Posts filed under ‘Taif’
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 4th 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
Taif, a beauty in desert
Taif, a beautiful hill station not so far from the Holy city, Makkah has a prolonged history to tell. History of Thaqif tribe who inhabited over there during Dark Age, Visit of our beloved Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) during 10th year of Nubuwah and the regretful event occurred then, Supplication made by Mercy of the universe (رحمة للعالمين) Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) to Allah and his forgiveness to the aggressors, Battle of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) during 8th year of Hijra to cleanse Taif out of Infidels … so on and so forth!
Taif is a cool destination some eighty km east of Makkah. Traveler from Makkah is greeted by a spiraling highway with multiple bends and curves which thrills the journey. A few view points have been set up alongside the road for the travelers to have a glimpse of the natural beauty. Monkeys often seen at such hill top view points also welcome the tourists. Though recent economic development in the country has set a footprint of modernity there, still one would feel the place is serene and tranquility over there is pleasing and the atmosphere enjoyable.
Looking down from one view point, my guide pointed to a small alleyway between hill bends. He explained it as ‘camel path’ which was the path used by travelers riding horse and camel to commute. I counted it would be a difficult journey if one has to ride using non motor aids through such pathways because even riding in an air conditioned four wheel drive I felt exhausted.
A grieve feeling reached me while I thought about journey of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) to propagate Allah’s commands to people of Taif. Contrary to His expectation none was ready to hear His eternal advices. But the crowd assaulted Him and He had to retreat dejected. Yet, He objected Angels descended to punish the crowd and prayed for them. What a superior quality is this! This very unprecedented mercy is among many other unique qualities of our Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم).
Check my previous post on Masjid Addas for a detailed account of this incident.
None can call Him and His followers as aggressors. Such a tag is being burdened over Muslim community by mass media. But if one checks many events of this sort during life of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and His companions, he can ever call like that.
A Masjid is built where Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) rested after the incident called Masjid Koo’e (مسجد كوع). As per some historians there is a mark on the rock at which Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) leaned impacted by His leaning. I couldn’t locate this rock there, might be obscured by construction of the Masjid.
Al Kou' Masjid
Al Kou’ Masjid
This Masjid is thought to be built on the approximate spot the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) stood or when he first came to Al Taif. This Masjid was built by the end of the Ottoman era and has been recently renovated.
Al Kou' Masjid
Al Kou' Masjid
Al Kou' Masjid
Al Kou' Masjid
Al Madhoon Masjid, a distant view
Al Madhoon Masjid, Taif
This is an ancient yet recently renovated Masjid near Masjid Kou’. This Masjid is also known as Al Qantara Masjid and it is famous for its Athan tower which looks like a cylinder and ends with a spherical peak.The Masjid was built of stone and gypsum it is rectangular in shape and has an inclined ceiling. This Masjid probably dates back to the end of the Ottoman Empire.
The Masjid is locked and is not opened for Prayers but the Adhan tower (Minarat) is accessible. Checking the interior of the Adhan tower one would admire its design and architecture considering the era at which it was built. There is a cyclic ladder leading to the top of the tower and there is a door which opens to the roof of the Masjid. Many tall but lean holes in the wall provide sunlight and air inside the tower.
Famous minarat of Al Madhoon Masjid
Al Madhoon Masjid, recent renovation didn't hamper the antique structure much
Stones packed amidst wooden rods, a past method for reinforcement instead of concrete
Cyclic ladder to peak of Adhan tower, artistic as well as architecturally significant
These holes supplies sufficient sunlight and air inside the Adhan tower
Slanted roof for quick drain of rain water
The Fruit Market
Fruit market at the peak of the mountainous highway towards Taif is a refreshing seen with fresh and juicy fruits on display. Locally produced grapes and pomegranate are available in most of the stalls along with many imported items. A special fruit here is ‘Prickly Pear’ which is a desert fruit from cactus plant. Shopkeepers peel this fruit to remove its thorns and pack it in small containers.
