Islamic Sites To Visit Around The World!

system · October 5, 2012, 6:48pm

hope u all are doing well:) in this thread I will share about some sites around the world having significance in Islamic history with some background for information.. Mosque of Qurtoba (Spain)

The Mosque of Cordoba, in Andalucia, Spain was originally the site of a church which was bought by the Muslim Emir Abd ar-Rehman I and subsequently converted into one of the largest mosques in the world with work starting in 784 CE. Cordoba became one of the most advanced cities in the world, as well as a great cultural, political and economic centre and the mosque featured as a great centre of learning.

The building is most notable for its giant arches, with over 1,000 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite; the double arches, which were a new architectural feature and the rich and exquisite design patterns making it one of the most beautiful mosques to have existed.

In 1236, Cordoba was recaptured from the Muslims by King Ferdinand III and the mosque was reconsecrated as a Christian church, with the most significant alteration being the construction of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the middle of the structure (see above).

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:18pm

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Site where Ebrahim (a.s.) was thrown into the fire

This site in Urfa, Turkey is believed to be the place where Ebrahim (a.s.) was thrown into the fire by Namrud (Nimrod) for refusing to submit to the worshipping of idols. Close by is a cave where he is said to have been born. Urfa was formerly known as Edessa and was the setting for several battles during the Crusades.

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:21pm

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Mosque of Uqba-bin-Nafe (r.a.)(Tunisia )

This mosque was built by the Sahabi, Uqba ibn Nafi (r.a.) from 670 CE at the founding of the city of Kairouan in Tunisia. Uqba-bin-Nafe (r.a.) was a military general who began the Islamic conquest of the Maghreb, including present-day western Algeria and Morocco in North Africa. He used Kairouan as a base to mount operations. The mosque became an important center for Islamic and Quranic learning, and attracted a large number of Muslims from various parts of the world. The mosque is spread over a surface area of 900 square meters and is considered as a model for all later mosques in the Maghreb in the western Islamic world.

Uqba-bin-Nafe (r.a.) was killed and buried near Biskra in Algeria.

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:23pm

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Tomb of Abu Ayyub Ansari (r.a.) Turkey Istanbol
Abu Ayyub Ansari (r.a.) was a great and close companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.). His full name was Khalid ibn Zayd ibn Kulayb When the Prophet (s.a.w.) emigrated to Madinah, all of the Ansar were keen to host the Prophet (s.a.w.) in their house. The Prophet (s.a.w.) made the decision that he would stay where his camel stopped and it subsequently stopped at the residence of Abu Ayyub Ansari. The Prophet (s.a.w.) stayed at his house for 7 months.

Abu Ayyub Ansari (r.a.) had a distinguished military career and was still out in the path of Allah at the age of 80. He died during the campaign of Constantinople (Istanbul) and is buried there.

Reference:
Works of Ibn Kathir

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:28pm

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Tomb of Umme Haram (r.a.) Cyprus

This is the location (in Larnaca, Cyprus) of the tomb of Umme Haram (r.a.), who was the aunt of Anas (r.a.). The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) often visited her and sometimes had his afternoon nap at her place in Madinah.

The Prophet (s.a.w.) was once sleeping in her house, when he woke up smiling.

Umme Haram (r.a.) said: “O Prophet! You are dearer to me than my parents, tell me what made you smile.”

He said: “I saw in my dream a few of my followers going for Jihad across the sea. They, in their barges, looked like kings sitting on their thrones.”

Umme Haram (r.a.) said: “O, Prophet of Allah! Pray that I may also be one among those people.”

He replied: “Rest assured, you will be one of them.”

He went to sleep again, and got up smiling for the second time. On Umme Haram’s query he said: “I again saw some more people going for Jihad across the sea.”

Umme Haram (r.a.) requested him to pray for her joining them also, he said: “No, you are with the first group only.”

During the Khilafat of Usman (r.a.), Amir Muawiyah (r.a.), the Governor of Syria, sought permission to send an expeditionary force to Cyprus Island. This permission was granted by Usman (r.a.). Umme Haram (r.a.), with her husband Ubadah bin Samit (r.a.) was in that force. While returning from the island she fell from her mule, broke her neck and died. She was buried in the above place.

