🚀 go-pugleaf

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      In   the   name  of   ALLAH,   the    Beneficent,   the    Merciful




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             I N F O R M A T I O N    &   N E W S    N E T W O R K

                      A Subsidiary of Pakistan News Service

 Vol. 9  No. 7            Zulqidah 23, 1416 Hijri             April  12, 1996
 ____________________________________________________________________________
 FOR SUBMISSIONS/ENQUIRIES:   MUSLIMS@PSUVM.BITNET,  MUSLIMS@ASUACAD.BITNET
 FOR UN/SUBSCRIPTIONS: LISTSERV@PSUVM.BITNET,  LISTSERV@ASUACAD.BITNET
                SEE FOOTNOTE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS
 ____________________________________________________________________________

                             **********
                        +++++ CONTENTS +++++
                             **********

1. SOME VERSES FROM THE QURAN................................
2. CAIR: Hajj and Eid ul-Adha Publicity Kit (21K)
3. Excerpts from the article:
   Twenty One Days for the Holy Land......by Ishaq Zahid



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1. SOME VERSES FROM THE QURAN................................

I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan.
In the name of Allah the Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful.

002.196  And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of God. But if ye are
prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may
find,  and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of
sacrifice. And if  any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp,
(Necessitating shaving), (He should)  in compensation either fast, or feed the
poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in  peaceful conditions (again), if
any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He  must make an offering,
such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast  three days
during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is
for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And
fear  God, and know that God Is strict in punishment.

002.197  For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty
therein,  Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj.
And whatever  good ye do, (be sure) God knoweth it. And take a provision (With
you) for the  journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me,
o ye that are wise.

002.198  It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during
pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises
of  God at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed
you, even  though, before this, ye went astray.

002.199  Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the
multitude so to do, and ask for God's forgiveness. For God is Oft-forgiving,
Most  Merciful.

002.200  So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of
God,  as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers,- yea, with far more
Heart and soul.  There are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in
this world!" but they  will have no portion in the Hereafter.

002.201  And there are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and
good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!"

002.202  To these will be allotted what they have earned; and God is quick in
account.

002.203  Celebrate the praises of God during the Appointed Days. But if any one
hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays
on, there  is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear God, and
know that ye will  surely be gathered unto Him.

(translation from Abdullah Yusuf Ali's text)

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2.  CAIR: Hajj and Eid ul-Adha Publicity Kit (21K)

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

CAIR: Council on American-Islamic Relations

HAJJ AND EID UL-ADHA PUBLICITY RESOURCE KIT

Contact CAIR to receive printed copies of the "Welcome to
Our Mosque" brochure. This brochure is designed to be handed
to visitors at a mosque open house. All materials may be
modified for local use.

-----------------------------------------

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

CAIR : Council on American-Islamic Relations

Dear Imam, activist, community leader, committee, brother or
sister:

as-Salaam Alaykum. Peace to you.

This resource kit has been developed to assist your
community in publicizing Hajj and Eid ul-Adha events and
activities. It is designed to provide you with the raw
materials with which you can contact the media and, through
them, reach people of other faiths in your area.

HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE KIT:
1. Study the "Talking Points" at the bottom of this page.
These are the key points you will want to pass on to people
of other faiths.

2. Photocopy pages such as "Hajj Q&A" and "Islam in America
- The Facts." These pages can be distributed in the
materials you send to the media. The announcements for Hajj
and Eid ul-Adha will be sent to national and regional media
by CAIR, but local communities should make contact with
local media. (Call CAIR if you need a local list of media
addresses and phone numbers.)

3. Re-type the media advisories on your group's letterhead.
Modify details to fit your local community. NOTE - If you
would like these materials on computer disk (Microsoft Word
6.0) send a blank disk and a self-addressed stamped envelope
(and a check for $5) to CAIR at the above address. The text
can also be downloaded from the internet (Email:
cair1@ix.netcom.com). Photocopy the "Hajj Q&A" and "Islam in
America - The Facts."

4. Distribute your announcements to the media as soon as
possible. Faxing is best at this point.

5. Make phone calls to follow up with editors, producers,
talk show hosts, etc.

6. Call CAIR if you have any questions, or if you do not
understand any part of the Resource Kit.

7. IMPORTANT - Clip news articles and record TV items. Send
original copies to CAIR immediately.

Messages or "Talking Points" to be Used When Communicating
with People of Other Faiths:

7 Muslims are a growing segment of American society.
7 Muslims are productive members of the society who
contribute much to the general welfare.
7 Islam is a belief system that has much to offer in terms
of providing solutions to problems such as crime, drug abuse
and family disintegration.
7 Muslims are reaching out to people of other faiths to help
them better understand the Islamic community in America.

