ZIYAARAT OF
OUR NABI

HAZRAT MUHAMMAD
MUSTAFA

Part 15

(sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
VISIT TO MADINA MUNAWWARA

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)

said: "My Shafa'at (intercession on the Day of Qiyaamah) is Waajib (on me) for the one who visits my grave."

  • ZIYAARAT or presenting one's self in the Sacred Court of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) at Madinah Munawwarah is indeed among the greatest blessings and fortunes. Whoever is blessed with the opportunity of making Ziyaarat of Nabi-e-Kareem (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) should have an understanding of the tremendous significance and the wonderful fortune of this Sacred Visit A windfall of the greatest. Sawaab has come his way. He must, therefore, acquire the maximum benefit Tom this golden opportunity which Allah Ta'ala has bestowed on him
  • Many people, due to lack of knowledge, lack of proper understanding, of the importance of the Ziyaarat or through negligence ruin this great chance of gaining the great and wonderful spiritual benefits and Sawaab attendant to the Ziyaarat.
  • After studying these few pages on "Ziyaarat", one will realise the importance and procedure of the Ziyaarat, thereby acquiring maximum benefit from this Sacred Visit. May Allah Ta'ala fill our hearts with the true love of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam), a love which will manifest itself in our practical life in the assertion and dominance of the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam)
  • Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) has mentioned "My Shafa'at (intercession) is Waajib (obligatory) for the one who visits my grave"
  • "Verily, he who made Haj and refrained from visiting me (i e my Qahr) has rendered me an injustice"
  • Ziyaarat of Rasulullah's (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) holy qahr ( grave ) is the highest of Mustahab acts Therefore those who proceed for Haj should consider it incumbent upon themselves to make the Ziyaarat In order to understand the importance and significance of the journey to Madinah Munawwarah, it is necessary to cite wasallam) As long as the significance, sanctity and importance of Madinah Munawwarah are not in position to correctly discharge the rights of the Sacred Visit to the Holy City.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said:

  1. The La'nat (curse) of Allah, of the Malaa'ikah and of all creation descends on a person who introduces a Bid'ah (innovation) in Madinah or gives refuge to a Bid'ati (innovator) In Madinah. Neither the Farz or Nafl (acts of Ibaadat) of such a person is accepted.
  2. ".......1 will be the intercessor for the mu'min who patiently bears the hardships and hunger (which he may encounter) in Madinah."
  3. "I was commanded to make Hijrat (migrate) to a city which overwhelms all cities. Madinah Munawwarah drives away evil people like a furnace purifies steel."
  4. "He who deceives the people of Madinah will recede into insignificance like salt is dissolved by water."
  5. "Among the lands of Islam, the very last city to he destroyed will he Madinah."
  • Numerous Ahaadith regarding the sanctity significance and excellence of Madinah Tayyibah have been narrated. It has been mentioned in the Ahaadith that in the sands of Madinah Tayyibah is a cure for every disease.
  • Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehlwi (Rahmatullah alayh) mentions:
    "When I was in Madinah Tayyibah my feet were swollen. I used the blessed sand as treatment for my ailment. Within a few days I was cured."
  • In view Off the sanctity and significance of Madinah Tayyibah it is essential to respect and honour the people of Madinah Tayyibah Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) has mentioned regarding the inhabitants Of Madinah Tayyibah :
    ''My Ummah should protect the honour and dignity of my neighbours. My Ummah must not be deficient in fulfilling their rights. Overlook their faults as long as they abstain from major sins. He who PROTECTS THEIR HONOUR, I SHALL BE HIS WITNESS ON THE DAY OF QIYAAMAH."
  • Those who disrespect the people of' Madinah Munawwarah or quarrel with them should take heed to the following warning of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam):
  • "He who dishonours the people of Madinah will be given to drink from Teenatul Khabal."
  • "Teenatul Khabal" is a pond in Jahannam where the blood, evil fluids and impurities of the inmates of Fire will accumulate.
  • "He who frightens the people of Madinah Tayyibah is like a person who frightens me. Neither his Farz nor his Nafi is accepted. "

From the few statements of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) which have been cited above, one will be able to understand the holiness and greatness of Madinah Munawwarah and its inhabitants. One therefore has to regard the opportunity to visit the Sacred Raudah (Grave) of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) as a great fortune. One must therefore spend every moment in Madinah Tayyibah constructively so as to obtain maximum benefit and Sawaab.

