DREAM OF AISHA (RUA)
Aisha (RUA) said, “I saw in a dream that three moons fell in my lap. I
described this dream to my father Abu Bakr (RU).” When Prophet Mohammad
(SAS) died and was buried in Aisha’s room, Abu Bakr (RU) referring to
Aisha’s (RUA) dream said to her, “This is the one among your moons and
it is better than the other two.”
BURIAL IN AISHA’S CHAMBER
Imam Malik (RTA) said, “Prophet Mohammad (SAS) died on Monday and was
buried on Tuesday. Some people suggested that he should be buried near
the pulpit. Others suggested Baqee graveyard for his burial. Abu Bakr
(RU) said, ‘I have heard from Prophet Mohammad (SAS) that a prophet is
buried at that spot where he passes away.’ Hence Prophet Mohammad (SAS)
was buried in Aisha’s hujra.”
When Prophet Mohammad (SAS) was given a bath before his burial, a sound
was heard calling for not removing the shirt of the Prophet (SAS). Hence
his shirt was not removed and he was given bath with his clothes on.”
“People offered Salat-ul-Janaza individually. No congregational salat was held with an Imam.” (Muwatta Imam Malik)
Salam Bin Obeid (RU), was one of the residents of Suffah. He narrated
that the companions asked Abu Bakr (RU), “Should we bury the Prophet?”
Abu Bakr (RU) replied, “Yes”. They asked, “Where?” Abu Bakr (RU) said
“Where he died”. Hence the Prophet (SAS) was buried in Aisha’s chamber.
(Majma-al-Zawaid).
As described in Bukhari, Aisha (RUA) said, “Prophet Mohammad (SAS) said
during his illness before death, ‘Where will I stay tonight? Where am I
supposed to be tomorrow?’ All his wives very willingly agreed to let him
stay in my chamber during his final illness? He passed away when his
head was in my lap. He was buried in my room.”
PREPARATION FOR THE GRAVE
Abdullah bin Abbas (RU) narrated that at the time of the bath of the
Prophet (SAS) some companions gathered outside his house. Abbas (RU)
called two of them. He sent one to bring Abu Obeida bin Jarrah (RU)
since he used to dig straight graves in Makkah. Abbas (RU) sent the
other person to bring Abu Talha (RU) since he used to dig graves in
Madina with a side trench in it. At that time Abbas (RU) also made this
supplication, “O Allah, choose one of them for your beloved Prophet”. By
chance the messengers could not find Abu Obeida (RU) or Abu Talha (RU).
Hence Abbas (RU) made the grave for the Prophet with a side trench at
the bottom of the grave. (Bukhari, Muwatta)
BURIAL OF ABU BAKR (RU)
Caliph Abu Bakr (RU) left a will with Aisha [ to bury him by the side of
Prophet Mohammad (SAS). Hence he was buried there in such a way that
his head was in line with the shoulders of Prophet Mohammad (SAS). A
grave with side trench was prepared for him.
Ibn Kathir wrote that Abu Bakr (RU) died in Jamada II of 13H. He was
sixty three years old just like Prophet Mohammad (SAS). He was, in this
way, with the Prophet (SAS) after death just like he was with him during
his lifetime. During Abu Bakr’s (RU) fifteen days illness, Omar (RU)
led the salat. (Al Bidaih Wa An Nihaih)
SUPPLICATION OF OMAR (RU) AND HIS MARTYRDOM
Prophet Mohammad (SAS) migrated to Madina and spent rest of his life
there and finally died in Madina. Prophet (SAS) used to encourage
Muslims to reside and die in Madina. As described by Ibn Majah and
narrated by Ibn Omar (RU), Prophet Mohammad (SAS) used to say, “You
should wish to die in Madina. I shall be a witness for the person who
dies in Madina.”
Hence Omar (RU) used to make the following dua as mentioned in Bukhari,
“O Allah, please grant me martyrdom and make me die in the city of Your
beloved Prophet (SAS).”
Ibn Kathir wrote that Allah (SWT) granted the dua of Omar (RU) and
combined his both wishes. Omar (RU) was leading Sala-tul-Fajr on 26th of
Dhul Hajja in the year of 23H. A person attacked him with a double
edged sharp dagger causing a fatal wound. This was done by a slave of
Al-Mugayyrah bin Shaabah. This slave was known as Abu Luh Luh who was a
worshipper of fire and not a Muslim by faith.
