Visiting AlQuds , Al Aqsa, Palestine, Israel and Jordan!
December 19, 2018
Started my journey to Amman Jordan and Jerusalem on air Canada flight 876 from Toronto to Frankfurt. From there inshaAllah shall join Rafat and group. We will then travel through Lufthansa to Amman . Hopefully all goes well . I'm very much looking forward to this trip . It was a dream to visit Al Quds and surrounding areas.
First of all when I learned about this trip , it was quite a bit of disappointment as the deadline for booking was up. After talking to Imam Ahmad everything proceeded smoothly.
December 20
As we’re approaching Amman ,the flight is quite bumpy or I’m sitting near the tail . May the rest of the journey is blissful .
This is my first time with Lufthansa, not bad overall.
The gate search on Frankfurt airport was quite tiring. Met Rafat, Shaheena, Yasmin and party.Our group leader Imam Ahmad Patel seemed quite responsible and efficient.
At Amman Queen Aliya international airport, it was raining continuously, small puddles of water could be seen around. It is a nice modern airport . Our immigration went well. Exchanged some amount through currency change by Imam sahib . Jordanian Dinar called JD was about $1. 50. Later our guide told us that the government has just kept the rate high and its not a sign of strong economy.
We waited almost 4 hrs at the airport for a new member Huzaifa, he too was arriving from Toronto through another flight. In the meantime I got to know the other members of our group Zarina, Rukhsana and Abid Bhai, Nuzhat and Aijaz, Builquis and Salim, Fatima and Hamza, Zaib and Chiragh sahib. Zaib and Chiragh sahib were more senior than us and mostly on wheel chair. In a short while I became so friendly with them, as I knew them for ages.
Later on we rode a bus coach with a tour guide Nidal who provided us the details about Jordan and Jordanian Monarchy!
I talked to him about our Pakistani Sarwat's (later on Princess Sarwat) wedding to Hassan bin Tallal , Jordan's crown prince at that time . She was the daughter of Shaista Ikramullah !Her wedding at that time was solemnized at state level by then president Ayub Khan.
Arrived at Hotel Mena Tyche on Abdullah bin Omar Road. It was a comfortable hotel .
I got an independent room , comfortable bed and bath. We were served sumptous breakfast In the morning at 6:30. I came down an hour earlier to find that my phone is running one hour ahead of time quite an embarrassment .
At Amman Queen Aliya international airport, it was raining continuously, small puddles of water could be seen around. It is a nice modern airport . Our immigration went well. Exchanged some amount through currency change by Imam sahib . Jordanian Dinar called JD was about $1. 50. Later our guide told us that the government has just kept the rate high and its not a sign of strong economy.
We waited almost 4 hrs at the airport for a new member Huzaifa, he too was arriving from Toronto through another flight. In the meantime I got to know the other members of our group Zarina, Rukhsana and Abid Bhai, Nuzhat and Aijaz, Builquis and Salim, Fatima and Hamza, Zaib and Chiragh sahib. Zaib and Chiragh sahib were more senior than us and mostly on wheel chair. In a short while I became so friendly with them, as I knew them for ages.
At the airport with few friends
Later on we rode a bus coach with a tour guide Nidal who provided us the details about Jordan and Jordanian Monarchy!
December 21st
Arrived at Hotel Mena Tyche on Abdullah bin Omar Road. It was a comfortable hotel .
I got an independent room , comfortable bed and bath. We were served sumptous breakfast In the morning at 6:30. I came down an hour earlier to find that my phone is running one hour ahead of time quite an embarrassment .
We started early in the morning, Went to the graves of famous companions of Prophet SAWS.Abu Ubaida bin Aljarah , sharjabil ibn Hasna and Zarrar ibn Azwar May Allah be pleased with them. Then proceeded to the grave of Prophet Shoaib Alyhis Salaam and famous Ashab i Kahaf or the sleepers of the cave. Had a long drive on our bus or coach with tour guide Nidal providing us details about the area and surroundings.
There were masajids with all the graves and we prayed nawafil there as we were traveling , then prayed Qasr or shortened obligatory prayers.
There was a big masjid on height for Ashab i Kahaf and then we went in the cave, where those seven people and their dog has slept for more than three hundreds years. In the cave which is quite big there are the signs of their graves , pottery and now the Jordan government has collected their bones and kept in one grave , a glass shows those bones. As described in Surah Al Kahaf those pious , God fearing people got refuge in this cave fearing prosecution of the infidel government. When they woke up they assumed to be woken up after a night sleep, where in fact they had slept for more than three hundred years . When one of them went to market to purchase something to eat, his currency was identified as centuries old. At this point the people rushed to their cave to have a look of them however their souls were taken by the Lord and made them a miracle for the world. A masjid was build on the cave.
AT the Cave of Sleepers Masjid Amman Jordan
The Grave of Abu Ubaida Al Jarrahؓ ( Allah be pleased with him )
Many companions of the Prophet ﷺ are buried around this area.
The dead sea level . It is under the sea level . We drove down from the height of 5, 6 thousands feet to the zero level.
AT the Cave of Sleepers Masjid Amman Jordan
The Grave of Abu Ubaida Al Jarrahؓ ( Allah be pleased with him )
The dead sea level . It is under the sea level . We drove down from the height of 5, 6 thousands feet to the zero level.
On our way we went down the hill to zero sea level from 6,7 thousands feet above sea level. The infrastructure of roads and highways is quite good. We saw the road signs for Dead Sea . We were supposed to visit it on last day. Which we couldn't due to heavy rains.
December 22, 2018
We are on our way to Jerusalem:
Now we are entering king Hussain bridge,(Allenby bridge).
We are driving to Israeli border to enter into Masjid Al-Aqsa. May every thing goes well and easy.
Right now driving through Jordan Valley. It’s zero sea level and there is Dead Sea on one side. This area looks like Karachi with the same keekar shrubs all around. The infrastructure and look of Jordan is more like Pakistan. Yesterday we visited the graves of Zarrar bin azwar, Abu Ubaida bin Jarrah,SharJabil ibn I Hasna companions of Prophet SAWS: Grave of Prophet Shoaib AS and the most famous Ashab i Kahf ( The people of the cave). That masjid is on height with great access and nicely built. The cave is big enough, signs of graves and the bones are collected in one grave. There was a small glass opening which showed it.
It was raining here when we arrived. Our guide Nidal in the bus
Informed us that it barely rains here .
Entered into Israel or occupied land. At the check point we all expected to be cleared very soon .However Huzaifa and Hamza's passports along with Imam Ahmad were held and it took four hours for their clearance.
The terrain here is just like Balochistan. Dry rocky mountains with less or no vegetation and dry soil .
Entering into Jerusalem was a weird experience.All along my life learned about the Israeli occupation and atrocities.
Anyway border formalities are the same every where. Went through it peacefully, however the passports of three of our members were hold for four hours.
Luckily I wasn’t asked any specific question,just he asked my name and if I knew Arabic ? I replied شوئ شوئ ۔
The acceptance or denial of Israel by Muslim countries doesn't matter at all.
In my opinion keeping the diplomatic
relations would be better for downtrodden Palestinians.
In my opinion keeping the diplomatic
Now we rode in another bus and our guide was Amin. Most of the road signs and posters were in Hebrew and Arabic . Technically we were in Israel now. Our group leader asked us to keep our passports and visas with us all the time when going out as Israelis can do a random check. Most of the Israeli soldiers or guards were young fellows with sophisticated
weapons . Luckily didn't encounter a checkup during our four days stay there.
Arrived at Ritz hotel on Ibni Khaldun Road at Jerusalem .
Entering in masjid Al Aqsa was a spiritual experience , went for Maghrib and stayed unto Isha. A walled city with stony walls and streets build up with cobbled stones, quite strong and long lasting. These are combined with slopes or ramps and stairs. Going up and down. Because it is a hilly area. Even the cars,tractors using it. Al Aqsa has a vast compound, it was a walled city with many gates. Al Quds has gone through many phases of history and destructions over the centuries .
