Pilgrimage from Vaniyambadi, Tamil
Nadu: A Historical Account of 1906
Ehsan Ahmed K, Vaniyambadi (Tamil Nadu)
Khateeb Khader Badshah Sahib was a
renowned poet from Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu. He was the first poet from Vaniyambadi
to compile his works into a book. Writing under the pen name ‘Badshah,’ he
composed poetry in both Urdu and Persian. Over his lifetime, he published nine
books, many of which are now considered rare. Born in 1854 and passing away in
1926 in Vaniyambadi, his contributions to social services earned him the title
Hali-e-Madras, inspired by Altaf Hussain Hali.
In 1906, he performed Hajj, accompanied by his wife and her nephew, Alhaj Abdul Shukoor Sahib. Their journey commenced from Madras on August 25, 1906, and concluded nine months later on June 5, 1907. Khader Badshah Sahib spent five months in Makkah and 40 days in Medina. During this journey, he corresponded with the editor of "Makhbar-e-Dakan," a newspaper in Madras, documenting his experiences under the title "Ek Aazim-e-Harmain Sharifain Ki Murasilat". In 1910, at the urging of friends, he compiled these letters into a book titled "Safar-e-Hejaz," expressing his hope that it would ignite a passion for pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina among its readers. After his passing, his son, Khateeb Abdul Rasheed Sahib, published a second edition in 1926, which contained 136 pages.
I thought it fitting to present a brief article on this book, shedding light on the conditions of that era.
Travel from Madras to Bombay
On August 25, 1906, Khateeb Khader Badshah Sahib travelled from Madras to Bombay via the evening mail train. His friends bid him farewell at the Madras Central Railway Station. The next morning, at Wadi Railway Station, he met his brother, Khateeb Ahmed Hussain Sahib, known as Ameen Jung Bahadur, who had come in a special train to greet him from Hyderabad. After a brief fifteen-minute reunion, Khader Badshah Sahib continued his journey, arriving in Bombay on August 27.
There were two shipping companies operating routes from Bombay to Hejaz (Makkah and Medina): the Bohra Company (Shah Lane) and the Mughal Company (Bombay Persia Steam Navigation Company). He secured one passport in Madras and needed another in Bombay. His caravan comprised 40 individuals, including men, women, and children. He chose to travel to Jeddah aboard the Bohra Company ship, the Coromandel or Shahnoor, with second-class tickets priced at 75 rupees and third-class tickets at 40 rupees. Before his journey, he explored Bombay, where he saw the influential politician Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk Bahadur, secretary of the All India Muslim League. He also visited a reading room and attended a meeting featuring an inspiring speech by Maulana Shibli Naumani Sahib. He noted that the city was filled with numerous five and six story buildings, reflecting its rapid growth.
Travel from Bombay to Aden
Initially, the ship was scheduled to leave for Jeddah on September 15, but this was postponed. After spending 22 days in Bombay, the voyage began on the evening of September 19 aboard the steamer Shahnoor. Upon boarding, passengers underwent medical examinations, and their luggage was fumigated, receiving a stamp on their tickets, wrists, and chests. The steamer departed Bombay at 10 p.m., carrying approximately 980 pilgrims and about 100 crew members. Among the passengers was Cholavaram Zainul Aabideen Sahib, a prominent figure from Vaniyambadi, traveling with his family. Alhaj Hakeem Mohammed Abdul Aziz Sahib from Madras led his caravan. There were pilgrims from various regions, such as Sindh, Bukhara, Delhi, and Punjab, some of whom were traveling only with funds for their tickets.
After a nine-day journey, the ship reached Aden, a coastal city in Yemen, on September 28. Upon arrival, numerous merchant boats surrounded the vessel, offering goods such as meat, eggs, and fruits. Transactions occurred as buyers used ropes to tie their money and sellers filled baskets with purchased items.
Travel from Aden to Perim Island
After a day’s break in Aden, the ship departed for Perim Island on the evening of September 29. Perim, historically known as Bab-el-Mandeb or Bab-e-Sikander, is now called Mayyun Island, part of Yemen. Upon arrival, doctors conducted health checks on all passengers before allowing the ship to continue.
