About Me

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I am married to my loving husband for more than 40 years now. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, until years ago when I lost my youngest son. Since then my life is forever altered but yet unbroken....

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Friday 23 February 2024

Aceh 04: Banda Aceh - Kuala Lumpur

"Even in the darkest of times, the human spirit has an innate capacity for hope and healing..." - Ghost of the Tsunami

(Aceh's local crafts souvenirs)

Day 4: 23 February 2024 (Friday)
Route: Banda Aceh – Kuala Lumpur

We had early breakfast and checked out by 9.00 am. This morning we went for last minute souvenirs shopping at Pusat Oleh-oleh to by tid-bits and Kopi Gayo.

From Pusat Oleh-oleh, we visited Lampulo village. Among the red roofs of the newly-built houses in Lampulo village, there is an extraordinary sight of a huge fishing boat perched on top of two houses. The 25m-long wooden vessel has become a popular attraction on the tsunami tourism trail. Signs point to Kapal di atas rumah, which means the boat above the house which saved 59 people's lives.

Next visit was to Makam syeikh Abdur Rauf. Abd al-Rauf ibn Ali al-Fansuri al-Sinkili (1615–1693) was a well-known Islamic scholar, spiritual leader of the Shattariyya tariqa and the mufti of Aceh. He was the confidante of Sultana Safiyat al-Din. He was considered the first person to spread the Sufi order in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Some believe he was an ethnic Minang from Singkil. Unfortunately, the makam was closed and will only be opened after solat Jumaat.

We had lunch at Rumah Makan Eungkot Paya located somewhere near the airport.

After lunch the bus sent the ladies and our luggage to the airport. Then later sent the men to a nearby mosque for solat Jumaat for the men. Masjid Jame’Nurul Huda is a short distance away from the airport. The ladies performed jamak Zohor/Asar prayers at the airport surau.

We bade goodbyes to our friendly tour guides and driver and managed to tip them generously. We checked in quite early but had to wait for the immigration and custom gates to be opened.

The 5.45 pm flight was delayed for more than an hour. We landed safely at KLIA2 around 9.00 pm. We had dinner at Oriental Kopi at KLIA2 with grandkids.


Thursday 22 February 2024

Aceh 03: Pulau Sabang - Banda Aceh

"The ocean, once a source of tranquility, turned into a relentless force that devoured everything in its path..." - Ghosts of the Tsunami

(Dolphin hunting at Pulau Sabang)

Day 3: 22 February 2024 (Thursday)
Route: Pulau Sabang – Banda Aceh
Hotel: Plum Hotel Lading, Banda Aceh

Breakfast was ready at 6.00 am. By 6.45 am we walked a short distance to the jetty to board the long speed boat from Perlabuhan Teluk Sabang for dolphin hunting. It was quite an exciting experience to watch dolphins in their natural environment during sunrise. Some dolphins playfully swam and jumped past our boats. Although it was quite difficult to snap pictures of the dolphins, we managed to capture some of them on video.

After the dolphin hunting, we detoured to Pulau Rubiah, a nearby small beautiful island. During the heyday of the Aceh Kingdom, Pulau Rubiah was a transit point for potential pilgrims, and during the World War this island was a defensive fortress whose ruins can still be seen today. Now Pulau Rubiah is one of one of the prime snorkelling and diving spots for tourists as it is just a short boat trip from Pulau Sabang. The water is crystal-clear with abundance of beautifully coloured fishes and undisturbed coral reefs.

Pulau Rubiah named after the tomb of Ummi Sarah Rubiah, one of the 44 Aulia Sabang. Ummi Sarah Rubiah was the wife of Tengku Ibrahim or Tengku Iboih, a Muslim scholar during the Aceh kingdom. This tomb is located on the island opposite Iboih-Sabang Beach.

After visiting Makam Ummi Sarah Rubiah, we had a refreshing coconut drink to quench our thirst.

Back at the resort, we packed and had an early lunch. By 11.00 am we checked out and headed to Pelabuhan Balohan and boarded the noon ferry back to Ulee Lheue Port, Banda Aceh.

From the jetty the bus took us to Masjid Baiturrahim to performed our solat jamak Zohor/Asar. Masjid Baiturrahim is a mosque located in Meuraksa sub-district of Ulee Lheue, Banda Aceh. Previously, the mosque was named Masjid Jami Ulee Lheu. After prayers we visited the small museum and listened to the experiences from Ustaz Adi, one of the survivors of Tsunami.

