|
Where It's At
The city of Salalah, located in the south of Oman,
is beautifully situated between coconut plantations and banana
groves, extending along a coast with pristine beaches.
It is here, amidst the breath-taking scenery, where Job's
Tomb can be found, nestled in the mountains. After a 40-minute
drive through winding roads and picturesque valleys, the grave
of the prophet is located in a small house near a mosque.
What's the History of Job's Tomb?
Known in these parts as Nabi Ayoub, Job was the hero
of the biblical Book of Job. According to the Bible,
Job was a man of such devotion, that Satan was allowed by
God to test his faith.
Job's children were killed, his possessions destroyed and
he was afflicted with a plague from head to toe. But to the
displeasure of Satan, Job had not expressed anger at God nor
questioned his undying devotion.
Eventually Job was rewarded by God for his steadfastness,
giving to him even more possessions than he had previously
had. Job died an extremely wealthy man, with many camels and
children. Job's tomb in Salalah is where this biblical hero,
revered by Muslims, Jews and Christians worldwide, is said
to have been laid to rest.
What's There to See and Do?
Just outside the house where his tomb lay, visitors can find
what locals believe to be the foot imprint of Job himself,
pressed into the concrete floor. According to an English translation
of the Koran, after Job prayed to God (Allah), he was commanded
to "strike the ground with your foot" and from the
spring that appeared to take "a cool bath and a refreshing
drink." Doing so, Job's fortune and family were not only
restored, they were doubled.
The tomb, however, is quite simple. Inside the tomb is a long
mound covered reverently with brightly coloured cloths. Another
noticeable adornment is a chart listing the names of various
prophets. An open air enclosure near the tomb has prayer rugs
scattered on the ground for those pilgrims who might be there
at any of the five times during the day when Muslims are supposed
to pray.
Visitors are usually instructed to remove their shoes before
entering the tomb. Women travellers will be issued green scarves
with which they would have to cover their hair in accordance
with Islamic custom. Bring your own if you want to be more
of a style guru.
|