Travel from Perim to Kamaran Island
The Red Sea originates from Perim Island. Due to the submerged mountains in the Red Sea posing navigational hazards, a guide ship, referred to as 'Rabban' by the Arabs, accompanied each vessel from Aden to Jeddah for a fee of 150 rupees.
Quarantine in Kamaran Island
This was the period when an epidemic of plague swept through India and neighbouring countries. Consequently, when his ship arrived at Kamaran on the morning of October 1, they were required to undergo a ten-day quarantine. Kamaran, an island that is part of Yemen, had temporary camps established for this purpose. At that time, there were seven camps in Kamaran, allowing for the accommodation of passengers from seven ships simultaneously. Each day, doctors visited the camps to conduct examinations; if any individual was found to be ill, they were transferred to the city hospital. In Khateeb Khader Badshah Sahib's camp, six individuals were diagnosed as sick, including a Hyderabadi woman who sadly passed away, while the others eventually recovered and were discharged from the hospital.
Travel from Kamaran to Jeddah
On October 10, the passengers reboarded the ship for their journey to Jeddah, donning ihram garments before reaching Yalamlam Mountain, where pilgrims traditionally put on ihram. The five-day voyage concluded with their arrival in Jeddah on October 15.
Arriving in Jeddah
Upon docking, Turkish government officials collected the passengers' passports, retaining half and returning the other half. Khader Badshah Sahib noted that Jeddah was surrounded by a boundary with numerous gates, and he visited the shrine of Hazrat Bibi Hawwa (AS) nearby.
Entry to Makkah from Jeddah
On the morning of October 15, Khader Badshah Sahib departed Jeddah for Makkah. After the Maghrib prayer, he reached a place called Bahrah, where he rested for two or three hours before entering Makkah at 11 a.m., on October 16, corresponding to Sha'ban 28, 1328 AH in the lunar calendar. Thanks to a letter of recommendation from the Government of Hyderabad, arrangements were made for their stay in a special house known as Rabat. Upon arrival, he performed Umrah.
Each country had a designated Mutawwif responsible for the pilgrims. The Mutawwif’s duties included arranging camel rides, securing rented accommodations, and safeguarding the pilgrims' belongings. As a result, all aspects of the pilgrims’ experience were managed with the knowledge and oversight of these officials, preventing any outside interference. For his caravan, the Mutawwif was Syed Abdul Rahman Sahib Shilli.
Holy Hours of Ramzan in Makkah
At the time, the Hejaz was ruled by Turkish sultans, and a fort occupied by the Turkish army overlooked the Haram Sharif. Upon sighting the Ramzan moon, 21 cannons were fired in celebration. He recorded various customs in Makkah during Ramzan, including:
- One cannon firing at the start of Suhoor, two at its conclusion, and one at Iftar—a total of four cannon firings.
- Night bazaars remained open, and food establishments operated around the clock.
- Government offices, such as courts and post offices, opened after Taraweeh prayers and closed before Fajr.
- After Isha prayers, Taraweeh was conducted in the courtyard of Masjid al-Haram by various huffaz of the Qur'an.
Eid-ul-Fitr in Makkah
Upon sighting the Eid moon, 21 cannons fired from the fort. This was repeated after the Eid prayer and at the beginning of each prayer for three consecutive days. The congregation for Eid prayers numbered no less than 180,000, with gatherings continuing from the second day onward, where communities welcomed visitors with food and hospitality.
Details about Kaaba and Makkah
Three miles from Makkah lay Masjid al-Taneem, where pilgrims prayed two rakats of Nafl prayer before entering ihram for Umrah at Masjid al-Haram.
In the Haram Sharif, there were four musallas representing the four schools of thought: Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali. Prayers were conducted sequentially in each musalla. Notably, during the Fajr prayer, the first congregation gathered behind the Shafi’i imam, followed by subsequent groups behind the other imams. For the remaining four daily prayers, the initial congregation took place behind the Hanafi imam, with the other imams leading later prayers. The first congregational prayer typically attracted a larger crowd, while attendance dwindled for the subsequent prayers.