From Masjid Baiturrahim we went to visit PLTD Apung. PLTD Apung 1 is a tourist attraction and former electric generator barge, stranded on dry land in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. The 2,600-ton vessel had been in the sea when the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami occurred, with the tsunami carrying her a few kilometres inland.

From PLTD Apung site, we went to an airconed shopping centre which is the biggest muslim shopping centre in Banda Aceh. We bought some tis-bits and had 20-minute street foot massage at the mall.

Dinner was at at Warkop Cut Nun Mee, with kuah as their signature dish. There were varieties of mee kuah to choose from. We had mee kuah sotong which was quite tasty but a little too spicy.

Tonight we checked in Plum Hotel Lading after collecting our left luggage from Hotel Medan. Plum Hotel Lading is a modest hotel with basic amenities and located just a short walking distance from Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.


Wednesday 21 February 2024

Aceh 02: Banda Aceh - Pulau Sabang

"Loss is not just a concept, but a palpable void that echoes through the lives of those left behind..." - Ghosts of the Tsunami

(Pulau Sabang beautiful sunset)

Day 2: 21 February 2024 (Wednesday)
Route: Banda Aceh – Pulau Sabang
Hotel: Star Beach Resort, Pantai Iboih

We had early breakfast in the hotel. Packed our backpack for a one-night trip and kept the larger bags in the hotel. By 7.00 am we were on the bus and headed to Ulee Lheue Port.

We boarded the 8.00 am ferry to Pulau Sabang. Pulau Sabang is the most well-travelled island in Indonesia besides Bali. The morning ferry was packed with local and foreign tourists. The weather was extremely humid. Luckily, we managed to get seats in the air-con room while some preferred to stay on the open air deck. A one-way ticket costs Rph35,000 per pax. The ferry ride was about 1hr 30 min.

We arrived at Perlabuhan Balohan in Pulau Sabang around 10.00 am and were met by our local guides and drivers. Pulau Sabang, also known as Pulau Weh is famed for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions. The island even owns interesting historical places for tourists to explore.

The island tour started with the visit to Benteng Jepang or Anou Itam Fort. Anoi Itam Fort is a Japanese defense complex located in the Ujong Kareung area about 12km from the Sabang city center. The fort has been there since 1942. Anoi Itam Fortress is built with underground tunnels. The fortress connects to other fortresses that reside near to the location through these tunnels.

Because of its proximity to Anoi Itam beach, this fort is named Anoi Itam Fort. It took us a short uphill trekking to reach the site. There panoramic view of the sea and its jagged shoreline is stunning.

After visiting the fort, we had tasty rojak buah and drinks from the local vendors before we went to visit the next attraction.

To the east coast of Pulau Sabang, there is a beach that has its own attraction. Pantai Sumur Tiga beach is a beautiful white sandy beach. The naming of a location is closely related to events, figures, or other things that are considered sacred, legendary, or as a form of respect. Once upon a time, there were three fresh water wells along the beach that became the source of water for people on the island around. The three wells were built by local pious men of the island and considered as 'Perigi Keramat'. The wells are no longer used as water source by the residents but still attacts visitors because of the mysticism.

By noon we went for a hefty lunch at Restoran RM Kencana, one of the popular eateries in Sabang island.

After lunch we performed jamak zohor/Asar prayers at the Great Babussalam Mosque in Sabang City. The mosque was built with a strong touch of Ottoman Turkish architecture. The building is tall and has massive walls. Four sturdy towers stand at the four corners of the mosque, and a large dome sits on the roof of the mosque. This mosque is also equipped with a large courtyard is covered with very beautiful star-patterned floor tiles.

This mosque was originally just a small mosque located in the city of Sabang. However, along with the growth of people's need for mosques and the desire of Muslims there to have a holy and beautiful place of worship, the Sabang Grand Mosque was built with the magnificent architecture it is today. The Babussalam Grand Mosque often holds religious activities every year, such as the Prophet's Birthday, Musabaqah and various other Islamic nuanced activities.

Later we checked in Star Beach Resort located at Pantai Tiupen Laeyu, Iboih. After a short rest, by 4.30 pm we boarded the van to Kilometer 0 Monument and viewpoint to watch the beautiful sunset. Bought some t-shirts for souvenirs from the many souvenir shops.

