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A Practical Guide to Hajj

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Complete Guide to Hajj

It is important to draw your attention towards the physical difficulties which, as pilgrims, you are going to face during your pilgrimage. We repetitively warn you about the necessity of performing this duty when you still young and healthy. It is a long and hard journey during which you should be patient.

However, one thing is certain: whatever misadventures you’re told, nothing should prevent you from answering to the call of the Almighty to full fill your religious duty.

“ If GOD invites me, I shall not refuse this invitation.”

Despite the difficulty of this mission, nothing compares to the loveliness of heading to the Holy Land. You can enjoy your spiritual journey at most. You just need to be physically AND morally well-prepared.

 One month before, make a good magnesium therapy. You can also try other mixtures prescribed by your doctor or by your grandmother who would be the best to tell what kind of food to consume to prepare one’s body for a long-lasting endeavor.

It is always recommended that you keep on you some sportsmen cereal bars, as well as some sweets (chocolate bars, candies, sugar lumps…etc.). This will be useful in case you would have any discomfort (hypoglycemia), you or any of the other accompanying pilgrims.

 You need to know that we sleep very little in performing one’s pilgrimage.

We sacrifice one’s sleep in favor of taking ample advantages from our journey.

Have your fill of sleeping before leaving, but do not overdo. If you get used to sleeping too much, you will not be able to get up early for the prayers once in HajjorUmrah. In addition, the few hours of sleep you will be limited to will never be enough.

If you are used to sleeping 10 hours a day and to take your car to buy some bread at the corner, you are not really ready for the efforts which you will be making during your Hajj or Umrah.

It is crucial to properly adapt one’s body to the physical effort before undertaking such a challenging journey.

You need to consider this preparation for several weeks in advance. However, you do not need huge efforts; few small exercises will do.

Get used to walking ( half an hour a day would be a good custom). Season your body to a little more effort and perseverance.

It is essential to visit your doctor before leaving Mecca. The latter will advise you on the precautions to employ and medicines to take in your first-aid kit. The doctor will also make a full assessment to determine whether your physical situation allows you to carry out the pilgrimage or not.

A visit to the dentist should also be paid, because a raging toothache or badly looked after caries, would be a misfortune during Tawaf.

Women are advised to go to the gynecologist to help them take the necessary precautions not to have their menstruations during the rites.

Already required for the visa, vaccines protect your body against diseases and infections which could be easily caught due to direct contact with pilgrims coming around the world.

Children too, need to update all the vaccinations according to their age in the immunization schedule.

Prepare your Spirit:

The pilgrimage is a spiritual journey. To fully fulfill this journey, it is essential to have sincere intentions towards God in Hajj or Umrah and to perform all the actions according to Sunna (tradition of the Prophet ).

You need to acquire knowledge of:

1-The rites:

 For those who wish to carry out the Hajj or Umrah, we highly recommend that you study the rites of pilgrimage Following the Quran’s and Sunna’s rules to avoid any ambiguity. (See the section ‘the Rites of Hajj and Umrah’.)

2-The invocations:

 Try to learn by heart the invocations to utter in every place and in every situation. You are allowed to read the invocations from a small book, yet, it is preferable to know them by heart so as to be more focused on the invocation itself.

3-The verses of the Quran:

 In the same line of thought, it is more worthy to pray with Suras of your own choice and which include more than three lines

4-Community life:

Every Muslim is supposed to acquire a minimum of knowledge of his/her own religion.

This spiritual journey will be a very good occasion for you to expand your knowledge of the main lines of Islam, its history, the Holy Places. You will not have a better opportunity.

The pilgrimage to Mecca will expose you to a real intimacy with the other pilgrims; you all will share meals, rites, prayers, and even hotel rooms.

It is important to learn to cohabit with other Muslims. You need to be more helpful and more friendly.

Do not hesitate to give way to the oldest, share the information which the others need, give advice, be pleasant, etc.

The pilgrimage to Mecca is compulsory only when one is fully healthy and wealthy enough to perform this rite without any debts or loans.

The pilgrim must also ensure that the expenses of his/her Hajj or Umrah come from lawful and honestly earned revenues.

GO-Makkah’s Advice:

Some drugs can cause allergic effects in the sun! If you are having a long-lasting treatment, please seek your doctor’s advice.

  • Remember that 90 % of the rites of the pilgrimage are invocations (during Al Tawaf, Al Saayi, Arafat, etc.). It would be useful to prepare them beforehand.