After the Asr prayer and until Maghrib, students gathered in the Haram Sharif, forming circles to read the Quran. Each of these circles consisted of about sixty students, deeply engaged in their studies and creating an atmosphere of devotion and learning.
The Haram Sharif featured 39 gates, each with its own distinct name. Among these, three gates stood out as particularly grand and magnificent, welcoming a steady flow of visitors: Bab al-Salam, Bab al-Ziyada, and Bab-e-Ibrahim. Adjacent to the Haram Sharif, five- and six-story buildings rose prominently. Surrounding Masjid al-Haram were seven minarets, each ranging from two to four stories in height. Approximately sixty muezzins and mukabbirs served at the Kaaba, while the number of khateebs and imams exceeded two hundred. Inside the Haram Sharif, 1,200 lamps illuminated the space, each designed in the elegant style of glass pots, enhancing the atmosphere of reverence and beauty.
After Ramzan, approximately 15,000 Javanese, 8,000 Indians, 7,000 Turks, and a total of around 30,000 people were in Makkah. The congregations for prayers were particularly large for Maghrib and Isha.
He also noted the practice of gathering beneath the mizaab of the Kaaba during rain, as the water was considered blessed.
An Egyptian nobleman maintained a langar khana near Bab-e-Hameediya, distributing bread to over 200 impoverished individuals.
In the latter days of Dhu al-Qa'dah, the Sharif of Makkah personally cleansed the Kaaba with a mixture of sandalwood, rose perfume, and Zamzam water. The bathing water was collected by onlookers as a blessed relic.
After Hajj, the premises of the Haram Sharif were refreshed and cleansed. The Saqqah, or water carriers, from each neighborhood joyfully brought water from the Zubaidah canal, filling their muskets with the precious liquid. They danced excitedly, accompanied by the lively sound of tambourines, creating a festive atmosphere of celebration and gratitude.
He observed that from the 1st of Muharram to Ashura, no rituals from India were mirrored in Makkah, and on the last Friday of Dhu al-Hijjah, over 250,000 individuals gathered in the Haram Sharif.
He had the honor of attending a sermon delivered by Maulvi Abdul Hadi Sahib, a religious scholar from Vaniyambadi.
He noted the absence of a municipality in Makkah, which resulted in inadequate road maintenance, especially during rain.
Shrines (Ziyarat) in Makkah
He visited various Ziyarat sites in Makkah, including the birthplace of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the birthplace of Hazrat Ali (RA), the residence of Hazrat Fatima (RA), and the site of revelation in Hazrat Khadija’s house. At each Ziyarat location, he performed two rakats of Nafl prayer, offering supplications after Durood and Fatiha.
Additionally, he journeyed to Jabal-e-Buqis, where four significant Ziyarat sites were located:
1. The small mosque where Hazrat Bilal (RA) called the
faithful to prayer for the first time.
2. The area where the Holy Prophet sat with his
companions to share bread and dates.
3. The spot where the miracle of Shaqq al-Qamar occurred.
4. The mosque-like residence of Sheikh Abdul Khader
Jeelani (RA) during his time in Makkah.
Preparation for Hajj
Before the Hajj, he had the opportunity to visit Mina twice. During these visits, he arranged for a house at a rent of 150 rupees, while the majority of pilgrims resided in tents, with a charge of 5 rupees per person for tent accommodations.
After Eid-ul-Fitr, some pilgrims departed for Medina. However, he and others from his caravan deemed it impractical to go, fearing they would struggle to return in time for Hajj.
At that time, the governor of Hejaz was
Ahmad Ratib Pasha, and the Sharif of Makkah was Ali Pasha. Both officials spent
the winter in Taif, and upon their return to Makkah before Hajj, they were
welcomed with great fanfare.
In the same year, the Nawab of Bahawalpur also travelled to Makkah for Hajj, accompanied by five hundred attendants.