مسجد گنبد صخرا Masjid Dome of the Rock Al Quds , Jerusalem. This is the first Qibla of Islam. Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him Ascended to heavens after performing Imamat of the Prophets here in this spot.
Standing In Front of the Dome of the Rock ! Jordan's late King Hussain contributed 200 kilograms of pure Gold for this dome!
Inside Al. Aqsa or Qibli Masjid
Around Al Aqsa compound
مسجد گنبد صخرا Masjid Dome of the Rock Al Quds , Jerusalem. This is the first Qibla of Islam. Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him Ascended to heavens after performing Imamat of the Prophets here in this spot.
Standing In Front of the Dome of the Rock ! Jordan's late King Hussain contributed 200 kilograms of pure Gold for this dome!
Around Al Aqsa compound
In Al Aqsa met a Palestinian woman Maryam,she got befriended with me. Her father was a guard at masjid Aqsa. Her father,her husband and one son got killed by Israelis. Now she has seven more boys. Two of her sons are in jail and five in orphanages. She works and helps there , in Masjid and cleans some houses. She took me to her home near Masjid,a tiny old place of the same stony structure. Me and my friends donated her some money for the orphanage. I have narrated details about meeting her in this following video!
With Palestinian woman Maryam!
With Palestinian woman Maryam!
Inside Maryam's home!
December 23
Went for Fajar early in the morning before 5: am. Most of us gathered in the lobby and started towards the first Qibla of Islam Masjid Al -Aqsa. it was going down the hill in the cold morning weather . The environment looked like we go to haram sharif or Masjid Nabawi early in the morning. However the Israeli soldiers standing at some checkpoints and the Hebrew script would realize me that I'm in Israel. East Jerusalem and Alquds is part of Palestine , however it is technically Israel. There was quite a big crowd in Masjid despite that most Muslim countries do not hold diplomatic ties with Israel. Yet Muslims arrive from other parts of the world.
Had breakfast in hotel , quite a big variety of food.
Then we started our tour of West Bank Palestine, going through Israeli part of Jerausalem , it looked quite developed with tall buildings, fast trains and nice sidewalks. Israelis could be seen walking around. I couldn't define the borders of both countries . We visited Betlehem, Hibron al Khalil, Ramallah and the areas around.
At Bethlehem there was a great hustle bustle because of Christmas. Christians from all around the world were visiting . A big Christmas tree was glittering in the main park. We entered into the "church of nativity " that is commonly known as the birth place of Jesus Isa AS. It was Sunday and there were three services going on, one of Greek Orthodox , second one of Armenian Church and third one of Roman Catholics. The Greek Orthodox celebrates Christmas in January . Then we visited the other church where according to Christian belief Jesus was crucified. there was a huge crowd of devotees stairs were going up .I couldn't manage going through those stairs.
Betlehem(بیت الحم ) means house of meat in Arabic . Its 10 KM 6.2 miles south of Jerusalem . According to Christian belief Jesus Christ was born here in a cave under the church. We could not enter the cave.
around Jerusalem
Christmas Decorations at Betlehem
Church of Nativity at Bait Laham where Prophet Isa AS ( Jesus) was born !
Another side of this church is called St. Catherine church!
This is the statue of St. Jerome, he is the patron saint of librarians and of translators. In Latin, his name is Hieronymus—and every September 30th, on the memorial of his death, translators around the world celebrate International Translation Day!
In the cave of Trinity Church in Bethlehem he spent the last thirty years of his life, creating his magnum opus: translating Hebrew and Greek manuscripts into the Latin Vulgate Bible.
The Christians say that the skull near his feet is a reminder of death.
Later on we proceeded to Hibron Al Khalil and visited a glass ceramic factory . A great artistic work could be seen in molding and creating those fancy pieces of decor. We all purchased some according to our budget.
The pictures can describe it better.
Hibron Al Khalil is Palestinian city on West bank . It looked like an Impoverished area . Our bus entered into the narrow streets to reach Masjid Ibrahim Al Khalil . There are the graves of Ibrahim AS , Ishaaq AS, Sarah the wife of Prophet Ibrahim AS and Raffaqa the wife of Yaqub AS. A light could be seen quite below under the ground which Amin told us is the actual grave of Ibrahim AS. These are all historic and sacred places but with Israeli occupation and intervention mostly messed up. This masjid is under Israeli control and we had to enter after going through security check. The other side has the graves of Yaqub AS and some more , which we couldn't enter. We offered Salaah ( prayers) at the masjid and gave some donations for masjid.