The risks and the precautions

Here are some safety mesures to respect during your pilgrimage:

  • In the desert (Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat), avoid walking barefoot and lying directly on the ground. To avoid germs, always think of a groundsheet.
  • Avoid any contact with animals, even the domestic ones: rabies is widespread worldwide. Even though its main vectors are the dogs, all mammals (cats, monkeys, bats, fennecs, camels…) can transmit the virus responsible for the disease. This is contained in the animal’s saliva. The transmission can be made not only through biting or scratching, but also through licking a wound, however slight, or through contacting the saliva with a mucous membrane ( projection in the eye or in the mouth).
  • Protect yourselves from insect bites. Apply a repellent on the exposed parts of the body and wear long-sleeved clothes (if you are not in Ihram).
  • Take time to rest on arrival and between the stages of your pilgrimage.
  • Be careful with strong and extended physical efforts under hot weather.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, lightweight clothes made with clear-colored-natural fibers; and by applying sun filter cream on the exposed skin (When you are not in Ihram).
  • Avoid “The Rawda“, in Medina, during the day. The best time to go is between 10 p.m. and midnight.
  • Be careful with beggars. Try to distinguish the “real” needy from the swindlers who come with ready speech.
  • Mind the stones during the stoning ritual, even though, the authorities are taking more and more effective measures to assure this zone during the pilgrimage.

Go-Makkah’s Advice in case you got bitten by an insect, an animal, etc…:

* Before seeing the doctor, there are few simple things to do:

  • Wash the skin wound with water and soap.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Apply an antiseptic.

* Several serious diseases are transmitted by insects, which can sting either in the evening, at night, or even during the day.

After your return from the pilgrimage

You have to see your doctor or consult the nearest emergency department to your home at the slightest discomfort, especially in case of fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting.

Further information on health precautions to be taken while travelling is available on the Pasteur Institute website.

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Source: go-makkah.com

Good Deeds After Hajj: A Sign of Acceptance

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One of the most important things that Hajj pilgrims are to be concerned with after performing Hajj is whether it has been accepted or not.

Performing Hajj is principally a great blessing in itself, but in order for this blessing to be complete, it is to be coupled with a far greater blessing, that is, acceptance on part of Almighty Allah. This is clearly apparent in the case of performing Hajj.
In fact, there are many ways to render the Muslim’s acts of obedience and the performance of Hajj acceptable.

First and most importantly, the Muslim should avoid being boastful by being able to perform Hajj for it is one of the duties that you owe to the Almighty.

Even the righteous predecessors, knowing that they would return to the Almighty, used to be very afraid that the good deeds they offered in this world might not be accepted.

After performing Hajj, Muslims should combine in their hearts both fear and hope. Experiencing only fear in this respect may lead them to despair of Allah’s mercy; while anticipating that Almighty Allah will accept their deeds and Hajj without experiencing any fear of the contrary, may lead you to be overconfident that you can escape Allah’s punishment.

Further, they should ask Allah for forgiveness at any moment. However earnest Hajj pilgrims may be in doing their best in offering acts of obedience, there will always be something missing, for no one is perfect.

Thus, the Merciful directs His worshipers to compensate for this inevitable shortcoming by always beseeching Him to forgive them after offering acts of worship. That is why He says after mentioning the rituals of Hajj ” Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allah for His Forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.”  (Al-Baqarah 199).

Allah equally ordered our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to conclude his life; which was full of acts of worship and striving in His cause, with asking Him for forgiveness. This is referred to in the following verse:   “So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives.”  (An-Nasr 3).

After performing Hajj, Muslims should offer as many good deeds as they can. Good deeds are like a tree that needs regular watering and care so that it bears fruits. It is a sign of their obedience to do so in the hope that they will be accepted by the Almighty.

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Source: go-makkah.com

Prophet’s sermon on holy month(Ramadan)

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The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Shaban, in which he welcomed the holy month of Ramadan and said:

O, People! The month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings, and forgiveness. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months. The days of this month are the best among the days and the nights are the best among the nights and the hours during Ramadan are the best among the hours. This is a holy month in which you have been invited by Him (to fast and pray). Allah has honored you in it. In every breath you take is a reward of Allah, your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations are answered.

Therefore, you must invoke your Lord in all earnestness with hearts free from sin and evil, and pray that Allah may help you to keep fast, and to recite the Holy Qur’an. Indeed!, miserable is the o­ne who is deprived of Allah’s forgiveness in this great holy month. While fasting remember the hunger and thirst o­n the Day of Judgment. Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind toward your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard.

Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your sins and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times, during which Allah Almighty looks at His servants with mercy. Allah Answers if they supplicate, Responds if they call, Grants if He is asked, and Accepts if they entreat. O, people! you have made your conscience the slave of your desires.

