Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) rode a horse and fell down and the right side of his body was injured....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Anas bin Malik Al-Ansari (R.A):
Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) rode a horse and fell down and the right side of his body was injured. On that day he prayed one of the prayers sitting and we also prayed behind him sitting. When the Prophet finished the prayer with taslim, he said, “The Imam is to be followed and if he prays standing then pray standing, and bow when he bows, and raise your heads when he raises his head; prostrate when he prostrates; and if he says “Sami’a-l-lahu Liman hamida”, you should say, “Rabbana wa-laka-l hamd.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 12, Number 699
Undoubtedly the most photographed bridge in the world and a marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an iconic structure connecting the city of San Francisco and Marin County, California. It spans almost two miles across the Golden Strait, where San Francisco Bay opens to meet the Pacific Ocean.
Opened to the public in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was, at the time, the longest and tallest suspension bridge globally, measuring about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) in length. The distinctive “International Orange” colour of the bridge was chosen not only for its visibility in San Francisco’s frequent fog but also for its aesthetic appeal. The bridge’s towers soar to an impressive height of 746 feet (227 meters).
The engineering prowess behind the Golden Gate Bridge is attributed to Joseph Strauss, Charles Alton Ellis, and Irving Morrow. Chief engineer Joseph Strauss initially faced opposition to his conventional design, and it was the intervention of architect Irving Morrow that brought in the renowned Art Deco elements and the bridge’s overall elegant appearance. The final design, a graceful sweep of cables and towers against the backdrop of the bay, has since captivated millions.
Thousands of commuters and tourists traverse the bridge daily, whether by car, bicycle, or on foot, enjoying panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands. When the bridge was built in the 1930s, safety measures weren’t quite as stringent as they are now. Steps were taken to ensure the workers safety but not all accidents could be prevented. A safety net was suspended under the bridge to catch workers who fell and although it successfully saved 19 men, 11 weren’t so lucky and unfortunately lost their lives.
The bridge has been closed to traffic only three times in the first 75 years due to weather conditions. The longest closure in the Golden Gate’s history was on December 3, 1989, when wind currents reached 75 mph. Additionally, there have been full closures for anniversaries and construction work. There were also brief closures on two other separate occasions—the visits of dignitaries Franklin Roosevelt and Charles de Gaulle. It had to be shut down in 2014 when two black-tailed deer decided to cross it during the busy evening commute!
Despite the challenges posed by the region’s seismic activity and powerful ocean currents, the Golden Gate Bridge stands strong as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Its enduring allure continues to draw admirers from around the globe, making it one of the most recognized and beloved bridges in the world.
