Hajji Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Battuta is one of the renowned travelers in the Islamic history and the world as well. Born in Tangier, Morocco in February 1304, Ibn Battuta set out on his voyage with the intention to perform Hajj in 1325 (725H) as a 21 year old. This eventually took him on a fascinating journey through the Muslim world of the 14th Century (8th Century Hijrah).
During a period of around 40 years he travelled through (what is today) more than 40 countries. It is estimated that he covered more than 120,000 kilometers by land. He traveled throughout the Muslim World and visited North Africa, West Africa, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China.
His intention to start the journey was for Hajj and during this period, he goes back to Makkah to perform Hajj repeatedly. Ibn Battuta's travelogue shows how the travelers were treated in those days and how the institution of Wakf catered for the travelers, especially those on their way to perform Hajj.
In his book "The Travels of Ibn Battuta" H.A.R Gibbs writes " ..Under these circumstances the brotherhood of Islam, which knows no difference of race or birth, showed at its best, and provided an incentive to travel unknown in any other age or community"
He goes on to say "It is evident from our narratives that in the great majority of the cases they were animated by the same spirit of kindliness and generosity that always marked the mutual relations of Muslims, and readily shared their resources with their fellow-travelers."
His travels were written down at the order of the Sultan, after his final return to Fez, and was written by Muhammed ibn Juzayy. In his opening ibn Juzayy writes
" Bismillah-hir-rahman-nir-raheem. Praise be to God, Who hath subdued the earth to his servants that they may tread thereon spacious ways,.....
.....A gracious command prescribed that he should dictate an account of the cities which he had seen on his journeys, of the interesting events which he retained in his memory and of the rulers of countries, leaned men and pious saints.....and that the humble servant Muhammed ibn Juzayy should unite the morsels of his dictation into a book which should......
.........Here begins the narrative of the Shykh Abu Abdallah {Ibn Battuta)"
It is indeed a fascinating travel story of all time. Get hold of a book on ibn Battuta's travels so that you can enjoy a great travel story set in the 8th century Hijrah.
Insha Allah today we are stating the launch of the modern day "City guide for the Muslim travellers" of the cities he passed through.
