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Preparing for Umrah: The Mental and The Physical

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9017808032_dae69c3d81_oImage by: flickr

In just a few days, Imam Wisam Sharieff will embark on his annual Knowledge Travels Umrah Trip. This year the trip is themed “Umrah with Your Qur’an.” In order to help prepare our group for this year’s Umrah, we’ve created a list of mental and physical actions to do in the days leading up to the trip, and we’d like to share them with you as well:
1. Prepare for tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’aba) by walking 2,000 steps, approximately a mile, a day. When you make this exercise specifically to prepare yourself for your journey, recite some adhkar (a phrase glorifying Allah) with each step.
2. Become conscious of your spending – literally every penny. Consciousness and awareness now will help you keep focus on the spiritual rather than the material during the trip. This is the same thing that as mindfulness. It starts with focus on things as simple as breathing. Breathe deeply and slowly.
3. Focus on what you are feeding your body and try to purify it. This means what you see, what you watch, what you hear, and what you’re feeding yourself. Of course, if you are able, try to fast for a few days leading up to your trip. This naturally helps the purification process. Another method is to try to have your wudhu intact at all times. Every time your wudhu is invalidated, perform a fresh one, and try to be in a state of wudhu when you lie down to sleep at night.
4. Start talking to Allah NOW – strengthen your relationship with your Lord. It’s natural to head into Umrah preparation thinking solely about logistics – visas, passports, immunizations, tickets, packing, luggage, and the list goes on and on – saving the spirituality for the actual trip. However, Umrah is as much about what we do in the days leading up to our journey as it is about the actual journey itself. We get as much out of our Umrah experience as we put into it.
Whether you intend to perform Umrah next week or sometime later, keep making du’a that it happens for you and that your pilgrimage is accepted. This inculcates love towards the Holy Cities and keeps them in your heart.
Hajj and Umrah can be very comfortable and luxurious experiences for some of us. Even for those who have only heard second-hand stories about the air conditioned tents with plush carpets and the breakfast buffets that would put Las Vegas to shame have a difficult time reconciling the austere history with the modern extravagance. But regardless of how much we pay for our package and what accommodations are arranged, we have to treat the opportunity like the blessing it is. Our Lord has given health, wealth and the necessary time to make this pilgrimage. Our bodies, our faith and our finances have been preserved for all our lives until this point. After those lifelong favors, Our Lord issues us an invitation that comes to our hearts in the form of guidance. How do we repay that favor? And after all His mercies that bring us to the Ka’aba, Our Lord rewards us even more for making the journey.
Wherever you are in life, make Umrah and Hajj a destination for yourself. Tell yourself and promise your Lord that you are beginning your pilgrimage today. Start a modest saving plan strictly to visit Makkah, and every moment between now until you are able to drink water from the spring of Zamzam will be rewarded as an effort towards worship. If you already have your tickets, this still applies to you. If you have already completed Hajj and Umrah multiple times, and have the resources to sponsor someone else who has never completed the pilgrimage, then perhaps there is a different project for you to become involved, even if that means pennies at a time.
The invitation comes from Allah but the rites we perform are learned from Our Prophet (SalAllahu ‘Alayhi Wasalam). Of the many authentic narrations that extol the virtues and benefits of good manners, among them is the Messenger (SalAllahu ‘Alayhi Wasalam) saying, “Verily, I have only been sent to perfect good manners.” If we are blessed enough to walk the streets of Makkah, then we have a responsibility to do so in the manner my Prophet (SalAllahu ‘Alayhi Wasalam) would expect a member of his Community to do so. Whether we are just returned from Makkah, or perhaps are uncertain of ever visiting the Holy City, we must embody the perfection of character and display the best of manners wherever we are.

Article by: www.aqlonline.com

How shall I spend my day in Makkah and Madinah?

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2973350299_da494cbed6_bimage by: flickr

