Re: Islamic Sites To Visit Around The World!
I am going to love this thread. Thanks for such a nice sharing :k:
Re: Islamic Sites To Visit Around The World!
Masjid-e-Khalil, Hebron Palestine
Masjid-e-Khalil in Hebron is built over a small cemetery where lies the graves of four of the most illustrious Prophets and their wives. The four prophets are Ebrahim (a.s.), his son Isaaq (a.s.), his son Yaqub (a.s.) and his son Yusuf (a.s.).
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According to the Book of Genesis, the land over which the mosque has been built was bought by Ebrahim (a.s.) [Abraham] as a family burial plot after the death of Sarah (a.s.) [Sara]. The plot is named as the ‘Cave of Machpelah’ which means cave of the double tombs, referring to the fact that the wives of the Prophets are buried close to them. It is also known as the ‘Cave of the Patriarchs’.
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It is the Jewish belief that Adam and Eve are buried here.
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Almost all of the outer construction which can be seen today was built in the 1st century BC by Herod the Great. Herod’s building did not contain a roof. In 637 CE, the area came under the control of the Muslims and the building was converted to a roofed mosque.
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The Jerusalem geographer al-Muqaddasi, writing in 985 CE described the town as:
“In Hebron is a public guest house continuously open, with a cook, a baker and servants in regular attendance. These offer a dish of lentils and olive oil to every poor person who arrives, and it is set before the rich, too, should they wish to partake. Most men express the opinion this is a continuation of the guest house of Abraham, however, it is, in fact from the bequest of the sahabI (companion) of the Prophet Muhammed, Tamim-al Dari and others… The Amir of Khurasan…has assigned to this charity one thousand dirhams yearly, …al-Shar al-Adil bestowed on it a substantial bequest. At present time I do not know in all the realm of al-Islam any house of hospitality and charity more excellent than this one.”
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The complex was taken by the Crusaders in 1100 CE under Godfrey of Bouillon and became known as the Castle of St. Abraham. Muslims were no longer permitted to enter. It was retaken by the Muslims in 1188 CE under Salahuddin Ayyubi and converted again into a mosque, with Christians still allowed to worship there. Salahuddin also added a minaret at each corner – two of which still survive, and the mimbar (pulpit).
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In 1994, an orthodox Jew, Baruch Goldstein, took a sub machine-gun into the enclosure and killed 29 Palestinian Muslims as well as injuring 125 others, before being killed himself. Bullet holes from the incident can still be seen around the mosque.
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The cemetery underneath the masjid can be viewed from the cupola which is situated opposite the qibla wall.
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The tomb of Yusuf (a.s.) is also claimed to be in the Palestinian city of Nablus.
References:
Wikipedia
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Tomb of Ebrahim (a.s.) Palestine
Ebrahim (a.s.) is mentioned by name 69 times in the Holy Quran. He is known as ‘Khalil-ullah’, the friend of Allah. Ebrahim (a.s.) is considered the Patriarch of the three great monotheistic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Almighty Allah has declared in the Holy Quran in Surah al-Imran:
"O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Abraham, while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense? Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have no knowledge. Why do then dispute concerning that which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you know not.
Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifan (Islamic Monotheism), to worship none but Allah Alone and he was not of the polytheists (he joined none in worship with Allah). Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers." [3:65-68]
Ebrahim (a.s.), along with his eldest son Ismail (a.s.) rebuilt the Ka’bah in Makkah, carrying the stones with their own hands.
Yahya bin Said bin al−Musayyub said, "Ebrahim, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was the first to give hospitality to the guest and the first person to be circumcised and the first person to trim the moustache and the first person to see grey hair. He said, ‘O Lord! What is this?’ Allah the Blessed, the Exalted, said, ‘It is dignity, Ebrahim.’ He said, ‘lord, increase me in dignity!’ "
Ebrahim (a.s.) died at the age of 175.
