Take me Back

One sister reflects on Rihla and her longing to return to the illuminated city.

Trying to get back to the world in vain

My heart isn't with me -- please don't bring me back to the mundane


Take me back to a place where the Blessed and Beloved walked
Studying the route of Hijra his path I want to chalk


Take me back to a time where from me the world was severed
Immersed in the Seerah, that is all we remembered


Take me back to a tender heart where I learned to love
Getting to know for the first time the one most loved


Take me back to my strength where I scaled a mountain to get a whiff
Weeping as I did for I was not worthy of even that sniff


Take me back to my home where like snakes we would crawl
Seeking comfort in prayer five times when called


Take me back to the companionship of fellow travelers
Mercy and kindness toward each other, all just pilgrims and gatherers


Take me back to where I can be content with nine articles of clothing
Souvenir rings are just not as soothing


Take me back to a view of the minarets and dome
Breathing an air purified by the chlorophyll where restless hearts who
want to meet him again roam


Take me back to the carpet that will return
Shaking as we would knowing it wasn't too far from there a tree did
mourn


Take me back most merciful of merciful, to the city of fragrance and
light
Take me back. Take me back. I beg of you...
Take me back to what has become my heart's delight

An Unforgettable Experience

Photo by Raffi Hashemi, Hayward, CA.

Here is an experience one brother had in Masjid Al Nabawi.  It is an example of the kind of people you could meet in the haram.

Of the many things we were told by our teachers on the Rihla, a particular message from Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad resonates: Every prayer in Masjid-an-Nabawi is different. Every time I walked into the Haram I knew to expect the unexpected. One of the more memorable visits to the Haram was just two days before we were about to leave Madinah. I sensed a kind of nervousness in the Rihla camp – the thought of returning back to our home cities seemed to unseat us. I myself was counting down my last prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque, trying to savour the sweetness of each and every single moment in worship. This particular afternoon I had arrived early for ‘Asr prayer and settled myself down in one of my favorite spots in the Haram. Then just before the congregational prayer was about to begin an elderly man sat down next to me. He rolled out in front of him his blanket cum Musalla and neatly placed a miswak and a bottle of water in the center. Having clearly marked his territory, I thought I would move to another spot. As I moved away he grabbed my hand to make my stay where I was– but instead of a feeling of shock, a strange sense of security overcame me and I ended up praying next to him.

I prayed one of the most amazing prayers of my life. After the salaat as I stood up, the man turned to face me and shook my hand. His smiling face emanated light. His beard shone white. His aura was profound. I was sure he was the most beautiful person I had ever met. Yet I only ever said to him ‘Assalamu’alaykum’ and only saw his face for a split second. In a flash, he was gone.

Insha’Allah I will meet him again. 

Sh. Hamza Yusuf's Final Session on Qurat-Al-Absar

Photo by Tricia Pethic, New York

Today Shaykh Hamza Yusuf concluded the poem Qurat-Al-Absar and left everyone in tears. He made a closing du'aa asking for forgiveness for any of our shortcomings while we have been guests of the Prophet, Salallahu Alaihee Wa Salaam, and prayed for everyone's safe return. Below are some thoughts on this amazing session.

“Shaykh Hamza’s lesson on the Qurat-Al-Absar elaborated on the detailed and mind-opening observations of Sidi Abd-Al-Aziz on the blessed Prophet’s peace be upon him, life. The final chapters on the miracles, death and beautiful names of the final Prophet, peace be upon him were particularly heartwarming. With the 200 plus members of the banquet hall turned classroom in tears or almost so, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf made all of us feel more like slaves of Allah swt and his Divine Decisivity then ever before in our lives – in a good way. The spiritual moment felt by all inculcated in us the realization of the insignificance of our being and of our goodness especially in comparison to the goodness of the blessed Prophet Sallalahu Alaihee Wa Salaam and the greatness of Allah S.W.T.. Insha’Allah the moment spurred in our hearts by the wise words of the Shaykh will gravitate all of us blessed by Allah SWT with the chance to participate in the Rihla towards all things loved by Allah As-zawajal and his Messenger peace be upon him, and propels us far from that which He S.W.T. and his Prophet peace be upon him detest.”

Saffa Khan, Age 16, Chapel Hill, NC

"Not one dry eye in the house."

Shahzad Sadozai, Boston, MA.