Places of Ziyarat at Mina
During his two visits to Mina prior to Hajj, he was accompanied by ten companions. After securing a rented house, he visited several significant sites in Mina:
- He saw a small mosque where Surah al-Kausar was
revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
- A stone at the foot of the mountain, where Prophet
Ibrahim (AS) laid his son Prophet Ismail (AS) to fulfill Allah's command.
- Masjid al-Khayf, the largest mosque in Mina,
originally built during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and
subsequently restored.
- At the foot of the mountain adjacent to the mosque lies a small cave known as the Cave of Surah al-Mursalat. This sacred site is significant as it is where Surah al-Mursalat was revealed, and it was a place of worship for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A notable mark, believed to be an imprint of his blessed head on a stone, signifies the profound spiritual connection of this location.
At each site, he performed two rak'ahs of
Nafl prayer.
Participation in Mushaira in Makkah
He participated in the mushaira in Makkah on two occasions, which took place twice a month. Poets from various regions, including Delhi, Punjab, and Lucknow, gathered to showcase their talents. He also had the opportunity to recite his own poetry during both events, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the gatherings.
Inspection of a Madrasah in Makkah
He visited a seminary in Makkah known as Madrasa al-Saulatiya, which served those who had migrated from India to Makkah. He and his friends contributed donations to support the seminary.
News of His Father's Passing
On January 7, 1907, Khateeb Khader Badshah Sahib received a letter from his brother informing him of the death of his father, Khateeb Muhammad Qasim Sahib, in Vaniyambadi. He prayed for his father’s forgiveness at various places in Makkah known for accepted supplications.
The Ghilaf of the Kaaba
The Ghilaf al-Kaaba, the cover of the Kaaba, was crafted in Egypt and transported to Makkah. It was brought in a special container known as the Mahmal Sharif. After arriving by ship in Jeddah, the Egyptian army, consisting of over four hundred soldiers, carried it to Makkah on foot. Each year on the day of Hajj, the Kaaba's cover was changed.
Beginning of Hajj
On the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Hajj announcement sermon was delivered in Masjid al-Haram. That same day, he and his caravan journeyed to Mina on camels, staying in the rented house.
On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, just before the Asr prayer, the chariots of the Sharif of Makkah and the governor of Hejaz set off from Makkah toward Mina in grand style. Accompanying them was the Turkish army and about 4,000 cavalry from Hejaz, along with a similarly sized Bedouin army mounted on camels. Mules carried cannons, firing volleys at five-minute intervals. Following the procession, Syrian and Egyptian caravans, laden with Mahmal Sharif and supported by thousands of camels and mules, advanced, with their artillery also joining in the celebratory firing.
On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, they traveled to Arafat, reaching Maidan-e-Arafat by nine o'clock, surrounded by millions of tents. The Nimra Mosque was nearby, and as midday arrived, the cannons for Hajj were fired. During the Asr prayer, the Qazi of Makkah delivered a sermon atop a camel near Jabal ar-Rahmah. At this time, around 800,000 people gathered in Arafat. He also visited Masjid al-Sakhrat near Jabal ar-Rahmah, a site where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the other prophets were said to stay on Hajj.
As night fell, all pilgrims reached Muzdalifah, where they offered Maghrib and Isha prayers at the nearby mosque.
Describing the scene in Arafat, he wrote:
“While praying, pilgrims at the height of the mountain waved their handkerchiefs, chanting ‘Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik.’ Likewise, those at the foot of the mountain raised their voices in Talbiya. It was a magnificent sight, one that words cannot adequately capture. Millions had sacrificed their comforts in the harsh desert, enduring the relentless sun and feeling the weight of their sins, clad only in Ihram, from the poorest to the wealthiest. Who among the Muslims could remain unaffected by such a scene?”
Upon returning from Arafat, he noted:
“When we reached our tent from Jabal ar-Rahmah, the sun had set, and everyone mounted their camels to depart Arafat. Millions of camels moved simultaneously, with the sounds of Bedouins, clouds of dust, and the booming cannons from the official artillery creating an unforgettable spectacle.”