IMPORTANT - Make sure you send a copy of all your
announcements and news releases to the ASSOCIATED PRESS
"DAYBOOK" EDITOR at the Associated Press office in your area
or in the nearest large city.

REMINDER - Help CAIR continue this important work by sending
a generous donation to help with the cost of these necessary
projects. Thank you.

-----------------------------------------

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
1511 K Street N.W., Suite 807
Washington, D.C.  20005
Tel: (202) 638-6340
Fax: (202) 638-6412
Email: cair1@ix.netcom.com

----- MEDIA ADVISORY -----

American Muslims Begin Pilgrimage Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On April 26*, Muslims in America and
around the world will begin observing activities associated
with the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is the
fifth of the "five pillars" of the Islamic faith. (The other
"pillars" include a declaration of faith, daily prayer,
offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of
Ramadan.) Hajj activities take place during five days
(beginning on the 8th day) of the Islamic lunar month of
Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation
for those Muslims who have the physical and financial
ability to undertake the journey. It is also a form of
worship that involves the entire being: body, mind and soul.

The obligatory and optional activities of Hajj include:

7 entrance into a state of self-control called ihram, during
which pilgrims are forbidden to disturb living creatures or
even raise the voice in anger. The state of ihram is
signified (for men) by the wearing of two pieces of unsewn
cloth. (No specific clothing is prescribed for female
pilgrims.)

7 circling of the Ka'aba, the stone building Muslims believe
was originally built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. The
Ka'aba is viewed as the first sanctuary on earth dedicated
to the worship of the One God. It is a symbol of unity for
Muslims because all prayers, wherever they are performed,
are oriented in the direction of the Ka'aba.

7 the Sa'i, or "hastening" between two small hills near the
Ka'aba, to commemorate Hagar's search for water to offer her
son Ishmael.

7 the "Day of Arafah" on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Arafah
is the empty plain near the city of Mecca. On this day, the
climax of the Hajj season, pilgrims assemble for
supplication to God.

7 the stoning of three pillars representing Satan's
temptation of Abraham. The stoning indicates the pilgrim's
rejection of evil deeds.

7 cutting the hair to symbolize the completion of Hajj.

7 sacrifice of an animal to help the poor, and in
remembrance Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son
Ishmael at God's command. The meat is distributed to the
needy.

When the pilgrimage is completed, Muslims worldwide gather
for communal prayers on the first day (April 28) of Eid
ul-Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), the second of the two major Muslim
holidays.

-END-

* Note - Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months
depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start
date for the beginning of Hajj may vary by one day. Each
year, more than two million pilgrims travel to Mecca for
Hajj.

------------------------------------------

HAJJ  Q&A

Q: What does the Quran say about Hajj?
A: In the Quran, Islam's revealed text, God says:
"Thus We settled Abraham at the site of the House (the
Ka'aba) [saying]: Do not associate anything with Me, and
purify My house for those who walk around it, and those who
stand there (praying), and those who bow down on
their knees in worship. Proclaim the pilgrimage among
mankind: they will come to you on foot and on every lean
(beast of burden); Let them come from every deep ravine, to
bear witness to the advantages they have, and to mention
God's name on appointed days..." Chapter 22, verse 26

Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from Hajj?
A: The main benefit of Hajj for many people is the sense of
unity, brotherhood and humility it instills. After his Hajj,
Malcolm X wrote in his autobiography: "...I have eaten from
the same plate, drank from the same glass, and slept in the
same bed (or on the same rug) - while praying to the same
God - with fellow Muslims whose eyes were bluest of the
blue, whose hair was blondest of the blonde and whose skin
was whitest of the white. And in the words and in the
actions and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the
same sincerity that I felt among black African Muslims of
Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana...In the past I permitted myself to
be used to make sweeping indictments of...the entire white
race...Because of the spiritual enlightenment which I was
blessed to receive as a result of my recent pilgrimage to
the Holy City of Mecca, I no longer subscribe to the
sweeping indictments of any one race. I am now striving to
live the life of a true Muslim."