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
It is truly a blessing from Almighty Allah if one gets to present himself in the sacred cities of Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. The virtues, station and sacredness of these lands cannot be over emphasised. Words cannot reflect the merit of these cities.
Endurance, passion and devotion varies from person to person. A Timetable may suit one but not the other. In addition, quality and quantity need to be balanced. We need to do as much as we can yet maintain and progress in the quality of all that we do.
What one can do out of the Hajj season is obviously much more due to the crowds. Plus, the distance of one’s accommodation in the blessed cities plays a very big role in structuring one’s day.
There are certain acts we all need to do in abundance of when visiting the al-Haramayn al-Sharifayn:
1) Tawāf
2) Recitation of Qur’an
3) Dhikr
4) Du’ā’
5) Salawāt on the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam
There are certain things which one should refrain from altogether:
1) Time wasting
2) Abundance of shopping
3) Gossiping
MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH
Below is a timetable for Makkah al-Mukarramah which may prove to be beneficial for many if not all:
Sleep from 10.30pm-Tahajjud time.
Wake up 30 mins before Tahajjud and go to the Masjid
Stay in the Haram, perform Tawaf and perform Tahajjud
Recite Qur’an from then till Fajr.
After Fajr everyone performs Tawaf. It is very hectic and busy. You may want to do dhikr and Tilawah at this time.
Perform 4 rak’ats Ishraaq salāh and then go have breakfast. After this go to sleep.
Wake up 11am. Go to the Masjid and perform Tawaf and thereafter perform Salah a-Duha /Chasht Salah and engage in Tilawah.
Try to perform another Tawaf. However, at this time of the day it is very hot and therefore one should gauge one’s strength and energy.
After Dhuhr perform one more tawaf and thereafter go for lunch.
After lunch, one should rest for a while before making preparations for Asr.
30-45 mins before Asr, one should prepare to go for Salah.
When reaching the Masjid, try and squeeze in a Tawāf. Thereafter, tilawah and dhikr.
After Asr, sit and recite Qur’an. Let the crowd disperse. After a while perform Tawaf. Thereafter, one may go for a walk and freshen up.
Between maghrib and esha many people perform Tawaf. One Tawaf can take up to 1 hour if not more. Therefore, one may wish to perform Salaah Awwābīn and recite the Qur’an between Maghrib and Esha.
Likewise straight after Esha many people perform Tawaf. You may go and have dinner. If after dinner you can go the Masjid, perform a quick Tawaf and then go to one’s hotel and sleep.
AL-MADINAH AL-MUNAWWARAH
With regards to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, the objective should be abundance of salawāt upon the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam. A person travelling to Madinah should aim to attach himself to the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam and his beloved sunnah. We need to take advantage of the physical proximity we have with the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam and his blessed Sahabah (companions) by connecting with them spiritually and mentally. Condition the heart, soul and mind to mirror the heart, soul and mind of the Prophet and the Sahabah. Let our desires, aspirations and belief incline towards theirs.
Therefore, whilst in the sacred city of Madinah, everyone should engage themselves in the following:
1) Abundance of recitation of salawāt
2) Reflection and meditation on the sacrifices of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam and the Sahabah
3) Spending time as much as possible in the masjid
A good idea would be to set oneself a high target of reciting salawāt daily. For example, one may aim to read 20,000 salawāt daily. This can be any salāh and salām, even merely saying ‘salallahu alaihi wasallam’.
May Allah Ta’ala take us all to the Haramayn over and over again and give us the ability to spend our time productively. Amīn.

Article by: darulfiqh

Items to take with on Your Umra Trip

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umrah-3Some Hujjaj have the tendency to take many unnecessary items with them. We, therefore, have prepared a list of items to be taken. Some of these items can be shared between couples and friends.
List of Items
01) One bottle of unscented Shampoo and soap.
02) One can (unscented) of dusting powder.
03) One tooth brush and toothpaste.
04) One hair brush or comb.
05) One travelling money pouch for safekeeping.
06) Four shirts, two pants, two pajamas and some undergarments for men.
07) Four sets of Shalwaar Kurta or long dress and some undergarments for women.
08) One Janamaaz (Mussalla) made of straw available in Medina. You are not allowed to use openly Sajdagha (Mor) when saying your Salaat
09) One travelling alarm clock.
10) One pair of rubber slippers and one pair of very comfortable shoes for the daily wear.
11) You should take enough prescription medicine to last you during the entire trip and you should carry them in your hand luggage. It is also advisable to carry a prescription of all your medication in case you have to buy them. Also please make sure to take some Tylenol and cough drops like ‘Bradasol’ for sore throat.
12) If you wear prescription glasses then it is highly recommended to carry an extra pair with you.
New York/Jeddah
During Umra season, it is advisable to fly by Saudi Airlines from New York which flies non-stop to Jeddah and arrives at about 4:30 PM. This will give you enough time to clear immigration and customs and catch your flight to Medina which departs from Jeddah at about 8:30 PM.
Once you arrive in Medina and have collected your baggage, you will go outside the terminal and take a taxi to your hotel, which will cost you approximately SR40.
Medina
If you are staying near the Holy Haram then every morning at about 4:30 AM you should go to the Holy Haram for Salaat al-Shab also called Salaat al-Lail. Two Adhaan are given in the morning and one Ehkaam for the Fajr Salaat.
If you wish to pray inside the Haram then you should carry (with you) the straw mat because you will be able to do your prostration on it.
Also there are many small places in the Haram where there are no carpets so you can pray at these places.
After morning Salaat men proceed to Janat-ul-Baquee. The ladies will stay outside Masjid al-Nabawee waiting for the Masjid to be opened for them for Ziyarat, which is normally at about 7:00 AM.
You should try and return to your Hotel for breakfast and rest during the day and if you wish to go for Salaat at the Masjid during Dhohar and Asr, you may do so.
The Holy Haram is closed after Isha Salaat.
Salaat
Hujjaj who are required to pray ‘kasar’ under normal circumstances, are recommended to pray full Salaat in Makkah and Medina, if you are staying in a Hotel near the Holy Haram.
It is highly recommended that when entering any Masjid for the first time then 2 rakaat Salaat be offered with the “Niyyat of Tahiyyat al-Masjid”

Article by: al-islam

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About The Kaaba

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There is no place on Earth as venerated, as central or as holy to as many people as Mecca. By any objective standard, this valley in the Hijaz region of Arabia is the most celebrated place on Earth.
Thousands circle the sacred Kaaba at the center of the Haram sanctuary 24 hours a day. Millions of homes are adorned with pictures of it and over a billion face it five times a day.
The Kaaba is the epicenter of Mecca.
The cube-shaped building is at the heart of the most well-known real estate in the history of mankind; it is shrouded in black and its fair share of mystery.
Here are just a few things that most people may not know about the Kaaba:

1. It’s not supposed to be a cube shape
Yes, ladies and gentleman… the most famous cube in the world actually started out shaped like a rectangle.
I’ll give you a moment to pick your jaws off the floor.
Right, where were we?
Oh yeah, the Kaaba was never meant to be a cube. The original dimensions of The House included the semi-circular area known as the Hijr Ismail.
When the Kaaba was rebuilt just a few years before the Prophet received his first revelation, the Quraish agreed to only use income from pure sources to complete the rebuild. That meant no money from gambling, looting, prostitution, interest etc. In the ultimate sign of how deeply mired in wrongdoing the Jahili Quraish were, there was not enough untainted money in this very wealthy trading city to rebuild the Kaaba to its original size and shape!
They settled for a smaller version of the Kaaba and put a mud brick wall (called “Hijr Ismail” although it has no connection to the Prophet Ismail (A) himself) to indicate the original dimensions. Towards the end of his life, the Prophet intended to rebuild the Kaaba on its original foundations but passed away before he could fulfill his wish. Apart from a brief interlude of a few years during the reign of Caliph Abdullah ibn Zubair, the Kaaba has remained the same shape that the Prophet saw it in.
The history of the Kaaba is not just an interesting story from our past. The Kaaba is a real and present symbol that connects all Muslims together wherever they may be. It also connects us to our glorious and not-so-glorious past so that we may derive lessons and feel that we are a part of an eternal mission. In a day and age where Muslims are increasingly disconnected from our history, as well as each other, the Kabaa reminds us of our shared heritage and bonds. It is a symbol of unity in an Ummah sorely in need of it.

2. It has been reconstructed several times
The Kaaba that we see today is not exactly the same Kaaba that was constructed by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail From time to time, it has needed rebuilding after natural and man-made disasters.
Of course, we all know of the major reconstruction that took place during the life of the Prophet before he became a Prophet. This is the occasion when the Prophet averted major bloodshed by his quick thinking on how to place the Black Stone using a cloth that every tribe could lift up.
Since then, there has been an average of one major reconstruction every few centuries. The last renovation took place in 1996 and was extremely thorough, leading to the replacement of many of the stones and re-strengthening the foundations and a new roof. This is likely to be the last reconstruction for many centuries (insha’Allah) as modern techniques mean that the building is more secure and stable than ever before.

3. It used to have two doors … and a window
The original Kaaba used to have a door for entrance and another for the exit. For a considerable period of time, it also had a window situated to one side. The current Kaaba only has one door and no window.

4. It used to be multi-colored
We are so used to the Kaaba being covered in the trademark black Kiswah with gold banding that we can’t imagine it being any other color. However, this tradition seems to have started at the time of the Abbasids (whose household color was black) and before this, the Kaaba was covered in multiple colors including green, red and even white.

5. The keys are in the hands of one family
At the time of the Prophet, each aspect to do with the rites of Hajj was in the hands of different sub-groups of the Quraish. Every one of these would eventually lose control of their guardianship of a particular rite except one. On the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet was given the keys to the Kaaba and instead of keeping it in his own possession; he returned them back to the Osman ibn Talha ® of the Bani Shaiba family. They had been the traditional key keepers of the Kaaba for centuries, and the Prophet confirmed them in that role till the end of time by these words

“Take it, O Bani Talha, eternally up to the Day of Resurrection, and it will not be taken from you unless by an unjust, oppressive tyrant.”

Whether Caliph, Sultan or King – the most powerful men in the world have all had to bow to the words of the Prophet and ask permission from this small Makkan family before they can enter the Kaaba.

6. It used to be open to everyone
Until recently, the Kaaba was opened twice a week for anyone to enter and pray. However, due to the rapid expansion in the number of pilgrims and other factors, the Kaaba is now opened only twice a year for dignitaries and exclusive guests only.
Watch the video attached here to witness the doors of the Kaaba being opened (at 50 seconds) – and the simultaneous gasps of a Million people as they cry out at this auspicious moment.

7. You used to be able to swim around it
One of the problems with having the Kaaba situated at the bottom of a valley is that when it rains – valleys tend to flood. This was not an uncommon occurrence in Mecca and the cause of a lot of trouble before the days of flood control systems and sewage. For days on end, the Kaaba would be half submerged in water. Did that stop Muslims from performing the Tawaf? Of course not. As the picture below amply shows – Muslims just started swimming around the Kaaba.
Modern adjustments to the surrounding landscape and flood prevention techniques mean we may never see such sights again. Or will we? Check out this recent video.

8. The inside contains plaques commemorating the rulers who renovated it
For years many have wondered what it looks like inside the Kaaba. Relying on second or third-hand accounts from those who were lucky enough to enter just wasn’t satisfying enough. Then one lucky person who went inside took his camera phone in with him and Millions have seen the shaky footage online.
The interior of the Kaaba is now lined with marble and a green cloth covering the upper walls. Fixed into the walls are plaques each commemorating the refurbishment or rebuilding of the House of Allah by the ruler of the day. Watch the video below of the only place on Earth that you can pray in any direction you want, the House of Allah, the first place of worship for mankind – the Kaaba.

9. There are two kababs!
Directly above the Kaaba in heaven is an exact replica. This Kaaba was mentioned in the Qur’an and by the Prophet.
The Messenger of Allah said narrating about the journey of ‘Isra Wal Miraaj

“Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma’mur (i.e. Allah’s House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma’mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).”

