Abstract
The importance of night vigil in guarding/protecting against the trials during the end times.
Full Text
يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ 1
قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا 2
نِّصْفَهُ أَوِ انقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا 3
أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا 4
إِنَّا سَنُلْقِي عَلَيْكَ قَوْلًا ثَقِيلًا 5
إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْئًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا 6
...
وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَاهْجُرْهُمْ هَجْرًا جَمِيلًا 10
وَذَرْنِي وَالْمُكَذِّبِينَ أُولِي النَّعْمَةِ وَمَهِّلْهُمْ قَلِيلًا 11
...
وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَاهْجُرْهُمْ هَجْرًا جَمِيلًا 10
وَذَرْنِي وَالْمُكَذِّبِينَ أُولِي النَّعْمَةِ وَمَهِّلْهُمْ قَلِيلًا 11
...
15 إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ رَسُولًا شَاهِدًا عَلَيْكُمْ كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ رَسُولًا
فَعَصَىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ الرَّسُولَ فَأَخَذْنَاهُ أَخْذًا وَبِيلًا 16
فَكَيْفَ تَتَّقُونَ إِن كَفَرْتُمْ يَوْمًا يَجْعَلُ الْوِلْدَانَ شِيبًا 17
السَّمَاءُ مُنفَطِرٌ بِهِ كَانَ وَعْدُهُ مَفْعُولًا 18
إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ تَذْكِرَةٌ فَمَن شَاءَ اتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِ سَبِيلًا 19
1 O you who wraps himself [in clothing],
2 Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little -
3 Half of it - or subtract from it a little
4 Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.
5 Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.
6 Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.
...
10 And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.
11 And leave Me with [the matter of] the deniers, those of ease [in life], and allow them respite a little.
...
10 And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.
11 And leave Me with [the matter of] the deniers, those of ease [in life], and allow them respite a little.
...
15 Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness upon you just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger.
16 But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a ruinous seizure.
17 Then how can you fear, if you disbelieve, a Day that will make the children white- haired?
18 The heaven will break apart therefrom; ever is His promise fulfilled.
19 Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way.
[Al-Quran 73:1-6, ... 10-11, ... 15-19, Translation: Sahih International]
Surah alMuzammil begins and concludes with the instructions to stand in prayer at night, reciting The Quran slowly. Q73:6 informs us that studying at night is most effective and most suitable. In the beginning, it instructs alMuzammil to stand in prayer as long as possible, a little more or less than half of the night. The purpose of this studying is because a very heavy word is going to be sent upon him.
A few ayaat later, the surah goes on to inform that Muhammad ﷺ has been sent to you just like Moses was sent to Pharaoh as Allah's Messenger. The Quran narrates the story of Pharaoh and Bani Israel in several places, highlighting the interactions and events we need to seriously consider. In Surah Taha, it narrates that Moses demanded that Pharaoh let the Bani Israel go with Moses:
The Kaaba is the Qibla of the Muslims. All over the world, Muslims perform their contact prayers facing towards The Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia . Pilgrims circumambulate The Kaaba seven times. The pilgrimage to The Ancient House is also mentioned in Surah alHajj (The Pilgrimage) as:
We know that this pilgrimage was being performed even in ancient times, as we read in Surah alQasas (The Story or The Narrative) that Moses' to-be father-in-law contracts with him service for 8-10 Hajjs (حِجَجٍ):
Though we don't think that the Bani Israel eventually made it to Mecca, to this day, each weekday morning, observant male Jews wear the tofatot (known as tefillin) as the sign of their Exodus:
A few ayaat later, the surah goes on to inform that Muhammad ﷺ has been sent to you just like Moses was sent to Pharaoh as Allah's Messenger. The Quran narrates the story of Pharaoh and Bani Israel in several places, highlighting the interactions and events we need to seriously consider. In Surah Taha, it narrates that Moses demanded that Pharaoh let the Bani Israel go with Moses:
فَأْتِيَاهُ فَقُولَا إِنَّا رَسُولَا رَبِّكَ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْ قَدْ جِئْنَاكَ بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدَىٰ
إِنَّا قَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْنَا أَنَّ الْعَذَابَ عَلَىٰ مَن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ
So go to him and say, "Indeed, we both (are) Messengers (of) your Lord, so send with us (the) Children of Israel, and (do) not torment them. Verily, we came to you with a Sign from your Lord. And peace on (one) who follows the Guidance.
