12/03/2025
Abdul Malik ibn Marwan asked a young man from among them,
"Do you find yourself longing for Madinah?"
The young man replied, "No."
Abdul Malik then said, "By Allah, if you were confined to the back of the Masjid after the night prayer, on a moonlit summer night, resting your head on the edge of your cloak, with a group of your companions engaging you in conversation, you would surely long for it."
This is a deeply nostalgic and evocative statement from Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, a powerful Umayyad caliph, highlighting the emotional and spiritual attachment one can develop to a place like Madinah, even if one does not initially feel it.
The Young Man’s Indifference, when asked if he misses Madinah, the young man gives a straightforward "no." His response suggests either a lack of emotional connection or that he has yet to experience something in Madinah that would make him yearn for it.
Abdul Malik’s response, instead of arguing, he paints a vivid picture—imagining a peaceful, intimate scene in Masjid An-Nabawi.
A moonlit summer night, which evokes a serene and calm atmosphere.
Resting in the masjid, wrapped in one’s cloak, symbolising comfort and familiarity.
The presence of companions, engaged in warm conversation, reflecting brotherhood and companionship.
This description touches on the essence of Madinah—a place of tranquility, companionship, and spiritual beauty. Abdul Malik suggests that if the young man ever truly experienced this, he would inevitably long for it, as such moments become cherished memories.
This highlights how experience shapes attachment. Sometimes, people don’t feel a connection to a place or a situation until they’ve lived through moments of beauty, serenity, and companionship within it.