References:
Fazail-e-Aamal – Sheikh Zakariyya Kandhalvi r.a.

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:30pm

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Negash, Eithiopia

This masjid (mosque) is located in the town of Negash in northern Ethiopia and is around the area where a just ruler, Ashama ibn Abjar (King Negus) lived at the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.). He gave refuge to two groups of Sahabah, companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.) who migrated there on account of the persecution of the Quraysh in the early days of Islam.

After much suffering at the hands of the Quraysh in Makkah, the Prophet (s.a.w.) commanded a small group of Muslims to make Hijrah (migration) to a safe place in the country of Abyssinia. (what is now Ethiopia). Abyssinia at that time was ruled by a Christian King (who later on embraced Islam), famous for his mercy and equity, whose title was Negus. They were sure to receive protection and worship and live in peace there.
In Rajab of the fifth year of the Mission (614-615 CE), the first group emigrated to Abyssinia. The group comprised about twelve men and five women and included Uthman (r.a.) and his wife Ruqayyah (r.a.), the daughter of the Prophet (s.a.w.). The Quraysh pursued them to the port of Shuaibah by the Red Sea to capture them, but their vessels had left the shore. When the group reached Abyssinia, they heard the rumour that the whole tribe of the Quraysh had accepted Islam. They were naturally very much pleased at the news and returned to their country. On approaching Makkah, they learnt that the rumour was false and the persecutions were going on unabated. Some of them decided to return to Abyssinia and the rest entered Makkah, seeking the protection of a few influential people. This is known as the first migration to Abyssinia.
Later on, a bigger group of around 83 men and 18 women emigrated to Abyssinia led by Jafar bin Abu Talib (r.a.), the cousin of the Prophet (s.a.w.). This is called the second emigration to that country and some Sahabah took part in both the migrations. The Qureysh did not like the emigrations, and the thought of peace enjoyed by the fugitives gave them no rest. They sent a delegation to Abyssinia led by Amr bin Aas (a non Muslim at the time) with handsome presents for the king, his courtiers and the clergy. The delegation first met the chiefs and the priests and, by offering them presents, succeeded in winning the court officials to their side.
When the king gave audience to the Quraysh, Amr bin Aas said that the Muslims in Abyssinia were not refugees from persecution but were fugitives from justice and law, and requested the king to extradite them to Makkah. The king, however, wanted to hear the other side of the story also before giving any judgment, and summoned Jafar (r.a.) to the court to answer the charges against the Muslims. Jafar (r.a.) made a memorable defence, addressing the Christian king he said,

“O King! We were ignorant people and we lived like wild animals. The strong among us lived by preying upon the weak. We obeyed no law and we acknowledged no authority save that of brute force. We worshipped idols made of stone or wood, and we knew nothing of human dignity. And then God, in His Mercy, sent to us His Messenger who was himself one of us. We knew about his truthfulness and his integrity. His character was exemplary, and he was the most well-born of the Arabs. He invited us toward the worship of One God, and he forbade us to worship idols. He exhorted us to tell the truth, and to protect the weak, the poor, the humble, the widows and the orphans. He ordered us to show respect to women, and never to slander them. We obeyed him and followed his teachings. Most of the people in our country are still polytheists, and they resented our conversion to the new faith which is called Islam. They began to persecute us and it was in order to escape from persecution by them that we sought and found sanctuary in your kingdom.”

When Jafar (r.a.) concluded his speech, the king asked him, "Let us hear something of the Qur’an that your Prophet (s.a.w.) has taught you.“ Jafar (r.a.) recited a few verses from the beginning of Surah ‘Maryam’, which touched the hearts of the king and the priestly class so much that tears flowed down their cheeks and wetted their beards. The king remarked, “By Allah, these words and the words revealed to Musa (a.s.) are the rays of one and the same light,” and he told the Quraysh embassy that he would by no means hand over the refugees to them. Then, disappointed and disgraced, they held a counsel. One of them said, "I have hit upon a plan that is sure to draw the king’s wrath upon their heads.“ Although the others did not agree to such a drastic step (for after all they were their own flesh and blood) he would not listen.
The next day, they excited the king by telling him that those heretics denounced Isa (a.s.) [Jesus] and did not believe in his Divinity. The Muslims were again summoned to the court. They were much more distressed this time. When the king inquired about their belief in Isa (a.s.), they said:

