A traveller's reflection: Umrah Day 08: Masjid Nabawi Tour

“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul...” - Walt Whitman

(Visiting Makam Rasulullah)

Day 08: 26/08/24 (Monday)
Route: Masjid Nabawi Tour
Hotel: Madinah Emaar Elite Hotel

This morning, by 7.00 am everyone gathered at the lobby for a group walking tour to visit interesting places around Masjid Nabawi. First visit was at Saqeefah Bani Sa’edah Garden situated 200 m west of Masjid Nabawi. The Saqeefah garden belonged to the Bani Sa’edah and it was where the Muslims consulted regarding who should be appointed the Caliphate after the demise of Prophet Muhamad.

(Masjid Nabawi's umbrellas protecting worshipers from the sun)

(The interior of Masjid Nabawi, pillars and arches)

(Beautiful interior architecture of Masjid Nabawi)

Next was to Al-Ghamamah Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Madinah, located in the place believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad performed an Eid prayer in the year 631. It is also narrated that Prophet Muhammad offered Salat ul-Istasqa when the city of Madinah faced a shortage of rain. The mosque is one of the historical relics of Madinah.

(A large crowd of visitors at Masjid Al-Ghamamah)

(Masjid Abu Bakar As-Siddiq, one of the oldest mosque)

Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque is one of three historic old mosques whose standing place is closely related to the early history of the development of Islam in Madinah. The location of the Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque is on the southwest side of the Masjid Nabawi. The courtyard of the Masjid Nabawi after the expansion is only a few meters from this mosque.

(The green dome above makam Rasulullah)

We recited the Salam and doa to Rasulullah outside Masjid Nabawi near the green dome. The green-coloured dome was built above the tombs of Prophet Muhammad and Saidina Abu Bakar and Saidina Omar, which used to be the house of Aishah. The dome is located in the southeast corner of Masjid Nabawi. We passed the al-Baqi cemetery and recited the doa. Al-Baqi serves as the burial place for many of the prophet’s relatives and companions, establishing it as one of the two holiest cemeteries.

(Masjid Nabawi Gate 333)

(A row of food kiosks)

(Enjoying a bowl of lontong and a pack of onde-onde)

After the tour we walked along the Walking Street from Gate # 333. The street offered a couple of media social photo opportunities. International cuisines are sold in small kiosks towards the end of the walking street. We had lontong, kueh onde2 and teh-o-limau ais for brunch.

(Window shopping in one of the Shopping Mall)

(Exploring Madinah on foot)

(Bikes for hire)

Tonight we visited the Rawdah, the Garden of Heaven. Rawdah is a tiny spot at Masjid Nabawi where all your prayers and doa will be heard and granted. The Rawdah's borders from the eastern side was the house of Aishah, the pulpit from its western side, the qiblat from its southern side, and a parallel line to the end of Aishah's house from the northern side. There are six pillars or columns inside the Rawdah area within Masjid Nabawi that hold special historical and spiritual significance, with a further two inside the Sacred Chamber. These blessed pillars stand on the exact locations where the original pillars, made from palm tree trunks, stood after Masjid Nabawi was built during the life of the Prophet Muhamad. The Rawdah area is distinguished by its green carpet.