10. The Black Stone is broken
Ever wondered how the Black Stone came to be in the silver casing that surrounds it?
Some say it was broken by a stone fired by the Umayyad army laying siege to Mecca whilst it was under the control of Abdullah ibn Zubair ®.
However, most agree that it was most damaged in the middle ages by an extreme heretical Ismaili group from Bahrain called the Qarmatians who had declared that the Hajj was an act of superstition. They decided to make their point by killing tens of thousands of hujjaj and dumping their bodies in the well of Zamzam.
As if this act of treachery was not enough, these devils took the Black Stone to the East of Arabia and then Kufa in Iraq where they held it ransom until they were forced to return it by the Abbasid Caliph. When they returned it, it was in pieces and the only way to keep them together was by encasing them in a silver casing. Some historians narrate that there are still some missing pieces of the stone floating around.

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 Article by: muslimmatters

Tips for umrah

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ooImage by: Flickr

These are some things I picked up on my recent trip there. Feel free to email me for anything in particular:
* Don’t be afraid of going on umrah while you are young. There were tons of young couples with the look of passion in their eyes for each other there, sharing themselves with God. It was beautiful
* Bring an extra set of Ihram in case one gets dirty or you sweat too much
* Be careful when wearing the ihram. I was accidentally flashed once
* If you are sensitive to light bring sunglasses as it gets very bright at the kaaba
* A trick to kissing the black stone is to join the queue 10 – 15 minutes before the azan for Asar. The people pushing are shooed away and the line moves quickly.
* for the hijr ismail for Zohor or Asar pray near the entrance and when salat is finished go near the entrance. After the funeral prayer they will open the gate up and it will be straightforward to go in
* Learn the funeral prayer (salat Jenazah). You will pray it 5 times a day, I kid you not.
*The three most happening hotels are the intercontinental (dar tauhid), hilton and Zam Zam suites. Theres a nice shopping mall at hilton with KFC, Hardees (delicious) and burger king. Outsiders can use the internet there (SR50 per hour at the business centre). Zam Zam suite has a high class shopping mall there and the intercontinental is closest to the kaaba
*Dar Firdaus is probably the closest of the other hotels. Used to be called the Grand Makkah Hotel before it was renovated. Rooms are reasonable sized and canteen has Malay food (cook from Penang). Workers are quite friendly as well, and they keep the place clean and efficient. Going out from King Fahd gate of kaaba you cross the bus stop and the hotel is right there. Only just a bit further than the 5 star hotels (it is 3 or 4 star. 3 star by Malaysia standards).
* don’t be put off by the hot weather. Even though it is very hot you really don’t feel it
* there are places for ladies to pray on the second floor of the masjid haram. Near the intercontinental and Zam Zam suite entries there are escalators. It is much more peaceful there rather than at the ground floor.
* Ladies are allowed into the ar raudah section of the prophets mosque in the morning and night for an hour or so. The one at night is a lot less crowded
*If you want to pray near the kiblat for congregational prayers, do sunnah inside first and then go to where people are doing tawaf. People will form lines there just before salat starts.
*Not much food in the airport and it is expensive so if possible bring food and drinks from elsewhere. They don’t check for liquids at immigration.
* Need to pray in the open at the airport so bring a prayer matt
* Follow all the readings and whatnot on the first umrah. After that the second time can do it more from your heart. The first time you try you will be nervous and in awe of the whole situation for your heart to appreciate everything.

Article by: tripadvisor

Umrah pilgrims start arriving from Nov

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hajar aswadimage by: aswad.zhiyou

MAKKAH — The first Umrah pilgrims are expected to arrive in the Kingdom on Nov. 13 signaling the start of the Umrah season which begins usually on the first day of Safar and continues until the end of Ramadan.

The last batch of pilgrims, who performed Haj this year, left the Kingdom on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“Only 15 days separate the end of Haj and the beginning of the Umrah season,”  spokesman of the Haj Ministry Hatim Al-Qadi told Makkah daily on Tuesday.

He said the ministry uses this interval to review its final plans for the season and to inform the Haj companies of any new arrangements.

A total of 1,327,944 pilgrims have arrived and 1,327,751 of them have departed the Kingdom for their respective homes after performing the Haj.

“The ministry avails the lapse of 15 days to go again over its plans formulated as early as September so as to ensure the success of the season and provide pilgrims with the services that will enable them to do their rituals in ease, peace, and comfort,” he said.

Qadi said the new Umrah plans were made after taking into consideration the remarks and observations of the previous season.

He noted that the citizens and expatriates living in the Kingdom usually avail themselves of this period to perform Umrah or visit Madinah as the two holy cities will not be too crowded.

The ministry provides the Umrah pilgrims coming from outside with a package of services beginning with the travel date, the air carrier, location of accommodation and its distance from the Grand Mosque or the Prophet’s Mosque, number of beds in each room, date of proceeding to Madinah, sustenance and the date of final departure.

The Umrah visa is normally valid for two weeks. The ministry also closely watches the service-providing companies ensure that they are committed to providing the pilgrims with the services agreed upon.

Any company which fails to provide excellent services to the pilgrims will be prevented from contracting new pilgrims for the entire season.

Recently, Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar said a new Umrah system and its executive bylaws will be issued soon with a view to increasing the number of pilgrims every year.