"We believe in what Allah has revealed about him to our Prophet (s.a.w.), i.e. he is a servant and Prophet of Allah, and is His word, which He conveyed to the virgin and pure Maryam.“ Negus said: '"Isa (a.s.) himself does not say anything beyond that.“ The priests then began to murmur in protest, but the king would not listen to them. He returned to the delegation the presents they had brought for him, and said to the Muslims, "Go and live in peace. If anybody ill-treats you, he will have to pay heavily for it.“

A royal declaration was also issued to that effect. This enhanced the prestige of the Muslims in the country, and the Quraysh delegation had to return crestfallen.

King Negus is buried within the masjid compound as are several Sahabah who died there. Negash is, therefore, not only the burial place of the world’s first Muslim king but also the resting place of the bodies of the early Muslims of the world who were denied a home to be buried in because of their beliefs.
The Muslims finally returned from Abyssinia in 7 A.H. but to Madinah and not Makkah.

References: Fazail-e-Aamal – Sheik Zakariyya Kandhalvi r.a.

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:33pm

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Tomb of Hazrat Danyal (a.s.)Iran

This mausoleum, in the south western city of Susa in Iran is believed to house the tomb of Danyal [Daniel] (a.s.). He is best known for the time he spent in a den of lions.

References:
Wikipedia

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system · October 5, 2012, 7:48pm

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Tomb of Hazrat Uzair (a.s.) Iraq

This is believed to be the location of the grave of Prophet Uzair [Ezra] (a.s.). It is in the Amarah province in Iraq.

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system · October 5, 2012, 8:37pm

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Mosque of Amr ibn al-As Egypt

Amr ibn al-As (r.a.) was a Sahabi (companion) of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a military commander who is most noted for leading the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640 CE. This mosque, in Egypt is built on the site of his tent in the city of Fustat (meaning City of the Tents). The original structure was the first and oldest mosque ever built on the land of Egypt and Africa.
References:
ClassicalIslam.com by graduate of Darul-Uloom London

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system · October 5, 2012, 8:39pm

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Adam’s Peak Srilanka

This footprint, measuring 5’7” by 2’6” is believed to be the footprint of the Prophet Adam (a.s.) who was said to be 60 cubits tall. It is located on the top of a mountain in Sri Lanka called Adam’s Peak (also known as Sri Pada – the Holy Footprint). It is the opinion of some scholars that when Adam (a.s.) was taken out of Paradise and placed in this world he landed in Sri Lanka. Buddhists believe the footprint to be that of Buddha and a place of worship (as shown above). Please note that this place has been shown for information purposes only; it is not a place of veneration for Muslims.

Adam (a.s.) is mentioned by name 25 times in the Holy Quran

References:
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili

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system · October 5, 2012, 8:40pm

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Memorial to Imam Bukhari

This memorial complex, near Samarkand in Uzbekistan houses the grave of Imam Bukhari, most well known for authoring the hadith (sayings of the Prophet s.a.w.) collection named Sahih Bukhari, regarded as the most authentic of all hadith compilations and it is the most authoritative book after the Quran.

Imam Bukhari was born in 810 CE in the city of Bukhara (in Uzbekistan). His full name was Muhammad Ibn Ismail Ibn Ibrahim Ibn al-Mughirah Ibn Bardizbah al-Bukhari. He had a phenomenal memory and travelled throughout the Islamic world devoting himself to the collection, study, proof-reading and organizing of hadith.

Reference:
Wikipedia

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system · October 5, 2012, 8:43pm

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Tomb of Hazrat Hud (a.s.) Yemen

This tomb, in Hadhramaut, Yemen belongs to Hud (a.s.) who was sent as a Prophet to the people of ‘Aad. The people of ‘Aad were known uniquely for their mighty strength and size. The majority however, rejected the invitation of Hud (a.s.) and were destroyed by a powerful wind. The eleventh Surah of the Holy Quran is named after Hud (a.s.).
Reference:
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathirhttp://youtu.be/KWPDescamiI

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system · October 6, 2012, 4:50am

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Cave of Ashabe-Kahf (Jordan). This is regarded as the cave in which a group of pious youths (equated with the Christian legend of the ‘Sleepers of Ephesus’) sought refuge from a tyrannical pagan king and in which Allah (swt) caused them to sleep for 300 years. Their story is mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Kahf.