Make it free by invoking Allah for forgiveness. Your back may break from the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate yourself before Allah for long intervals, and make this load lighter. Understand fully that Allah has promised in His Honour and Majesty that, people who perform salat and sajda (prostration) will be guarded against Hell-fire o­n the Day of Judgment.

O people!, if anyone among you arranges for iftar (meal at sunset) for any believer, Allah will reward him as if he had freed a slave, and Allah will forgive him his sins.

A companion asked: “But not all of us have the means to do so.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: Keep yourself away from Hell-fire though it may consist of half a date or even some water if you have nothing else.

O people!, anyone who during this month cultivates good manners, will walk over the Sirat (bridge to Paradise) o­n the day when feet will tend to slip. For anyone who during this month eases the workload of his servants, Allah will make easy his accounting, and for anyone who doesn’t hurt others during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah will safeguard him from His Wrath o­n the Day of Judgment.

Anyone who respects and treats an orphan with kindness during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah shall look at him with kindness o­n that Day. Anyone who treats his kinsmen well during this month, Allah will bestow His Mercy o­n him o­n that Day, while anyone who mistreats his kinsmen during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah will keep away from His Mercy.

Whoever offers the recommended prayers during this month, Allah will save him from Hell, and whoever observes his obligations during this holy month, his reward will be seventy times the reward during other months. Whoever repeatedly invokes Allah’s blessings o­n me, Allah will keep his scale of good deeds heavy, while the scales of others will be tending to lightness. Whoever recites during this month an ayat (verse) of the Holy Qur’an, will get the reward of reciting the whole Qur’an in other months.

O people!, the gates of Paradise remain open during this month. Pray to your Lord that they may not be closed for you. While the gates of Hell are closed, pray to your Lord that they never open for you. Satan has been chained, invoke your Lord not to let him dominate you.”

Ali ibn Talib (RAA) said: “I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what are the best deeds during this month’?” ‘He replied: ‘O Abu-Hassan, the best of deeds during this month is to be far from what Allah has forbidden’.”

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Source: arabnews.com

The Values of Hajj

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The values of Hajj is a collection of actions and recitations. These collections inspire the Muslim’s soul with spiritual sublime feelings.

Generally speaking,The values of Hajj includes a number of prayers performed by the pilgrim during a definite period. Every action, word, and prayer is a symbol that inspires the soul with a vivid feeling and encompasses a secret and an objective.

Ihram, Talbiyah (Tawaf) (circumambulation), Saa’y, Wuquf (staying at Arafat) to name but a few, are a mixture of actions and feelings which are spiritually experienced by the pilgrim. Every action has got a deep meaning and each rite aims at the accommodation of the values of Islam and the demonstration of its purposes in a symbolic and accurate way.

Rites are performed within the hugest gatherings of people. Crowds assemble to worship Allah, the Almighty.  Their target is Allah’s satisfaction and forgiveness, submission, and surrender to his will.

Once a Muslim decides to perform Hajj, his heart will long to reach his purpose, Allah’s satisfaction and the purification of the self.

Performing Hajj is the sacrifice of money and many physical desires and pleasures for the sake of Allah. It leaves an everlasting mark in the Muslim’s heart to constantly remember the Almighty.

It equally renewed society. Performing Hajj cannot be undertaken singly. Its rites have to be performed communally. Herein, lies the basic principles of Islam: Brotherhood, Unity, peace, and equality.

Pilgrims coming from different nationalities will get to know each other, pray and supplicate together so that the Almighty ease their hardships and forgive them.

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Source: go-makkah.com

Types of Tawaf Around The Holy Ka’abah

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Types of Tawaf around the holy Ka’abah

here are many types of Tawaf around the Ka’abah: 

Tawaf Al-Ifaadah: during Hajj, which is also called tawaf al-ziyaarah (Tawaf of visiting). It takes place after the standing in ‘Arafah, on the day of al-Adha or after it. It is one of the pillars of the Hajj.

Tawaf Al-Qudoom: ( Tawaf of arrival) for Hajj. This is performed by the pilgrim who has entered into a state of Ihram for Hajj and by the pilgrim who is doing Qiran, i.e., joining Umrah and Hajj, when he reaches the Ka’abah. It is one of the obligatory duties or Sunnahs of Hajj – there is a difference of scholarly opinion. 

The Tawaf of Umrah: It is one of the pillars of Umrah. Umrah is not valid without it. 

