Rawda 2

Rawda – 2
The Garden of Paradise in the Heart

Rawda...
A soil bearing the footprints of the Prophet (PBUH),
a hidden garden of paradise in the city of mercy...
It stretches like a subtle secret between this world and the Hereafter,
a spiritual destination that carries the heart to a different realm.
One who steps into Rawda is, in truth, stepping into the center of their own heart—
awakening at the break of dawn in the deepest corners of their soul.

Even breaths turn into whispers here,
for at every step, the presence of the Messenger of Allah is felt.
This sacred section of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi)
is beyond all material measures—
like a river of divine light flowing into the inner world of a believer filled with faith.
It is the heart of the places where the Prophet lived, conveyed the message, and prostrated.
And that heart still beats,
still embraces his Ummah with compassion, despite the centuries that have passed.

The Secret of Drawing Near to Him

According to the people of Sufism, Rawda is outwardly a part of the Prophet’s Mosque,
but in reality, it is the center of the journey toward divine knowledge (ma'rifah).
For here, one enters into the presence of the Messenger of Allah—
it is the place of union (visal), of humility, and of love.
Sufis describe Rawda as "the gate of the heart opening to the Truth."

A worshipper prostrating in Rawda is, in essence, turning to Allah
while greeting His Prophet.
For the rank of the Prophet (PBUH) is the highest manifestation of mercy.
That is why Sufis believe that every prayer offered here becomes more refined,
and veils over the heart are lifted.
The silence of Rawda is the purest form of remembrance (dhikr);
every tear that falls carries the fragrance of paradise.

The Voice That Falls Into the Heart at Rawda

O Rawda,
You are a garden whose every leaf smells of paradise.
The shadow of the Messenger falls upon your soil.
And we, in the humility of being his Ummah,
bow our heads and fall silent in your presence.

O Rawda,
You are the qibla of love, the essence of prostration.
Here, hearts melt, tongues turn to remembrance,
eyes well up with tears, breaths begin to tremble...
For we know that the threshold of your presence
is the closest place to paradise for us.

A Traveler in Rawda

A traveler in Rawda forgets the flow of time.
They wish to remain in prostration,
and as they raise their hands in prayer,
their heart beats: "Yâ Rasûlallah!"
For they know that this place is more than a location—
it is a state of being.

To be purified under the shadow of mercy,
to be revived by his presence...

And the one who leaves this garden,
in truth, never leaves.
For Rawda takes root in the heart.
In every prayer, every salawat, every tear—
the fragrance of Rawda is felt once again...

Özer Akpınar
Researcher – Historian