Photo by [Hajj and Umrah Planner]
As millions of Muslims gear up for their highly anticipated journey to Makkah, many pilgrims dedicate time to engage in Ziyarat (visits) to esteemed and historic sites within the Islamic realm. Throughout the month of Dhul-Hijjah, many Muslims opt to prolong their stay in Saudi Arabia, either before or after the days of Hajj, enabling them to explore significant locations in Makkah and Medina.
When pilgrims partake in these activities, it strengthens the universal bond of Islam, transcending divisions of race, culture, and geography. By embarking on these visits, pilgrims are provided with a chance to deeply engage with the profound heritage of Islam and enhance their connection to the revered individuals who selflessly devoted themselves to the will of God.
Sacred Sites in Medina
Medina has numerous revered sites, such as the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. Pilgrims allocate time to offer prayers in the Mosque and pay their respects at the graves of the Prophet and his closest companions.
Other notable locations include Jannat ul-Baqi, the cemetery where the Prophet’s companions found their final resting place, and the historic Mount Uhud near Medina. This mount holds significance as it was the site of the Battle of Uhud during the early days of Islam. It serves as a place for pilgrims to contemplate the unwavering faith, courage, and sacrifice exhibited by the Prophet’s companions.
In an interview with Salaamedia from Mount Uhud, Moulana Mohammed Vanker emphasised the importance of Ziyarat during the Hajj journey, describing it as one of the most significant acts pilgrims can engage in. He highlighted how this experience transports them to a spiritually enriching time.
Mount Uhud acts as a reminder for pilgrims and Muslims to reflect upon the nobility and devotion displayed by the companions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in the service of Islam.
“We’ve had many incidents, and we’ve listened to the lectures about the Battle of Uhud. Now you’re standing physically on the very piece of ground where this great battle had taken place. It adds a different dimension to our attachment to the Quran and the Deen of (God) … Sometimes, when we come here, we just get lost for words. It’s such an emotional [experience] just being here. When we start going back in time, and we start rewinding our history, these great men, the best of the best, that walked on mother earth [we understand] this is where they had given their lives for Islam.”
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Extending Stay
In contrast to pilgrims from other nations who choose to extend their stay after completing the Hajj, most South African pilgrims prefer to embark on their Ziyarat in the sacred city of Medina before the days of Hajj.
Moulana Vanker noted that the pilgrims are filled with enthusiasm as it is, for some, their first encounter with the city of Medina. He further emphasised that whether pilgrims visit before or after the Hajj holds no significance. The paramount importance lies in the opportunity bestowed upon them to see the city, offer prayers in the Mosque of the Prophet, and pay homage to his resting place, which is a blessing.
“This piece of ground is rich in Islamic history. We arrived in Medina for a few days, and the (pilgrims) are in high spirits. For many of them, it’s the first time they are visiting Medina, and no matter how many times you visit this beautiful city, it spiritually energises you on the inside. [It reinforces the] attachment with the Deen of (God) the attachment to his Messenger.”
According to Moulana Vanker, the departure from Medina evokes profound sadness among the pilgrims due to their deep emotional connection towards the city that embraced the Prophet during the early stages of Islam. Nonetheless, this sorrow is alleviated by the realisation that they are headed towards Makkah, the most revered and significant place in the Islamic world, on the next leg of their journey.
