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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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Article by: http://saudigazette.com.sa

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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Article by: www.islamweb.net

5 Tips for Your Journey During Umrah or Hajj

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5 Tips for Your Journey During Umrah or Hajj

For those who are planning on completing Hajj or Umrah, below are a couple of tips that may help you during your journey.
Tip # 1 – Visa
Keep in mind that individuals traveling alone will not be issued a visa and that all potential pilgrims must apply for their visa through a qualified travel agent. Visas will only be issued once approved by the Saudi Embassy.
Tip # 2 -Vaccinations
As you assemble all of your travel documents, be sure to schedule all necessary vaccinations with your doctor. The Saudi Ministry of Health requires that you arrive prepared with vaccination certificates for Meningococcal Meningitis and Yellow Fever.
Tip # 3 – Medical Conditions
If you have any health conditions make sure that you take along adequate quantities of your medicine. It would be smart to always carry a medical bracelet or even an index card stating your medical condition, the medicines you are taking and in what doses, as well as any allergies that you may have. Be sure to list emergency contact information in case of an urgent situation. Even if you do not have any health conditions, take along basic pain killers and gastrointestinal relief remedies for any stomach discomforts. Those who have sensitive stomachs and are prone to illness when eating unfamiliar substances should take preserved items such as granola bars or dried fruit. Also, always carry a bottle of water with you.
Tip # 4 – What to Take
Your flight and transport situation will be hectic as you and a million other people take this journey. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack a pair of sandals as well. Do not pack too many clothes, as taking care of a large suitcase will be a hassle. Be sure to pack many pairs of socks and a sweater since the weather in Madina gets a little chilly in the evenings.
Tip # 5 – Expensive Items
Last but not least, it is unnecessary to take anything expensive with you on your journey. Jewelry and electronics are needless and once misplaced, will be gone forever.
Have a fulfilling pilgrimage and may Allah (Subhana Wata’ala) protect you and your family during your journey.

Article by: www.halaltrip.com

Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

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Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

MAKKAH – Old age, language problem, getting separated from the group are some of the reasons why pilgrims get lost in the Grand Mosque and the central area around it.

Makkah Arabic daily has put together a list of the top ten reasons. Usually, pilgrims try to find those who speak their language or police officers to ask for direction to their hotel. This becomes a real problem when a pilgrim is unable to communicate with authorities or when he or she is unaware of the name or location of his or her hotel.

“You also need to take into account the age of pilgrims and their social and cultural backgrounds,” said supervisor of Turkish pilgrims Ahmad Halabi, who stressed that the Saudi Ministry of Haj pays special attention to lost pilgrims and make sure that they reach their destination.

He cited a number of reasons and factors why pilgrims get lost, which include old age. Elderly pilgrims find it difficult to remember the doors through which they entered the Grand Mosque. “The Grand Mosque is big and the streets and roads around it are confusing. Some insist on leaving their hotels alone and refuse to stay with the group. That’s when most of the accidents happen,” Halabi said.

“Some pilgrims refuse to carry wrist bands, which contain their names and location,” he said.
The Makkah Municipality is working to develop an indicative map of Makkah and major important sites in the city, he said.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Words that had changed me

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I heard these words from a wise woman who I came to know not long ago, she was reciting the Holy Quran and had some difficulties pronouncing some words. She said to me “Do you know my daughter, I have difficulty reading some words of the Quraan but I love it, I love the Quraan. I can’t sleep before I read some pages of the holy Quraan” as she spoke, she held the Quraan close to her chest and her words had a shocking effect on my heart awakening me from a deep sleep, I wanted to cry but I couldn’t in front of this great woman. I asked myself, do I truly love the Quraan like her?! Do I really keep going no matter how long it takes me to read the Quraan as it was revealed to the Prophet (prayer and peace of Allah be upon him) through Jibril (prayer and peace of Allah be upon him) from  Almighty Allah?! I do sometimes say I love the Quraan, and can easily read it. I don’t struggle as much as this woman does, but do I really read it?! Then I remembered these verses:

{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ. كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَنْ تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ}

(interpretation of what Almighty Allah says): “O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah for you to say what you do not do” [Surat al- saff:2-3]. There’s no doubt she gains a greater reward than me as it came in the Hadith Aisha,  (may Allah be pleased with her), narrated that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), has said, (interpretation) “Whoever recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble Righteous Scribes (in Heaven). Moreover, whoever recites the Quran and stutters with it, and it is difficult for him, will have a double reward.”[Muslim:798]. Can you say from the bottom of your heart “I LOVE THE QURAAN” meaning each word of it?! Do we want Quraan to be our companion in the grave? Before you say: ” Yes” did you take him as companion NOW?! Do you want the Quraan to take you to Jannah? Before you say yes, have you read this verse and understood it? 

