Hajj Reflection #26: The cemeteries in Haramain

Never forget to pay your respects to the martyrs, companions and solehins by visiting the Ma'ala and Baqi' cemeteries in Makkah and Madinah respectively.  Cemeteries are not places of worship, but are places that humble us and remind us how fragile life really is.


In Ma'ala, we were pointed out Saidatina Khadijah's burial spot, where a tree could be seen growing next to it. No one admitted planting the tree there, thus it must have grown on its own; as if to shade Saidatina Khadijah's burial ground - MasyaAllah!

At that very spot, I was moved, thinking that approximately 150 metres away from me laid the remains of one of the most honourable women in the world.  She was and will always be my idol - of whom my father had named me after, as I was given birth on Maulidurrasul, 12th Rabi'ul Awal.  This was the woman who stayed true to her husband at all times and believed in him (a prophet) when no one else did! May Allah provide me with the strength He presented her with.  

In Madinah, we walked to the Baqi' cemetery which wasn't far from Masjid An-Nabawi. Here, we were told of a hadith by Tirmidhi:

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever can manage to die in Madinah, let him die there, for I will intercede for whoever dies there.”

Upon returning home, I related the hadith to my children and how I long to die in one of the two holy lands. My youngest son (10) was quick to say that despite it being the most honourable place, he'd be very sad if he wasn't with me when I was on my death bed.  I coaxed him into believing that the ultimate is in His hands and we live only to seek His mercy and guidance. With that, he nodded, smiled and leaned to kiss me, an indication that he no longer resented (I hope!).

In retrospect, while it is ideal to die in the holy lands, we should mainly aim to die in husnul khotimah (a good ending). A useful supplication, perhaps, is the one read by Prophet Yusuf:

 
فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ
(O Thou Creator of the heavens and the earth! )Thou art my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Take Thou my soul (at death) as one submitting to Thy will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous.
(Yusuf: 101)

Hajj Reflection #24: Coughing in the Haramain.

When performing our ibadah, we should accept any ailment as a form of kaffarah (compensation for our sins). To cough while in the Holy lands is a norm, or more rightly so, is expected. Why not, as it is not only the weather that is different, but so are our daily activities, our diet and the amount of people we get in contact with.

The coughing scenario, if observed, is sometimes hilariously entertaining. I remember during a few occassions, while we were listening to our tazkirah sessions in the hotel lobby, one person would start coughing. In an instant, it would be echoed by another person, then another, and another and another. I think perhaps 8 - 10 people would be joining in the coughing orchestra. And in a few minutes, the orchestra would stop and not a single person would be found coughing.

For some, the cough also comes with a fever, a cold, runny nose or migraine, to name a few. Some are tested with more severe conditions: unexpected heavy menses, weak bladders or even heart attacks.

No matter what the ailments are, the question is whether we are able to keep calm and persevere during such trying times? To not sigh, complain or resent being unwell? Believe me, it is not tested upon us as a punishment or torture, na'uzubillah, but as a form of washing away our sins. The pain or condition serves to close the gap between us and Allah, making us closer to Him as we seek His mercy and healing. He knows best!

 

No kind of calamity can occur, except by the leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things.
(at-Taghaabun: 11)