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Selfies affecting Holy Kaaba

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Selfies affecting Holy Kaabaimage by: saudigazette

Selfies affecting Holy Kaaba

Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance. It welcomes everyone, without discrimination on color, caste or creed.  It accept its followers the way they are, and asks them to worship no other than Allah (SWT) and accept the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as His last messenger.
It’s been more than 1400 years since Islam has spread across the globe, and it is not only Arabs who are Muslims, but people from every country on every plant. With the development of science and technology, things are becoming easier compared to in the past for those travelling and visiting the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Yet, pilgrimages are performed just as when they started. Technology and smart phones have helped a lot, offering several advantages to pilgrims, but the new fashion of taking selfies while on pilgrimage has become the norm and has spread like an epidemic.
A selfie has become a way to show that a person was actually here. It began on Hajj, but now has now grown dramatically. A growing number of pilgrims stop and take selfies while circumambulating the Ka’ba. Several people have been seen making videos or taking a video call while circling the Ka’ba. We will not debate whether it’s right or wrong to use phones in this way on Hajj, but it certainly does affect others.
“I miss the old days when capturing pictures wasn’t allowed inside the Haram. At least, we didn’t used to end up bumping into each other” Rahat Saleem said after a recent visit to Makkah.
“Selfie craze is disturbing the normal flow of Tawaf and it causes problems not only to elderly, but to every worshipper.” Fatima Sharif, who is in the Kingdom on a visit from Pakistan, said.
“Personally I think it takes the pleasure and serenity away from the worship and from the task you are here perform in Makkah.” another pilgrim, who is saddened by selfie mania, said.
It is a person’s choice whether to take a picture or not, either for their memory or to show others, but one has to respect other people as well. Holy sites are always crowded with people coming from near and far to worship and perform pilgrimage. When a person stops at Mataf or Sa’ee just to have their picture taken, it hinders the flow, causing people to bump into each other.  At other times, your picture can include several strangers in the background male and female who should not be in your selfie. Always take a note of whether it is the right time or place, thinking about others first is also a good deed and will be rewarded.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Hajj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

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Haj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

Hajj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

MAKKAH — Hajj seasons will come in hot weather for the next 10 years and many pilgrims may be subjected to sun strokes, warned a study carried by Makkah daily on Monday.
The study, conducted by the Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj and Umrah Research, said the Hajj seasons will fall in the hot summer months of September, August, July and June in the coming 10 years.
The study noted a high rise in cases of sunstroke during last year’s Hajj season and added that sun strokes and other diseases of summer will continue to afflict pilgrims during upcoming seasons.
It said Makkah and the surrounding areas will be too hot during the next decade and warned pilgrims to take the necessary precautions to remain safe.
The study advised the pilgrims to avoid the direct rays of the sun, use umbrellas, take lot of water and soft drinks, cover their heads, wear light clothes and put the air conditioner on while taking a bath.
It said the symptoms of sun stroke include hot body temperature, headaches and dizziness, loss of consciousness, fast heart beats and sweating.
According to the study, there were 1,014 cases of heat exhaustion last year, 723 sun strokes and 1,737 heat injuries.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Haramain rail test runs positive

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Haramain rail test runs positive

Haramain rail test runs positive

MAKKAH — Test runs have proved that there is no need to change the present track of Haramain high speed railway that links the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah.
“Not any of these tests have showed the need to change the track of Haramain rail,” a senior official of the Saudi Railway Organization was quoted as saying by Makkah newspaper.
He said the tests have not affected the schedule for operation of the railway. “These are essential technical measures followed globally. A number of technical and safety tests are required before launching the railway’s regular service,” he explained.
He said the main Haramain stations in Jeddah, Makkah and Rabigh would be opened shortly for school students to visit to promote a culture of using public transport.
“The culture of railway and public transport is something new to our society. There is a need to educate them about public transport system in order to prepare them to deal with it positively and preserve its huge facilities including stations and trains,” he explained.
The visits by public and private school students would help them understand how to use the railway system and how to enter and exit from the train.
Managements of railway stations are now in the process of allocating places for shops and restaurants to investors and businessmen before the final launch of the railway, which is set to revolutionize transport of pilgrims and other passengers between the three cities.
“There is no change in the schedule of the project as works are in progress simultaneously in its Makkah, Jeddah, Dhahban, Rabigh, Wadi Al-Fara and Madinah sectors,” he said.
Asked about renting places inside the railway stations, the official said it would be decided by the project’s operator. “All stations are now ready and are provided with necessary services, infrastructure facilities and parking areas for passengers,” he said, adding that tenders would be invited before allocating places for shopping centers, restaurants and other businesses.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Faith And Noble Deeds

