Well of Tafla (بئر التفلة)

Well of Tafla (بئر التفلة) is in Asfan on the way between the capitals of the Islamic world Makkah and Madina. This well though kept in an ignored state now was reportedly did not dry till date after Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had spit into it.

As per historians, Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) passed by Asfan while returning from Makkah after the “Bond of Hudaibiyya” with Quryash tribe in 6^th year of hijra. When He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) along with 1400 companions reached there the well was dry. He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) spit into it and the water streamed.

Asfan was over many centuries in the route commuted by pilgrims to the house of Allah. Even before the era of Islam Prophet Hud (عليه السلام) and Prophet Salih (عليه السلام) had passed through this area. It was though this way the Quraysh caravans of traders used to travel to Sham (present day Syria). It lies at a distance of 55 km north of Makkah, and 345 km south of the city of Madina.

Well of Thafla is among many other unprotected and unpreserved sites in Hijaz. There is neither a sign board nor a pawed road to guide one to this site. Reporter of Arabic International news daily ‘Al Sharq al awsat’ (الشرق الأوسط) ‘Sultan Obathany’ explains on the route to reach the well in his report published in the news paper. «بئر التفلة» البعيد عن عيون هيئة السياحة, محليات سعودية

 

According to historian Abed Albuladi water in this well was very sweet until recent attempt to fix a motor to pump the water. He also mentioned that several years ago a motor fixed in the well didn’t work. But the same motor when tried in another well worked! Anyway it has been fixed now.

According to some natives of Asfan pilgrims especially from India, Turkey and Indonesia used to reach there to collect water from the well which they believe is a cure for chronic disease.

Birth Site of Rasulullah(صلى الله عليه وسلم)

Rasulullah(صلى الله عليه وسلم)’s Birthplace

The house where the noblest of both worlds, best of the creations and leader of whole mankind Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was born is in the vicinity of Baithullahi al Haram. The site is located opposite of Marwah hill and close to the valley of Abu Taalib. It was in this area of the valley Rasulullah‘s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) family the Banu Hashim lived.

It was on a dawn of a Monday on 12^th of Rabiul Awwal Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) born. His mother Amina (رضي الله عنها) had witnessed many extraordinary happenings while she was carrying the Baby, before and after the delivery. To certify the rank of the newborn Allah had unleashed many amazing incidents in many parts of the world at that time.

Muslims all over the world who love their beloved Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) commemorate this occasion on 12^th of Rabiul Awwal every year. They read life history of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and recite Qaseedah (poem) relating to incidents happened during the birth. They offer food and other provisions for needy, poor and orphans.

The Abbasi Caliph (خليفة) Haroon Ar Rasheed had built a Masjid there respecting sanctity of the site. The Masjid was there until it was demolished by Abbas Qatan in 1370 H (before 65 years) to construct a library. A big board reading مكتبة مكة مكرمة (Makkah al Mukarrama Library) is still there. I haven’t seen the library open even I passed by it many times. At least we can rejoice on the fact that the site is preserved somehow unlike many other significant sites. الحمد لله

Rasulullah(صلى الله عليه وسلم)’s Birthplace

House of Halimah (رضي الله عنها) where Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) spent his childhood

House of Halimah (رضي الله عنها) where Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) spent his childhood

Allah has granted special privilege to things and places related to Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Hujrathu Shareefah (حجرة الشريفة), the small area where Rasoolullah’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Qabar Shareef is located is described as the best place in earth. Area between Hujrathu Shareefah and Pulpit(منبر) of Rasoolullah’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is described as a garden among garden of the Paradise.

It is written in history with golden scripts about childhood of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) with Halimah (رضي الله عنها). It was a practice in that era that toddlers in city were nursed by villagers who folk the cities for that purpose. Birth parents of babies had found it a useful practice as their babies will gain better physical and mental strength once lived in villages. On the other hand villagers saw it as an opportunity to get some wealth.

Halimah (رضي الله عنها) accompanied by her husband Harith came to Makkah riding on an old and weak animal along with many other women from Saadiyya tribe seeking babies. Because of the weakness of their vehicle they were lagging at rear of the convoy. The frontrunners of the convoy entered the city fast and got babies from wealthy families.

Halimah (رضي الله عنها) when reached Makkah she couldn’t find a baby from rich families and was sad. She was told about the orphan infant in the house of Abdul Muttalib and went to see the baby. At once she was attracted and after consulting with her husband took the baby.