Lot of blood was gushing out of the wound of Omar (RU). He was
immediately brought to his home. At times he passed out and at times he
regained his senses. When he was reminded of the salat, he completed his
salat and said “Those who do not establish salat have nothing to do
with Islam.” Omar (RU) enquired, “ Who was the attacker?” He was told
about Abu Luh Luh, the non Muslim. Omar (RU) said “All praise is for
Allah (SWT) who did not cause my death by the hands of a person who is
Muslim by faith.” Soon after this he died and was buried by the side of
Abu Bakr (RU) on the first of Muharram in the year 24H. Omar (RU) was
the third moon which Aisha (RU) saw in her dream.
OMAR’S (RU) PERMISSION FOR BURIAL
As mentioned in Bukhari and narrated by Amar bin Maimon (RU), “I saw
that Omar (RU) was instructing his son, Abdullah bin Omar (RU) to visit
Aisha (RUA) and after conveying his salam to her, to make the following
request. ‘Omar (RU) requests you to grant him permission to be buried
along with his companions in her chamber.’ Ibn Omar went to Aisha (RUA)
and requested her accordingly. She said, ‘I had reserved this spot for
myself. I however, grant you the permission out of sympathy.’ When Ibn
Omar returned he informed Omar (RU) about the permission of Aisha (RUA).
Omar (RU) said, ‘After my death again convey my salam to Aisha (RUA)
and request her once again to grant the permission for burial in her
chamber. If she does not grant the permission, bury me in Baqee
cemetry.’ Aisha again granted the permission.”
ALI’S (RU) DUA
As mentioned in Bukhari, Ibn Abbas (RU) narrated, “Omar (RU) was put on a
cot or a bed after his death. Many people surrounded the cot and were
making supplications for Omar (RU). I was among these people. One person
put his hand on my shoulder. I turned around and noticed that it was
Ali (RU). Ali (RU) made the following supplication, ‘O Omar, may Allah’s
(SWT), mercy be showered on you. I wish when I face Allah (SWT) I go
there with wonderful deeds like yours. I swear I have full faith in the
fact that Allah (SWT) will make you join your companions. I often heard
this from Prophet Mohammad (SAS), ‘I, Abu Bakr and Omar went. I, Abu
Bakr and Omar entered. I, Abu Bakr and Omar came out.”
VEIL OF AISHA (RUA)
After the burial of Omar (RU) in the Sacred Chamber, Aisha (RUA) put a
partition between the area occupied by the graves and rest of the room.
It was because Omar (RU) was not mahram to her. Hence she continued
keeping her veil from him even after his death.
It is mentioned in Tabka-tul-Kubra and narrated by Malik bin Anas (RU),
“After burial of Omar (RU) in the Sacred Chamber, Aisha (RUA) divided
her room into two parts by building a wall between the graves and rest
of her tiny living area. Whenever she went to the area occupied by the
graves, she wore Islamic veil.”
It is mentioned in Vifa-ul-Vifa, Aisha (RUA) said, “When no wall was
built between the graves and my living area, I never took my veil off
and used to stay wrapped up in clothes.”
These steps of Aisha (RUA) are a guiding light for the Muslim women to
observe the Islamic veil. Every muslim woman should ask herself how
close she is to this Islamic practice.
ORDER OF THE THREE GRAVES
There are different narrations regarding the order and lay out of the
graves of Prophet Mohammad (SAS) and his two companions resting in the
Sacred Chamber. Most of the scholars have described it as follows. First
grave from Qiblah or from the southern wall of the Sacred Chamber is of
Prophet Mohammad (SAS). Abu Bakr’s (RU) grave is a bit north of the
Prophet’s (SAS) grave in such a way that the head of Abu Bakr (RU) is in
line with the shoulders of the Prophet (SAS). Slightly north of it is
the grave of Omar (RU) and his head is in line with the shoulders of Abu
Bakr (RU). Samhoudi and other scholars preferred this description over
other versions. Nawawi and many other scholars have used this lay out to
guide visitors for salutation to Prophet (SAS) and his companions.