To gain the wonderful rewards of the Ziyaarat it is important that one consciously guards the heart, tongue and limbs. Abstain totally from all evil, unnecessary acts and discussions. One should speak only when necessary.

ZIYAARAT OF THE SACRED QABR

Although it is permissible to render of the Ziyaarat before or after the Haj, the following course is the best:

  1. If the Haj is Farz, it is best to make the Ziyaarat after completing the Haj.
  2. If it is a Nafl Haj Ziyaarat made before or after the Haj will be of the same merit.
  3. Those who approach Makkah Mukarramah from the direction of Madinah Munawwarah, i.e. they will first pass Madinah Tayyibah, should render the Ziyaarat before Haj.

The visitor must constantly remind himself that he is not on a holiday tour. This is no ordinary visit. He is on a holy journey and is, therefore, bound to observe all rules, respects and etiquettes of the sacred visit. He must at no time indulge in any act or discussion which despoils or detracts from the sacredness and Sawaab of the holy visit.

THE NIYYAT

When about to set out for the journey to Madinah Tayyibah make the Niyyat, (i.e. from and intention of Ziyaarat of Raudha-e-Aqdas (the Holiest Grave) as well as of Musjide Nabawi. This form of Niyyat is best.

EN ROUTE TO MADINAH TAYYIBAH

Along the journey to Madinah Munawwarah recite Durood Shareef in abundance. In fact, spend all available time, other than the time engaged in Farz acts, reciting Durood Shareef. In this way endeavour to imbue eagerness and enthusiasm within the heart for the Ziyaarat.

On the way to Madinah Munawwarah visit all the holy places one may pass. Perform Salaah in the Musjid which are specifically related to Rasulullha (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) and the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum). Drink of the waters of the holy wells along the road to Madinah Tayyibah.

As one nears Madinah Tayyibah, the recitation of Durood Shareef should he increased. Endeavour to imbue in the heart love and fervour for the Ziyaarat. If one is unable to induce such feelings physically in the heart, then at least attempt to create such a mental state. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) must be foremost in the mind.

When the gaze first falls on the trees and buildings of Madinah Tayyibah, recited Durood Shareef much and make Du'aa. It is best to dismount from the vehicle and walk on foot, If this is possible. It is best to proceed bare footed and shedding tears.

Upon reaching the boundary of Madinah Munawwarah, recite Durood Shareef

and the following Du'a

If possible, take ghusl before entering the City. If this is not possible, take ghusl after having entered the City. If for some reason. This text is not possible, perform Wudhu. Ghusl if Afzal (best). Put one clean garments and if possible, new garments.

This Du'a should be recited as one enters the City Gates:


INSIDE MADINAH NAYYIBAH

When the gaze falls on the Sacred Green Dome, contemplate its sanity and nobility. This is the holiest place. After having entered the City, endeavour to enter Masjid Nabawi first.

It is best for women to make Ziyaarat during the night.

Enter the Musjid with the right foot and with utmost humility and reverence. This Du'aa should be recited when entering.

One may enter the Majide Nabawi for any entrance one desires. However, it is of greater merit to enter through the entrance known as Baabu Jibra'eel.

Inside the Musjid perform two rak'aat Tahyatul Musjid in the area known as Raudhah. This is the area between the Mimbar and the Holy Grave of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). In the first Rak'ah recite Surah Faatihah and Surah Qul Yaa Ayyuhal Kaafiroon. In the second rak'ah after Surah Faatihah recite Surah Qul Huwallahu Ahad. Speaking on the significance of the area known as the Raudhah Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhe wasallam) said:

"Between my home and my Mimber is a garden of the Garderns of Jannah."

Although it is Afzal (best and of greater merit) to perform the two rak'aat Tahyatul Musjid in the Mihraab of Nabi (Sallallahu alayhe wasallam). one may perform it anywhere in the Raudhah. wherever one finds place. After this Salaah. engage in Hamd, Sana and Shukr. Thereafler make Du'aa for the acceptance of the Ziyaarat. Then again perform in gratitude to Allah Ta'ala for having blessed one with the great favour of Ziyaarat.

If at the time of entry into the Musjid, Jamaa'ah of Farz Salaah has begun or there is fear of one's Salaah has begun or there is fear of one's Salaah becoming Qazaa. Then perform the Farz Salaah first. In this case do not engage in Tahyatul Musjid. One's Tahyatul Musjid will be incorporated into the Farz Salaah. By joining in the Farz Salaah, Tahyatul Musjid will be rendered as well.

