| Satelite Images of the Holy Cities The following images are from www.spaceimaging.com. They are color satellite images of the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah using the highest resolution satelite imagery (1 meter IKONOS). Currently, spaceimaging.com (no affiliation to Islam.tc) is offering large 4MB downloadable images for a fee. If you’re interested in getting these, read the fine print: the agreement states that you give them full permission to see if you are using the image within the terms defined by the agreement. The images have faint watermarks not present in the purchased version.   Makkah, Via Satelite (1 meter IKONOS, Dec. 1999) Well, the watermark really is distracting, but you can easily make out the salient features of the Masjid al-Haram in brilliant white marble, and the surroundings: (1) The Holy Kabah (2) Well of Zam Zam, entrance (3) Mount al-Safaa (4) Mount al-Marwa (5) Barbers (6) More prayer area (red mats) (7) King’s palace. You don’t see it in many pictures, but it can’t hide from the satellite. There’s a solid concrete wall dividing the palace from the Masjid area. (8) Hotels and shops at street level. This particular one is Kughee’s, a favorite among the South African crowd. The green line is about the point from where you begin the circumbulation of the Holy Ka’bah (going counter-clockwise). At that point of the Ka’abah itself is the Black Stone, the Hajr-e-Aswad. On the other side, is a green light, as a marker.   Madinah, Via Satelite (1 meter IKONOS, Dec. 1999)Masjid-e-Nabawi, The Mosque of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him. The white marble brings out the Masjid easily against the dark terrain and surrounding buildings. (1) Masjidun Nabawi (2) Bab-e-Jibrael, The Gate of Jibrael (Angel Gabriel, the gate through which he entered). Be sure to enter the Majid through here to attain much reward on your visit, insha-Allah. And then, when you leave, leave through the adjacent door, passing the grave of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) where you may greet him. Buried here (between 2 and 3) are also Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radiallahu Anhu, and Hadhrat Umar Radiallahu Anhu. (3) the green dome of the Masjid (4) Jannatul Baqee. Here is the final resting place for many of the great companions (May Allah be pleased with them) of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. It borders the Mosque at the top, and down to the street at the bottom of the image where the 4 is located. (5) Shops, bazaars. (6) Hotels |