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Passing by Meeqaat without the intention of performing Hajj or ‘Umrah

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All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, may Allah exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

The person who performs Tamattu’ Hajj comes out of the state of Ihraam whenever he finishes his ‘Umrah unless he immediately enters the state of Ihraam for Hajj. So, he may go Jeddah or anywhere. During his return to Makkah if he passes by Meeqaat intending ‘Umrah then he has to enter in the state of Ihraam otherwise it is not compulsory. The Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “And these Mawaaqeet (Plural of Meeqaat) are for the residents of those places, and for travelers who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The same ruling applies if one comes back to Makkah from Madeenah after Hajj; if he intends to perform ‘Umrah, he has to enter in the state of Ihraam from the Meeqaat. If he does not intend ‘Umrah but comes Makkah for any other purpose like collecting his luggage or the like, then entering in the state of Ihraam is not compulsory. Because observing Ihraam is compulsory only to the one who intends to perform ‘Umrah. However, it is preferable to enter in Makkah with Ihraam intending ‘Umrah for the saying of the Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ): “Keep on doing Hajj and ‘Umrah, for they eliminate poverty and sin just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron and gold and silver.” [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]

He Sallallahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also said: “(The performance of) ‘Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the next ‘Umrah, and an accepted Hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.”

Know dear brother that Jeddah is not out of the boundaries of the Meeqaat, there is no Meeqaat between it and Makkah. So, going there is just as going to ‘Arafah and the other places which are within the boundaries of the Meeqaat.
Allah Knows best.

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Source: islamweb.net

New marks to help pilgrims performing Tawaf around Kaaba

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Makkah — For the first time, the covering cloth of the Holy Kaaba, also known as Kiswa, will have a new addition to indicate the starting and ending points of circumambulation — or Tawaf — around the sacred structure.

This will help pilgrims count the number of Tawaf they have performed.
The gilded four lanterns shaped patches with Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is greatest) sewn in its center, were placed above the Black Stone.

This new addition is the fourth directional signage that has been assembled recently to guide the pilgrims to where circumambulation starts and ends in a bid to prevent any confusion.

Prior to this change, there used to be a brown line adjacent to the Black Stone, which was removed as it was causing congestion.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Journey of a lifetime in black and white

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Although the pilgrims have to leave the holy city of Makkah, something deep down never goes away: The indelible memories of this spiritual journey, the journey of a lifetime.

I interviewed Reem Al-Faisal in 1996 when she was having her first major exhibition about the port of Jeddah. I was stunned by the choice of subject but could not help but marvel at her immense talent and boundless creativity.

I knew then that Reem Al-Faisal would never settle for anything easy and ordinary.

She became one of the few women to have covered in depth Hajj.

“One is swept away by the sheer motion and size of it and you find yourself moving at another level of your consciousness. As you perform one ritual after the other you slowly discover the rhythm of the universe … and it is hard to leave Hajj without it altering your personality forever,” explains Reem Al-Faisal.

During three years, Reem Al-Faisal photographed the largest gathering of men and women from all nationalities. A keen observer, she followed the pilgrims in their daily lives and took pictures of men and women praying, walking, eating, reciting the Qur’an or simply relaxing.

The photographs were the first part of an exhibition and have now been published in a book, “Hajj”, launched recently in Cairo.

The text has been written by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, an eminent professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University and the author of more than 30 books.

In the preface, Nasr remembers how he made his first pilgrimage 40 years ago in the presence of King Faisal, Reem Al-Faisal’s grandfather.

Nasr and Reem Al-Faisal has produced a book which is particularly moving.

Unforgettable images and powerful words help us understand the inner side of faith. And one can only hope that this book will open the hearts of both Muslims and non-Muslims to the beauty of Hajj.

Reem Al-Faisal admits being shy especially if she is in the midst of a crowd.

However, when she carries a camera, she feels empowered and reacts as if she is someone else.

This inner strength helped her deal with the harsh criticism she faced from pilgrims who were against photography.

The photographs present in the book are divided into five sections preceded by a short introduction: “Arrival”, “The Pilgrims as Tourists”, “Makkah”, “Hajj” and “Departure”.

Reem Al-Faisal’s choice of black and white is particularly well suited to the subject of Hajj.

Black and white photography exudes a surreal atmosphere, creating a void whereby we, the viewers, are disconnected from reality.

Unlike color, which distracts, black-and-white forces us in a way to focus our attention on the image. Black and white is also a more artistic form of photography which “gives you the metaphysical side of art” explains Reem Al-Faisal.

In the first segment of the book entitled “Arrival”, we are reminded that we tend to believe that it is easier to travel to Makkah.

“But that is not really the case … In the old days, all one needed to undertake the spiritual journey was the financial means to join a caravan to Makkah and provisions for the way. Otherwise, the road was open to one and all. There were no quotas, no government regulations, no visa required. Now, one spends practically the same amount of time, if not more, to fulfill all the bureaucratic requirements that one would have previously spent crossing vast tracts of land on horseback or on a camel,” writes Nasr.

The section on the “Hajj” is particularly intense.

According to the Hadith: “Hajj is Arafat” and it is there that all the pilgrims gather to pray to God, the One and Only.

“Hajj in a sense is the journey of life itself, as life if well lived takes us finally to the One from Whom we come and to Whom we return,” writes Nasr.

This awesome and touching book on Hajj ends with a final section on “Departure”.

When Hajj is accepted by God, the pilgrim becomes a new person and he brings back the barakah of the center to the circumference of the Islamic world.

The last picture features a lonely bird gliding through the sky at sunset over Makkah, the Blessed City.

Source: islamicity.org

Importance of Umrah According to Islamic Traditions

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Importance of Umrah

The importance of  Umrah A holy act which their beloved Prophet, Muhammad PBUH, carried twice in His lifetime. It apparently resembles the Hajj, which is because every Hajj is accompanied by a prior Umrah.

Umrah is a holiest passage of Muslims across to the Makkah. Literally, Umrah means to visit the place which is densely populated. As of the Hajj, the Umrah has immense value and rewards in Islam. For the content of pilgrims, there are many travel agencies who are giving the Umrah packages to them, to take their way ahead to the Makkah, more easily.

The Umrah is placed at a level of spiritual purity for the Muslims. It is neither directly or imperatively, an obligation for the Muslims, but it is a Sunnat-e-muwaqada for them.

The bounties of the Umrah are enormous, which may easily be traced in the Quran and of course, from the Traditions of the Holy Prophet PBUH. There are many virtues for the ones who perform Hajj or Umrah correctly. It is one of the best deeds as reported by Hazrat Abu Hurairah: the Prophet PBUH was asked about good deeds. He PBUH said, struggle to the utmost which is Jihad. He inquires again that what is next? He PBUH replied: the accepted Hajj and Umrah.

The Prophet PBUH said that “The accepted Hajj has no other reward, except Paradise.” [Bukhari] #1773 The Umrah is known to be an expiration of one’s sins. Hazrat Abu Hurairah, a close companion of the Prophet PBUH, reported a saying of the Prophet PBUH: “An Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the next, and Hajj, which is accepted will receive no other reward than Paradise.” [Muslim]. He further reported that Holy Prophet PBUH says that: “Whoever performs Hajj/ Umrah to this House (Ka’aba) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing Hajj, Umrah), he will come out as sinless as a newly-born child.” [Bukhari]

According to the saying of Ayesha, the mother of the loyal Muslims: I asked the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)) “Messenger of Allah is their jihad for women” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Yes, there is jihad upon them, there is no fighting involved in it, Hajj and Umrah.” [Ibn Majah] #3013.

The rituals and blessings of the Umrah are endless for the Muslims. It is the act which purifies the spirit, the soul of the Muslim. The immense credit of the Umrah, drag the Muslims from the corners of the globe to the Haram. The Umrah packages as offered by the diverse travel firms, are the easiest way today to reach the land of rewards.

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Source: blog.umrahexperts.co.uk

O Pilgrim, Remember the Sanctity of the Ancient House

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O Pilgrim, Remember the sanctity of Ancient House, as well as the sublime position of the Kaba, is clear even to those who possess modest knowledge and insight. This is clarified in many Quranic verses and Prophetic Hadeeths (narrations). Scholars have also stated this in their books, their rites and in the books of Tafseer (exegesis). Thus, there is no ambiguity on this issue and all praise is due to Allah for this.

Nonetheless, the following points are worth remembering:

First:

In the Noble Quran, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Ibraaheem (Abraham). And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3: 96-97]

In these verses, Allah The Almighty clarifies that the Ancient House is the first House of worship established for humankind and that it is blessed and a guidance for the worlds. These are actually great indicators of the honored and exalted position of this House. Abu Tharr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?’ The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) answered: ‘Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah).’ He said, ‘Which was built next?’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) replied: ‘Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem).’ He said, ‘What was the period of time between the two?’ He said: ‘Forty years.’ He said, ‘Which was built next?’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due, perform the prayer there, for it is a place of prayer.’” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Second:

This Ancient House was the first House established for humankind for worshipping and obeying Allah. However, there were many houses before it established for housing and residence. This House, however, was the first one to be established so that people would worship Allah therein and circumambulate it. Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, was the first to build this House with the help of his son, Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), may Allah exalt his mention. The next House to be built for worship on earth was Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem). It was first built by Ya‘qoob (Jacob) ibn Is-haaq (Isaac) ibn Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt their mention. The period between the construction of the two was forty years. Many years later, Al-Aqsa Mosque was inhabited by Prophet Sulaymaan (Solomon), may Allah exalt his mention.

Third:

This Ancient House is the best and first house established for worship. It is a blessed House since Allah The Almighty distinguished it by the acts of circumambulation and worship. All these actions are means to expiate sins and forgive misdeeds. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Ibraaheem a place of prayer. And we charged Ibraaheem and Ismaa‘eel, [Saying], “Purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf (circumambulation) and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].”} [Quran 2: 125]

Allah The Almighty has made the House a place of return for people to which they will always want to come and never feel the unwillingness to go there. Rather, as soon as they return, they would love to come again, since Allah The Almighty has implanted love for this House and willingness to go to it within the hearts of the believers. There they experience great benefits, their ranks are exalted, the reward of their good deeds is multiplied and their misdeeds are forgiven.

Fourth:

Allah The Almighty has made His Ancient House a safe place where people find safety and security. It is a safe sanctuary where even game is safe from being chased or killed, although it is lawful for Muslims to do so outside the sacred precincts of Makkah. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever enters it shall be safe.} [Quran 3: 96]

The verse, however, does not mean that harm, killing, and so on, does not happen in this place. Rather, it means that safety and security must be granted to whoever enters it and no one is allowed to afflict it with harm. It was a practice during the pre-Islamic era that a person would encounter someone who had harmed him, even a person who had killed his father or brother for instance, but without afflicting him with harm unless he was outside the sacred sites.

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Source: islamweb.net

Modern Challenges to the Spirit of Hajj

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Modern Challenges to the spirit of Hajj that was prevalent at the time of the Prophet and his trusted companions. It is this spirit of Hajj that is now being challenged by the modern business-dominated society and hierarchy of rich and poor culture.

There was a time when people would spend months and months preparing themselves financially and spiritually to live the real meaning of Hajj. However, nowadays Hajj is offered as a holiday package.

Many Hajj agencies all over the world offer value packages with super programs, deluxe programs, and a short executive program. These programs offer the best and closest accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, best available food and best possible position in the House of Allah.

Depending on how much you pay, you can get the finest place in Makkah and Madinah. If you happen to be the guest of royalty, then probably, no one can ever compete with your placement in the two mosques.

When the Prophet performed his only Hajj, the only provision that he had with him was worthy of no more than four dirhams as narrated in several books of ahadith.

Hajj was meant to teach the pilgrims endurance and perseverance for higher causes, yet it has been turned into an exercise in convenience. Hajj was meant to express the utmost humility in the presence of the rest of humanity by declaring that “Here I am, Here I am, I will not make anyone Allah’s partner. Allah is the one who is in control of everything and He alone is the one who is the source of all blessings and praise.” Yet, today, Hajj, for many have become, a badge, a symbol of spiritual pride.

Hajj is an institution that is supposed to reassure the people that ethnic, cultural, linguistic, geographical, wealth-based, race and color differences that humans have imposed upon themselves have no reality in the presence of God. All are one and the purpose of all is to follow the divine guidance to create universal humanity to the well being of everyone. Hajj is meant to be a pledge to live the example of Hajj beyond the Hajj. It is an occasion to create a personality without dimension and space.

Yet, through social engineering and manipulation of resources, Hajj is rapidly adopting social elements that distinguish the rich from the poor, the very institution that it is supposed to demolish. Divisions among pilgrims on the basis of their ethnicity and money are visible throughout the Hajj journey.

While the pilgrims coming from poorer regions of the world may find accommodation miles away from the Haram, those who are rich can find accommodation within the vicinity of the Kabah.

The Quran describes Kabah as a center of guidance to humanity: Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. (Aal Imran 3:96)

The place was not only a place for bringing together all the people but it is a center for promoting peace. (Al-Baqarah 2:145). It was a place that was meant to help humanity realize its universality rather than divisions (Al-Ma’idah 5:97)

For this great purpose of helping humanity realize its dream of removing all the differences and divisions among themselves the institution of Hajj come up with the clear example of making us understand and observe that unity of humanity is possible. For this, the Quran asked Prophet Ibrahim to invite people to Hajj, so that they may witness the beauty and magnificence of the guidance of Allah.

Hajj is like a united nation in its real sense without the five elite powers. With no hidden agenda and security council privileges, each nation and community come to Makkah with the single purpose of serving God and reiterating their covenant with Him.

Hajj provides the opportunity for everyone to witness the common bonds among people regardless of their differences. Hajj promotes the idea of the dignity of human beings, male or female, young or old and rich and poor.

Hajj also creates space for intellectual ideas among people so that they could all remain focused on their main agenda of serving humanity by following the guidance of God.

However, among all this razzmatazz, still, there are people who come to Hajj to take the inspiration to transform themselves for a better future both for themselves and for others. They are the ones who do not care about big hotels or better facilities. They are the ones who spend their days and nights in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalfah, Makkah and Madinah.

Here they remember the covenant that Allah made with Prophet Abraham, the builder of Kabah. Prophet Abraham was told by God, Almighty: Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people. (Al-Baqarah 2:124).

Encouraged by this honor, the Prophet asked: “And of my descendants?” [ Allah ] said, “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.” (Al-Baqarah 2:124)

In these simple words thus was described the real intent and purpose of the Hajj and all other faith-based institutions. The dignity and honor do not come with buying this or that package. It comes through dedication and commitment to the divine values and living up to them.

Someday, the Hajj will be restored to its original intent by those unknown and unrecognized faces who come from all over the world quietly without any fanfare and who spend every moment of their presence in the noble sanctuaries and the pilgrimage path with the determination to follow their real leaders: Prophets Ibrahim, Ismail and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them) in every aspect of this great institution.

The re-enactment of acts performed during the Hajj is attributed to Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail and Mother Hagar. They are primarily meant for the purpose of reminding humanity that in order to bring people together, God’s guidance is received, acknowledged, accepted and followed by a small group of people who may not be present physically to see the fruits of their efforts. Prophet Ibrahim created that nucleus for perpetual change in human behavior and for that he was honored by God who declared him as an Imam (role model) for humanity.

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Source: islamicity.org

A Journey To Allah Forever

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You end your Hajj journey professing that Hajj is not just a one time journey, but a covenant to live by for the rest of your life. You must go to Hajj, a journey to Allah forever.

Upon arriving at Amman, I was not feeling too well. My biggest fear thus far was that I may get so sick that I will not be able to perform Hajj properly. The first worry was that at Amman how would I take my clothes off and put on the Ihram while feeling this sick? I didn’t know what to do. While standing in front of the bathroom seeing everyone walk in and change into the ihram, I just grabbed my stuff and walked into the bathroom and threw on my ihram. There was a friendly Egyptian man working in the bathroom who helped me put it on. Everyone on the way looked towards the Hajji’s with reverence and asked Allah that they have a successful Hajj mabroor. On the plane, everyone started reciting the Talbiyah. One man stood up reciting and tears were in his eyes as we flew over the miqat. “Labayak Allhuma Umrah”, everyone said in their minds.

