Win Free Umrah

Tag: Performing Hajj

Easy ways to earn great rewards

Posted on by admin 40 Views

This does not mean that we are exempt from the obligation to perform the pilgrimage once in our lives, but it means that we can engage in rituals of worship that will earn us great rewards.

As we saw images of thousands of pilgrims flooding into Makkah and the white tents springing up in Mina, our hearts longed to be there. Some of us were unable to perform Haj this year, and we feel that we missed out on a great opportunity to earn rewards and to wipe out our sins.

For those who wish to win the rewards from Allah and attain His mercy and forgiveness but were unable to perform Haj, there are acts of worship that could be equal in rewards to the rewards for Haj. This does not mean that we are exempt from the obligation to perform the pilgrimage once in our lives, but it means that we can engage in rituals of worship that will earn us great rewards.

Forgive others so that Allah may forgive you. Holding rancor and hatred towards others who have wronged you is keeping you from being a better person.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was sitting with a group of his companions in the mosque and he said, “A man will now enter [who is] from the people of Paradise.”

A certain companion walked in, a seemingly regular man. Later, it happened again, and then a third time, and each time this man was described by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as an inhabitant of Paradise.

Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-Aaas  wanted to find out what was so special about this man, so he asked the man if he could stay at his house for three days. While staying with him, Abdullah watched him closely but he noticed that the man did not do anything out of the ordinary. So after three days, Abdullah told the man the reason why he requested to stay with him, and he asked him what it was that could be the reason why he was from the people of Paradise.

The man could not think of anything, but he said “Every night, before I go to sleep, I forgive whoever has wronged me. I remove any bad feelings towards anyone from my heart.”
Therefore, forgiving others can make us among the people of Paradise.

Praying Fajr in congregation and then dedicating your time for the remembrance of Allah until the sun rises can be equivalent to the reward for Haj.

Anas, the close companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation and then he remains sitting mentioning Allah until the sun rises, and then he prays two Rak’ahs, will receive the reward of one Hajj and one Umrah, complete, complete, complete.” (At-Tirmithi)

If we were unable to be among the pilgrims in Makkah this year, we can still be worshippers in the mosques in any city of the world, and we can anticipate great rewards from Allah. Going to the mosque to pray in congregation is highly rewarded, and walking to the mosque is even better. Do not leave the mosque as soon as Fajr prayer is over; sit in the mosque to mention Allah’s name and read the Qur’an and supplicate. How amazing would you feel if the angels were asking Allah to forgive you for your sins?

Abu Hurayrah, the well known transmitter of Hadith, reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “The angels supplicate in favor of one of you so long as he remains in the place where he performed Salat [prayer] in a state of ablution. They [the angels] say, ‘O Allah forgive him, O Allah, have mercy on him.’” (Al-Bukhari)

Join a study group at your local mosque, whether it is to read the Qur’an or study its meanings or to study sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Whether you go to learn or to help someone else learn, your rewards will be as great as that of a pilgrim; just make sure that your intention is to seek the rewards from Allah.

Abu Umamah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever leaves for the mosque in the morning for no reason but to learn goodness or teach others, then he will have a reward as if he has completed the Haj pilgrimage.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr)

Many of us do not place much importance on the voluntary prayer, Al-Duha prayer, but if we understood how tremendous its rewards are, we would not miss it.

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “None could observe Duha prayer regularly except a penitent.” (At-Tabarani)

A penitent person is someone who repents, who feels sorrow for wrong doings, and who seeks forgiveness from God.

As for the time to pray Al-Duha, it is from sunrise until shortly before noon. You can pray two Rak’aat, or four or six or more.

Donate to orphans, widows, and those in need. We should be giving charity and supporting those in need all year round, and especially in blessed times like Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah.
What are the deeds that would help us earn the pleasure of Allah?

The Prophet (peace be upon him) informs us in his Hadith in which he said, “The most beloved of people according to Allah is he who brings most benefit to people, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allah the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my Muslim brother in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month.” (At-Tabarani)

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

How can your Hajj be accepted?

Posted on by admin 31 Views

The things which the Muslim should do so that his Hajj will be accepted are:
He should have the intention of performing Hajj for the sake of Allah. This is the sincerity of intention (ikhlaas). In his Hajj he should follow the way the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) performed Hajj. This is the following (the Sunnah). No righteous deed will be accepted unless it fulfills these two basic conditions: sincerity of intention and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah) and give Zakaah, and that is the right religion”(al-Bayyinah 98:5)

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Actions are but by intentions, and each man will have but that which he intended.” And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected.”