THE WAY OF RECITING SALAAM AT THE HOLY RAUDHAH (GRAVE) OF THE SEAL OF AMBIYAA (PROPHETS), HAZRAT MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA (SALLALLAHU ALAIHE WASALLAM).

After Tahyatul Musjid proceed to the Sacred Qabr of Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) with much reverence, humility, eagerness and respect. Banish all affairs and thoughts of the world from the heart and mind, and brace yourself for your presence in the Court of the Leader of Mankind, our beloved Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam).

  • Stand about a metre from the pillar which is located at the corner of the wall at the head-side of the Holy Qabr.
  • Stand with the back towards the Qiblah and move slightly to the left so that directly face the Holiest of Faces.
  • Do not cast your gaze all over.
  • Do not raise your voice.
  • Adopt and attitude of utmost respect and awe.
  • It is not respectful to cast the gaze all over.
  • Do not do anything disrespectful.
  • Do not stand very close to the Holy Qabr.
  • Do not touch the wire-mesh enclosure.
  • Do not kiss or make Sajdah.
  • While standing there, picture in mind that Rasulullah is reclining, facing the Qiblah inside the Holy Qabr anti that he is listening to the Salaams which are being recited.
  • Recite the Salaam in a moderate tone, neither tax, softly nor too loudly.
    Recite the Salaam in the following way:

After the Salaam one should make Du'a, invoking the Waseelah (agency) of Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihe wasallam), i.e. one should make Du'a to Allah Ta'ala asking Him (Allah Ta'ala) to accept the Du'a through the Waseelah of Nabie-e-Kareem (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam). Make a respect for the Shafa'at (intercession) of Kasulullah Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) in the following manner:

(O Rasulullah! I ask you for Shafaa'at (intercession) and I supplicate Allah Ta'ala through your Waseelah that I die as a Muslim, steadfast on your Millat and your Sunnah.)

It is not compulsory to recite the above Salaam formula. One may recite any other form of Salaam one desires. It one cannot remember any long form of Salaam, one may recite whatever one remembers of it. The minimum requirement for for Salaam is to say:


Salaam upon you, O Rasulullah!

If one has been requested to convey someone's Salaams to Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam), he should convey the Salaams of the person (who requested him to do so), in the following way :


(Salaam upon you, O Rasulullah! from .......)
(Mention the name of the person).
He seeks your intercession by your Rabb.

While conveying the Salaams of that person recite his name after the word (min), which appears in the Arabic Salaam, above.

If several people have requested that their Salaams be conveyed to Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe Wasallam), one should do so in the following manner:

Salaam upon you, O Rasulullah, from all those who had requested me to convey Salaams to you.

On the right side of the Holy Qabar of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) is the

QABR of Hazrat ABU BAKR Siddique (Radiyallahu anh)

Move slightly to the right and while standing in line with the holy face of Hazrat Abu Bakr Radiyallahu anh), recite Salaam on him in the following manner:

On the right of Hazrat Abu Bakr's (Radiyallahu anh) grave is the

QABR of Hazrat UMAR (Radiyallahu anh)

Stand facing Hazrat Umar (Rdiyallahu anh) and recite Salaam as follows:


One is at liberty to recite lengthier or shorter formulae of Salaams. According to some Ulama, after completing the Salaam on Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu anh),one should move to a position between the two graves of these two Khulafaa of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) and renew the Salaam as follows:

Thereafter, face the Holy Qabr of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) and once again renew the recitation of Salaam on Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam). Then recite Hamd and Sana (praises of the Almighty Allah); then Durood Shareef and make Du'aa to Allah Ta'ala, invoking the Waseelab of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam). Again request for Rasulullah's (Sallallahu alaihe wasallm) Shafaa'at. When making Du'aa, raise both the hands. One's Du'aa should be for one's self, parents, Mashaa'ikh (spiritual leaders), family, relatives, friends and for all the Muslims in general. After the Salaam, it is best to say as follows

After having made the Ziyaarat, go to the pillar known as the Pillar of Abi Lubaabah Perform two rak'aat Nafl Salaah there and make Du'a. Then come into the area known as Raudah and perform Nafl Salaah in any quantity one desires. However, do not perform any Sallah if it is a Makrooh time. Recite Durood Shareef here in abundance and make Du'a.