References:
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili
Stories of the Prophets - Ibn Kathir
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Tomb of Ishaq (a.s.) Palestine
These are the tombs of Ishaq (a.s.) (right) and his wife Rifaqah (left) and are directly over their graves which are below ground. These tombs are on the Muslim side, along with Sarah (a.s.), one of the wives of Ebrahim (a.s.). The tombs of Yaqub and Yusuf (a.s.) are on the Jewish side. Jews and Muslims are allowed to enter the others area for 10 fixed days in a year.
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Ishaq (a.s.) is mentioned by name 17 times in the Holy Quran.
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He was born when his father Ebrahim (a.s.) was 100 years old, his elder brother Ismail (a.s.) 14 years and his mother Sarah (a.s.) 90 years old. Allah (swt) mentions the glad tidings of the birth of Ishaq (a.s.) to Ebrahim (a.s.) in the Holy Quran in Surah As-Saffat:
“And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaq, a Prophet, one of the righteous. And We blessed him and Ishaq. And of their progeny some are good-doers, and some are manifestly wrongdoers to themselves.” [37:112-113]
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The Jews and Christians believe that it was Ishaq (a.s.) who was prepared for sacrifice by Ebrahim (a.s.) in the al-Aqsa Sanctuary in Jerusalem. The Islamic belief is that it was Ismail (a.s.), with the incident happening at Mina, in Saudi Arabia.
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According to the People of the Book, Ishaq (a.s.) married Rifaqah (Rebekah), daughter of Batwabil during the lifetime of his father. She was barren and he prayed to Allah for children. His prayer was answered and she gave birth to twin boys, Al-’Ays (Esau) and Yaqoob. The former is the parent of the Romans while the latter, also known as Israil, is the forefather of the Banu Israil (Children of Israel).
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When Ishaq (a.s.) grew old he lost his eye-sight. He passed away at Hebron at the age of 180 years.
References:
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili
Stories of the Prophets - Ibn Kathir
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Tomb of Sarah (a.s.)
- Prophet Ebrahim (a.s.) had attained the age of 100 years and Sarah was 90. They had practically lost all hope of having an issue at this advanced age when an angel came to Ebrahim (a.s.)with the happy news of the birth of a wise son, his wife laughed and did not believe it. She remarked that she had passed the age and now it was simply a folly to expect a child. The Quran tells us how this news was imparted to Ebrahim (a.s.) and his wife in Surah Hud:
“And his wife standing by, laughed when We gave her good tidings (of the birth) of Ishaq and after Ishaq of Yaqoob (Jacob). She said: Oh, Woe is me! Shall I bear a child when I am an old woman and this my husband is an old man? Lo! this is a strange thing. They said: wonder thou at the Commandment of Allah ? The mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, 0’ people of the House! Lo! He is Owner of Praise, Owner of Glory.” [11:71-73]
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The Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him) was born as Allah willed.
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Sarah (a.s.) was the daughter of the paternal uncle of Ebrahim (a.s.). It is mentioned in At-Tareef wa Al A’lam by Abu Al-Qasim Al-Suhayli that when Sarah (a.s.) died, Ebrahim (a.s.) married Qantura, the daughter of Yaqtan and had six children from her; Madyan, Zamran, Sarj, Yaqshan and Nashq while the sixth is not named. He married after her Hajun, daughter of Amin and she gave birth to five children; Kisan, Suraj, Ameem, Lutan and Nafis.
References:
Stories of the Prophets - Ibn Kathir
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Tomb of Rahil (Rachel)
This structure, located between Bethlehem and Gilo contains the grave of Rahil, one of the wives of Yaqoob (a.s.) and the mother of Yusuf (a.s.).
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As well as being the mother of Yusuf (a.s.), Rahil also gave birth to a second son, Binyamin (Benjamin), but she had a hard labour and died soon after birth. She was buried by Yaqoob (a.s.) in the place above.
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This site is considered the third holiest in Judaism, after the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and the Tombs of the Patriarchs in Hebron.
‘Rachel’s Tomb’ is visited by tens of thousands of people every year, especially Jewish women unable to give birth. Many come to visit on the 11th of the Jewish month of Cheshvan, the anniversary of her death. Jewish tradition teaches that Rachel weeps for her children and that when the Jews were taken into exile, she wept as they passed by her grave on the way to Babylonia.
