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Saudi authorities approve electronic Umrah system

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Saudi authorities have approved electronic Umrah system, which will organize the sector to get rid of the brokers.
It will also save between 10 and 15 percent of the cost of hotel accommodation for those performing Umrah, according to the chair of the national committee for Haj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs, Abdullah Omar Qadhi.
The Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a meeting in the presence of representatives of Umrah service companies and Sajjil, the company responsible for running the electronic system, Saudi Gazette reported on Friday.
The company also explained the method of registration in the system and how those performing Umrah could book hotel rooms.
Qadhi said he expects a 25 percent increase in the number of Umrah performers this year against 6 million last year.
He said owners of Umrah companies and hotels in Makkah and Madinah would benefit from the new system.
All hotels will come under the new system with the objective of facilitating hotel bookings by Umrah companies.
The relationship between Saudi Umrah companies and hotels will move to electronic formats as bookings that used to take 24 hours can now be carried out in a few seconds, he added.

Article by: aaj.tv

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History of Safa and Marwa

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safa-&-marwa
Safa and Marwa are the two Holy Hills situated in Makkah.  The memories of sacred Safa and Marwa Hills belongs to Bibi Hajra and Prophet Ismail (A.S). Ibrahim (A.S) was commanded by Allah to leave His wife Bibi Hajra and son Hazrat Ismail (A.S) in the desert of Arab (presently Mecca) near Safa and Marwa. Ibrahim (A.s) is the Prophet of Allah and he must fulfil the orders of His Lord. So he left His wife and child in desert alone with a jug of water. When the jug of water ended infant Ismail (A.S) was crying for water than her mother complete seven rounds between the Safa and Marwa in seeking of water and at certain place from where She couldn’t able to see Her son, She ran fast. This act of Bibi Hajra is accepted by Allah and all he Pilgrims from that time and till the day of judgment are ordered to complete seven rounds between Safa and Marwa in the memory and sacrifice of Bibi Hajra. Even the portion where Bibi hajra ran between Safa and Marwa, Pilgrims are ordered to run. This act is called Sai. This was the reason which make two ordinary Hills the sacred and Holy places of Muslims.
Basically the order of Allah to Ibrahim (A.S) is the trier by Allah as Ibrahim was blessed with son at very old age and another reason behind this order that in future Ismail and Ibrahim (A.S) have to build the Holy Kaaba. This sacrifice is base foundation of Khana e Kaaba and ZamZam water
Let Al-Khair be your partner to witness these sacred places of Islam through which one can seek the blessing of Allah and the pay the tribute to the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, Ismail (A.S) and Bibi Hajra. Al-Khair provides best services and peace of mind to the guests of Allah so they concentrate on their Ibadaat, Umrah and other holy duties.

Article by: www.al-khair.org

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1.25m Umrah pilgrims a month from next year

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1.25m
JEDDAH —

A new Umrah system and its executive bylaws will be issued soon with a view to increasing the number of Umrah pilgrims every year. Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar has said.
He told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that starting next year. 1.25 million pilgrims are expected to arrive every month compared to the present number of 400,000.

Hajjar said the new system is aimed at increasing the number of pilgrims. The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques so as to fully utilize the gigantic projects implemented.
The minister said he would soon meet Umrah company owners to discuss plans for the Umrah season of 1437H which will begin in mid-November.
He called for deeper coordination among all agencies to provide excellent services to Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Hajjar said the ministry will continue to use.

e-portal

Its e-portal under which procedures to issue visas will not take more than a few minutes.
“We are going online as an ambitious plan to double the number of Umrah pilgrims during the next five years,”.The minister said.
, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015.

Hopefully,10 million visas to be issued in 2016 and 60 million in  2018
Meanwhile, about 600,000 Haj pilgrims had left the Kingdom for their home countries until Sunday. onboard 2,282 flights which took off from King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.
Turki Al-Deeb, director of the airport’s department of information and public relations, expected about 900,000 pilgrims to depart from the airport until late October.
Many other pilgrims will depart from Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. This is in addition to those leaving by sea and land. About 1.4 million pilgrims had come from abroad for this year’s Haj.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

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How to perform Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage)

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Holy-Kaaba-(view-from-Makkah-Royal-Clock-Tower)
Umrah  (Minor Pilgrimage)

·Preparation for Ehraam :

Before making intention for Ehraam take two white cloth sheets, one sheet around the lower half of the body and another over the shoulder. Must wear this before entering hadde Haram. Those who are traveling directly from their countries must wear this before boarding the flight. 
After wearing the clothes : 

  • Recite two Rakats of Nafil Salat
  • During reciting salat cover head with the cloth
  • No sooner you finish salat by saying salam ,remove the sheet over the head (for men only)and then MAKE INTENTION (Niyyat) for Umrah. Now a person is in Ehraam.

INTENTION  (Niyyat)
 “ `O` Allah, I make intention for Ehraam to perform Umrah to please You. Please make the things easy for me and guide me to perform Umrah in the most right manner. Please also accept it with all your kindness “
Then recite Talbiyah loudly for three times :
 لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، انَّالْحَمْدَ، وَالنِّعْمَةَ، لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Transliteration :

Labbaik Allah humma Labbaik ! Labbaik Laa sharika laka Labbaik ! Innal Hamda Wan Nemata Laka wal Mulk ! Laa Sharika Laka !

Translation :

I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you.
Immediately after this Talbiyah the person is in Ehraam . As a matter of fact this Talbiyah is a reply to the call of Prophet Ibrahim as he called the people by the decree of Allah to perform Hajj.

The things restricted after the person is in Ehraam are as under :

  1. Stitched clothes (for men only )
  2. Covering head or face with a cloth (for men Only)
  3. Wearing a shoe which hides the back of foot’s bone
  4. Going for haircut or plucking any hair of body
  5. Nail cutting
  6. Applying scent
  7. Doing the things which enhances your hormonic activity which leads to some sort of sexual satisfaction
  8. Hunting the animals or killing of head louse
  9. Sharing bed with the wife
  10. Quarrel with other people

For Women :
The Ehraam of women is like men only with only three exceptions .

  1. They can wear stitched clothes
  2. They have to hide their heads with scarves
  3. They should keep their faces exposed
  4. TheyShould not share bed with their husbands 

Border of Haram : 

20 KM ahead of Mecca there is a big arched gate, on the top you will find one huge structure resembling a stand (Rahel) of Quran. From here the border of Haram Sharif starts and very near to it there is a place where the Mushrekeen of Mecca had stopped the Prophet (saws) to proceed to Mecca for Umrah in 6 AH . This is a place where the agreement of Hudaibiyah was signed.

As soon as you reach here,  recite a dua :
“ `O` Allah ! This Haram belongs to You and Your apostle. I Pray that the blazing fire to be forbidden on my flesh ,on my blood ,on my skin and on my bones. “
 When you enter Mecca bring inert feeling of love and respect for this sacred city  and recite a dua :
“ `O Allah ! I am your slave and came here to perform and seek your kindness and blessings. Please open all the doors of blessings and forgive me and help me to complete my Umrah in a perfect way.
.Attendance in Masjid e Haraam and Tawaaf :

  • Enter the Masjid with your right leg first .
  • When you see the K`abatullah for the first time ,recite the following : 

          اللّهُ اَكْبَرُلآ اِلهَ اِلّا اللّهُ، وَ اللّهُ اَكْبَرُ
Translation :
“ Allah is the Greatest ,There is no God except Allah ,Allah is the Greatest .”

  • Make another dua :

Translation :
“ O `Allah you are the peace and the peace is from you only. O` Lord Keep us alive peacefully and O Allah enlighten the respect, honour and the dignity of this house of yours and give reward to those who are paying respect to this house. I seek refuge of the owner of this house from any borrowings , poverty and from punishment in the graves.

TAWAAF :

  • TAWAAF : Now you are ready for doing tawaaf. Tawaaf means taking a round of any fixed object. Completing seven anti clockwise rounds makes one tawaaf of Ka`aba .

Method of doing Tawaaf

  • Before tawaaf you must make intention (Niyyat) as under :

“ O` Allah I am doing this tawaaf to please you and seek your help to make this tawaaf easy for me. “
 After making intention , one has to do Izteba (One end of the sheet of Ehraam should be under the right arm and another end should be put over the left shoulder ). If possible, go straight to Hajre Aswad (Black stone) which is embedded in one the corner of the holy Ka`aba, then kiss it (This action is known as ISTELAAM ). If you are not able to reach Hajre Aswad then on the opposite side of Hajre Aswad there is a green light, you be in the line of that light, face your both palms towards Hajre Aswad and do Istelaam and make this dua :
“ Bismillahe Allaho Akbar ! Laa ilaha illallaho ! Wa lillahil Hamd.”
Then kiss your both hands and start the Tawaaf.

  • Care should be taken to avoid facing chest towards Ka`aba during tawaaf.
  • During first three rounds of tawaaf the men should do the Ramal,which means make your body stiff and raise shoulder and walk quickly. In rest of the four rounds there should be a normal walk.
  • Please bear in mind that no sooner you start the tawaaf reciting of talbiyah comes to an end.

VII . ONE IMPORTANT THING
 There are no specific dua in tawaaf however, it is better if you make dua at different spots and While making various dua you should use your own language so that you can understand them and can concentrate.

DUA IN TAWAAF :
 1. When you start encompassing (tawaaf) and when you reach in line with the door of Ka`aba , then recite :
 “ O ` Allah ! The peace is only from you therefore please save me from the punishment in the Hell with your mercy.”
2. When you reach infront of Place of Ibrahim ( Muqaam e Ibrahim), then you make this dua :
“ O` Allah ! This is the place of your Ibrahim, Please restrict the fire to approach my body and my flesh.
3. By the time you finish the above dua, you reach the first corner of the Ka`aba which is known as “Rukne Iraqi “here you can make the following dua :
“ O` Allah, I seek your refuge from the doubts and from any association with you of any partner.
4. In the meantime you will reach infront of “ Meezabe Rahmat “ this is a place where water from the roof of Ka`aba falls in Hateem through a pipe. You make a dua here :
“ O`Allah ! I seek nearness to your apostle in his Paradise ( Jannatul Khuld). O` Allah ,I also seek your shadow in the day of judgement. That day ,none will be there except You . Please offer me drink from kausar so thereafter I will not feel thirst.
5. When you reach the next corner of the Ka`aba which is known as “Rukne Shaami “
then make the following dua “
“ O ` Allah ! My Umrah should be great, please accept my labour, forgive my sins. Yaa` Aziz, Yaa` Ghafoor “
6 . You will be reaching at the third corner Which is known as “ Rukne Yamani ” here you can make the following dua “
O ` Allah Please forgive me and also relax me, in this world and also in the life Hereafter
7 . From here you move towards hajre Aswad and while walking you recite
o رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration :
“Rabbana Aatena fid duniya hasanatau wa fil aakharate hasanatau wa qena azaaban naar “
Translation :

“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire!”

8.. You will reach back at Hajre Aswad means one round is completed . This is known as “ Shooth ” When you complete seven shooths then one tawaaf is finished.
9 . Please remember that Taawaf can be performed without reciting anything .
VIII.  Reciting two rakats of Wajib salat :
1. After completion of the tawaaf you recite two rakats of wajib salat possibly at the place of Ibrahim otherwise recite it wherever you get place in Mataaf (Space around Ka`aba). After reciting these two rakats you seek Allah’s blessings, make dua for best reward in the life Hereafter, request Allah for forgiveness and for life long and real faith,and finally for welfare of your children and other relatives and friends.
IX.  After dua, if possible you can go to Multazim (this part of Ka`aba is between Hajre Aswad and the door of Ka`aba) and make dua. If it is not possible to go near the Multazim then you may keep yourselves in line with Multazim in mataaf and make dua from there itself. While making dua, you request for Jannatul Firdous, Mercy from Allah, relief from blazing fire of Hell, forgiveness from all the sins, Welfare for your children, relatives, friends etc.
X . Zamzam Sharif
After Multazim you come near the taps of Zamzam, recite Bismillah then face ka`aba and drink zamzam in three instalments. Then make following dua :
“ Yaa Allah ! Help to increase my knowledge, give sustenance and give me relief from all diseases. “
 
XI . Sa`i
Safa and Marwa are two hills near the Masjide Haram. The literal meaning of Sa’i is to run. To make seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, is called Sa’i. This action is observed as a memorial of Hazrat Hajra, the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim and mother of Hazrat Ismail. The Sa’i is ‘Wajib’ both in ‘Hajj’ and Umrah. You must keep in mind that one round is complete when you run from Safa to Marwa , and second round is finished when you run from Marwa to Safa.
How to Perform Sa`i
It is to be performed after Tawaaf ,if it is performed before Tawaaf it will not be valid. It is not necessary to perform a Sa’i immediately after Tawaaf, though it is a Sunnat to do so, but there is no harm if there is a pause in between on account of any human necessity. Although Sa’i is ‘Wajib’ to be performed on foot but in case of some excuse the person is allowed on wheel chair. If someone performs Sa’i on a wheel chair without any valid reason ,he will be liable to give Dum .i.e. offering a sacrifice.
1. After Tawaaf ,when you drink Zamzam Water you are ready to go for Sa’i. You have to go again to Hajr-e-Aswad ,if possible kiss it . In case it is not possible then face both your hands towards hajre Aswad ,kiss them and proclaim.
“ Yaa Allah ! I am making this sai to please you, therefore You make this easy for me and approve my action.
2. Lift both your hands as you do in dua and recite :

لا الهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيْكَ لَهْ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْى وَ

يُمِيْتُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلى كُلِّ شَئ ٍ قَدِيْرٌ

Transliteration :

“ La ilaha illal-laho wahdahu la šharika lahu lahul-mulko wa lahul-hamdo yohi wa yumito be yadehil-khayr wa howa ala kulle šhayin qadeer. “

Translation :

There is no God but Allah. He is only One. He has no partners. For Him (is) the Kingdom. And for Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and acuses death. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He has power over everything..

While doing sai, which ever dua you have in memory you can make and along with it remember Allah also. When you reach the green pillars, you are to start running and keep running upto the other green pillars. (for men only) Then again you have to walk with normal speed . When seven rounds are completed then to offer two Rak’ats of salat by the side of ‘Mataaf’ (where Tawaaf is performed in the Haram). 

Now all the restrictions pertaining to Ehraam of Umrah have come to end .

After being free from Sa’i you may shave your head or at least have hair cut equal to a finger’s joint (about an inch) in length. For women the hair cut is equal to one fold of hair over the finger. You have now completed Umrah therefore the Ehraam formality has ended.

Article by: islamforamal.com

 
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Hajj and Umrah for disabled pilgrims

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Hajj and Umrah are physically demanding and should be done only by those who meet the physical and financial requirements. The Holy Quran clearly states that Hajj is obligatory to only those who are physically and financially able. Umrah is similar to Hajj and poses a lot of physical challenges. Many Muslims have some physical or medical disability but still wish to perform Hajj and Umrah. If adequate preparations are made they can fulfill their religious obligation. These preparations can be discussed with us before the booking so that we can notify the local handlers about the requirements of the pilgrim.
At the airport there are several facilities for the disabled. The Hajj and Umrah flights land at the Jeddah and Medina airport and all kinds of necessary arrangements like wheel chairs, escalators and ramps are available so that the disabled pilgrims can move about easily. All these facilities are free of charge but your travel agent should notify the airport management about your needs. Wheel chair assistance can also be requested to the airline and they are happy to provide wheelchair assistance on the basis of passengers mobility, starting from passenger can walk to the seat to “passenger needs to be lifted to the seat”.
Local transport of all kinds is available in Makkah and Medina during the Hajj and Umrah season. Buses are not equipped to handle wheel chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that their travel agents have made arrangements with private transportation and taxi firms in Makkah and Medina so that they can properly be dealt with. Making necessary arrangements in advance will ensure that the disabled pilgrims can perform their religious duty with full concentration.
Accommodation during Hajj and Umrah is usually at hotels. Hotels in general are equipped for the disabled with lifts and wheel chairs. Certain hotels can also be requested to provide passenger with rooms that have toilets designed specially for the special people. It is also recommended that the hotels you choose when accompanied by a special person is as close to the Haramain as possible. This will save you loads of time and effort during your visits to the hotel. The Grand Mosque in Makkah is well equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheel chairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel chairs are provided free of charge and can be acquired from the management at any time. If the pilgrim is accompanied by someone to push the wheel chair then it is good otherwise you can ask someone to push your wheel chair, the pusher may charge for his service. Although wheelchair is easily available as stated above, it is best to take a fold-able one with you right from home. This will save you time looking for one or requesting for one.
It is the wish of every Muslim whether disabled or not, to perform Hajj and Umrah. Some people can bear the financial cost of Hajj but are unable to meet the physical requirements. These people can also appoint someone else who is physically fit to perform Hajj in their place. This facility is provided to the Muslims by Allah (SWT) so that every Muslim can perform their obligation. If a disabled Muslim still wishes to perform Hajj and Umrah, they can do so by making prior arrangements with their travel agents.
We as an agent specialize in making these arrangements on the basis of individual and family circumstances. Please let us know the details of disability of the passenger and leave the rest to us.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

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Packing List and Tips for Hajj & Umrah

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When you travel for the holy land of Mecca & Madina is great journey that is not only far off but is also a journey that reminds us of after life and our duties to the people behind us.
According to Islam you should clear all your liabilities and pay off all your dues before the spiritual journey. You are also bound by Islam to write a Will before you leave.
Download a Sample of Islamic will for you and print it.
Following is a check list of items to be carried for the pilgrimage you may need more things it is always better to prepare the list so at last moment you do not forget any items which you might need.

  1. Ahram
  2. Towel
  3. An Umbrella
  4. Pair of Sleepers
  5. Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste mouth wash if necessary
  6. Shampoo & Soap
  7. Few packs of biscuits and other dry food items
  8. Packet of tissues and Toilet Tissue Roll
  9. Alarm Clock
  10. Basic Medicines Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, Cough Syrup, Immodium
  11. Face and hands washing soap, Detergent of cloth washing Soap
  12. One or 2 Cups and glasses
  13. Few pairs of socks
  14. Nail Cutter
  15. Scissors
  16. A small Knife for cutting fruits (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
  17. Camera and Sufficient batteries take extra batteries (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
  18. A prayer mat if needed.
  19. One or two Extra Travel Bags this is for when you go to some place for a longer period or for bringing gifts on way bak.
  20. Some Extra Packed Juices of soft drinks they are available but its better to have one or two in your bag as well.
  21. Face cream or cold cream or Patroleum Jelly Its very hot but due to Air-conditioning its also very dry.
  22. A Travel Iron
  23. Tea Bags and Water Heater for making tea

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

  • Attend the hajj seminars and workshops conducted by your Hajj tour company (tour-operator)
  • Make sure you have all the travel documents necessary before you leave for Hajj These Items are
  • Your Passport
  • Your Identity Card
  • Your Airline Ticket
  • Hotel Vouchers
  • Transport Vouchers or tickets
  • Although most airlines flying out from Jeddah allow hajj passengers to carry zam zam water on board in addition to the maximum weight allowance it is better to find out when you arrive at airport when you arrive about carrying zam zam
  • Allow some flexibility in your departure schedule as it may not be possible for you to depart on scheduled dates due to some unforeseen circumstances  particularly for women if the have to delay tawaf of hajj (tawaf-ziyarah) due to menstrual cycle
  • For women they may want to should consult with their doctor and take proper medications to delay or differ the menstruation cycle during the Hajj or Umrah
  • All the flights to Jeddah airport cross the miqat before they land in Jeddah therefore you must be in the state of Ihram when landing in Jeddah airport
  • If you are traveling direct to Jeddah, you will assume Ihram before you board the plane other wise you enter Ihram at any transit stop enroute to Jeddah.  Your group leader will advise you about it.  You will have lots of help from your fellow hajjis, or your group leader who accompany’s your group.

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

  • Develop an understanding, the respect and love for the prophet Muhammad (s) and his mission for mankind
  • Develop humility and the highest degree of patience.
  • Dont shout Do not liter at airports or spill water in Toilets or try to impose to other that you are VIP In Allah’s house everyone is VIP.  Some of these old humble poor people around you may be a lot closer to Allah than your royal highness.
  • So become a kinder, gentler person at during hajj and umrah and try to keep the same spirit forever.
  • Once you are there, do not yell, do not be overly demanding or rude with your Hajj group leader or staff performing
  • Always Say Please and wait for your turn
  • Reduce your expectations regardless of what you may have paid for your hajj package and of what you were promised for this journey.  Even if you felt cheated and if you did not complain and remain patient Allah surely will compensate you insha Allah
  • This journey is may be different from any other journey you may have ever taken.  Tour operators and their associates however, may try to fulfill their promises, but may not able to do so because situations will arise in which they have no control over
  • Once inside Saudi Arabia, expect delays from the airport to your hotel and do not look or feel frustrated, angry and take it out on your group leader.  He has no control over the local entrants no matter what you paid.
  • Perform 2 rakats of Salaat-al-Tawbah (repentance of the past bad deeds).  Be conscious of doing good deeds always. Understand tawheed and behaviour in it.
  • Follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhummad (P.B.U.H)
  • Be regular in five daily prayers while you are on this journey and also when you return
  • Read Quran with meaning to understand and practice sincerely
  • People from all over the world and different backgrounds will be there. Do not engage in meaningless arguments and quarrels.  Give others preference over yourselves.  Seek forgiveness immediately should you hurt or offend anyone.
  • If you wish to express your dissatisfaction write a detailed letter to your tour operator and make suggestions on how to improve services.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME

  • Plan to do hajj with the intention of obeying Allah ‘s command while avoiding riya
  • Pray two rakahs salah and seek help from Allah and pray for a safe journey.  Ask Allah for His help and protection from the harm of evil.  At the departure gate, take taqwa with you and leave behind your heartfelt duas’ for your family so that they may remain in Allah’s protection
  • Check all your travel documents (i.e. passport, airline tickets and all relevant coupons, verify with airline yourself)
  • Make extra copies of your passport, visa, tickets and the traveler’s cheques.  Take one set with you and place it in a separate location along with a couple of identification photos.  Leave an extra set of documents at home.
  • Take only one good bag/suitcase
  • Take one with wheels so that you can pull it.  Tie some good rope firmly b/c in some cases, the baggage may fall and burst open scattering the contents
  • Make a few personalized identification tags or marks that you can spot from a distance
  • Your carry on bag should contain survival items for 2 to 3 days, just in case your main bag gets lost
  • When loading and unloading to and from bus or taxi, be sure to check your baggage.  Make sure that what you pack belongs to you
  • If you break away from the group, you are on your own, don’t put the blame on your tour operator for leaving you behind
  • Get to know your travel companies and your group leader before hand, in order to understand the schedule and one anthers expectations
  • Learn Arabic: at least a few words and phrases will be helpful.  Most of the locals understand some English and other eastern languages rather well

MONEY MATTERS

  • Traveller’s cheques are not recomended as they hard to cash since you won’t be carrying your passport, which will be taken from you just before boarding in Jeddah or at madinah airport.  You will receive your passport upon your return at Jeddah airport for the flight back to your home country

  • Carry US Dollars or Pounds or Euros larger bills of 100 or 50 dollar bills or pounds.  You can exchange Dollars every where in Saudi Arabia into Riyals

  • Do not carry all your money with you; place your money at different locations on yourself.  This is a precautionary measure.
  • Take approximately 1000.00 dollars per adult for miscellaneous expanses or emergency needs.  This amount is in addition to all other hajj related expenses

REFUNDS

  • Should be obtained at the airport before returning home or any unused travel coupons attached to your passport

 Special Note: In case your tour operator has arranged for private buses for transportation during the entire trip, you should be refunded for all your transport vouchers attached in your passport before you leave Jeddah Airport.  Ask your tour operator about it.  Nobody can cash it for any reason or pretence except you.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME FOR THE AIRPORT

  • Call the airport beforehand to find out the status of your departure flight.
  • Be on time at the airport as instructed by your group leader. If you miss your flight, you are responsible for costs incurred
  • Leave your home early enough to arrive to the airport on time for your flight. Consider the weather, road conditions, and traffic laws
  • Check all your travel documents once again before you leave your home

DURING THE FLIGHT

  • Use the washroom as soon as you feel the need. Do not wait too long
  • If you are in Ihram, do not use cologne/perfume products available on the flight
  • When you come out of the washroom, make sure you leave it very clean, with no water on the floor, or used tissues in the sink or wash basins

JEDDAH AIRPORT – HAJJ TERMINAL

  • Upon arrival, your group will be received the staff of ministry of Hajj. They will help you process the travel documents
  • You will be waiting in the arrival halls until your turn comes.  These halls have no facilities except washrooms, wudu areas and drinking water. It is going to be approximately a 4-6 hour wait, depending on the date and time of arrival. Eat the snacks you have packed in your carry-on.

AFTER CUSTOMS

  • Your baggage is your responsibility. Work on a baggage supervision plan with your group. Stay together.
  • Next – you will show your passport for the removal of the Hajj fee. Cashiers cheques, and bus travel vouchers will be stapled to your passport. Before you move on, check these items and your passport for accuracy
  • Your group will then move into the waiting area platforms, opposite of the terminal halls. There will be restaurants, banks, ministry offices, prayer areas and airport malls where you can buy hajj related items. By this time, you may be exhausted and hungry
  • Always keep your passport in your possession. Go to the bank (cubicles) and convert your money into Saudi Riyals. Eat and rest, sitting watching your luggage.  You may shop for your needs in these malls.
  • Your group leader will collect passports to make arrangements for the bus to Makkah or Medina according to your travel itinerary
  • When the bus arrives at the platform, enter your bus and sit in your seat.  Luggage will be handled by the airport porter and loaded into the bus.
  • All your passports are with the bus driver.
  • Before the bus leaves the terminal platform, a passenger count will be taken by cross referencing with the passports by Ministry staff or driver and your group leader
  • According to your travel itinerary, the bus will travel to Medina or Makkah. Upon arrival, before entering the city, you will pass through a reception centre, where your passports will be registered in the data centre and your Muallim’s office.  If you leave your bus to go to the washroom or any other reason, make sure you note your bus number and isle number so you may return to your respective bus
  • When you enter Medina, the bus goes to the Muallim’s office where your passports will be deposited and receipts will be given to your group leader. Every Hajji will receive a wrist-band and the Muallim’s address card.
  • Next, your bus will go to your hotel for accommodations according to your Hajj package.

YOUR ACTIVITIES IN MAKKAH

  • Once you have unloaded your luggage, assigned your rooms, rested and refreshed, you are ready to do Umrah.
  • Your group leader or accompanied religious scholar will brief you on how to perform Umrah. You will then be lead to the Masjid Al-Haram.
  • When you get to the 1st sight of the Ka’aba, Stop, and make takbir and recite dua
  • Complete a one tawaaf of Umra with Idtibah and Ramal and Sa’ee
  • Men will cut their hair at a barbershop near the doors of Marwah while the ladies will be waiting near the door of Marwah
  • After that, you will go to your hotel rooms and help in cutting the ladies’ hair (approx. 1 inch of hair in length)
  • After this, come out of Ihram, take shower and change into regular clothes. At this point, your Umrah is complete
  • From now until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, you are free to do any activity
  • During your stay in Makkah:
    • Attend 5 daily prayers in Haram –Ka’aba
    • Do as many nafil tawaaf as possible
    • Do extra Umrah’s if you wish
    • Consult your religious scholar at all times for any/all religious matters
  • According to your itinerary, if your are visiting Medina before Hajj, follow the instructions of the group leader about packing luggage for traveling and departure to Medina either by Saudi Air or by bus

VISIT TO MEDINA

  • After arriving to your hotel room, freshen up, eat some food if hungry and leave for Masjid-e-Nabawi.
  • In the masjid, pray 2 rak’ah Tahayyah-tul-Masjid and recite durood on the Prophet (saw).
  • Walking with humility & respect, join the existing line, walking towards the grave site (rowdka) which will be on your left side.  As you come closer, facing the screen, say a sincere Salaam to the Prophet Muhammad (saw) “As Salaam Alaikum ya Rasulullah”
  • Do not raise your hands in front of the grave site for a du’aa
  • Avoid all forms of shirk (4:48)
  • Next, move onwards to your right and say your salam to Hadrat Abu Bakr (R) and then to Hadrat Umar (R)
  • Next to the marked pillars area called Riyaz-ul-Jannah and prays at least 2 nawafil and without hurting or disturbing anyone. Pray and make your dua’a here, sincerely for this is a high place of acceptance.  This is part of Jannah as it is narrated in a hadith
  • Spend as much time as possible in this masjid to do Salah, durood-e-Ibrahim, dhikr of Allah (swt) and study the Quran.  Additionally, you may offer salaam (if possible after every salah) and durood.
  • Your group leader will arrange a guided tour of the historical and religious sites in and around Medina that include a visit to Masjid Quba

START OF HAJJ

  • Pack your small carry-on bag, provisions for 5 days and nights. You will be staying in crowded dusty camps. Mentally prepare yourself for such an experience for which you have traveled so far to get mercy and blessings from Allah (swt)

8th OF DHUL HIJJA – HAJJ STARTS TODAY

  • If you are in Makkah, take a shower and put on Ihram and make the intention for Hajj and say Talbiya as you did for Umrah, observing the restrictions of Ihraam.
  • Those coming from Mina, enter the state of Ihraam in Medina or Dul Hulaifa making intention for Hajj. Say Talbiya and start observing Ihram restrictions.
  • All hujjaj in ihram from Medina, Makkah or from anywhere proceed to Mina arriving before noon on 8th of Dhul HIjjah.  You will stay over night in Mina.
  • During your stay in Mina, do Ibaadat – avoiding all worldly conversations
  • Be helpful to the needy

9th OF DHUL HIJJA – DAY OF ARAFAH

  • After Fajr prayer, proceed to the tents in within the boundary of Arafat with your group
  • Remember to stay with your group at all times
  • Remember that you came all the way here for today’s event – i.e.  The day of Hajj you will stay here from noon to sunset during which you pray Zuhr, Asr shortened and combined with one adhan and two aqama
  • Some pilgrims may do these prayers at their respective times. Do not get into arguments. Follow your imam.
  • After Zuhr and Asr prayers, eat lunch get some rest and start waqoof Arafat.
  • Today is the climax of Hajj for the Hujjaj. It is the day you came here for physicality and spirituality. You must do some taubaa and istigfar, reciting words of Tawheed. This the day of the largest gathering of all Hujjaj, when everyone is and should be begging from the one and same Master his Majesty, Allah (swt)
  • All will stand in the same location, with the same address, uttering the same words, asking for the same requests and following the protocol He invited to come there and to ask questions. You must produce Khuzoo, Kushroo, Taqwa and Rija’a (hope) – expect only good from Allah (swt) regardless of how meager but must be sincere).
  • He answers all prayers. Today is the best day for acceptance of your dua’a
  • The biggest loser amongst us is one who does not ask for nor has Rija’a (hope)
  • Observe the waqoof from late afternoon to sun down. Remember to pray for your parents, family, relatives, friends and those who helped and assisted you to prepare for this important journey

LEAVE ARAFAT FOR MUZDALIFAH

  • Follow the group leaders instructions
  • Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, after sunset, first pray Maghrib and Isha Salah. Combined and shortened.
  • Combine 49-70 pebbles to throw at Jamarat on 10, 11, 12 & 13th.
  • Stay in Muzdalifah. Pray Fajr early at the starting time and engage in dua until day break
  • After sun rise, leave for Mina tents with your group

10th OF DHUL HIJJAH

  • This is the day of Sacrifice
  • First, go to Jamarat site with your group, throw stones at the last Jamarat only and return to the tent.
  • If you have purchased Qurbani vouchers, assume Qurbani is done. Shave your head.
  • Discard Ihram, take shower and come out of Ihram. Put on regular clothes.
  • After that, go to Makkah, with your group leader. Perform tawaf of Hajj followed by Sa’ee and return to Mina and spend one night in Mina.

On 11th, 12th throw pebbles on the three Jamarat – 7 pebbles each, any time after zuhr salaat until late evening.
If you are in a hurry, you can return to Makkah on the evening of the 12th day.
Otherwise, stay until the 13th. Leave Mina after throwing pebbles after Zuhr salat.  When you have returned to Makkah, perform a farewell tawaf before returning to your country.
If you have not yet visited Medina, this is the time to go to Medina after farewell tawaf.
Your hajj trip has come to an end. May Allah accept your Hajj

Article by: travel-culture.com

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10 Pieces of Advice Before You Leave for Umrah

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Some people may be heading out for the spiritual journey of a lifetime soon, so I just wanted to take a moment and give a few pieces of advice for those who will be traveling soon to perform the beautiful Umrah journey.  The following pieces of advice are amongst those that I received and some that I thought of while I was abroad in the sacred sites:

  1. Do your homework
    Learn about Mecca and Madinah.  Learn about Umrah.  When I was preparing for my journey, I came across many different books that discuss Hajj and the virtues of Hajj.  However, I found it difficult to find information on Umrah.  Sure, the books on Hajj made references to Umrah and had short chapters in it, but those snippets didn’t satisfy my craving to learn more.  I did eventually come across a nice book on Umrah entitled, “The Ultimate Guide to Umrah.”  I am not endorsing one specific book over another, but I would urge you to learn about what you are about to experience before you go.  Also, make a copy of your passport and important documents and email them to yourself and your loved ones so you have a copy if something goes awry.
  2. Company makes a man
    If you are going with other people, then make sure they are good people.  A company makes a man, and it’s true when you are in the sacred sites as well.  Having good company can make a lasting impact on your journey.  Are the people you are with going to encourage you to pray Tahajjud in the Haram and do extra tawaf or are they going to instead encourage you to eat the 4000 calorie meal from McDonalds at 2 am so you experience a food coma and have trouble waking up for fajr?
  3. Know the rules of Ihram
    There are simple rules that people can violate without thinking.  For example, know that you can’t use scented soap when in ihram, so try to get some unscented soap before you leave.  Another rule is that you can’t cover your head with your ihram (for men).  So even if it’s really sunny, don’t wrap that towel to protect yourself.  Another issue is it’s important to cover your awrah while in the state of ihram.  Don’t expose yourself while you are wearing it, just be careful insha’Allah.  If you get a chance, check out Shaykh Yasir Qadhi’s transcribed lecture entitled, The Fiqh of Hajj and Practical Advice for Hajj, which has some good tips when it comes to ihram.
  4. Barber hygiene
    At the conclusion of Umrah, it is customary for men and women to cut their hair.  For men, don’t just cut a snip of your hair.  Instead, cut your hair all around, even if you don’t want to shave it.  If you do decide to shave it (recommended), then make sure the barber whom you visit uses a brand new disposable blade.  The Saudi government requires it and most barbers follow this rule, but just be extra careful and have your barber open up your blade in front of you.  You wouldn’t want some blood-borne disease such as Hepatitis C to be transferred to you from the dried blood of the customer before you.  For women, don’t expose yourself and cut your hair at the Kaaba.  Wait until you get back to the hotel so that you can take off your hijab and cut your hair.  Don’t sacrifice your modesty because you’re in a hurry to finish your Umrah.
  5. Take some Vaseline
    This advice is specific to men.  When you are in a state of ihram, you aren’t wearing any boxers or underwear.  Your legs will chaff and Vaseline can make a world of a difference.
  6. Visiting the Rawdah
    The best time to visit the Rawdah in Madinah is at night time.  The Rawdah is a piece of paradise found in the Prophet’s masjid in Madinah.  It is floored with green carpet and so it is easy to identify but difficult to take advantage of.  Many people have a goal of trying to pray in the Rawdah while in Madinah and so large fluxes of people are vying for a very small area.  After talking with people that lived in Madinah, the best time to try to visit the Rawdah (for men) is at night.  If you wait several hours after isha or a few hours before fajr, the rush at the Rawdah is less and it is much easier to pray and have some peaceful time for reflection in the Rawdah without the hustle and bustle that may be present at other times.
  7. Visit the sites in Madinah
    The best time to visit the sites in my opinion is in the morning time sometime between sunrise and Dhuhr prayer.  You can visit places like the site of the battle of Uhud as well as masjid Quba, which is the first masjid built by the Prophet Muhammad .  Don’t forget to pray 2 rakats in masjid Quba and reap the reward of Umrah while you’re there, insha’Allah!
  8. Contact back home
    If you have a smartphone, you can download apps like Viber or MagicJack that make it easier to call home for free on WiFi, which is available in some hotel lobbies.  Keep your phone on airplane mode and turn on the WiFi so that you don’t get charged extraordinary roaming charges.  Also, if you have an iPhone, you can use iMessaging to text other iPhone users while the phone is still in airplane mode using WiFi for free as well!
  9. Talk with people
    Ask them where they are from.  I met people from countries I never expected to meet people from.  There are people from all over the world.  Mecca and Madinah are places of gathering for people from all over the world.  Have you ever met people from Azerbaijan or Mauritius?  Become enlightened on the beautiful brotherhood/sisterhood of our amazing faith.
  10. Make du’a
    Simple to say, but very important to do.  Make du’a for yourself, for others, for the entire Ummah.  You are blessed with being in such a spiritual place.  Take advantage of that beautiful spiritual high and make lots and lots of du’a, insha’Allah!

Have a beautiful journey.  May Allah accept from you, Ameen!

Article by: muslimmatters.org

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Saudi high-speed railway to dramatically improve Haj, Umrah travel

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Saudi Arabia’s new high-speed railway is expected to transport more than three million passengers a year and rising numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims, an official statement of the Haramain Highspeed Railway project said.
“It will bring about a dramatic improvement in the Kingdom’s transport system,” the statement said.
ASuccessfulexperimental operation of the railway was held last month. “It will be launched next year,” the statement said without giving a specific date for the inauguration.

An unnamed railway project official was quoted by Saudi Gazette as saying that the trains would transport 20,000 passengers every hour. There will be trains between Makkah and Jeddah every 10 minutes while trains between Makkah and Madinah would be available every 30 minutes.
In addition to stations in Makkah and Madinah, the 480-km railway has five stations located in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.

The railway will operate seven trains per hour to and from Jeddah, two trains between Makkah and Madinah and four between Makkah and Rabigh. Each of the 35 electric trains, which were manufactured by Talgo, a Spanish manufacturer of intercity, will have 13 carriages and will run at a speed of 300km per hour.

“There will be a two-line railway between Jeddah and Makkah with a length of 78-km, reducing the distance between the two cities to less than half an hour,” the statement said.

The unnamed project official also said that the project, which is estimated to cost SR63 billion, would achieve 90 percent of its revenue in 12 years.

 In addition to separate arrival and departure lounges, a mosque, a helipad, a civil defense center, a lounge for VIP passengers, shops and restaurants at every stop, the project also includes construction of 140 bridges and 860 rainwater drainage systems.
Article by: arabianbusiness.com

Mataf bridge to be removed after 3 months

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MADINAH: The process of dismantling the Mataf bridge encircling the Kaaba will begin after three months and will be completed by Ramadan to make room for 105,000 pilgrims to perform tawaf in one hour. Before the expansion, only 48,000 pilgrims could perform tawaf in one hour.
The final stages of the project are now underway.