قال الله تعالى

{أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُواْ الْجَنَّةَ وَلَمَّا يَعْلَمِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ جَاهَدُواْ مِنكُمْ وَيَعْلَمَ الصَّابِرِين}:

(I Allah will test you if you really mean what you say, to be honest, I have felt the sincerity of this women’s words. How about Almighty Allah, who already knew before she spoke?! Some of us give up too quickly especially when it comes to Quraan, even though they are capable of learning. You will see a person who is educated, knows Arabic and can travel to classes that teach the Book of Allah easily yet say “it’s hard”. How is it hard when you didn’t try? How can you say it’s hard when the first obstacle came your way, and you gave up?! Having said so, there’s still time to repent  and strive to learn the Quran, and let’s make our slogan this noble verse;

قال الله تعالى

{وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ}:

(Interpretation of the meaning): “As for those who strive in Our cause, We shall surely guide them to Our Ways.  Indeed Allah is with those who do good.”[Surat al Ankabout:69]. I ask  Almighty Allah to bestow the love of the Quraan into our heart and make us among the people of the Quraan (Ahlul -al Quraan). Ameen.

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Article by: en.islamway.net/

Helpful advice for Pilgrims

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Helpful advice for Pilgrims

Helpful advice for Pilgrims

Allaah, The Most Exalted, Says (what means): “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.”  [Quran 2:197]
1)   Consciousness of Allaah
The best way to please Allaah is to watch for Him constantly and be conscious and fearful of Him in all your actions and speech.
2)   Correct ‘Aqeedah (Belief)
Every Muslim should understand that if his/her belief is not sound, the Hajj or any other act of worship is not accepted. So always try to correct your belief by asking scholars who will provide you with proofs from the Quran and Sunnah.
3)    Pure intention
Almighty Allaah does not accept what is not directed to Him alone. Therefore, you should always be sincere and have pure intention for Hajj.
4)   Correctness of rituals
No ritual is accepted unless it is made correctly, exactly as Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) performed it. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Whoever adds something new to our religion that is not part of it, it is rejected.”[Al-Bukhaari]
5)   Patience
The difficulty of rituals requires every pilgrim to be patient and forgiving of others.
6)   Repentance
Do your best to make Hajj a chance of repentance for all your sins.  This repentance requires that you strive not to commit these sins again.
7)   Mercy
Do your best to help Muslims, avoid pushing or hurting them in all of the Hajj rituals, especially in Tawaaf, Sa`y, and pebble throwing, which are extremely crowded.
8)   Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a true sign of faith.  Therefore, you should always keep your heart, body, food, drink, and everything clean.  Also ask others to keep ritual and worship places as clean as possible.
Practical tips
1)   Money:
Do not worry about exchanging money.  You can do that very easily anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
2)   Small groups:
Close observation shows that people who move in large groups are prone to having either one or someone get lost, and/or missing some rituals or to perform them late which  may require a compensation either by slaughtering an animal, fasting or something else.
3)   Good company:
Be sure to choose good company during your entire journey, because they can help you avoid arguments and help you perform your Hajj correctly.
4)   To avoid getting lost:
It is recommended to arrange with your group in advance exactly where and when to meet and what to do in cases of being late, and what to do if someone gets lost. Following these procedures may help:
Arrange to meet in plain sight where there is a clear, colored sign or landmark.
Specify a range of time to meet for those who may be late for some reason, provided that this time does not affect the ritual to follow.
Be sure that everyone in your group is properly instructed and notified.
5)   Food:
Do not carry food from your homeland; almost everything is available there. Also, remember that your food may be taken from you at the airport.
To develop good eating habits, observe the following
Avoid eating big meals, (a) because this is not healthy, and (b) not helpful for performing rituals.
1)   The best foods to eat are fruits, and the best drinks are water and juice.  They are everywhere and inexpensive.
2)Put the remains of food in a plastic bag, and in a trash container.
6)   Medication:
Carry only medication that is essential for your health.  Other common medicines can be obtained from any drugstore.  You can get free first aid care in all ritual areas.
7)   Protection:
Beware of the high temperatures in all ritual areas.  Avoid being exposed to the sun for long periods of time.  Carry an umbrella and drink lots of liquid.
8)   Services for the handicapped:
Fothe weak, the sick, the handicapped and elderly people, there are special services provided.  Wheel chairs and on-shoulder-litters can be rented for those who need them.  Ask the authorities for these services inside Al-Masjid Al-Haraam.  Sometimes you may find them free, but usually they are not very expensive.  Take advantage of these services if you need them.

Article by: www.islamweb.net