Prickly Pear
It was in a night when I reached the fruit market. After having a quick round through the market, I started taking some snaps. But suddenly the light went off and so I missed some good photos. I am bad in photography and this power failure made my effort even worse.
Souq Okaz (عكاظ)
Places where activities took place in ancient times are considered of high importance by historians and archeologists. They use traces of those localities to study how past human societies lived. Middle Eastern countries have many places of archeological significance because the entire human breed has been evolved in this part of the earth.
Quran and other Heavenly Books narrate history of many Prophets, to name some Nuh (عليه السلام), Hud (عليه السلام), Salih (عليه السلام), Ibrahim (عليه السلام), Lut (عليه السلام), Younus (عليه السلام). Tracing back to history one can find people of all those Prophets were inhabited in present day Arabian counties like Saudi, Yemen, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq etc.
Sayyiduna Ibrahim (عليه السلام) moved his wife Hajar (رضي الله عنها) and eldest son Sayyiduna Ismael (عليه السلام) to Makkah which marked a new chapter in history. Jurhum tribe from Yemen met the mother and the son lonely in Makkah and asked their permission to settle in there. Ismael (عليه السلام) married from Jurhum tribe and he learned Arabic language from them. All his offspring and tribes to follow settled in and around Makkah, a place mentioned in History as Hijaz. Quraish, the tribe of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) is the prominent among tribes originated from Sayyiduna Ismael (عليه السلام).
Arabs especially Quraish tribe was excellent in Arabic literature and poetry. They used to assemble in market areas to read poems and admire its harmony and beauty. For an instance Quran’s unparalleled supremacy in literal content is attributed as a challenge to literature savvy Arab people.
Souq Okaz is such a historic place where poets will gather in evenings and compete with their wordings. It was an old market place popular in dark ages (قرون الجاهلية) where people used to trade goods. Sayyiduna Muhammad Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) occasionally visited there to preach Islam in public with in His attractive style and voice.
Souq Okaz is situated some 45 KM away from Taif towards Riyad (old Najd). It is marked as a tourist attraction place with some ancient looking structures build over there. The area is around 2KM x 1KM is well compounded and maintained by the authorities. On the way we found a few people at the backdrop of their 4 wheel drives having some chats little far from main road. Other than this the place was deserted without a single soul is seen in nearby vicinity.
Masjid Addas in Taif
To help somebody while they are in an adverse condition is of high privilege in all human theology let alone Islam. What if that somebody being helped is the best chosen individual by the creator of this universe?
It is absolutely great, right. Yes, today our talk is about a great man who lend a helping hand to Allah’s Messenger Muhammad Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) while He was in a bad condition of being mistreated by people of Taif.
It a long story when Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) went to Taif to call people there to Allah’s religion Islam. It was in Shawal 10th year after Nubuwwah (became the Prophet) when Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) traveled himself to preach the great religion to a place outside of Makkah for the first time.
He took Zaid bin Harith(رضي الله عنه), he adopted son for a company and walked through lengthy mountainous pathways to Taif. He had some blood relation through His Mother with people in Taif, the ‘Thaqeef’ tribe. After receiving harsh treatment and negation from Makka infidels, He took a chance that His relatives in Taif might allow Him to propagate Islam there.
But the reception and treatment of people in Taif was just the reverse and unbearable. Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) had to return sadly after being offended even physically and hit by stone on His sacred leg. He took shelter in a grape field owned by Utbah and Shaibah bin Rabeea’h (both were infidels from Makkah who were killed at Badar battle). They were watching the event but felt sympathy and engaged their farmer Addas to offer a bunch of grapes to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم).
Addas, a Christian from Nineva (a place now in Iraq to where Prophet Younus (عليه السلام) was sent by Allah) watched Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) reciting name of Allah (بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم) before eating a grape. To his astonishment he found that is something he didn’t hear from people over there. So he quizzed Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and understood that the man in front of him is the Messenger of Allah.
Without a second thought he embraced Islam and became the first believer from Taif (رضي الله عنه). See, this is Allah’s rule! He will guide those He wishes to right path! Owners of the grape field knew Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) from childhood, but they couldn’t believe in Him. Relatives of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) in Thaqeef tribe knew Him for a long time, but they couldn’t believe Him at this time. But a man came from a faraway land has believed to Allah and His Messenger. Subhana Allah… May Allah guide all those who read this post to right belief.
Masjid Addas is constructed at the place this event happened. It is a cool and nice place with good vegetation around. Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) had prayed for benefit of people in Taif though they refuted Him. This shows utmost mercy, simplicity and forgiving nature of Allah’s beloved (صلى الله عليه و سلم) about whom Allah has mentioned “Truly, You are with high esteem of characters”.
We have a small ray of hope here as we believe and love Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and try with humble efforts to propagate the religion He taught. So with His superior characters He had forgiven to those who offended, we expect He won’t forget us in the vast assembly (محشر) in the Day of Judgment. He will offer us a drink from ‘Kouthar Lake’ (حوض الكوثر) and save us with His recommendations (شفاعة) when we might be in trouble there.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه)
There are many companions of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) who came in glow of fame for many reasons. One would feel their greatness upon knowing their tremendous love towards Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and the superior religion He had propagated. They have made incredible contributions to Islam with their admirable lifestyles, relentlessness in acquiring and teaching Islamic knowledge and keenness in preaching and spreading Islam to anybody they meet.
Our discussion is about one of closest companions of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and one among many children who were with and around Him. It is Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه), son of Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib (رضي الله عنه) uncle of Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم). His mother is Lubabah al Kubrah bint Harith (رضي الله عنها) also known as Umm Jameel. She was close friend of Khadeejah al Kubrah (رضي الله عنها) and among initial believers of Islam.
He was only 13 years old when Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) departed this world. But even this brief companionship with Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) in his childhood lead him to be called ‘Raeesul Mufassireen’ (رئيس المفسرين) – leader of interpreters of Qura’n. He is also called as ‘Al Bahr’ (البحر) – the Sea because of abundance of his knowledge. Hibrul Umma (حبر الامة) – Ink of the Nation is another title attributed to him because of literature he submitted for the Ummah.
He attained this enviable position because of the guidance he got from Rasoolullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and dua’ He made for him after drawing him close and patting his shoulders “O Allah, bless him with the full knowledge of the religion and interpretation of the Holy Qura’n”. Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) repeated this dua in various occasions.
There is no question on his command on Qura’n interpretation. But vastness of his knowledge won’t stop there. He was a great authority in Islamic jurisprudence (فقه), History and Arabic language literature. He relocated to Taif (طائف) in latter part of his life and met his last breath there. His Qabr in Taif is among few ones preserved by recent rulers of Arabian Peninsula. A big Masjid is constructed beside his Qabr.
A Library is established near his Qabr by Turki governor of Hijaz (Old name of area enclosing Makkah and Madinah) Muhammad Rasheedi Pasha Al Sharwani in 13th century hijri. Scholars and travelers during 7th and 10th century hijri used to endow (وقف) many books and manuscripts in Masjid ibn Abbas. In 1217H number of books there reached almost 10,000, a big number considering that age!
Taif, some 80KM away from Makkah in direction of Najd (Riyadh) has much historical significance. It is a hill station over gorgeous desert of Hijaz with pleasant weather and good plantation. I might write on Taif in another post (ان شاء الله).
Masjid ibn Abbas
Masjid ibn Abbas
Masjid ibn Abbas
Masjid ibn Abbas
Masjid ibn Abbas
Masjid ibn Abbas
Masjid ibn Abbas
Library
Library
Qabr of Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) is within a fenced area near Masjid ibn Abbas. A tree is visible near his Qabr.
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