7TH BATTALION, THE ROYAL MALAY REGIMENT (1953-1968) - 2059 PW11 MAAMOR BIN SUDIN

A historical account of the 7th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment where my late father served from 1946 - the late 1960s.

The Royal Malay Regiment began in 1 March 1933 with a small group called the 1st Experimental Company with 25 young Men chosen from1,000 people who wanted to join. This company started in Port Dickson led by Lt.Col. G.Mc Bruce and Captain K.G. Exham, and the Regiment Sergeant Major (RSM) was A.E.McCarthy and E.Oldfield served as its Quartermaster Sergeant.

When my late father joined in 1946, the Malay Regiment was in state of "Reconstruction". After the Japanese occupation, the British began expanding the regiment from its original pre-war strength of two battalions. 

The 7th battalion was formed on 1 October 1953 in Port Dickson. The first Commanding Officer was Lt. Col. A. Gordon, M.C. However, Lt. Col. Khalid Mohammad Yasin was the first Malay to command this battalion.

From its establishment until the late 1960s, 7 RAMDs were based in the following locations:

1.  1953 - 1954 : Port Dickson, N.S
2. 1954 - 1955 - Pahang
3. 1955 - 1956 - Kluang,Johor
4. 1957 - 1961 - Taiping Perak (I was born here 2nd July 1961)
5. 1962 - 1963 : Bukavu, Congo, Africa
6. 1963-1964 : Kem Sg. Besi, K.Lumpur
7. 1965-66 : Kem Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
8. 1966 -      : Tawau, Sabah

The 7th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (7 RAMD), today is known as Mechanized Battalion.

The Regiment was granted the "Royal" title by the First Yang DiPertuan Agong on April 9, 1958. 

MALAYAN EMERGENCY (1948-1960)

7 RAMD was involved in several operations during the Emergency in Malaya from 1948-1960):

• March 1954: involved in the operations at Sepang, Selangor
• 30 May 1955 : A platoon under Lt. Morris succeeded in killing a communist terrorist in Mengkarak.
• 6 October 1955 : Company B's subunit under Corporal 2876 Mohd Zain Ibrahim successfully killed a communist terrorist named Badur in Kajang, Selangor. He was awarded the Military Medal.
• 5 November 1955: Pte. 9469 Mohd.Sabu Mohd. Jusoh was killed in Action (KIA) at Sg.Pening Estate, Kajang, Selangor.
• 1 April 1956: Platoon 9 fought with communist terrorists in a swampy area where Pte. 7866 Jaafar was wounded.
• Throughout the Emergency, 7 RAMD successfully killed 4 communist terrorists, captured 2 and surrendered 2 more through operations conducted. The team lost one officer, 2 other ranks in 3 battles.

THE CONGO MISSION : GLOBAL RECOGNITION (1960-1963)

Shortly after gained independence in 1957, the 7th Battalion was selected to served under the United Nations in Congo (ONUC). They were sent to Africa to stabilise the country following the "Congo Crisis". My father and his comrades were some of the first Malaysian Soldiers to serve internationally. 

7 RAMD based in Taiping, Perak left the country on board the USNS Gen.R.M Blatchford on 17 February 1962 and arrived at Port Dar-es-Salam on 27 February 1962. The team was stationed in Bukavu, Congo.

The battalion was assisted by Malaysian military personnel from Squadron A, 1st Reconnaissance Regiment under the command of Major Harchand Singh.

During the service of 7 RAMD in Congo, the Battalion lost one member, Private 13560 Sionah bin Jantan, who died from drowning in the Bukavu River on 6 June 1962. The Battalion returned to the country on 8 January 1963.

17 February 1962 : passage to Congo

2059 WO2 Maamor Bin Sudin at Bukavu, Congo, Africa

The UN Medals received by my late father.

THE MALAYSIA-INDONESIA CONFRONTATION (1963-1966)

The Battalion were deployed to Tawau, Sabah during Confrontation to prevent incursions by Indonesian forces. 

The 7th Battalion was known for its expertise in long-range reconnaissance and deep-jungle patrols, skills honed during the decade-long Emergency.

Souvenir from a Gurkha soldier to my father when in Tawau, Sabah.

Khukri, a traditional Nepalese blade used by the Gurkha Army, was given as a souvenir to my late father during his tour at Tawau, Sabah. 