"Shaykh Hamza was very touching and emotional and really made people aware of what it means to be in this Holy City of the Prophet, Salallahu Alaihe Wa Salaam and how important it is to monitor our actions and intentions while we're here. The poem and du'aa really touched our hearts and we all began to cry together. May Allah accept our prayers and good actions."

Raffi Hashemi, Hayward, CA.

King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an

“We sent down this reminder and We have taken upon ourselves to Preserve it.”



Rihla students visited the King Fahd Complex for the printing of the Holy Qur'an in Madinah today, a complex that produces and distributes 10 million copies of the Holy Qu'ran per year. Over 1,700 employees work in this 250,000 square meter facility including nine scholars which scrupulously check every page. The complex also produces audio sets and facilitates tajweed classes, among other things, at the Prophet's mosque. They have produced 237 million copies of the Qur'an. Not only did students tour the building they also left with several gifts which will InshAllah greatly benefit them. You can check the complex website and download audio, free of charge at: www.qurancomplex.com.

Visiting Sites in the holy city of Madinah

Masjid Quba, Photo by Nushmia Khan, UNC-Chapel Hill

Coming Soon.... Rihla students visit Masjid Quba, Uhud, and more.

The City of Illumination

Photo by Nushmia Khan, UNC- Chapel Hill 

After days of intense classes in Ta'if and a long bus ride, the Rihla participants arrived in Al Madinah Al Munawara, the city of illumination.  One student shares her feelings of arriving at the home of Rasul Allah, salla Allahu alayhee wa-sallam. 

"Alhamdulilah we arrived to Madinah about a day ago.  Words aren't enough to describe how I personally feel.  This is the only place in the world where one will truly feel is their home.  When we first arrived, I felt an overwhelming sense of tranquility descend upon my heart, and at the same time a burst of tears from the presence I felt from the beloved salla Allahu alayhee wa-sallam.  It's amazing how this city attracts billions of Muslims from every corner of the globe, literally, and how everyone comes with the same feeling of love for the prophet (salla Allahu alayhee wa-sallam).  Coming to a place where the feeling is mutual really allows us to feel what it means to have brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.  This place allows one to remove all other worldly thoughts and distractions from the mind and fully concentrate on the love and peace that the city brings to the heart.  It's actually embarrassing to come here to visit for such a long time (or even an hour) without having fully prepared for being a guest of the prophet (salla Allahu alayhee wa-sallam).  Today, being a Friday, I ask Allah to help us in achieving a greater love and deeper respect for what the prophet (salla Allahu alayhee wa-sallam) has sacrificed for us.  Allahuma sallee 3ala say'yidina Mohammad.   I really hope and ask Allah that the time here goes by very slowly and is full of blessings and benefit.  And for everyone who yearns to be here, keep that yearning alive for the prophet (salla Allahu alayhee wa-sallam) knows that desire and inshaAllah we will all be honored by seeing him in a dream.  Send salutations upon the most beloved of all creation!"   

Suzane D., USA

 

Reliving Islamic History

On Tuesday July 15, students traveled from Ta'if to Makkah and had the opportunity to make another Umra.  They then set out on site visits.  First they visited the grave of Sitna Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her.  Next was the Mosque of the Pledge (Masjid al-Bay'ah) a mosque that lies at the foot of the hill on the eastern side of the Valley of Mina.  This was the location where the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa salam, received the oath of allegiance of the tribes of Yathrib- or Madinah.  The tribes of Yathrib pledged their allegiance to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa salam years before the Hijrah,(emigration) to the city of Madinah.  

Soon to come...the Rihla group visits the Mosque at the Valley of Ji'ranah with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, the visit to the grave of Sitna Maymuna, may Allah be pleased with her, visiting sites in Taif and their arrival to the illuminated city of our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa salam. 