In around 250 CE there ruled a Roman king called Daqyanoos (Decius) who would annually hold a gathering dedicated to the worshipping of idols. Many people would attend, dressed in their best clothing. However, one youth believed in the oneness of Allah (swt), the teachings of Isa (a.s.) and shunned pagan worship. He rebelled against the practices that were happening in the society. He attracted another youth and then another few until they became a group of six.
When the king heard of their rebellion he became very angry and issued a command for them to be killed. In order to save their iman (faith) they fled and went into hiding. On their escape route they met a young farmer who owned a dog; they gave him da’wah, he accepted and decided to also join them. Eventually they came to a cave in which they made dua to Allah (swt) for ease. They decided to take rest there for a while, leaving the dog (named Qitmir) near the entrance as a guard. Allah (swt) caused them and the dog to sleep for 300 years.
Allah (swt) describes their sleeping in the Holy Quran in Surah Kahf:

“And thou wouldst have deemed them waking though they were asleep, and we caused them to turn over to the right and the left, and their dog stretching out his paws on the threshold. If thou hadst observed them closely thou hadst assuredly turned away from them in flight, and hadst been filled with awe of them.” [18:18]

The Quran further states that the period of time these sleepers spent in the cave was 300 years during which the calendar of their people was changed from solar to lunar and, as a result, the period of their sleep was 309 years. When they woke up, they had no idea they slept for centuries and thought they only slept a few hours. When they sent one of them to buy food, the shopkeeper was amazed to see such old coins and the reality of the time they had spent in the cave gradually came to light. The present ruling king, whom some scholars have identified as Tandoosees, was a believer who came on foot to see them and seek their blessings. When these young men died they were buried in the cave along with their dog. The bones of these youth and the dog are visible to see inside.
Apart from Amman in Jordan, the location of the cave is also claimed to be in Turkey. And Allah (swt) knows best.

References:
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir

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system · October 6, 2012, 4:53am

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-Site of the Battle of Mu’ta Jordan

This is the place near Kerak, in southern Jordan where the Muslims fought a famous battle against a combined Byzantine/Ghassanid army during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) in the year 629 CE.

Of the epistles (letters) that the Prophet (s.a.w) despatched to various kings, inviting them to Islam, one was sent to the King of Bursa through Haris-bin-Umair Azdi. When Haris (r.a.) reached Mu’ta, he was killed by Sharjeel Ghassani, one of the governors of the Qaiser. The murder of the envoy was against all laws of inter-tribal morality. The Prophet (s.a.w) was naturally very much upset when the news reached him. He collected an army, 3,000-strong, to advance against the enemy. This was the first time the Muslims would fight the Byzantines (The Roman Empire during the Middle Ages).

While nominating Zaid-bin-Haritha (r.a.) to command the army, the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “If Zaid is killed, then Jafar-bin-Abi Talib will be your Amir and if he is also martyred, then Abdullah-bin-Rawahah will take the command. If he also dies, then you can select a commander from among yourselves.” A Jew, who was listening to this, said: “All the three must die. This is exactly how the earlier Prophets used to prophesy.”
The Prophet (s.a.w.) gave Zaid a white flag made by himself. He then accompanied the army for some distance out of Madinah and prayed for them saying: “May Allah bring you back safely and triumphantly, May He guard you against all evils.”
When Sharjeel received intelligence about this army, he prepared an army 100,000 strong and another army of 100,000 was raised by the Qaiser himself to meet the Sahabah. When the Sahabah heard the rumour of the impending army they hesitated whether they should face such heavy odds or inform the Prophet (s.a.w.). Abdullah bin Rawahah (r.a.) exhorted them to advance and they faced the army in the battlefield of Mu’ta.
A fierce battle raged in which, as prophesised, Zaid-bin-Haritha (r.a.), followed by Jafar-bin-Abi Talib and Abdullah-bin-Rawahah were martyred. After the last leader had fallen, Thabit bin Aqram (r.a.) ran to receive the flag and rose it high, so that the Muslims would not disperse in chaos. Thabit (r.a.) then handed the flag to Khalid-bin-Waleed (r.a.) and called the Muslims publicly to accept his leadership. They unanimously agreed and for the first time Khalid-bin-Waleed (r.a.) headed a Muslim army.
Khalid-bin-Waleed (r.a.) reported that the fighting was so intense that he used nine swords which broke in the battle. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, he prepared to withdraw the army. He continued to engage the Byzantines in skirmishes, but avoided pitched battle. One night he completely changed his troop positions and brought forth a rearguard that he had equipped with new banners; all this was intended to give the impression that reinforcements had arrived from Madinah. He also ordered his cavalry to retreat behind a hill during the night, hiding their movements, and then return during daytime when the battle resumed, raising as much dust as they could. This also was intended to create the impression that further reinforcements were arriving. The Byzantines believed in the fictitious reinforcements and withdrew, thus allowing the Muslim force to safely retreat to Madinah.
Today, those Muslims who fell at the battle are considered martyrs (shaheed). Far from being a defeat, this battle was a strategic success; the Muslims had challenged the Byzantines and had made their presence felt amongst the Arab Bedouin tribes in the region.