Nawawi said, “The visitor should face towards the grave with his back
toward Qiblah and respectfully offer salutation to the Prophet (SAS).
Then move about half a meter to his right and offer salutation to Abu
Bakr (RU). Finally move about half meter more to his right and offer
salutation to Omar (RU).
THE OUTER APPEARANCE OF THE GRAVES
It will be pertinent to mention here that the companions never put
bricks or other similar materials on these three graves. Qasim bin
Mohammad bin Abu Bakr (RU) narrated as mentioned in Sunan Abu Dawud, “ I
visited Aisha (RU) and requested her to show me these three graves. I
observed that the graves were neither very high above the ground nor
totally in level with the ground. I saw these covered with reddish color
earth.”
It is mentioned in Tabqa-tul-Kubra by Ibn Saad as narrated by Qassim, “I
was only a child when I visited these graves which were covered with
reddish color earth.”
It is mentioned in Fatah Bari as narrated by Abu Bakr Ajari (RU)
“I saw these graves during the period of Omar bin Abdul Aziz (RU). These
were about four inches above the ground level”. It is also mentioned in
Fatah Bari as narrated by Rija bin Haiwah, “Waleed bin Abdul Malik
wrote to Omar bin Abdul Aziz to purchase the hujrat of the wives of
Prophet Mohammad (SAS) and include this area in the mosque as well. When
the walls of the hujrats were removed, these graves became visible. The
sandy soil on the graves had somewhat leveled off. Omar bin Abdul Aziz
rebuilt the walls of Aisha’s chamber during the expansion of the
Prophet’s Mosque.”
A renowned scholar, Samhoudi, mentioned in Vifa-ul-Vifa that the walls
of the Sacred Chamber were remodeled in 878H. He had the privilege and
honor of entering the Sacred Chamber during these repairs. Samhoudi
said, “As I entered the Sacred Chamber, I found very delicate fragrance
there which I had never experienced in my life before. I offered
salutation to the Prophet (SAS) and his both companions. Then I focused
my attention to condition of the graves so that I could describe it
fully to others. All three graves were almost even to the ground level.
At one place there was a slight rise above the ground level. It was
probably, Omar’s (RU) grave. The graves were definitely covered by
ordinary earth.”
After this occasion nobody has been able to see these graves since all
the four walls of the Sacred Chamber have been fully built upto the roof
level and closed for any view.
I may add that some people are carrying pictures of these graves
indicating that the graves are built of bricks or stones and are quite
high from the ground level. It is total fabrication. This approach is
like following the footsteps of Jews. When Jews wanted to make something
permissible for them, they would ascribe it to Prophet Moses (AS) to
justify their actions.
SPOT FOR THE FOURTH GRAVE
As mentioned some hadith and other authentic books there is a spot for a
fourth grave in the Sacred Chamber. This is the same spot which Aisha
(RUA) offered to Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RU). Hafs bin Omar bin Abdur
Rahman narrated, “ When Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RU) was on his death bed,
Aisha (RUA) sent him a message that I have kept a spot for you near the
Prophet (SAS). Accept it, if you like.” Abdur Rahman (RU) said, “ I have
heard that you have not removed your veil since Omar (RU) was burried
in your room. Furthermore, I do not like to convert the house of the
Prophet (SAS) into a cemetery. I have promised Osman bin Mazun (RU) that
our graves will be situated close to each other.” (History of
Madina-Ibn Shabah)
Hence there is a spot for a fourth grave in the Sacred Chamber. It is
also mentioned in Bukhari that Aisha (RUA) left this will with her
nephew Abdullah bin Zubair (RU), instructing him not to bury her in the
Sacred Chamber. Rather bury her with rest of the wives of the Prophet
(SAS) in Baqee cemetery since she does not wish to distinguish herself
from his other wives.
Imam Malik (RTA) said, “There was some space in the Sacred Chamber.
Hence Aisha (RUA) was told that, if it pleased her, she would be buried
there after her death”. Aisha (RUA) replied, ‘I would then become one
who invents an innovation.’”
