Arrival of the Holy Prophet in Madinah

Upon the arrival of the Holy Prophet (sas) in Madinah, a huge group of people excitedly welcomed him outside the city. Naturally, every family wanted to host the Holy Prophet (sas) at their homes. The Holy Prophet (sas) rode in with Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) on a camel. They moved into the city slowly. Whenever they passed by Muslim homes, his followers enthusiastically invited the Holy Prophet (sas) in, promising him their protection and possessions. The Holy Prophet (sas) smiled at them and said prayers before proceeding further into the city, while Muslim women gathered on their rooftops and ardently started singing an Arabic poem that said:

The Full moon rose over us, from the valley of Wadaa, And it is incumbent upon us to show gratitude, for as long as anyone in existence calls out to Allah.

To celebrate this joyous day, young Muslim children ran around the streets of Madinah singing “Muhammad (sas) is here! The Messengers aw of Allah is here!” and servants demonstrated tricks from their swords. The procession finally reached the Najjaar family neighborhood. Laced with weapons, the Najjaar family lined up outside their homes to welcome the Holy Prophet and their women sang a welcome song, beating their tambourines:

We are girls of the Najjaar family! How lucky are we to have the Holy Prophet (sas) stay amongst us!1

When the Holy Prophet (sas) passed them, he smiled and said, “Dear girls! Do you hold me dear?” The girls unanimously replied, “Yes! Our beloved Prophet (sas)!” The Holy Prophet (sas) said, “I hold you dear as well!”

The Najjaar family was extremely ecstatic that day because the Holy Prophet (sas) had chosen Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansaari (ra), leader of the Najjaar family, as his host in Madinah. Since his great-grandmother belonged to the Najjaar, they held a prominent and respectable status in Madinah.