- Believers in Kabbalah sometimes wrap red string around the tomb and then make it into bracelets that serve as talismans.
References:
Wikipedia
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Mosque of Hazrat Yunus (a.s.)
This mosque houses a tomb believed to be that of Yunus (a.s.). The mosque was built by the Ayyubids in 1226 CE and is located in a town called Halhul, north of Hebron. It is built on Mount Nabi Yunus, the highest peak in the West Bank, Palestine.
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Yunus (a.s.) is mentioned by name 4 times in the Holy Quran.
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Yunus (a.s.) is also addressed by two other surnames “Dhun-Nun” (Lord of the Fish) and “Sahibil-Hot” (Companion of the Fish). The Holy Qur’an says:
“And (mention) Dhun-Nun when he went off in anger and deemed that We had no power over him but he cried out in darkness, saying: There is no god save Thee. Be Thou glorified! Lo! I have been an evil-doer.” [11:87]
“But wait thou for thy Lord’s decree and be not like the Sahibil-Hut who cried out in fear.” [68:48]
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When Prophethood was conferred upon Yunus (a.s.), he was commanded to go Nineveh for preaching the truth. Nineveh was situated on the right bank of the river Tigris in ancient Assyria, across the river from the modern-day major city of Mosul, Iraq.
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When Yunus (a.s.) departed from his people he stayed at Jaffa in Palestine and boarded a ship to take him to Tirshish, where Tunisia is located today. It was during this journey that he was thrown overboard and swallowed by the fish.
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Ibn Abu Hatim has transmitted a hadith from Rasulullah (s.a.w.):
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When Prophet Yunus (a.s.) was in the belly of the fish it appeared to him that he should say,
“O Allah, there is no God other than You. Glory be to You. Surely I am of the wrongdoers.” [Quran 21:8]
-This prayer is found beneath the Throne. The angels said to Allah, ‘O Lord! A faint known voice from a strange land (is detected)’. He asked them, ‘Do you not recognise it?’, ‘No, O Lord. Who is he?’. He said, ‘My slave, Yunus.
References:
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili
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Church of the Nativity
This church in Bethlehem, one of the oldest in the world has been built over the place where tradition holds that Isa (a.s.) [Jesus] was born. A marble floor (inset) denotes the exact spot. A stone block marks the spot where a palm tree once stood which Maryam (a.s.) [Mary] shook during the pains of labour.
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Isa (a.s.) is mentioned very often in the Holy Quran. He is mentioned by name 25 times, by the title Al-Masih 11 times, and by the name Ibn Maryam (the son of Mary) 23 times.
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The Holy Quran states that Isa (a.s.) was the result of a virgin birth. The most detailed account of the annunciation and birth of Isa (a.s.) is provided in Surahs 3 and 19 wherein it is written that Allah sent an angel to announce that she could shortly expect to bear a son, despite being a virgin:
“(Remember) When the angels said O Mary! Allah gives thee good news of a son through a Word from Him! His name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honoured in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness to Allah! And he shall speak to the people in the cradle, and when of middle age, and he shall be of the Righteous She said My Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me? He said, That is as it shall be. Allah creates what He pleases. When He decrees a thing He says to it “Be” and it is!” [3:45-47)
- Muslims do not accept the virgin birth of Jesus as evidence of Jesus being God. The Quran further states:
“The similitude of Jesus before God is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: ‘Be.’ And he was.” [3:59]
- An anti-war protest was held in front of the church on 30th March 2003 in which Father Pancratius, the residing parish priest banned George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Tony Blair and Jack Straw forever from entering the church for their role in the Iraq war. He described them as child-killers, who would tarnish the church if they entered it. Wikipedia Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili
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Dead sea
This is a view of the Dead Sea, a sea of salt which has the West Bank on the left side and Jordan to its right. It is widely believed to be the place where the community of Lut (a.s.) was destroyed.
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The worst punishment of Allah (swt) to befall a people was to the community of Lut (a.s.). Even today, due to its high salt density, no living organism such as fish or moss can survive in the water.