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Faith And Noble Deeds

Faith And Noble Deeds

Q.  What is Iman (faith)?
Ans. Iman (faith) means to believe in:
(i) Allah,
(ii) All His Attributes,
(iii) Angels,
(iv) Divine Books,
(v) Prophets,
(vi) Veracity of things brought by the Holy Prophet from Allah, and
(vii) Affirmation in words of all the above things. This affirmation or assertion is the essence of Iman. But the condition for affirmation is waived in special circumstances and situations. For example, the Faith of a dumb person is valid even though he is unable to give it expression in words.
Q. What do we mean by noble deeds?
Ans. All the modes of worship and good practices taught to us by Allah and His Messengers are to be taken as noble deeds.
Q. Are the modes of worship and noble deeds also part of Faith?
Ans. Yes, Faith in its entirety includes noble deeds. These noble acts give light and perfection to one’s Faith which remains incomplete without them.
Q. What do we mean by worship?
Ans. To worship means to offer one’s servitude. One who offers servitude is a worshipper mid the one served is the object of worship. There is only one Being worthy of worship for all of us He is Allah who created us and the universe. We are all His servants. He has ordained us to worship Him. It is, thus, our duty to offer our worships to him.
Q. What sections of Allah’s creation have been ordained to worship?
Ans. Human beings and Jennies have been commanded to offer their worships.  These two are known as mukallaf (answerable). Angels and the rest of animate creatures are not answerable in respect of worship to Allah.
Q. Who are Jennies?
Ans. Jennies are also among the major creations of Allah, They are made of fire. Their bodies are so fine as to be invisible. But they become visible should they choose to take the form of man or animal. God has invested them with power to assume the form of an animal or a human being. They are both male and female. They procreate too.
Q. What is the proper way of worship?
Ans. Worship can take several forms, such as:
(i) Saying Salat,
(ii) Fasting,
(iii) Giving alms,
(iv) Performing Hajj,
(v) Offering sacrifices,
(vi) Retiring to mosques in I’tikaf,
(vii) Exhorting people to do good,
(viii) Forbidding them to do evil,
(ix) Giving respect and regard to one’s parents, teachers and elders,
(x) Setting up schools,
(xii) Studying religion,
(xii) Imparting religious knowledge and education to others,
(xiv) Helping those who would study religion,
(xv) Fighting Allah f s enemies for the sake of Allah,
(xvi) Attending to the needs of the poor,
(xvii) Feeding the hungry,
(xviii) Extinguishing the thirst of the thirsty.
Doing such other acts as Allah commands and approves of also fall within the precincts of worship. These very acts and practices are known as “noble deeds”.

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Al-Khayyat charitable center provides dialysis facilities to Umrah and Haj pilgrims

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provides dialysis facilities to Umrah and Haj pilgrimsimage by: saudigazette

Al-Khayyat charitable center provides dialysis facilities to Umrah and Haj pilgrims

JEDDAH — “Al-Khayyat charitable center for dialysis of Kidney in Makkah will help and provide dialysis facilities to the Umrah and Haj pilgrims,” said Basim Sulaiman Khayyat chairman of Al-Khayyat charitable center in a press briefing at the center recently.
Khayyat said the center has started functioning this year and on the basis of humanitarian and religious duty we decided to provide treatment, all care and attention to the needy pilgrims, on Umrah and Haj, especially those needing kidney dialysis.
He said my father Sheikh Sulaiman Ali Khayyat (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) laid the foundation of the center in 1430H at the area of 5,000 sq. meters to facilitate help for kidney patients with the vision that everyone should have access to the services free of charge.
My  father spent SR20 million to equip dialysis machine according to international specifications and now we are spending SR1 million every month to run this center by the Grace of Allah, Khayyat added.
He explained the center has 215 beds for men and women separately. The clinic is working in three  shifts. There are 30 staff included doctors, a laboratory, a pharmacy and an outpatient clinic to examine patients with ambulances.
He said kidney failure is the most severe stage of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Kidney failure is when your kidneys are no longer working well enough for you to live without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
He said the center provided best atmosphere for patients and with various kinds of medicine, which is required by the patients before, after or during the dialysis.
Khadija Malik a noted social activist also attended the press briefing  highlighted about Al-Khayyat’s mission and the spirit of Islamic brotherhood.
She said this is a complete center located in a neat and clean area of Al-Ka’aki district of Makkah. She  also spoke about the importance of women’s participation in society. She hoped that Al-Khayyat’s charity projects will help low income families and needy patients satisfactorily.

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Hajj: Ancient journey in modern times

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Hajj Ancient journey in modern times

As the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj is a must for those faithful who are physically and financially able to make the journey. Over the years, the numerical rise of the pilgrims has been phenomenal. From the hundred thousand plus who performed Hajj with the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in 10 A. H., we have some 2.5 million doing so today every year. The number would be 10 times more if the Saudi government had not enforced a pilgrim quota for Muslim countries due to logistical reasons.
Speaking of soulfulness of Hajj, the year Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) performed Hajj, a Companion may Allaah be pleased with him fell from his camel, which accidentally stomped on him breaking his neck. The Companion may Allaah be pleased with him died of injuries. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Bathe his body with water and Sidr (lotus tree leaves) and bury him with both garments. Do not cover his head, nor touch him with camphor … for verily he will be returned (to Allaah) on the Day of Resurrection in the state of Talbiyah! (saying Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk).” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
In another incident, ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas may Allaah be pleased with him narrated: “When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and said, `Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.’ The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) spread his hand, but I withdrew mine. He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said, `What’s wrong, ‘Amr?’ I said, `I want to make a condition.’ ‘And what is that?’ he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said. I said, `That Allaah will forgive me.’ Then the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah (migration) wipes out what came before it and that Hajj wipes out what came before it!” [Muslim]
He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression, he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother born him.” [Al-Bukhaari]
The reward for an accepted Hajj, said the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is nothing but Jannah (Paradise).
This is the key: The reward of Jannah comes from an accepted Hajj and acceptance results from the purity of intention and adherence to Allaah’s Commands. Some of us come from the Hajj feeling an inner tranquility; some feeling uneasy that they were not always patient during the Hajj; others expressing unhappiness at not having received the promised comfort from their tour operator.
Western pilgrims generally get plenty of advice about what to do, and what to expect during Hajj. Yet there is no substitute to the awe-inspiring, hair raising personal experience. Despite its challenges, our Hajj is a picnic compared to that performed by the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and Muslims of earlier times. Then were no airplanes or cars, no five-star hotels; even ships were flimsy by today’s standards. Traveling over sea and through desert exposed the pilgrims to pirates and robbers. The journey to Makkah took weeks. People bade farewell to pilgrims as if they were embarking on a journey of no return.
The Quran refers to the travels of earlier pilgrims thus (what means): “And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” [Quran 22: 27]
Today, most passengers fly in comfortable jetliners, where they are served with lavish amount of food, beverages and snacks. They are then transported in air-conditioned buses and housed in cozy hotels that are within walking distance from the Haram (the Sacred Area). Yet some of us complain that that wasn’t good enough, or that they did not get their meals on time.
What’s the purpose of Hajj? Is it to test our physical endurance, financial sacrifice, or to show us the equality of the Muslim Ummah (Nation) before Allaah? Some have compared the standing in ‘Arafah, the most important ritual of the Hajj, to the humanity’s facing its Creator on the Day of Judgment. Although there is nothing like the Day of Judgment in our experience, the comparison points to something important.
Consider the first two verses of the chapter of Al-Hajj (which mean):
“O mankind, fear your Lord. Indeed, the convulsion of the [final] Hour is a terrible thing. On the Day you see it, every nursing mother will be distracted from that [child] she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people [appearing] intoxicated while they are not intoxicated; but the punishment of Allaah is severe.” [Quran 3: 22]
During the Hajj, we do become engrossed in our own affairs to the extent of being selfish, although only a tiny fraction of humanity is gathered there compared to the Day of Judgment, when everyone will be present. That day will be like no other. Reflecting on the first verse of the Chapter of Al-Hajj makes it quite apparent why Allaah exhorts us to fear Him. Fearing and obeying Allaah in this life seems to be the only option if we want to be spared the frightfulness and grief of the Day of Gathering.
Hajj also reminds us that if the travel is difficult and requires a lot of preparation and provision, what is it that we have prepared for that final journey? While everyone may not be able to go for Hajj, the entire humanity, without exception, will have to die and make the final journey.
When someone anxiously asked the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) about the end of time, he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) returned the question: “What have you prepared for it”? [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
No matter the amount of money and preparation we make for Hajj, it is the sincere intention that counts the most. As for the final journey, the best provision is what Allaah has prescribed in the verse (which means): “…And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allaah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.” [Quran 2: 197]
By providing a glimpse of that journey, Hajj should help us prepare for it. Among other things, Hajj instills in our hearts the Taqwa (piety) needed for that journey. It is the story of man’s triumph over Satan and his whispers, of Prophet Ibraaheem’s may Allaah exalt his mention supreme sacrifices, a tale of his virtuous wife Haajar’s devotion to Allaah, and righteous son Ismaa’eel’s may Allaah exalt his mention obedience to Allaah’s Command. It is a mirror in which we can see the history of the Ka’bah, the House of Allaah that Ibraaheem and his son, may Allaah exalt their mention, built. It’s a reaffirmation of how Allaah elevates the remembrance of His sincere servants and endears them in the hearts of posterity. The House of Allaah that Prophet Ibraaheem and his son, may Allaah exalt their mention, built is a living miracle. It is a witness to the unceasing, uninterrupted glorification of Allaah.
It is important that we remember the spiritual aspect of Hajj and refrain from pursuing excessive physical comfort. Hajj is not a vacation, but a duty we owe to Allaah. The deluxe packages, five-star flights, and comfortable buses do not contribute to Hajj’s acceptance; in fact they may distract from Hajj.
During Hajj, we should concentrate on the rituals, overlook others’ mistakes, and seek Allaah’s forgiveness. A simple reflection while standing in ‘Arafah can become an atoning experience. Upon return from Hajj, we should avoid dwelling on the negatives. A tranquil and forgiving heart and upright actions would be good signs, Allaah willing, that the Hajj was accepted.

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Article by: www.islamweb.net

Jeddah airport busy with Umrah pilgrims

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Jeddah airport busy with Umrah pilgrims

JEDDAH — Some 2.859 million Umrah pilgrims arrived and departed the Kingdom through Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) since the start of Umrah season in the middle of December, according to an airport official.
About 1.7 million Umrah pilgrims arrived and nearly 1.159 million departed the Kingdom through the Jeddah airport, said Turki Altheeb, Manager of Public Relations & Media at KAIA.
Umrah passengers arrived on 13,046 flights and departed on 6,542 flights, he said, adding that over 7,000 employees have been assigned from the public and private sectors to serve them.
A statistical report issued by KAIA said that 18,036 Umrah pilgrims on 137 flights arrived on Monday evening, while 14,004 departed on the same day on board 72 international flights.
The Haj and Umrah terminal complex at KAIA has 14 arrival and departure lounges totally dedicated to serve Umrah and Haj pilgrims.
The complex has 26 airplane parking bays, 10 passenger boarding bridges, two operation centers, a control tower, 18 travel gates, 14 travel lounges for pilgrims, 143 immigration counters, 120 counters for Ministry of Haj commissions, 224 counters for United agent offices and 254 travel counters. The length of the luggage conveyor belt is 1.180 meters, which also features a first class and VIP lounges.
The terminal had a 123-room hotel, which includes a food court and a commercial area measuring 9.418 SQM in total.
There are 20 waiting lounges at the Haj Plaza, as well as 40 praying areas, in addition to 32 bathroom facilities.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

A piece about Hajj experience

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A piece about Hajj experience

This is a piece about my Hajj experience for 2006. I am not trying to write about how to do Hajj and I will explain this as I write.
Firstly I would like to express my personal and sincerest gratitude to some of the people who made my Hajj possible and a success.
To my wife who stood beside me in every decision that I made from the time we made our commitment to Allaah in 2002 to make our Hajj in 2006. Through the good times and the bad times of ill health and financial problems. Even when I decided to sell our home so she could stay home to recuperate from illness while I started a business. A debt to her that I could never repay except by both of us completing our Hajj.
To the Saudi government and the thousands of officials and unseen workers right down to the street sweepers who organized everything so we could complete our Hajj. When moving over three million people at any given time delays are inevitable and we had our share. This is a time for patience and to never loose sight of the final goal and that is Hajj. I will mention this massive logistical nightmare more as I write for now it is enough to say that Hajj would not be possible but for a very few without the work that these people do.
My first experience of the reality of Hajj.
It is 4:00am and we arrived in Madeenah at 2:00am, some 30 hours since leaving Brisbane. It was a good flight with a couple of lengthy transit stops. I have had a shower and it is time to walk to The Prophet’s Mosque for Fajr Salaat. A bit early but if I sleep now I will have a hard time waking for Thuhr. A five-minute walk from our hotel and there in front of me is the splendor of this magnificent building. We all have the photos and wall hangings but nothing prepared me for the real size of the Mosque. The photos actually make the place look smaller.
A little further and we walk through the gates into the Mosque courtyard. It is at this stage that I realized that the building is just a pile of rock and, as beautiful as it is, it will fall into decay one day. I suddenly had this feeling of walking into a presence. Like walking into a soul. I felt the goose-bumps across my skin and the tears began to well in my eyes as an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me. That feeling of being in the presence of a living being is something that no picture can ever portray and the only way you will experience or even understand what I felt is to stand in front of this Mosque for the first time.
The following evening after Maghrib we decided to visit the grave of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). This is not an easy undertaking at the best of times during Hajj as there are millions of people with the same idea. I think it really is the will of Allaah if you are one of those chosen to go. After a very difficult time maneuvering my way through the massive crowd I suddenly found my self directly in front of the grave with only the partitioned wall separating me from the grave. The feeling generated by standing right in front of the Prophet’s sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) grave is something else that I could never explain to you in words. I was brought up in a Christian society (and a fairly tough one at that) where grown men do not cry. It was the first time since I was a child that I had those tears of emotion running down my face. My expectations of Hajj have only been with me since I reverted to Islam in 2000 and I know the depth of my feelings. Those feelings touched my very soul at these times and throughout the rest of hajj. I can only imagine how much more intense the feelings are for someone who has been waiting for this time all of their lives. I could certainly see some of that feeling in my wife and others around me.
If you go to Hajj then you will feel and understand what I mean. If you never go then I am sorry to say that you will miss the most beautiful experiences that you can ever have on this earth.
Since I have been back from Hajj I have been asked about Hajj in physical terms, is it nice, is it hard, is it good, what is it like? All I can say is that it is none of these things as these are all experiences of our physical senses. Our touch, taste, sight and feeling. Hajj has nothing to do with these feelings as it is something spiritual. It is a feeling of the soul.
While I was away I used my video camera and took hours of film along with a large number of photos.  As I moved further through my Hajj, I realized that all this material would really mean nothing to anyone else other than another look at the outside of a few buildings, a bit of landscape and a couple of mountains. The only person who could get the true feeling of what this film meant was me.
If I am not blessed to be able to go again then I will be able to look at this film in later years and hopefully it will revive some of the emotion that I felt at Hajj. For anyone else it would be meaningless. For this reason (right or wrong) the film that I have taken and the photos will remain my property for my wife and myself to view.
Throughout Hajj and a couple of the extra tours we did the feelings and the emotions keep flooding in day after day. Just when you think it can’t get any better it does. To climb Mount Uhud. The grave site of the martyred companions. To see where the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) hid from his pursuers. To stand at the base of Mount Hiraa’ and know that in the cave at the top of this mountain is where the original revelation of the Quran started. To climb Mount ‘Arafah and stand at the place where Adam and Eve where reunited. The tent city of Mina and the stoning of the Jamaraat. It is a never ending trip through the greatest moments of Islam.
Of course, no Hajj is complete without ‘Umrah at Al-Masjid Al Haraam and the Ka’bah. When we entered the Masjid for the first time, our guide, Barakat Ali, took us through the door that was the entrance that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used. From this entrance the house where he was born and spent his early life is visible. From this point Brother Barakat asked us to look at the floor as we entered and not to look up until he advised. At this time I looked up and there before me was the Ka’bah. Again I will not try to explain the feelings that I had except to say that it was a totally overwhelming experience. On your first visit to the Ka’bah you will know if you do the same thing.
Another statement that I hear is how lucky I was to go. And also I am asked how does one go about getting to Hajj or that they are planning to go in the future.
There is no luck involved in going to Hajj. It is not a lottery. Planning to go in the future will not get you there. The only way to get to Hajj is to make the commitment to Allaah that you are going to Hajj for Him. Make the commitment and set a date and, if Allaah accepts you for Hajj, then you will go. Nothing or no one on this earth will stand in your way from that point.
A couple of the most important things to take to Hajj are faith and patience. From the time you commit to Hajj work hard on your faith. If you are prone to being easily annoyed or quick to temper then it is time to also start changing these failings. You will need patience, patience and more patience. Never loose sight of why you are there. You are there to do Hajj for Allaah. Nothing else matters but the successful completion of your Hajj. Everywhere you go remember that you are walking in the footsteps of our Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Anger, yelling, fighting, etc will not see you complete your Hajj successfully.
I do not have much more to say. If what I have written encourages just one person to commit to Hajj then I will be a very happy man.

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The Rituals of Hajj: Symbols of Tawheed

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The Rituals of Hajj: Symbols of Tawheed

There is no prosperity or success in this world except through following the path of Prophet,  having faith and doing good deeds. It is in the light of this that he said, “Take from me your Hajj rites.” The eagerness of the Companions was embodied in this saying of Ibn Abbaas  “Do your Hajj as the Prophet did him, and do not say: This is Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and this is compulsory.” One of the greatest aims of Hajj is to remember his guidance and to adhere to his path without negligence or exaggeration. The Prophet,  said, “Whoever performs a deed on which there is no order from us will have it rejected.”
•   To emphasise the importance of moderation and shunning of exaggeration and negligence in everything, Ibn Abbaas narrated that the Prophet,  told him to fetch him pebbles on the morning of ‘Aqabah (i.e. the tenth day of Thul-Hijjah) while he was on his camel. He said, “I fetched him seven throwing-pebbles. He started sorting them out in his fingers saying: ‘Throw ones like these.’ He then said: ‘O you people! Keep away from extremism in religion, for that which destroyed those who came before you was extremism in religion.’”
Hajj should be an avenue for self-examination and recognizing one’s faults and shortcomings. Make it an opportunity to renew your allegiance to the book of Allah The Almighty and the Sunnah of His Prophet, It is a time when one shuns exaggerations and negligence in all acts of worship. Therefore, Hajj should not be an occasion where one accuses his brother of abominable things, or where people utter foul words and behave in a way that goes against the Sunnah.
We should adhere to the guidance of the Leader of the Messengers, Muhammad son of Abdullah,  Whoever follows his path shall prosper and will achieve everlasting happiness. Further, only when this Ummah (Muslim nation) recognizes the true guidance of its religion and the path of its Prophet in its true sense, far from the tangle of misinterpretation and confusion, will it attain glory and might. The Prophet, said: “Islam shall become a hard rock upon which the evangelical ships are crumbled as long as the pillars; Al-Quran, Friday Prayers and the Hajj gathering, remain firm.”
Allah The Almighty swore by the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah, which clearly indicates their importance and merit, and stresses the great reward of those who do righteous deeds in them. He Says: {By the dawn! By the Ten Nights!}(i.e. the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah). [Quran, 89: 1-2]The Prophet,  , also said: “There are no days in which good deeds are more loved by Allah than these days.” (Meaning the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah)The Companions  said, “Even Jihad in the way of Allah?” He replied:“Even Jihad in the way of Allah, with the exception of a man who goes out for Jihad with his soul and his wealth, and does not return with either.” [Al-Bukhaari]
The good deeds referred to in this Hadeeth include righteous sayings, actions and behaviour. An important aspect of that is to visit Muslims, wherever they may be; to feel concerned about their affairs, to alleviate their sufferings and to pray for them. In addition, it is recommended to do a lot of Tahleel (saying ‘La Ilaaha Illallaah’), Takbeer (saying ‘Allaahu Akbar’) and Tahmeed (saying ‘Alhamdulillaah’) during these days. Also, if anyone wants to make a sacrifice for ‘Eed, and the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah have already arrived, he should not cut his hair or nails. The Prophet, said: “When you see the moon of Dhul-Hijjah let anyone of you who intends to sacrifice an animal for ‘Eed not take anything from his hair or nails until he has made the sacrifice.” [Muslim] This prohibition is only binding on those who want to sacrifice; those on whose behalf a sacrifice is to be made are not included in this prohibition.
Moreover, eminent Muslim personalities can utilize these noble days to propagate Islam and spread the good virtues that Islam promotes in accordance with the commandments of Allah The Almighty while respecting His limits and injunctions. This method should always be followed, whether during Hajj or otherwise.

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'Complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allaah'

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‘Complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allaah’

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allaah…” } [Quran 2:196]
Scholars of Tafseer (exegesis) mentioned that this verse was revealed in Al-Hudaybiyah in the sixth year A.H. The polytheists of the Quraysh prevented the Muslims from entering Al-Masijid Al-Haraam to perform ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). In fact, this incident was before Hajj was rendered obligatory for Muslims. Hence, what is meant in the verse is ‘Umrah while Hajj was mentioned in the verse to give Muslims the glad tidings that they would perform Hajj later; and this is one of the miracles of the Noble Quran.
Scholars of Tafseer elaborated on that verse, and here we shall highlight their opinions briefly:
They agree unanimously that once the Muslim starts his Hajj or ‘Umrah, he is obliged to complete it. Meanwhile, their opinions vary on the intended meaning of completing Hajj or ‘Umrah. There are four different opinions regarding this issue:
1)   Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said that it [completing Hajj or ‘Umrah] means finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them.
2)   Other scholars argued that the intended meaning of the verse is that the Muslim should enter the state of Ihraam before he leaves his home intending Hajj or ‘Umrah only without being engaged in any other worldly affairs aside. ‘Ali along with other Companions may Allaah be pleased with them adopted that opinion. Furthermore, Sa‘eed ibn Jubayr and other Taabi‘oon (successors) may Allaah have mercy upon them adopted the same opinion as well.
3)   Mak-hool may Allaah have mercy upon him believes that the intended meaning is the necessity of assuming Ihraam for the Hajj or the ‘Umrah from the due Meeqaat.
4)   Some argue that the meaning here is to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah separately. ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him elaborated on that verse saying, “Completing Hajj and ‘Umrah means to perform them one at a time and to perform ‘Umrah on months other than the months of Hajj.” [‘Abdul-Razzaaq]
Furthermore, Imaam At-Tabari may Allaah have mercy upon him mentioned in his Tafseer that the correct among these opinions is the first opinion, which states that completing Hajj or ‘Umrah means finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them and performing them duly.
Additionally, scholars hold different opinions regarding whether ‘Umrah is an obligatory or a Sunnah act of worship. The Hanafi and Maaliki scholars consider it to be a voluntary act. This was the same opinion that was held by Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah and Ibn Mas‘ood may Allaah be pleased with them among the Companions and An-Nakha‘i may Allaah have mercy upon him from the Taabi‘oon (successors). Those who adopted this opinion did not find in this verse any evidence that ‘Umrah or Hajj is obligatory. In fact, they found that this particular verse proves only that Muslims should complete Hajj or ‘Umrah i.e. finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them. They argued that the evidence on the obligation of Hajj is not stated in that verse, but in other verses such as the one (which means): {“… And [it is due] to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House…”} [Quran 3:97]
Maalik may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “The ‘Umrah is an act of Sunnah but we do not know of any one who rendered it permissible for Muslims to neglect performing it.”
Whereas, Imaam Ash-Shaafi‘i and Imaam Ibn Hanbal may Allaah have mercy upon them believed that ‘Umrah is obligatory just like Hajj. ‘Umar, Ibn ‘Umar and other Companions may Allaah be pleased with them adopted that opinion in addition to ‘Ataa, Mujaahid and Al-Hasan may Allaah have mercy upon them from among the Taabi‘oon.
Allaah The Exalted Says (what means):
·  {“And I Did not Create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” } [Quran 51:56]
·  {“And they were not commanded except to worship Allaah, [being] sincere to Him in religion…” }[Quran 98:5]
Thus, the meaning of the verse (which means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allaah…”} [Quran 2:196] is to carry out the due rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah properly and offer them with full sincerity to Allaah The Exalted after starting them. It is worth mentioning that the previously mentioned verse underlines two significant issues:
·   First, it highlights the importance of completing the acts of worship after starting them; as Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {“… do not invalidate your deeds”} [Quran47:33]
Furthermore, ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said, “The best righteous deed for the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was that which was done frequently and on regular basis.” [Muslim]
·  Second, which is the most important one, offering acts of worship with full sincerity to Allaah The Almighty. Actually, devoting one’s intention of worship solely and sincerely to Allaah The Almighty is one of the pillars of the validity of any act of worship and a reason for having our acts of worship accepted. It was narrated in a reported citation that ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him used to recite that supplication, “O Allaah, make all my deeds righteous and offered with full sincerity to You with nothing thereof devoted to anyone but You.”

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34 travel agencies compete to provide services to Madinah visitors

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34 travel agencies compete to provide services to Madinah visitors

MADINAH — With the start of this year’s Umrah season public and private 34 travel agencies are competing with one another to provide the best possible services to the guests of God who visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah before or after performing the lesser pilgrimage.

According to official statistics, about 1.5 million Umrah pilgrims visited Madinah since the start of the season by land, air, and sea. The figure is 10 percent less than the number of pilgrims who came during the same period last year.
Nearly 1.2 million of these pilgrims have already left the Kingdom while 400,000 of them still remain in the country, Al-Madinah Arabic daily reported.
Saudi missions abroad have issued 3 million Umrah visas in four months, the report said. More pilgrims are expected to visit the Prophet’s city in the coming months with their numbers peaking in Rajab, Shaaban, and Ramadan. This demands greater efforts by all relevant government departments to improve services to pilgrims.
Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is the main gateway of pilgrims to Madinah. The Haj Ministry’s branch office has opened a section at the airport to receive and see off pilgrims while the Traffic Department facilitates the movement of buses carrying the guests of God, the Arabic daily said.
A shuttle service, which was previously operating only during Ramadan, has been successful in ensuring quick and smooth transportation of pilgrims from different points of the city to the Prophet’s Mosque. Security officers and highway police ensure the safety of pilgrims while the Passport Department facilitates immigration procedures.
The Civil Defense Department has set out a comprehensive program to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, especially at hotels and furnished apartments. The Health Affairs and Red Crescent Authority extend a variety of health and first-aid services. Haj Ministry’s officials prevent squatting of pilgrims in public places and tackle the reasons behind it.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry inspects the markets to ensure an adequate supply of essential commodities at reasonable rates while the municipality enforces hygiene regulations in the market.
On the directive of Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal Bin Salman, a workshop was held with the participation of 34 public and private agencies to discuss how to provide integrated services to the guests of God during the current Umrah season.
Sami Isawi, director of the Department for Haj, Umrah, and Visit, said the workshop focused on the reception of pilgrims, their housing, transportation, and food as well as the historical places that pilgrims visit in Madinah.
“The workshop discussed prospects of improving housing facilities for pilgrims,” Isawi told the Arabic daily. It also focused on supplying healthy food and the proper storage of foodstuffs. Discussions also centered on improving IT services and how to meet the requirements of pilgrims with special needs.
“The workshop has proposed a number of recommendations, which would be implemented during the next Haj season,” he added.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Hajj and Spiritual Discipline

