Madinah Part 2: Raudhah & Tomb of the Prophet

Prologue

When I was in Malaysia prior to my umrah trip, I prayed to Allah every night and day that He will make the impossible possible for me.

First Morning in Madinah

We left Masjid Nabawi around 5:30 am, where the sun was already up in the sky, and the local people had begun their daily businesses. I walked passed Starbucks towards my hotel, Madinah Mubarak, where Malaysian food was served as breakfast by our tour company; perhaps to fulfill the specific need of the elderly who may not be accustomed to Arabian delicacies. 

We were told to get ready by 9:30 am for tour around Masjid Nabawi, particularly to visit raudhah and the tomb of the Prophet SAW.

9:30 am. Divided into two separate groups of men and women, we headed to Masjid Nabawi in separate directions. After some introductory remarks and historical background of Masjid Nabawi, we were led towards one of the gardens of the paradise - Raudhah.

Raudhah

Located between the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and mimbar, Raudhah was originally the size of Masjid Nabawi during Prophet Muhammad’s time (about the size of four badminton courts). Entering Raudhah may be a challenging experience, especially for the ladies. Hundreds or perhaps, thousands of people were trying to enter the limited space, where some went to the extent of pushing one another, shouting at one another, or even hurting one another.

What is so special about Raudhah that caused such a chaotic, or shall I say barbaric behavior among some of the Muslims?

As narrated by Al-Bukhari, Nabi Muhammad SAW said,

“The area between my house and my mimbar is one of the gardens of paradise.”

Despite the chaotic entrance to raudhah, it is worthwhile to attempt for a chance to perform ibadah in Raudhah. This is one of the places where your prayer will not be rejected (mustajab) and any form of ibadah will be multiply rewarded.

Based on what I have seen, it occurred to me that mankind is not only haunted by greed in accumulating wealth, but also greed in accumulating rewards from Allah. That by all means, regardless of what would happen, by hook or by crook, they must be able to be in Raudhah. 

However, by pushing other peoples aside and hurting other fellow Muslims, do they honestly think they deserve multiplied rewards from Allah? 

Entering Raudhah

Being an Asian guy, I thought I was too small for the struggle to enter Raudhah. And I was responsible to take care of my younger cousin named Aman who were 12 years younger than me. As I prayed to Allah to give me a chance, we walked forward, one step at a time. Despite being pushed aside multiple times, my feet was finally in physical contact with the green carpet. I was finally in Raudhah. My eyes immediately caught an empty spot inside so both of us went there to perform two rakaat prayer, despite a limited space for one person.

I could still hear the sound of people pushing one another and I have to admit I was a bit terrified. Someone might pushed me, I might fell down, then someone might step on my head. I gathered all the inner strength, and I believed I was there for a noble reason, hence Allah SWT will protect me. 

Allahuakbar. I started to pray. Despite occasional distraction, I tried to concentrate and submit myself to Allah. There I was, standing and praying on the exact spot where the purest group of men once stood, centuries ago. Again, tears went rolling down again.

After salam, I quickly got up and recite my doa while standing (it is not advisable for you to recite your doa while sitting since it signals that you have completed your ibadah in Raudhah and the guards will force you to leave Raudhah). I humbly pray for everything I am lacking of. A good behavior. As strong iman. There is nothing that can fairly describe my gratitude towards this chance. I was the chosen one.

The Tomb of the Prophet 

The time has come. I walked slowly and stood humbly before the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad SAW.  

There I was, in front of the man, who shed his blood in battles and wept every single night, asking for forgiveness for his ummah, and who fought hard to ensure today I am among those people who received hidayah from Allah SWT. 

There I was, who was not worthy of this opportunity. I who have nothing. I who have not done anything to sacrifice or contribute to my religion. 

But from thousand miles away, crossing the sea, Allah SWT brought me here.

I stood there still, reciting some prayers. And my heart spoke to the Prophet. That I truly understood I did not deserve to be here. And that I am not a noble man, a man who committed various sins, regardless of clear messages sent by Allah SWT. That I had chosen to neglect many of his sunnah. But given this golden opportunity, I was determined to be a better Muslim. 

I could not see the Prophet's Tomb inside the sacred chamber. All I know he is there. Along side with two most faithful Companions, Saidina Abu Bakar and Saidina Umar Al-Khattab. 

The tour ended. I remained in Masjid Nabawi. Somewhere at the back. I took a Quran and started reciting Al-Fatihah. Then Al-Baqarah. It has been a while I had not been reciting Quran.

Alif Lam Mim...

I apologise, I do not have that much photo in my possession when I was in Masjid Nabawi.  

Till then, 

Hairi Tahir