Q: Why does Hajj begin on a different day each year?
A: Because Dhul-Hijjah is a lunar month, it begins about
eleven days earlier each year.

Q: Why do Muslims sacrifice a lamb or other animal during
the festival of Eid ul-Adha?
A: The sacrifice commemorates the Prophet Abraham's
readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as
Ishmael, at God's request. This is not a blood offering. In
the Quran God states: "Neither their meat nor their blood
ever reaches God, but heedfulness on your part does reach
Him." (Chapter 22, verse 37) The meat is distributed to
relatives and to the needy.

Q: Is Hajj an obligation on all Muslims?
A: Yes, but only for those who are physically and
financially able to make the trip.

Q: What are the most visually striking aspects of Hajj?
A: All pilgrims must do tawaf, or circling the Ka'aba. This
obligation creates a stunning scene as thousands of people
circle the building at all times of the day and night. Also,
the standing at Arafah on the 9th day of the Islamic month
of Dhul-Hijjah presents a scene in which several million
people all dressed alike and with the same intention to
worship God, gather on a barren plain.

Q: How should non-Muslim friends and co-workers interact
with someone who is going on Hajj or celebrating at home?
A: Hajj is a high point in a Muslim's life. Questions are
welcome and congratulations are in order. Most communities
welcome visitors at Eid ul-Adha prayers. Just ask a Muslim
friend to act as an escort and guide.

-----------------------------------------
ISLAM IN AMERICA --- THE FACTS

FACT 1
There are an estimated 6 million Muslims in America. The
Muslim community in America is made up of people from a wide
variety of ethnic backgrounds and national origins.
FACT 2
The worldwide population of Muslims is 1.2 billion.
FACT 3
Islam is the fastest growing religion in this country and
around the world.
FACT 4
Demographers say that by the turn of the century, Islam will
be the number two religion in America. (This may have
already occurred.)
FACT 5
Demographers also say that by the year 2025, one in four
people on earth will be a Muslim.
FACT 6
There are more than 1,500 mosques, Islamic schools and
Islamic centers in America. Muslims are active in all walks
of life.

TERMS AND CONCEPTS
Allah - Allah is the Arabic word for "God." It is the same
word Arabic-speaking Christians use when referring to God.
Allah is not the "Muslim God," but is the same God
worshipped by Christians and Jews.

Fundamentalist - Muslims view the label "fundamentalist" as
stereotypical and ill-defined. Muslims also object to the
use of terms such as "radical" and "extremist." These terms
lack definition and are seen as pejorative. More neutral and
objective terms include "Islamist" or "Islamic activist."

Jihad - "Jihad" does not mean "holy war." Literally, jihad
means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central
and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against
evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the
quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for
self-defense (e.g., - having a standing army for national
defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression. The
equivalent of the term "holy war" in Arabic is "harb
muqaddasah," a term that cannot be found in the Quran or the
Prophet's sayings (hadith). There is no such thing as "holy
war" in Islam, as some careless translators may imply. It is
rather a loaded Medieval concept that did not arise from
within the Muslim community. Because of this myth's frequent
repetition, most people in the West accept it as if it were
a fact.

Black Muslims - This term, first used to describe the
followers of the late Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the
Nation of Islam, is no longer accurate when used to describe
African-American Muslims. Minister Louis Farrakhan does not
represent the Muslim community in America.

Muslim/Arab - Not all Muslims are Arab, just as not all
Arabs are Muslim. In fact, Arabs are a minority within the
Islamic world. According to modern usage, "Arab" is a
linguistic, not an ethnic, designation. An Arab can be
Christian or Jewish.

Women's Rights - Under Islamic law, women have always had
the right to own property, receive an education and
otherwise take part in community life. The Islamic rules for
modest dress apply to both women and men equally. (Men
cannot expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or
silk, etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does
so in spite of Islam, not because of it.

Arabic Names - Compound Arabic names, such as "Abd
Al-Wahid," which often refer to attributes of God, should be
used in full on second reference. If the second reference
referred to "Al-Wahid," that person would be taking on an
attribute of God ("the One"), something a Muslim would
abhor.

