We are all aware of the unfortunate destruction of Islamic sites in Makka and al-Madīna al-Munawwara. Very few objects and relics remain from the earlier generations.

 

However, the white marble pillars next to the final resting place of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) still have a few lines of a famous poem inscribed upon it, dating back to the Ottoman times. This article will explain the beautiful story behind this poem, which involves a man called ‘Utbī. The reader will undoubtedly understand why our pious ancestors selected this poem to be associated with the blessed resting place of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him).