ItineraryP1

This schedule has been organised to include a range of activities alongside the core objective of making Ziyarah, and offering individual prayers at most places of worship. While the aim has been to set each day at a pace suitable for most people, group members are also encouraged to pursue other activities in and around the main tour itself.

Note: The nature and sequence of items may be subject to change. Lunch (or alternative meal) will also be served at suitable timings throughout the excursion. Insha-Allah the proposed plan is as follows:

Meet & and assist with overnight in hotel. Travellers may use this evening to familiarise themselves with local surroundings and purchase any last-minute essentials for the remaining journey.

Day 1 { Sunday 21 - 12 - 2008 }

The group will depart early morning for an extensive tour of the Old City following a brief talk on its historical and geographical importance. We will start by visiting tombs of three venerable Companions in Islam, before continuing for an external inspection of the magnificent Damascus Citadel. Walking on through the famous Souq Hamidiyeh and exploring its roman ruins, travellers will then arrive at the blessed graves of Shaykh Nur-ud-din Zungi and Sultan Salahadin Ayyoubi (two legendary figures of piety and true Islamic leadership). After concluding prayers here the group will go on to witness the beautiful shrine of Sayyida Ruqayyah, prior to a detailed visit and performance of afternoon prayers at the Grand Umayyad Musjid. Once arriving at this famous landmark, travellers will have the privilege of seeing fine examples of Islamic architecture alongside the following:

· Maqam of Prophet Yahya, Peace & blessings be upon him

· Minaret of Isa (Jesus), Peace & blessing be upon him

· The Treasury

· Many historical stations linked to the Ahle-Bayt

· Several other locations associated to respected personalities of Islam

The day will end following a visit of another famous Islamic figure, and an internal tour of the impressive ‘Azem Palace’.

*An evening lecture/Q&A session will also be held at the hotel

(optional).

Day 2 { Monday 22 - 12 - 2008 }

We will leave in the morning towards the well-preserved ‘Musjid Shuhada’, following this by an iconic viewing of the Musjid & burial grounds of Shaykh Ibn Arabi and several other personalities of Islam. After Zuhr prayers, brothers will be taken to the nearby resting place of Shaykh Abdul Ghani Nablusi before re-joining the group for a memorable trek up ‘Jabal Qasyoun’. On-route this sacred mountain travellers will have the honour of visiting:

· The Tomb of Prophet Dhul-Kifl, Peace & blessings be upon him

· Maqam of the 40 Abdals (mentioned in authentic Hadith)

· Prayer stations attributed to several respected Islamic figures

· The infamous ‘Cave of Blood’ (claimed to be the site of first murder in human history!!!)

· Also once reaching its summit, members will be rewarded with an amazing panoramic night view of the historical Damascus city

Whilst enjoying the backdrop of this spectacular scenery, travellers will then make their way down to conclude this eventful day by performing night prayers in one of Syria’s oldest Musajids (brothers only).

*An evening lecture/Q&A session will also take place at the

hotel (optional).

Day 3 { Tuesday 23 - 12 - 2008 }

This day will be spent travelling along the beautiful outskirts of Damascus and end with a spiritual night-view visit of the Sayyida Zainab shrine. Through our travels we will also cover the following holy sites:

· Tomb of Dihya al-Kalbi, the handsome Companion in whose form the Angel Gabriel (Peace be upon him) would regularly descend in

· Mausoleum of Hujr ibn Adi, buried alongside 5 other Companions

· The Ghouta region- scene of an impending prophecy foretold by our beloved Prophet, may Peace & blessings be upon him

*An evening lecture/Q&A session will also be held at the hotel

(optional)

Day 4 { Wednesday 24 - 12 - 2008 }

The group will leave Damascus early morning towards the ancient towns of Bosra and Nawa. Apart from being treated to the superb picturesque scenery of Syria’s countryside, other viewings planned for the day include:

· Tomb of Habil (Abel) son of Adam, Peace & blessings be upon them: according to some is also a Prophet of Allah and first grave on earth!!!

· The miraculous shrine of Imam Nawawi, author of many Islamic masterpieces including his renowned 40 Hadith collection

· Several other sites pertinent to early parts of the Prophetic Seerah and Islamic history such as Monk Bahira’s Cathedral, and the Mabrak an-Naqa (Knees of the Camel) Musjid

Travellers will also be given another opportunity to perform evening prayers in one of Islam’s oldest Musajids, before returning for an overnight stay in Damascus.

Day 5 { Thursday 25 - 12 - 2008 }