Masjid Ibrahimi
Maqam of the grave of Ibrahim AS
Inside Masjid!
Historic Mimber from Salahuddin Ayyubi era
Maqam of Syeda Sarah the first wife of Ibrahim AS and mother of Ishaaq AS.
Surrounding the bus many Palestinian boys were selling different stuff. Fridge magnets of Jerusalem, Hand embroidered bags , Palestinian wrist bands and a variety of things. We were already warned by our guide not to purchase , however I couldn't resist their plea and did some shopping from them.
on our way Amin showed us a big enclosure, inside is the grave of Yasir Arafat the PLO
leader and president of Palestine. He wished to be buried in Al Quds but Israel didn't allow it.
From there we proceeded to Ramala . It was lunch time so every one opted for KFC because of the halal option. These fast-foods are flourishing all around the world.
After lunch as we proceeded further , the road was closed . It seemed like some incident has happened here , therefore the bus had to turn back. Next day we learnt that a Palestinian young boy was murdered by Israelis. These stories are part of almost each Palestinian home. Imam Ahmad Informed us that in every home you will find these heart breaking atrocities and tragedies. Israeli Police mostly young boys, carrying sophisticated guns , just raid the areas and do undue searches on young palestinians just to annoy them. On any of their offense they just shoot them.
This is how the day today life is going in that area. So many Palestinians are living in Jordan but they can not enter into Palestine or Isreal.
Our Jordanian guide Nidal was from Ramala but he was unable to visit back home. Israel has strict condition for their entry and they would be stripped off from their Palestinian identity , which they do not accept.
When we go in History the Hitler' s holocaust is so recent and Israelis have become kind of Hitler and Pharaoh for Palestinians. They clearly know what was the end of the Pharaoh and Hitler.
When we arrived back , it was almost evening . We headed to Al Aqsa for Mghrib and Isha, where I again met Maryam .
After Maghrib, a lady stood up and started a speech in Arabic. A lady sitting next to me translated in English to us. She was pleading Muslims , come and visit Al-Aqsa. Al - Aqsa badly needs you . By this we can show Israel our strength and devotion for Aqsa.
Imam Ahmed informed us that tomorrow at 8am a Palestinian lady will give us a tour inside and around Al Aqsa and some pertinent points of the Masajids and area.
December 24, 2018
As usual we went for Fajr in Al Aqsa , where Qanuti Nazila was recited in second Rakaa of Fajr. it is a Sunnah to recite it at the times of danger and there is always a danger by the Zionists occupiers.
After breakfast we got ready for a tour to Al Aqsa . Going through the wet stony ramp , I slipped and fell down on many back . With the help of br. Salim and Huzaifa , stood up alhamdolillah. It showed that no major damage has happened, still some aches and pains but I kept on, there was no time to stay behind.
Abeer our tour guide was waiting for us, she was an Archeology graduate or Archeologist so mostly she judged the places through archeological evidences. she took us to the basement of Al Aqsa. A vast historic masjid and library is underneath . There is Mehrab of Zakria AS and the tiny room (Hujra) where Maryam AS used to pray and she got the fruits and food from divine , seeing those fruits out of season Zakria AS asked Allah swt for an off spring as they were child less. This story and Ayahs are in surah Maryam . The Angels by the orders of Almighty gave him good news of a pious son . When he asked for a sign he was told that he would be unable to talk for three days. He was rewarded by Yahya AS. All the Quranic stories of the Prophets were coming into mind and imagination. The ancient pillars are giant stony pillars. She denied the idea that these were build by Jins. She claimed that it is the work of Palestinians of that time.