Tawaf Al-wadaa: (the farewell Tawaf), which is performed after completing the actions of Hajj and when one has decided to leave Mecca. It is obligatory, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, for all pilgrims except women who are menstruating or bleeding following childbirth, and the one who fails to do it must sacrifice an animal of the type that is valid as an udhiyah. 

Tawaf in fulfillment of a vow: made by one who vowed to circumambulate the Ka’abah. It is obligatory because of the vow. 

Voluntary Tawaf. 

Each of these Tawafs must include seven circuits, after which the person performs two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibraheem, if possible; if he cannot do that then he may perform the prayer in any other part of the mosque.

Source: go-makkah.com

Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

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Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Leaders and officials inside the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas are working around the clock in preparation for the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered among the busiest in a year and test the capabilities of service agencies.

Government bodies are preparing the Grand Mosque, its yards and roofs, while the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has supplied the mosque with huge amounts of carpets, copies of the Qur’an, water coolers and waste containers to prepare all available spaces for worshippers whose numbers are expected to increase dramatically during the last 10 days.

The northern yards of the expanded Grand Mosque is at maximum alert to provide services and prepare locations. The lower toilets have been opened and the safety of the escalators has been checked. Security forces concerned with managing the crowds are preparing their plans for the last 10 days of the holy month, too. These plans aim to use empty spaces in the expansion to prevent stampedes and regulate entry and exit flows, in addition to preventing people from performing prayers in thoroughfares and sitting in hallways.

The service agencies are supported by a large voluntary group and charitable teams who work in the areas of food distribution, rescue, first aid, guidance, free transportation and pushing wheelchairs.

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Source: arabnews.com

The essence of fasting

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The essence of fasting

Ramadan is a month characterised by fasting and constant worhship, ibaadah. For the entire month, Muslims abstain from food and drink in order to please Allah.

But how many of us really understand the essence of fasting?

Fasting is not the mere abstention from food and drink. It is much deeper than that. Fasting affects the very core of our being; our soul. Allah has designed the month of Ramadan in such a manner that the spiritual uplifting gained from fasting is rewarding to the soul and body in this life and the hereafter.

Fasting is an obligation, as Allah commanded Muslims in the Holy Qur’an, {O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain taqwa.} (Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, verse 183)

So, as believers of monotheism, we should abstain from food and drink as Allah has commanded us. However, as the continuation of the verse states, fasting helps believers to attain taqwah or God-consciousness. Thus, fasting of the stomach is not the only means of fasting, though it fulfils the basic condition for fasting. To attain taqwa, a believer should fast with all their limbs.

Fasting of the Heart:

The true fast can only be achieved if the heart is engaged in that which is pleasing to Allah. One’s heart should participate in the fast and it should abstain from corruptions, pride, and all that is evil. The believer’s heart should remain pure and sincere whilst enduring the ‘difficult’ conditions of lack of food and drink. They should fast from anger, impatience and frustration, all of which are emotions which could result from hunger and thirst. Among the signs of righteousness in Ramadan is that a fasting person remains calm, carries a smile, is gentle and maintains a good character.

Fasting of the Eyes:

The gaze was described by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as “an arrow from among the devil’s arrows.” (Ahmad) Thus, it is only natural that whilst fasting, a person’s gaze should be restrained. The eyes should fast from gazing freely at that which it is forbidden to look at. As Allah says in the Qur’an, {Tell the believers to lower their gaze…}(Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, verse 30)

This is for both the men and the women, to lower their gaze. The reward for doing so is that Allah replaces it with a sweetness of strong faith.

Fasting of the Tongue:

The tongue can be one of the best parts of the body or the worst. If used for the remembrance of Allah it can bring heap loads of benefit. However, if used incorrectly it can be the cause of entering the Hellfire, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companion, Mua’dh ibn Jabal, “Shall I show you what will gather for you all of that (good)? Mu’adh replied, “Of course!” He (peace be upon him) said, “Restrain this,” and he took hold of his tongue. Mua’dh asked, “O Messenger of Allah are we accountable for what we speak?” He (peace be upon him) replied that some people will enter Hellfire as a result of what their tongues reaped. (Tirmidhi) The tongue should fast from abusive language, cursing, gossiping, lying, backbiting, and all that will earn you nothing but sins. This Ramadan, save your tongue and voice from uttering sinful and idle talk and instead, recite the Book of Allah. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us, engage in phrases which are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales of our deeds on the Day of Judgment, and dear to The Most Merciful. Repeat phrases such as, “Glory be to Allah”, “All praise is to Allah,”, “Allah is the Greatest”.

I have only given a few examples of how the noble goals of fasting can be accomplished. The list of examples can go on. Each part of our body should fast from doing that which is forbidden and what is displeasing to Allah, so that we may attain taqwa, and draw closer to Allah.

Only when we fully engage ourselves in this respect can we realize and experience the true essence of fasting, and allow our souls to take full advantage of the spiritual treat that Ramadan truly is.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

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Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

Hajj satisfies the fifth and last pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is healthy and sane and who can afford it must undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime.

The Almighty says:

The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you)for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa ( piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding ! (Al-Baqarah 197)

People should perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah with respect, veneration, love and submission to the Almighty, in a tranquil and dignified manner, following the ways of our beloved Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). 

These great rituals should be filled with Dhikr (remembering Allah), takbeer (proclaiming Allah’s greatness by saying Allaahu akbar), Tasbeeh (glorifying Allah by saying Subhaan-Allaah), Tahmeed (praising Allah by saying al-hamdu Lillaah) and Istighfaar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness by saying Astaghfir-Allaah), because he is in a state of worship from the moment he enters Ihram until he exits it; Hajj is not a time for idle talk or doing anything without restrictions. It is the time of real devotion and increase of good deeds.

The pilgrim and others should regularly observe the things that the Almighty has enjoined such as praying in congregation on time, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. 

The pilgrim should strive to benefit the Muslims and treat them kindly by guiding them, helping them when needed, and being compassionate towards the weak, especially in places where such compassion is appropriate, such as in crowded places. Showing compassion to people brings mercy from the Creator, for Allah shows mercy to those of His slaves who are merciful. 

The pilgrim should avoid obscenity, immorality, sin and arguing that does not support the truth. He should avoid aggressivity towards people or annoying them, so he should avoid backbiting, malicious gossip, cursing, swearing, hitting, and looking at non-mahram women, for these things are Haram (forbidden) whether one is in a state of Ihram or not, but they are even more HarAm when one is in Ihram. 

He should avoid things that many people do, such as saying words that do not befit the rituals. For example, when stoning the Jamarat, some of them say, “ We are stoning the Shaytaan” and they may curse the site or hit it with shoes etc., which is contrary to the idea of humility and worship, and defeats the purpose of stoning the Jamarat, which is to carry out the commands of the Almighty.

Article by: go-makkah.com

Ruling on Umrah

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Ruling on umrah is umrah compulsory or sunnah

Ruling on Umrah

Is Umrah mandatory or a Sunnah?

Muslim scholars are agreed that Umrah is prescribed in Islam and is an act of virtue.

They differed as to whether it is mandatory or not. Imam Abu Haneefah and Imam Maalik were of the view that it is a Sunnah and mustahabb (preferable) , but not obligatory; this was also the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

They quoted as evidence for that the hadeeth narrated by al-Tirmidhi  (931) from Jaabir, who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked whether Umrah is mandatory or not. He said, “No, but if you do Umrah it is better.”

But this hadeeth is da’eef (weak); it was classed as da’eef by al-Shaafa’i, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Ibn Hajar and al-Nawawi; by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Tirmidhi, and by others.

Al-Shaafa’i (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It is da’eef (weak) and cannot be used as evidence. There is nothing proven that says that Umrah is a voluntary act of worship.

Ibn Abd al-Barr said: This was narrated with isnaads that are not valid, and such reports cannot be used as evidence.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/6): the scholars of hadeeth are agreed that it is da’eef (weak).

One of the things that indicate that this is da’eef (weak) is the fact that it was proven that Jaabir was of the view that Umrah is mandatory, as we shall see below.

Imam al-Shaafa’i and Imam Ahmad were of the view that it is mandatory. This view was also favoured by Imam al-Bukhaari. (May Allah have mercy on them all).

Those who say that it is obligatory quoted a number of things as evidence:

The report narrated by Ibn Maajah (2901) from ‘Aa’ishah who said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, do women have to engage in jihad?’ He said, ‘Yes, they must do jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and Umrah,’”

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/4): Its isnaad is saheeh according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.

The point in this hadeeth is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said alayhinna i.e., they must do, which means that it is obligatory.

The famous hadeeth of Jibreel (peace be upon him) in which he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about Islam, eemaan (faith) and ihsaan, and about the Hour and its signs. This was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Daaraqutni from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him), in which Umrah was mentioned along with Hajj: “Islam means to bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; to establish regular prayer; to pay the zakaah; to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah to the House; to do ghusl to cleanse oneself from janaabah (impurity following sexual activity) and to do wudoo’ perfectly; and to fast Ramadan.” Al-Daaraqutni said, “This isnaad is proven and saheeh (true).”

The hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood (1799) and al-Nasaa’i (2719) from al-Subay ibn Ma’bad who said: “I was a Christian Bedouin… I came to ‘Umar and said, ‘O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, I have become Muslim and I found that Hajj and Umrah are prescribed for me, so I entered ihraam for them.’ ‘Umar said, ‘You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”

The opinion of a group of the Sahaabah, including Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn ‘Umar and Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with them all). Jaabir said, There is no Muslim for whom ‘Umrah is not obligatory. Al-Haafiz said: This was narrated by Ibn Jahm al-Maaliki with a hasan isnaad.

Al-Bukhaari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Chapter: The obligation of Umrah and its virtues.” Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: There is no one who does not have to do Hajj and Umrah. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: It is mentioned together with Hajj in the Book of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad), the Hajj and Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Mecca) for Allah” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

Because it is mentioned together with Hajj, this means that it is obligatory like Hajj.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said: The correct view is that ‘Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime, like Hajj. Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 16/355.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (7/9): The scholars differed concerning ‘Umrah and whether it is obligatory or Sunnah. It seems to us that it is obligatory.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 11/317

The correct one of the two scholarly views is that ‘Umrah is obligatory, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Mecca) for Allah” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

Source: go-makkah.com

Du’aa’s (Supplications) during Umrah

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Du’aa’s (Supplications) during Umrah

In the saheeh Sunnah are narrated du’a and adhkaar which you can recite during the rituals of Umrah, and from which the Muslim can benefit by memorizing them, understanding them and acting upon them. These include the following : 

A – At the Meeqaat when entering into a state of Ihram: 

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to recite tasbeeh (saying “Subhaan-Allaah (glory be to Allah)”), tahleel ( saying “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (there is no god but Allah)” ) and takbeer ( saying “Allahu akbar (Allah is Most Great)” ) before entering ihram for during Umrah.

It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed Zuhr with four rak’ahs when we were with him in Medina, and he prayed ‘Asr in Dhu’l-Hulayfah with two rak’ahs, then he stayed there overnight. When morning came he rode until he reached al-Bayda’, then he praised, glorified and magnified Allah. Then he recited Talbiyah with the intention of performing Hajj and during Umrah and the people did likewise. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1476.)

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said: 

This ruling – that it is (preferable) mustahabb to recite tasbeeh and the other (adhkaars) mentioned before ihram – is something that not many people do even though it is proven in the Sunnah. 

Fath al-Baari, 3/412 .

B – On the way to Mecca, between the Meeqaat and arrival in Mecca: 

It is Sunnah to recite the Talbiyah a great deal and to raise one’s voice – for men; women should recite in a low voice so that no non-mahram men will hear them. 

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) set out riding from the mosque of Dhu’l-Hulayfah, he recited the Talbiyah and said: “ Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa’l-ni’matah laka wa’l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and grace and dominion are Yours, You have no partner).” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5571; Muslim, 1184.

 C – During Tawaf 

Every time you come in line with the Black Stone in each circuit, say, “Allaahu Akbar.” Al-Bukhari (1613) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas ( may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) circumambulated the House, and every time he came to the corner ( i.e., the Black Stone), he pointed to it with something he had in his hand and said takbeer. 

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone you should say the words that were narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Saa’ib, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah ( peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say between the two Corners: “ Rabbana aatina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-aakhirah hasanah wa qina ‘adhaab al-naar ( Our Lord, give us that which is good in this world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire).” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1892; classed as Hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

D- Before climbing up al-Safa and when atop it: 

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah said: … then he ( the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)) went out through the gate to al-Safa and when he drew near to al-Safa he recited: “ Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are of the Symbols of Allaah” [al-Baqarah 2:158 – interpretation of the meaning], (and he said:) “ I begin with that with which Allaah began.” He began with al-Safa and climbed it until he could see the House, then he turned to face the qiblah and proclaimed the Oneness of Allaah and magnified Him, and said: “ Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer; Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu anjaza wa’dah wa nasara ‘abdah wa hazama al-ahzaaba wahdah (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, His is the dominion and to Him be praise, and He is able to do all things; there is no god but Allaah alone, He fulfilled His promises and granted victory to His slave and defeated the confederates alone).” Then he made du’aa’ between that and repeated this three times. 

Narrated by Muslim, 1218.

E – When climbing al-Marwah 

You should do the same as you did when climbing al-Safa, without reciting the verse before starting to climb. 

Jaabir ( may Allah be pleased with him) said:  Then he came down towards al-Marwah and when his feet reached the bottom of the valley he ran until the ground started to rise, then he walked until he came to al-Marwah, and he did at al-Marwah as he had done at al-Safa. Narrated by Muslim, 1218. 