Back at the resort, we had early buffet dinner and had a good night rest.


Tuesday 20 February 2024

Aceh 01: KL - Banda Acheh

"Sometimes, the overwhelming power of nature can make you question the very foundations of your existence..." - Ghost of the Tsunami

(Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh)

Day 1: 20 February 2024 (Tuesday)
Route: Kuala Lumpur – Banda Aceh
Hotel: Medan Hotel

As it was only a 4-day trip, we decided to drive and park our car at KLIA2. We met with the rest of the group from Setiawan at the check-in counter. After self-check-in, we had ample time for breakfast at Mamak Express. The Air Asia AK423 flight to Aceh was at 7.40 am and was on time.

We landed safely at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport Aceh. The airport is located 13.5 km southeast of Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province. It is named after the twelfth sultan of Aceh. By 9.00 am local time, we boarded the 44-seater tour bus and right away started our Banda Aceh city tour. Banda Aceh is the capital city of Aceh, which is a semi-autonomous Indonesian province on the northwest tip of Sumatra Island. It's known for beaches, diving sites and mountain wilderness areas.

Our first visit was the Tsunami Mass Burial Graves. The 2004 tsunami devastated the coastline of Aceh province, about 20 minutes after the earthquake. Banda Aceh, the closest city, suffered severe casualties. Almost a quarter million souls were lost.

After visiting the mass grave, we headed to Warung Sareng Kupi2 for breakfast and tasted the famous local coffee and local kueh mueh.

Next attraction was the Aceh Tsunami Museum. It is a museum designed as a symbolic reminder of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster, as well as an educational center and an emergency disaster shelter in case the area is ever to be hit by a tsunami again. Exhibits at the Aceh Tsunami Museum depict a 2004 natural disaster's impact on the region.

The Aceh Tsunami Museum was designed by Indonesian architect and former governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil. The museum is a four-story structure. Its long curving walls are covered in geometric reliefs. Inside, visitors enter through a dark, narrow corridor between two high walls of water, meant to recreate the noise and panic of the tsunami. The museum walls are adorned with images of the after effect of Tsunami. The names of the victims are inscribed on the wall of one of the museum's chambers.

By noon we had a sumptuous lunch at Restoran Nasi Gurih. The spread of local dishes were tasty and delicious.

After lunch we performed solat jamak Zohor/Asar at the Masjid Raya Baiturrahman located in the center of Banda Aceh. The 19th-century Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a regional icon of Banda Aceh with delicate Mughal tracery, black domes and a reflecting pool. is a symbol of religion, culture, spirit, strength, struggle and nationalism Baiturrahman Grand Mosque of the Acehnese people. The mosque has survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The original Masjid Raya was built in 1612 during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda. Some say the original mosque was built even earlier in 1292 by Sultan Alaidin Mahmud Shah. The original royal mosque featured a multi-tiered thatched roof, a typical feature of Acehnese architecture.

We checked in GM Inn but unfortunately, we had to move to Medan Hotel because of interrupted power supply. After a short rest, we went to visit Yayasan Pasantren Lampoh Beut and handed over some donations and gifts for the school children.

Our next visit was to the miraculous Masjid Rahmatullah Aceh Besar also known as Masjid Turki to perform our jamak Maghrib/Isya prayers. Masjid Rahmatullah was established in 1997. The mosque is still standing strong and did not collapse despite being located only 500 meters from the beach while the nearby surrounding buildings and trees collapsed. The 1,600 square meter mosque only suffered some minor damages in the inner pillars.

The restoration and renovation were funded by the government of Turkey. The two beautiful white towers, stand strong on the left and right sides of the mosque, while Turkish star and crescent symbols are displayed in front of the building. In addition, Turkish government also built 700 houses around the mosque. The village in Lhoknga sub-district was dubbed as "Turkish Village".

We had dinner at Restoran Nasi Sate Matang located in front of our hotel.

Thursday 21 December 2023

Iraq Day 09: Baghdad - Muscat - KL

“It doesn’t matter where you are going. It matters who is beside you...” - Anonymous

(Watching the sunset, time to bade goodbye)

Day 09: 21 Dec 2023 (Thursday)
A. Route: Baghdad – Muscat, Oman
Flight: OV336 ETD1145 BGW ETA1515 MCT

Day 10: Route: Muscat, Oman - KUL
Flight: OV445 ETD1700 MCT ETA0345 KUL
  
(The last day in Iraq)
(Goodbye Baghdad, the City of Peace...)

