culminating in them entering the sacred Haram itself. How great it would be if death were to reach us during this sacred journey and we were laid to rest in the graveyard of Baqi’. Even if we were to return, having a yearning to return one day is the next best thing. Whether we pass away in those sacred lands, pass away whilst travelling there, or return home—no matter what happens—there is only benefit after benefit for us.

Sayyiduna Jabir bin ‘Abdullah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ   narrates that the final Prophet of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم   said, “This House is the pillar of Islam, and the one who leaves his home for the House of Allah for the sake of performing Hajj or Umrah, and his soul is taken, it is upon Allah Almighty’s generosity to grant him entry into Paradise, and if he returns (after performing Hajj), he will return with reward and riches.”^[1]

Sayyiduna Anas رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ narrates that the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم   said, “Whosoever dies in one of the two Harams (Makkah or Madinah) will be raised with those under safety on the Day of Judgement. Whosoever comes to visit me in Madinah with the intention of earning reward, he will be my neighbour on the Day of Judgement.”^[2]

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا narrates that our beloved master, the final Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم   said, “Whosoever is capable of dying in Madinah should do so, as I shall intercede for the one who dies in Madinah.”^[3]

سُـبْحٰـنَ الـلّٰــه! How fortunate are those who die in the Haramayn; Allah Almighty will grant them entry into Paradise, and alongside being granted the intercession of the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم   on the Day of Judgement, they will be in his company. Remember, travelling in order to visit Makkah and Madinah is a matter of great honour, and the