-----------------------------------------

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CAIR: Council on American-Islamic Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE


----- MEDIA ADVISORY -----

Muslims Celebrate End of Pilgrimage
Season with Communal Prayers

What:   On April 28*, Muslims in America will celebrate the
end of the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, with
communal prayers at locations around the country. The
prayers, and the holiday which follows are called Eid ul
-Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), or "festival of the sacrifice." Eid
ul-Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham s willingness to
sacrifice his son Ishmael at God s command. The holiday is
celebrated with the prayers, small gifts for children,
distribution of meat to the needy and social gatherings.
During this holiday, Muslims exchange the greeting "Eid
Mubarak" or "blessed Eid."

(Note - Each year, more than two million Muslims go on Hajj.
There are an estimated six million Muslims in America and
some 1.2 billion worldwide. Demographers say Islam is the
fastest growing religion in this country and around the
world.)

When:   April 28 (Depending on when the Islamic month begins,
the beginning of "Eid" might vary by a day.) The prayers are
held in the early morning.

Where:  Mosques and Islamic centers around North America

Contact: For local contacts, call a mosque or Islamic center
in your area, or call CAIR at 202-638-6340.

Photo/Sound Opportunity: Each year, Muslims from America and
many different countries come to the prayers in colorful
traditional dress. The prayers themselves are quite visual,
with worshipers arranged in neat rows and bowing in prayer
in unison. Participants exchange embraces at the conclusion
of the prayers.

Note:   Because this is a religious service, reporters and
photographers of both sexes should dress modestly. That
means no shorts for men or short skirts for women. Female
reporters and photographers may be asked to put a scarf over
their hair while in the actual prayer area. Photographers
should arrive early to get into position for the best shots.
Photographers are advised not to step directly in front of
worshipers and to ask permission
 for close-up shots.

-END-

-----------------------------------------

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

[Name of Sponsoring Organization]
[Address]
[Telephone Number, Fax Number]


FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE


----- MEDIA ADVISORY -----

Local Muslims Hold Mosque Open House
Event to feature food, tours and exhibits for people of all
faiths

What: On April 29, the Muslim community in [name of local
community] will celebrate the end of the yearly pilgrimage
to Mecca, or Hajj, with a mosque open house. The open house
is scheduled to coincide with the Islamic holiday of Eid
ul-Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), or "festival of the sacrifice,"
which comes at the end of the pilgrimage. At the evening
event, people of all faiths will be able to sample foods
from around the Muslim world, take a guided tour of the
mosque and browse through informational displays of books
and other items explaining the basics of Islam.

Eid ul-Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness
to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God's command. The holiday
is celebrated with the prayers, small gifts for children,
distribution of meat to the needy and social gatherings.
During this holiday, Muslims exchange the greeting "Eid
Mubarak" or "blessed Eid."

(Note - Each year, more than two million Muslims go on Hajj.
There are [number] of Muslims in [local community], an
estimated six million in America and some 1.2 billion
worldwide. Demographers say Islam is the fastest
growing religion in this country and around the world.)

When:   April 29, [Time Period]

Where:  [Address and Directions]

Cost:   Free of Charge

Contact: For information, call [local contact].

Note:   Because this is a house of worship, reporters and
photographers of both sexes should dress modestly. That
means no shorts for men or short skirts for women. Female
reporters and photographers may be asked to put a scarf over
their hair while in the actual prayer area. Photographers
are advised not to step directly in front of worshipers and
to ask permission for close-up shots.

-END-

------------------------------------------

STEPS NECESSARY TO HOLD A MOSQUE OPEN HOUSE


1. PREPARE the members of your local community by explaining
the necessity of building a positive image of the mosque in
the surrounding area. Let them know that experience of other
communities has shown that a positive neighborhood image
offers many benefits. Ask for input concerning the details
of when and at what time the open house should be held.
There are no hard and fast rules for such things.

2. INVITE local community leaders, clergy, law enforcement
officials, activists, and government officials. Remember to
invite the mayor, congressional representatives, the chief
of police and members of the city council. These people
should all receive written invitations. Follow up with a
personal phone call. Letters are not enough.

3. PUBLICIZE the event by sending a well-written news
release (see sample) to the local media. You may also place
paid advertisements in the local newspaper. Send the news
release to the religion calendar editor, the city editor and
the feature editor at the newspaper. Send a release to the
assignment editor at the local television stations. Also
send copies to news directors at the local radio stations.
Send announcements to local churches.

4. INFORM your guests of mosque etiquette before they arrive
(see "Welcome to Our Mosque" brochure). This will make them
feel at ease and avoid embarrassment. Be ready to answer
questions about prayer, separation of men and women and
other common issues.

