Ziyarat in Taif : My experience
During the Eid holidays, I had the opportunity to visit Taif in Saudi Arabia. This beautiful city is known for its historical places and stunning natural beauty. People coming on Umrah and hajj prefer to do Ziyarat in Taif because of its historical importance. Here I am sharing some pictures from my Taif trip. Hope you will like it.
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Taif the rose city
Taif is a city and governorate in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia. It is located at an elevation of 1,879 m (6,165 ft) in the slopes of the Hijaz Mountains, which themselves are part of the Sarat Mountains . The city has been called the unofficial summer capital of Saudi Arabia and has also been called the best summer destination in Saudi Arabia as it enjoys a moderate weather during summer, unlike most of the Arabian Peninsula. The city owes its popularity among tourists to its many mountain resorts and moderate climate, even during the harsh summers of Arabia1.
Taif is also very active in the manufacturing of traditional ‘Atar’, and is known locally as “City of the Roses” (Arabic: مَدِيْنَة ٱلْوُرُوْد, romanized: Madīnat al-Wurūd). Taif also hosts the historic Souq ‘Okaz. There are many things to do and see in Taif, including visiting its bustling markets and enjoying its beautiful views.
Here are few historical place to visit in Taif-Ziyarat in Taif
1. Abdullah ibn Abbas Mosque in Taif:
Masjid Abdullah Ibn Abbas, in Taif, is build close to the grave of the great sahabi Abdullah Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه). He was the paternal cousin of the Prophet (ﷺ)
Abdullah ibn Abbas ra was a great mufassir and faqih. He was also the cousin of Rasul Allah (Sallalahu alaihe wa sallam). While growing up, he was by the Prophet’s (ﷺ) side doing different services like fetching water for ablution.
He would pray with the Prophet (ﷺ) and join his assemblies, journeys and expeditions. The Prophet (ﷺ) would draw him close, pat him on the shoulder and pray, “O Lord, make him acquire a deep understanding of the religion of Islam, and instruct him in the meaning and interpretation of matters.” Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) narrated, “The Messenger of Allah wiped my chest and said ‘O Lord, grant him wisdom.’” Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) devoted his life to the pursuit of learning and knowledge, following the Prophet (ﷺ) and memorising his teachings.
I sat in the mosque and read some of the hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas radiallahu anhu. Being a student of hadith this was a great honour to be in his mosque.
In it’s backside is the grave of Abdullah ibn Abbas ra, Muhammad ibn Hanafiya and 11 sahaba who were martyred in the battle of hunayn.
2. Addas Mosque in Taif
2.Addas Mosque – Addas ra was the first revert from Taif. When Rasul Allah sallahu alaihe wa sallam came with the message of Islam to taif, people refused and hurted him to the extent that his feet bled. It was the most difficult time in the life of Rasul Allah. While he was resting at a place Addas ,a slave was sent with grapes.
Addas ra was a Christian from Nineva (a place now in Iraq to where Prophet Younus (AS) was sent by Allah). He was a slave of Utbah bin Rabiah and served a rich family originating from Makkah. When prophet pbuh ate the grapes with “Bismillah” it sparked his attention and he asked: People here do not say that! Addas ra accepted Islam.
The mosque’s architectural style is similar to that of the Abbasid dynasty, giving the impression that it is older. The mosque has retained its traditional design, including its interior
The entrance to the masjid had this tasty fruit. What do you call it? The garden is said to still produce many fruit including fig etc
3. Ziyarat in Taif -the historical mosque
We saw the historical mosque in taif . there is a rock in it , may be the rock in which Rasul Allah sallalahu alaihe wa sallam leaned and the mosque has mihrab outside too.
Alkou Mosque
There is a stone in this mosque which has the mark of Prophet Muhammad elbow. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad
stood or leaned by it after entering Ta’if, hence it is named “The Elbow, or Al- Kou’a.” Pilgrims consider it among the holy places to visit in Taif.
4. Al Hada mountain in Taif
The mountains of Taif which is spectacular view. But when people of Taif hurted Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alaihe wa sallam and threw rock at him,Allah had sent two angel who said if you say we will collapse these mountain on people of Taif. Prophet Muhammad pbuh refused and said from them will come people who will respond to my call.
Mecca- Prophet used to stand here and call people to Islam alone. Even his close relatives used to make fun of him and now it is packed with billion of people and it is so difficult to even get a slot. All of them calling “Allah” “Allah”
5. Ziyarat in Taif -Valley of Banu sa’ad
Banu sad valley is at a few distance from taif. Banu sad valley is the place where Rasul Allah spent his childhood.
Who were the Banu Sa’d?
They were a subgroup of the larger Hawazin tribal confederation. They had close family relations with Muhammad.
There is a place where shaqq e sadr took place-(not authenticated but the local say that and they have marked the place with prayer rug.
6. Al-Kalada Heritage Village
Located just a few kilometers to the south of Bani Saad and marked by a gentle curve in the road, the captivating presence of Al-Kalada Heritage Village greets the observer. Steeped in history, this venerable village is rumored to have been the residence of Al-Harith ibn Kaladah ra, a distinguished Arab physician and a Sahabi of Prophet Muhammad. As such, it stands as an esteemed destination for historical and Islamic ziyarat in the city of Taif.
7. Ziyarat in Taif- The Taif Museum
Your journey through the lantern-lit corridors of the museum will take you back in time to an interesting past. The museum is open for visitors daily from 4 pm to 10 pm
We enjoyed the journey and we remembered Rasul Allah Sallalahu alaihe wa sallam, the sacrifice he made for us, the dua he made for us. Lots of Darood and Salam on my Prophet.
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