This is the most important thing that the pilgrim should seek: sincerity of intention, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say during his Hajj: “Learn from me your rituals.”

Another condition is that Hajj must be done with halaal funds, for Hajj done with haraam funds is haraam and is not permitted. Some of the scholars even said that Hajj is not valid in this case, and one of them said:

“If you do Hajj with money whose source is haraam, you have not done Hajj but your camel has.”

Another condition is that he should avoid what Allah has forbidden because He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“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 Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj” (al-Baqarah 2:197)

He should avoid whatever Allah has forbidden in general, whether in Hajj or at other times, such as immorality and sin, haraam speech, haraam deeds, listening to music and so on. He should also avoid that which Allaah has forbidden particularly in Hajj, such as al-rafath (intercourse with women), and shaving the head. He should also avoid wearing that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade us to wear in ihraam. In general, he should avoid everything that is forbidden when in ihraam.

The pilgrim should also be kind, generous and easy-going with his wealth and in his actions. He should treat his brothers well as much as possible. He must avoid annoying or disturbing the Muslims, in the holy places and marketplaces, or in the crowded conditions of the mataaf (the area around the Ka’bah where tawaaf is performed) and the mas’aa (the place where saa’i is performed) and around the jamaraat, and in others.

These are all things that are obligatory for the pilgrim, or that he must do. The best way to achieve that is to travel with a knowledgeable person who can remind him about his religion. If that is not possible, then he should read the books of the scholars before going for Hajj, so that he can worship Allaah with knowledge. End quote.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him).

We have gladly offered Executive Hajj Packages season for our significant clients and organization customers. Go along with us and locate the new route with our best Hajj administrations.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: go-makkah.com

Women and Hajj

Posted on by admin 152 Views

Women and Hajj

women and hajj despite the equality of men and women in the Islamic rulings, there are some rulings specified for women out of mercy towards them because of their different nature.

  • If a woman still in her Iddah (waiting period) when she is divorced and she wants to go for Hajj, she may go but she has to be accompanied by a Mahram. However, if  the waiting period is for the death of the husband, she cannot go to Hajj for staying at home is one of the obligations of the waiting period for the widow
  • The companionship of a Mahram is an obligation for women when she is performing Hajj. If she has got no Mahram, she cannot perform Hajj and her Hajj is not valid. Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman should not travel except in the company of a Mahram.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
  • Regarding Ihram of the woman, it is it like that of the man with exception to clothes: A woman should assume Ihram like and she is permitted to wear whatever clothes she likes as long as they meet the Islamic rulings. A woman cannot wear Niqaab, Burqa’ or gloves. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman in the state of Ihraam should not wear Niqaab or gloves.” (Bukhaari) .
  • Talbiyah for women: unlike men, women should say Talbiyah in a low voice. and it is impermissible for her to raise her voice when saying Talbiyah in the presence of men.
  • Ramal and Idhtibaa’: The rulings of Ramal and Idhtibaa’ are not applicable to women. She should not perform Ramal, Idhtibaa’ or run during Sa‘i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa.
  • Shortening hair: A woman has to cut the length of a fingertip from her hair. Ibn Abbas said, “It is not obligatory upon women to shave their hair (after ending Ihraam), rather, it is obligatory upon them to shorten the hair.” (Abu Daawood )
  • If a woman menstruates and does not become pure until she fears missing the company; she should not perform Tawaf until she becomes pure, for the Prophet, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Aa’isha when she was menstruating: “Perform each rite that the pilgrim performs with exception to performing Tawaf around the House.” (Bukhaari and Muslim). However, if she performs Tawaf, for example, lest she should miss the company, some scholars including Ibn Taymiyah, endorse the idea that it is permissible for her to perform Tawaf because of necessity.

It is worth noting that the meant Tawaf here is Tawaf Al-Ifadhah as there is no need to perform other kinds of Tawaf, such as Arrival Tawaf  (kudum) and Farewell Tawaf (wada’a).

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: go-makkah.com

A new life after Hajj

Posted on by admin 47 Views

Undoubtedly, Hajj is the best opportunity to wash one’s sins away and refine the soul. He / She who performs Hajj is supposed to be a model for others to be followed.

In fact,  those whom the Almighty favored performing Hajj should be thankful to Allah and incessantly keep imploring and beseeching Him to accept their good deeds. This is crucial, for it reflects their belief that being so favored by the Almighty to accomplish Islam’s fifth pillar is a favor that deserves gratitude and thanks to Allah.

