October 2014
The Kaaba constantly receives the blessings of God. Angels perform circumambulation around it at all times. It is considered the House of God. Pilgrims also perform circumambulation, and their souls witness divine blessings. Similarly, when the servants of God visit the Prophet’s Mosque, they feel a deep spiritual connection with the Prophet (peace be upon him). This humble writer has made an effort to collect the experiences of those blessed individuals who saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) and witnessed divine manifestations. Out of thousands of accounts, a few are shared below.
Circumambulation is performed around the Kaaba. God possesses complete knowledge of everything. He is the source of all knowledge, the All-Knowing. His divine light manifests in His creation.
Circumambulation represents both ascending and descending movements. Ascending means focusing entirely on God, while descending refers to moving in circles upon sacred ground. This act fills the conscious and subconscious with divine light. The concentration of this light enables one to perceive the presence of God. The All-Knowing and All-Seeing Lord desires that human beings recognize their Creator and observe His attributes. The House of God serves as the spiritual center where pilgrims connect themselves with the oneness of God.
When a pilgrim recites praises and performs circumambulation, he feels surrounded by invisible spiritual light. One pilgrim, weeping deeply, shared that he experienced the presence of God, felt his soul transcend the material world, and heard a divine voice accepting his pilgrimage.
While sending blessings upon the Prophet, a female pilgrim saw Abu Bakr, Umar, and Ali inside the Prophet’s resting place.
Another pilgrim dreamed that he was a young boy of seven or eight in Fatimah’s home. She was sitting in her courtyard. When he greeted her, she lovingly placed her hand on his head.
One pilgrim reported that during meditation he saw Hussain sitting on a radiant throne with a beautiful crown upon his head, addressing a vast gathering of pious souls.
A believer saw the Prophet (peace be upon him), greeted him with respect, and requested his prayers.
Another pilgrim sent blessings upon the Prophet the entire day at his resting place. At sunset, he saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his family breaking their fast under one of the large umbrellas in the courtyard. He also saw Aisha and Fatimah. Fatimah offered him a date.
A spiritual traveler shared that after late-night prayer, he witnessed a stream of light descending from the sky near the Gate of Gabriel. He saw Umar sitting respectfully near the Prophet (peace be upon him). At the hill of Safa, he observed the Light of Prophethood in meditation and saw the original homes of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Mothers of the Believers, as well as the Prophet’s Mosque as it appeared 1,400 years ago.
A pious pilgrim reported performing prayer behind the Prophet (peace be upon him), who recited Chapter Al-A‘la.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed for the forgiveness of the believers. God accepted his prayer and forgave the sins of His servants except those involving violations of others’ rights. The Prophet (peace be upon him) again prayed, saying:
“O God, You are All-Powerful. You can compensate those whose rights were violated and forgive those who wronged them.”
God accepted this prayer at Muzdalifah, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) smiled. When his companions inquired why, he said that God had accepted his prayer, and Satan wept.
One pilgrim shared that while in Mecca, a pious man from Yemen arrived with a young man and said he had brought a gift. The young man explained that when he left for pilgrimage, a large crowd came to see him off. A companion asked him to convey their greetings to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. However, he forgot to do so. When he reached Dhul-Hulayfah, he remembered and returned to deliver the greeting. His friends warned him not to go back as the caravan was leaving, but he insisted. He returned to the Prophet’s resting place, conveyed the greeting, and later that night saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) with Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr pointed at him and said, “O Messenger of God, this is the one.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) called him Abul Wafa (the one who keeps his promise). The man said, “O Prophet, my name is Abul Abbas.” The Prophet replied, “No, you are Abul Wafa,” and took him spiritually to Mecca. He stayed there for eight days, and on the eighth day his caravan arrived.
A group of merchants once set out for pilgrimage. During their voyage, the ship broke down. One traveler, who had goods worth fifty thousand gold coins, decided to abandon everything and proceed on foot. His companions urged him to sell his goods first, but he swore that the call to pilgrimage was worth more than worldly wealth. He shared that on a previous journey, his caravan ran out of water. Everyone was dying of thirst until they met a poor wanderer holding a bowl and a spear. The man struck the ground with his spear, and water gushed forth. He drank, returned to the caravan, and led everyone to the spring.
Ibrahim Ghawwas narrated that once, while traveling, he became so thirsty that he fainted. Someone sprinkled water on his face. When he opened his eyes, he saw a handsome man on a beautiful horse who gave him water and asked him to ride along. Soon they reached Medina. The rider told him, “Convey my greeting at the Prophet’s resting place and say, ‘O Prophet of God, your brother Khidr sends his greetings.’”
Shah Wali said that whenever he conveyed greetings at the Prophet’s resting place, they were accepted. Once, when he had nothing to eat in Medina, a friend brought him milk. He drank it and later dreamed of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who said, “It was I who sent you the milk.”
Syed Badr Alam Meerathi visited Medina and told his companions that the Prophet (peace be upon him) personally cared for his guests. He said he had seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) arranging hospitality and issuing instructions for his visitors.
The Sufi Saint Syed Ahmad Rifai once visited Medina and recited these verses:
When I was away, I used to send my soul to convey my greetings.
My soul would kiss the steps of the resting place as my messenger.
Now it is my body’s turn, O Prophet, let me kiss your blessed hand.
His wish was granted. The Prophet’s blessed hands appeared from the grave, and Syed Ahmad Rifai kissed them. At that time, ninety thousand pilgrims witnessed this miracle.
Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri was once at the Prophet’s Mosque and recited this verse:
I do not deserve the honour of the fragrance of flowers.
I am grateful to you, O morning breeze, for this favour.
God be with you.