Upon reaching Jeddah, my mom and I were happy that the weather was hot, so that I wouldn’t be cold in my ihram. After a few hours, we took a bus to Mecca. Everyone was wondering when they would get a glimpse of the Haram. We thought every little masjid on the way was the Haram, until finally there it was. Between the different buildings, we could see the minarets of the Haram. It was so glorious, and shining with great power. It was absolutely beautiful. Then suddenly the streets had filled up with people – we were arriving right after Fajr. The streets were packed with every ethnicity you can think of. We went to our rooms at Gawharat Najd, just two minutes away from the Haram. Wow, one small room to fit five people, this is going to be something, I thought. We were instructed to perform the Umrah ASAP; I wanted to remove my ihram as well as I still wasn’t feeling that good. So my mom and I, her on her chair, went to do our Umrah.

I walked into the Haram in suspense of when I will see the Kaaba. We walked to the top floor and approached the end of the rail when then we saw it. Wow, it was there – so grand and powerful. The sight of it with hundreds or thousands of people walking around it was so magnanimous. We made our dua and we started our tawaf. I was really tired and unfortunately thought to myself, man I want to finish as quickly as possible so that I can go rest. After the tawaaf, I was too tired to push mom any longer on the wheelchair and ended up in a wheelchair next to her doing Sa’i. When we were done, I didn’t completely shave my head. It was a beautiful feeling. I felt refreshed. I went back to the hotel, took a shower and got some rest. I changed into my regular clothes, which was a white thobe. I was feeling a lot better health-wise. The next four or five days were spent at Mecca. Praying, resting, reflecting and a little bit of shopping. It is a different lifestyle. Our lives in those couple of days revolved around the prayer. We would wake up early to do tawaaf when it wasn’t crowded. Looking at the Kaaba was one of the most enjoyable activities. It felt great to just stare at it. There was so much power there.

Then The Big Day arrived. It was the 8th of Zul Hijjah, time to start Hajj. We were awoken at 1 a.m. to know that the buses were leaving for Mina and that we had to get ready immediately. I took my shower, put on my ihram and packed a small handbag. Upon arriving to Mina, we saw our tent in which we would stay. Wow, I thought, we were going to stay in this tent, and I was complaining about the hotel. We laid down our thin mattresses and set ourselves up. More of our group kept coming and our space started shrinking, the small two feet mattresses were now stuck to each other, so if you spread your arms it would hit your neighbor. Al Hamdullilah. We are so spoiled by our lifestyles.

The next of day, 9th of zul Hijja is the day of Arafah. We waited for our buses in Mina and took off for a short drive to Arafah. Once at Arafah, (again, I was complaining about the AC tent in Mina), now there was an open tent with no AC. But everyone was focused. This was The Big Day. Al Hajj Arafah. If there is one day you really want to focus on, it’s this day. The mountains were beautiful, ranging from brown to red. We had a short talk with our sheikh and we were on our way. Everyone here went into his or her own zone. Chit-chatting here was almost unheard. Everyone was making his case with Allah. Recognizing his previous sins and making a covenant with Allah, to become a new person. Then the rest of the time was spent in Dua. Here, Allah forgives his servants. Here is where He says to His angels, “Look at My servants.” And that is what it’s all about. Millions are at the same place, coming to obtain benefits for themselves. Not wanting anything else but forgiveness from Allah. People don’t go to Hajj as someone goes on vacation, to relax and have a good or okay time. People at Hajj are soldiers on a mission. A mission to answer the call of their Lord and seek His forgiveness as well as ask Him for what is bothering them or what they want. It is almost like a supreme doctor’s visit. You go there and tell Him the troubles you have and ask His assistance. “Wa ma Nasr ela be Allah”. You alone we ask for assistance. Here is where it happens. No one can help you here except Him. Brothers were standing, lying down or sitting conversing with their Creator. Meeting with Him in this grand union, this was like the Day of Judgment. The meeting took place from Zuhr to the Maghreb. The sunset here was another magnificent view.

One then waits again to make it on a bus to Muzdalefa. Upon arrival, the same cycle of surprise, worry, and regret takes place. You are surprised that now there are no tents here you worry about how you will manage, and you regret not giving enough shukr at the previous station. This night was a happy night. You can tell on everyone’s faces, it was almost like everyone felt that they had been forgiven at Arafah, and are here getting even nearer to Allah “Izdelaf”. We ate some crackers and walked around a little, then made our way to get some rest, as the following day would be one of the busiest days. The weather was pretty cold, especially since we were in the open plains with some wind and wearing our Ihram. I had brought a cover over from the hotel so that helped a lot. I dozed off to sleep while feeling different people make their camp next to us, a lot of whom it seemed, were from Turkey. The next morning one woke up having a hard time getting out of the covers because of the cold. This is where I said to myself, I will definitely get a super cold here and be finished. But as Allah had done earlier He pushed me through this in a manner which I had never witnessed before. We hastened our way back to the main camp Mina, which compared to Arafah, and especially Muzdalefa was like a five-star hotel. Al Hamdullilah.