References:
Fazail-e-Aamal – Sheik Zakariyya Kandhalvi
Men around the Messenger – Khalid Mohammed Khalid

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system · October 6, 2012, 4:55am

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Tomb of Hazrat Shoaib (a.s.)Jordan

This tomb is believed to be that of Shoayb (a.s.). He was the father-in-law of Musa (a.s.) and was sent to the people of Madyan, a community of merchants who controlled the great trade routes between Yemen and Syria, and between Iraq and Egypt on the shores of the Red Sea.

Shoayb (a.s.) is mentioned in the Holy Quran 11 times. He is regarded as being Jethro in the Bible. The people of Madyan were originally true followers of Ebrahim (a.s.) but gradually over the centuries had become involved in disobedience and sin. In particular they were involved in:

Idol worship and polytheist customs
Cheating when giving measure but claiming in full or more than entitled
Falsehood in all matters and robbing people

Allah (swt) makes mention in the Holy Quran in Surah Al-A’raf:

“And unto Madyan (We sent) their brother, Shoayb. He said: O my people! Serve God! Ye have no other god save Him. Lo! A clear proof hath come unto you from your Lord; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not mankind in their goods, and work not confusion in the land after the fair ordering thereof. That will be better for you, if ye are believers.” [7:85]

Shoayb (a.s.) was much upset on seeing his people practice bad deeds. He advised them to seek forgiveness of Allah. Alas, they desisted and were destroyed by an earthquake.
Shoayb (a.s.) was renowned for his eloquence and good speech. According to Ibn Abbas (r.a.), whenever the Prophet (s.a.w.) mentioned him, he said, “he was the orator of the Prophets”.
Shoayb (a.s.) was ethnically an Arab. In a hadith narrated by Abu Zarr (r.a.) it is stated, “Four are from the Arabs. Hud, Salih, Shoayb and your Prophet, O Abu Zarr!”.
The tomb of Shoayb (a.s.) is also claimed to be in Hadramawt, Yemen.

References:
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu

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system · October 6, 2012, 4:59am

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Tomb of Yusha (a.s.) Jordan

This is the tomb of Yusha (a.s.), a Prophet who was very close to Musa (a.s.) and took his place as the leader of the Bani Israil after his death. He is known as Joshua in the Bible.

Yusha (a.s.) was the great grandson of Prophet Yusuf (a.s.), his full name being Yusha bin Nun bin Afraeem bin Yusuf. Although he is not mentioned by name in the Holy Quran there are references made to him in two places.
After the Bani Israil fled bondage in Egypt and wandered the desert for 40 years Musa (a.s.) died close to Bayt al-Maqdis, often referred to as ‘The Promised Land’. Yusha (a.s.) took over and led the Bani Israil over the River Jordan and into the surroundings of Jericho (also known locally as Ariha). It was a splendid city with large palaces. He laid siege over it for six months and then with a final push, raising the takbeer, he led his army into it and conquered it.
It is said that when they were about to take the city of Jerusalem it was on a Friday at Asr time. The sunset was close approaching which would subject them to the observance of the sabbath (on Saturday), meaning that they would have had to cease fighting. Yusha (a.s.) addressed the sun that it was under a command while he was under another command and he prayed to Allah, “O Allah, hold it back from setting!”. It was stopped till Allah made him victorious.
A hadith has been narrated from Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, ”Surely, the sun has never been stopped from setting down for a human being except for Yusha (a.s.) on the evening he invaded the Bayt al-Maqdis.”
The Bani Israil lived in the Bayt al-Maqdis for some time and Yusha (a.s.) taught them the Torah and ruled according to it. He lived for 127 years.