After returning from the holy places, the pilgrims should keep their mind and souls attached to the Almighty, remembering Him constantly for He says: So when you have accomplished your Manasik, remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. (Al-Baqarah, 200)
He/ She who performed Hajj should be very keen to avoid evil and shameful deeds especially after Allah has forgiven all his previous sins, as a reward of performing Hajj for  “The reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise.” (Reported by Muslim).

Upon returning home, the pilgrims should be conscious of Allah when performing all what Allah has instructed them to do of the other worships such as Salah (Prayers), Zakah, Fasting Ramadan, dutifulness to his parents, visiting kith and kin, being charitable and benevolent to Allah’s creatures, and the like of what the Muslim should do.

Hajj is considered as a blessing, the more it entails responsibility on which man will be asked concerning on the Day of Judgment in case the pilgrim misbehaves after returning from Hajj. Almighty Allah says, : Verily, Allah enjoins Al-‘Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet in a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (o.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help), and forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right), and Al-Munkar (i.e all that is prohibited by Islamic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed. (An-Nahl: 90)

Hajj is an obligation once in a lifetime. Therefore, the pilgrim should take that as a golden opportunity which he/she will make use of for the rest of his/her life. He/she should keep remembering the holy places and all the rituals of Hajj for it will strengthen his faith and devotion to the Almighty.

We have gladly offered Executive Hajj Packages season for our significant clients and organization customers. Go along with us and locate the new route with our best Hajj administrations.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: go-makkah.com

Festival of The Sacrifice

Posted on by admin 53 Views

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.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: whyislam.org

The Hajj: the greatest trip

Posted on by admin 21 Views

Pieces of advice that are offered to would-be pilgrims before their departure toward the holy sites to perform Hajj or Umrah are of great importance. However, pieces of advice differ and stories and experiences told by those who had already performed Islam’s fifth pillar are ranked first in utility. They lived the experience and performed the rites and surely their stories are paramount to would-be pilgrims. From this standpoint, we decided to make regular interviews with persons who had the opportunity to perform Hajj to share their emotions and feelings during the Hajj period.

Our guest today is Mr. Al-Hassani, one of the residents of the county of Bouzelfa. He originally comes from Sidi Alwan from Mahdia (a city in Tunisia), and he has offered us some photos of his personal experience of his Hajj trip. Al-Hassani says that what pushed him to perform the Hajj is that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and it is important as the other pillars. He said that each Muslim who has got the financial means and health by which he/she can go to the Hajj should go even if he/she still younger. No one can guarantee tomorrow and the whole world belongs to Allah, the Almighty.

As far as his preparations for the Hajj are concerned, Al-Hassani said that he felt a strong desire pushing him to visit the holy sites and perform Hajj. He said that his feelings cannot be described especially when he realized that he was chosen among millions of Muslims to perform the Hajj. He said that learning the rites is the product of the culture which he gained when studying and when watching television and in mosques too. He said that he has done his best to be restricted to the Sunnah and that he has tried to perform the Hajj as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah) did.

Describing his feelings when he first entered the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the moment of seeing the holy Ka’abah, he said that the situation was similar to the Day of  Judgment and that one feels unprecedented respect and reverence for the sanctity of the place. He added that words sometimes cannot convey meanings and describe such situations. Hajj Al-Hassani said that the greatest treaty between men and his creator is the divine promise to wash out one’s previous sins and from here on it is necessary for one to respect his commitment and this treaty. Hajji Al-Hassani concludes by saying that entering the Grand Mosque and seeing the holy Ka’abah will always remain as the best moments he ever lived.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: go-makkah.com

The great benefit of Hajj

Posted on by admin 30 Views

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.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: darulfatwa.org.au

The Values of Hajj

Posted on by admin 43 Views

The values of Hajj is a collection of actions and recitations. These collections inspire the Muslim’s soul with spiritual sublime feelings.

Generally speaking,The values of Hajj includes a number of prayers performed by the pilgrim during a definite period. Every action, word, and prayer is a symbol that inspires the soul with a vivid feeling and encompasses a secret and an objective.

Ihram, Talbiyah (Tawaf) (circumambulation), Saa’y, Wuquf (staying at Arafat) to name but a few, are a mixture of actions and feelings which are spiritually experienced by the pilgrim. Every action has got a deep meaning and each rite aims at the accommodation of the values of Islam and the demonstration of its purposes in a symbolic and accurate way.

