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