We shall mention statements of some sources on this point:1
1. Sincerity of intention and purity of conscience are necessary, because acts
will be rewarded on the basis of intention.2 Thus, in performing Ziyarat of
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), the visitor should have the intention of gaining
divine proximity and it is recommended that he should make an intention of
traveling to the Masjid of Prophet and to pray over there for seeking divine
proximity.
This point is quoted by Ibne Salah and Nawawi3 from the Shafeis and
Hanafite Shaykh, Kamal bin Hamam has narrated it from Hanafite teachers
2. One should continuously be eager for Ziyarat of that beloved.
3. Throughout the journey, he should continue to invoke divine blessings on
Prophet; on the contrary he should spend free times in acts that earn proximity.
4. While entering holy Medina, he should perform the ritual bath (Ghusl) at
the well of Harra, apply perfume and dress in the best of garments.
5. When the sanctuary becomes visible, he should become extremely humble
and sincere; recall its greatness and visualize the greatness and rank of Prophet
with awe, tranquility and dignity.
6. It is better that the visitor should enter from the gate of Jibraeel and the
practice of past people was that they entered from Babus Salam.
7. He should stand at the gate for a moment; like one, who wants to enter
into someone of importance and waits to take permission. Fakihi has mentioned
this in Husnul Adab4 and Shaykh Abdul Muti Thiqa has written in Irshadatus
Sunniya.5
8. One should neither raise the voice nor reduce it much; on the contrary it
should be moderate and speaking softly is a mark of respect to His Eminence
(s.a.w.a.). Qaazi Ayaz6 has narrated through his authorities from Ibne Hamid that:
Abu Ja’far – chief of believers – debated with Malik in the Prophet’s Masjid.
Malik said: O chief of believers, do not raise your voice in this Masjid, because
Allah, the Mighty and High has warned some people saying:
تَرْفَعُوٓا۟ أَصْوَٰتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ
“Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet.”7
And praised some people saying:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَٰتَهُمْ عِندَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ
“Surely those who lower their voices before Allah’s Apostle.”8
And condemned some people saying:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنَادُونَكَ مِن وَرَآءِ ٱلْحُجُرَٰتِ
“(As for) those who call out to you from behind the private chambers.”9
And his respect after his passing away is like his respect during his lifetime.
Thus, Abu Ja’far changed immediately and became humble and asked: “Should I
supplicate facing the prayer direction (Qibla) or the Messenger of Allah
(s.a.w.a.)?”
Malik said: “Why do you turn your face away from him while he is your
mediation and mediation of your father, Adam (a.s.) towards God on Judgment
Day? On the contrary, face him and make him as your intercessor, so that Allah,
the Mighty and High may accept your request. Allah says:
وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذ ظَّلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ جَآءُوكَ فَٱسْتَغْفَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا (٦٤)
“And had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked forgiveness of Allah…”10
Ziyarat of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
9. Scholars of the four schools of jurisprudence have consensus on the following version:11
“Peace be on you, O Prophet of God, and the mercy and blessings of God be
on you. I testify that you are the Prophet of God and you conveyed the message
of God and discharged the trust; advised the Ummah and struggled in the
command of God. Till Almighty Allah took away your most praised soul to
Himself. Then may Allah give you the best of rewards as compared to our young
and old and may He send the choicest and best blessings upon you. O God, make
our Prophet on Judgment Day as the most proximate of prophets and allow us to
drink water from his cup and grant us his intercession. Make us his companions
on Judgment Day. O God, do not make this our last Ziyarat of our Prophet and
allow us to return there again, O Owner of majesty and nobility.”