Indeed, we verily, it has been revealed to us that the punishment (will be) on (one) who denies and turns away."
Pharaoh refused and made things worse for the Bani Israel. Their Messengers (Moses and Aaron) instructed them:
وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَأَخِيهِ أَن تَبَوَّآ لِقَوْمِكُمَا بِمِصْرَ بُيُوتًا وَاجْعَلُوا بُيُوتَكُمْ قِبْلَةً وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
And We inspired Moses and his brother thus, "Establish, you twain, houses for your people in Egypt; and make you your houses a qiblah (the centre of worship); and be you steadfast in prayer, and give Glad Tidings to those who believe."
[Al-Quran 10:87, Translation: Hamid S. Aziz]
And We inspired to Moses and his brother, "Settle your people in Egypt in houses and make your houses [facing the] qiblah and establish prayer and give good tidings to the believers."
[Al-Quran 10:87, Translation: Sahih International]
Eventually, Allah rescued the Bani Israel and drowned Pharaoh and his forces. I understand that the freedom being demanded from the Pharaoh was so that the Bani Israel could go for pilgrimage to Mecca, to The House of Worship. The Quran informs us that Abraham raised its foundations, purified it and announced the pilgrimage. Surah Aal-e-Imran (The Family of Imran) informs us:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ
Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds.
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.
Note: Is Makkah بَكَّةَ? Please see note at the bottom of this post.
The Kaaba is the Qibla of the Muslims. All over the world, Muslims perform their contact prayers facing towards The Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia . Pilgrims circumambulate The Kaaba seven times. The pilgrimage to The Ancient House is also mentioned in Surah alHajj (The Pilgrimage) as:
وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ
وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ
لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ
ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ
حُنَفَاءَ لِلَّهِ غَيْرَ مُشْرِكِينَ بِهِ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَكَأَنَّمَا خَرَّ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَتَخْطَفُهُ الطَّيْرُ أَوْ تَهْوِي بِهِ الرِّيحُ فِي مَكَانٍ سَحِيقٍ
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ
لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَنَافِعُ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ مَحِلُّهَا إِلَى الْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ
And when We assigned* to Ibrahim (the) site (of) the House, "That (do) not associate with Me anything and purify My House for those who circumambulate and those who stand and those who bow, (and) those who prostrate.
And proclaim to [the] mankind [of] the Pilgrimage; they will come to you (on) foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every mountain highway distant.
That they may witness benefits for them, and mention (the) name (of) Allah on days known over what He has provided them of (the) beast (of) cattle. So eat of them and feed the miserable, the poor.
Then let them their prescribed duties and fulfil their vows, and circumambulate the House [the] Ancient."
That and whoever honors (the) sacred rites (of) Allah, then it (is) best for him near his Lord. And are made lawful to you the cattle except what is recited to you. So avoid the abomination of the idols and avoid (the) word false.
Being upright to Allah, not associating partners with Him. And whoever associates partners with Allah then (it is) as though he had fallen from the sky and (had) snatched him the birds, or had blown him the wind to a place far off.
That, and whoever honors (the) Symbols (of) Allah then indeed, it (is) from (the) piety (of) the hearts.
For you therein (are) benefits for a term appointed; then their place of sacrifice (is) at the House the Ancient.
