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Alhamdulillah, today marked the beginning of a spiritual journey etched deeply in the hearts of every believer — a journey through some of the most revered and spiritually charged locations in the history of Islam. I am joined by my beloved mother and father in this sacred journey, a blessing that elevates every moment with warmth and gratitude. As our footsteps traced the legacy of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his noble companions, the soul could feel the echoes of history, sacrifice, and divine mercy.
Our day commenced at the radiant Masjid al-Nabawi, the second holiest mosque in Islam and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The atmosphere around the mosque was filled with tranquility and reverence. Every corner of this blessed place resonates with the light of guidance and mercy.
Pic : Masjid al-Nabawi, Gate No. 21
Standing in this sacred sanctuary, one cannot help but feel immense gratitude to Allah for being granted the privilege to pray in the very place where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once led the believers.
From there, we journeyed to Badr, the site of the first and most decisive battle in Islam. It was here that truth triumphed over falsehood despite overwhelming odds.
Pic : On the front of the Graveyard of Shoda e Badar
As we stood on that hallowed ground, we could almost hear the chants of “Allahu Akbar” as the small army of believers, firm in faith, faced a much larger enemy. The Valley of Badr is not just a battlefield,it is a symbol of divine support, steadfastness, and the power of sincere faith. Tears welled up as we reflected on the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahaba (RA), who laid the foundation for the Ummah we are blessed to be part of today.
From Badr, we ascended to the majestic Jabal al-Malika — a beautiful desert mountain that rises quietly amidst the sacred landscape of Madinah. Its commanding presence and untouched natural charm offer a tranquil retreat from the noise of the world. Surrounded by the golden hues of desert terrain and kissed by gentle winds, the mountain invites the soul to reflect on the majesty of Allahs creation. As we climbed and paused to take in the stunning panoramic views, we were reminded that the signs of Allah are not only in the revelations of scripture and the pages of history, but also etched into the very stones, sands, and skies of His creation. Jabal al-Malika is not merely a geographical elevation — it is a sanctuary of silence and serenity, a place where the heart ascends alongside the feet, closer to Allah in remembrance and awe.
Pic : Jabl e Malika
Next, we visited Masjid Quba, the first mosque ever built in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself laid its foundation with his blessed hands upon arriving in Madinah.
Pic : Masjid Quba
Here, we offered two Rakats of Nafl prayer, clinging to the Prophetic tradition: “ Whoever performs ablution in his house and then comes to Masjid Quba and offers two Rak’ ahs therein, will have a reward equivalent to that of an Umrah.” (Tirmidhi). The serenity of this mosque is unlike any other ,it carries the fragrance of beginnings, brotherhood and migration for the sake of Allah.
Our hearts were then drawn to the sacred grounds of Ghazwat al-Khandaq (The Battle of the Trench). Standing at the site where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions dug a massive trench in defense of Madinah, we were reminded of their strategic brilliance, patience, and unwavering trust in Allah. Here, the Prophet struck a rock and, with each strike, prophesied the future conquests of Persia, Byzantium, and Yemen — a vision of Islams expansion. The trench was not merely a physical defense; it was a symbol of unity, consultation (shura), and reliance on Allah amid seemingly insurmountable odds.
We then visited Masjid Sayyid al-Shuhada, at the foot of the awe-inspiring Mount Uhud. This is the resting place of Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA), the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Chief of Martyrs, alongside 70 noble companions who gave their lives in the Battle of Uhud. As we looked upon the
Pic Masjid Sayyid al Shuhada & Majestic Uhod Mountain
mountain, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) words echoed in our hearts: “Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it.Even today, the terrain bears the marks of valor and devotion. One cannot stand here without feeling the weight of sacrifice and the profound love the Prophet (PBUH) had for his Ummah.
We were also blessed to visit Masjid Qiblatain, the sacred mosque where one of the most momentous events in Islamic history occurred. It was here that Allah revealed
Pic : Masjid Qiblatain
the command to change the Qiblah from Bayt al-Maqdis in Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah, during a prayer led by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This divine shift, mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah) marked a turning point for the Muslim Ummah, signifying spiritual distinction and complete submission to Allah’s will.
Our final stop was a serene and humble place,the date orchard of Salman al-Farsi (RA). This garden is not just a plot of land; it is a symbol of freedom, faith, and brotherhood. It was here that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) with his own blessed hands, planted 300 date palms to fulfill the conditions for Salman’s manumission from slavery. Each tree in this garden tells a story of liberation and love ,a testament to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) commitment to justice and to his companions incredible journey from Persia to the light of Islam. Standing amidst the date palms, one feels a deep personal connection to the struggle for truth, to the hope of guidance and to the unwavering resolve to seek Allah no matter the cost.
This journey was more than a physical movement from one place to another.it was a deep spiritual awakening. It reminded us of the values of sacrifice, humility, unity, and the eternal bond we share with our beloved Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his companions. We walked in their footsteps, felt the dust they once walked upon, and rekindled the flame of faith in our hearts.
And the most meaningful part of this entire journey ,what made every moment even more special was being accompanied by my beloved mother and father. To walk this sacred path with the very people who first taught me how to say Allah and guided my first steps in faith — this is a blessing words cannot capture. Their presence turned this spiritual journey into a family legacy of faith and gratitude.
Alhamdulillah, we are currently in Madina, and by the will of Allah, we are preparing to complete our Hajj pilgrimage, with plans to arrive at the sacred Haram in Makkah on the 24th of this blessed month. May Allah grant us acceptance, ease, and sincerity in every step ahead. May He allow this journey to leave a lasting imprint on our hearts and draw us ever closer to Him. May He accept the duas of every pilgrim longing for His mercy.
Special Thanks and Tributes:
With heartfelt gratitude, I would like to extend my special thanks to my younger brother, Dr Eqbal Hussain for his unwavering support and my beloved wife, Tahira Aziz whose love, prayers, and sacrifices made this journey possible. May Allah reward them abundantly in this life and the hereafter.
To all relatives,friends and well-wishers who played an important role in making this journey possible — Jazakum Allahu Khayran.
And with deep honour,appreciation and respect, I extend special tribute to the
Custodian of the Two Great Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Under his wise leadership and through the dedicated efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, millions of pilgrims from around the world are able to perform their sacred rituals with safety, dignity, and ease. May Allah continue to bless and guide him, his family, and the people of the Kingdom for their exceptional service to Islam and the pilgrims coming across borders…….!
The author, Farooq Hussain Dar, is currently on his sacred journey of Hajj Baitullah & shares these cherished memories from the heart of his spiritual pilgrimage.
Email : faruqhusain@gmail.com