Many scholars have written that there is a spot for a grave near the
eastern part of the Sacred Chamber. Saeed bin Al-Musayyab said, “This is
the spot for Isa (AS).” Furthermore, it is obvious that there was a
tiny living area for Aisha (RUA) in her humble hut after the partition
was built to separate her from the graves. In other words, there is a
spot for the fourth grave in the Sacred Chamber, where Isa (AS) will be
buried.
BURIAL OF ISA (AS)
Tirmidhi has mentioned as narrated by Abdullah bin Salam (AS), “The
characteristics of Prophet Mohammad (SAS) are described in Old Testament
and it is also mentioned there that Isa (AS) will be buried with him”.
Abdullah bin Omar (RU) has narrated that Prophet Mohammad (SAS) said,
“Isa (AS) will descend to the earth. He will marry and will have
children. In this way he will spend forty five years and finally he will
die and will be buried with me. On the Day of Judgement. I, Isa (AS),
Abu Bakr and Omar will rise from the same site.” (Al-Vifa).
HISTORICAL STAGES IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE SACRED CHAMBER
Original hujra or hut of Aisha was built of branches of palm trees
covered with blanket of hair. The frame of the door was made of wood.
The branches of trees were replaced by bricks by Omar (RU).
It is narrated by Obeid ullah bin Abu Yazeed that the walls of the house
of Prophet (SAS) were not made of bricks, stones or any other such
materials. Omar (RU) rebuilt these walls by bricks during his Caliphate.
These walls were, however, small. Abdulla bin Zubair raised these
higher. (Tabka-tul-Kubra). Near the end of the first century of Hijra,
Omar bin Abdul Aziz constructed the walls of the Sacred Chamber with
black stone.
THE EVENT OF A VISIBLE FOOT
Urwa bin Zubair narrated that hujrat were removed during the period of
Waleed bin Abdul Malik in order to include them in the expansion of the
Prophet’s Mosque. At that time the eastern wall of the Sacred Chamber
collapsed. It was necessary to dig its foundation to rebuild it. In this
process a foot appeared.
Someone said that it was perhaps the Prophet’s (SAS) foot. Urwa saw it
and said, “I swear it is not the Prophet’s foot, it is Omar’s (RU)
foot”.
More detail of this event is given by Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Aqeel.
He said, “I used to come to the Prophet’s Mosque in the later part of
the night. I used to salute Prophet (SAS) and then used to stay in the
mosque till salat-ul-fajr. One night it was raining. When I reached near
the house of Al-Mugayyara bin Shaabah (RU), I came across some
fragrance which I had never experienced before. I entered the mosque and
saluted the Prophet (SAS). I was surprised to see that one wall of the
Sacred Chamber had collapsed. I went inside the chamber and saluted the
Prophet (SAS) again. Shortly after this Omar bin Abdul Aziz, the
Governor of Madina, arrived there since he had been informed about the
fall of the wall. He ordered to cover the Sacred Chamber with a large
piece of cloth. In the morning a builder was brought and was told to go
inside the chamber. He requested that another person should also
accompany him. Omar bin Abdul Aziz (RU) became ready for it. Qasim bin
Abu Bakr volunteered for it also. Similarly Salim bin Abdullah bin Omar
volunteered too and insisted to accompany them as well. Omar bin Abdul
Aziz (RU) said, ‘We should not bother the residents of the graves by
crowding there.’ Omar (RU) then said to his freed slave, Mazaham,
‘Please go inside all alone.’ Mazaham said, ‘The first grave is slightly
lower in height than the other two graves.’ After the completion of the
renovation Omar (RU) said to Mazaham, ‘Go inside again and clean the
Sacred Chamber.’ Mazaham went in again and did the general cleaning
there after the renovation activities. Later on Omar (RU) remarked, ‘I
wish I had done this cleaning in place of Mazaham. This cleaning
activity would have been better for me than all of the worldly assets.’”
FIVE CORNERED WALLS
In 91H, Omar bin Abdul Aziz built these five cornered walls around the
inner four walls of the Sacred Chamber so that nobody may enter the
Sacred Chamber. These outer walls are about seven meters high and are
covered by a cloth. These days this outer structure is called Sacred
Chamber. Samhoudi said, “The outer walls were made with five corners
instead of four, so that the Sacred Chamber does not resemble the Kabah.