[Al-Quran 22:26-33]
Note: I think * should be translated as: drew Abraham to the location of The House... Please read The Ancient House
Note: I think * should be translated as: drew Abraham to the location of The House... Please read The Ancient House
We know that this pilgrimage was being performed even in ancient times, as we read in Surah alQasas (The Story or The Narrative) that Moses' to-be father-in-law contracts with him service for 8-10 Hajjs (حِجَجٍ):
قَالَ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُنكِحَكَ إِحْدَى ابْنَتَيَّ هَاتَيْنِ عَلَىٰ أَن تَأْجُرَنِي ثَمَانِيَ حِجَجٍ فَإِنْ أَتْمَمْتَ عَشْرًا فَمِنْ عِندِكَ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَيْكَ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
He said, "Indeed, I [I] wish to marry you to one (of) my daughters (of) these two on that you serve me, (for) eight years Hajj (pilgrimages); but if you complete ten, then from you. And not I wish to make it difficult for you. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the righteous."
[Al-Quran 28:27, Translation edited in italics]
Though we don't think that the Bani Israel eventually made it to Mecca, to this day, each weekday morning, observant male Jews wear the tofatot (known as tefillin) as the sign of their Exodus:
וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָֽדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
And it shall be to you as a sign upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes, in order that the law of the Lord shall be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord took you out of Egypt
[Exodus 13:9]
And it shall be to you as a sign upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes, in order that the law of the Lord shall be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord took you out of Egypt
[Exodus 13:9]
The Totafot (tefillin) comprises of a black cube worn on the forehead, and the black strap wrapped around the arm seven times. As mentioned above, Muslims perform their contact prayers facing towards The Kaaba. Pilgrims circumambulate The Kaaba seven times, counterclockwise. The shape of the Kaaba is a cube, and it is traditionally draped in a black cloth.
Scriptural and historical sources inform us that the pilgrimage to the Ancient House has been going on ever since Abraham announced it, whether by monotheists or polytheists. Fighting has always been prohibited in the four sacred months, the purpose being, I believe, the safe travel of the pilgrims. It seems to be a well-known restriction that was being observed since ancient times. Surah atTaubah (The Repentance) begins with an advance notice of war, which is to commence after the four sacred months have passed. Then, in ayat 36-37, we read:
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَقَاتِلُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ كَافَّةً كَمَا يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ كَافَّةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ
إِنَّمَا النَّسِيءُ زِيَادَةٌ فِي الْكُفْرِ يُضَلُّ بِهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُحِلُّونَهُ عَامًا وَيُحَرِّمُونَهُ عَامًا لِّيُوَاطِئُوا عِدَّةَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ فَيُحِلُّوا مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ زُيِّنَ لَهُمْ سُوءُ أَعْمَالِهِمْ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ
Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].
Indeed, the postponing (is) an increase in the disbelief, are led astray by it those who disbelieve. They make it lawful one year and make it unlawful (another) year, to adjust the number which Allah has made unlawful and making lawful what Allah has made unlawful. Is made fair-seeming to them (the) evil (of) their deeds. And Allah (does) not guide the people - the disbelievers.
As discussed in The Prophesy, a final great war is expected to occur, in which the believers are expected to eventually win by the Grace of Allah. Believers of almost all religions expect their Messiah to come, and hope to win that great war. This will result in the correct religion being established over all other religions, globally. The following three ayaat, in Surah atTaubah (The Repentance), Surah alFath (The Victory) and Surah asSaff (The Battle Array), inform us that the True Religion must and will prevail over all religions:
هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
He (is) the One Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion (of) [the] truth, to manifest it over all religions. Even if dislike (it) the polytheists.
[Al-Quran 9:33]
هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا
He (is) the One Who (has) sent His Messenger with guidance and (the) religion, the true that He (may) make it prevail over the religions all. And sufficient is Allah (as) a Witness.
[Al-Quran 48:28]
هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
He (is) the One Who sent His Messenger with guidance and (the) religion (of) the truth, to make it prevail over the religion all of them, although dislike (it) the polytheists.