Wednesday 20 December 2023

Iraq Day 08: Baghdad Tour

“When traveling with someone, take large doses of patience and tolerance with your morning coffee...” - Helen Hayes

(Makam Sheikh Al Ma'arof Al Karkhi)

Day 08: 20 Dec 2023 (Wednesday)
Route: Baghdad Full day Tour
Hotel: Hotel Mansour, Baghdad

Today we embarked in a full-day tour of Baghdad city to experience the rich culture and history of the Iraqi capital. We we had the opportunity of visiting the mausoleums of famous sufis and Imams. We started our tour with the visit to Makam Sheikh Al Ma'arof Al Karkhi located about 3 km from our hotel. There are several mausoleums around the area which were just a walking distance from each other.

(The ancient cemetery at Abu Ma'aruf Al Karkhi's Shrine in Baghdad)

Makam Sheikh Al Ma'arof Al Karkhi

Sheikh Ma’arof was born in the district of Wasit or Karkh in Baghdad. He was of Persian origin. Ma’arof converted to Islam at a young age at the h ands of Ali al-Ridha after rejecting all forms of polytheism. Tradition recounts that he immediately went and told his father and mother, who rejoiced at his decision and became Muslims themselves. After accepting Islam, Ma’arof became a student of Dawud al-Ta'i, and underwent a severe trial of his discipleship. Ma’arof, however, remained steadfast and proved himself so devout that his righteousness became locally famous. Ma’arof is also known to have a close relationship with Ahmad ibn Hanbal, in which ibn Hanbal is reported to have said "True knowledge is only that which Ma‘arof has achieved.”

(A long walk uphill to the Sheikh Maarof Mausoleum)
(A beautiful mausoleum perched on top of a hill)
(The serene ambiance in the main prayer hall0
(Quranic verses on the wall)
(Makam Sheikh Al-Ma’arof Al-Karkhi)
(The golden chamber)

Makam Siti Zubaidah

Zubaidah bint Jaafar was the wife of a Caliph Harun al-Rasyid born in Mosul in 149H. They had a son Al-Amin who became Caliph after Ar-Rasyid. Zubaidah died in 216H, buried in Baghdad at the age of 71. The tomb of Siti Zubaidah is also known by various names including Tomb of Zumurrud Khatun, Al-Khaffafin Mosque and Al-Haza'ir Mosque. It is located in the center of the city of Baghdad near Madrasah Mustansiriya. It was built by Siti Zubaidah or Zumurrud Khatun before her death. Siti Zubaidah is known for her philanthropy and respect for scholars and scientists. She once built several wells that continued from Baghdad to Mecca and Medina simply to provide facilities for pilgrims. Until today, the route is called Darb Zubaidah which means Zubaidah Route after her name.

(The Tomb of Siti Zubaidah)
(Tombs dated back to the Abbasid era)
(The Zumurrud Khatun Mosque and Mausoleum)
(The distinct nine layered honeycomb muqarnas dome)
(Paying our respect to Siti Zubaidah)

Makan Sheikh Bahlul

Bahlul or his real name Wahab Bin Amr was born in Kuffah, lived during the reign of Caliph Harun Al-Rasyid, which is during the Bani Abbasid period. At that time, Bahlul who was an Islamic scholar was considered 'crazy' because of his character which was seen as 'sloppy' and often did unexpected things. He is the cousin of caliph Harun al-Rasyid. Bahlul has left the wealth and luxury of his life to live in a simple style. Because of that he was given the nickname Bahlul by the locals. Bahlull is not actually crazy, but he has such a character to hide his wisdom from being known by others.

(Sheikh Bahlul which literally means a laughing fool)
(He was a well known judge and scholar)
(He was a companion of Musa Al Kazim)

Makam Nabi Yusha bin Nun

Yusha son of Nun, son of Ephraim, son of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), son of Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob), son of Prophet Ishaaq (Isaac), son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). So Yusha is the great-grandson of Prophet Yusuf and out of six of his forefathers, four were prophets. Prophet Yusha ibn Nun was narrated by Imam Ahmad in which the Prophet Muhammad said: "The sun has never stopped for any man besides Yusha when he wanted to conquer Bayt al-Muqaddis. Yusha took over and led the Bani Israil over the River Jordan and into the surroundings of Jericho, also known locally as Ariha. Alternative sites for the Prophet Yusha's tomb are situated in Turkey (the shrine on Joshua's Hill in Istanbul), Jordan (An-Nabi Yusha' bin Noon, a Sunni shrine near the city of Al-Salt) and Iraq (the Nabi Yusha' shrine of Baghdad).
 
