The Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakech and was named after the amoravid sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106–1142), who expanded the city and its influence considerably.

The college was founded during the period of the Marinid (14th century) by the Marinid sultan Abu al-Hassan and allied to the neighbouring Ben Youssef Mosque.

The building of the madrasa, as it is now, was (re-)constructed by the Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib (1557–1574).

It is the largest Medrasa in all of Morocco.

In 1565 the works ordered by Abdallah al-Ghalib were finished, as confirmed by the inscription in the prayer room.

The Saadian tombs in Marrakech date back from the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603). The tombs were only recently discovered (in 1917) and were restored by the Beaux-arts service. The tombs have, because of the beauty of their decoration, been a major attraction for visitors of Marrakech.

Outside the building is a garden and the graves of soldiers and servants.

This was one of my favorite places too, although I was disappointed at how it really didn't look like Tombs.

There were Orange trees near each grave. There were fresh oranges on the ground.

The man who committed 99 Murders

On his 99th Murder
he heard someone say
"you'll be punished tomorrow
for the crimes you did today."
So he went to a man
who was respected and good
Told him what he'd done
would he be forgiven if he could?
The man shoook his head
and quickly he said
"Hell is made for people like you
God'll punish for the people you slew"
So the man said "oh well
if my final resting cell
is that fiery pit of hell
I might kill you as well"
But he still felt blue
With the fact that he knew
He was not worthy of Allah
And the tears fell down his face
As he felt out of place
In the house for Salah
Someone heard his weeping
"What painful secrets are you keeping?
Why are those your tears that are seeping
through your clothes?"

took this pic on Ummrah this summer.

">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwVmSoUVlBw]

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Folks, apparently it is winter here. But seeing is believing.

If you see a flurry of snow and decide to snap it, feel free to attach to show it here. Just click here to upload.

Being a Muslim

This life is a journey, and we must do our best to worship Allah alone, and follow the Sunnah of His beloved Messenger, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Narrated Mu'adh bin Jabal:
The Prophet said, "O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allah's Right upon His slaves is?" I said, "Allah and His Apostle know best." The Prophet said, "To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know best." The Prophet said, "Not to punish them (if they do so)."
Volume 9, Book 93, Number 470