Prophet Muhammad

Peace be upon him and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah

NOTE: All the contents of the book are gathered and collected from the internet so it is a gathering to everything that I have read or watched about the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Madinah that influenced me so much and made me fall in love more and more with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Madinah, so I decided to gather all this and put it in an interactive PDF in a beautiful decorative way as it is and share it with you. NOTE: This PDF is not to be sold (not for commercial use).

-The Description of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) By Mohamed Zakariya. -Al-MadinahAl-Munawwarah the city of the Prophet Peace be upon him :
-Behavior in Madinh Munawwarah and its virtue -Love and respect for Madinatul Munawwarah -Madinah: the Sanctuary -Names of Madinah -The City which Purifies -To Live and Die in the City of Light -Protected People of Madinatul Munawwarah -Blessed Soil of the Holy City -Ajwa Dates of the City of Light -Angels Protect Madinatun Nabi from Dajjal -Visiting

The Contents

the Raudha Mubaaraka

-Stories of the Pious visiting the Raudha Mubaaraka -Impotant Note -Significant places in Madinah -Videos about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Muhammad
Peace be upon him
By Mohamed Zakariya

The Description of Prophet

The Hilyes of the Prophet:

The most famous hilye texts, of course, are those that characterize the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In Turkish, they are called Hilye-i Saadet (the Hilye of Felicity), Hilye-i Sherif (the Noble Hilye), and Hilye-i Nebevi (the Prophetic Hilye). The most popular of these texts for calligraphers is one related by Ali ibn Talib, which I translate as follows:
Mohamed Zakariya, who discovered Islam early in his life, is of American origin and lives and works in Washington DC and whose job description would include not only being a master calligrapher, illuminator, and craftsman in wood and metal but also that of historian and humorist. His work is now much sought after and is exhibited in many museums and private collections. His Eid postage stamp has brought his work, albeit in miniature, into probably millions of homes in the US.

Transmitted from Ali [sonin-law of the Prophet], may God be pleased with him, who, when asked to describe the Prophet,peace be upon him, would say, He was not too tall nor too short. He was medium sized. His hair was not short and curly, nor was it lank but in between. His face was not narrow, nor was it fully round, but there was a roundness to it. His skin was white. His eyes were black. He had long eyelashes. He was big-boned and had wide shoulders. He had no body hair except in the middle of his chest. He had thick hands and feet. When he walked, he walked inclined, as if descending a slope. When he looked at someone, he looked at them in full face.

Between his shoulders was the seal of prophecy, the sign that he was the last of the prophets. He was the most generous-hearted of men, the most truthful of them in speech, the most mild-tempered of them, and the noblest of them in lineage. Whoever saw him unexpectedly was in awe of him.

whoever associated with him familiarly loved him. Anyone who would describe him would say, I never saw, before him or after him,the like of him. Peace be upon him. The most comprehensive hilye text is found in Ash-Shifa, the great work on the Prophet by Al-Qadi Iyad (d. 1149). Here it is, in its fullest version: Al-Hasan, son of Ali [May God be pleased with both of them] said, I asked my uncle, Hind, son of Abu Hala about the hilye [description] of the Prophet of God,may peace and blessings be upon him. Hind was known to be a prolific describer of the Prophet, and I wished him to relate some of it for me so I might hold fast to it. So Hind said, The

And

Prophet of God, peace be upon him, was of mighty significance to God and profoundly honored among the people. His face radiated light like the moon on its fullest night. He was a bit taller than the medium stature and a bit shorter than the tall and skinny. His head was large. His hair was wavy. If his hair parted, he would leave it parted; if not, he would leave it, and it would not be long enough to pass his earlobes. His complexion was fair. He had a wide forehead and arched, thick eyebrows with a space between them. There was a vein between them that would swell and pulse when he was angry. His nose was aquiline; it had a brightness about the upper part that led those who were less observant to think him haughty.

and the whites very white.His cheeks were not prominent. He had a wide mouth. His teeth were white, and there was a space between his front teeth.There was a fine line of hair on his chest, and it was as if it were an ivory statue with the purity of silver. His figure was wellproportioned, full-bodied, and strong. There was no slackness in his musculature; his chest didnt protrude over his belly, nor did the reverse occur. His chest was broad and his shoulders wide and muscular. He had large limbs. The parts of his body that could be seen while he was clothed were luminous. His body from the neck to the navel was joined by hair which flowed down like a line. There was no hair on his nipples. His forearms, shoulders, and upper chest were hairy. The bones of his forearms were long. His palms were wide and generous. His hands and feet were thick. His limbs were long. He had long sinews. His insteps were high. His feet were smooth without protuberances, and water would run off of them. When he would move off, he would move with determination.

He had a thick beard. His eyes were very black

would step peace and blessings be surely and upon him, was continually unhurriedly full of concern. He was and not proudly. He constantly deep in thought. walked gently and with He had no rest and would dignity, and he would take not speak without a reason. wide steps when he wanted He would be silent for long to walk quickly. When he periods of time. He would walked, it was as if he were begin conversations and descending from a slope, end them clearly and and when he would look distinctly and would speak at someone, he would turn in a way that combined to him fully. He would many meanings in few lower his gaze and look words.He spoke with down more often than up. excellence, and there was He didnt stare. He would no excess in it or unnatural lead his companions by brevity. walking behind them out of modesty and would always be the first to greet them. At this point, Al-Hasan said to Hind,Describe to me the way he spoke.Hind said, The Prophet of God,

He

was gentle by nature and not coarse, and he was not contemptuous of anyone. He would extol the favors he received even when they were few and small. He never found fault with them. He never criticized the food or drink that was prepared for him, nor did he overly praise it. No one would stand against his anger when matters of the Lords truth were opposed until he had triumphed, but he would never get angry for his own sake, nor would he ever seek to win such an argument. He would gesture with his whole palm, to point.When astonished, he would turn the face of his palm upwards. He used his hands frequently as he spoke and would strike his left palm with his right thumb. When he would get angry, he would turn away and avert his gaze, and when he was full of joy, he would lower his eyes.