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The Dead Sea is more than 400 metres below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on earth.
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Some distance from the shore and clearly visible under the surface of the water are the outlines of forests which the extraordinarily high salt content of the Dead Sea preserved.
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Much has been made of the therapeutic and medicinal properties of the minerals and rocks around the Dead Sea. However, as this was a place of great chastisement from Allah (swt) all use should be strictly avoided.
References:
Wikipedia
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili
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Well of Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.)
This structure is regarded as being the well in which the brothers of Yusuf (a.s.) [Joseph], out of jealousy, threw him inside and from which he was found by a passing caravan and sold as a slave in Egypt. It is known locally as ‘Jubb Yussef’ and is located near Kibbutz Amiad in the Galilee. It consists of a dug-out pit with a diameter of one meter and depth of about four meters, roofed by a cupola supported by four pillars, and surrounded by ancient graves.
- Yusuf (a.s.) was the son of Yaqub (a.s.). He had 11 brothers, 10 of whom were older than him. His father loved him dearly which made the other brothers envious and they decided to get rid of him. They took him with them to graze the animals intending to kill him but one of the brothers opposed killing him and said it would be better to throw him into the bottom of a pit (jubb). Allah (swt) mentions this in the Holy Quran in Surah Yusuf:
“One among them said: Kill not Yusuf but, if ye must be doing, fling him into the depth of the pit; some caravan will find him.” [12:10]
- When Yusuf (a.s.) was cast into the pit, Allah told him that he, Yusuf, would one day remind his brothers of this incident.
“Then, when they led him off, and were of one mind that they should place him in the depth of the pit, We inspired in him: Thou wilt tell them of this deed of theirs when they know (thee) not.” [12:15]
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Years later, when Yusuf (a.s.) became the treasurer and inspector of Egypt’s storage chambers he met his brothers again, reminded them of what they had done and forgave them.
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Jubb Yussef is mentioned for the first time in the middle of the 10th century, but the current structure is of a later period. According to evidence of travellers, the pit, which had been 10 meters deep, had held good drinking water up until the 19th century. Afterwards, due perhaps to the earthquake of 1837, the pit collapsed and since then has not been mentioned as a source of water. The pit and cupola were located in a quadrangle which also had a small mosque; this was still mentioned by travellers in the 19th century, though nothing remains of it today.
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In the 12th and 13th century, the Crusaders accepted the Muslim story about the site. In the year 1189, Salahuddin passed through the site on his way to the Siege of Acre.
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There is disagreement as to the exact location of the pit in which Yusuf (a.s.) was thrown in. Some commentators have placed it in Jerusalem, while others say it was in Syria. Allah (swt) knows best.
Reference:
Wikipedia
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Front view of Masjid al-Aqsa Palestine
The name ‘Al-Aqsa mosque’ translates to ‘the farthest mosque’ and is the third most holy place in Islam. It was here that in around 621 CE the Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.) came on the night journey from Makkah riding on the Buraq. Note that the whole sanctuary on which the mosque is located is regarded as sacred to Muslims and known as Haram Sharief.
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The event of the night journey to Jerusalem is mentioned in Surah al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani-Israeel) in the Holy Quran: “Glory be to the One who took His Slave for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the furthest Mosque, whose precincts we have blessed. “ [17:1]
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When Umar (r.a.) entered the al-Aqsa sanctuary in 638 AD he was shocked to find it covered with rubbish as the Romans had been using the area as a rubbish tip. The Caliph knelt down immediately and with his own hands began to clear the area. When the Muslims saw what he was doing, they followed suit and soon the whole area was cleansed. They then walked further, near to the niche of Dawud (a.s.), and offered two rak’ah prayers in the first of which Umar (r.a.) recited Surah Sa’d (38) and in the second of which he recited Surat al-Isra (17), containing reference to the Isra’ and Mi’raj.
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Then he asked Ka’b al-Ahbar (a former Jewish rabbi who had embraced Islam), “Where should I build the mihrab (prayer niche)?” “Behind the Rock,” replied Ka’b, “so that you will offer it behind the two qiblahs,” i.e. the qiblah of Musa and the qiblah of Muhammed. Umar (r.a.) said to Ka’b, “You speak like the Jews. We will build the niche in front of the Rock. The entire site is part of the mosque. Therefore, our niche should be in the best part, which is in the front portion.”