He told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that starting next year, as many as 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 so as to fully utilize the gigantic projects implemented by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Hajjar said the ministry will continue to use its e-portal under which procedures to issue a visa will not take more than a few minutes.

According to the ministry’s figures, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015. It is expecting 10 million visas to be issued in 2016 and 60 million by 2018.

Article by: saudi gazette

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Visiting my Creator’s home, the Ka’aba

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haramimage by: flickr

When I hear the talbiyah and takbeeraat on TV these days, it brings back sweet memories of last year, when I had the fortune of performing Hajj.
Around three years ago, my beloved husband passed away. With him departed his promises of performing Hajj together. We had performed Umrah together and I hadn’t thought much about Hajj, but when he left, the thought struck me – my mehram was gone.
However last year when I was least expecting it, my maternal uncle offered that my sister and I go for Hajj with him. We jumped at the opportunity. I had led a normal life for the most part, but had just recently gotten close to the divine mission. I had started praying and found the kind of solace in prayer that my relatives’ condolences and support didn’t fulfil.
We were to go for Hajj in a group of twenty five. The organisation that was arranging for these groups said that all slots had already been filled and I lost hope. However, Allah (SWT) was especially kind my sister and I, and even though all slots were taken, the organisation made an exception for us. In their 33 years of making arrangements for Hajj, they had never added extra people in these groups. Had it not been for this miracle, I don’t think I would ever have gotten a chance to visit the house of God. On November 9, 2011, we flew for Hajj.
I have travelled to many countries in my life but this journey was one of a kind. I had seen the Ka’aba on television many times and wondered what it would be like to be some feet close to it and perform tawaaf around it. It worried me a little because I am diabetic and my feet and shins hurt terribly when I walk too much. I also get near-death feverish when I’m exhausted. I wondered if I would be able to fulfil my obligation the way I wished.
Hajj is very different from Umrah in more than just the ritualistic ways. There is a lot of elbowing and nudging during Hajj, and honestly, you don’t get the calmness of contemplating in silence, like you do with Umrah.
We stayed at Mina and our journey to Arafat and Muzdalfa was on foot. We opted to walk the way through because we knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance and we wanted to avail its full potential.
We began walking at Maghrib and reached at Fajr. We were carrying our entire luggage and it was difficult; we even had to sleep on the road a couple of times. It was a more peaceful sleep than I have slept in ages. During our rest breaks, I would see people in their seventies, walking on their old feeble legs with their backs hunched. This motivated me and I’d get up and get going again.
On our way, strangers offered us snacks and drinks. They weren’t workers but people like us, who had travelled from far-off lands. Language barriers didn’t stop us from communicating and no one thought twice when it came to helping others.
When we reached Arafat, all of us began to weep and plead to Allah (SWT). It was a congregation of Muslims from world over, all asking the Lord to forgive them. My dupatta was soaked in tears and my hands rose up in prayer. I naturally thought of my husband and almost everyone I have known and prayed for them individually.
(Pilgrims at Arafat. PHOTO: REUTERS)
I was beginning to realise how little worldly things begin to matter in life. Everything seemed insignificant. When I saw the Ka’aba, my eyes welled up with tears. You only realise your true insignificance when you are in front of the Ka’aba and you fall in prostration when you realise how much He has given to someone as common and unimportant as yourself. He is the Only Friend you have, who despite all your mistakes, forgives and embraces you. He is your Best Friend.
No one was thinking about anyone else, but talking to the Lord. They were in a magnanimous crowd physically, but busy conversing with their Lord as if Allah (SWT) was the only Being there apart from themselves.
One Pathan woman sat reciting something on a rosary. Upon asking her, she told that she was reciting “Bismillah”. I asked,

“Why not something else, like the Kalimah?”

To my surprise, she had never learned the Kalimah. I sat with the woman and her son and taught them the first Kalimah. She wept in gratitude and thanked me by sharing her food with me.
On my way back, I had blisters on my soles. I was also 41 degrees Celsius and I felt like I was going to faint. Inside my mind, I wished I would.
Could there be a better way to die, than at the foot of Allah’s (SWT) house?
I survived. I was glad that I did, because there was so much I was yet to do before I faced Allah (SWT). We dodged death a few times and my sister was almost trampled to death, too.
I found that my journey on foot was the essence of Hajj. It taught me more things that I can mention here.
For everyone performing Hajj, or planning to perform Hajj, I have some advice to sum it all up:
Kissing Hajr-e-Aswad is not obligatory. People don’t know how to behave and you could be squeezed to death attempting to touch the Hajr-e-Aswad. If you are a woman, I suggest that you don’t go near it during Hajj.
(Pilgrims attempting to kiss the black stone, Hajr-e-Aswad. PHOTO: REUTERS)
During Rami (stoning the Satan), I saw people actually swearing at the symbolic devil and even throwing shoes and soda cans at it. This is just a ritual in the remembrance of something. You only have to throw pebbles at it. Remember, it is the devil inside you that you must slay. You don’t have to break this stone figure.

