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Why do Muslims go to Muzdalifah during Hajj ?

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This is a view of Muzdalifah, where Hajj pilgrims arrive after sunset from Arafat on the 9th Dhul Hijjah (second day of Hajj)

  • Muzdalifah stretches from the Valley of Muhassar to the mountains of Ma’zamayn. It is four kilometers long and covers an area of 12.25 square kilometers.
  • Referring to Muzalifah, Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) mentions in Surah Baqarah in the Quran: “When you leave Arafat, then remember Allah at the Mash’arul Haram.” (‘The Sacred Monument’, referring to Muzdalifah according to Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him))
  • During the farewell Hajj, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) performed the Maghrib and Isha salats together at Muzdalifah. He stayed at the spot where the present Masjid Mash’arul Haram currently is (towards the Qibla side). From there, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said: “Although I am staying here, you may stay anywhere throughout Muzdalifah.” [Muslim]
  • During Hajj It is wajib to perform Maghrib and Isha together in Muzdalifah at Isha time. Wuqoof (stay) of Muzdalifah is also wajib and it’s time begins from such Saadiq and ends at sunrise. If one spent even a little portion of their time in Muzdalifah, he/she will be absolved of this obligation. However, it is best to remain until just before sunrise.
  • Although pebbles for pelting the Jamarat may be collected from anywhere, they are best collected from Muzdalifah.
  • Muzdalifah is also called ‘Jam’ as it is a place where people gather.

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Source:islamiclandmarks.com

Festival of The Sacrifice

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Muslims from all over the world anticipate the annual three-day celebration of a historical event that took place thousands of years ago during the time of Prophet Abraham [pbuh]1. This occasion, known as Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of the Sacrifice, is a representation of two significant Islamic events: the culmination of the Hajj (or pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia), and the sacrifice that God (Allah) commanded to Prophet Abraham of his beloved son, Ismail.

Eid-ul-Adha is observed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While Muslims all around the world celebrate this day, it has particular significance for the pilgrims performing the hajj.

In order to understand the context of Eid-ul-Adha, one must describe the Hajj with which it is associated. Allah had made the Hajj mandatory upon mankind initially during the time of Prophet Abraham: “And make a proclamation of Hajj to mankind; they will come to you on foot and on lean camels from every distant quarter.” (Quran: Ch 22, v27). Over time, however, the spread of idolatry across Arabia caused the rituals of hajj to become extremely distorted. With the advent of Islam and Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], Allah had reinstated Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam, and described the correct manner in which it was to be performed.

Allah has ordained that every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Several main rituals constitute the framework of this experience: 1. Tawaf (circumambulating the Kabah2 seven times); 2. Sa’i (walking between the mounds of Safa and Marwah seven times); 3. supplicating to Allah at Arafat (the place where Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] gave his farewell speech, proclaiming the final seal of Islam, and where Muslims believe they will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment); and 4. stoning the pillars that symbolize Satan at Mina (the place where Satan repeatedly challenged Abraham to disobey Allah’s command to sacrifice his son).

Each of these prescribed acts is a step in the pilgrim’s arduous journey towards spiritual cleansing. When the pilgrim successfully executes these acts in the prescribed manner with the utmost sincerity and humility, all his/her prior sins are forgiven. The final ritual that pilgrims must perform, signifying the completion of these acts, is the sacrifice of a domestic animal.

In addition to denoting the completion of the hajj, Eid-ul-Adha honors the monumental sacrifice that was to be made by Prophet Abraham. Abraham was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his dearly-beloved son, Ismail, as a test of obedience. Abraham willingly submitted to Allah’s command, wherein Allah, by His Mercy, replaced Ismail at the moment of sacrifice with a lamb. Abraham’s selfless act of obedience is commemorated by the sacrifice of a domestic animal such as a lamb, sheep, cow, or goat, the meat of which is then distributed to relatives, neighbors, and the poor. In parts of the world that preclude Muslims from personally sacrificing an animal, Muslims donate money to charitable organizations, which then sacrifice the animal on their behalf and distribute the meat to the poor. In keeping with the following injunction of the Quran (22:27), “…and pronounce the name of Allah over the cattle which We have provided for them on the appointed days, then eat the meat themselves and feed the indigent and needy,” Eid-ul-Adha exemplifies the charitable instincts of Muslims in their communal effort to see that no one is left deprived of the sacrificial meat. It further embodies the values of discipline and self-denial, and submitting to the will of Allah.

