When we travel to a certain destination, we typically gain both new experiences and useful knowledge. Especially for Muslim travelers, you have the opportunity to enjoy a vacation while learning about a country with a fascinating Islamic history. Now I would like to take you to a country with Islamic heritage and a rich history within every corner. This country is Jordan. It is recognized as a religious tourism destination, and its Islamic past will astound anyone who visits.
Apart from that, did you know Jordan has over 100,000 unique and historically significant archaeological sites? I assure you that your vacation will be more meaningful and unique because you will not only be traveling but also contemplating every historical trace left behind.
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Do you know the story of Ashabul Kahfi? Yes. The narrative of the seven companions who hid in this cave is an important piece of Islamic history. They hid due to death threats from King Diqyanus' troops, who ordered his people to stop worshiping Allah SWT. Have you ever wondered where the cave is located?
This cave is in Jordan, located east of the city of Amman. From the city center, you will travel 10 km to reach a village called Al-Rajib Village. Once you get there, you will find a magnificent mosque building above the cave called Al-Kahfi Mosque.
When you enter the cave area, you will find seven graves believed to be those of the young Ashabul Kahfi. In addition, you will find ruins of buildings from the Byzantine era. This place holds significant historical value, especially as part of Islamic history.
'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf or Abdul Rahman bin Auf was one of the eight people who first converted to Islam. He was also a friend of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, who was famous for his generosity and courage in defending Islam. 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf is also one of the first ten people who will enter Heaven. In Jubaiha, precisely in Amman City, there is the Shrine of 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf. When you visit, you can explore the architectural beauty of the mosque building, which is surrounded by trees, giving the impression of a very comfortable and peaceful place.
Image Credit: بلال الدويك, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Do you know Abu Ubaidah Amer ibn al-Jarrah? Abu Ubaidah was also from the Assabiqunal Awwalun group, the group of people who first embraced Islam. He was one of the most trusted friends of the Prophet Muhammad and was, of course, guaranteed to enter Heaven. Throughout his life, Abu Ubaidah often received important assignments from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
The Abu Ubaidah Amer ibn al-Jarrah mosque complex is located in Al-Aghwar Al-Wustha. This location is 65 kilometers from Amman City. This mosque complex contains multiple stunning buildings and the mausoleum of Abu Ubaidah.
The building also contains the Islamic Community of Abu Ubaidah Amer ibn al-Jarrah. Upon arrival, you can explore and learn about its historical significance while enjoying the comforts of the mosque complex.
Amr bin Abi Waqqas was the brother of the Muslim army general Saad bin Abi Waqqas. It is known that Amr bin Abi Waqqas was the first convert to Islam after ten people who converted to Islam. Amr bin Abi Waqqas died during the Yarmouk war.
You can trace the footsteps of Islamic history from the Prophet's companions by visiting his mosque called the Mosque of Amr bin Abi Waqqas. This mosque is located in Waqqas Al-Aghwar Ash-Shimaliyyah City. From Amman City, this mosque is approximately 91 km away.
Image Credit: Effib at Hebrew Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Have you ever heard about the Yarmouk War? This was a conflict between the Romans and the Arabs that lasted during the seventh century. This conflict marked the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire in Syria. This war was known as the Yarmouk War because it took place near the Jordan Valley, specifically the Yarmouk River.
This war is certainly an important and very influential historical one in Islam. To explore the Site of Battle Yarmouk directly, you can visit Jordan Valley. There, you can walk along the Al-Yarmouk Battleground Viewpoint.
The Mut'ah War was a conflict between Muslim soldiers and Roman Christian soldiers in 629 AD. It is known that in this war, the Roman troops at that time numbered 200,000 while the Muslim troops only numbered 3000. This war took place in the city of Mut'ah, near the Jordan River and Al-Karak. In this war, three commanders died, namely Zaid bin Haritsah, Ja'far bin Abu Talib, and Abdullah bin Rawahah.
When you visit the Mut'ah area, you can make a pilgrimage to the grave of the Mujahids of the Mut'ah War, located precisely in Al-Mazar Al-Janubi City, in Karak.
In Jordan, there is also a museum of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, located in the city of Amman. This museum stands next to the King Hussein bin Talal Mosque. This museum has a beautiful building with a small dome on top, adding a very beautiful impression to anyone who sees it.
Of course, once you finally visit this place, you will gain important historical knowledge that is very valuable. This is because this museum stores historical objects related to the Prophet, ranging from an original copy of the letter written by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, which was sent to Heracleus, to one of the strands of the Prophet Muhammad's hair.
The King Hussein Mosque itself, is also a popular place to visit and pray. With grandiose decorations and intricate architecture, it is one of the must-visit sights in Jordan.
Did you know that Jordan has a mosque erected during the caliphate of Uthman bin Affan, a trusted friend of the Prophet Muhammad SAW? Yes. Around 650 AD, Caliph Uthman bin Affan erected the mosque, which is now known as 'The Ayla Mosque'.
Aside from that, the Ayla Aqaba area was the first Islamic city outside the Arabian Peninsula. When you visit, you can learn about the history of the time and see many Byzantine artifacts to expand your understanding.
Cover Image Credit: Hisham Zayadneh on Unsplash
