Jannatul Baqee: The sacred resting place that consoles grief-stricken families

Jannatul Baqee in Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest cemeteries, is the final resting place for many companions and family members of Prophet Muhammad. As Hyderabad Umrah pilgrims are set to be buried there, families find solace in the sacred nature of the site.

Hyderabad: Jannatul Baqee, the revered cemetery in Madinah where the Hyderabad Umrah pilgrims will be laid to rest, is regarded as one of the two holiest burial grounds in Islam, the other one being Jannatul Mu’ala, the historic cemetery in Makkah. Situated to the southeast of the Prophet’s Mosque, Baqee occupies a place of immense spiritual and historical importance.

Nearly ten thousand companions of Prophet Muhammad are believed to be buried here, along with many of his wives and daughters. Numerous eminent Tabaeen (followers) and pious figures also rest in its soil. The Prophet often visited Baqee and offered prayers for the forgiveness of its dwellers.

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Islamic scholars highlight the virtues associated with passing away in Madinah. The Prophet said, “Whoever among you is able to die in Madinah, let him do so, for I will intercede for those who die there.” Hazrat Umar, the second Caliph, also prayed for martyrdom and for death in this blessed city.

Among the most distinguished individuals buried in Baqee is the third Caliph and the Prophet’s son-in-law, Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan. Others include Osman bin Mazoun, Ksunais bin Huzaifa, Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas, Abu Saeed Khudri and Abdur Rahman bin Auf.

All the wives of the Prophet, except Khadija-tul-Kubra and Maimuna, are interred here as well. The graves of the Prophet’s uncle Abbas and his paternal aunts Safia and Atika also lie within this sacred ground. Because so many of the Prophet’s close relatives and noble companions rest in Baqee, the cemetery holds special significance for Muslims across the world. Many even pray for the honour of dying in the city of the Prophet.

Historically known as Baqee al-Gharqad, the site once had an abundance of trees, including boxthorn. These were removed to prepare the land as a cemetery. The Prophet would regularly visit Baqee, greet its inhabitants and seek Allah’s mercy for them. At the end of Safar, the second lunar month, he visited by night to pray specifically for those buried there.

Pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah make it a point to visit Baqee, a practice traditionally recommended for men. Over the centuries, the cemetery has expanded many times, growing from a modest plot to its current area of about 56,000 square metres. Along with Jannatul Mu’ala in Makkah, it remains one of the most cherished and historically important burial sites in Islam.

For the families grieving the tragic bus accident near Madinah, there is deep solace in knowing that their loved ones will be laid to rest in Jannatul Baqee, a place every Muslim heart yearns to be connected with in the hereafter.