Main Topic
Spiritual preparation, conduct, and etiquettes (adab) required when travelling to and visiting the blessed city of Madinah Munawwarah.
Key Lessons
- Historical Reflections on Hijrah: Remembering the immense sacrifices made during the Migration, including the devotion of Sayyidina Abu Bakr Radiyallahu anhu protecting Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam in Cave Thawr.
- Respecting Residents and Visitors: Treating both the inhabitants (neighbors) and visitors (guests) of Madinah with utmost kindness, selflessness, and courtesy without causing any discomfort (taqleef).
- Avoiding Complaints: Loving every aspect of Madinah Munawwarah and refraining from complaining about food, accommodations, or weather.
- True Wealth of Madinah: Returning home enriched with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam rather than merely physical possessions.
- Sincerity vs. Ostentation: Guarding one's heart against riyah (showing off) through phone distractions, social media filming, or taking pictures during acts of worship.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Surah At-Tawbah (9:40): Mention of the Cave of Thawr where the Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam comforted Sayyidina Abu Bakr Radiyallahu anhu: "La tahzan inna Allaha ma'ana" (Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us).
- Surah Al-Hashr (59:9): Praise for those who give preference (ithar) to others over themselves, even when in poverty/need.
- Hadith on Ostentation: Narration brought by Sayyidina Mu'adh bin Jabal Radiyallahu anhu highlighting that even a small amount of riyah (showing off in worship) is a form of shirk fil-a'mal (minor polytheism in actions).
Practical Advice
- Physical and Spiritual Purification: Before making salam at the Rawdah Mubarak, perform ghusl, wear clean clothing, apply fragrance (for men), and clean out impermissible content from personal phones.
- Recitation of Durood Sharif: Engage continuously in sending Durood upon the Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallam while walking, resting, or sitting in the Haram Sharif.
- Patience and Kindness in Public: Exercise grace while shopping or moving through crowds, avoiding harsh bargaining or arguments.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb