Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W.) finished his prayer after offerings two rakat only. Dhul-Yaddain (R.A.) asked him whether the prayer had been reduced, or he had forgotten....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A)
Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W.) finished his prayer after offerings two rakat only. Dhul-Yaddain (R.A.) asked him whether the prayer had been reduced, or he had forgotten. The Prophet said, “Is Dhul-Yaddain speaking the truth?” The people said, “Yes.” Then Allah’s Apostle stood up and performed another two rakat and then finished prayer with taslim, and then said the takbir and performed a prostration similar to or longer than his ordinary prostrations; then he raised his head, said takbir and prostrated and then raised his head (Sahu prostrations).
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 91, Number 356
The ziggurat was a symbol of connection between the Earth and heaven
The term “ziggurat” is derived from the Akkadian word “ziqquratu,” which means “to build on a raised area.” This reflects the fundamental characteristic of ziggurats – they were built upon raised platforms to elevate them above the surrounding landscape, symbolizing their connection between Earth and the heavens.
Ziggurats were towering structures that served as religious and administrative centres in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in the Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian civilizations. These monumental, stepped pyramids were built with mud-brick and were among the most impressive architectural achievements of their time.
One of the most famous ziggurats is the Great Ziggurat of Ur, located near the ancient city of Ur in present-day Iraq. Constructed around 2100 BCE during the reign of Ur-Nammu, the ziggurat was dedicated to the moon god Nanna (also known as Sin in Akkadian). It consisted of a massive rectangular platform with three to four terraces, each smaller than the one below it, creating a stepped pyramid structure. At the top of the ziggurat was a temple where religious ceremonies and rituals were conducted.
The religious significance of ziggurats cannot be overstated. They were believed to be sacred structures where priests could commune with the gods and where offerings and sacrifices were made to ensure the prosperity and protection of the city and its inhabitants. The ziggurat served as a physical representation of the mythical “Mountain of the gods,” a concept present in many ancient Near Eastern cultures.
In addition to their religious functions, ziggurats also served as administrative centres. They were often located at the heart of cities and served as focal points for governance and trade. Surrounding the ziggurat were often other important buildings, such as administrative offices, storerooms, and workshops, further emphasizing their central role in urban life.
Over time, ziggurats fell into disrepair as ancient civilizations declined and were eventually abandoned. Many were plundered for their valuable building materials, leaving behind only remnants of their once-grand structures. However, their legacy lives on in the architectural and religious traditions of the ancient Near East, influencing later cultures and civilizations throughout history. Today, ziggurats stand as enduring symbols of the ingenuity and spirituality of ancient Mesopotamian societies.