Photo collection from my father, provides a fascinating glimpse into the social life of British Officers and their families during the final years of colonial rule in Malaya. The image capture a "Grand Chritmas celebration" . 

Social gatherings like the one pictured served as a necessary psychological reprieve from the pressures of jungle warfare and the political uncertainty of the time.

British officers serving in the RMR were actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations against the Malayan Races Liberation Army (MRLA).

That's a brief summary of my late father's involvement with the 7th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment. Actually, there are many more stories he told me during his earlier life, memories of serving with the 7th RAMD.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

26 April 2026: 12.14 a.m

SANSKRIT'S INFLUENCE ON MALAY LANGUAGE

The relationship between Sanskrit and Malay is one of the most profound linguistic influences in Southeast Asia. While Malay belongs to the Austronesian language family and Sanskrit is Indo-European, centuries of cultural, religious, and trade exchange—particularly during the Srivijaya and Majapahit eras—led to a massive infusion of Sanskrit into Malay.

It is estimated that thousands of Malay words are derived from Sanskrit, covering everything from governance and philosophy to everyday objects.

1. Key Thematic Examples

The loanwords are often grouped by the "higher-order" concepts they introduced to the region.

Category	Malay Word	Sanskrit Origin	Meaning
Governance	Menteri	Mantrī	Minister
	Raja	Rāja	King
	Negara	Nagara	Country / City
Religion	Agama	Āgama	Religion
	Syurga	Svarga	Heaven
	Neraka	Naraka	Hell
Philosophy	Bahasa	Bhāṣā	Language
	Cinta	Cintā	Love / Thought
	Bakti	Bhakti	Devotion / Service
Anatomy	Kepala	Kapāla	Head
	Bahu	Bāhu	Shoulder
	Lidah	Jihvā (via Prakrit)	Tongue

2. Linguistic Evolution

When Sanskrit words entered Malay, they often underwent phonological or semantic (meaning) changes to fit the local context.

Simplification of Clusters: Sanskrit often uses complex consonant clusters that Malay simplifies.

• Skt: Sthāna (Place) - Malay: Istana (Palace)
• Skt: Bhāgya (Fortune) - Malay: Bahagia (Happy)

Semantic Shift: Sometimes the meaning narrowed or broadened.

• Upavāsa: In Sanskrit, this refers to a general religious fast. In Malay, it became Puasa, specifically used for the Islamic month of Ramadan.
• Sakti: In Sanskrit, it refers to divine feminine energy/power. In Malay, Sakti refers more generally to supernatural power or magic.

3. Suffixes and Prefixes

Malay also adopted Sanskrit "honorific" prefixes and suffixes that are still used today to create new terms (even modern ones):

• Maha- (Great): Mahasiswa (University student), Maharaja (Great King).
• -wan / -wati (Possessor of): Angkasawan (Astronaut), Sastrawan (Literary figure).
• Prawira / Wira (Hero): Perwira (Officer), Wira (Hero).

4. Cultural Legacy

Even though the Malay world shifted toward Islam in the 14th–15th centuries—introducing a heavy Arabic influence—the Sanskrit layer remains the "backbone" of formal and literary Malay. You can see this in the names of national institutions (e.g., Seri Paduka Baginda) and even the name of the currency in Indonesia (Rupiah, from the Sanskrit Rupya, meaning wrought silver).

References:

1. Reddit: Integration of Sanskrit Words into the Malay Language.
2. Scribd.com : Malay Words of Sanskrit Origin.
3. Ling.App : Malay Words From Sanskrit: A Linguistic Analysis with 20+ Vocabulary.
4. Wikipedia: Senarai kata Serapan dari Bahasa Sanskrit dalam Bahasa Melayu. 

C&P

25 April 2026: 10.51 a.m

PALAVVA SCRIPT AND EARLY MALAY LANGUAGE

The Pallava script (also known as Pallawa) is an ancient South Indian writing system that served as the foundational "mother script" for almost all modern Southeast Asian alphabets, including the earliest forms of the Malay writing system.

Here is a breakdown of what the script is and how it shaped the history of the Malay people.

1. What is the Pallava Script?

• Origin: It originated from the Pallava Dynasty of Kanchipuram (South India) around the 4th century CE.
• Ancestry: It evolved from Brahmi, the ancient script of India.
• Mechanism: It is an Abugida, meaning each consonant has an inherent vowel (usually "a"). To change the vowel or remove it, you add small marks (diacritics) to the main letter.
• Aesthetics: The script is known for its beautiful, flowing, and rounded strokes. This circular nature evolved because people originally wrote on palm leaves; straight horizontal lines would have caused the leaves to tear along the grain.

2. The Connection with the Malays

The Pallava script is the first known writing system used for the Malay language. Before the arrival of Islam (and the Jawi/Arabic script) or Europeans (and the Roman/Rumi alphabet), the Malays wrote using Pallava.

A. The Birth of "Old Malay"

The earliest surviving evidence of the Malay language is written in Pallava script. These artifacts date back to the Srivijaya Empire (7th–11th century CE), a powerful Malay maritime kingdom based in Sumatra.

Key historical inscriptions include:

• Kedukan Bukit Inscription (683 CE): Found in Palembang, it describes the journey of a King (Dapunta Hiyang) to establish a kingdom. It is the oldest known document in the Malay language.
• Talang Tuwo Inscription (684 CE): Describes the creation of a park (Sriksetra) for the public good.
• Kota Kapur Inscription (686 CE): A "curse" stone intended to warn those who might rebel against Srivijaya.

B. Linguistic Influence

Because Pallava was originally designed for Sanskrit and Pali, its use led to a massive influx of Sanskrit loanwords into the Malay language. Words we still use today, like raja (king), negeri (state), bahasa (language), and setia (loyal), entered the Malay vocabulary during this era.

C. Evolution into Local Scripts

Over time, the Pallava script didn't just disappear; it "localized." It evolved into several descendant scripts across the Malay Archipelago:

• Kawi Script: A more specialized "Old Javanese" script that was also used for Old Malay.
• Rencong and Rejang: Indigenous scripts used in parts of Sumatra.
• Baybayin: The ancient script of the Philippines.

Summary Table

Feature	Pallava Era (c. 4th–10th Century)
Primary Use	Royal decrees, religious texts, stone inscriptions.
Language	Old Malay (mixed with heavy Sanskrit).
Media	Stone (Prasasti), copper plates, and palm leaves.
Legacy	Provided the first literary structure for the Malay language.

In short: Without the Pallava script, we wouldn't have a written record of the early Malay civilizations. It was the tool that transformed Malay from a purely spoken language into a language of government, law, and high culture.

References:

1. Mind Map AI: History of Malay Writing Sysems Evolution
2. Scroll.In: The Journey of Pallava Script from Tamil Naidu to South East Asia.
3. Reddit: Script Spotlight - Grantha and Pallava
4. BiblioAsia: Unveiling Secrets of the Past Through the Passage of Malay Scripts.
5. Reddit : The Sound of the Old Malay Language (Kedukan Bukit and Kota Kapur Inscription - 7th - 14th century.

C&P

25 April 2026:10.26 a.m

ASIA TENGGARA DULU DIKENALI SEBAGAI KEPULAUAN MELAYU DALAM PETA ABAD KE-16

Sumber: PERTIWI

BANGI, 15 RABIULAKHIR – Orang Melayu tidak pernah menjadi ‘pendatang’ dan pihak yang membuat dakwaan sedemikian jelas sekali tidak memahami sejarah negara atau rantau ini, kata Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Murad Merican.

Profesor Sejarah Sosial dan Intelektual di Institut Antarabangsa Pemikiran dan Tamadun Islam (ISTAC), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) itu berkata, untuk memahami perkara itu, orang ramai perlu ketahui terlebih dahulu maksud disebalik nama Malaysia di rantau ini serta identitinya sebagai negara bangsa.

Menurut beliau, istilah Malaysia yang merujuk kepada pulau-pulau Melayu sebenarnya telah wujud dalam peta-peta abad ke-17 yang dilakarkan oleh orang Itali dan Perancis yang mana namanya ditulis sebagai Malesia.

Malah, beliau berkata, istilah kepulauan Melayu juga digunakan oleh sarjana dan sejarawan Amerika sejak 1800 dalam beberapa buku sejarah sebagai merujuk ke rantau ini.

“Dalam sejarah Britain, mereka menyebut Malaya, mereka tidak sebut Malaysia. Yang menggunakan istilah Malaysia selain daripada Perancis dan Itali ialah sarjana dan sejarawan Amerika.

“Malaysia. ‘Sia’ dalam bahasa Latin merujuk kepada pulau. Jadi Malaysia yang disebut dari abad ke-17 itu merujuk kepada rantau Melayu sebelum negara bangsa Malaysia diwujudkan.

“Jadi, itu adalah identiti. (Ini menunjukkan) identiti Malaysia telah wujud berkurun lamanya,” katanya kepada TV Pertiwi.

Mengulas lanjut, Prof Murad berkata, kewujudan identiti ini juga diperkukuhkan dalam kalangan para sarjana yang memerhati dan mengkaji intipati Melayu di rantau ini termasuk daripada aspek bahasa yang dipertuturkan.

Menurut beliau, asal usul identiti Melayu itu telah wujud sekitar 2,000 hingga 3,000 menerusi prasasti batu-batu bersurat seperti yang dikaitkan dengan Kedah Tua, di Sumatera dan Pulau Borneo.

Jelas Prof Murad, meskipun ia ditulis dalam huruf kawi atau jawa kuno selain penemuan skrip huruf palava dan nagari yang berasal dari India, namun bahasa yang digunakan ialah bahasa Melayu.

“Jadi jangan kita keliru di antara skrip dan bahasa. Ia bukan bahasa tamil ataupun bahasa sanskrit. Skrip itu bahasa Melayu. Jadi itulah asal usul bahasa Melayu dan itu merupakan kewatanan rantau ini.

Malaysia sebagai negara bangsa.

Mengulas mengenai satu lagi perspektif identiti Malaysia sebagai negara bangsa, Prof Murad berkata, idea itu sebenarnya mula tercetus sejak 1948 sebelum ia direalisasikan menerusi pembentukan sebuah negara antara Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak – dan Singapura untuk seketika waktu.

Beliau berkata, idea itu dicetuskan oleh Allahyarham Tun Ghazali Syafie ketika beliau sedang melanjutkan pelajaran di University of Wales di Aberystwyth yang mana beliau mengkaji undang-undang Welsh, Inggeris dan Scottish.

“Justeru, beliau mendapati terdapat tiga sistem undang-undang yang wujud dalam satu entiti dengan konsep Persekutuan dan beliau menasihati Tunku Abdul Rahman – Perdana Menteri Malaysia pertama.

“Ini permulaan kepada Malaysia sebagai negara bangsa. Istilah Malaya antara 1957-1963 itu sebenarnya bermaksud Malaysia dan intipati induk Malaya itu ialah Malaysia ataupun gagasan Malaysia yang muncul dalam sejarah, budaya dan geografi pada abad ke-16, ke-17 itu induknya ialah Semenanjung (Malaysia).

“Dari situ kita dapat lihat bahawa induk Malaysia ialah orang Melayu sebab orang Melayu telah wujud di ‘dunia’ ini dan tidak pernah menjadi pendatang.

“Ini penting sebab apabila dikatakan orang Melayu sama pendatang seperti Cina dan India, itu tak betul,” jelas beliau.

Justeru, Prof Murad berkata, sebelum wujudnya unit-unit politik di rantau ini, telah wujud entiti geografi, sejarah, budaya sebagai satu gagasan kolektif memori, pengalaman antara rumpun Melayu di kepulauan Melayu.

“Apabila (rantau) ini diduduki oleh bangsa Melayu, maka kita tak boleh katakan bahawa orang dari Jawa telah merentasi Indonesia ke Malaya.

“Mereka merantau bukan hanya orang Minangkabau, orang Jawa, orang Bugis, tetapi terdapat satu rangkaian perantauan dalam ruang geografi kepulauan Melayu. Itulah tanah air,” tambah beliau.

C&P

24 April 2026: 6.36 p.m

DOWN MEMORY LANE: MEKKAH AL MUKARRAMAH

Mekkah or Mecca (officially Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the holiest city in Islam, located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. The birthplace of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and the site where the first revelations of the Quran occured. 

The city is centered around Al Masjid Al Haram (The Grand Mosque), which encloses the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure that Muslims worldwide face during their five daily prayers. 

Every year during Hajj Season, Mekkah welcomed 19.3 million international visitors for Hajj Pilgrims, making it one of the world's most visited cities.