References:
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir

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system · October 6, 2012, 5:01am

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Mosque of Abu Ubaidah (r.a.) Jordan

This mosque, in the Jordan Valley, houses the tomb of Abu Ubaidah-bin-Jarrah (r.a.), who was among the Ashura Mubbasharah, the blessed ten companions whom the Prophet (s.a.w.) gave glad tidings of their entry into Paradise.

The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Every nation has a trustworthy man, and the trustworthy man of this (Muslim) nation is Abu Ubaidah.”
Abu Ubaidah (r.a.) has been described as a tall, thin, light bearded man with two broken teeth that was the envy of all the Muslims, as they had been broken in the process of helping the Prophet (s.a.w.). During the battle of Uhud, the Prophet (s.a.w.) was fiercely attacked by the enemy and two links of the helmet worn by him was struck deep into his head (or face). Abu Ubaidah ran to help him and started pulling out the links with his teeth. By the time one of the links was out he had lost one of his teeth. Without minding this, he again used his teeth to pull out the other link as well. He succeeded in taking out that one too, but he had to loose another tooth in the effort. In this process his blood mixed with the Prophet’s blood.
During the Caliphate of Umar (r.a.), Abu Ubaidah (r.a.) replaced Khalid-bin-Waleed as the commander of the Muslims during the Syrian Campaign.
He died from the Great Plague in the 18A.H. , near Fahl at the age of 58.

References:
Fazail-e-Aamal – Sheik Zakariyya Kandhalvi

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system · October 6, 2012, 5:06am

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Cave of Hazrat Lut (a.s.) Jordan

According to tradition, this cave situated close to the Dead Sea is where the Prophet Lut [Lot] (a.s.) sought refuge in after the destruction of Sodom, his village.
Wife of Lut (a.s.)

Wife of Hazrat Lut (a.s)
This rock formation (near the city of Salt) is believed by Christians to be the wife of Lut (a.s.), who looked back at the punishment being inflicted on the people of Sodom and Gommorah and as a result was turned into a pillar of salt. According to the Holy Quran, the wife of Lut (a.s.) was inflicted with punishment but her turning into a pillar of salt is not specifically mentioned. Allah (swt) knows best.

Some angels came down in the form of handsome young men to Sadoom (Sodom), where lived Lut (a.s.) among a community indulging in homosexuality and other immoral behaviour. The first to see them was one of the daughters of Lut (a.s.) who immediately told her father about them. Lut (a.s.), fearing that they will be abused if they were spotted, rushed out to meet them and invited them to his house as his guests. Allah (swt) mentions this incident in the Quran in Surah Hud:

“And when Our Messengers came to Lut he was grieved on their account and felt himself straightened for them (lest the town people should approach them to commit sodomy with them). He said: ‘This is a distressful day’.” [11:17]

Only the people of his house were aware of the guests but his wife went out and informed the people that Lut (a.s.) had brought handsome men into the house. People immediately came and surrounded the house and demanded Lut (a.s.) to give up his guests to them. Lut (a.s.) barricaded himself behind the closed door but when he found the task of holding them back formidable, he said,

“Would that I had power against you, or might have some strong support for refuge.” [11:80]

In that moment, Allah (swt) makes mention of what the angels said:

“O Lut ! Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord! They shall not reach you! So travel with your family in a part of the night, and let not any of you look back, but your wife (will remain behind), verily, the punishment which will afflict them, will afflict her. Indeed, morning is their appointed time. Is not the morning near?” [11:81]

Lut (a.s.) left with his family and when the sun rose the decree of Allah was fulfilled. A severe punishment descended upon the people and destroyed all of them. On the saving of Lut (a.s.), Allah (swt) says in the Holy Quran:

