Leaving Mecca behind, our group embarked on a transformative journey to Medinah. The coach journeys were filled with molana saab’s captivating storytelling, the soothing recitation of nasheeds, and enlightening tales of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Each moment spent on the road deepened our anticipation and reverence for the holy city.

Upon our arrival in Medinah, we were immediately reminded of the importance of constantly reciting durood (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Whether we were walking, shopping, or simply going about our day, Medinah demanded our utmost respect. It was a place to be adorned with our finest attire, following the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him).

Before our visit to Medinah, our group gathered in the lobby, preparing to walk together to the Prophet’s Mosque. Sitting outside Gate 19, molana saab spoke to us about the Prophet’s struggles for the sake of Islam and his prayers for his ummah. Tears streamed down our faces, humbled and eager to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him) in this sacred place.

Molana saab then urged us to leave our phones behind, emphasizing that this was our first meeting with the Prophet (peace be upon him). He encouraged us to make it about ourselves, to send our salaams (greetings) and to sincerely bear witness to the oneness of Allah and the Prophet’s prophethood. The gravity of the moment resonated within us, as we understood that the Prophet’s acceptance of our salaams here would be a testament to our sincerity on the Day of Judgment.

Separated by gender, the men and women went their separate ways to offer their salaams. As a woman, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Unfortunately, the women’s time slot had just closed upon our arrival, leaving me disheartened. I returned to my hotel room, feeling the need to prepare myself more thoroughly for this blessed opportunity.

I cried and cried, longing for the chance to give my salaams. Fajar came and went, and the doors closed once again. The wait felt endless, and desperation took hold of me. When Esha prayer time arrived, I implored Appa (molana saab’s mother) to go early and wait by the entrance. With a sense of urgency, we searched for the door that would lead us into the sanctified space.

Alhumdulillah, we eventually found our way and entered the front row. I sat down, overcome with emotion. The presence of so many women in one place was overwhelming. As I observed their tears and heartfelt prayers, I felt a deep connection with them. I began to pray for them and ask the Prophet (peace be upon him) to answer their supplications. Gratitude and relief washed over me as I walked back to the hotel, although a tinge of sadness lingered, wondering if my salaam had reached the Prophet amidst the crowd.

Late that evening, I received a call informing me that the women in our group had been granted the opportunity to visit Rawdah Riyadh ul Jannah at 11pm. Ecstatic, I quickly prepared myself and made my way downstairs. The realization that I would soon meet the Prophet (peace be upon him) overwhelmed me with a profound sense of gratitude. I felt like the luckiest person on Earth, knowing that my prayers had been answered.

This unexpected visit reinforces my belief in the Prophet’s ability to hear and respond to my salaam.

Walking alongside molana saab’s mother, Appa, was a blessing in itself. She guided me, advising me on what to recite and offering her motherly support. As we embarked on the journey to Rawdah Riyadh ul Jannah, I couldn’t believe that this was happening to me. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had heard my pleas, and I believed that he could hear all of us. The experience was indescribable, and I felt a deep connection with Allah’s promise.

Rawdah Riyadh ul Jannah holds immense significance in the hearts of pilgrims. It is a small section within Masjid an-Nabawi, believed to be a piece of paradise. Supplications made in this sacred space are believed to never be rejected. As I stood there, I reflected on the blessing of being present in this piece of “Heaven on Earth.” The thought that prayers offered in Rawdah Riyadh ul Jannah could lead to eternal residence in Paradise filled me with hope.

However, only a limited number of people can enter this space at a time. The urgency and desperation to enter, particularly for women due to limited timings, added to the intensity of the experience. The Rawdah is the closest women can get to the Prophet’s grave, and there is a belief that he hears and returns our salaams. The scene inside must be awe-inspiring, 

Rawdah Riyadh ul Jannah is a special area inside the Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is a small section that extends from the eastern boundary of the Prophet’s Tomb enclosure to his pulpit. It is referred to as the “Garden of Paradise” and is believed to be a piece of Heaven on Earth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to walk from his home to the pulpit to give Friday sermons, and the path he walked is considered to be the Rawdah. It is believed that prayers and supplications offered in this area are never rejected.

Visiting the Rawdah is a cherished opportunity for pilgrims, and only a few hundred people can fit in the space at one time. Men and women have separate designated times to visit, but unfortunately, the timings for women are limited. This adds to the urgency and desperation to enter the Rawdah. It is the closest women can get to the grave of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it is believed that he hears and returns their greetings of peace.

Being able to enter the Rawdah is a deeply spiritual experience, and those who are blessed to do so feel a sense of peace and fulfillment. It is a reminder of the promise of Paradise, where those who enter will never leave. The gratitude and hope felt in this sacred place are powerful.

Visiting the Rawdah is a personal and intimate experience, and it is a time for individuals to pray for themselves and for others. The act of conveying salaams (greetings of peace) on behalf of others is a way to connect with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to pray for the well-being of the Ummah (Muslim community).

Overall, the trip to Medina and the opportunity to visit the Rawdah are seen as blessings from Allah. The experience is cherished, and many pilgrims feel a strong desire to express gratitude and to return to this holy place. The journey to the Rawdah is a journey of the heart and soul, and it leaves a lasting impact on those who are fortunate enough to experience it.

In conclusion, I express my heartfelt gratitude to those who were part of this journey and pray for blessings and guidance for all readers. I hope to return to Medinah soon and rekindle the spiritual connection I experienced. The repeated mention of “sal lal la hu alay hi wa sallam”  “peace be upon him” after mentioning the Prophet’s name is a way of sending blessings and seeking rewards, as it is believed that every time one sends blessings upon the Prophet, ten sins are erased and one’s status is elevated.