Ziyarat Places in Makkah and Madinah
When You visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah you have a list of places to visit during your stay in Makkah al Mukkaram and Madina Al Munnawer.
What is Ziyarat meaning? How to perform Ziyarat?
Ziyarat is an Arabic word, meaning “visit” and is used in reference to a form of pilgrimage associated with the Holy Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions and descendants, along with respected figures ofIslam like Sufi saints, prophets and scholars. Ziyarat is all about visiting and speaking to Allah, through his messenger, for travelers to connect with him and ask for his blessings. You should consider this act to be a virtue and honour, and when you are in the city of the Prophet, practice the following dos and don’ts.
1. Do not engage yourself in any other matter except worship.
2. Have patience and do not be arrogant or seek popularity.
3. Read Salawat (a special Arabic phrase containing salutation upon the Prophet) as many times as you can. The more you read, the more rewarding it will be.
4. Foster the spirit and passion. Until the time you reach Madinah, read books or poetry of the Prophet.
5. After reaching, it is recommended to shower and wear new clothes before going to the Prophet’s Mosque.
6. Give something in charity (no matter how little) before entering the mosque as Allah sees your intentions and not the amount you’re donating.
7. Before entering the mosque, if the obligatory prayers have not begun, then go to the Rawdha (Garden of Paradise) and offer 2 rakahs in greeting (somewhere between the pulpit and the Prophet’s tomb).
8. Approach the tomb and stand at the head side with your back to the Qiblah. Stand in front of it and bow your head with humility and respect for the Prophet.
9. Pay your greetings at the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb by saying, “AssallamuAlaikumAyyuhanNabiyyuRahmatullohi WA Barakatuh” and greet him on the behalf of your absent loved ones. Then, move forward towards the tomb of Abu Bakar and Umar Bin Khattab.
10. While leaving the city of Madinah, it is advised to offer Sunnah prayer for parting and wish to visit the holy city again in the future.