When drinking Zamzam water, you may say du’aa’ asking for the best of this world and the Hereafter, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “ The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3062; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in 5502. 

Similarly it is prescribed to remember Allaah a great deal (dhikr), which includes du’aa’, during tawaaf and saa’i, so the Muslim should make du’aa’ as Allaah inspires him. There is nothing wrong with reciting Qur’aan during tawaaf and saa’i. What some people say, that there are special du’aa’s for each circuit of tawaaf and saa’i is something for which there is no basis in sharee’ah. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: 

It is (preferable) mustahabb during tawaf to remember Allah and call upon Him in ways that are prescribed in sharee’ah. If one recites Qur’aan there is nothing wrong with that. There is no specific dhikr that has been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that he either enjoined, said or taught to others. Rather ( the pilgrim) may say any du’aa’ that is prescribed in sharee’ah. What many people say, that there is a specific du’aa’  during Umrah to be recited beneath the downspout of the Ka’bah and so on has no basis.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to end his tawaf between the two Corners by saying,  “ Rabbana aatina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-aakhirah hasanah wa qina ‘adhaab al-naar (Our Lord, give us that which is good in this world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire),” as he used to finish all his du’aa’s with these words, and there is no specific du’aa’ for that, according to scholarly consensus.

Source: go-makkah.com

Worshippers relish iftar experience in Prophet’s Mosque

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Worshippers relish iftar experience in Prophet’s Mosque

MADINAH — Iftar or breaking fast at the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan provides a unique spiritual experience not only for the people of Madinah but also for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors who come to the holy city from the different corners of the Islamic world.

One cannot witness such an atmosphere of social cohesion and harmony with tens of thousands of people joining a community meal anywhere else in the world barring the Grand Mosque in Makkah. People of different walks of life and different nationalities sit together inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards to break their fast.

“You can see this marvelous scene by sunset every day of Ramadan,” said Abdul Raheem Al-Haddadi, the reporter working for Al-Madina Arabic daily. “I have noticed that people of different races, colors, and cultures sit shoulder to shoulder to break their fast, helping and caring for each other.”

He added: “The most striking feature of this huge iftar gathering is that everyone gives priority to those who sit beside them while taking food and drinks.”

Adnan Dabour, a Madinah resident, said in the past most people of the city went to the Prophet’s Mosque before Asr prayer to perform the prayer in congregation. They try to find a place in Rowdah Sharief, the holiest section of the mosque between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit. Only a small number of them went to mosques in their neighborhoods.

“This was a custom we had followed may be until 50 years ago,” Dabour said.
“Only a few foreign pilgrims visited the mosque during Ramadan in those times. We used to carry water and various types of dates and bread and special Madinah dishes to break fast with other worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque.

“We still do this every year to feel and enjoy the greatness of Ramadan sitting in the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque where we pray Maghreb, Isha, and Taraweeh with Muslims from different parts of the world. It’s amazing that hundreds of thousands break their fasts in the mosque without facing any difficulty.”

Fayez Al-Ahmadi said for the last 20 years he has been breaking his Ramadan fast with some old friends at the Prophet’s Mosque, enjoying its spiritual ambiance. “I have made it a point that I should not miss this opportunity throughout Ramadan,” he said.

“This is a tradition we have inherited from our forefathers as we used to accompany them when we were children,” Al-Ahmadi said. “I am extremely happy to see the competition between the faithful to do good and engage in philanthropic activities seeking the reward of Allah.”

Dates, bread, yogurt, and water bottles are supplied in abundance to meet the requirements of the increasing number of worshippers who break their fast at the mosque. “You can see the massive arrangements for iftar inside and outside the mosque with worshippers filling all its corners.”

Abdulwahab Al-Baluchi said he has been witnessing these marvelous iftar gatherings at the Prophet’s Mosque for several years.

“Ever since we were children we used to go to the Prophet’s Mosque for breaking the Ramadan fast and our fathers and relatives used to carry with them yoghurt, dates, bread, tea, and Arabic coffee, and we prayed Asr, Maghreb, Isha and Taraweeh at the mosque,” he added.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Seeking Allah’s blessings in Ramadan

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PRAISE and thanks to Allah who has made us reach the blessed month of Ramadan yet again this year. He made it a month of mercy, forgiveness, du’a and multiplied rewards.

Every night of this blessed month, He invites the fortunate ones who witness it, to race and compete with each other in doing righteous deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “On the first night of the month of Ramadan, the devils are chained, the jinn are restrained, and the gates of Hellfire are closed and none of its gates are opened. The gates of Paradise are opened and none of its gates are closed. A caller announces: ‘O seeker of good, come near! O seeker of evil, stop short! Allah will save them from the Hellfire and that is during every night of Ramadan’.” (At-Tirmidhi, 682)

Ramadan is a golden opportunity for all of us who hope to be saved from the Hellfire and yearn to dwell in Paradise. This is not a month of socializing and feasting even though it is common to see this around us. This is a month of competing with each other in improving our relationship with our Creator, a month where we ignore all distractions and race to Him by doing lots of good deeds. Allah says, “And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil).” (Qur’an, 3:133)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There has come to you the month of Ramadan, a month of blessing, in which Allah covers you with grace, sending down mercy, forgiving sins and answering supplication. Allah looks at your competition in doing good there in and boasts of you before His angels. So show Allah goodness from yourselves, for truly the wretched person is the one who is deprived of the Mercy of Allah during this month.” (At Tabarani)

The Messenger (peace be upon him) and his companions would pray, fast, spend time with the Qur’an and be obedient to Allah all year round but in Ramadan, they would maximize their efforts to excel in various good deeds. Nothing can be better for us than following their footsteps in this world and then being rewarded by having their company in the Hereafter. The Messenger (peace be upon him) mentioned many actions which, if performed sincerely, grant us great rewards.

The best of such actions in Ramadan is fasting, which has been made obligatory by the Almighty. The exact reward for fasting has not been specified but it is expected to be tremendous because of the way this hadith describes it: “Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied between ten and seven hundred times. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said: Except fasting. It is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desires and his food for My sake.” (Muslim, 1151)

We need to perfect our fast by not just avoiding food and drink but also false and hateful speech and deeds so the rewards can be maximized. According to another Hadith, there is a gate to Paradise that is called Ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection, it will say: ‘Where are those who fasted?’ When the last (one who fasted) has passed through the gate, it will be locked. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The blessed month of Ramadan is a celebration of the Qur’an as the blessed Book was revealed in it. Striving hard to spend the month in reading, reciting and listening to the Qur’an carries huge rewards. Regarding reciting it, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by 10. I am not saying that ‘Alif, Laam, Meem’ is a letter, rather I am saying that ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Laam’ is a letter and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” (Tirmidhi, 2910)

For those who listen to the Qur’an attentively, it was said that mercy does not come quickly to anyone than the one who listens to the Qur’an according to the words of Allah: “So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (Qur’an, 7:204) The words “you may” make it mandatory for Allah! (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi)

There is a narration by Ibn Abbas that emphasizes the need to be generous in giving all kinds of charity in Ramadan: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people and he was the most generous in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel would meet him. Jibreel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur’an.” (Bukhari, 1716, Muslim, 4268)

Speaking of charity, you can also easily get the reward of fasting not just 30 days in the blessed month, but 60, 90 and so on! The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever gives a fasting person (food or drink to break their fast), they will have similar to the reward of the one who fasted, without any decrease for the one who fasted.” (At-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani) Buy some dates and hand them over at a masjid, for the worshippers at the time of breaking the fast or hand over bottles of cold water and small packets of dates on the roadsides at the time of Maghrib. If you are unable to do any of that, then just helping out in the kitchen and setting up Iftar with dates and cold water for your family will bring a similar reward, Insha Allah.

Making extra voluntary prayer along with the 5 obligatory ones is another way to race to Paradise according to the narration of Rabi’a bin Kaab who said: “I was with Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) one night and I brought him water and what he required. He said to me: ‘Ask (for anything you like)’. I said: I ask for your company in Paradise. He (peace be upon him) said: ‘Or anything else other than it?’ I said: That is all (what I require). He said: ‘Then help me to achieve this for you by devoting yourself to frequent sujood (prostrations)’.” (Muslim)

According to a Hadith, performing an Umrah in Ramadan is like accompanying the Prophet (peace be upon him) on Haj. (Bukhari) But as for those who live far away from the blessed land of Makkah and feel sad for not being able to perform Umrah in this blessed month, they can still get the rewards of Haj and Umrah.

“Race to (all that is) good,” says Allah in the Qur’an (2:148) and one can think of no better time to do this except in the blessed season that we find ourselves in.

According to a Hadith, whoever prays Fajr prayer in congregation, and then sits and remembers Allah until the sun rises, and then prays 2 units of voluntary prayer (Al-Ishraq), he will gain a reward equal to that of performing a perfect, perfect, perfect Haj and Umrah. (Al-Albani, Saheeh Al-Jaami-6346)

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: arabnews.com