He

always asked permission to enter his home, from God as smiling; when he did and from those within. laugh, it was not loud, When at home, he would and he would show his divide his time into three teeth a bit like they were parts: one part for God, hailstones. Al-Hasan one for his family, and said, I kept this report one for himself. Then, to myself, away from [my he would divide his own brother] Al-Husayn for portion between himself awhile; then I told it to and the people. His elite him, but he had already heard it and found out even companions would mostly share this time with him, more.He had asked our father [Ali] about the way and they would convey the Prophet of God, peace his words to the common be upon him,was when he people. He would hold was at home, was when he nothing back from them, went out in his assemblies, neither knowledge nor worldly things. It was his and was concerning his way to prefer the people living. Al-Hasan left of excellence according nothing of this out. Alto their merit in religious Husayn said, I asked my matters. father [Ali], may God be Among the people, there pleased with him, about were those with a need, how the Prophet of God, peace be upon him,was at those with two needs, and those with many needs. home.He [Ali] said, He

Most of his laughing was

would work with them, and he would occupy them and the community in general with that which would improve their situations. This he would do by asking about them and their needs and by informing them what they ought to do. He would say, Let the one who is present among you inform the one who is absent, and bring to me the need of he who is unable to tell me himself. Truly, on the Day of Judgment, God will make firm the feet of one who informs someone in authority of the need of someone who is unable to convey his need himself.

He

This was the kind of topic mentioned in his presence, and he didnt accept anything else from anyone [that is, he didnt like meaningless conversation and liked to talk about how to help people].Ali then said, according to the hadith of Sufyan ibn Waki, They will come as scouts [seeking decisions or knowledge], and they will not go on their way until they find what they are seeking, and then they will leave as guides and learned people.I said [Husayn to his father Ali], Tell me about his going out and how he would act outside.

upon him, would hold his tongue except in matters which concerned his companions. He would encourage affection and concord between them and would say nothing to alienate one from another. He honored the nobles of every people who would come to him and make them leaders. He would be wary around some people and on his guard against them [especially nomads], but he would never withhold from anyone his open-faced friendliness and fine personality.He would ask his companions about their situations, and he would ask people about what was going on amongst them.He would approve of that which was good and advocate it, and he would denounce that which was base and discourage it. Everything he did was in moderation, without excess or contrariness. He was not unmindful out of fear that they [his companions]will become unmindful or weary. He was prepared for every situation in this world and the next. He didnt fail to fulfill what was right and didnt pass it [the job] on to those near him. The most meritorious and excellent people to him were those whose advice was most universal; the most significant of them to him were those most beneficial to others and the most helpful in helping others bear their burdens.

Ali said, The Prophet of God, peace and blessings

Then Al-Husayn said, Then I asked him [Ali] about

his gatherings and about what he did in them. Ali responded, The Prophet of God, peace be upon him, did not sit down or stand up without mentioning God, nor did he reserve for himself fixed places among the people to be seated, and he forbade others also to reserve places for themselves [especially in mosques and public gatherings]. When he would go to visit a group, he would sit in the nearest available spot, and he ordered that others follow this practice. He would give those seated near him his full share of attention in such a way that no one would think others had been given precedence over him.Whenever someone with whom he was sitting would tell him of his needs, he would bear with that person until that person left him. When someone would ask him to solve a problem, he would not turn him away without solving it for him, if possible, or saying a comforting word or a prayer for its fulfillment. His cheerfulness and open personality were felt by all the people, and he became like a father to them. They came to have the right of mercy and compassion from him, as they were close, like the relation of parent and child, distinguished only by virtue and devotion to God. And [in another narrative] they became equals regarding their rights in his eyes.

Assemblies with him were gatherings of gentleness, dignified conduct, modesty,patience, and trust. No voice would be raised, nor would women be spoken of in a depraved way, nor would peoples errors be mentioned.They inclined to each other in affection out of devotion to God as humble people. In these gatherings, the old were honored, and the young were treated with gentleness. They would come to the aid of the needy and would have compassion for the stranger. And then I asked him [Ali] about how he, peace be upon him, conducted himself among his close associates and servants.He [Ali] said, The Prophet of God,peace be upon him, was unfailingly cheerful,easygoing by nature, and mild mannered. He was

neither crude nor obstinate. He was not a clamorous loudmouth nor a repeater of obscenities. He was not one to find faults in others, nor did he overly praise people. He feigned indifference to rude behavior, and none of the rude ones were made to despair of his kindness. He allowed his soul no portion of three things: hypocrisy, acquisitiveness, and that which did not concern him. He did not allow himself to engage in three things regarding people: he would not criticize others; he would not revile anyone; and he would not seek out others faults. He would speak of nothing unless he hoped a reward from God for it.

When he would talk,

the ones sitting with him would be so still and quiet, you would imagine birds were sitting on their heads. When he was silent, they would talk but not quarrel in his presence. When one of them would talk, they would all listen attentively until he had finished. They would speak about a subject that was brought up by the first until they had finished with it. He would laugh at what they laughed at, and he would be amazed by what amazed them.He was patient with the stranger who had roughness in his speech. He would say, Whenever you see someone seeking to solve a problem, help him out. He did not seek praise but expected to be spoken of appropriately.

He wouldnt interrupt anothers speech unless it got excessive or too long; then he would end it or get up to leave. Here ends the hadith of Sufyan ibn Waki. Through other narrators, Al-Hasan continues in the words of his brother, Al-Husayn, I said [to Ali], What was the silence of the Prophet of God, peace be upon him, like? He [Ali] said, His silences were for four situations: forbearance, caution, estimation,and contemplation. As for his estimation, it was to take an impartial study of events and listening to the people in order to be just. As for his contemplation, it was about what was eternal and what was transitory. His forbearance was part of his patience.

His caution was for four reasons: taking good speech or action into consideration, so he might use it in an exemplary way; abjuring the ugly and bad,so such would be left alone; exerting his judgment to improve the situation of his community; [and] establishing ways to maintain the good order of his community in regard to this world and the next. The description is finished; thanks and praise to God for His aid.

He was not angered by that which was provocative.

Al-MadinahAl-Munawwarah The city of the Prophet Peace be upon him

Sayyidina Anas b. Malik narrates, Whenever the Prophet returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Madinah. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 110]

O abode of the Best of all Messengers; The one by whom people are guided, and who was chosen to receive the Verses, For you (o Madinah) I have intense, ardent love, And a yearning which kindles the embers of my heart.

I have a vow if I fill my eyes with those walls and the places where you walked, then my turbaned grey head will be covered with dust from so much kissing! Had it not been for obstacles and enemies, I would always visit them, even if I were to be dragged upon my feet.