This was to avoid any possibility of people making prostration to the
Sacred Chamber.
In 1296H, a screen of a window fell inside the Sacred Chamber. Burzanji
went, with the Imam of Prophet’s Mosque, on the roof of the mosque. They
saw that there was an inner smaller dome. The inner Sacred Chamber was a
square structure and covered with a cloth. Hence it was not possible to
see inside the Sacred Chamber enclosed by the four walls.
RENOVATION OF WALLS OF THE SACRED CHAMBER
During the period of Qaitabai, the walls of the Sacred Chamber were renovated again. Samhoudi described it as follows:
“The eastern wall of Sacred Chamber developed some cracks. The cracks
were filled and white washing was done on top of it. In due course of
time these fillings wore off and cracks appeared in the five cornered
walls of the Sacred Chamber. Hence on the 14th of Shaaban 881H, the
outer five walls of the Sacred Chamber were removed for reconstruction.
The cracks were also visible in the inner four walls of the Sacred
Chamber. Hence these innermost walls were also removed. This made the
Sacred Chamber open and visible.” Samhoudi stated, “I had the privilege
and honor to enter the Sacred Chamber. I entered from the backside (i.e.
North). I experienced a unique fragrance there which I never came
across in my life. I humbly saluted the Prophet (SAS) and his two
companions. I then took part in reconstruction of the Sacred Chamber
voluntarily and this construction work was completed on the seventh of
Shawwal.”
Samhoudi added, “We saw that the inner structure of the Sacred Chamber
was a square and built of black stones similar to the stones of Kabah.
There was no door in it. The visitor automatically develops very lovely
feelings there.”
Muqarrib
28-06-12, 12:52 AM
ATTEMPTS TO STEAL THE BODIES OF THE PROPHET :saw: AND HIS COMPANIONS (RA)
FIRST PLOT
In the beginning of fifth century Hijra, the first attempt was made to
transfer bodies of Prophet Mohammad (SAS) and his two companions from
Madina to Egypt. Order was issued by Egyptian Fatami (SHIA) ruler Ba
Amrullah. Abu Al-Fatuh, the governor of Makkah and Madina, was to carry
out this plot. Ba Amrullah was the sixth Obeidi ruler. He was very cruel
and a criminal. Daruz of Lebanon still regard him a holy person. (May
Allah’s curse be upon him).
Ibn Najjar wrote in his book “History of Baghdad”, Ba Amrullah
hatched this plot to attract the attention of the world to Egypt and
thus allowing the residents of Egypt to gain great respect. The ruler
spent a lot of money to build an expensive enclosure for this purpose.
He sent Abu Al-Fatuh to Madina to carry out the plan. When Abu Al-Fatuh
arrived in Madina, the residents of Madina came to know about his plot.
They gathered around him. Qari Zalbani recited the following verses of
the Quran there. (At-Taubah # 12-13).
But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your
religion with disapproval and criticism, then fight the leaders of
disbelief - for surely their oaths are nothing to them - so that they
may stop. Will you not fight a people who have violated their oaths and
intended to expel the messenger while they did attack you first? Do you
fear them? Allah has more right that you should fear Him if you are
believers.
The residents of Madina got very furious and were about to kill Abu
Al-Fatuh and his soldiers. This made Abu Al-Fatuh scared. He said “I
shall never carry out this dirty plan even if the ruler kills me.” In
the meanwhile, a big storm swept through this area that evening. Many
houses, animals and people died of this storm. Abu Al-Fatuh found a good
excuse to run away from Madina. Allah (SWT) saved the Prophet (SAS) and
his companions from these criminals.
SECOND PLOT
Ruler Ba Amrullah hatched a second plot but failed again. Ibn Saadoon
has reported this in his book that Ba Amrullah sent some people to carry
out his evil plans. These people started residing in a house near the
Prophet’s Mosque and started digging an underground tunnel to reach the
grave of the Prophet (SAS). During this a fearful lightning struck the
area and the following voice was heard, announcing very loudly, “Your
Prophet’s grave is being dug!” The residents of Madina rushed out of
their houses and started investigating. They got hold of the culprits
and killed them all.