(One of the many shrines of Nabi Yusha)
(A simple memorial tomb of Nabi Yusha)

Makam Sheikh Al Junaid Al Baghdadi

His full name is Abu Qasim al-Junaid ibn Muhammad ibn Junaid al-Baghdadi. He later became more popular as al-Junaid al-Baghdadi, and sometimes just al-Junaid. Born in the city of Nihawand, Persia and died in 298 H/910 AD. His family settled in Baghdad, where he studied Islamic law of the Imam Shafi'i school, and eventually became the chief qadi in Baghdad. He studied fiqh from Abu Tsur al-Kalbi who was a direct student of Imam As-Shafi'e.

(A chief Qadi of Baghdad)

Makam Sheikh Abu Hassan Al Sirri

Abū al-Ḥasan Sarī (al-Sirrī) b. al-Mughallis al-Saqaṭī (867CE) also known as Sirri Saqti was one of the early Muslim Sufi saints of Baghdad. He was one of the most influential students of Maruf Karkhi and one of the first to present Sufism in a systematic way. He was also a friend of Bishr al-Hafi. He was the maternal uncle and spiritual master of Junayd of Baghdad.

(Makam Abū al-Ḥasan al-Sirrī is on the left)
(A Pakistani group was waiting for their turn to visit the mausoleum) 

After visiting the six makams, we boarded the bus and travelled about 10 km to Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque to visit Makam Imam Abu Hanifah. We performed our solat jamak Zohor/Asar there. In Iraq it has become common for members of the two sects, Shi'ah and Sunni to pray at the same mosques. Both share faith in the Quran and the Prophet Mohammad's sayings and perform similar prayers, although they differ in rituals and interpretation of Islamic law.

Masjid Imam Abu Hanifah

Nuʿmān ibn Thābit ibn Zūṭā ibn Marzubān (696 - 767), commonly known by his kunyah Abū Ḥanīfah, or reverently as Imam Abū Ḥanīfah by Sunni Muslims. He was a Sunni Muslim theologian and jurist who became the eponymous founder of the Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence, which has remained the most widely practised law school in the Sunni tradition, predominating in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, the Balkans, Russia, Circassia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Muslims in India, and some parts of the Arab world. He is also widely called al-Imām al-Aʿẓam, "The Greatest Imam" and Sirāj al-Aʾimma, "The Lamp of the Imams" by Sunni muslims. 

(Masjid Imam Hanifah from across the main road)
(The main entrance to the Abu Hanifah Mosque)
(Retractable umbrellas and a huge clock tower)
(Waiting for the caretaker to unlock the door to the makam)
(A simple makam for Sirāj al-Aʾimma)
(The beautiful interior of the mosque)
(The huge main prayer hall)

We had lunch at the famous Restaurant al-Beiruti by the Tigris River. The signature dish here is the Masgouf or Iraqi Grilled Fish, marinated with olive oil, rock salt, tamarind, and ground turmeric. The delicious grilled fish is eaten either with rice or the crispy flatbread. If you like grilled fish, there's no better place to be in Baghdad!

(Beiruti Cafe - one of the oldest surviving cafe)
(A cafe overlooking the Tigris River)
(A large dish of Masgouf with flatbread and pilaf rice)

After lunch the bus brought us to the tomb of Imam Ahmad Hanbali in Al-Rasafa located amidst the old quarters of Baghdad. The tomb of Imam Ahmad Hanbali, looks quiet, unattended, and simple. Unlike the tomb of other Sufi figures in Iraq, Imam Ahmad Hanbali's tomb is not as magnificent.