But I will be guided, in my eagerness, to greet the inhabitants of those houses and rooms, By a scent purer than the most splendid musk, which covers him each morning and evening. Pure and ever-increasing blessings bestowed upon him, through the prayers of peace and blessings upon him! [Qadi Iyaads al-Shifa, Vol. 2]

O Abode of the Best of the Messengers! For you (Madinah) I have intense love, passionate love, and yearning which kindles the embers of my heart. The Beloved Messenger of Allah prayed, O Allah! Bestow on Madinah twice the blessings you bestowed on Makkah. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 109] O Allah, Ibrahim was Your servant, Your friend, and Your apostle; and I am Your servant and Your apostle. He (Ibrahim) made supplication to You for (the showering of blessings upon) Makkah, and I am making supplication to You for Madinah just as he made supplication to You for Makkah, and the like of it in addition. [Muslim, Book 7, Hadith no. 3170] The Beloved Messenger of Allah often made supplication for the beloved city of Madinah, affectionately named Madinatul Munawwarah or the City of Illumination.

reat indeed are the virtues of Madinah Munawwarah. What better evidence do we need to prove the virtues of this City of Rasulullah peace be upon him than the fact that Allah Taala has chosen it to be the place of residence of His most beloved? Qadhi Iyaadh writes: That City indeed deserves to be honoured and respected. It is a city which was once filled with the revelations from Allah Taala, where the Quraanic revelation was constantly received. On numerous occasions Jibraeel _, Meekaaeel_ and other respected angels visited the earth, where in all corners the praises of Allah Taala were heard, where the dust and the earth became honoured through the presence of Rasulullah peace be upon him, at those places where he stayed and rested. Such a place is indeed worthy of respect where the commands of Allah and the practice of His Rasul peace be upon him were announced and to this day the numerous relics of spiritual blessings and righteousness can be seen. Such places need to be honoured, their fragrance inhaled and their walls kissed in honour. The virtues of the city of Madinah Munawwarah are mentioned in many Ahaadith and in this chapter we intend to quote a few of them.

Behavior in Madinh Munawwarah and its virtues

Hadith No. 1

Jaabir ibn Samurah (May ALLAH Be Pleased with him) said: I heard Rasulullah (peace be upon him) say: Verily Allah Taala named Madinah, Taabah (meaning the good one) or Tayyibah (the pure). [Muslim]

Hadith No. 2

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (May ALLAH Be Pleased with him) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: I have been commanded to take up residence in such a village that consumes all villages. They call it Yathrib and its name is Madinah. She (Madinah) casts off evil ones as dirt is removed when iron is melted. [Bukhaari and Muslim]

Hadith No. 3

Saad (May ALLAH Be Pleased with him) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: I declare haraam that area lying between the rocky lands on both sides of Madinah. Its vegetation should not be cut down and its animals should not be hunted within its area. Rasulullah (peace be upon him) also said: For a Muslim, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand its virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become bored with it, Allah Taala will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the hardships of living in Madinah Munawwarah, for him shall I be an intercessor (or witness) on the day of Qiyaamah. [Muslim]

Hadith No. 4

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (May ALLAH be Pleased with him) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: Imaan shall flow back to Madinah, as a snake returns to its hole. [Bukhaari]

Hadith No. 5

Hadhrat Anas (May ALLAH be Pleased with him) says that Nabi (peace be upon him) once made dua, O Allah, grant to Madinah double the blessings that You have granted to Makkah. [Bukhaari and Muslim]

Hadith No. 6

Hadhrat Saad (May ALLAH be pleased with him) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever plans to deceive the people of Madinah shall become destroyed as salt is dissolved in water. [Bukhaari and Muslim]

Hadith No. 7

Hadhrat Anas (May ALLAH be pleased with him) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said, Whoever performs forty salaah in my Masjid, not missing one salaah in the Masjid, for him is granted freedom from the fire of Jahannam,and freedom from punishment and he shall remain free of hypocrisy. [Ahmed and Tabraani]

Hadith No. 8

Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiyallahu Anha) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) once made dua for the sick, With the name of Allah and the dust of our earth (mixed) with the saliva from the mouth of some of us heal some of us. [Bukhaari]

Hadith No. 9

Ibn Umar(May ALLAH Be Pleased with Him) reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever has the means to die in Madinah, let him die there for I shall intercede on behalf of everyone who dies there. [Tirmizi]

Hadith No. 10

Abu Hurayrah (May ALLAH Be Pleased with Him reports that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: Between my house and my mimbar lies one of the gardens of Jannah and my mimbar stands upon my pond of water. [Bukhaari]

& Respect for Madinatul Munawwarah

The Beloved Messenger of Allah had such love for Madinah that, Sayyidina Anas b. Malik narrates, Whenever the Prophet returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Madinah. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 110] The virtues of Madinah are many and its beauty is magnificent; all this owing to the fact that it honours upon its sacred soil the beloved and most revered grave (rawdha) of the Noble Messenger of Allah. For this reason, the Companions, the Tabieen and the Tab-e-Tabieen have throughout the ages held an immense attachment and love within their hearts for the blessed City of the Prophet. Qadi Iyaad reports that Imam Malik would never ride an animal or mount in Madinah and hed say, I am too shy before Allah to trample with an animal's hoof on the earth where Allah's Messenger is buried. [al-Shifa, Vol. 2, page 63] Thus came the answer to our Beloved Messengers prayer when he said, O Allah! Make us love Madinah as much as we love Makkah or even more. [Muwatta of Imam Malik, Hadith no. 4] Qadi Iyaad also reports the sentiments

Love

of Khwaja Abu Fadl al-Jawhari, who said as he approached the blessed City, The veil has been lifted from us and a moon shines out to those who look on, banishing all illusions. As our mounts reach Muhammad, may Allahs eternal peace and blessings be upon him; it is forbidden for us to be found in our saddles. We are drawing near to the best man to have ever walked upon the earth; so we hold this ground with respect and honour. [al-Shifa, Vol. 2, page 64] Qadi Iyaad adds, One must respect the place... whose soil contains the body of the Master of mankind and from which the deen of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger spread out... and the first earth that the skin of the Prophet touched after death. Its fragrance should be inhaled, and its residences and walls should be kissed. From this, we can establish the true honour and devotion which is owed to the beloved City of Madinah for the connection it holds to our Sayyid (Master), Sayyidina Muhammad, may Allahs eternal peace and blessings be upon him. One of the attributes of true lovers is how they treasure everything associated with the Beloved, out of reverence and from the yearning in their hearts. Such longing shines forth from the words of Imam Busayri when he speaks of painful reminders of the Beloved, may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him, in his famous Qasida: Or is it because of the breeze blowing from Kaazimah, or is it the lightning struck in the darkness of the night from Idam... Kaazimah is a village in Madinah, and

Idam is a mountain in Madinah. The significance of these places lies in the fact that they are on the soil of the City of the Messenger, thus calling to the hearts which love and yearn for him. Imam Ahmad Raza Khan writes in his famous poetry: Madine ki khitte Khuda tujh ko rakkhe, Ghareebon faqeeron ke tehraane waale! O areas of Madinah, may Allah keep (safeguard) you, For the destitute, [you are] a refuge!