THIRD PLOT
It took place in 557H (1164C). Samhoudi reported that the Christians
made this plot very carefully to steal the body of the Prophet (SAS).
There was a very pious ruler of Egypt at that time known as Sultan Nuruddin Zanki.
One night after Tahajjud he saw the Prophet (SAS) in his dream. The
Prophet (SAS) was pointing out towards two persons of reddish color and
saying i.e. save me from these two persons. Nuruddin woke up and was
perplexed. He did ablution, performed his salat and went back to sleep.
He again saw the same dream. He woke up and again offered his salat and
went to sleep. He saw the same dream the third time. He lost his sleep
and described his dreams to his advisor, Jamal-ud-Din Al-Musali. The
advisor said to him, “Why you are sitting here? You should go to Madina
immediately. He added, “Please do not related your dream to any other
person”.
Nuruddin started his journey towards the Madina the next morning. He
took twenty persons with him including the advisor. They carried many
expensive gifts with them for charity. They reached Madina in sixteen
days. Nuruddin entered the Prophet’s Mosque and offered salat. Then he
did salutation to the Prophet (SAS) and his companions. Nuruddin sat
down in the mosque wondering what to do next. The advisor announced,
“Sultan has brought lots of gifts for charity. These gifts will be
distributed among the residents of Madina. Sultan granted a gift to each
resident of Madina turn by turn.
Sultan looked at each recipient very carefully to match the features
with those seen in the dreams. Finally Sultan inquired, “Have all the
residents visited me?” The answer from the residents was, “Yes, indeed.”
Sultan said, “Are you really sure?” People said, “There are two pious
Morrocans who do not accept anything from others. They rather feed the
needy very generously. They fast regularly. Offer tahajjud and offer
salutation to the Prophet (SAS) day and night. They also visit Quba
mosque once a week.”
Sultan exclaimed, “Subhanallah”. Sultan then ordered that both of them
be brought to him. The Morrocans said, “We are very rich and don’t need
charity.” On insistence of the Sultan they were brought to him. Sultan
recognized them and asked them, “Where do you come from?” They said, “We
are Morrocans. We came here for Hajj and wish to stay here as neighbors
of the Prophet (SAS).” The Sultan said, “Why don’t you speak the
truth?” At that they kept quiet. Sultan enquired about their residence.
Their residence was near the Sacred Chamber. Sultan accompanied them to
their residence. He found a lot of expensive goods lying there.
Sultan kept roaming around the house alone till he removed an old piece
of rug from the floor of the house. He saw a newly dug underground
tunnel there leading to the Sacred Chamber. The men got terrified.
Sultan said to them, “Now tell me the truth”.
They confessed, “We are actually Christians. The King has sent us here
as Hajji from Morroco. He gave lot of money to us so that we could
remove the body of the Prophet. In order to achieve our goal we started
residing in this house nearest to the Sacred Chamber. We dig underground
tunnel at night and carry the mud in Morrocan bags to Baqee cemetery
and spread the mud around the graves. When we reached near the Sacred
Chamber a very fearful lightning struck and an earthquake shook the
earth. Now you have arrived and caught us. We confess that we were about
to commit the crime.” The Sultan ordered the execution of these
criminals. He thanked Allah (SWT) who chose him to discover the plot.
First two plots were made between 386H. and 411H. The third plot took
place in 557H. After this third plot, Sultan Nuruddin ordered to dig a
deep trench around the Sacred Chamber. He filled this trench with molten
lead. In this way nobody will ever be able to reach the graves through
underground tunnels.
It will be appropriate to mention here that the Sultan stayed in a house
in Madina called Darul-Ziaffa and distributed charity to the residents
of Madina from this location. This house existed just outside the door
known as Bab Omer. This house was included in the Prophet’s Mosque
during the second Saudi extension of the Mosque.
The site where the lead was melted was just outside Bab Salam and was known as Saqeefa-tur-Rasas. When Qamash market
caught fire on the 18th Rajab 1397H, this house was also burnt in this fire.
The house where the Christians stayed and dug the tunnel was located
outside the present window across the Sacred Chamber in the southernmost
wall of the mosque.
Ibn Aseer said, “Sultan Nuruddin Zanki was a very pious and just ruler.” (Vifa-ul-Vifa).
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