Reflections from Ta'if

Sh. Abdallah Bin Bayyah, Sh. Hamza Yusuf,Sh. Abdel Hadi Honerkamp

(c)Photo by Nabil Turner

Ta'if, Day 2

After Fajr

A whirlwind… Detroit, New York, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and now Ta’if. These blessed lands create an overwhelming atmosphere that now has me awake (and alert) despite little sleep and much travel. I have waited for such a spiritual awakening for long enough and I am ready for it. According to Shaykh Abdel Hadi Honerkamp, this is Fat’h or opening. I feel numbness, but not a bad one. More like inner peace and we have hardly begun. What a beautiful way to begin! The Fat’h of Umrah, not once but twice, and separate tawaf twice as well. During Sa’i, walking from Marwa to Safa, I cried while living Malcolm X’s experience decades later. The awe of faces from such distant lands impressed me to say the least and for some reason the most when I encountered those from the Far East, children with their parents, and youth running to imitate our mother Hajar. Young men running because a woman did so. Had God ordered them to swim across the seas, I have no doubt they would. A testament of faith.

Late at Night

By the blessing of God, I am in a beautiful place with beautiful people at a beautiful time. These lands maintain the barakah of the Prophet (SAWS) and the awliyaa despite all the terrible catastrophes occurring around the world. These people remind of the saying of the Prophet (SAWS):

Whomever Allah wants good for, He gives him wisdom in creed.

The tenderness of heart I saw today in our beloved Shaykh Abdel Hadi Honerkamp and Shaykh Abdullah al- Kadi is beyond anything I could have possibly imagined. May Allah preserve them and protect them. I hung on every word as if it was my last lifeline. It could very well be the case for how miserable is a soul that has not been directed to Truth and Certainty. My life has been realigned, transformed. If Paradise was simply gatherings such as these, I would be content. Astonishing is how humble these teachers are, going so far as to have Shaykh Abdel Hadi call himself a Tufayli, but nothing could be more far from the truth. It makes me wonder how I could ever call myself more than a wandering beggar seeking an ounce of knowledge from men llike him who could never hold back.

Iman Abdulrazzak, Michigan

Age 19

Ta'if

Sh. Abdel Hadi Honerkamp,Sh. Abdullah Al-Kadi

Photo by Nabil Turner

Students began the second portion of the Rihla trip which serves as the main educational segment. Classes take place in Ta'if, 60 miles southeast of Makkah. Ta'if is often called the garden of hijaz because of its agricultural history, pleasant climate, and the honey and grapes it produces. It is home of Bani Thaqif, an important tribe in Islamic history.

The course load is intense and schedule is comprised almost solely of class-time. Students arrived on the buses shortly after performing Umra's and private worship at the house of Allah in Makkah al Mukarramah. They were welcomed by Rihla organizer Aisha Subhani who talked about the deen intensive program, its purpose, and the importance of bringing students to the most sacred places in the world where they are in the best environment to learn. The students were addressed by Shaykh Abdel Hadi Honerkamp, a graduate of the Karaouine University of Fes, Morocco and a professor of modern standard Arabic and in-depth Arabic textual study at the University of Georgia, Athens. Shaykh Abdel Hadi spoke of performing Umra as an opening of the heart. He explained that the heart faces the Ka'aba and as we make tawwaf the Ka'aba illuminates our hearts. That light reflects in our actions and serves as an opening for spiritual learning.

One student reflects on her experience:

"I'm not sure what one can say about the blessed experience of visiting the Holy Mosque, especially to those who have not had that pleasure. It's like describing honey to someone who hasn’t tasted anything sweet before. Nonetheless, it’s a magical, spiritual, uplifting, un-earthly experience that pacifies ones spirit and leaves it in a complete state of awe.My stay at Ta’if thus far has also been a magnificent one. I’m overwhelmed by the presence of these scholars that have an endless ocean of knowledge- they’re just amazing people! Their presence is a source of tranquility to the heart because they address issues concerning the heart. Just being around these scholars and having this extreme amount of information readily available to us is such a rare opportunity and a great blessing Alhamdulila. I have always had a passion for seerah but I would have never imagined to be a pupil of some of the most renowned scholars of our time."

Nouran Ali, New Jersey

Arrival in Makkah

July 7-8

Students arrived Jeddah airport and loaded buses to the Holy City of Makkah.  They were in Ihram and though many were exhuasted after a long journey there spiritually uplifted while reciting "Labbaik Allahuma Labaik."  As the buses crossed into the birthplace of our beloved Prophet (Sallahu Alaihee Wa Salaam), emotions were running high and tears began flowing as many realized that they were finally going to see the Kaaba for the first time.  The buses arrived at the Zam Zam Towers Hotel, across from the Haram and now all that was left was a walk across the white marble floors of the courtyard to enter the house of Allah.  On their first night in Makkah, many had their first Umra experience, we pray that Allah accepts everyone's Umra and Du'aa. 