Eid-ul-Adha is a joyous occasion marked with family traditions and celebrations. The festivities begin in the morning after Fajr prayer, where Muslims, dressed in their finest clothes, attend the congregational prayer followed by a sermon. Upon completion of the services, people greet each other with the blessings of Eid: “Eid Mubarak.” Afterwards, Muslims often visit the homes of relatives and friends, partaking in delicious feasts customary to their native cultures and often exchanging gifts, and many eagerly anticipate the return of those friends and relatives who have made the journey for hajj.

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all trace their roots back to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), who is thus known as the father of the three monotheistic religions. Islam relates that Abraham had two wives, Sarah and Hajar, each of whom bore a son, Isaac and Ismail, respectively. Although Hajar was initially Sarah’s maid, according to Islam, Hajar later married Prophet Abraham and bore him a son, Ismail. The lineage of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is traced to Ismail, whereas Christianity and Judaism trace their roots back to prophet Isaac, the son of Sarah. The sacrifice made by Abraham is of importance in all three monotheistic religions, although it is not commemorated by Jews and Christians in the same manner as in Islam. Christianity and Judaism, however, maintain that Isaac, rather than Ismail, was the promised son whom Allah had ordered to be sacrificed.

Whether it is Islam, Christianity, or Judaism, the sacrifice of the son of Prophet Abraham has historical significance. Muslims celebrate the event through the festivities of Eid-ul-Adha as customary to their native cultures. Eid-ul-Adha is a time of remembrance of the trials of Prophet Abraham, a time to celebrate the end of the hajj, and a time that men, women, and children of all ages greatly anticipate. Eid Mubarak!

1 pbuh stands for peace be upon him, an invocation of respect.

2 Kabah – Muslims believe that this is the first house built for the worship of God. It is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and is the direction in which Muslims face to pray five times a day.

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Source: whyislam.org

The great benefit of Hajj

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Fulfilling the deeds of Hajj brings many great benefits of the pilgrims and if only Muslims realize the significance of these benefits they would certainly rush to perform Hajj.

O Muslims: Allah has made the honored Ka^bah a destination for millions of Muslims who come every year from far and away to visit this sacred place. They all meet there despite their various backgrounds, nationalities, languages and skin color. Hajj is an annual Islamic gathering attended by hundreds of thousands of Muslims who come united under the banner of the testification of faith “No one is God except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”. They supplicate to Allah, introduce themselves and form close bonds strengthening their brotherhood and sisterhood with one another. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old and Arab or not has no bearing in terms of piety, rather, what does is one’s level of obedience to Allah.

Dear brothers in Islam,
Fulfilling the deeds of Hajj brings many great benefits to the pilgrims and if only Muslims realize the significance of these benefits they would certainly rush to perform Hajj.

The great meanings of brotherhood and equity amongst Muslims appear in its best image, during the pilgrimage. After having removed all their decorated and worldly clothes the pilgrims put on the clothes of Ihram which look like the shrouds of the dead. They submit themselves to their creator, Allah and say:

لبيك اللهم لبيك لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك لا شريك لك

Oh Brothers in Islam, Hajj is an exercise of patience in overcoming hardships.

The call of the pilgrim (talbeyah) serves as a reminder of a time when Angel Israfil on the Day of Judgment blows the horn marking the start of Resurrection Day.

Performing sa^i between Mount As-Safa and Mount Al-Marwah is expressive of one’s thankfulness to Allah for making the city of Makkah a safe place. It is also reminiscent of what Lady Hajar did when searching for water for her dear son Isma^il ^alayhis-Salam, while having a complete reliance on Allah, Her Creator. Allah subhanahu wa-ta^ala relieved her from her worries and struggle in providing her with the pure and blessed water, Zamzam.

There are great meanings in being present in the land of ^Arafat. The pilgrim witnesses the mass amount of people overcrowding the mountain of  Arafat and hears their loud supplicating voices to Allah subhanahu wa-ta^ala, with absolute humbleness hoping for Allah’s mercy.

Throwing the three Jamarat is one of the requisites of Hajj and is on the one hand symbolic of the Muslim’s rejection to Satan and on the other hand a fulfillment of God’s orders. Throwing the Jamarat as Prophet Ibrahim did when Satan appeared to him expresses the Muslim’s rejection of Satan’s whisperings as if one is saying to Satan: if you appear to us we will throw pebbles at you to humiliate you the same way Prophet Ibrahim did.