"So we saved him and his family, all except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind. [26:170-171] "

There are two interpretations about how his wife was destroyed. Either she remained inside the city or she looked back at the punishment and as a result was punished herself.
Allah (swt) has mentioned in Surah At-Tahrim:

“Allah has struck a similitude for those who disbelieve – the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut. They were under two of our righteous servants, but they betrayed them, so that they (their husbands) availed them nothining whatsoever against Allah; so it was said (to them) enter the fire along with the enterers.” [66:10]

References:
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir

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system · October 6, 2012, 5:09am

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Kerak castle Jordan

This is the Crusader castle in which resided Reynald-de-Chatillon (also known as Arnat), one of the worst enemies of the Muslims during the Crusades. It was taken by Salahuddin Ayyubi on the second attempt in 1189 CE.

In 1183 Salahuddin besieged the castle in, the siege taking place during the marriage of Humphrey IV of Toron and Isabella of Jerusalem . As an act of chivalry, Salahuddin ordered his army not to bombard the tower in which the newly married young couple were lodged. The siege was eventually relieved by King Baldwin IV.

-Despite a truce between the Crusaders and Muslims, in 1186 Reynald attacked a caravan travelling between Cairo and Damascus. In the ensuing hostilities, Reynald launched ships on the Red Sea, partly for piracy, but partly as a threat against Makkah and Madinah, challenging Islam in its own holy places. His pirates ravaged villages up and down the Red Sea, before being captured by the army of Al-Adil only a few miles from Madinah and subsequently beheaded.

Salahuddin swore that if Reynald was ever captured he would be executed by his own hands. In 1187, the Muslims defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin during which Reynald was taken prisoner along with King Guy, both of whom Salahuddin ordered brought to his tent. The chronicler Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, who was present at the scene, relates:
“Salahuddin invited the king [Guy] to sit beside him, and when Arnat [Raynald] entered in his turn, he seated him next to his king and reminded him of his misdeeds. “How many times have you sworn an oath and violated it? How many times have you signed agreements you have never respected?” Raynald answered through a translator: “Kings have always acted thus. I did nothing more.” During this time King Guy was gasping with thirst, his head dangling as though drunk, his face betraying great fright. Saladin spoke reassuring words to him, had cold water brought, and offered it to him. The king drank, then handed what remained to Raynald, who slaked his thirst in turn. The sultan then said to Guy: “You did not ask permission before giving him water. I am therefore not obliged to grant him mercy.” After pronouncing these words, the sultan smiled, mounted his horse, and rode off, leaving the captives in terror. He supervised the return of the troops, and then came back to his tent. He ordered Raynald brought there, then advanced before him, sword in hand, and struck him between the neck and the shoulder-blade. When Raynald fell, he cut off his head and dragged the body by its feet to the king, who began to tremble. Seeing him thus upset, Salahuddin said to him in a reassuring tone: “This man was killed only because of his maleficence and perfidy”.
Salahuddin besieged Kerak castle again and finally captured it in 1189.

References:
Wikipedia

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system · October 6, 2012, 5:10am

Re: Islamic Sites To Visit Around The World!

The Treasury, Petra Jordan

This building, known as The Treasury is one of a series of buildings built by the Nabateans who followed a pagan religion and were closely linked to the people of Thamud. They were renowned for their elaborate skill of carving into rocks.

-The Nabateans were a Semitic people, Arabs of southern Jordan, Canaan and the northern part of Arabia,

-Petra lies on the slope of Mount Hor and close to the town of Wadi Musa (the valley of Moses). Harun (a.s.), the brother of Musa (a.s.) is buried close by, as is Miriam, their sister.

-The Nabateans worshipped the Arab gods and goddesses of the pre-Islamic times as well as few of their deified kings. Many statues carved in the rock depict these gods and goddesses. Three of the idols worshipped by the disbelievers at the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.), Lat, Uzza and Manat have their origins with the Nabateans. They used to believe that they were the daughters of Allah.

-One of the first things that can be seen around the entrance to Petra are three huge blocks, standing 6 to 8 metres high. Tradition holds that they contained ‘jinn’, placed there to guard the city.

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