Hadith-A journey must be undertaken only for three mosques.

Hadith-A journey must be undertaken only for three mosques and no other mosques

Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying “Journey should not be made(to visit any masjid) except towards three masjids: The sacred masjid(of Makkah), this masjid of mine and Al Aqsa masjid (in Jerusalem).

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ لاَ تُشَدُّ الرِّحَالُ إِلاَّ إِلَى ثَلاَثَةِ مَسَاجِدَ مَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَمَسْجِدِي هَذَا وَالْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Source of the Hadith – : Sunan Abi Dawud 2033

Hadith-A journey must be undertaken only for three mosques.

In the bustling streets of Mecca, the serene courtyards of Medina, and the ancient alleys of Jerusalem, the call to Jiyarat echoes through the ages. Believers are encouraged to embark on journeys that enhance their spiritual growth, deepen their connection with Allah and contribute positively to their lives and communities. A journey undertaken to these three mosques is not merely a physical voyage; it is a spiritual odyssey of the highest order. As pilgrims traverse the sacred lands, they find solace, inspiration, and a profound connection to Allah , reaffirming their faith and devotion with each step.

This doesn’t mean that one cannot embark on a journey for other purposes.While journeying to the three mosques holds a special significance, Islam encourages travel for various reasons, such as business, seeking knowledge, or leisure.If someone has to travel to listen a lecture or to attend a program even though that might be in a mosque, it is absolutely permissible.

The three mosques in Islam.

Masjid al-Haram: The Sacred Heart of Mecca

At the heart of Mecca stands the majestic Masjid al-Haram, the holiest mosque in Islam. It symbolizes the unity of the Muslim ummah (community) as it is towards Kaaba that that the muslim turn towards in their prayer. Pilgrims from every corner of the globe converge upon this site, clad in seamless white garments, to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah.

The Prophet’s Mosque: Oasis of Tranquility in Medina

In the tranquil city of Medina lies the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), a sanctuary imbued with the spirit of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It was here that the Rasul Allah (saw) migrated, laying the foundation for the first Islamic state. The mosque’s green dome, marking the burial place of Muhammad, radiates serenity, drawing pilgrims seeking solace and blessings.

Visitors are enveloped in the fragrance of spirituality as they offer prayers in the Rawdah, the area between the Prophet’s pulpit and his resting place, believed to be a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Muslims come to pay homage to the Prophet, seeking his intercession and guidance in their lives.

Al-Aqsa Mosque: Gateway to the Heavens

Nestled within the ancient walls of Jerusalem lies the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. It is here that Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) miraculous Night Journey to heaven began(meraj), Al-Aqsa holds profound significance as the first Qiblah (direction of prayer) for Muslims.

The mosque’s golden-hued domes rise above the sacred grounds, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience for Muslims amidst the tumultuous history of the Holy Land. Pilgrims traverse the centuries-old streets of Jerusalem, drawn to Al-Aqsa’s sanctity, where prayers echo with the voices of prophets and believers of old.

Have you visited any of these sacred mosques? Feel free to share your experience.