On the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, they arrived in Mina at eight o'clock in the morning. After the Zawal time, he performed the ritual of Rami at Jamarat-al-Aqba, sacrificing an animal nearby. After calling for the barber, he had his hair cut and exited the Ihram. Officials mandated that the meat from the sacrifice could not be taken from the altar, resulting in most being buried, though some poor people begged to take a portion with them.
From the 11th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Rami ritual was not permitted after the Zawal time. He writes, "It was quite amusing to see someone using large stones instead of pebbles. At one point, someone even threw a shoe. A turkey fired shots from a pistol, prompting the police to swiftly arrest this individual. Truly, every disease in the world can be treated, but what is the remedy for ignorance?"
Jamarat-al-Ula, Jamarat-al-Wusta, and Jamarat-al-Aqaba are three stone structures resembling platforms. On the 11th of Dhu al-Hijjah, they completed the Tawaf al-Ifadha and then made their way to Mina before the Maghrib prayer. By the 12th, pilgrims began leaving Mina during Asr prayer, while the Egyptian and Syrian convoys also began their journeys home.
On the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, after completing Rami at the Jamarat, they returned to Makkah after Zawal.
Permission to Enter the Kaaba
He had two opportunities to enter the Kaaba. Initially, on the night of the 10th of Ramadan, access was granted only to those who made a donation to the keyholder of the Kaaba. Inside, there were three pillars where he performed two rak'ahs of Nafl prayers on all four sides, avoiding looking up out of respect. His stay inside lasted about half an hour.
Public entry was eventually permitted on the day of Ashura, made possible by a ladder generously donated by the late Nawab Azam Jah Mohammed Munawwar Khan Bahadur of Karnataka. In addition, another silver ladder, donated by the Nawab of Rampur, was set aside for this occasion.
On the day of Arafah, men were permitted entry, while women were allowed the following day until 11 AM on both occasions.
Reflecting on his departure from Makkah, he wrote:
"We had lived in this blessed place for approximately five months. The affection we gained during our stay here is beyond words. As we bid farewell to the Kaaba, the weight of separation was palpable. The beauty of worship here, the expansive view of Haram Sharif, the joy of circumambulation, and the sense of community—all of these memories are invaluable."
Journey Towards Medina
After spending five months in Makkah, he prepared to journey to Medina. The fare for the camel ride from Makkah to Medina was 45 Majidi, equivalent to 115 rupees in English currency. Although rumors of a quarantine in Medina due to a plague outbreak in Jeddah circulated, they were ultimately proven unfounded, as the situation remained peaceful.
On March 7, 1907, he departed the Kaaba after the Ishraq prayer and reached a place called Bahrah. The following day, he arrived in Jeddah, where he stayed for five days. On March 11, he boarded the Mughal Company’s ship, Mishtiri (Jupiter), setting sail for Yanbu at noon. After a two-day voyage, they arrived in Yanbu on March 13 and took up residence in a rented house. Just as Jeddah served as the port for Makkah, Yanbu was the port for Medina.
The camel journey from Yanbu to Medina spanned five stops: Bir Saeed, Hamra, Bir Abbas, Bir Darwish, and Medina. On March 19, the convoy departed Yanbu at ten o'clock.
At each stopping point, they formed a circle and secured the camels in the center, as venturing outside the circle posed dangers from roving bands of robbers.
Entering Medina:
On March 24, he arrived in Medina near Maghrib prayer. At 8 o'clock, he entered the Prophet's Mosque through Bab al-Salam, where he offered his first two rak'ahs of Nafl prayer. This sacred site is described by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a "garden from the gardens of Paradise," located between his pulpit and his house. After this, he offered greetings of peace at the grave of the Holy Prophet.
He expressed his emotions upon entering Medina in the following way:
“Today, this account is penned in a city revered throughout the Islamic world, from east to west and from south to north. This blessed place embodies happiness in both life and death, as it is the gateway to salvation and the means to attain paradise for those who spend their lives here. Truly, blessed is the life of one who finds their end in this sacred space.”
