Episodes

  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XXII - The Saints' Cemetery, part 1

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XXII - The Saints' Cemetery, part 1
    Jun 29 2026
    In which the solemn reverence for the burial places of the Prophet’s close companions and family is tenderly recounted, leading to the preparations and anxious farewells accompanying the departure of the Damascus Caravan from Al-Madinah, through rugged terrain beset by natural hardships and the ever-present menace of desert robbers. The narrative gently unfolds the careful arrangements with local guides and the somber mood of parting pilgrims, capturing both the practicalities and the pious hopes that gird the beginning of this formidable pilgrimage journey.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XXI - The People of Al-madinah, part 2

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XXI - The People of Al-madinah, part 2
    Jun 29 2026
    In which the sanctity and solemnity of Al-Bakia cemetery in Al-Madinah are meticulously explored, revealing its countless revered graves, humble mausolea, and the deeply ingrained customs surrounding visitation and prayers for the departed. The narrative gently unfolds the historical and spiritual significance of the place, alongside the lively interactions of pilgrims, beggars, and custodians, evoking the austere yet profound atmosphere of this hallowed resting-ground.
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XXI - The People of Al-madinah, part 1

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XXI - The People of Al-madinah, part 1
    Jun 28 2026
    In which the learned traveller unfolds a detailed portrait of Al-Madinah’s diverse population, from venerable prophetic families to itinerant settlers, revealing their customs, social stratifications, dress, and peculiarities with a discerning eye. He then recounts the outbreak of tribal strife that thwarts his planned journey and leads to a solemn pilgrimage to the revered Saints’ Cemetery, where reflection on faith and mortality commences.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XX - The Visitation of Hamzah's Tomb, part 2

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XX - The Visitation of Hamzah's Tomb, part 2
    Jun 28 2026
    In which the evening illumination of the Harim presents a vivid tableau of diverse pilgrims engaged in devout ceremonies and poignant expressions of faith, notably the emotional Persian contingent whose sorrow and ire reveal deep sectarian tensions. The narrative gently observes the varied demeanours and interactions within the sacred precinct, capturing a moment rich in religious fervour and cultural complexity.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XIX - The Mosque of Kuba

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XIX - The Mosque of Kuba
    Jun 27 2026
    In which the humble act of inscribing a simple dedication within the white-walled Kubbat al-Sanaya serves as a quiet homage to faith, while the path leads to solemn blessings upon the Martyrs of Ohod, those noble souls honoured in sacred remembrance. The air is filled with reverent salutations, echoing the Koranic assurance of life beyond mortal sacrifice upon the venerable battlefield.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XX - The Visitation of Hamzah's Tomb, part 1

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XX - The Visitation of Hamzah's Tomb, part 1
    Jun 27 2026
    In which the pilgrimage continues through hallowed ground as the party enacts solemn ceremonies at revered sites, reflecting on the valor of past martyrs with due reverence. The narrative draws to a measured close at the Kubbat al-Masra, where respectful prayers conclude the observances with a blend of devotion and remembrance.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XVII - An Essay, part 2

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XVII - An Essay, part 2
    Jun 26 2026
    In which the author vividly describes the arid battlefield near Mount Ohod, where the martyrs of a historic encounter lie buried, and reflects upon the forbidding aspect of the mountain itself. He then recounts the solemn visit to Hamzah's Mosque, observing the local customs and prayers offered, while awaiting the custodial guardian to open the sacred site for pilgrims.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XVIII - Al-Madina

    Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah Chapter XVIII - Al-Madina
    Jun 26 2026
    In which the author reflects with a courteous tolerance upon the superstitions and venerable traditions of the Arabs, drawing parallels to similar beliefs across Europe, before describing his inspection of Hamzah's Mosque with its modest tombs and simple architectural features. He further relates his observations of the primitive Arab burial customs, a venerable shrine marked by the Prophet’s bloodied helmet, and the social reverences and small domestic scenes that reveal the delicate interplay of piety and human levity within this sacred milieu.
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins