Subhanallah, we are working hard today to get into the Rawdah as this is our last day on this journey.
We arrived about an hour and 45 minutes before the fajr. Even walking here, there are still people out and about. People with their small children, the elderly you would not expect to see at 3am.
I wondered for many days why some places are cordoned off. I see now that all the places where this is done is under the lights. The amount of creatures striving for one more day of fun, only to find themselves wiped out on the ground, is astounding.
We’re began one again our seemingly long journey to the women’s area. The gate/ number were enter from its right at the front of the masjid. Which towers the beginning I was cringing from the walk. But today I feel the blessing of being able to say salam as we go past the Green Dome every time. The walk is far. From the section #1 which is away– the qiblah to the back at 23 or 25. But the experience I would do again.
We arrived early in hours of this experience of getting in to the Rawdah. For anyone who reads this and doesnt know, this is the area where the original Masjid occupied. Interesting ib that place has the reward of 1,000 prayers. Also it is the place where the grave of our beloved is.
We only slept for a couple hours. The sisters wanted to shop last night. Whew, what an experience. It is so tough when you find so many things away much less than you already bought them. But, such is life. I’m too shy to go through the motions of returning them.
The merchants’ stores are largely filled with the same wares. So many, many different types of dhikr beads. The plain wooden. The shiny. The ones like gems. Then are expertly filled to catch the eyes and draw you in. I hope that whoever’s hands they fall into that the is an enormous amount of dhikr made. So many little pieces of colorful wood and plastic that are such a benefit to the one using them properly. Many lifetime by them as gifts, and the blessings spread and multiply. Subhanallah. This religion is so amazing, alhamdulillah. How could one not believe in its complete authenticity?
Oh, that’s right, shopping. I suppose I’ll have to add some pictures. The business that are selling their wares are small little spaces, barely the size of a middle class American’s bedroom. Filed with bright lights to highlight those stunning tasbih, and so many pieces of “costume” jewelry. The bright shining gold stars people in, no matter what their interest.
These types of vendors who are lodged as cells in the bottom parts of the various hotels that surround the Haram, sell the rocks that kuhl is made from (most crush and sell it like this in small babies) this kuhl had an amazing shiny quality tooi it that would make you not even think it is kuhl, they sell so much perfume oils (scents of so many variations), you would find a tay of small locks for your suitcase, single disposable razors (???), finger counters, all sorts of variations of knick-knacks.
These vendors are skilled, of course, in recognizing someone like me. They got me with quite a bit! But, I don’t think they are truly out to be rich. This is hard work. Usually a father and son, or relatives. Open from 8 or 9 am until at least midnight. The benefits closer to the masjid assume you will not go off the beaten path. And, unfortunately, I learned that late!
But the are delicious food vendors, too. Not quite as interested in haggling, so I don’t feel I paid too much.
Yesterday.. actually a few hours ago, our journey was to a specific place to buy things, and we dropped so much. Barely even n made it to the place, and they were kicking us out.
More about that later.
Soooooo…. this morning’s trek arrived is here when barely anyone was here
Islamic Reminders 