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Umar (r.a.) thereafter commissioned the construction of a wooden mosque (which could accommodate 3,000 worshippers) on the southern end of the noble sanctuary where the present day black domed Masjid al-Aqsa stands. By doing so he returned the sanctuary to the purity of its past worship, which had been abandoned both by Christianity and Judaism.
Great virtue of praying in Masjid al-Aqsa:
- Abu Darda (r.a.) relates that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “ A prayer in Makkah is worth 100,000 times, a prayer in my Masjid (Madina) is worth 1,000 times, and a prayer in al-Aqsa Sanctuary is worth 500 times more than anywhere else”. [Al-Tabarani, al-Bayhaqi and al-Suyuti]
References:
Palestine: Beginner’s guide - Ismail Adam Patel
Forty Ahadith concerning Masjid al-Aqsa - Ismail Adam Patel
Al-Quds - Mohammed Abdul Hameed Al-Khateeb
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Minaret of Hazrat Isa (a.s.) Syria
This minaret, which is on the left side of the mosque is known as the Jesus minaret. It is from here that Hazrat Isa (a.s.) will descend back on earth towards the end of time.
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Muslims believe that Isa (a.s.) did not die on the cross but Allah (swt) raised him to heaven and he will return one day to defeat the Dajjal (Anti-Christ). According to a Hadith, he is on the second heaven. The Prophet (s.a.w.) mentioned, “During the Me’raj (Ascension), I met Isa (a.s.) on the second heaven. I found him of medium stature, reddish white. His body was so clean and clear, that it appeared as though he had just performed ghusal (ablution, cleansing of the entire body) and come.” In another Hadith, the Prophet (s.a.w.) mentioned to the Jews that, " Hadhrat Isa (a.s.) is not dead, he will most surely return to you before Qiyamat (the Day of Judgement)."
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The physical features of Isa (a.s.): He will resemble the famous sahabi Urwa bin Masoodi (r.a.). He will be of average height and red and white in colour. His hair will be spread to the shoulders, straight, neat and shining as after a bath. On bending his head, it will seem as if pearls are falling. He will have armour on his body. He will be wearing two pieces of cloth light yellow in colour.
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He will descend on a Jamaat (group) that will be righteous at the time and comprising of 800 men and 400 women. The people will be preparing for war at the time against Dajjal. It will be time for Fajr prayers, and Imam Mahdi will be the Amir (leader) of the Muslims. From the darkness of the dawn, a sound will suddenly be heard that “one who listens to your pleas has come” – the righteous people will look everywhere and their eyes will fall on Isa (a.s.). Briefly, at the time of Fajr, Isa (a.s.) will descend. When descending, Isa (a.s.)'s hands will be on the shoulders of two angels (according to another source (Kab Abrar), a cloud will carry him). On their insistence Isa (a.s.) will introduce himself. He will inquire about their enthusiasm and thoughts on Jihad against Dajjal. Isa (a.s.) will descend on the eastern side near the minaret in Damascus (or in Baitul-Muqaddus according to another narration). At the time Imam Mahdi will have proceeded forward to lead the Fajr Salaat. The Iqamat of the Salaat will already have been recited and Imam Mahdi will call Isa (a.s.) for Imamat (to lead the prayer), but he (Isa (a.s.)) will instead tell Imam Mahdi to lead the prayer since the Iqamat of that Salaat has already been said for him. Thus Imam Mahdi will lead the prayer, and Isa (a.s.) will follow him. After the ruku, he will make this statement: “Allah has killed Dajjal and the Muslims have appeared.”
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Isa (a.s.) will subsequently kill Dajjal and a great era of peace and harmony will come to the world. Isa (a.s.) will marry and have children and will live for 19 years after his marriage. He will then pass away and be buried next to the Prophet (s.a.w.) in Majid-e-Nabvi, Madinah.