Mekkah is considered a sacred sanctuary, only Muslims are permitted to enter the city. 

Mekkah in 2012 (during Umrah)

Areej Al Falah Hotel where I and my Umrah group stayed in 2015. Sometimes spelled Arij Al-Falah, was an active economy accommocation for pilgrims in Mekkah, situated on Ibrahim al-Khalil Road in the Ash Suhubaikah district. 

The hotel was approximately 200 to 400 meters from the Masjidilharam, roughly a 5-8 minute walk.

Mekkah in 2015 (during Umrah)

Abraj Al-Janadriyyah in 2017 (during Hajj)

During my Hajj in 2017, I stayed at Abraj Al-Janadriyyah, a primary accommodation and the headquarters for the Malaysian Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) during the Hajj season. In 2017, it housed multiple maktabs (accommodation groups) for Malaysian pilgrims including Maktab 74,75 and 87 (my group).

Mekkah in home to several iconic landmarks, primarily centered around the spiritual heart of Islam, Masjid al-Haram,but extending to historical mountains, cultural districts and modern architectural marvels. 

Kindly refers to my blog on my Journey of Faith (Hajj 2017)

1. Journey of Faith : Abraj Al Janadriyyah (2017)
2. Journey of Faith: Wuquf at Arafah
3. Journey of Faith: Muzdalifah
4. Journey of Faith: Mina, Mekkah
5. Journey of Faith : Rami Al-Jamarat
6. Journey of Faith: Tawaf Ifadah & Saie and Tawaf Wida
7. Journey of Faith: Mekkah and Masjidilharam
8. Journey of Faith: Madinah & Prophet Mosque
9. Journey of Faith : Mekkah Tours (2017)
10. Journey of Faith : Madinah Tours (2017) 
11. My Travel Info : The Red Sea & Masjid Ar Rahmah, Jeddah
12. Hajj Guide: Step by Step Guide to performing Hajj
13. Pilgrimage to Mecca: The Journey of a Lifetime

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

21 April 2026: 2.09 a.m

References:

1. Britannica : Mecca
2. Rustic Pathways : 7 Special Fun Facts About Makkah (Mecca Facts)
3. Book My Umrah : Top Must-Visit Places to Visit in Makkah for Every Pilgrim
4. Dream Ziarah : Famous Places in Makkah that Inspires Faith, History and Reflection

DOWN MEMORY LANE: AL-ANWAR MADINAH MOVENPICK HOTEL (2017)

Reference: Agoda.com

This hotel was our accommodation (Maktab 87) while we were in Madinah during the 2017 Hajj Season.

The hotel was recognised as the largest hotel in Madinah, featuring 1,207 rooms and suites. It was the closest property to the Ladies' Prayer Entrance of the Prophet's Mosque, making it a preferred choise for famiies and female travelers. It was highly regarded for its proximity to Masjid Al Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque).

Directly linked to a shopping mall in the center of the commercial district, providing immediate access to retail and dining. 

It offered a vast selection of rooms, including Classic, Executive and various luxury suites like the Ambassador and Royal Suites. Restaurants available offering a mix of International, traditional Saudi and Asian cuisines. 

The hotel was built in 2003 and underwent a significant renovation in 2008. 

References:

1. Movenpick : Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick
2. Wikipedia: Movenpick Hotels & Resorts

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

20 April 2026: 7.14 pm

DOWN MEMORY LANE: KURMA FARM AT MADINAH

Kurma Farm at Madinah during Umrah in 2012

Kurma Farm at Madinah during Umrah in 2015

Kurma Farm at Madinah during Hajj in 2017

Visiting a Kurma (Date) Farm in Madinah is a highlight for many travelers, offering a peaceful break from the city and a chance to taste the world’s most famous dates right at the source.

Here are the most popular farms and experiences you should know about:

1. Popular Farms to Visit

• Aliat Al-Madinah (Al-Alia Farms): Located just a few kilometers south of the Prophet's Mosque, these historical farms are highly significant. This area is mentioned in Islamic history and produces some of the finest Ajwa dates. It’s a great spot for walking through dense palm groves and learning about traditional irrigation.
• Kebun Kurma Abu Faisal: A very popular "tourist-friendly" farm. While it has fewer trees compared to industrial farms, it features a massive market. It is famous for its hospitality—you can sample almost every variety of date, chocolate-covered nut, and "date milk" before buying.
• Al Marbad Farm: Often included in cultural and history tours, this farm offers a more curated experience where guides explain the cultivation process from pollination to harvest.