Baitul MuQaddas or Al Quds was devastated many times by Babylonians , Persians and Crusaders. Muslims conquered Jerusalem in 637 CE during the Rule of the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar. When he visited the place, he continued to pray in open grounds, although Pope Severinus gave him the key to the city and invited him to pray in the Church of Holy Sepulture. But Hazrat Umar feared that Muslims might start converting churches into Masjids, so he politely declined. Al - Aqsa was in ruins. He kept the foundation of the Masjid which was Later completed by Abdul Malik bin Marwan ( the Umayyad Khalifa) in 72 AH (691 CE) , about 60 years after the exalted Messenger passed on. At the time of crusaders they change the masjid into Church and Used the basement as a stable for horses.
These videos of mine about Al Quds are converted in YouTube by a friend:Narrations by Abeer are in detail.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1727029747397880&id=120537641380440
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1720426908058164&id=120537641380440
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1718776574889864&id=120537641380440
Entering into Dome of the Rock مسجد گنبد صخرا was a thrilling experience! A great specimen of Islamic art and architecture!
This Rock inside the basement of the masjid is believed to be from where "Ascension to heavens" of Prophet SAWS took place.
In the Surah al-Isra (Surah 17 - also known as Bani Isra'il), it is mentioned:
سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسۡرَىٰ بِعَبۡدِهِۦ لَيۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡأَقۡصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكۡنَا حَوۡلَهُ ۥ لِنُرِيَهُ ۥ مِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَآۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡبَصِيرُ
"Glory be to Him Who made His servant (Prophet Muhammad) to go on a night from the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) to the Farthest Mosque (Masjid al-Aqsa) of which We have blessed the precincts, so that We may show to him some of Our signs; surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing." (Qur'an, 17:1)
These are the third sacred Masajids of Islam and also a part of Harmain. A lot of similarities with Baitullah at Makaah and Masjid -i-Nabwi SAWS Madina. Our guide Abeer narrating details of this part of Baitul Muqaddas, She asked about the real name of Salahuddin which we didn't know, she informed that the real name of Salahuddin Ayyubi was interestingly Yusaf.
Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem from Crusaders and inside the dome she showed the Ayahs of Surah Taha inscribed in his time.
Abeer standing in a street of Al Aqsa
Our guide Abeer took us to her parents house, it was almost the same size as Maryam's, a tiny one may be 5,6 hundred square feet. She told that Israelis have offered them millions of dollars for this tiny place and they are resisting this offer. There are so many untold stories of oppression and occupation. On that occasion a person like me would think , why they are not accepting this lucrative offer . However they are trying their best not to leave these places to be occupied by Zionists.
Our ladies group with Abeer
The front view of Masjid Dome of the Rock مسجد گنبد صخرا
This Church is the birth place of Maryam AS :
https://www.facebook.com/pktimes.tv/videos/371765093640485/?
We wanted to See the Wailing wall and Masjid Burraq . Abeer as a Palestinian is not allowed inside Wailing Wall or Western Wall of Al - Aqsa as it is in Israeli control. She took us near the gate and parted from there. A heavy contingent of Israeli soldiers standing around . We had to go through scanners ad entered into a tunnel . There was a big compound and a huge wall where hundreds of Jews were praying . They believe it to be the remains of the Temple of Sulaiman AS. I just watched took some pictures and videos from a distant. Their belief is that the Masiah would come on this temple mount near the days of Judgment.
If you see this place has seen a lot of historical upheavals as well as religious . Judaism, Christianity and Islam and now too is divided in mainly three areas of these religions . The above video shows details of the Western Wall. After that we went to Masjid Burraq , down there was a metal ring which is supposed to be where the Burraq was tied. These are just some marks of the heavenly Journey of Mairaj of Prophet SAWS . Allah knows the best. AS we know there was no Masjid and no walls at that time. This is a spiritual tale and part of our belief in the unseen ( عالم الغیب)۔ ؐ
Ancient Olive trees in Al- Aqsa compound!
Church of Holy Sepulture.
Masjid Burraq
Old Library inside Al - Aqsa
After a long walk in the area inside the walled old city of Al- Quds we crossed fruit and vegetable vendors on sides and couldn't resist to buy nice free fruits , yummy guavas , pears and oranges.
