Prophet Muhammad in Medinah
It was the camel which had fulfilled in excellent manner the task of transporting the Prophet of Islam Muhammed (Peace be upon him & his progeny) from Mecca to Medinah. It had also served well in the cause of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH&P), tired of the tortures by the disbelieving tribe of Quraish, decided to migrate from Mecca to Medinah. He had hidden himself in the cave of Thour (the bull) to seek protection from the enemies who wanted to kill him. Imam Ali son of Abi Talib sent three camels with a guide to the cave. The Prophet (PBUH&P), mounting one of the camels, left the cave in the dark of the night, destined for Medinah. On the way, several miracles took place which showed that God was always there to protect Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&P) against the attacks of his enemies. The distance between Mecca and Medinah is about three hundred fifty kilometers. In those days, it used to take eleven days to travel between the two places. But in Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH&P) journey, the camel took only eight day sto reach Medinah. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&P) travelled at night and rested during the day-time. He was doing so to protect himself against the desert heat as well as to keep away from being seen by enemies.
On the eighth day Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&P) along with his companions reached a place known as Quuba, just two kilometers outside of Medinah. There he rested for several days, waiting for Ali son of Abi Talib and family members. After Their arrival they proceeded to enter the city. On seeing the date trees on the outskirts of the holy city, they felt happy and relived to have finally come out safe from the tortures of their enemies. The people of Medinah keenly awaited his arrival. Suddenly, someone from the top of the hill announced that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&P) had arrived. On hearing this, the people became wild with extreme joy and recited “Allah-O-Akbar, Allah-O-Akbar”; “God is Great, God is Great”.
The prophet (PBUH&P) dismounted the camel just outside of Medinah and sat down under a date tree. People rushed forward to greet and welcome him to their city. He was loved by all and everyone was eager to salute him. After the traditional welcoming ceremony, Prophet Muhammed (PBUH&P) mounted his camel to enter the holy city. All around, there were expressions of great joy. The children got together and in loud voices chanted the following welcoming poem:
طلع الـبدر عليـنا ***مـن ثنيـات الوداع
وجب الشكـر عليـنا ***مـا دعــــا لله داع
أيها المبعوث فينا*** جئت بالأمر المطـاع
جئت شرفت المديـنة*** مرحباً يـا خير داع
وجب الشكـر عليـنا ***مـا دعــــا لله داع
أيها المبعوث فينا*** جئت بالأمر المطـاع
جئت شرفت المديـنة*** مرحباً يـا خير داع
O’ the White Moon rose over us From the valley of Wadā‘, And we owe it to show gratefulness, Where the call is to Allah!
O you who were raised amongst us, Coming with a word to be obeyed, You have brought to this city nobleness. Welcome best caller to God’s way!
O you who were raised amongst us, Coming with a word to be obeyed, You have brought to this city nobleness. Welcome best caller to God’s way!
Sources:
- https://www.al-islam.org/islamic-stories/prophet-muhammad-s-enters-madina
- Figure 1: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/pierre-auguste-renoir-1841-1919-a-dos-de-5584743-details.aspx ( edited )
- Figure 2: https://pixels.com/featured/camels-and-desert-33-mahnoor-shah.html
- Figure 3: https://www.picfair.com/pics/05907438-portrait-of-prophet-mohammad-national-museum-of-iran ( edited )