Madinah: the Sanctuary

Madinah is a sanctuary between its two mountains, Mount Ayr and Mount Thawr, which are approximately 15 kilometers apart, and are its boundaries in the northern & southern directions. Within its bounds, the pure air is protected from evils, safeguarded from all ills. Anyone who tries to pollute that sacred air is punished by the Curse of Allah and His Angels, for honoring the blessed City is compulsory upon every believer. The Beloved Messenger of Allahsaid, Madinah is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be cut, and no heresy should be innovated, nor any sin should be committed in it, and whoever innovates in it a heresy, or commits sins (bad deeds), he will incur the Curse of Allah, the Angels, and all the people. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 91] The Beloved Messenger of Allah also said, I have made Madinah a sanctuary between its two [Harrah] mountains. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 93] For this reason, Sayyidina Abu Huraira said, If I saw deers grazing in Madinah, I would not chase them, for Allahs Messenger said, (Madinah) is a sanctuary between its two mountains. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 97] Madinah is also guarded by angels from evils such as the plague, and from the terror of the Accursed Dajjal, as the Beloved Messenger of Allah said, There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Madinah, neither plague nor Dajjal will be able to enter it. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 104]

Names of Madinah

Madinah is often referred to as Madinatul Munawwarah or the City of Light, Madinatun Nabi or the City of the Prophet, Madinatun Noor or the City of Light, or Tayba/Taba meaning pure, pleasant. The name Taba is mentioned in the Holy Quran [59:9] and the name Tayba is mentioned in several Hadith. Sayyidina Abu Humaid narrates that upon approaching Madinah from Tabuk, the Beloved Messenger of Allah said, This is Taba. [Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith no. 96]The Beloved Messenger of Allah said, They call it Yathrib but it is Madinah. [Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith no. 252]

It is not permissible and is forbidden to call Madinah by the name of Yathrib. This is a sin and a major disrespect to the sacred City. This view is supported by Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, who also quotes a Hadith from Imam Ahmads Musnad [Vol. 4, page 285] in which the Beloved Messenger of Allah said,Whoever calls Madinah Yathrib, it is necessary for him to repent. Madinah is Tayba, Madinah is Tayba. Tayba and Taba both are derived from one root word; Tayb, meaning pure and pleasant. Madinah was named as such for its pleasantness, and for the fact that a beautiful fragrance is found in its sacred air which is not found elsewhere.

The City which Purifies

The City of Madinah is pure and sacred to such an extent that it has the ability to purify its inhabitants. This makes clear the level of sanctity that the blessed City was raised to when the Beloved Messenger set foot upon its earth. It is reported in Bukhari that a bedouin went to the Beloved Messenger and pledged allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day, he arrived with fever and said (to the Messenger), Please cancel my pledge (of embracing Islam and of emigrating to Madinah). The Prophet refused that request three times and said, Madinah is like a furnace, it expels out the impurities (bad persons) and selects the good ones and makes them perfect. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 107] This clear and strong refusal by the Messenger of Allah, may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him, perhaps emphasizes the importance of migration to Madinah, and the strength of its unique quality to influence and purify those who reside within its sacred boundaries. In this manner, the beloved City is home to the believers, as it casts away all evil and elevates all goodness even in regards to its people. In another Hadith reported by Sayyidina Abu Huraira, the Beloved Messenger of Allah said, I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib but it is Madinah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 95]

To Live and Die in the City of Light

The sacred and revered City of Light, al-Madinatul Munawwarah, is greater than any other residence and its hardship bears the most cherished reward of the Beloved Messengers intercession on the Day of Judgement. The blessed City thus holds greater status and preference over even the noblest cities through the Islamic world. The Beloved Messenger said, Madinah is best for them if they knew. No one leaves it through dislike of it, without Allah putting in it someone better than he in place of him; and no one will stay there in spite of its hardships and distress, without my being an intercessor or witness on behalf of him on the Day of Resurrection.[Muslim, Book 7, Hadith no. 3154] The Beloved Messenger also said, Yemen will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families, and those who will obey them to migrate (to Yemen) - although Madinah will be better for them, if they but knew. Sham (Syria) will also be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them, to migrate (to Sham) - although Madinah will be better for them, if they but knew. Iraq will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them to migrate (to Iraq) - although Madinah will be better for them, if they but knew.

[Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 99] The blessings and virtues of Madinah are not limited for those residing within its borders, nor are the benefits of the beautiful City limited to the life of this temporary world. Lucky are those who are called upon by the Angel of Death whilst they are within its sacred boundary! Imam Malik relates in his Muwatta that the Messenger of Allah himself said, There is nothing like dying in the way of God, but there is not, on the face of this earth, a piece of land more beloved to me that my grave should be in, than this [Madinah]. (He repeated that three times.) To die in the City of the Beloved Messenger is a great blessing and a true honour for any devoted believer. It is reported that Ameerul Mumineen (Leader of the Faithful), Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab would pray, O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in Your Cause, and let my death be in the city of Your Messenger. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 114] Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that the Beloved Messenger also said, Whoever has the means to die in Madinah, let him die there; for I shall intercede on behalf of everyone who dies there. [Ahmad, Tirmidhi]

Protected People of Madinatul Munawwarah

The people of Madinah are also safeguarded from the plots and schemes of enemies, as the Beloved Messenger of Allah said, None plots against the people of Madinah but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 101]

Blessed Soil of the Holy City

Aisha (May ALLAH be pleased with her) reported that: when any person fell ill with a disease or he had an ailment or injury, the Apostle of ALLAH placed his forefinger on the ground and then lifted by reciting the name of ALLAH and said The dust of our ground with the saliva of one of us serves as cure for our ill ones, with the sanction of ALLAH (Sahih Muslim Hadith N0.2194) Such is the sacredness of the beautiful City of Madinah that even its dust and soil is pure, and can provide cure from illness. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah said, The dust of Madinah is a cure from leprosy. [Imam Abu Nuaym, al-Tibb al-Nabawi] Reverence and love for this blessed soil is witnessed in a report concerning Imam Malik, who ordered a man to be lashed and jailed because he said, The soil of Madinah is bad. This disrespectful statement outraged Imam Malik greatly, and although the man had connections to the authorities of Madinah, the Imam refused to reconsider his verdict. He said in much displeasure, He claims the soil in which the Messenger of Allah, may Allahs peace and blessings be upon him, is buried is not good! [Qadi Iyaads al-Shifa, Vol. 2, page 63]