Thereafter proceed to the Mimbar: place the hands on it; recite Durood Shareef and make Du'a. Then go to the pillar known as the Pillar of Hanaanah. Make Du'a and recite Istighfaar (repent). Do the same at other pillars. One may now return to his place of residence.

One should consider the time available in Madinah Munawwarah as a golden opportunity. One should therefore spend most of his time in Musjide Nabawi. When in the Musjid, make Niyyah (intention) for I'tikaaf. Nafl I'tikaaf is for any duration. Nafl I'tikaaf for even a minute is valid. Therefore, whenever one is inside the Musjid, Niyyat for Nafl I'tikaaf should be made. Endeavour to complete the Qur'an Shareef (make Khatm) in the Musjid.

One should give Sadaqah according to one's means. Honour and respect the poor, the Caretakers of the Holy Places and all the inhabitants of Madinah Tayyibah. Treat them with respect. Deal with them with love and kindness. Honouring them is honouring and pleasing Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam), Even if they are perhaps unjust or unkind, bear it with patience. Do not quarrel and dispute. When buying and selling with them, make the Niyyah of aiding them. Such a Niyyah merits Sawaab.

Endeavour to be present at Musjide Naba nwi five times daily. One should ensure that one's back is not towards the Holy Grave, whether performing Salaah or not. Whenever passing by the Holy Qabr, recite Salaams, even if it be a short Salaam and even if one happens to be outside the Musjid.

OTHER PLACES OF ZIYAARAT

It is Mustahab (preferable) to also visit the Qabrastaan (cemetery) known as Jannatul Baqi' where the graves of the Sahaahah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu anhum) and of members of Rasulullah's (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) Family are. Make a point of visiting the Qabr of Sayyidush Shuhadaa (The Leader of the Martyrs), Hazrat Humzah (Radiyallahu anh).

Visit Musjide Quha as well as other Musjids. Visit the holy wells and drink of their water.

THE DEPARTURE

After one has completed the Ziyaarat and intends to depart, one should do so from Musjide Nabawi S.A.W. after performing Salaah and making Du'aa. If possible, perform the departing Salaah of 2 Rak'aat Nafl on or near the Musalla of Rasulullah S.A.W. If this is not possible, perform it wherever place is available in the Musjid. After this, proceed to the Sacred Raudah (Grave) of Rasululah S.A.W. Recite Salaam on Rasulullah S.A.W. and thereafter make Du'aa in all earnestness. One's Du'aa should cover all Deeni as well as worldly needs and desires. One should make Du'aa for one's self, family, relatives and all Muslims. Make Du'aa for the acceptance of one's Ibaadat and for steadfastness on Deen. Make Du'aa for a death on Imaan and for a safe return home.

Among the signs of the acceptance of one's efforts and Ibaadat is the ready flow of tears. If one is unable to shed tears, recite such Du'aas which induce tenderness in the heart and also make an attempt to shed some tears. With a heart stricken with grief and sorrow at the impending separation, take leave. Do not move backwards when leaving because such action is exclusive for the Ka'bah. Depart in sadness, giving Sadaqah (charity) to the poor of Madinah Tayyibah liberally. While reciting the Pupas of Safar (journey), walk away. One should take along some dates and water calf the seven wells as Tabarrukaat

TRADITIONS ABOUT MASJID NABAWI (S.A.W.)

One who can afford it should also Visit MADINAH MUNAWWARAH before or after Haj Gain blessings by visiting the sacred Tomb of Rasulullah (S.A.W.) and his Musjid (Musjide Nanawi). Nabi (S.AW.) has mentoned that one who visits my grave alter my demise will gain the same blessing as if he had seen me during my lifetime. Rasulullah (S A W.) further mentioned that one who merely performed Haj and did not visit my grave, has done great injustice to me.

Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) is reported to have mentioned :

  1. "One who offers one Salaah in this Musjid (Musjide Nabaw), shall receive the reward equivalent to fifty thousand Salaah."
  2. "Whoever performs forty Salaah in my Musjid, not missing one Salaah (in the Musjid), for him is freedom from the fires of Jahannam; and freedom from punishment and he shall be free from hypocrisy."
  3. "One for whom it is possible to die in Madinah (live there till the end of his life), should die there, for I shall interced on behalf of all those who die there."
  4. "One should undertake a journey only to three Musjids (with the intention of Ziyaarat):
    1. Masjide Haraam (Mukkah Mukarramah),
    2. Musjide Aqsa (Jerusalem) and
    3. to this Musjid of mine (Musjide Nabawi)".
Index Forward