Subhana Allah… she couldn’t believe it. Suddenly her animal started to run fast as if it got fresh energy from somewhere! It raced ahead of all other vehicles and other women were amazed to see it! Her breast seem to be full with milk which was dry till then and her son Dhamrah (ضمرة) was crying without getting milk!

Such was blessing (بركة) of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) even at this infant age. Verily Allah has given this blessing to his beloved Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Anything and everything related to Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is full with blessings from Allah.

There were many wonders happened during Rasoolullah’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stay with Halimah (رضي الله عنها) and for sure she loved Him more than her own children. The garden surrounding their house became green and blossom. Sheep and cattle became fat and healthy. Their livelihood became easier than ever.

During His (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stay there on 4^th year of age the famous heart splitting incident occurred. It was while He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and Dhamrah where grazing their herd when three angels descended and held Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم). They operated his chest and took out the heart. They removed a blood-clot from it and cleansed it with Zam Zam before keeping it back!

Here are a few pictures of the house of Halimah (رضي الله عنها) taken by one of my friend visited the site recently. It is a few kilometers away from Taif. The serenity and village nature of the area is still intact today as the route to this site remains rough and the area is scarcely populated still. Unfortunately this place is obscured like many other historically significant places in Hijaz and there is no easy access for the public.

My friend continues “Alhamdu Lillah! Allah blessed us with the opportunity to enter the house and recite a few Swalats and Adkar. There used to be a Masjid very close to this area which has been destroyed but the place of the Masjid is specially marked. Another Masjid is built in a different area for daily prayers.”

House of Halimah (رضي الله عنها) where Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) spent his childhood

إذا المرء لا يرعاك إلا تكلفا

دع الايام تفعل ما تشاء — رائعة الإمام الشافعي

Mawlid in Luton (Mawlid with Habib Umar bin Hafiz)

Mawlid in Hijaz

Burdah recitation gathering in Dubai

Hailing from a family having deep routes of Islamic traditions I was aware of importance of admiring Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) from my childhood itself. My family used to conduct special functions to admire Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) during the month of Rabiul Awwal and invite local scholars, relatives and neighbors. They read historic events related to Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and sing poems praising Him (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

When grown up I had to face many who didn’t give much care on such functions and often tarnish it with harsh comments. Some used to say “these types of functions are inventions of local scholars in order to gain material benefits like money”.  But when I grown up and learned more and more I understood these people are just showing their frustration and there is no truth in their comments.

By Allah’s mercy I was able to travel many places abroad and was able to attend functions admiring Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Those functions by its setup and lively atmosphere were far better than what used to have in my native.

Subhanallah… Now I clearly understood that, people who love, praise and admire Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) are everywhere. It is not invention of scholars of my native. But it is a tradition dating back the era Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم). He (صلى الله عليه و سلم) had gifted his cloak to Kaa’b bin Zuhair (رضي الله عنه) when he recited qaseedah ‘Banat Sua’ad’ which praises Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Recently I was lucky to attend such a gathering in a house in Dubai. Lead by a respected Yemeni scholar and member of ‘Ahlu Bait’ (family of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم)) it is attended by people from many nations including Arab families. This weekly function is a remarkable experience. They used to recite qaseedah ‘Burdah’ with very attractive tones and tunes as if those who attend get dissolved in it.

Qaseedah Muhammdiyyah is recited afterwards. Both these poems were written by famous scholar and Saint Imam ‘Sharafuddin Mohammed al Busiri’ (رضي الله عنه) whose shrine is famous in Alexandria, Egypt. I was lucky to visit there as well. الحمد لله

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After the poem recitation the Sheikh will convey a spiritual sermon which touches the hearts and often one could see people weeping. Most of the time the talk is about loving Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and gaining eternal glory. At the end he offers a sincere dua’ (supplication) asking Allah betterment of brothers and sisters assembled there in particular and members of the Ummah in general.

This is by any means better than the gathering used to be in my native during Rabiul Awwal. Now I feel pity for those who conveniently lied about ‘invention of local scholars’ to distract me and many youngsters from gatherings to praise Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

I have an advice to all those who misunderstood, please attend a similar gathering at least once and understand what is happening there. It is just a simple advice for your better tomorrow!