The meaning of Tawaf is to glorify the sacred Ka’bah. It symbolizes the unity among Muslims, and their steadiness in obeying Allah, the only One worthy of worship. People circumambulate the sacred House, the Holy Ka^bah, with ultimate submission to Allah as if saying:

“O Lord, No matter how many times we circumambulate and turn, we have nowhere to go but to seek refuge with You.”

Circumambulating the Ka^bah does not mean that Allah dwells in it. The belief of all Muslims is that Allah doesn’t need the ka^bah, other places, or any of his creations. Allah exists without a place and doesn’t resemble any of His creations. Allah is not a body or a shape. Whatever one imagines in one’s mind Allah is different from it.

Dear brothers in Islam the real success is in embracing the right belief, the creed of the Prophet peace be upon him and his companions.

May Allah grant us the ability to perform the pilgrimage and ^umrah and the honor of visiting Prophet Muhammad’s grave. Ameen.

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Source: darulfatwa.org.au

A Practical Guide to Hajj

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Complete Guide to Hajj

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare your Spirit:

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

You need to acquire knowledge of:

1-The rites:

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

2-The invocations:

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

3-The verses of the Quran:

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

4-Community life:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO-Makkah’s Advice:

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

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

The risks and the precautions

Here are some safety mesures to respect during your pilgrimage:

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

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

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

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

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

After your return from the pilgrimage

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

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

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Source: go-makkah.com

Good Deeds After Hajj: A Sign of Acceptance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: go-makkah.com

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

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Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

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

The Almighty says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article by: go-makkah.com

Seeking Allah’s blessings in Ramadan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: arabnews.com

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

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Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Choose a travel agent who offers a wide selection of “packages” for Hajj. Not all of the products of travel agents are of equal quality and value. Choosing the right agent is of crucial importance. Hopefully, a representative of your travel agent will be your constant guide and trouble shooter during Hajj. Invest time and effort in this essential phase of your preparation

Talk to friends and acquaintances who may have recently used the services of various companies and ask them for recommendations. The quality of service and commitment to the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims vary significantly among travel agents. Whereas a good and responsible agent can “make” your Hajj, a bad one can just as easily “break” it.

Be sure to ask the travel agent specific questions and have him give you specific answers:

What will be the duration of your stay in Mecca and Medina? What dates? Is the program flexible or will it allow no changes once it is made? Is there any additional cost to such changes? If so, what is it?

How far away will you be staying from Haram ash Shareef, both in Mecca and in Medina? If your place of residence is not within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes), what type of transportation to and from Haram ash Shareef will be made available? How often during the day will it be available?

Will a representative of the travel agent who is fully conversant with the rites of Hajj, and Saudi rules and procedures for customs, immigration, and travel be with you at all times? Will he stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your visit? You do not want to be left in Saudi Arabia without adequate guidance and assistance. The laws and procedures there can be very difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming.

Will the representative of the agent be conversant with the Arabic language? If not, will an interpreter be provided in Saudi Arabia? Most Saudi authorities do not speak English, and your command of Arabic is likely to be limited.

Will you have the option of travelling within Saudi Arabia, (for example from Mecca to Medina), in a taxi hired by you at your own expense instead of the prepaid bus provided by your muallim? How about possible return by air from Medina to Jeddah on your way out of the country instead of the usual prepaid bus? Get a good idea of this additional expense.

You may want to use the above options in view of the fact that the bus journeys during Hajj season can be nerve-racking. For example, a bus journey from Mecca to Medina (approximately 400 km or 250 miles) can take as long as twenty to thirty hours, whereas a taxi will cover the same distance in three to four hours. The small additional cost you will incur is well worth the money in terms of time saved and physical discomfort avoided.

If you choose to use any of the alternate travel options (and it is highly recommend that you give them very serious consideration), be sure to redeem your unused bus coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out. Your travel agent should be able to help you in this.

What kind of arrangements will be made for your stay in Mina and Arafat? How about the food arrangements in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah?

Does the price of your package include meals? See if the agents make an effort to vary the menu. You may have to supplement your meals with milk, fruits etc. Food supplied by the agents tends to be monotonous, and the lack of variety is likely to kill your appetite after a couple of days!

Will the agent arrange for a sacrifice on your behalf on the 10th of Zul Hijjah? This is a common service agents often provide for a small fee. They will inform you of the time of the sacrifice so that you may perform other rites accordingly.

source: islamicity.com

Scholars discuss ways to develop pilgrim services

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Scholars discuss ways to develop pilgrim services

Scholars discuss ways to develop pilgrim services

MAKKAH — More than 100 religious scholars, researchers and experts met here for a second day on Wednesday to discuss as many as 60 working papers on the jurisprudence of Haj and Umrah, in addition to a host of other issues pertaining to the pilgrimage, including among others environment, economy,
media, awareness, architecture, crisis management, contagious diseases and the development of services being offered to the guests of God.

On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier, minister of interior and chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, opened the gathering on Tuesday.

He was welcomed on arrival by Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Minister of Haj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh Banten and other top officials.

The crown prince and other participants watched a documentary about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Haj Research Institute, which is organizing the meeting, and the programs it has so far implemented, aimed at ensuring the pilgrims and visitors with consummate services that will enable them do their rites in ease, peace and comfort.

The institute was established 42 years ago to undertake studies and research relating to the Haj and Umrah. It started its activities as a research unit of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah before it became affiliated to Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah.

In its first session, the meeting discussed the issues of management, economy and the jurisprudence (Fiqh) of Haj and Umrah.

Abdullah Mohammed Abdul Rahman, a researcher at the institute, presented a working paper titled “The social and economic dimensions of vendors at the central area of Madinah: a field study”.

The impact of contagious diseases on the performance of Haj and Umrah was the second working paper. It was presented by Khaled Al-Jiraisi of Umm Al-Qura University. The paper said sick people with epidemic diseases should not be allowed to perform Haj or Umrah so as not to transfer their diseases to healthy pilgrims.

Fatima Al-Zuwaihri, a female professor at Yanbu University College, presented a working paper titled “Crisis management and its role in the safety and security of the pilgrims”.

The crown prince honored former Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar for his distinguished efforts in promoting the Haj services, former president of the Islamic Development Bank Ahmed Mohammed Ali for his role in the Sacrificial Meat Project, which the bank carries out every year during the Haj, and Habib Zainul Abideen for the great efforts he had exerted while he was the chairman of the central department for the promotion of development projects in the Holy Sites.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Jamaraat after tawaf wida

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Jamaraat after tawaf wida

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I performed the tawaf al widah and stayed in minah to perform the stone throwing on 3 rd day and then left the mecca. Is my HAJJ is OK or I have to give “DUM” for being in mecca after the tawaf al widah and performed the HAJJ manasik.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Jamaraat after tawaf wida

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (r.a.) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “Let none of you leave Makkah berore making a Tawaf around the Ka’bah (Tawaf-ul-Wida) as the last of the Hajj rites.”

Related by Muslim and Abu Dawood.

Malik has related in Al-Muwatta that Hadrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r.a.) said, “The last rite of Hajj is the Tawaf around the Kaabah (Tawaf-ul-Wida).”

To observe and fulfill the Tawaf-ul-Wida as the last rite of Hajj is considered one amongst the obligatory rites of Hajj.

If you performed the Tawaf-ul-Wida with the intention to leave Makkah, and on your way out of Makkah went to Muna and stoned the Jamaraat, and then left immediately for your final destination.the absolute majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that although not preferred, there is no harm and there is no sacrifice of atonement or damm due from you.

But if you performed the Tawaf-ul-Wida first, then went to stone the Jamaraat in Muna.but rather than leaving for your final destination immediately, you halted or stayed over-night in MUna.then indeed a sacrifice of atonement or damm would be due from you. And Allah Alone Knows Best.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allahs Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

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Article by: islamhelpline.net/answer/7587

One going to hajj must perform two sacrifices

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One going to hajj must perform two sacrifices

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

If a person goes for Haj does he have to perform a sacrifice in Mecca as well as in his home or will the sacrifice in Mecca be enough. I have been told that a second sacrifice, specifically for Eid Al Adha is also mandatory for a person performing Haj despite his having performed a sacrifice in Mecca.