Ajwa Dates of the City of Light

The dates of Madinatul Munawwarah are not only a beautifully rich and sweet delight, but also contain great benefits as described by the Messenger of Allah. These dates are called Ajwa, exclusive to the sacred City of Madinah and grown from its blessed soil. Sayyidina Saud narrated that the Beloved Messenger said, If somebody takes some Ajwa

dates every morning, he will not be affected by poison or magic on that day till night. (Another narrator said seven dates). [Bukhari, Book 71, Hadith no. 663]

Angels Protect Madinatun Nabi from Dajjal

As Madinah is a sanctuary from all evils, it is also protected by Allah from the Accursed Dajjal. When the terror of the Dajjal establishes upon the earth, the angels will guard Madinah at each of its seven gates and it will not be able to enter. The Messenger of Allah said, The terror caused by al-Masih ad-Dajjal will not enter Madinah, and at that time Madinah will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate guarding them. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 103] Sayyidina Abu Huraira reported that the Beloved Messenger of Allah said, There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Madinah, neither plague nor Dajjal will be able to enter it. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 104] Elaborating further about the protection of Madinah from Dajjal, Sayyidina Anas b. Malik reported that the Beloved Messenger said, There will be no town which ad-Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance/road (of both Makkah and Madinah) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Madinah will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earthquakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 105]

Sayyidina Abu Said al-Khudri reports, The Messenger of Allah told us a long narrative about ad-Dajjal, and among the many things he mentioned, was his saying, ad-Dajjal will come and it will be forbidden for him to pass through the entrances of Madinah. He will land in some of the salty barren areas (outside) Madinah; on that day the best man or one of the best men will come up to him and say, I testify that you are the same Dajjal whose description was given to us by Allahs Messenger. adDajjal will say to the people, If I kill this man and bring him back to life again, will you doubt my claim? They will say, No. Then ad-Dajjal will kill that man and bring him back to life. That man will say, Now I know your reality better than before. ad-Dajjal will say, I want to kill him but I cannot. [Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith no. 106] (www. baharemadinah.com Website, n.d.).

VISITING THE RAUDHA MUBAARAK

Virtues of visiting the Raudha Mubaarak:
Presenting oneself in the court of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is one of the greatest acts of worship, for which great rewards and virtues have been promised in the Ahaadeeth. Here under are a few virtues: -My intercession becomes necessary for the one who visits my grave.(Sunan Daaraqutni #2695/Shu`abul Imaan#3862) -Visiting me after my death is akin to visiting me during my lifetime.(Sunan Daaraqutni #2694/Shu`abul Imaan #3855) -The one who visits me with this being his sole intention will be in my company on the day of Qiyaamah. (Shu`abul Imaan #3856) (A detailed discussion on the authenticity of thesenarrations can be seen in the book Shifaaus Siqaam li Ziyaarati Khairil Anaam of the Hadeeth Master Taqiyyud Deen As-Subki (Rahimahullah) and other detailed works on this subject.) One of the greatest virtues is that when a person presents himself before Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and offers his salaam, Rasulullah (Sallallahu AlaihiWasallam) personally listens and replies to his salaam. (See Shifaaus Siqaam and Alqoulul Badee` of Shamsud Deen As-Sakhaawi Rahimahullah)

Together with the virtues, visiting the Raudha Mubaarak has always been the practice of the Ummah since the time of the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum). Mulla `Ali Qari (Rahimahullah) the great Qari, Mufassir, Muhaddith and Faqeeh writes: Visiting Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is one of the greatest acts of worship, most virtuous of deeds, most promising means of attaining high ranks and is close to the position of the compulsory acts according to the consensus of the Muslims, regardless of those who oppose this view. (Manaasik Mulla `Ali Qari pg. 502) By this last statement Mulla `Ali Qari (Rahimahullah) refers to some people who do not ascribe to

any Mazhab. Under the pretext of directly following the Quraan and Hadeeth they contradict the entire Ummah and baselessly claim that it is impermissible to travel to Madinah Munawwarah with the intention of visiting Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). However, this view is against the practice of the Sahaabah and Taabi`een and is the direct result of abandoning the following of the illustrious Imaams of Fiqh. Qaadhi `Iyaadh (Rahimahullah) says:Visiting the Qabr of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is an accepted and unanimously agreed practice amongst the Muslims and an encouraged virtuous deed. (Shifaaus Siqaam pg. 53)

tories of the pious visiting the Raudha Mubaarak

Uwais Qarni (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) comes to Madinah:

Hadhrat Uwais Qarni (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) was a famous Taabi'ee who was well known to be the best of Taabi'een (those who met the Sahaabah, the friends of Rasulullah (peace be upon him). He lived during the era of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) but because he had to take care of his mother, he could not meet Rasulullah (peace be upon him). Rasulullah (peace be upon him) himself called him the best of the Taabi'een' and also said about him, that if he, Uwais Qarni (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him), had to take an oath that something would happen, then Allah Taala would make sure that it happened, and if anyone had the chance of meeting him, then he should ask him to make dua for his forgiveness. Rasulullah

(peace be upon him said) to Hadhrat Umar (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) and Hadhrat Ali (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him), Let Uwais make dua for your forgiveness.His virtues are very great. He was martyred in the Battle of Siffeen fighting on the side of Hadhrat Ali (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him). When he came to Madinah Munawwarah after Haj, he entered the Masjid where someone pointed out to him the resting place of Raslulullah (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him). After seeing it, he became so deeply affected that he fell unconscious. After getting up he said: Take me out of this city as I will never find rest in this place where lies buried the most beloved Rasul of Allah.

Story of a villager
Once a villager visited the grave of Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: O Allah, you have commanded that slaves must be set free. Here lies your most beloved messenger and here stands your slave at the final resting place of Your Messenger. I beg you to free this humble slave from the fire of Jahannam. Suddenly he heard a voice: Why did you only ask for yourself? Why didnt you ask for all of mankind? We have freed you from Jahannam.

Another incident of a villager

Once, a villager stood in front of the grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) saying: O Allah, here lies Your beloved, I am Your slave and shaytaan is Your enemy. If You forgive me, Your beloved Nabi (peace be upon him) will become happy. Your slave will be successful, and the heart of Your enemy will be disturbed. O Allah, if You do not forgive me, the heart of Your beloved will be sad, your enemy will be overjoyed and Your slave will fail. O Allah, it is a habit among the Arabs that whenever a great king passes away, they used to free slaves besides his grave. Now, O Allah, here rests the greatest of all kings and here I stand. Free me, O Allah, from the fire of Jahannam.

Story of Haatim Asam Balkhy (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him): Haatim Asam Balkhy was a very pious saint who

secluded himself in a room for thirty years. He did not speak to anyone except when it was absolutely necessary. When he visited the holy grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) in Madinah Munawwarah he said: O Allah, we have come to the grave of your beloved. Do not send us away from here without being forgiven. A voice was heard from above saying: Of course, we only allowed you the chance of visiting the grave of My beloved so that your duas can be answered. Go now! We have forgiven you and your companions and all those who are present here.

