Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 217
217 burial site. Abu Bakr and Umar, the first two Khalifas, are also buried here, alongside of the Prophet, permission having been given by the Prophet’s wife Ayesha, to whom the chamber belonged. The graves are enclosed within four walls and the only view of them may be obtained through a grille in the southern wall. This is a precaution both for safeguarding the graves and also against visitors indulging in any act or practice which might savor of ascribing a superhuman position to the Prophet or to his two companions buried next to him. The Prophet abhorred any act that bore even a semblance of deification, and he gave repeated expression to this feeling during his last hours. A visit to Medina is, like the pilgrimage itself, a deeply emotional experience. No ceremonial is involved. The visitor seeks as many opportunities as may be available to join in the services in the Prophet’s mosque, and also for supererogatory Prayers therein. During each visit to the mosque he prays for the Prophet, adding any other prayers and supplications that he may wish, standing as close to the grille or one of the walls enclosing the graves as he can approach, having regard to the number of other people seeking to do the same. At Medina the soul of the visitor is deeply conscious of the manifestation of the love of Allah for Muhammad, His servant and His Messenger. There he