devotion flares up and the desire for sacrificing his life arises in his heart.

Dear Islamic brothers! When travelling to Madinah, if possible, travel barefoot with the gaze lowered at all times, and when you are close to Madinah, and your gaze falls upon the green dome and the minarets of light, then recite Salat upon the Prophet with full passion and devotion, and also keep in mind the etiquette of the Prophetic court.

Encouragement to keep the gaze lowered during the journey can be found in the Pious Deeds booklet given by the Ameer of Ahl Al-Sunnah. Hence, Pious Deed number 11 states: ‘Today, whilst walking on the path, or whilst travelling in a car or bus, did you save yourself from unnecessary glancing by keeping your gaze lowered? And did you save yourself from looking here and there? (If possible, when speaking to someone, instead of unnecessarily keeping your gaze fixed on the person in front of you, keep it lowered).’

Etiquette of visiting the Prophetic court

Whilst mentioning the etiquette of visiting the shrine of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, Sadr-ush-Shari’ah, Badr-ut-Tareeqah, ‘Allamah Maulana Mufti Muhammad Amjad Ali A’zami رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states: ‘Before visiting, quickly free yourself of all needs that will cause your heart to be distracted, and do not become involved in any other unnecessary matter. Make Wudu and use Miswak, and performing Ghusl is better, wear clean white clothes, and new ones are better, apply kohl and perfume, and musk is superior. Now, immediately turn your attention towards the blessed resting place with utmost humility. If you cannot cry, then adopt the appearance of a crying face and compel your heart to cry, and then with complete presence of heart, plead to the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

Now enter the vicinity of the Masjid, present Salat and Salam and then wait for a while, as though you are seeking permission to enter from