Please advise regarding this matter.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

One going to hajj must perform two sacrifices

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Every believer who is actually performing the Hajj pilgrimage is obligated to offer at least one sacrifice on the Day of Adha at Muna, for the offering of the sacrifice is an obligatory rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.

For the believers who are not actually on the Hajj pilgrimage, the offering of a sacrifice on the Day of Adha is an extremely preferred Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws) and thus voluntary. If one offers the sacrifice for the Sake of Allah one would be eligible to receive a huge reward from their Lord; and if one for any reason chooses not to offer it, there is no sin.

To the best of our knowledge there is absolutely no obligation in Shariah on one who has fulfilled the Hajj rites and already offered their sacrifice during the Hajj days, to offer a second sacrifice when they return home.the sacrifice that they offered as one of their Hajj rites would more than suffice to fulfill their obligation.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allahs Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

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Article by: islamhelpline.net

Hajj: Between Obligation and Reality

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Hajj: Between Obligation and Reality

The processions of monotheists are making their way to the sacred places to fulfill the obligation of Hajj in compliance with the methodology of the father of prophets and the leader of monotheists, Ibraaheem (Abraham) may Allaah exalt his mention. This has been the case since he made the immortal call in response to the command of Allaah The Almighty. This is recorded in the Quran, as Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass — that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allaah on known days …} [Quran 22:27-28]
This journey is also in compliance with the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) who said during the course of the Farewell Pilgrimage: “Take from me your rituals (of Hajj).” [Muslim]
Out of love for Allaah The Almighty and in compliance with the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) as soon as the months of Hajj come, all Muslims are inspired with an inclination to depart to the sacred places in response to the command of Allaah The Almighty.
Yet, have the Muslims, who are now over a billion, succeeded in keeping alive the spirit of this obligation and witnessing the benefits of this worldly life and the Hereafter, which are referred to in the noble verse: {That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the Name of Allaah on known days …} [Quran 22:28]
Being the slaves of Allaah The Almighty, the effect of the different acts of worship is supposed to materialize in the Muslim community where it dominates their mutual relations and behavior. Have we observed the effect of Hajj reflected in the Muslims in reality? This act of worship unites the Muslims hearts and firmly grounds the unity of feeling as a consequence of the unity of the ritual. Have we actually observed this? Have the Muslims benefited from the fruits of Hajj and lived its wisdom while applying its rulings according to the Sharee’ah (Islamic legislation) and Sunnah (tradition)?
Has this procession of those who wear the bright white dress of pilgrims moved among the sacred places adorning the earth and of which Allaah The Almighty boasts of before the angels, with united hearts and surrendering to the injunctions of Allaah The Almighty?
Has the great wisdom behind Hajj and its noble effect materialized in a tangible manner in that great procession and is it reflected in the pilgrim’s actions and acts of worship? Are the differences and barriers between the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak melted and removed? Have the souls become cleansed, compassionate, connected and no less pure than the clothes of Ihraam?
The Reality: Notwithstanding the massive gathering of Muslims in these sacred places — even if the increasing number of pilgrims is a positive sign of the Islamic awakening and denotes compliance to the methodology of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) — there is still a large group of pilgrims who would answer in the negative to the aforesaid questions.
This could be due to many reasons:

  • Many Muslims are far from the sound foundations of the Islamic creed. This implies a clear deviation from the straight path of Allaah The Almighty as well as a contradiction to the straight guidance of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) who warned against hidden and minor Shirk (associationism), not to mention major Shirk. This draws attention to the importance of clarifying Islamic monotheism and dedicating worship to Allaah The Almighty alone.

Sadly, some scholars fall short in their duty in this aspect and remain silent concerning these polytheistic deeds, while they are the trustees of the message of the manifest proclamation. Many Muslims have come to think of this act of worship (Hajj) as a tourist tour which voids it of the spirit of faith. It has even become a subject to pride and boasting. It is as if one goes to Hajj in order to beautify his name with that title (Al-Hajj so-and-so), and when he is not called by this title, he considers it a disdain.

  • Many pilgrims are ignorant of the etiquettes and morals of Hajj, particularly in the practical application of Hajj in Tawaaf (circumambulation) and Sa‘y (going seven times between Safa and Marwah). While pilgrims are moving from one place to another, certain kinds of dispraised behavior, as well as different forms of unjustifiable harm, occur, although all this is forbidden. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.} [Quran 2:197]

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Article by: www.islamweb.net