Reference:
Major signs of Qiyamat – Mufti A.H.Elias
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Shrine of Hazrat Yahya (a.s.)
Syria
Legend has it that this small structure within the Umayyad mosque houses the head of Yahya (a.s.) (John the Baptist). The head was supposedly found during excavations for the building of the mosque.
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Yahya (a.s.) is mentioned by name 5 times in the Holy Quran
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The Prophet Zakariyyah (a.s.) used to go to the temple daily (the current al-Aqsa Sanctuary) to deliver his sermons even though he had grown feeble with age. He was not a rich man, but he was always ready to help those in need. His one disappointment in life was that he had no children, for his wife was barren. This worried him, for he feared there was no one after him to carry out his work. The people needed a strong leader, for it they were left on their own, they would move away from Allah’s teachings and change the Holy Laws to suit themselves.
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During one of his visits to the temple, he went to check on Maryam (a.s.) [Mary], who was living in a secluded room of the temple. He was surprised to find fresh out of season fruit in her room. Besides him, no one had entry to her room. When he inquired, she told him that the fruit was from Allah which she found every morning. But why was he so surprised, she asked him. Did he not know that Allah provides without measure for whom He wills? This noble girl had opened his eyes to a startling idea. Could he not ask his Lord to bless him with a child in his old age? Even though his wife was past childbearing age, nothing was impossible for Allah (swt).
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Allah (swt) revealed in the Holy Quran in Surah Maryam:
'Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ain, Sad, (These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah Alone knows their meanings). This is a mention of the Mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariyyah. When he called out his Lord (Allah) - a call in secret, saying: "My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and gray hair has spread on my head, and I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, - who shall inherit me, and inherit also the posterity of Yaqoob [Jacob] (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.) And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!“
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Allah said: "O Zakariyyah! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son. His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before him.“ [19:1-7]
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Yahya (a.s.) preferred solitude to company. He ate leaves of trees and sometimes locusts or grasshoppers and drank the water of springs. He wept much from the fear of Allah.
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A conflict took place between Yahya (a.s.) and the authorities at that time. A tyrant king, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Palestine, was in love with Salome, his brother’s daughter. He was planning to marry his beautiful niece. The marriage was encouraged by her mother and by some of the learned men of Zion, either out of fear or to gain favor with the ruler. On hearing the ruler’s plan, Yahya (a.s.) pronounced that such a marriage would be incestuous. He would not approve it under any circumstance, as it was against the Law of the Torah. Yahya (a.s.)’s pronouncement spread like wildfire. Salome was angry, for it was her ambition to rule the kingdom with her uncle. She plotted to achieve her aim. Dressing attractively, she sang and danced before her uncle, arousing Herod’s lust. Embracing her, he offered to fulfill whatever she desired. At once she told him: “I would love to have the head of Yahya, because he has defiled your honor and mine throughout the land. If you grant me this wish, I shall be very happy and will offer myself to you.” Bewitched by her charm, he submitted to her monstrous request. Yahya (a.s.) was executed and his head was brought to Salome. The cruel woman gloated with delight. But the death of Allah’s beloved prophet was avenged. Not only she, but all the children of Israel were severely punished by invading armies which destroyed their kingdom.
References:
Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili
Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir
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Tomb of Salahuddin Ayyubi Syria
The green tomb on the right houses the grave of Salahuddin Ayyubi, the great general who repelled the Crusaders at the Horns of Hattin in northern Palestine and recaptured Jerusalem for the Muslims on 2nd October 1187 CE. On the left is an empty marble sarcophagus donated by Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany to the mausoleum.
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Salahuddin Ayyubi’s real name was Yusuf ibn Ayyub, the title of Salahuddin which he was given due to his extraordinary qualities means ‘the Righteousness of the Faith’. He was born in Tikrit, in modern-day central Iraq, His family was of Kurdish background and ancestry, Between 1187 and 1189 AD Salahuddin Ayyubi took 50 Crusader castles and much of the Crusader kingdom. However, even his enemies thought him chivalrous and honourable. During the siege of Kerak castle he refused to bombard a tower in which a honeymoon couple were staying.