Story Ibraaheem bin Shaybaan (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him)

Sheikh Ibrahim bin Shaybaan said: When I visited Madinah Munawwarah after performing Haj, I said Assalaamu alaykum at the grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) when suddenly I heard a voice answering from the inside of the room where Rasulullah (peace be upon him) is buried saying, Wa alaykumus salaam.

Story of Allamah Qastalaani (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him)

Hadhrat Allaamah Qastalani (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) says: Once I became so ill that the doctors lost all hope. For many years I remained ill. One day on the 28th of Jamadul Ulaa 893 A.H. while in Makkah I made dua to Allah Taala through the waseelah (name) of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) that Allah Taala cures me of my sickness. Whilst asleep, I saw a dream in which I saw a man with a piece of paper in his hand on which was written:Rasulullah (peace be upon him) has commanded that this medicine be given to Ahmad bin Qastalani. When I awoke I was completely cured. Hadhrat Allama Qastalani (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) also says: During the year 885 A.H., whilst returning from visiting the holy grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him), my maid-servant was seriously hurt in an accident with a deer. She suffered great pain and discomfort. Seeing this I made dua through the waseelah (name) of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) for her health. Then I had a dream in which I saw a man with a Jinn in the shape of a deer. It was that same deer that had hurt my dear servant. The man said to me:Rasulullah (peace be upon him) has sent him to you. I then scolded the Jinn and made him promise never to do such a thing again. Thereafter I awoke and discovered that the maid was completely cured.

Story of Ibraaheem Story of Abdul Khair Khawwaas (May ALLAH Al-Aqta(May ALLAH Be Be Pleased With Him) Pleased With Him)
Hadhrat Ibraheem Khawwaas (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) says: Once on a journey I suffered such thirst that while travelling I fell unconscious. Whilst unconscious, someone threw some water on my face. When I got up I saw a very handsome man on horseback. He gave me water to drink and asked me to join him on his horse. I climbed onto the horse and after going a short distance he turned to me saying: What place is this? I replied: This is the holy city of Madinah Munawwarah. He said: Climb down now and when you reach the holy grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) say to him that your brother Khidar sends his salaams and greetings.
Hadhrat Sheikh Abdul Khair al Aqta (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) said: Once, on a visit to Madinah Tayyibah, I suffered such hunger that for five days I had absolutely nothing to eat. I could not even find something to taste. I went to the grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) and after greeting him and his two companions I said to Rasulullah (peace be upon him): O Rasulullah (peace be upon him) tonight it is my wish to be your guest. I then went towards the mimbar and fell asleep behind it. In my sleep I saw Rasulullah (peace be upon him) in a dream sitting with Hadhrat Abu Bakr in front of him. Hadhrat Ali called me and said: Look, Rasulullah (peace be upon him) has arrived. I stood up and Rasulullah(peace be upon him)gave me a piece of bread. I ate half of it.

When I woke up, I discovered that I still had the other half of that bread in my hand.

The Story of Abul Wafaa

Another saint says: While living in Makkah Mukarramah a friend of mine once came to me saying: I have brought for you a present. He then told a friend of his: Tell him your story. The man then said: When I left my home to perform Haj, a very large crowd of friends and well-wishers came to bid me farewell. Many came to the outskirts of the village. One of them asked me to give his salaams to Rasulullah (peace be upon him) and his two friends in Madinah Munawwarah. I went to Madinah but there in the Holy City I forgot to give his salaams. I only remembered when we stopped at the first stop, Zul Hulaifa, to put on our Ihraam. I said to my travelling friends, Please take care of my camel for I have to return to Madinah Munawwarah as I have forgotten something there. They replied: It is now time for the caravan to move. If you return to Madinah Munawwarah you will never catch up with us before we reach Makkah. When I returned to Madinah Munawwarah and gave my friends salaam to Rasulullah (peace be upon him) and his two companions, night was already falling. Outside the Masjid I met a person who had returned from Zul Hulaifa who informed me that my companions had left the first stop and were already on the way to Makkah Mukarramah. I went back to the masjid hoping that I would join some other people going to Makkah. Later I fell asleep. Late in the night I saw Rasulullah (peace be upon him) and his two friends in a dream. They were coming towards me. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) said: O Rasulullah, this is the person.Rasulullah (peace be upon him) turned in my direction saying: O Abul Wafaa! I replied: O Rasulullah (peace be upon him), My name is Abul Abbaas! Rasulullah (peace be upon him) replied: No, your name is Abul Wafaa. (he who carries out his promise). Then Rasulullah (peace be upon him) took me by hand and placed me right into the Masjidul Haraam in Makkah. I had been there for eight full days before my travelling friends arrived.

Hadhrat Muhammad bin Munkadir (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) relates: A man once left eighty gold coins in trust with my father before leaving for Jihaad. He said to him before leaving: If you should be in need, you may use them. Then I shall reclaim the amount when I return. After that, Madinah Munawwarah experienced great need because of which my father spent the whole amount upon the people. When the man returned and claimed his money, my father

A bag with 80 gold coins

promised to return it the next day (not knowing where it was going to come from). My father then went to the grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) where he made dua for the whole night, sometimes at the grave and sometimes at the mimbar, begging for a way out of his problem. In the late part of the night he heard a voice coming to him from the darkness near the grave saying: O Abu Muhammad, take this. My father reached out with his hand and a bag was given to him. In it were eighty gold coins!

Saeed ibnul Musayyib (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) alone in Masjid-e-Nabawi
Hadhrat Saeed ibnul Musayyib (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) is one of the most noted Taabieen, about whom many astonishing tales are told regarding his great piety, fear of Allah and fearlessly speaking the truth in the face of difficulty. For fifty years he did not miss any salaah with jamaat, and for forty years he heard the Azaan for salaah while he was already in the Masjid awaiting salaah at all times. For fifty years he performed the Fajar Salaah with the same wudhu with which he had performed Isha Salaah. During the well-known battle of Harrah in the year 63 A.H. between the forces of Yazid and the people of Madinah Munawwarah, the people of Madinah were so frightened that many of them fled.Some remained in their homes, while the horses of Yazids armies roamed around in the Masjid. It was such a battle wherein 1700 Muhaajireen and Ansaar were killed, and more than 10,000 people,apart from women and children, lost their lives. During that period Hadhrat Saeed Ibnul Musayyib (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) found himself completely alone in the Masjid at times. He says: For days on end no one else entered the Masjid. During that time I heard the Azaan and the Iqaamah from the grave of Rasulullah (peace be upon him). These stories are examples from the lives of those filled with love for Rasulullah (peace be upon him), ready to sacrifice their lives for his sake.