We rested a little, ate and received instructions. At Zuhr, it was game time. We set out for Jamarat, the step which everyone hears so many stories about, which are frankly doing more damage than good. Here, we took our longest walk yet, as transportation is not available for this step. The weak and sick and some, as our group leader called, “female women” stayed back. This was like the military. We walked alongside thousands to go take out the enemy. What people miss though, is the spiritual aspect of this, and turn it into more of a physical mission. But whatever it may be, it is still an adventure. You see the people going there with worry and anxiety on their faces, while the people returning are mostly smiling and chatting. Because of the sheer limited nature of the place and the magnitude of people, this tends to be where you witness the most crowds at Hajj. It is amazing when you first see the large Jamrah which everyone pelts this day. One after the other, hands were just swinging, making an all-out attack on Shaytan. We were worried this first time, so we locked hands and hustled through, fired our ammunition, then retreated and regrouped. At my first throw, I attempted the automatic fire method but failed as all of my rocks fell when another hand hit mine. Usually, we lose a few people here from the group and they had to make their way back alone.

We then continued walking now towards Mecca. We had all missed it very much; those two days out in the mountains made us miss the House of Allah. We walked back and at this point had virtually no energy at all. Given that we threw the Jamarat, and our sacrifice was done on our behalf, all that was left before partial tahlul was either tawaaf el ifadah or shaving of the head. I missed my clothes, even though by this time I had started getting used to the Ihram. A Sudanese brother took some soap and water and shaved my head. This was very refreshing – truly just like a newborn baby. Now I had to do my Tawaaf and Sa’i before returning to Mina that night. I was really tired, but I rolled my chair by myself, went along with about 1 million people or so to do my tawaaf and Sa’i. It was really crowded yet still beautiful. Looking at the faces of people you realize Allah’s power. You realize now what He means when He says that in your creation and faces and colors, are signs for people with understanding. You start seeing Allah’s will and power as opposed to the people themselves. We made our way back to Mina that night, relieved at the fact that we have completed the arkan of Hajj. We spent it in rest, getting to know one another and zikr of Allah. The Jamarat got easier the second and third time.

We then returned to Mecca to say goodbye to the beloved city and House. It is beautiful how Allah calls it “the house”. “El Bet” = the House. This is neither a mansion nor a castle, this is The House. Tawaaf el Wada’, was one of the most crowded. We kept trying to go upstairs but with no hope, Allah wanted us there next to His House on the ground floor. It was less crowded. However, I had to rest, as sleep was attacking me from all doors.

Now comes the beloved city: Madina.

Medina is truly a blessed city. The prophet’s Masjid is such a peaceful and tranquil place. You can almost still see the prophet coming into Madina and the people welcoming the arrival of the most wonderful person on earth to their small city of Yathrib. Here you are in the presence of the prophet and you get to finally meet him. And as the sahaba did, you get to go and tell him that you have heard his message and you have believed and confessed the oneness of Allah and the message of His prophet Muhammad (PBUH). You give your salaams to him along with thousands of others, but you know that the answers you in particular. You have come from distant lands and you have asked for forgiveness from Allah at His house. You get to also visit Masjid Quba, the first masjid in Islam, in which two Rakat after having done wudu’ at home, is equivalent to an Umrah. You get to visit the martyrs of Uhud and all those at Baqe’. Next, to the Prophet (PBUH), you also give your greeting to those closest to him, who followed him in the best way ever seen, Abu Bakr, the friend in the cave, and Omar, the wholehearted enthusiastic, yet a soft-hearted leader. At Baqe’ you visit Uthman who gave endless amounts of his wealth for the sake of Allah, and Khadija the first to believe in Allah’s message and comfort the prophet with wisdom.

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Hajj – The Return To God

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The Soul of Hajj

Hajj – The Return To God

By the Break of Day; By the Ten Nights; By the Even and Odd (contrasted); And by the Night when it passes away; Is there (not) in these an adjuration (or evidence) for those who understand? (Surah al-Fajr 89:1-5)

“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among people; they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways. That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the Days Appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice). So eat you thereof and feed the distressed ones in want. Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House.” (Surah al-Hajj 22:27-29)

The first House (of worship) appointed for people, was that at Bakkah; full of blessing and of guidance for all beings. In it are Signs manifest; the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures. (Surah Al ‘Imran 3:96-97)

We will be entering the month of Dhul Hijjah next week. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most sacred days of the year. They are mentioned as special days in Surah al-Fajr. These are the days of special blessings. Muslims are urged to do more Dhikr, charity and good deeds during this time. Fasting in these days is prescribed as Nafl from first to the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet -peace be upon him- said:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Reported by Al-Tirmidhi 688)

At this time millions of Muslims are gathering in and around the sacred city of Makkah. They are coming from every corner of the globe to perform the sacred rites of Hajj. Many members of our own community are there. We pray to Allah to bless all Muslims and accept their Hajj and devotions.

Hajj is an important rukn of Islam. It has many benefits. It is a command of Allah. It is obligatory once in life on every adult Muslim male or female who can afford it physically and financially. Muslims perform Hajj every year in millions in number. They go there with great love and devotion.

Hajj has a form and a spirit. Its form is to have Ihram, perform Tawaf and Sa’y, go to Mina, ‘Arafat, Muzdalifah, do the ramy at the Jamarat and make sacrifice of a sheep, goat or camel. There are detailed rules that Pilgrims learn. Here at this time, however, I want to discuss a few points about the spirit of Hajj for our benefit and let us think about it in these days. This will help us here also.