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Baha ad-Din, one of Salahuddin’s officials wrote, “…Everyone who appeared before him was treated with honour, even an infidel … Once a Frankish prisoner was brought before him in whom the Sultan aroused such fear that the marks of terror and agitation were visible in his face. The interpreter asked him: ‘What are you afraid of?’ God inspired him to reply, ‘At first I was afraid of seeing that face, but after seeing it and standing in his presence, I am sure that I shall see only good in it.’ The Sultan was moved, pardoned him, and let him go free…”
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He and Richard (the Lionheart) grew to respect one another as military leaders. When Salahuddin Ayyubi heard that Richard had fallen ill in Ascalon, he sent peaches and pears to help restore him to health. He also sent packs of snow from Mount Hermann to cool the King’s fever. At Arsuf, when Richard lost his horse, Salahuddin sent him two replacements. The Jewish philosopher Maimonides was one of Salahuddin Ayyubi’s personal physicians. When Jerusalem was recaptured, Salahuddin invited the Jews, who had been excluded by the Crusaders to come back, in particular the Jews of Ashkelon responded to his request. Salahuddin died of a fever on March 4, 1193, at Damascus, not long after Richard’s departure. Since Salahuddin had given most of his money away for charity, when they opened his treasury they found there was not enough money to pay for his funeral.
References:
Crusades – (Chris and Melanie Rice)
A history of Jerusalem – Karen Armstrong
The Crusades – Christine Hatt
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Bab al-Saghir cemetery Syria
The Bab al-Saghir cemetery is situated close to the Umayyad Mosque and contains the graves of several eminent sahaba (companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.)) and pious predecessors.
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These are some of the personalities said to be buried here. Note that this is based on knowledge passed down and has not been independently verified:
Umm Kulthum, daughter of Ali (r.a.) and Fatima (r.a.)
Bilal-bin-Rabah, the Muezzin (caller to prayer) of the Prophet (s.a.w.)
Muawiyah (r.a.)
Tomb of Fidha, the maid of Fatima (r.a.) (the daughter of the Prophet (s.a.w.))
Asma, wife of Ja’far Tayyaar (r.a.)
Kamaid bin Aswad al-Kindi, companion of Ali (r.a.)
Tomb of Obay ibn Ka’b (r.a.), husband of Halima, nursing mother of the Prophet (s.a.w.) -
Note that the tombs of two of the wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.),Umm Salama and Ramlah bint Abi-Sufyan (aka Umm Habeebah) are present here but it is highly doubtful these are the actual tombs. The structures were likely to have been created to encourage ziyarat to the area. The vast majority of scholars are of the opinion that they are buried in Jannatul-Baqi in Madinah, along with most of the remaining wives (Ummahatul Mu’mineen) of the Prophet (s.a.w.)
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Note that this entry has been shown for information purposes only. On no account should anybody pray towards these graves or seek supplication through them as this is tantamount to committing shirk, associating partners with Allah (swt).
Reference:
Wikipedia
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Tomb of Hazrat Bilal (r.a.)Syria
This is the tomb of Bilal-bin-Rabah (r.a.), one of the best known of the galaxy of Sahabah as the Moazzin (caller to prayer) of the Prophet’s Masjid. It is located in the Bab al-Saghir cemetery in Damascus.
- Bilal (r.a.) was an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) slave of a disbeliever in Mecca. His conversion to Islam was, naturally, not liked by his master and he was, therefore, persecuted mercilessly. Ummayah-bin-Khalaf, who was the worst enemy of Islam, would make him lie down on the burning sand at mid-day and would place a heavy stone on his breast, so that he could not even move a limb. He would then say to him,
“Renounce Islam or swelter and die.”
- Even under these afflictions, Bilal (r.a.) would exclaim:
“Ahad” – The One (Allah), “Ahad” – The One (Allah),
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He was whipped at night and, with the cuts thus received, made to lie on the burning ground during the day to make him either forsake Islam or to die a lingering death from wounds. The torturers would get tired and take turns (Abu Jahl, Ummayah and others) and vie with one another in afflicting more and more painful punishment, but Bilal (r.a.) would not yield. At last Abu Bakr (r.a.) bought his freedom, and he became a free muslim.