Important Note

In the stories just related, we have come across many cases where Rasulullah (peace be upon him) had been seen in a dream. Now it is my duty to bring to the notice of the readers, something very important. It is that whenever Rasulullah (peace be upon him) was seen in a dream, it must be believed that it was Rasulullah (peace be upon him) who was seen and no one else. There are many authentic reports where it is stated that Rasulullah (peace be upon him)said: Whoever sees me in a dream, has indeed seen me, for verily shaytaan is not allowed to imitate me. People see Rasulullah (peace be upon him) in many different forms. The difference does not lie in him (peace be upon him) but in the beholder. The eyes belong to the body of the beholder and as such the instrument (eyes) changes from person to person. For example in the case of green, red, blue or black spectacles, if one looks at an object with any of these coloured spectacles the picture will be according to the colour of the spectacles. However, the form and shape of the actual object will not change. Hence, when any one sees Rasulullah (peace be upon him) and notices on him anything which does not befit one of such a high rank, it should be borne in mind that the fault lies in the beholder and not in Rasulullah (peace be upon him). Similarly, if the one having the dream hears anything from Rasulullah (peace be upon him) which is against the Shariah, the fault lies with the listener and not with Rasulullah (peace be upon him).Hadhrat Ibn Ameerul Haaj (May ALLAH Be Pleased With Him) writes in his Madkhal: After having seen a dream or heard a voice from the unseen, one should be careful about carrying out that order which was seen or heard, when that order is not in accordance with the practice of the pious Ulama of Islam of the first century. One should also guard against following a practice seen in a dream when the practice is against the Shariah. An example of this is those people to whom Rasulullah (peace be upon him) in a dream gave some order or prohibited something. They then started to follow that act accordingly without having referred to the Qur-aan and Sunnah. The Qur-aan says: And if you differ in anything among yourself, refer it to Allah and His Rasul.

Referring to him in person will be during his lifetime and comparing with his sunnah will be after his death. Note that even though the saying of Rasulullah (peace be upon him), Whosoever sees me in a dream has indeed seen none but me, is true, yet Allah Taala did not command us to follow the orders received during dreams nor act in accordance to them. In fact Rasulullah (peace be upon him) told us that the pen is lifted from three people: the one asleep till he awakens, the infant and the insane. One can only receive an authentic report from someone who is awake, of sound mind and who is conscious, not from him who is asleep. Thus whenever any order reaches us from Rasulullah (peace be upon him) during our sleep, it should be first examined in the light of the Qur-aan and Sunnah. If it is according to the Shariah, the dream and the words spoken are true. They have come to the dreamer as glad tidings. However, if it is against the Shariah, then it should be known that the dream is true, but because of satanic influence, some change has taken place in the hearing or seeing instruments (eyes and ears). Hadhrat Imaam Nawawi writes at the beginning of his book Tahzee bul Asmaa wal Lughaat about the qualities of Rasulullah (peace be upon him): Whoever has seen him in a dream, has indeed seen him for shaytaan cannot appear in his form. However, if anything is heard about the rules of the Shariah, it is not permissible to follow these, not because of any doubt about the truth of the dream, but because the memory of the dreamer is unreliable.

Significant places in Madinah Munawwarah

The entire city of Madinah Munawwarah is blessed. Just as the soil of Madinah Munawwarah is sacred, likewise the skies above Madinah Munawwarah are also blessed. The city which was chosen to be the residence of the Greatest of all humanity and the Leader of the Prophets (Alayhimus Salaam) can never be just like any other ordinary tract of land. Allamah Samhoodi (Rahimahullah) enumerates ninety nine virtues of Madinah Munawwarah in his magnum opus, Wafaa ul Wafaa, and thereafter adds, these were the virtues that I could remember. However, the reality is that Barakaat (special blessings of Allah Ta`ala) are widespread all over the entire city. However, there are certain places within Madinah Munawwarah that have additional significance. The purpose for visiting these places should be to rekindle the Imaani spirit within ourselves and our families. It must not be a mere tour of these Mubaarak places. Rather, we should return filled with the great wealth of Imaan, admiration, respect, and love for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum). This can be achieved by educating ourselves and our families with the greatness of these Mubaarak places. Hence, we will begin to realise the significance of these places and not regard them like any other holiday destination, where the object is mere entertainment. Furthermore, these places have Barakah, and by visiting them one attains these blessings. On the occasion of Mi`raaj, Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was instructed to perform Salaah on Mount Sinai, where Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala) spoke to Musa (Alaihis Salaam).

Thereafter, he was taken to Bait Laham (Bethlehem) to perform Salaah where Isaa (Alayhis Salaam) was born, and thereafter to Bait ul Muqaddas (Sunan Nasai #451). The Muhadditheen explain that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was taken to these places due to their additional significance. There are numerous Ahaadeeth about the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) visiting those places where Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had performed his Salaah. Abdullah ibn Umar (Radiyallahu Anhuma) would perform salaah in those places which Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) visited en-route to Makkah Mukarramah (Saheeh Bukhari #483). On the occasion of the conquest of Makkah when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) entered the Ka`bah , Ibnu Umar (Radiyallahu Anhuma) rushed to Bilal (Radiyallahu Anhu) to enquire from him exactly where Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) performed his Salaah (Saheeh Bukhari #397). Salama ibn Akwa`(Radiyallahu Anhu) would take pains in performing his Salaah at the spot from where Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would lead the Salaah (Saheeh Bukhari #502). These are a few examples of the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) obtaining Barakah from these sacred places.Amongst the significant places of Madinah Munawwarah are:

The Raudah (garden) of Jannah:

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has mentioned: The area between my house and my Mimbar (pulpit) is a garden of Jannah. (Saheeh Bukhari #1195) The majority of scholars are of the view that this Hadeeth is in its literal sense. In reality that land is from Jannah and will be returned to Jannah. Subhanallah! What privilege can there be greater than this?! Within this garden of Jannah, there are certain pillars which mark significant places. Some of these pillars are:

Ustuwaanatu `Aaisha - Pillar of `Aaisha (Radiyallahu Anha):

Once, a group of students were in the house of `Aaisha (Radiyallahu Anha) when she said to them: I heard Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying, In my Musjid there is a certain place, had people known the virtue of it, they would cast lots in order to get a chance to perform salaah there. (Al-Mu`jamul Awsat #862) Later on, `Aaisha (Radiyallahu Anha) pointed out this spot to her nephew, `Urwah bin Zubayr (Rahimahullah). Today there is a pillar built at this spot known as Ustuwaanah `Aaisha (The pillar of `Aaisha). The Muhaajireen (Radiyallahu Anhum) would gather around this pillar.