Article by: blogs

How to Perform Umrah for Women

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This blog is to provide the readers with the clear understanding of the rules ordained by Islam for Women when they are planning on performing Umrah. The blog articles discusses the clothing requirements, visa requirements, Islamic requirements and the physical requirements that need to be met to successfully perform Umrah. All females irrespective of the age bracket that are planning on moving forward to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah needs to know the basic steps and procedures to perform Umrah correctly. Little girls are certainly excluded since they are innocent. One of our recommendations is to abide by the men that the women are going with. Basically, the majority of the steps are the same for man and woman. However, there are certain areas where there is a difference.
Let us update you of the main exceptions:

  • Ihram for Men is a stipulated method. however, for women it is not the case. Women only have to be properly covered.
  • Women who are having their menstrual cycles need to abstain from performing Umrah.
  • After the completion of Sa’yi, males have to shave off their heads. This is not the same case for women. Women are only told to cut their hair the length of a finger nail. This is to ensure that the women have also participated in that ritual.
  • Al-Idhtebaa’ and Al-Raml- which are for men only.
  • Talbeeyah- said loudly by men and in a low voice by women pilgrims.
These are the main differences in terms of the approach and method. However, the main activities and performing Umrah remains the same.

What Should Women Wear for Umrah

Ihram basically means covering the main organs. While you are performing the Umrah, it is obligatory to have a sanity and community sense. Hence, the women are allowed to wear decent cloths. The women are allowed to enter the state of Ihram by washing themselves and ensuring that they stay pure and holy during the entire Umrah activity. Any activity that makes the women unclean or impure is not recommended. Any practice like that will break the Umrah for the woman. During Umrah, women cannot wear any type of veil and gloves. These are not permissible under any means. Ihram for women during Umrah is more symbolic. This symbolism identifies the importance of cleanliness and holiness.
In fact, many of the latest Umrah packages from Pakistan and other parts of the Muslim countries now offer real time and even virtual classes for the women prior to taking up the journey to Mecca and Medinah.

Mahram in Islam for Women

Men can perform Umrah on their own. However, this is not the case for women. And there are significant rules and laws that stipulate and provide evidence as to why women should not perform Umrah alone

For your convenience the following is a list of mahram for women:

  •  Father, mother, grandparents, and great-grandparents
  • Brothers and sisters
  • Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
  • Uncles, aunts, great-uncles and great-aunts
  • Nephews, nieces, Grand nephews, Grand nieces, great-grand nephews and great-grand-nieces
  • Parent-in-laws
  • Son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws
  • Stepfathers and Step-mothers
  • Stepchildren
  • Rada – Also known as “milk-suckling mahram”

However, there are strict rules for men as well in terms of accompanying their women in Umrah. Men have been bestowed as the guardians of the women. So, during Umrah, the women need to make sure that they are close to their male counterparts and ensure that they are aware of the surroundings. In many of the cases where men take their respected elderly, we highly recommend that the five start services are rendered since the services provide a certain level of ease and comfort.

Importance of Mahram

The principle of mahram is important since it regulates everyday human interaction and clearly demarcates the boundaries of permissible human interaction and social activities. Umrah has millions of people from all across the world. And hence, there is a large stamped of people and activities going on at the same time. Hence, with the current influx of people and communities, it is highly recommend for women to carry along with their respective Mahram. Additionally, a single woman in any place is highly likely to be harassed by men. It is common human interaction. And with that comes Shaitan and all the evils. That is why it is always safe to be with a man that can provide and decrease the chances of any impurity or lawlessness. Honor and chastity of women are also save with their respective men that are leading them. Umrah is a family event and should be enjoyed as such.

Rules of Umrah for Women

  • As discussed above, the women performing Umrah need to be properly dressed and need to be with their Mahram. Additionally, women cannot apply for a Saudi Umrah Visa without being accompanied with a male passport. It will be rejected.
  • Women who are on their menstrual cycle should not participate in Umrah and needs to abstain from it. Women need to be pure and clean during the Umrah activities.
  • Muslims have the luxury of performing Umrah all year round, which is not true of Hajj. Therefore it is advised that women intending to perform Umrah plan their pilgrimage accordingly to avoid any inconveniences.
  • Women needs permission of their husband to wear Ihram. Objective is that nothing should violate the conjugal rights of the husband.
  • There is no special acceptance of Ihram. Women can even wear regular clothing.
  • Very unlike men, women can wear stitched clothing. Silk cannot be worn during Umrah.
  • Jewelry is not permissible during performance of Umrah.
  • Women do not need to cover her face for Umrah.
  • Make up is also not permissible during Umrah.
  • Though, there are certain rules if the menstrual cycles start during any activity of Umrah, it is highly recommended to not perform Umrah during the cyclic period. Women are recommended to abstain from this at all costs.

Article by: hajjumrahtravelpackages

How to Perform 'Umrah'

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What is Umrah?

In Arabic, the word ‘Umrah is derived from I‘timaar which means a visit. However, ‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safaa and Marwah seven times. A performer of ‘Umrah puts off his Ihraam by having his hair shaved or cut. ‘Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.

‘Umrah can be performed during any time in the year, there is no fixed time for ‘Umrah.

The Pillars of `Umrah are four:

a) Ihraam: which is assumed at the Meeqaat.

b) Tawaaf: around the House.

c) Sa’y: walking between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits.

d) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihraam; becoming lawful what was previously prohibited during Ihraam.

During ‘Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Minaa, ‘Arafaat and Muzdalifah or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rites are only performed during Hajj.

How to perform ‘Umrah:

1. When the one who wants to perform ‘Umrah arrives at the Meeqaat, it is recommended for him (both man and woman) to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihraam garments. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihraam. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a bath at Meeqaat.