Makam Imam Ahmad Hanbali

Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Hanbal bin Hilal bin Asad bin Idris as-Syaibani was born in Baghdad in 164H. When he was 15 years old, he started studying and studying hadith. He often accompanied his teacher, Husyaim bin Bashir and wrote more than 3,000 hadiths. After his teacher died, Imam Ahmad traveled to Kufah, Basrah, Makkah, Medina, Yemen, Sham and Khurasan. Imam Ahmad is the founder of the Hanbali school of thoughts, one of the four famous schools of jurisprudence. He went through various challenges and difficulties in learning. Returning to Baghdad, his name became famous and known for his pious, virtuous, ascetic nature. 

(A dirty wet alley leading to Imam Hanbali's tomb)
(A small makam, a final resting place of a pious man)
(Signages to Makam Imam Hanbali)

His mastery of hadith knowledge was so extraordinary that Imam as-Syafie once referred hadith to him. He also has a strong memory. He memorized a million hadiths. Among his students are his two sons, Soleh and Abdullah bin Ahmad, al-Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawud. Imam Ahmad was once imprisoned for 28 months and flogged during the time of Caliph al-Mu'tasim who adhered to the Mu'tazilah doctrine. During the time of Caliph al-Wathiq, he was to be expelled from Baghdad, causing him to hide until the death of the caliph. Imam Ahmad died in 241H in Baghdad at the age of 77. When he died, it is said that more than a million people came to visit his remains.

(A simple tomb for a great Imam)
(A small prayer area at the makam) 
(The humble caretaker of the makam)
 
Back to the hotel to freshen up and a short rest. By 5.30 we were ready to visit Baghdad Kazimiyah Bazaar for shopping and dinner. It took us about 45 minutes through a massive traffic jam. As usual there were security checks at the entrance of the open night market. We bought some sweets and Iraq delights with whatever balance of our Iraqi dinar. We walked quite a distance till the end of the night market to Makam Musa bin Kazim, one of the great grandsons of Prophet Muhammad. We did not visit the makam as there was quite a crowd at the security check points and tonight I was not wearing the abaya. 

(The crowded and busy Kazimiyah Bazaar)
(Buying Iraqi sweets and chocolates)
(Musa Al-Kazim Mausoleum)
(Visitors paying their respect to Sayyidina Musa al-Kazim)
(Free hot chai from the Sabil Kiosk)

Driving back to the hotel was quite smooth. Tonight we had to pack our bags as tomorrow we had to be at the airport very early.

Tuesday 19 December 2023

Iraq Day 07: Karbala - Baghdad

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world...” - Freya Stark

(A painting at Salman al-Farsi Mosque)

Day 07: 19 Dec 2023 (Tuesday)
Route: Karbala - Baghdad
Distance: 135 km
Hotel: Hotel Mansour, Baghdad

Early this morning we brought down our luggage at the lobby. After breakfast we boarded the bus and left Karbala for Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq. We visited many attractions along the way.

Our first stop was at the Mosque Complex of Salman al-Farsi, a historic mosque located in the city of Salman Pak, Al-Mada'in district. It contains the purported tomb of Salman al-Farsi and several other syuhada'. It is historically a Sunni Mosque, however, at some point of time the mosque was given to the Shi'ite managements. Salman al-Farsi's mosque and shrine consist of three buildings, one of which being the main building that includes Salman Farsi's tomb and the mosque. The second building, is the mausoleum of Huzaifah ibn Al Yaman and the third building contains the shrine of Jabir ibn Abd Allah and Tahir ibn Muhammad Al-Baqir.
 
(A group photo Salman al-Farisi Mosque)

Makam Salman Al Farisi

Salman al-Farisi was a Persian companion of prophet Muhammad. Salman was born with the name Rouzbeh Khoshnudan in the city of Kazerun in Fars Province, or Isfahan in Isfahan Province. He was raised as a Zoroastrian in the Sasanian Empire, then was attracted to Christianity, and then converted to Islam after meeting prophet Muhammad in the city of Yathrib where he joined the Battle of the Trench. He was appointed as the governor of Al-Mada'in. He was a follower Sayyidina Ali after the death of the prophet. Abu Hurairah is said to have referred to Salman as "Abu al-Kitabayn", the father of the two books; the Bible and the Quran. Ali is said to have referred to him as "Luqman al-Hakeem", Luqman the wise, a reference to a wise man mentioned in the Quran. The mausoleum of Salman al-Farsi, is located under the central dome. The grave and sarcophagus itself, is under a Zarih.