2. The Experience

• Sampling: Most farms allow you to try different varieties for free. Don’t miss the Ajwa (the "Prophet’s Date"), Safawi, and Sukkari (the "Sugar Date").
• Dining: Many farms have small cafes or stalls. Interestingly, some farms in the area (like Abu Faisal) are known for serving Indonesian Bakso or local tea, catering to the large number of international pilgrims.
• Harvest Season: If you visit between July and September, you might witness the actual harvesting of the fruit.

3. Famous Madinah Dates

When you're at the farm, look for these specific varieties:

• Ajwa: Small, dark, and matte. It’s the most prized date in Madinah for its health benefits and spiritual significance.
• Safawi: Dark brown and chewy, often compared to Ajwa but more affordable.
• Mabroom: Longer and slender with a firmer, fibrous texture.
• Sukkari: Golden and extremely sweet; these are often eaten "fresh" (Rotab) or dried.

Tips for Visiting:

• Transport: Most farms are a 10–15 minute drive from the Haram. You can take a taxi/Uber or join a "Ziyarah" (tour) bus that usually stops at a farm after visiting Masjid Quba or Mount Uhud.
• Pricing: While prices at farms are generally fair, always check the city’s Central Date Market (Souq Al Tumour) if you are looking to buy in very large quantities (kilograms for export).
• Samples: Feel free to ask to taste! It’s part of the culture. Just remember that "fresh" dates (Rotab) usually need refrigeration, so if you're traveling home, stick to the dried varieties.

References:

1. The Haramayn Guide: Types of Dates & Their Benefits.
2. Evendo.com: Discover the Wonders of Ajwa Farm - A unique Tourist Attraction in Madinah
3. Wanderlog : Kebun Kurma Abu Faisal

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

20 April 2026: 10.42 a.m

DOWN MEMORY LANE: MASJID QUBA, MADINAH

Masjid Quba during Umrah in 2015

Masjid Quba during Hajj in 2017

Masjid Quba is the first mosque ever built in Islamic history. Established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the 7th century immediately following his migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah, its foundation was laid on the very first day of his arrival.

Religious & Historical Significance

• The Reward of Umrah: The Prophet (PBUH) stated that whoever purifies themselves at home (performs wudu) and then offers two rakahs (units) of prayer in Masjid Quba will receive a reward equivalent to performing an Umrah.
• Prophetic Tradition: It was the Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to visit this mosque every Saturday, either walking or riding, to pray there.
• Qur'anic Mention: The mosque is widely believed to be the one referred to in the Qur'an (9:108) as being "founded on righteousness from the first day".

Features & Architecture

The modern structure is a masterpiece of white marble and classic Islamic design.

• Originally established in the quarter of Bani Amr bin Awf, Quba Mosque has been carefully preserved and expanded across centuries. 
• Current Capacity: The mosque currently accommodates approximately 20,000 worshippers.
• Design: It features four minarets and a large central courtyard. The roof is adorned with 54 domes of various sizes, with the largest one positioned over the mihrab area.
• Amenities: Recent upgrades as of 2025/2026 include over 100 new water fountains, modernized restrooms, and large automated umbrellas in the courtyard to provide shade for pilgrims.

The King Salman Expansion Project

Under Saudi Vision 2030, the mosque is undergoing its largest expansion in history.

• Goal: The project aims to increase the mosque's area to 50,000 square meters—roughly 10 times its previous size—allowing it to hold up to 66,000 worshippers.
• Preservation: The expansion includes the restoration of 57 historical sites in the surrounding area, including ancient wells, farms, and orchards connected to the life of the Prophet.

Visitor Information

• Location: Situated in the Quba district, about 3 to 5 kilometers south of the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi).
• Best Time to Visit: It is exceptionally busy on Saturday mornings due to the Prophetic tradition, but it remains a primary destination for pilgrims throughout the week.
• New Addition: A new museum titled "Alsirah" (Prophetic Biography) is now located in the square in front of the mosque (admission is 20 riyals).