5. CLEAN the mosque. The first impression is one that will
last. Make sure bathrooms are spotless. Have a mosque clean
up day prior to the open house.

6. SET UP a reception area where guests can be received,
told about mosque etiquette and served refreshments. Have
greeters at the door to direct arriving guests. Have
knowledgeable people conduct tours of the facility. Do not
leave guests alone to wander about the mosque. Give each
guest a name tag. Make sure sisters are available to make
female guests feel welcome.

7. SELECT literature to be given to the guests. Avoid
material with a strong political message. Do not push
materials on guests. Let them select what they wish to read.

8. POST signs at appropriate locations in the facility.

9. PRAY that your efforts will open the hearts of your
guests.

CAIR is working to promote Islam through interaction with
local and national media, and by providing the Muslim
community with this vital information. We need your help in
order to continue serving the community.

____________________________________________________________________

  _____          _____ _____   Council on American-Islamic Relations
 / ____|   /\   |_   _|  __ \        1511 K Street N.W., Suite 807
| |       /  \    | | | |__) |       Washington, D.C. 20005
| |      / /\ \   | | |  _  /        Tel: (202) 638-6340
| |____ / ____ \ _| |_| | \ \        Fax: (202) 638-6412
 \_____/_/    \_\_____|_|  \_\       E-mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com

To join CAIR-NET, CAIR's read-only mailing list: Send "subscribe
cair-net" in the body of a message to majordomo@ari.net
____________________________________________________________________



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3. Excerpts from the article:
Twenty One Days for the Holy Land......by Ishaq Zahid
******************************************************

The article, entitled, "Twenty One Days for the Holy Land," was posted by the
Islamic Information & News Network in edition numbers Vol. 6, No. 37-SP-HAJJ-1
and Vol. 6, No. 38-SP-HAJJ-2. These editions may be obtained from any of our
archive sites. The content part and some excerpts of the article are included
below.


        I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan
        In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind


                      TWENTY-ONE DAYS FOR THE HOLY LAND
                      =================================
                                      BY
                                M. ISHAQ ZAHID


CONTENTS
========
ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE THE TRIP
THE JOURNEY FROM HOME TO JEDDAH
LABBAIKA ALLAH HUMMA LABBAIK
ALHAMDOLILLAH, THE UMRAH IS PERFORMED
THE S'AI (HAJIRAH AND ISMAEL REMEMBERED)
UNEXPECTED EVENTS; MADINAH AWAITS!
MADINAH MUNNAWARRAH-THE PROPHET'S CITY
BACK TO MAKKAH FOR HAJJ
THE DAY OF THE ARAFAT
THE NIGHT AT MUZDALIFAH
PELT THE SATAN
STAMPEDE AT JAMRAHS KILLS SEVERAL HUNDRED HAJJIS
AL-WIDA-A DREAM ENDS
SAUDI ARABIA AND AMERICA-THE CONTRAST





        Going around the Kabah, I recited the Quran, the supplications, and
    the Talbiyah, Labbaika Allah humma Labbaik...  There are some Dua's
    which one should perform at the Yemeni Corner (the third corner), and
    the fourth wall. Like so many other people, I had a book of Du'as which
    I tried to read in as much as possible. The supplications need not be
    in Arabic. Here is your chance to speak to Allah T'ala as you go
    around the most sacred house on earth and pray whatever you want to.
    God will understand you in any language you speak. You don't have to
    even speak. He knows your inner thoughts and feelings. After all He
    created you. There however come moments when you do want to say
    something and you don't know what to say or you can't find words for
    it or you want to say it with the best possible words. Thanks to the
    unparalleled work of Muslim Traditionists, we have the books which have
    preserved the supplications, actions and methods of the last messenger
    of God. These are the best of the words to speak. It is a good thing to
    carry a book of Du'as.

    ...........................................................


    THE S'AI (HAJIRAH AND ISMAEL REMEMBERED)
    ========================================

    .............................................
    .............................................

