“Why is this mosque called Masjid Aisha Al Hoshan?” a curious voice piped up from the back of the group. Masjid Aisha Al Hoshan, also known as Masjid at-Tan’eem, isn’t just any mosque. It holds a unique place in Islamic history, linked to the farewell Hajj of Prophet Muhammad. Aisha, the Prophet’s wife, couldn’t perform Umrah due to her menstrual cycle. After completing Hajj, she expressed her desire to perform Umrah. The Prophet advised her to go to Tan’eem, outside Mecca’s boundaries, to enter the state of Ihram. This journey and Aisha’s subsequent Umrah is why this mosque bears her name, Masjid Aisha Al Hoshan. It serves as a miqat, a designated place for pilgrims, especially those living in Mecca, to enter Ihram before performing Umrah. They travel to Masjid Aisha Al Hoshan, don the Ihram garments, and then return to Mecca, fulfilling the requirement of travel for the pilgrimage. It’s a crucial stop for those wishing to undertake Umrah while residing in Mecca.
Jabal `Ayr
Why was Jabal `Ayr called the “Mountain of Hell”? Here, at the foot of this imposing peak south of Medina,