Mufti Saad Abdul Razzaq
Cupping of Rasulullah’s SAAW blessed head: While traveling, Rasulullah SAAW performed cupping of his blessed head at a location called Lahyu Jamal.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas R.A narrates that Rasulullah SAAW had cupping performed on his head due to a headache he developed near a water place at Lahyu Jamal. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 5374, p. 2156)
4th stop at Urj
Rasulullah SAAW arrived at Urj, a prominent settlement on the route to Madinah Munawwarah, marking the fourth leg of the journey. Situated approximately 14 miles from Raweetha, he decided to make camp there. The luggage of Rasulullah SAAW and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A was loaded onto a single camel, overseen by the slave of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A.
Also, accompanying Rasulullah SAAW and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A were, Ummul Mu’mineen Ayesha R.A, and Sayyidatuna Asma bint Umays R.A.
As they settled down, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A awaited his slave’s return with food and drink. However, upon the slave’s arrival, the camel was nowhere to be found. Concerned, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A questioned the whereabouts of the camel. The slave admitted that it had gone missing since the previous evening. Frustrated by his negligence, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A reprimanded the slave, expressing his displeasure through physical chastisement. Rasulullah SAAW smiled and said:
Look at this Muhrim! What he is doing.
(Abu Dawud – Hadith No. 1818, p. 212)
It is recorded in Zarqani that upon hearing of the lost camel, the family of Fadhalah Aslami R.A presented a container of sweets to Rasulullah SAAW. Upon which Rasulullah SAAW said ‘O Abu Bakr! Look, Allah Ta’ala has provided an excellent meal for us.’
Despite this gesture, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A remained visibly upset with his attendant. In response, Rasulullah SAAW consoled him, reminding him that ultimately, control over matters lies not with them, but with Allah. Rasulullah SAAW said: ‘O Abu Bakr, remain calm! You and I do not have control over this matter.’
Soon after, Hadhrat Sa’ad R.A and Hadhrat Abu Qais R.A arrived with a camel, laden with all sorts of provisions. Sayyiduna Sa’ad R.A said, ‘O the Nabi of Allah SAAW! We heard that the camel carrying your luggage is missing; please accept this camel with the loaded provision.’ Rasulullah SAAW, expressed his gratitude and informed them that his camel has been found and Rasulullah SAAW invoked blessings upon them both. (Sharh al-Zarqani, p. 359, vol. 11)
At Abwa
Rasulullah SAAW continued his journey until he reached a place called Abwa. Zarqani R.A has noted that there is a distance of 23 miles between Abwa and Juhfah. There is an elevated mountain at this location, where the respected mother of Rasulullah SAAW passed away and is buried.
During their stay at Abwa, Sa’ab bin Jathama presented the thigh of an antelope to Rasulullah SAAW as a gift. However, Rasulullah SAAW declined the offering and returned it.
Note: As per the narration of Bukhari Shareef, the fifth stop was Harsha.
Wadi e Usfan
Subsequently, Nabi SAAW arrived at Usfan, situated approximately 36 miles away from Makkah Mukarramah, marking the final boundary of Tihamah. In the Hadith of Masaajid recorded in Bukhari Shareef, Mur Dhahraan is referred as the 6th station (where Rasulullah SAAW halted) rather than Usfan. Presently it is known as Wadi e Fatimah and is located approximately 25 kilometres from Makkah.
Upon reaching Wadi e Usfan, Rasulullah SAAW inquired from Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A about the valley they were in. Upon being informed that it was the valley of Usfan, Rasulullah SAAW remarked that both Nabi Hud A.S and Nabi Saleh A.S had passed through this valley, reciting Talbiyah and riding red camels whose reins were made from the bark of date palms, while on their way to performing Hajj of the Baitullah.
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 2067, Pg.495)
As per the narration of Abu Dawud, Hadhrat Suraqah Ibn Malik R.A, (a renowned companion who embraced Islam during the conquest of Makkah Mukarramah and also the same companion who wanted to intercept Nabi SAAW and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr R.A during the migration to Madinah Munawwarah) upon reaching Usfan, requested Rasulullah SAAW for clarification on the rituals of Hajj and said,
O the Nabi of Allah SAAW, educate us regarding the ruling of Hajj as if it was being taught to people who were born now’ i.e. he wanted to learn all the details pertaining to the practices of Hajj. (Sunan Abu Dawud – Hadith No. 1801)