Details about Masjid-e-Nabawi and
Madinah-e-Munawwarah:
Medina had a population of around 80,000, and its organization and cleanliness surpassed that of other cities. The city was fortified with a wall featuring cannons, and the western side had four gates in the first wall and seven in the second, including Bab Al-Awali, Bab Al-Wast, Bab-e-Nabi Ali, Bab-e-Quba, Bab Al-Hameediya, Bab al-Kauma, Bab al-Shaami, Bab Al-Sagheer, Bab al-Misri, Bab al-Majeedi, Bab al-Juma. Bab al-Hameedia stood out as a magnificent entrance, all guarded by approximately 4,000 soldiers of the Turkish army.
Around 150 Khateebs and imams served in the Prophet's Mosque, complemented by roughly 200 muezzins and mukabbirs. There were only three designated musallas for Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Maliki schools, while the Hanbali was absent. The number of worshipers in Masjid-e-Nabawi during the remaining three prayers, except for Zuhr and Asr, ranged from five to six thousand. The mosque featured five main gates: Bab al-Salam, Bab al-Rahman, Bab al-Majeedi, Bab al-Nisa, and Bab-e-Jibraeel. In the courtyard lay the Well of Hazrat Fatima (ra), renowned for its blessed water, which locals likened to Zamzam.
Details about the Hejaz Railway:
The Hejaz Railway, connecting Damascus to Madain Saleh (Hegra) station, was fully operational, with Madain Saleh located 350 kilometers from Medina. Referred to as Shamandfer in Turkish, it was anticipated that the railway would extend to Medina by the following year.
Visited Various Places of Ziyarat in
Madinah:
The details of the places he visited in and around Medina are as follows:
He visited a well known as Bir Usmani, which Hazrat Usman (RA) purchased from a Jewish owner during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and dedicated for Muslim use. He bought half of the well for 30,000 dinars and later acquired the other half for 4,000 dinars. Adjacent to it, a mosque was constructed.
In addition to Bir Usmani, he visited several significant mosques, including Qiblatain Mosque, Al-Fatah Mosque, Salman Farsi (RA) Mosque, Ali (RA) Mosque, and Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) Mosque. Qiblatain Mosque is notable as the place where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) received revelation to direct prayer towards the Kaaba. Masjid al-Fatah is where the Prophet would visit after the Battle of the Trench. He also visited the house where Hazrat Usman (RA) was martyred, marking the site of his tragic death.
His journey included Mount Uhud, where he stopped at Masjid Al-Dur'a, the location where the Holy Prophet donned a coat of iron links for the Battle of Uhud. He also saw Mustarah, where the Prophet rested against a stone, and visited the site of Hazrat Hamza's martyrdom. Here, he found a mosque that housed Hazrat Hamza's shrine, where he and four companions were laid to rest. Adjacent to this was a mausoleum for Hazrat Aqeel (RA) bin Umayyah, who was also martyred in the Battle of Uhud. He visited a mud platform where many martyrs were buried and the site where the Holy Prophet’s tooth was injured, marked by a dome.
He also went to a place in Mount Uhud, where the Holy Prophet had instructed some companions to remain during the battle. The settlement near Mount Uhud is known as Sayyidna Hamza.
In addition, he visited Quba Mosque, located about one and a half miles from Medina, in an area referred to as Old Medina. Here, he explored various significant spots, including the site where the Prophet's camel rested, the location of certain Quranic revelations, and the place where he glimpsed the Kaaba.
He also visited Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque, Hazrat Ali Mosque, Umrah Mosque, and Bir Khatam, the well where the Prophet's seal was lost, from which he also drank water. He noted that praying at Umrah Mosque during Ramadan earns the reward of one Umrah. He performed two rakats of Nafl prayer at each ziyarat site, noting that Monday was designated for visiting Quba Mosque, as it was the day the Holy Prophet would visit.
Additionally, he saw a bow and arrow at the house of Imam and Khateeb Ahmed Abul Jood Effendi, which actually belonged to Hazrat Saad (RA) bin Abi Waqqas. A Quranic verse and a hadith were inscribed on the bow.
His journey also included visits to Masjid al-Ma’idah, Masjid al-Ijabah, and sites marking the traces of the Holy Prophet’s mule and camel. Qubta al-Baghla was where the Prophet’s mule fell into a well, while Masjid al-Ijabah was the place where the Prophet prayed for his Ummah.