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Hajj and Spiritual Discipline

Hajj and Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual discipline is a means to regulate and develop the spirit that Allaah The Almighty breathed into man. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] spirit, then fall down to him in prostration.}[Quran 15: 28]
It was narrated that Ibn Mas‘ood may Allaah be pleased with him said, “The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) who is the most truthful one, said to us:’Each one of you comes together in his mother’s womb for forty days and then becomes a clot for a similar period of time. Then he becomes a chewed lump of flesh for a similar length of time. Then an angel is sent to him and he breathes spirit into him…’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Man consists of body and spirit. When the spirit is weak, the body dominates the spirit and a man becomes similar to animals. He becomes a slave and prisoner of the lusts of food, drink, sex, sleep as well as other sensual desires. The spirit wilts and withers away, and is overcome and dragged to the dirt. Thus, man falls to the lowest depths and lives solely to satisfy his physical needs, thereby restricting his aspirations and hopes only to this earth and the worldly life. He becomes like the heedless people who do not see beyond the view of their sensual eyes, for their hearts have been tainted and covered by a veil due to their deeds.
When the spirit is strong, it overcomes the body, leads man to goodness in both worlds and saves him from both extremism and negligence. When the spirit dominates, it neither curbs the body’s desires, nor wrongs it. Rather, it leads the body in a way which reforms it. Thus, one surrenders to Allaah The Almighty Who breathed the spirit into him; thus, he is far removed from acquiring animal-like traits and achieves the task for which he has been created, which is succession on earth.
“Spiritual energy is man’s largest and greatest energy and the most relevant to existence. On the contrary, the body’s energy is limited, as it depends on what is perceived by the senses. Although the mind’s energy is more powerful, it is also restricted by time and place. Spiritual energy, however, is neither limited nor restricted, since it is connected to Allaah The Almighty.” [Manhaj At-Tarbiyah Al-Islaamiyyah: Muhammad Qutb]
Islam gives special care to the spirit, since it is the means of connecting it to Allaah The Almighty. The essence of the Islamic approach in disciplining the spirit is to establish a permanent connection between it and Allaah The Almighty in every moment, every action, every thought and every feeling.
Worship is the most effective way to discipline the spirit. Worship makes one always connected to Allaah The Almighty. The main purpose of many acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, Hajj and Zakaah (obligatory charity), is to establish a permanent relationship between the slave and his Lord and to further keep this relation strong and firm. It is from the favors of Allaah The Almighty on man that some acts of worship are performed daily (such as prayers), others annually (such as fasting), and a third category which is required just once in one’s lifetime, such as Hajj. The acts of worship in essence are opportunities to maintain a strong and firm relationship between the slave and his Lord. The role of Hajj is refining the soul and strengthening its connection to Allaah The Almighty and charging it with consciousness of Allaah The Almighty.
The role of Hajj in spiritual discipline
Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied: “To have faith in Allaah and His Messenger.”The enquirer asked, “What next?” The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“To perform Jihaad for the sake of Allaah.” The enquirer asked, “What next?” The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“To perform a valid and accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Hajj is immediately mentioned after Jihaad because they are both from the best acts of obedience which bring one closer to Allaah The Almighty, next to having faith in Him.
It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said, “O Messenger of Allaah! We find Jihaad the best of deeds. May we (i.e. women) participate in Jihaad?”The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), replied:“No, the best Jihaad for you (i.e. women) is a valid and accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari] According to another narration, she said, “O Messenger of Allaah! Are women required to make Jihaad?”The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), replied:“They are required to make Jihaad with no fighting in it: i.e. performing Hajj and ‘Umrah.”[Ibn Khuzaymah]
Hajj is a temporary desertion of the worldly life
Hajj starts when one assumes Ihraam (sacral state) by taking off form-fitting clothes, abandoning perfume during the whole period of Ihraam, wearing a uniform which consists of an upper and lower sheet of white cloth. When one is in the state of Ihraam, he abandons the adornment and pleasures of the worldly life and uses only what covers his ‘Awrah (private parts), as he seeks nothing but the satisfaction of Allaah The Almighty.
Talbiyah implies encouragement to head for Allaah The Almighty
When the pilgrim reaches the Meeqaat (a place from where one has to assume Ihraam), he starts to repeat Talbiyah, saying, “Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk (O Allaah, I answer Your Call, there is no partner with You).” It is as if one says: I have abandoned the worldly life with everything in it and hastened to You, my Lord, so that You may become satisfied with me. Here I am worshipping none but You and care for none but You. He declares this after he has cast off his ordinary clothes and the pleasures of the worldly life for the sake of Allaah The Almighty alone.

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