The currency used here was Shaikal for ISRAEL and Palestine . It was 1.20 for one US$.
Bought some lunch and headed to hotel. With all my vigor the pain in my legs and knees was unbearable. Had some food took Tylenol arthritis and applied other medications, Voltrane gel on my aching limbs and was unable to get up for Maghrib . While rest of my friends went to Masjid I tried to get down and peep in the stores down, they were almost closing. In a weird state of mind hurriedly bought a shirt from the closing store.
When my friends arrived they were terrified of the situation in the mosque. There was Janaza of the boy killed by Israelis yesterday at Ramallah and the situation at Masjid was very tense and alarming with the grief and agitation . This is the uncertain life of Palestinians there. We gathered in a restaurant to have our dinner.
December 25
CNN was airing live Christmas telecasts from Betlehem .The Christmas tree and Santa Clause concept has taken over Christmas all over.
In the morning with all my courage took my walking cane for the first time and attended fajr at Masjid Aqsa as it was our final day. Wished that we had few more days here. Anyway said good bye to Al- Aqsa with a heavy heart. After break fast we were ready to leave for Jordan . Israelis charged us $50 for entry and $50 for exit. We rode the bus in the same way , which brought us over the King Hussain or Allenby bridge to Jordan.
Here our Old bus and tour guide Nidal greeted us. Imam Ahmas informed us about further programs in Jordan....
We wanted to See the Wailing wall and Masjid Burraq . Abeer as a Palestinian is not allowed inside Wailing Wall or Western Wall of Al - Aqsa as it is in Israeli control. She took us near the gate and parted from there. A heavy contingent of Israeli soldiers standing around . We had to go through scanners ad entered into a tunnel . There was a big compound and a huge wall where hundreds of Jews were praying . They believe it to be the remains of the Temple of Sulaiman AS. I just watched took some pictures and videos from a distant. Their belief is that the Masiah would come on this temple mount near the days of Judgment.
If you see this place has seen a lot of historical upheavals as well as religious . Judaism, Christianity and Islam and now too is divided in mainly three areas of these religions . The above video shows details of the Western Wall. After that we went to Masjid Burraq , down there was a metal ring which is supposed to be where the Burraq was tied. These are just some marks of the heavenly Journey of Mairaj of Prophet SAWS . Allah knows the best. AS we know there was no Masjid and no walls at that time. This is a spiritual tale and part of our belief in the unseen ( عالم الغیب)۔ ؐ
Ancient Olive trees in Al- Aqsa compound!
Church of Holy Sepulture.
Masjid Burraq
After a long walk in the area inside the walled old city of Al- Quds we crossed fruit and vegetable vendors on sides and couldn't resist to buy nice free fruits , yummy guavas , pears and oranges.
The currency used here was Shaikal for ISRAEL and Palestine . It was 1.20 for one US$.
Bought some lunch and headed to hotel. With all my vigor the pain in my legs and knees was unbearable. Had some food took Tylenol arthritis and applied other medications, Voltrane gel on my aching limbs and was unable to get up for Maghrib . While rest of my friends went to Masjid I tried to get down and peep in the stores down, they were almost closing. In a weird state of mind hurriedly bought a shirt from the closing store.
When my friends arrived they were terrified of the situation in the mosque. There was Janaza of the boy killed by Israelis yesterday at Ramallah and the situation at Masjid was very tense and alarming with the grief and agitation . This is the uncertain life of Palestinians there. We gathered in a restaurant to have our dinner.
December 25
CNN was airing live Christmas telecasts from Betlehem .The Christmas tree and Santa Clause concept has taken over Christmas all over.
In the morning with all my courage took my walking cane for the first time and attended fajr at Masjid Aqsa as it was our final day. Wished that we had few more days here. Anyway said good bye to Al- Aqsa with a heavy heart. After break fast we were ready to leave for Jordan . Israelis charged us $50 for entry and $50 for exit. We rode the bus in the same way , which brought us over the King Hussain or Allenby bridge to Jordan.
Here our Old bus and tour guide Nidal greeted us. Imam Ahmas informed us about further programs in Jordan....
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