    During S'ai, I thought about Hajirah and Ismael. S'ai commemorates
    Hajirah's efforts to live and feed the young Ismael. It was when Prophet
    Ibrahim had left them alone in the wilderness of Makkah and had gone
    back to Palestine by decree of God. When their water supply had
    exhausted, Hajirah went to the Safa hill to look out for water, a
    caravan or an oasis. She ran back and forth between the two hills in
    search of provisions. It is when the fountain of Zamzam was provided to
    them by the Almighty Allah T'ala. It is that fountain that supplies
    water to the pilgrims who visit the Holy Kabah. Saudis have built a
    pipeline of Zamzam to Madinah, over 400 kilometers away from Makkah.
    Pilgrims visiting the Masjid-e-Nabvi in Madinah will find Zamzam water
    coolers there to quench their thirst.

    So Muslim men and women and children, anyone who can afford the
    journey, pay their high regards and tributes to a noble lady by tracing
    her footsteps in a ritual that is going on for centuries. May Allah
    shower His blessings on them.



    MADINAH MUNNAWARRAH-THE PROPHET'S CITY
    ======================================


        In the Masjid, lying flat on my back, I marvelled at
    the beautiful structure and design of the Masjid and reflected on how
    the Prophet would have felt on seeing such a lush design. In
    his time there were no carpets, A/C, or lights. The place was small and
    there was no Zamzam flowing from Makkah to Madinah. I also
    reflected on Ashab As-Sufa, the Sahabah who had devoted their lives in
    learning Islam and were used to live in a separate quarter of the
    Masjid. Abu Huraira (R.A.A.) was one of those Sahabah. Most Sahabah and
    the Prophet lived in a condition of poverty and not much to eat. This
    was especially the case with Ashab As-Sufa. Just a couple of days ago I
    was reading some Ahadith in Sahih Bukhari (see the next paragraph)
     in which there was an
    incident reported about them. The Prophet on a request by a tribe sent
    about seventy Ashab Sufa to the tribe to teach Islam. When
    these Sahabah reached there, they were all martyred despite the
    assurances given by the tribe to the Prophet. The Prophet was so
    grieved on hearing the incident that he prayed Qunut for a month in the
    Isha prayer.

     Narrated Asim: I asked Anas bin Malik about the Qunut. Anas replied,
     "Definitely It was (recited)." I asked, "Before bowing or after it?" Anas
     replied, "Before bowing." I added, "So and so has told me that you had
     informed him that it had been after bowing." Anas said, "He told an
     untruth (ie. "was mistaken," according to the Hijazi dialect). Allah's
     Apostle (SAW) recited Qunut after bowing for a period of one month." Anas
     added, "The Prophet (SAW) sent about seventy men (who knew the Quran by
     heart) towards the pagans (of Najd) who were less than they in number and
     there was a peace treaty between them and Allah's Apostle (SAW) (but the
     Pagans broke the treaty and killed the seventy men). So Allah's Apostle
     (SAW) recited Qunut for a period of one month invoking Allah to punish
     them."
      (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, no. 116)


    The original Masjid including the living quarters of the
    Prophet, his wives and Ashab Sufa are all part of the current Masjid.
    With my eyes closed, I journeyed back in time, about 14 hundred years,
    and felt the presence
    of the nobel personalities sitting, walking, praying, listening to the
    Prophet among them, preparing to defend the Islamic state and willing
    to give up everything for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.





    While in the Masjid, I had a chance to visit Prophet's grave. The crowd
    happened to be manageable at that time and I was able to stand there
    for a short while and offered Dua and Salam. Hadrat Abu Bakr and Omar
    are also burried there alongside the Prophet. Afterwards I visited
    Jannatul Baqi', which is across the street from Masjid Nabvi. Jannatul
    Baqi' is a big graveyard where Hadrat Aisha, Uthman and a large number
    of other Sahabah are buried. There are no marks on the graves and no
    one there was willing to tell us which one belonged to whom. These were
    highly emotional moments to feel the company of the Porphet and the
    Sahabah. In my prayers I recited Surah Ad-duha, Surah Alam Nashrah,
    Surah Al-Kauthar and felt as if I am talking to the Prophet and I have
    his company. While walking in Jannatul Baqi', I touched the ground and
    picked up some dust in my hand in awe. May Allah be pleased with all
    the Sahabah and forgive our sins.



    Pillars in the Prophet's Masjid were all decorated with beautifully
    caligraphed name of Allah inscribed on plates. I also saw the names of
    the Prophet and Sahabah written on the inside wall of the front
    section. The names in order from left to right on the same line were:

    Abbas Hussain Ali Umar Muhammad Masha'Allah Allah Abu Bakr Uthman Hasan
    Abu Hurairah


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