Around 15,000 laborers are working to expand the Mataf area to prepare it for around six million Umrah visitors expected this year.
The third expansion phase is expected to ensure the movement of at least 1.6 million Umrah visitors, while around 6,000 workers and technical advisers are expected to be employed in the expansion process.

This is in addition to the seasonal workers employed by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques. This project is the biggest in the history of the Grand Mosque expansion.

When the expansion began the number of columns on the ground floor decreased by 30 percent. This is to provide those performing tawaf comfort to create more space.
The project includes the reconstruction of the old Haram area in the first expansion phase and the expansion of the adjacent area by 50 meters instead of just 20 meters on the surface.

Article by: arabnews.com

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The Haj selfie: a sign of the times or should phone be left at home?

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The selfie – a photograph of oneself, typically taken with a smartphone, and usually shared on social media – has become a fixture of modern life.
However, when the hashtag #Hajjselfie went viral on Twitter last year before the Haj season even started, it sparked outrage among some religious leaders, who warned against the narcissism of taking snaps during the pilgrimage, which is one of Islam’s five pillars and should be performed at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims who can afford it.
Does the Haj selfie go against the spirituality that is a prerequisite for pilgrims, or is it simply a sign of the times? We talk to Muslims from around the world, some of whom have eagerly posed in Mecca for a self-portrait to document the completion of the Haj, and others who stuck to tradition and chose to leave their smartphones at home.

Dana Abusalhieh, Jordanian-Canadian, Lives in Dubai

Abusalhieh, who teaches English as second language, completed the Haj in 2006 and has been on several Umrahs – a non-­mandatory, lesser pilgrimage to Mecca that may be performed at any time of the year. The last of these was in December 2013, and she took several selfies during that trip.
“I have been to Haj long before selfies became a trend. I snapped a few pictures secretly on my Blackberry back then.
“I proudly take selfies when I go to Umrah with my parents now, but I don’t check in and share pictures live on social media. I just share them when the moment is right. Mainly, I think it’s good to share the experience once it’s over, as the time there should be used for spirituality only.
“I think sharing personal photos, selfies or otherwise, with friends who have not yet had the privilege of journeying to Mecca would help make the idea of the trip less intimidating and more inviting.”

Noor Al Khatib, Palestinian-Jordanian, Lives in Dubai

The regional business development manager performed her “seventh or eighth Haj” this year with her mother.
“Personally, I prefer not to take selfies in Haj. I am not a selfie or social-media person – I’m a private person by character. Each moment in Haj is sacred and I would rather reflect and pray.
“On the other hand, my mother, who lives in Jeddah, is a person who likes to take photos and share them with her family in the United States.
“For safety reasons, it’s not safe to use selfie sticks in the Haram. It’s crowded and you can harm people if you use your stick. Also, you can harm yourself while taking a selfie. No one will wait for you to take a selfie. And you can be pushed on the ground while you are smiling for a picture.”

Sabine Lenkeit, German, Lives in Germany

Lenkeit completed her Haj pilgrimage in 2009 and has been on two Umrahs, the first in 2008 and the second in April this year.
“I am not a fan of selfies. In my opinion, it is like showing off. I would never publish my pictures on a social network, because Haj is for Allah and the intention has to be clear. How can I expect to get the reward if my intention is to show off on Facebook?
“Of course, I told my experience to the people around me – the intention here is to motivate them to make this journey, too. But posting selfies is totally different, in my opinion. I can post a picture of the Kaaba, but why do I have to show myself to all those people? I sent some pictures only to my family to let them know that I was fine and happy.”

Rania Wreikat, Jordanian, Lives in Abu Dhabi

The marketing communication manager went on the pilgrimage last year.
“I am very active on social media, which is a great distraction, it is hard for me to resist it. I left my phone behind and chose to be offline during Haj so that I could focus – I only checked Facebook a few times from my mother’s phone to see who had sent me a message asking me to pray for them.
“I did take several pictures during Haj, but I tried not to overdo it as you want to concentrate on the pilgrimage duties and worship. There is also the privacy of other people that you need to take into consideration, since you’re mostly in an extremely crowded place.
“Having the company of my mother, who lives in Jordan, made me want to have the pictures as we aren’t together for most of the year. You also want to document the amazing steps that you completed and the sacredness of the trip – for the memories.
“I did post some selfies on Facebook once I returned home from Haj.”

Noha Safar, Jordanian, Lives in Jeddah

The ESL teacher was in Mecca last year.
“I took a few selfies during the main Haj rituals, such as on Mount Arafat and at the Jamarat [stoning of Satan].
“Not everyone has the opportunity to perform the Haj and I was just so happy to be there, I wanted to remember it, so I took pictures for the memories. Plus last year, there was the selfie trend.
“I think a selfie is the last thing to take away from the religious experience. It only takes a few seconds to do and an additional few seconds to post on Facebook.”

Abdelrahim Syed, Pakistani, Lives in Sharjah

The 37-year-old went on Haj with his mother and wife two years ago.
“I was worried about the ladies when they would stop in the middle of the Haj rituals to take a picture. It is an extremely crowded place and people are constantly moving, so to stop in the middle of all this to take a picture can be dangerous – you might get trampled. I would always tell them to hurry up.
“I understand why they want to take pictures – to record these memories and have tangible proof of this wonderful, sacred place we are in – but you only need one or two pictures for that, not dozens. For me, I took a picture at the very end, when I completed my Haj and was feeling euphoric.”
Mohammed Rashid, Emirati, Lives in Abu Dhabi
The computer engineer completed Haj last year.
“I was very annoyed by all of the people stopping to take selfies. It would really break my concentration when I was praying or trying to let the spirituality overtake me – having to move out of the way of people taking pictures and stopping suddenly to pose. What’s the point of all these pictures? To show off?
“I don’t need pictures to remind myself of the beauty of Haj or how lucky I was to be there, worshipping God as I was meant to do. This selfie thing is really too much these days.”
What the scholars say
Until a few years ago, pilgrims had to hand over their cameras and phones to security before entering the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. Some, of course, managed to sneak them in and take a few photos to commemorate their Haj or Umrah.
These days, authorities have relaxed the rules to allow phones. Professional cameras, however, are still prohibited and selfie sticks are frowned upon.
“There are still those who will admonish pilgrims when there is excessive camera use,” says Rania Wreikat, who performed the Haj pilgrimage last year. Still, it is not uncommon to see people posing by the Kaaba and clicking away.
Last year was dubbed “The Year of the Selfie” after the star-studded selfie taken at the Oscars by host Ellen DeGeneres and when the tag #Hajjselfie went viral on social media before the start of that year’s Haj season. Consequently, some Muslim clerics spoke out against the encroaching trend.
Sheikh Taleb Al Shehi, who oversees the Friday sermons in the new mosque on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island, says taking selfies should depend on the person’s motivations. “People’s actions are judged according to their intention,” he says. “If their reason for taking this selfie is pure and to remember this holy place they have been lucky to visit, then where is the harm? But if they are being disrespectful to the worshippers around them and spending their entire time taking pictures rather than in prayer and remembrance of God, just to show off where they are, then that is the wrong intention.”
Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem, a popular scholar in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, echoes Al Shehi’s sentiments. “Photography without a legitimate reason is an issue of dispute among scholars,” he says. “However, despite this difference of opinion, there shouldn’t be any dispute when it comes to the real meaning of Haj and the essence behind it. It is based on sincerity and following the Sunnah. The Prophet, when he went for Haj, he said: ‘O Allah, I ask of you a pilgrimage that contains no boasting or showing off.’ ”
Ali Gomaa, Islamic scholar, jurist and the 18th Grand Mufti of Egypt from 2003 to 2013, once said in an interview on the CBC TV channel: “Those who photograph themselves through selfies with the Holy Kaaba for fun are being disrespectful and it displeases God.”