Reaction of Rihla participants after viewing the Kaaba for the first time:

"I couldn't believe my eyes, it was surreal.  One of the most amazing things was when I was able to pray in front of the Kaaba at Hijr Ismail.  I did my sajda and as I got up, I though this is not real.  It was unbelievable that I was standing directly in front of the Kaaba and my tears started flowing.  HamdiLa, it was so beautiful.  It is in image and feeling that I'll take with me and experinece every time I stand for prayer.  I thought, the whole trip was worth just looking at the Kaaba, I then remembered I still have the classes and Madinah to look forward to."

Diana Saidy, Hawaii

"This was the first time I came to Makkah to perform Umrah and all through my journey I remembered the advice of my mother: make du’a, du’a and more du’a.  I walked up to the holy Ka’ba  with my gaze lowered and as I lifted my eyes and saw the Ka’ba for the first time in my life, my tongue lost its capacity of speech and only my heart could pour out the du’a I had been rehearsing for so many days.  I stood there pondering at the enormity of the gift I had been offered by Allah to visit His House.  Words cannot express the experience one’s heart feels being in the Haram.  I pray that Allah gives all of you the opportunity to visit Ka’ba. Ameen."

Shazia Manzar, New York 

Venturing to the Sacred Land

Photo by Nushmia Khan, UNC-Chapel Hill

Flying over Saudi Arabia

Eden Gass of New Orleans, LA. discusses her travel experience to the Noble City of Makkah. This is Eden's first Rihla and her first trip to Saudi Arabia.

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate.

The shadow of a hand fondling prayer beads cast on the floor beside my feet…the pilot invoking blessings of peace upon us as he announces it is time for the Fajr prayer…brothers and sisters using every available space in the plane for worship…spreading out rugs or airline blankets in the aisle beside me…quiet murmurs of “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar”, a singsong of praise…this is what it is to fly to Saudi Arabia….these are the first steps on my journey to Makkah…Insha Allah…

Finally sitting in front of the Haram, I make du’a before dawn…as I sit quietly weeping with my hands cupped toward the heavens, a woman comes by like a shadow and drops a date into my waiting palms….like manna from heaven.....Alhamdulillah…..

Observing the pilgrims, it strikes me; at home I am accustomed to seeing people in a rush for many things…rushing to work, to the store, to the bank…but now for the first time in my life I see people rushing to pray…dropping everything and hurrying with an eagerness and urgency I had previously seen reserved for happy hours and sidewalk sales, and running to pray, running to God…

Soon I find myself running with them to the Dhuhr prayer…rushing across the brilliant white paving stones to the welcoming shadow of the entrance…at the moment I mount the steps, brothers rush up beside me, holding aloft the body of a believer wrapped in an iridescent brown shroud….and together we all hurry inside, one believer ending their spiritual journey on earth, while another’s begins…

Making my way through the throngs that filled the Masjid, a Sister I have never met in my life randomly embraces me…uttering “Asalamu Alaikum, Alhamdulillah”….Allah’s welcome takes many forms…approaching the Kab’bah I see people cling to it as to the only rock in a stormy sea…I join the pilgrims making tawaf in the blinding sun, and thousands of voices making du’a mingle and envelope me…. As we perform this ancient ritual, I imagine the millions of feet who have tread this path before me, the millions of foreheads that have touched this sacred ground, and I realize time does not exist in this place, the individual does not exist….only God…only God…Allahu Akbar….

Eden Judith Gass

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Close to 200 students set out for the 2008 Rihla sponsored by the Deen Intensive Foundation.  This year's Rihla "Seeking the Two Sacred Treasures" is taking place in Makkah, Madinah, and Taif.  Students travled from the United States, Europe and Canada for a journey of a lifetime.  Prior to their arrival students recieved preparation materials such as books and audio cd's.  Many felt fortunate to be selected and experienced feelings of excitement and anxiousness.

"First there was a general feeling of being lucky to be accepted into the program and being 

invited by Allah and his Messenger.  As I got closer to the travel date, my feelings changed and I

had a boost of energy.  I switched to academic mode in attempting to read the materials and 

learn the rites of Umra.  The anxiety I felt along the way helped me maintain my focus."

Nasra Ismail, Virginia