Visited Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery:
Jannat al-Baqi contained thirteen domes, housing the graves of esteemed figures, including:
1. Hazrat Usman (RA),
2. Hazrat Bibi Halima (RA) - the Holy Prophet’s nursing
mother,
3. Hazrat Ibrahim (RA) - the Holy Prophet’s son,
4. The nine wives of the Prophet,
5. The three daughters: Hazrat Zainab (RA), Hazrat Umme
Kulsoom (RA), and Hazrat Ruqayya (RA),
6. Other Prominent figures from Ahl-e-Bait such as Hazrat
Abbas (RA), Hazrat Imam Hasan (RA), Hazrat Imam Zainul Aabideen, Hazrat Imam
Jafar Sadiq, Hazrat Imam Baqar and Hazrat Bibi Fathima (RA),
7. Ismail bin Imam Jafar Sadiq
8. Sheikhul Qura Hazrat Nafey Maula-e-Ibne Umar (RA)
9. Hazrat Aqeel (RA) bin Abi Talib
10.Hazrat Imam Malik (RA)
11.Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri
12.Hazrat Fathima binte Asad (mother of Hazrat Ali)
13.Hazrat Aatika (RA) and Safiyya (RA) - Prophet’s aunts
Adjacent to Jannat al-Baqi, on higher ground, lay the grave of Hazrat Syed Shah Abdul Latif (Qutub-e-Vellore), marked with a stone bearing the year of his death.
Meelad Sharif Majlis (Meetings) in
Madinah:
From the first of Rabi’ al-Awwal, Milad Sharif gatherings commenced in Medina, held after Fajr and Zuhr prayers. On the 11th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, celebrations filled the city, illuminating the Prophet's Mosque with lights. On the 12th, a Majlis-e-Milad was held in the mosque's courtyard, featuring participation from Hafiz-e-Madinah and followed by the distribution of sweets and refreshments. The event concluded with 21 cannon salutes, a tradition upheld from the evening of the 11th to the evening of the 12th.
Returns Back:
He spent forty days in Medina. On his final day, he recited farewell salutations at the Holy Shrine before departing on May 1 after Asr prayer. Due to shipping restrictions in Yanbu, his route led him to Rabigh, where he took camels across six stages (Bir Aar, Bir Khalas, Bir Bin Hassani, Bir Sheiq, Mastoora and Rabigh) to reach the port. They embarked on a boat from Rabigh and arrived in Jeddah on May 10.
On May 13, the Bohra Company’s steamer, Shahnoor, arrived in Jeddah. After spending nine days in the city, he departed on May 20 aboard the Shahnoor, which carried 360 passengers. The ship reached Aden on May 23 and continued its journey, arriving at Bombay port after a twelve-day voyage from Jeddah. At 8 o'clock in the morning, doctors conducted a brief examination of the pilgrims and cleared them for disembarkation. He spent three days in Bombay before boarding a train on the fourth day, reaching Madras Central Station on the morning of June 5, 1907. A warm reception awaited him, with many dignitaries and prominent elders of the city present at the station.
About This Book:
The tradition of writing travelogues about Hajj is quite ancient, with numerous authors and writers exploring this art form. Dr. Muhammad Shahabuddin Sahib has documented over 40 detailed Hajj travelogues in his book, "Urdu Mein Hajj Ke Safarname." Which includes an insightful eight-page commentary on Khateeb Khader Badshah Sahib's work, "Safar-e-Hejaz," enriching the reader's understanding of the pilgrimage experience.
Other Features of the Book "Safar-e-Hejaz":
In addition to prose, this book includes seven poems penned by him, capturing various moments of his journey:
1. During the voyage from Bombay to Aden,
2. After reaching Makkah,
3. A Naat recited at a mushaira in Makkah,
4. A poem reflecting on the plains of Arafat,
5. A Qaseedah recited before the Holy Shrine,
6. A poem marking the end of his journey,
7. A poem dedicated to Hajj itself.
***The End***
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