and the one who did would be considered liable

for punishment. Even though Hadhrat Saib (May Allah be well

pleased with him) was not far, out of this respect Hadhrat Umar

(May Allah be well pleased with him) did not call out to him, but

threw a pebble at him. All this respect was because of the fact

that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is present

there in His eternal life, because if this was for any Masjid, then

there is no reason for saying “in the Masjid of the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)”.

Another sign is that this punishment was for those who lived in

the city, who were well aware of the respect of the Masjid

Nabawi. If any Masjid was meant there, then the people of Taif

would not be exempted as Masjid were present in Taif as well.

Imam Qazi Iyaz (May Allah shower His mercy on him) writes

about the respect of presenting oneself before the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):

Translation: The way being respectful and honoring the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was compulsory before the

passing away of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), it

is similarly compulsory way after the passing away of the Holy

Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) into the presence of Allah.

It is Wajib on every person who has Iman that whenever he or

she hears the mention of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa

sallam) or himself makes a mention, to express utmost devotion

and be respectful in actions and deeds and to honor Him as per

the instruction of Allah, because he or she is in the presence of

the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Imam Qazi Iyaz

(May Allah shower His mercy on him) says that this has been the

practice of our Pious Predecessors and our great Imams.

In Madina, the visitors should be mindful of the respect of the

Masjid Nabawi and should not do anything which even has a

shadow of disrespect.

We pray to Allah that for the sake of the Holy Prophet

(Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) to let us all have the honor of going

to Madina and present oneself to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu

alaihi wa sallam) with absolute respect. May we die in that

sacred city and be buried in Jannatul Baq‘ee.

***** the end *****