[Al-Quran 61:9]
At the time of the Exodus, the sea was parted to rescue the Believers, and to drown Pharaoh and his forces. Surah alMuzammil warns us of a day when the sky will break apart! Standing in prayer during parts of the night, studying The Quran, which contains the details of all things, will help remember our past and, understand and prepare for the future, and develop the patience to steadfastly endure whatever trials come our way. In Surah Ibrahim (Abraham), we read:
Surah alJathiyah (The Kneeling/Crouching) exhorts the Believers to forgive those who do not believe:
As Surah arRum (The Romans) warns and explains:
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِآيَاتِنَا أَنْ أَخْرِجْ قَوْمَكَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ وَذَكِّرْهُم بِأَيَّامِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ
And verily We sent Musa with Our Signs, that "Bring out your people from the darkness[es] to the light. And remind them of the days (of) Allah." Indeed, in that surely (are) the signs for everyone patient and thankful.
[Al-Quran 14:5]
Surah alJathiyah (The Kneeling/Crouching) exhorts the Believers to forgive those who do not believe:
قُل لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَغْفِرُوا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ أَيَّامَ اللَّهِ لِيَجْزِيَ قَوْمًا بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ
Say to those who believe (to) forgive those who (do) not hope (for the) days (of) Allah; that He may recompense a people for what they used to earn.
[Al-Quran 45:14 ]
As Surah arRum (The Romans) warns and explains:
فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ الْقَيِّمِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا مَرَدَّ لَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَصَّدَّعُونَ
مَن كَفَرَ فَعَلَيْهِ كُفْرُهُ وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِأَنفُسِهِمْ يَمْهَدُونَ
لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِن فَضْلِهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ
So set your face to the religion right, before [that] comes a Day not (can be) averted [it] from Allah. That Day, they will be divided.
Whoever disbelieves, then against him (is) his disbelief. And whoever does righteousness, then for themselves they are preparing,
That He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds (out) of His Bounty. Indeed, He (does) not like the disbelievers.
The last ayat of Surah alMuzammil lightens the task for the believers:
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ تَقُومُ أَدْنَىٰ مِن ثُلُثَيِ اللَّيْلِ وَنِصْفَهُ وَثُلُثَهُ وَطَائِفَةٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ مَعَكَ وَاللَّهُ يُقَدِّرُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ عَلِمَ أَن لَّن تُحْصُوهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ وَآخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَآخَرُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنْهُ وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Surely your Lord knows that you pass in prayer nearly two-thirds of the night, and (sometimes) half of it, and (sometimes) a third of it, and (also) a party of those with you; and Allah measures the night and the day. He knows that you are not able to do it, so He has turned to you (mercifully), therefore read what is easy of the Quran. He knows that there must be among you sick, and others who travel in the land seeking of the bounty of Allah, and others who fight in Allah's way, therefore read as much of it as is easy (to you), and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and offer to Allah a goodly gift, and whatever of good you send on beforehand for yourselves, you will find it with Allah; that is best and greatest in reward; and ask forgiveness of Allah; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
[Al-Quran 73:20, Translation: Shakir]
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Is Makkah بَكَّةَ?
There are various opinions about this:
Most scholars consider بَكَّةَ to be referring to Makkah, and believe it is the old name of the city.
Some differentiate between the two as Makkah being the name of the town/city, while Bacca (بَكَّةَ) being the place where the The Ancient House is located.
I remember reading online that some old maps of the region mark the place we now call Makkah (Mecca, Saudi Arabia) as Bacca (بَكَّةَ), though I can no longer find the reference.
Considering the ayaat of The Quran, and the various discussions online, and the shape of the tofatot (tefillin), I think Makkah is بَكَّةَ.
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There are various opinions about this:
Most scholars consider بَكَّةَ to be referring to Makkah, and believe it is the old name of the city.
Some differentiate between the two as Makkah being the name of the town/city, while Bacca (بَكَّةَ) being the place where the The Ancient House is located.
I remember reading online that some old maps of the region mark the place we now call Makkah (Mecca, Saudi Arabia) as Bacca (بَكَّةَ), though I can no longer find the reference.
Considering the ayaat of The Quran, and the various discussions online, and the shape of the tofatot (tefillin), I think Makkah is بَكَّةَ.
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Date of Exodus
Muharram is one of the four sacred months. It is said that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on the tenth of Muharram when he learnt that this is the date of the Exodus.
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Last updated on: August 18, 2021