2. Men are to change into their clothing of Ihraam while the women only need to make their intention at that time in the clothing they are already wearing. There is no specific clothing designated for women, except that they are prohibited from wearing the Niqaab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimaar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbaab (outer garment) or a separate piece of fabric to cover their faces by drawing it down, if there is need to do so.
As for men, they must assume their Ihraam at the Meeqaat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the Izaar and the Ridaa’. The Ridaa’ covers the top half of the body, while the Izaar covers the lower half. No other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these – no underwear, no pants, no shirt, no turban, no hat, etc. are to be worn.

Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqaat to begin the rites of ‘Umrah by entering the state of Ihraam. The intention must be made in the heart, while the statement made afterward is: “Labayka ‘Umrah” or “Allahumma labbayka ‘Umrah”. This statement begins the rites of `Umrah. So the first pillar of `Umrah is the Ihraam. The intention is made in the heart, while the tongue recites the opening Talbiyyah. And if you wish, when uttering Talbiyyah, you may state a condition to Allah fearing that which may prevent you from completion of the ‘Umrah whether illness or fear – saying “in habasanee haabes fa mahillee haithu habastanee” (I come out of the state of Ihraam from the place You prevent me from continuing). So if you do that and are then prevented or become ill – then you may come out of Ihraam. Then repeat the Talbiyyah: “labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak” (“In response to your call O Allah I perform ‘Umrah, here I am O Allah. In response to Your call. You have no partner. In response to Your call. All Praise and Blessings, and the Ownership of all that You created is Yours (alone). You have no partner”)

Upon arriving at the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam), you should enter with your right foot and say: “Bismillaah, Allahumma Salli ‘Alaa Muhammad, Allahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaaba Rahmatik. (In the name of Allah! O Allah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).” You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings He, Almighty, conferred upon you.

3. Upon arriving at the Ka’bah, stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone, touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn’t possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. Don’t push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Stone, the following is said: “Bismil-laah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) or “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).

A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka’bah on his left. When you reach the Yamaani corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it, and say: “Bismil-laahi wa Allahu Akbar”. If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying “Allaahu Akbar” because this was not narrated from the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, on the other hand whenever you reach or are parallel to the black stone, touch it with your right hand, kiss it and say, “Bismillaah Allahu Akbar”, if it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, “Bismillaah, Allahu Akbar”.

During this Tawaaf it is preferred for a man to do two things:

a) Al-Idhtibaa’ from the beginning of Tawaaf until the end, which is placing the middle of one’s Redaa’ under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder. When you are finished performing Tawaaf, you may return your Reda’ to its original state because the time for A-Idhtibaa’ is only during Tawaaf.

b) Ar-Raml during the first three circuits only. Ar-Raml means speeding up one’s pace with small steps.

Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaaf that are authentically established in the Sunnah. However it is recommended to say between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam: “…Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” [Quran: 2:201]

4. When you complete seven circuits of Tawaaf, approach Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means): “And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer…” [Quran: 2:125]

Then pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqaam Ibraheem. If it is not possible then you can pray them anywhere in the sacred mosque. It is preferred to recite during the first Rak’ah the chapter “Al-Kafiroon” [109] and during the second one the chapter of “Al-lkhlaas” [112].

Upon completing the two Rak’ahs, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient

5. The next stage is to go to Safaa. Upon approaching the foot of Safaa, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the house (ka ‘bah) to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]

6. Then climb unto mount Safaa until the Ka’bah is visible, if possible. Facing the Ka’bah the following is to be said 3 times, and between each time one is to make ones own supplication:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘alaa qulli shay’in qadeer. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wahdahu, anjaza wa’dahu, wa nasara ‘abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdahu” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, Who has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.)

7. Then descend and go towards Marwah, running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only), upon reaching Marwah climb upon it if it is possible, and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safaa except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse, because it is recited when ascending Safaa for the first time only. This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safaa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) – thus completing two circuits.

There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safaa and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah.

Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better. Women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end. The rights of ‘Umrah have now been completed.

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Ziyarat – Holy Sites To Visit

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Ziyarat – Holy Sites To Visit

  • Ghar E Hira – First revelation of the Holy Quran was on this holy site, one of many holy sites in Makkah.
  • Ghar E Suhr (the cave where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and Harzat Abu Bakr Siddiq rested in this place on the night of hijrah). A must for the ziyarat.
  • Birthplace of beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ,(now a library). One of the closest of holy sites to haram.
  • Jable E rehmat – Where first prophet Adam and his wife Hawa found one another after being placed on earth.
  • Jannatul Mualla – Graveyard in makkah, the resting place of many of the close family of RasulAllah Sallaahualayhi wasalam including his beloved mother, son, wife, uncles and grandfather.
  • Minah, Muzdalifah, Arafat – Places of the rukns of Hajj
  • Masjid E Nimra (arafat)
  • Makkah Museum – situated about 10 minutes drive away from Haram, on old Jeddah road.
  • Whether on haj or umra, holy sites to visit in and around Madina include:
  • Masjid E Quba – First Masjid built
  • Jannat Al Baqi – resting place of thousands of the companions and family of RasulAllah SallahuAlayhiwasalam.
  • Uhud – place of the battle of Uhud
  • Jabal E Uhud – resting place during battle
  • Masjid E Nabawi Library – located inside the Masjid Nabwi, on the west side wall
  • Badr (about 20 minutes from Madinah) (place of battle of badr)
  • Masjid E Juma (Place where Surah was revealed and first Jummah prayer was read)
  • Masjid E Qiblatain – Where Allah swt ordered for the qibla to change towards Makka