1. Hajj is a ceremony of love and devotion to Allah. A Muslim’s relation with Allah is that of deep love, devotion and obedience. We love Allah, because He loves us. “He loves them and they love Him …” (al-Ma’idah 5:54). Prophet Ibrahim -peace be upon him- loved Allah and Allah took him as a Friend (Khalil). “Allah took Ibrahim as a friend .” (al-Nisa’ 4:125). Hajj is deeply associated with Prophet Ibrahim and his life-story. Hajj gives us a sense of History. Our faith is deep rooted in History. This is the religion of Allah given to us by His many prophets: Adam, Noah, Ibrahim, Ismael and finally Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon them all. These were the people who loved Allah and Allah loved them and made them the guides of humanity.

2. Hajj gives the universal spirit of Islam. People of all races, colors and nationalities go there. They become one people without any class or distinction. They look alike and do the same things. The spirit of Hajj is to foster unity and universal brotherhood and sisterhood among the believers.

3. Hajj gives us a focus, center and orientation. We have one Qiblah and that is our direction for worship. But we should not have only one Qiblah for worship; we should also have unity of purpose and mission in our life. Muslims should be the people of a focus and direction, not a confused people or a people without any orientation and direction. Our focus of life is Allah and House of Allah, the Ka’bah on this earth. We have with us Allah’s book that we must hold fast together. “And hold fast all together Allah’s rope and be not divided… (Al ‘Imran 3:103).

4. Hajj is the ceremony of peace and harmony. The pilgrims come in peace and spend their time together in the most peaceful and respectful manner. They respect every person and every thing. They do not harm any one or anything. This is also the spirit of Islam. Islam is a total commitment to care, compassion and kindness. Hajj is symbol of this commitment and it must manifest in our daily life.

5. Hajj is also a movement, action and sacrifice. The pilgrim keeps on moving all the time, with Tawaf, Sa’y, going to Mina, ‘Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina again, around the Jamarat and other places. It is a dynamic ceremony and this is the way a Muslim’s life should be. Motion, action, and sacrifice -these things bring success in this life and salvation in the Hereafter.

I hope those who have gone to Hajj, will learn good lessons from this journey and we here also should keep these lessons in our minds and lives.

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Haj made me stronger in belief

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Haj made me stronger in belief, this is a wonderful story of a conservative Christian whom Allah guided to the path of truthmaking him one of the most prominent Islamic preachers in the African continent. The Chad-based Ali Ramadaan Naajeeli, the Sultan of Qindi, narrates how much he hated Muslims but embraced Islam when studied it:

I WAS lost and confused until I became Muslim in 1977 at the hands of a Nigerian sheikh, a dayee. His sustained preaching among us drew us to learn and understand Islam.

The Salafi scholar proved beyond doubt that Islam was not like others would like to make out of it. He told us how the mushrikeen (idolaters) offered power and wealth to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), but he refused it for the sake of his dawah. And he told us how he had striven against the mushrikeen for many years and had bore insults and torment until his divine mission succeeded and spread throughout the world. His months of dawah convinced us of Islam’s truthfulness, and we entered the faith on the basis of conviction. We became Muslims willingly, embracing a religion in which we could worship on God in all sincerity, worshipping Him alone.

I became Muslim with the others, among whom was my father, the Sultan of the region of Mahim Tooki Qindi in Nigeria. After I embraced Islam, I went with the sheikh and remained in his service for 6 years, then I graduated to become a dayee, after studying Islam. At the end of the training period, he said to me: “Work with me in Nigeria.”

I became the sultan after my father passed away, after calling people in the region to Islam for two years. This led to 4,722 people from the Saraqulai tribe becoming Muslim, including 14 Christian priests. From this time the confrontation with the Christian missionaries in the south of Chad began. They tried to destroy the Islamic dawah and make those who had become Muslim Christian, using various methods. They regarded the Islamic dawah there as a rival, which threatened to stem the Christian tide. They tried to tempt me with money and by offering me a house and a farm so that I would become Christian. They wanted me to work for Christianity. This is what made the Chadian government appoint me as a member of the Higher Committee on Islamic Affairs in the Republic of Chad. But despite all these offers, I rejected what the Christian missionaries offered me. So they started to provoke the animists against the Muslims in the south, but their efforts ended in failure.

Later, the Islamic Dawah organization permitted me to perform Haj. When I visited Makkah and saw the Muslims there — white and black, with no differences between them; all of them wearing the same clothes and equal in status, I could not stop myself from weeping. I had no one from my family with me, yet I felt that all the people around me were my family and my brothers. This increased my determination to strive more seriously in the field of dawah, to guide other people to this great religion and not to keep this spiritual joy to myself, and to save the rest of my brothers from doom and from the Fire of Hell. I decided to start my dawah in my own country, Chad.

After I came back from Haj(Haj made me stronger in belief), I decided to open Islamic centers, to construct more mosques and schools. Praise be to Allah, I was able to establish 12 mosques and a school. We dug up 12 wells for the people in the Qindi region. I also worked to establish a foundation for the training of converts in dawah. My only aim now was to spread the message of Islam; its teachings, morals, and manners; and to focus on teaching Arabic. We established study circles to teach Qur’an and Sunnah, praise be to Allah.

Besides, there are many obstacles facing the dawah in the south of Chad. The main obstacles are material, for the people there are poor and do not have their daily food. The region also suffers from a lack of roads and there are no means of transportation to go into the primitive animizt areas in order to make dawah in the villages where most of the people are Christians. We are also suffering from a lack of trained dayees.

Many of the Muslims there know little about Islam, which is most unfortunate. In contrast, the efforts of the Christian missionaries are supported by material support. The missionary efforts remain the greatest obstacle we face in this region. When the Pope from the Vatican visited the region of Qinda at the end of his African tour, he met with the missionaries there and made great plans to Christianize the region. Hence they supplied many missionaries from a number of European countries and they supplied the money they needed.

They also announced that they would build a number of churches in the region. One of the Italian missionaries told me that this region would be Christian soon. Each month they organize local festivals where they offer food, drink, and assistance to the animists and invite them to become Christian. They also visit orphanages and refugees, which they support financially, in order to Christianize the children who stay there. They are very devious: They were working in the name of the Red Cross there when it was discovered that they have been sterilizing women by giving them medication with the result that they will never again conceive. This is one of their means of limiting the number of Muslims and putting an end to Islam in Chad.

I have discovered the fragrance of Islam and there is no doubt that it is the religion of equality and justice. It makes no distinction between rich and poor, black and white except in terms of taqwa. Everyone turns to Allah and everyone is a slave of Allah.

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385,191 pilgrims arrive in Madinah

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saudigazette.com.sa

385,191 pilgrims arrive in Madinah

A pilgrim gets a traditional welcome at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, Monday. The number of pilgrims arriving in the Prophet’s City till late Monday reached 385,191. Deputy chief of the National Foundation for Guides in Madinah, Essam Abdulaziz Domyati said, 182,278 pilgrims, have left Madinah for Makkah, while about 202,000 pilgrims remain in the city.

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Hajj: The Symbol of Unity

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Hajj: The Symbol of Unity

Hajj is, indeed, the symbol of unity and monotheism! Praise be to Allah who has guided us to this. Never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah.

Unity is vividly observed in the great pillar of Hajj, which is repeated every year and for which millions of Muslims gather from all over the world. They represent the Muslim ummah with all its different races, countries, colors, and languages. They gather in one place, at the same time, wearing the same garment and performing the same rites. They make one stand in the same monument. They proclaim the oneness of the Lord of the worlds, submit themselves to His law, and show their unity under His banner. They announce to the whole world that they are one nation although they come form different countries and homes. They perform the rites and stand in the open areas of Makkah, where bodies become close to each other, faces meet, hands shake, greetings exchange, tongues communicate, and hearts reconcile. They meet for the same purpose and intention.

What unity is deeper than that one of the pilgrims when they stand at the mountain of ‘Arafat with bare heads and simple white clothes? There is no difference between the rich and the poor, the ruler and the subject, men and women, Arabs and non-Arabs. All of them are the same, like the teeth of the hair comb. They direct themselves towards Allah, humble and submissive.

“They hope for His Mercy and fear His Wrath” [Al-Isra’, 17:57]

This is their description when they make tawaf (circumambulation around the Ka’bah) and sa’y (going between the mountains of As-Safa and Al-Marwah), stay overnight at Muzdalifah and Mina, sacrifice animals, and throw stones. Similarly, this is their description when they perform the congregational prayer at the open areas or at the Holy Mosque. They pray behind one man (i.e. the Imam) and supplicate to one God (i.e. Allah). They read one Book, the Qur’an, and direct themselves to one Qiblah, the Ka’bah, at the Holy Mosque. They perform the same rites of standing, sitting, bowing down, and prostration(Hajj The Symbol of Unity).

It is a kind of unity that penetrates the hearts and not only external appearances. This is unity in aim and direction, in sayings and deeds, an internal and external unity, through which they could feel the essence of the verse:

“The believers are but a single brotherhood.” [Al-Hujurat, 49:10].

Differences in social class, wealth, race, and color vanish within these feelings and rites. A pure and solemn atmosphere of brotherhood, serenity, affection, and love prevails. In a world engulfed in dispute and division, it is a great blessing for a person to have the ability to enjoy this atmosphere of complete peace. In a world where the discrepancy is the prevailing system, they (pilgrims) enjoy an atmosphere of equality. In the face of the world’s grudges, hatred, and disputation-feelings all too characteristics of the modern life-pilgrims experience a feeling of love and harmony.

Allah has imposed pilgrimage upon Muslims in a specific time each year, in one place, and in the same manner. Thus, they perform it in gatherings and not in scattered groups. They feel and see unity and brotherhood before their very eyes. Allah made their Hajj in the purest point, in the most sacred place, and in the best days, namely, the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Accordingly, they experience the sacredness of the place, time, and situation. Hence, they know their position among other nations and feel Allah’s blessing, as He granted them this straight and sound religion. He favored Muslims by bringing familiarity among their hearts and making them loving brothers and sisters(Hajj The Symbol of Unity).

Hajj is a valuable opportunity for the public to meet the righteous scholars so that they would benefit from their knowledge and be guided by their juristic opinions. It is also an occasion for Muslim scholars to meet with each other so that they would know each other, discuss issues of theology, acquire jurisprudence in religion, and study the affairs of Muslims and provide solutions to their problems. It is a great chance for Muslim leaders, thinkers, and politicians to meet, to consult and to co-operate for the welfare of Islam and Muslims.

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Hajj: Intro for non-muslims

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Islam has two major religious celebrations. The first occurs after the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims (believers in Islam) fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort towards self-purification and betterment. This holiday is known as Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast).

The second major Islamic celebration takes place during the time of the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). This week-long event occurs two months and ten days after Ramadan ends, during the Islamic month of DhulHijjah, and its culmination is a holiday known as Eid ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). The Hajj consists of several ceremonies, meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of prophet Abraham and his family. Over two million Muslims perform the pilgrimage annually, and the rest of the over one billion Muslims worldwide celebrate the Eid holiday in conjunction with the Hajj.

In order to teach about the important holidays of Islam, teachers can photocopy the “Information for Students” pages of this packet and distribute them to their students. After providing 15-20 minutes to read the pages, teachers can use the provided questions to guide discussion and elicit responses from the students. Some suggested activities for students are also included in this packet.

ABRAHAM

Abraham is a figure revered by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike as a righteous person who lived over four thousand years ago. His story can be found in the Bible as well as the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book). Abraham is considered to be the patriach of monotheism, or “belief in the One God,” who sought a personal relationship with his Creator. He left his native city of Ur in Mesopotamia after voicing opposition to his people’s polytheistic practices,and eventually settled in Egypt with his family. Later, he escorted one of his wives, Hajar, and their infant son IIshmael to a desolate valley in Arabia and left them there, trusting in God’s promise to care for them.

Hajar, concerned about feeding her young baby, began searching the surroundings for food and water. According to the Qur’an, in response to Hajar’s prayers, a spring miraculously gushed forth at Ishma’il’s feet to quench their thirst. Hajar climbed nearby hills searching for food and looking for caravans on the horizon. Eventually, some passing traders stopped in the valley, and asked Hajar’s permission to water their camels. In time, the traders decided to settle in the little valley, and eventually, the settlement grew into the city of Makkah. Abraham returned from time to time to visit, and when Ishma’il was about thirteen years old, he and Ishma’il constructed the Katbah, an empty cube-shaped building, as a place dedicated for the worship of the One God. Eventually, Makkah became an important trading post by the time of Prophet Muhammad, twenty- five hundred years later.

THE HAJJ

In commemoration of the trials of Abraham and his family in Makkah, which included Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in response to God’s command, Muslims make a pilgrimage to the sacred city at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, and thus an essential part of Muslims’ faith and practice. Muslims from all over the world, including the US, travel to Makkah (in modern- day Saudi Arabia). Before arriving in the holy city, Muslims enter a state of consecration (dedication) known as ihram, by removing their worldly dothes and donning the humble attire of pilgrimstwo seamless white sheets for men, and simple white dresses and scarves for women. The white garments are symbolic of human equality and unity before God, since all the pilgrims are dressed similarly. Money and status no longer are a factor for the pilgrims – the equality of each person in the eyes of God becomes paramount.

Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims perform the initial tawaf, which is a circular, counter- clockwise procession around the Ka’bah. All the while, they state “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk,” which means “Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!” The tawaf is meant to awaken each Muslim’s consciousness that God is the center of their reality and the source of all meaning in life, and that each person’s higher self-identity derives from being part of the community of Muslim believers, known as the ummah. Pilgrims also perform the sa’i, which is hurrying seven times between the small hills named Safa and Marwah, reenacting the Biblical and Qurtanic story of Hajar’s desperate search for lifegiving water and food.

Next, on the first official day of Hajj (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the two million pilgrims travel a few miles to the plain of Mina and camp there. From Mina, pilgrims travel the following morning to the plain of Arafat where they spend the entire day in earnest supplication and devotion. That evening, the pilgrims move and camp at Muzdalifa, which is a site between Mina and Arafat. Muslims stay overnight and offer various prayers there.

Then the pilgrims return to Mina on the 10th, and throw seven pebbles at a stone pillar that represents the devil. This symbolizes Abraham’s throwing stones at Satan when he tried to dissuade Abraham from sacrificing his son. Then the pilgrims sacrifice a sheep, reenacting the story of Abraham,who, in place of his son, sacrificed a sheep that God had provided as a substitute. The meat from the slaughtered sheep is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and poor and needy people in the community. After the sacrifice, the pilgrims return to Makkah to end the formal rites of Hajj by performing a final tawaf and sa’i.

Muslims believe the rites of the Hajj were designed by God and taught through prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that since the time of Adam, there have been thousands of prophets, including such well-known figures as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and David, and that Muhammad was the final prophet of God.

The Hajj is designed to develop God consciousness and a sense of spiritual upliftment. It is also believed to be an opportunity to seek forgiveness of sins accumulated thoughout life. Prophet Muhammad had said that a person who performs Hajj properly “will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins].” The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world, of different colors, languages, races, and ethnicities, to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together.

EID-UL-ADHA

Although only the pilgrims in Makkah can participate in the Hajj fully, all the other Muslims in the world join with them by celebrating the Eid ul Adha [eed ul ud-ha], or Festival of Sacrifice. On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims around the world wear their nicest clothing and attend a special prayer gathering in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone stands up to hug and greet one another. The traditional Eid greeting is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Holiday Blessings.” Next, people visit each other’s homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this joyous occasion. In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah, those Muslims who can afford to do so offer domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Abraham’s sacrifice. The meat is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and to the poor and needy.

The Eid ul-Adha is a major religious event in the lives of Muslims. Usually, communities celebrate tnis occasion over a period of several days.

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