Rites are performed within the hugest gatherings of people. Crowds assemble to worship Allah, the Almighty.  Their target is Allah’s satisfaction and forgiveness, submission, and surrender to his will.

Once a Muslim decides to perform Hajj, his heart will long to reach his purpose, Allah’s satisfaction and the purification of the self.

Performing Hajj is the sacrifice of money and many physical desires and pleasures for the sake of Allah. It leaves an everlasting mark in the Muslim’s heart to constantly remember the Almighty.

It equally renewed society. Performing Hajj cannot be undertaken singly. Its rites have to be performed communally. Herein, lies the basic principles of Islam: Brotherhood, Unity, peace, and equality.

Pilgrims coming from different nationalities will get to know each other, pray and supplicate together so that the Almighty ease their hardships and forgive them.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: go-makkah.com

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

Posted on by admin 32 Views

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

Umrah in Ramadan is Equivalent to Hajj

Posted on by admin 109 Views

Umrah in Ramadan is Equivalent to Hajj

Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to a woman from Ansaar – Ibn ‘Abbas, stated her name but I fail to recall it

“What kept you from performing Hajj with us?”

She replied: We only have two camels and my husband and my son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it. He said:

“When Ramadaan comes, go for Umrah, for Umrah in (Ramadan) is equivalent to Hajj.”

The scholars have varied opinions regarding the one who reaches the virtue declared in the hadith. There are three sentiments:

  1. That this hadith relates only to the woman who was spoken to by the Prophet (PBUH). Among those who preferred this understanding was Sa’eed ibn Jubayr among the Taabi’een, as was described from him by Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Baari (3/605). Among the evidence mentioned in support of this opinion is the hadith of Umm Ma’qil who said: Hajj is Hajj and ‘Umrah is ‘Umrah. The Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said this to me and I do not know whether it was just for me or for all people. Told by Abu Dawood (1989), but this version is da’eef (weak); it was ranked as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef Abu Dawood.
  2. That this virtue is reached by the one who plans to do Hajj but is unable to perform Hajj, then he makes up for it by doing Umrah in Ramadan. For by merging the intent to do Hajj with performance of Umrah in Ramadan, he achieves the reward of performing one Hajj with the Prophet (PBUH).Ibn Rajab said in Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif (p. 249). It should be eminent that the one who is unable to do a good deed and repentances and desires that he could do it will get the reward same of the one who does it – and he mentioned a few instances of that – Some women missed out on doing Hajj with the Prophet (PBUH), and when he came they asked him about what would constitute for that Hajj, and he said:

    “Do Umrah in Ramadan, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj or to Hajj with me (The Prophet).”

    Ibn Katheer said something related in his Tafseer (1/531). This view was cited by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah as something possible in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (26/293-294).

  3. The view of the scholars of the four madhhabs and others, that the virtue stated in this hadith is general in sense and relates to everyone who does umrah in the month of Ramadan. Umrah at that time is equal to Hajj for all people, not only for a few people or in certain conditions.

Reference: Radd al-Muhtaar (2/473); Mawaahib al-Jaleel (3/29); al-Majmoo’ (7/138); al-Mughni (3/91); al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (2/144). The most precise of these opinions – and Allah knows best – is the last one, and the virtue is general in sense and is achieved by all those who do umrah in Ramadan. This is specified by the following:

  1. The hadith was told from a number of the Sahabah. Al-Tirmidhi believed regarding this issue from Ibn ‘Abbas, Jaabir, Abu Hurayrah, Anas and Wahb ibn Khanbash. Maximum accounts of this hadith does not report the name of woman who asked the question.
  2. The act of individuals throughout the periods, namely the Sahabah, Taabi’een, scholars and righteous people, who have always been keen to perform umrah in Ramadan so that they may achieve this reward.

As for the notion that the virtue could only be achieved by one who was unable to perform Hajj that year because of some obstacle, it may be said that if a person sincerely planned and determined to do Hajj, and acquired the proper resources, then was barred by something that was beyond his control, then Allah will declare the reward for that deed because of his intent. So how the Prophet (PBUH) could mark the reward restricted upon doing some supplementary act, namely performing umrah in Ramadan, when the genuine intent is adequate to achieve the reward?

British hajj travel website has special packages for Umrah in Ramadan from UK. You may select from a wide array of Umrah packages from UK offered on our website that suits your considerations.

We have a wide range of Spiritual Journey Packages from UK are give below:

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Article by: hajjumradirect.com