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Umrah visa’s validity limited to two weeks

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The Haj Ministry has decided to limit the validity of Umrah visas to only 14 days because of the ongoing work to expand the mataf — the circumambulation area.
According to a circular sent to Umrah agencies in the Kingdom and Saudi missions abroad two days ago, the new rule becomes effective Monday.
“Yes, we have received a circular from the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi informing us that Umrah pilgrims will only be given 14-day visas from Shaban 1,” said Mohammad Abdul Razzak, a travel agent in Hyderabad, India.
He said it would come as a shock to hundreds of Indian Muslims who visit Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan. “Naturally, everyone who visits Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimage would want to stay in Makkah and Madinah for as long as they can,” he said. “However, we are told by our counterparts that it is very congested out there in Makkah and that the hotels are heavily booked for the coming two months.”
Rahman Azim, who works for an Umrah operator in Jeddah, said the rule is for all nationalities. “There is a good reason for the decision. It will lead to more people performing Umrah because of the constant movement of foreign pilgrims,” he said.
According to Azim, the new step is being described in travel circles as 14-14-14. “Once the Umrah visa is issued, it will remain in the system for 14 days, meaning it should be stamped within 14 days of the issuance,” he said. “Once it is stamped, the person should travel within 14 days, and then once the pilgrim is in the Kingdom, he should leave within 14 days.”
According to local Umrah tour operators, their quotas have also been slashed by 50 percent. “We were given half of what we used to get in the past,” said Nusrat Javed, an employee at a Makkah tour operator. “This has led us to cancel our hotel bookings which we had done in advance in anticipation of a surge in demand.”
Munir Rahman told Arab News from Lahore that he obtained a one-month Umrah visa last week. “But when we applied for an Umrah visa for my mother two days ago, we were told it would be valid only for two weeks,” he said.

Article by: arabnews

The Virtues of Umrah

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The Virtues of Umrah

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful
Allah (swt) says: And complete the Hajj and Umrah in the service of Allah… (Al Baqarah, 196)
Nabi (saw) has stated in a hadith: ‘The performance of Hajj and Umrah increase a person’s life span and eradicates poverty and sins just as rust is removed from the iron when placed in the furnace.’ (Targhib)
For this very same reason Imam An-Nawawi (rah) has written that if Allah (swt) grants the ability and guidance to a servant of His, it is Mustahab (preferred) to perform umrah frequently. (Sharah Manasik)
Hazrat Amar ibn Abassa (ra) relates: ‘Rasulullah (saw) stated that the best of deeds is the performance of Hajj or Umrah.’ (Musnad Ahmad)
It is also related in a hadith: ‘Umrah is the lesser Haj.’ (Duri Manzoor)
Abu Hurairah (ra) relates that Rasulullah (saw) stated: ‘One Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between that and the previous Umrah’ (Bukhari/Muslim)
Meaning that the performance of one Umrah is the means of forgiving the sins and faults that may have been committed by an individual between that Umrah and the previous one.
Allah (swt) has determined for his servants the fact that Hajj can only be performed at its specified time, in the particular days of Dhil Hijjah. It is not possible for one to perform the rites of Hajj outside this time in any way, shape or form. However, Allah (swt) has blessed His servants with the fact that, aside from the 5 days of Hajj, there is no restriction on the performance of Umrah throughout the year.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (ra) Rasulullah (saw) stated: ‘The performers of Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah (swt), if they seek something from Him, He will grant them, if they seek forgiveness He will forgive them.’ (Ibn Majah)
In another hadith it is related: ‘The performers of Hajj & Umrah are the special guests of Allah (swt), whatever they ask for they are granted and what they pray for it is granted to them and what they spend of they are rewarded for it. They are granted a recompense of 1,000,000 dirhams for the sake of 1 dirham spent.’ (Targhib)
It is for this very reason that we should, in the spare time that we have, endeavour to take our families to the blessed House of Allah (swt) and perform Umrah, stay in the blessed vicinity of the Haramain Sharifain and make it a means of attaching ourselves to Allah (swt) and his Prophet (saw), which is the foundation of our deen.
It is with these trips that one’s attention is directed towards the Akhirah and children are given the motivation to do good deeds and strive to improve their understanding of deen.
It is however unfortunate that in this day and age, due to not being aware of the blessings of such actions as Umrah, we prefer to take our families to the seaside where there is nudity and immodesty. The viewing of which removes hayah (modesty & bashfulness) from our wives, children and loved ones.
My friends, take heed, that those for whom you are responsible, who you take to/allow to go to places of immodesty, it is a right upon you that you teach them correct manners and etiquettes, in accordance with the Qur’an & Sunnah. The propagation and calling towards avenues other that those which are permitted in Shariah is against the orders of Allah (swt) and the teachings of his final Messenger (saw).
Allamah Mahmood Aalosi Baghdadi (rah) has related a hadith in his book: ‘On the day of Qiyamah, a few people (on whom the decision of Jahannum will be manifest) will be in such a state that by looking at them, the others will say… ‘these were those who did great feats of worship, but their loved ones devoured their deeds.’ (Roohul Ma’ani)
May Allah (swt) protect our Iman and grant us the guidance to do good deeds, Aameen

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