References:

1. MITT Hijrah: Kenali Masjid Quba - Masjid yang dibina dengan tangan Rasulullah
2. Visit Saudi: Quba Mosque
3. Hijah ZHajj Numrah : Top 20 Historical Mosques in Madinah
4. Wikipedia : List of mosques in Saudi Arabia

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

20 April 2026: 10.22 a.m

DOWN MEMORY LANE: MADINAH & MASJID NABAWI

Madinah in 2015 during Umrah

Bazaar in Madinah in 2012 and 2015 during Umrah

Mosque at Madinah in 2017 (during Hajj)

MADINAH AL MUNAWWARRAH

Madinah (officially Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the "Enlightened City") is the second holiest city in Islam and was the first capital of the Islamic state. Historically known as Yathrib, it became the "City of the Prophet" after Muhammad's migration (Hijrah) from Mecca in 622 CE.

Masjid Nabawi in 2015 (Umrah)

Masjid Nabawi during Hajj in 2017

THE PROPHET MOSQUE

Masjid Nabawi (the Prophet' Mosque) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, the second holliest site in Islam and one of the largest mosques in the world. Originally built by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. himself in 622 C.E after his migration from Mekkah, it has served as a religious, social and political heart for the Muslim community for over 1,400 years.

Key Sacred Area of the Mosque

1. The Green Dome: iconic landmark, marks the resting place of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. He is buried there alongside his closest companions and first two caliphs of Islam, Saidina Abu Bakar as-Siddiq and Saidina Umar Al-Khattab. 
2. Rawdah al-Jannah: located between the Prophet's tomb and his pulpit (mimbar), according to Hadith, it is a "garden from the gardens of Paradise."
3. The Mimbar: the pulpit from which the Prophet delivered his sermons. 

Over centuries the mosque has expanded from a simple-air-structure to a massive architectural marvel that can now host over one million worshippers.

The Modern Features and Capacity:

1. 250 Rectractable Umbrellas: giant automated umbrellas shade the courtyard from the intense heat. 
2. Sliding Domes: it features 27 sliding domes that open to allow natural light and ventilation. 
3. Advanced Infrastructure: the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to receive electricity and now features sophisticated cooling and water. 

Spiritual Significance

• Multiplied Rewards: Praying a single prayer in Masjid Nabawi is believed to carry the reward of 1,000 prayers in any other mosque, except for Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
• Always Open: The mosque is generally open 24/7 for visitors and worshippers regardless of the time or season.

THE PROPHET'S GRAVE

Wikipedia : Green Dome

The Prophet’s Grave (also known as the Sacred Chamber or al-Hujra al-Nabawiyya) is located in the southeastern section of Masjid Nabawi in Madinah. It marks the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his two closest companions and the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq and Umar ibn al-Khattab.

The grave is situated exactly where the Prophet (PBUH) passed away, in the house of his wife Aisyah R.A. 

The iconic Green Dome (al-Qubbah al-Khadra) was built directly above the chamber.

Makam Rasulullah in 2015 (Umrah)

Makam Rasulullah during Hajj in 2017

JANNAT AL BAQI

Jannat Al Baqi or the Garden of Baqi is the oldest and first Islamic cemetery in Medina, located immediately to the southeast of Masjid Nabawi. Established by Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, it serves as the final resting place for approximately 10,000 companions (Sahaba), members of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his wives.

Jannat Al Baqi during Umrah in 2015

Jannat Al Baqi in 2017 (during Hajj)

SOKAIFAT BANI SAEDAH

Sokaifat Bani Saedah (also known as Saqifah Bani Sa'idah) is a historic site in Madinah located just a short walk northwest of Masjid Nabawi. It is most famous for being the place where the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gathered immediately after his passing to discuss and decide on the future leadership of the Muslim community.

This site is where the companions, including both the Ansar (the local helpers of Madinah) and the Muhajirun (the migrants from Mekkah), held their first political dialogue after the Prophet's death. It was at this location that Saidina Abu Bakar as-Siddiq was chosen and received the initial pledge of allegiance to become the first Caliph of Islam. 

PROPHET MARKET

The Prophet's Market (historically known as Souq al-Manakhah or Souq al-Nabi) was the first Islamic marketplace established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah. After the Hijrah, he personally designated this area to create a fair, tax-free economic system that broke the monopolies of existing markets.

Madinah is served by the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport located off Highway 340. 

Airport at Madinah in 2015 (Umrah)

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

19 April 2026: 10.47 p.m