(The mosque is well visited because of the sacred tombs)
(Salman was born and named Rouzbeh Khoshnudan)
(Also know as Abu Al Kitabain or the father of the two books)

Makam Huzaifah Al Yamani

Huzaifah ibn al-Yamani was one of the most famous companions of prophet Muhammad. Huzaifah participated in all the military engagements except for the Battle of Badar. He participated in the Battle of Uhud with his father. He is "sohib As-Sir" or the secret keeper of the prophet causing many names of hypocrites to be in his hands. All this is due to the trust given to him by the Prophet.

(The Keeper of the Secret) 
(The bodies of Jabir and Syed Ali Al Tahir were transferred to new tombs)

Makam Abdullah bin Jabir and Makam Syed Tahir Bin Muhamad Bakir

Jabir ibn ʿAbd Allah al-Ansari was born in Yathrib now known as Medina 15 years before the Hijra. He belonged to a poor family. He is said to have accepted Islam when he was about seven. Also, he is recognised as the Sahabat with the most count of hadith relating to Hajj. His participation in the Battle of Badr is questioned by some historians; he is known to have fought in 19 battles under command of prophet Muhammad and was a trusted Sahabi. He was present during the conquest of Mecca. The bodies of Huzaifah Al Yamani and Abdullah bin Jabir have been brought and buried in a new grave not far from the grave of Salman al-Farsi. Makam Syed Tahir Bin Muhamad Bakir Bin Ali Zainal Abidin Bin Saidina Ali, a descendant of Nabi Muhammad, is in the same chamber as Abdullah bin Jabir.

(Descriptions of the two tombs)
( He was intelligent, quick-witted, and able to keep secrets)
(Two tombs in one chamber)

Tak I Kisra

From Salman Al-Farsi Mosque we drove a short distance away to visit an ancient monument of Tak I Kisra. Tak I Kisra is the remains of a Sasanian-era Persian monument, dated to the c. 3rd to 6th-centuries, which is sometimes called the Arch of Ctesiphon. It is located near the modern town of Salman Pak, Iraq. It was the facade of the main palace in Ctesiphon, and is the only visible remaining structure of the ancient capital city. The archway is considered a landmark in the history of architecture, and is the second largest single-span vault of unreinforced brickwork in the world after Gavmishan Bridge.


(The remains of a Sasanian era Persian monument)
(The signage at the locked gate)
(Sometimes called the Arch of Ctesiphon)
(The only visible remaining structure of the ancient capital city)

Lunch was at Khan Mandy Restaurant, a Yamani restaurant. The Manager of the restaurant used to work and stay in Malaysia. He has a Malaysian wife from Melaka. After lunch we went to visit the Mausoleum of Abdul-Qadir Gilani located in the city of Baghdad.

(The restaurant is preparing for the Christmas celebration)
(A large portion of Mutton Biryani Mandy for two)

Mausoleum of Abdul-Qadir Gilani

His real name is al-Sheikh Abu Muhammad 'Abd al-Qadir bin Abu Soleh al-Jili. He was born in the year 470 Hijrah in the state of Jilan. He belongs to the Hanbali sect. His famous madrasah/ribat is in Baghdad. Mausoleum of Abdul-Qadir Gilani is also known as Al-Ḥaḍrat Al-Qādiriyyah in Arabic. It is an Islamic religious complex dedicated to Abdul Qadir Gilani, the founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, located in Baghdad. Its surrounding square is named Kilani Square. 

(Abdul Qadir Gilani Complex)
(Beautiful internal decorations)
(The main prayer hall)

The complex consists of the mosque, mausoleum, and the library known as Qadiriyya Library, which houses rare old works related to Islamic Studies. His son, Abdul Razzaq Gilani, is also buried there. The complex was built near the Bāb Ash-Sheikh in Al-Rusafah, on the east bank of the Tigris. Al-Rusafah also contains the mosque of the founder of the Hanbali school of thought, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. 

(Abdul Qadir Gilani family tree)
(Abdul Qadir Gilani tomb)
(The tomb inside the chamber, up close)

We had to rush back to the hotel for solat Asar/Zohor because it was already late in the evening. After solat Maghrib/Isya, the bus took us to Baghdad Mall where we bought a pair of jackets and a few t-shirts. Dinner was at the food court on the upper floor.

(Busy streets of Baghdad)
(Having ice-cream and chocolate at the Baghdad Mall)
(Our lodging for tonight at Hotel Mansour, Baghdad)