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Over 5.8 million Umrah visas issued this year

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JEDDAH: The Foreign Ministry has issued 5,808,675 Umrah visas until the month of Ramadan this Hijri year through 110 embassies of the Kingdom across the world.
Meanwhile, a Jeddah airport official said that things were moving smoothy and that all facilities and manpower were ready for departure of passengers for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday and return of Umrah pilgrims to their countries.
Prince Khaled bin Saud bin Khalid, assistant foreign minister, said the government, under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, has helped in providing all sorts of facilities to Muslims from around the world to enable them to perform Umrah at ease.
The prince said that 500,000 pilgrims reach for Umrah at one time, thanks to the group system made possible with the help of the Ministries of Foreign, Interior and Haj.
Abdul Hameed Aba Al-Urri, director general of King Abdul Aziz International Airport of Jeddah, told Arab News that the airport was coordinating with the Haj and Umrah lounges, aviation companies and the Ministry of Haj.
There are approximately 120 Umrah flights from Haj and Umrah lounges daily.
A pilgrim, Fayez Nooruddin, 45, said that the services at the airport were very good. “But we were surprised by the cancelation of my and my family’s reservation by the Saudi Arabian Airlines. I didn’t get any explanation from the airline about this.”
Naimah Al-Eidani, a 55-year-old Tunisian passenger, expressed her satisfaction at the facilities and management at the airport. “There is no mismanagement at the airport. We completed the formalities easily,” she said.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Sincerity means being deeply devoted to Allah by heart

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As for those who believe and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the Companions of the Heaven, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surah Hud, 23)

Belief In ALLAH:

Sincerity means being deeply devoted to Allah by heart. A sincere person has a deep fear for Allah, profoundly believes in Him, sees and advocates the righteousness in the best way. A sincere person is the one who believes in Allah with certainty, the Hereafter, prophets, the Heaven and the Hell and angels.

Belief in Allah’s Prophets:

Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and mercy be upon him) and all other prophets including Prophet Jesus, Prophet Moses, Prophet Abraham, Prophet Solomon, Prophet Joseph, Prophet Jonah, Prophet Job (peace be upon them all) are the sincere servants of Allah. We are aware of the prophets’ sincerity because Allah sees them sincere and declares them to be so. All of the prophets were blessed people who were devoted to our All-Mighty Lord with great love and experienced sincerity in its most profound state. Likewise, due to their sincerity, all the prophets were blessed people who absolutely engaged in the most accurate act, whose deeds resulted in good and beauty and who truly turned to Allah in all their deeds.


Due to his fear for Allah and profound love of Allah, a sincere person is someone who readily discriminates between the right and the wrong, who absolutely implements what is right according to the Qur’an and, without seeing any limits in closeness to Allah and love for him, who discharges all the requirements of the religion in the most accurate and absolute manner. Consequently, sincerity is the kind of attitude which appears with fear of Allah, and closeness and love of Him and is experienced in the form as depicted in the Qur’an.


When one examines the Qur’an with a sincere heart one can immediately see that the Qur’an is the true Divine book. But if someone has never had access to the Qur’an, then he is Ahl Al-Fatrat, but if he believes in the one Allah, loves and fears Allah, does good works for His approval and prays, fasts and performs his religious duties as required by the religion, then that person may hope for Paradise.


However, nobody can ever be certain that either he or anyone else will go to Heaven or Hell. So long as a morally virtuous person lives for the approval of Allah he may hope for Paradise from Him, and one may hope that this person will be one of the saved, though one can never be certain of this. As Allah reveals in the Qur’an, all believers live “between hope and fear:”
Their sides eschew their beds as they call on their Lord in fear and ardent hope. And they give of what We have provided for them. (Surat As-Sajda, 16)


Since sincerity can only be experienced with unconditional belief in Allah, hoping for the Heaven merely saying, “I am sincere,” without fulfilling the decrees of the religion is an insincere view that only deceives the person himself. It is a great collapse of reason to appear with reasoning commanding that “Satanists can go to the Heaven if they are sincere” and try to show a criminal person who overtly murders a human being and who evidently denies Allah as a sincere person deserving the Heaven.
A person who denies Allah commits crimes and engages in immoral acts commits all these misdeeds due to his insincerity and his disbelieving and rebellious mind. Such a person is not even remotely close to sincerity. He is dishonest and a liar. What is essential is not one’s seeing himself sincere but the recognition of his sincerity by Allah. As long as a satanist does not regret, repent and turn to Allah with sincerity, he is an unbeliever who is doomed to Hell. (Allah knows the truth)


Almighty Allah gives as an example in the Qur’an of a man who owns a garden and who considers himself sincere and thinks that he deserves the Heaven even though he is in complete denial of the Hereafter:
He entered his garden and wronged himself by saying, “I do not think that this will ever end. I do not think the Hour will ever come. But if I should be sent back to my Lord, I will definitely get something better in return.” (Surat Al-Kahf, 35-36)


Our Lord informs us of the condition of the person whose garden was destroyed as a calamity that came over him due to his denial.
There was no group to come to his aid, besides Allah, and he was not given any help. In that situation, the only protection is from Allah, the Almighty. He gives the best reward and the best outcome.


Almighty Allah “knows what their hearts keep hidden and what they divulge” (Surat An-Naml, 74). Those who are insincere to Allah are people who cannot appreciate Allah properly and who cannot comprehend this great fact. Almighty Allah, Who knows all that is concealed, is certainly the One, Who knows best the sincerity in a person’s heart. Our Lord states in one verse of the Qur’an as thus:
Your Lord knows best what is in your selves. If you are righteous, He is Ever-Forgiving to the remorseful. (Surat Al-Isra, 25)

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Article by: arabnews.com