Ustuwaanat ut Taubah - Pillar of Repentance:

This is where Abu Lubaabah (Radiyallahu Anhu) tied himself in atonement for his crime. Du`aas are accepted at this spot. This was also the place where Abdullah ibn Umar (Radiyallahu Anhuma) and Imaam Maalik (Rahimahullah) would sit. It is recorded in Wafaa ul Wafaa that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would sit by this pillar after fajr salaah. Ustuwaanat us Sareer - Pillar of the Bed. This is where Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would sleep during I`tikaaf.

Ustuwaanat ul Wufood - Pillar of Delegations:

This is where Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would receive delegations and teach them about Islam. Ustuwaanat ul Haras - Pillar of the Guard. This is where some Sahaabah like`Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) would sit, guarding Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) whilst he was at home. (Wafaa ul Wafaa)

Mount Uhud and Martyrs:

To the north of Musjid Nabawi lies the mountain of Uhud. Apart from the virtues this Mountain holds, it also has a great importance in the history of Islam.Four mountains are from Jannah, Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said. (Al-Mu`jamul Awsat #7673) Amongst the four, Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) mentioned Mount Uhud and Mount Toor. The attachment of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) with this mountain and its love for Him can be gauged from the following Hadeeth wherein Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: This (Uhud) is a mountain that loves us and we love it. (Saheeh Bukhari #2889) What a privilege for Mount Uhud! A testimony by none other than Allahs Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)! At least we can visit Mount Uhud with this frame of mind: O Allah! Out of love for this mountain we are visiting it, and this is the beloved of Your Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). O Allah! If a rock can be blessed with his love, You also bless us with his love. A temporary defeat was suffered in the battle of Uhud when some Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum), due to a misunderstanding, left the position that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had commanded them to remain on.

As a result, seventy Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) were martyred. Amongst them was the beloved uncle of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Hamzah (Radiyallahu Anhu). Our reflection when visiting Uhud should be on the importance of holding firm to the Sunnah and teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). `Abbad bin Abi Saalih (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthmaan (Radiyallahu Anhum) would visit the Shuhadaa of Uhud. (Wafaa ul Wafaa)

Jannatul Baqee` The graveyard of Madinah Munawwarah:

It is also known as Baqee` ul Gharqad. Imaam Maalik (Rahimahullah) is quoted to have said that TEN THOUSAND Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) are buried here (Wafaa ul Wafaa).The first person to stand up from his grave, at the time of resurrection, will be Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), followed by Abu Bakr (Radiyallahu Anhu) and Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu). Thereafter they will proceed to the inmates of Baqee` and subsequently they will be resurrected. (Musnadul Bazzaar#6143) `Aaisha (Radiyallahu Anha) reports that after the Hajjatul Widaa` (The Farewell Hajj), Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would visit Jannatul Baqee` whenever it was her turn to be with Him (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). (Sunan Nasai #2041) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was commanded by Allah Ta`ala to seek forgiveness on behalf of the inmates of Baqee`. Hence, one night Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went to the graveyard and spent a long time with his hands raised in Du`aa for the people of Baqee`.(Saheeh Muslim #2256/ Sunan Nasai #2039) Amongst the stars of guidance [the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum)] who are buried here is none other than `Uthmaan (Radiyallahu Anhu). Hence, every visitor to Madinah Munawwarah should visit Baqee`at least once, fulfilling the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and making Du`aa for the inmates of Baqee`. Bear in mind the Du`aa of `Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu): O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in your path and allow my grave to be in the city of Your Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Reflect over the selfless sacrifice of the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) and the extent of the sincerity of the love the inmates of Baqee` had, that Allah Ta`ala has blessed them with the company of

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) forever. O Allah! You grant us a fraction of their love and grant them the best of rewards. Aameen

Musjid Qubaa:

The very first Musjid to be built after the Hijrah was Musjid Qubaa. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself participated in its construction. Allah Ta`ala has described it as a Musjid which has been founded on Taqwa. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would visit the Musjid of Qubaa every Saturday. Usayd bin Zuhayr (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: (The reward of) a Salaah in Musjid Qubaa equals (the reward of) an Umrah. (Sunan Tirmizi#324) Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) once visited Musjid Qubaa and performed two Rakaah of Salaah. Thereafter he asked for a broom and began sweeping the Musjid with his own hands. On this occasion he mentioned to those around him, Had this Musjid (of Qubaa) been in some remote corner of the world, I would have definitely undertaken a journey to visit it. (Wafaa ul Wafaa) While visiting Qubaa, reflect on the great sacrifice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum). Reflect on how they sacrificed their wealth, friends, city and practically everything for the sake of Deen. At the least, we should sacrifice our desires for the sake of Allah Ta`ala and Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). These are but a few significant places in Madinah Munawwarah. The reality has already been declared by Allamah Samhoodi (Rahimahullah) (these were the virtues that I could remember. However, the reality is that Barakaat (special blessings of Allah Ta`ala) are widespread all over the entire city). Finally, the position of Madinah Munawwarah can be understood from this Hadeeth of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): There is no piece of land in this entire world more beloved to me that I be buried in, than Madinah Munawwarah. (MuwattaMaalik Pg. 478)

These are some videos about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Hamza yusuf Describes Prophet Muhammad (peace )be upon him

The Physical description of Prophet Muhammad )peace be upon him(

The Beautiful Character of Prophet Muhammad )peace be upon him(

The physical description of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Umm Mabaad (may ALLAH be pleased with her )

The Prophets (peace be upon him) Love for His Ummah by Al Habib Umar

Sahabas and creatures love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

Meanings by sheikh Hamza Yusuf

Protest with roses in love of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)- BIRMINGHAM, UK

(BELOVED)Beautiful poem about the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Baraka Blue

A Beautiful Turkish poem Honoring The Prophet Muhammed(peace be upon him) by Sahar

Animals love for Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) by Maulana Tariq Jameel

Who was Muhammad? By Non Muslims

Protocol and Respect of Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him) Bowl while delivering to Chechnya

Fajr Prayer from Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him) Mosque by Sheikh Abdul Muhsin Al Qasim from Al Madinah Al Munawwarah

References:
http://www.zakariya.net/resources/hilye.pdf http://www.talimiboardkzn.org/?q=download/file/ fid/419%E2%80%8E http://alhaadi.org.za/articles-publications/books/60taleemuddeen-publications/1710-madinah-munawwarah. html http://www.quransurat.com/Islamic_Pictures.shtml http://islamandart.tumblr.com/