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Allah (swt) rewarded his steadfastness. He was to have the honour of becoming the Prophet’s Moazzin. He was to always remain with him at home and abroad to call out the Azaan for his Salat. After the Prophet’s death it became very hard for him to continue his stay in Madinah where he would miss him at every step and in every corner. He therefore left Madinah, and decided to pass the rest of his life striving in the path of Allah. Once he beheld the Prophet (s.a.w.) in his dream saying to him:
“O Bilal! How is it that you never visit me.” No sooner did he get up that he set out for Madinah. On reaching there, Hassan and Hussain (r.a.), the Prophet’s grandsons, requested him to call out the Azaan. He could not refuse them, for they were very dear to him. But as soon as the Azaan was called, the people of Madinah cried openly out of their anguish at the memory of the happy old days of the Prophet’s time. Even the women came out of their houses weeping. Bilal (r.a.) left Madinah again after a few days and died in Damascus in 20 A.H.
Reference:
Fazail-e-Aamal – Sheik Zakariyya Kandhalvi
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Tomb of Abu Darda (r.a.)
This tomb in Damascus belongs to Abu Darda (r.a.), an eminent companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.). His wife Umm al-Darda is also buried close to him.
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Madressa of Nuruddin Zangi Syria
The Nuruddin madressa (seminary) is located along the Khayattin Souk, along the walled city of Damascus. It also includes a mosque and the tomb of Nuruddin Zangi, a major Muslim commander who fought against the Second Crusade.
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Tomb of Khalid-bin-Waleed (r.a.)Syria
Khalid-bin-Waleed (r.a.), the companion of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and the greatest Muslim general is buried along with his son in a corner of this mosque in Homs. Khalid’s tombstone depicts a list of over 50 victorious battles that he commanded without defeat (not including small battles). A sword of his is also displayed as well as a shield that is displayed outside.
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Prior to him accepting Islam, Khalid fought on the side of the Quraysh in the Battle of Uhud and it was his military manoeuvres that led to the deaths of 70 Sahabah.
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After embracing Islam, Khalid (r.a.) first took charge of a Muslim army at the Battle of Mu’ta after the three leaders appointed by the Prophet (s.a.w.) had been martyred. He successfully commanded a protective withdrawal. Khalid (r.a.)broke 9 swords during combat in the battle and after the Battle of Mu’ta he was given the title Saifullah (Sword of Allah).
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He was one of the most successful military commanders of all time. He is noted for his military prowess, commanding the forces of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and those of his immediate successors of the Rashidun Caliphate; Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab. He has the distinction of being undefeated in over a hundred battles, against the numerically superior forces of the Byzantine Roman Empire, the Sassanid Persian Empire, and their allies. His greatest strategic achievements were his swift conquest of the Persian Empire’s Iraq and conquest of Roman Syria within three years from 633 to 636, while his greatest tactical achievements were his successful double envelopment maneuver at Walaja and his decisive victories at Yamamah, Ullais and Yarmouk.
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In 631 A.D he participated in the farewell hajj of Prophet (s.a.w.). According to a narration, when the Prophet (s.a.w.) shaved his head, Khalid (r.a.) took some of his hairs. When asked by the Prophet (s.a.w.) the reason for this, he replied, "I will keep these hairs with me forever as a relic so that they will help me be victorious in battles.“ Later he sewed those hairs in his cap, which he always wore under his turban.
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The tragedy of this great Sahabi was to die on his bed. He himself narrates, “ I attended such-and-such a battle, and such-and-such a battle, proceeding (towards the enemies); and there is no spot of my body but that it has either a sword’s strike, a spear’s pierce or an arrow’s throw. And now I’m dying on my bed, in the same way as the camel dies. May the eyes of the cowards never sleep.”
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Scholars have commented that the reason he died a natural death was that he was ‘The Sword of Allah’ and thus it was not possible for him to be killed by another man.
References:
Men around the Messenger – Khalid Mohammed Khalid
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Nice thread :)