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Gaining True Benefit from Hajj

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Gaining True Benefit from Hajj

Acts of worship in Islam are rites performed by the Muslim that are ordained upon him by his Lord, to which he has to submit and comply with in order to obey the commands of Allaah The Almighty and show servitude to Him. Besides, they bear a lot of meanings, establish good morals and produce numerous social benefits that bring about a great deal of good to the Muslim individual and society.
Hajj, economically speaking, is a season of trade, and at the same time, according to the Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation), a season of worship. It is an obligatory duty in which the affairs of both the World and the Hereafter meet together, and so does the past and present heritage of creed. Traders and merchants find in the season of Hajj a brisk market, where fruits of all kinds are brought to the sacred places from the different ends of the earth; and pilgrims come from every distant pass and city, bringing with them the bounty of their own countries that has been bestowed in the different parts of earth. All of these gather together in the sacred places at the same time. It is thus a season of trade, an exhibition of products and a veritable global market that is held annually. Moreover, it is a season of worship, where souls are purified, while feeling their closeness to Allaah The Almighty in His sacred House.
Of course, the tangible benefit of this would be evident and bear fruit when the Islamic countries attain a greater level of distinction and productivity, which allows for the exchange of Islamic commodities and artifacts.
These benefits would empower the Islamic economy globally, enabling the pilgrims to become intermediaries or peddlers of the commodities from the East and the West.
At that point, Hajj would turn into a means of mutual recognition and consultation, strategization of plans, unification of forces, exchange of commodities, benefits, sciences resulting in an authentic Islamic experience.
This is confirmed by the notion that Hajj is not only a spontaneous journey on which the Muslim utilizes his time, effort and property; rather it is a journey in which the glory of brotherhood and moral, social, economic and political benefits seems evident.
Those are the great objectives of Hajj. It entails compliance with the injunctions of Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation); a boost to faith, an educational provision and an opportunity for exchanging benefits.
The wisdom behind Hajj
No doubt, by virtue of His wisdom and greatness, Allaah the Almighty has chosen that good and pure place in Makkah to honor it with a privilege that is unique to it apart from any other place in the world from the time of the mankind was created. In other words, He favored it to be a place for His sacred House and a destination of meeting and gathering of all Muslims from all parts of the world, from among those upon whom Allaah grants the favor of capability, that enables them to answer the call of Allaah The Almighty,by virtue of which they direct themselves to that ancient House.
In confirmation of this, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah — blessed and 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 Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allaah Is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3:96-97]
When we read that wise saying (which means): {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind} we rest assured of the reliability of the statement that the angels of (Allaah) The Most Merciful were the first to build that House, for the word ‘mankind’ is given to Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and his offspring, and this means that this ancient House was established before, or, at least, synchronous to the first of people on earth, i.e. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention.
In another interpretation, it was said that this verse was revealed by Allaah The Almighty as a reply to the Jews when they claimed that Bayt Al-Maqdis is better and greater than the Ka‘bah, for it is in the holy land, where the Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, descended. By that verse, Allaah The Almighty showed the status of the Sacred House in Makkah, bringing to mind that this was the first house to be established for mankind, and the most honored place for worship: {…and a guidance for the worlds.}

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Hajj: Between Obligation and Reality

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Hajj: Between Obligation and Reality

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

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

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

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

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Selfies affecting Holy Kaaba

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Selfies affecting Holy Kaabaimage by: saudigazette

Selfies affecting Holy Kaaba

Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance. It welcomes everyone, without discrimination on color, caste or creed.  It accept its followers the way they are, and asks them to worship no other than Allah (SWT) and accept the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as His last messenger.
It’s been more than 1400 years since Islam has spread across the globe, and it is not only Arabs who are Muslims, but people from every country on every plant. With the development of science and technology, things are becoming easier compared to in the past for those travelling and visiting the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Yet, pilgrimages are performed just as when they started. Technology and smart phones have helped a lot, offering several advantages to pilgrims, but the new fashion of taking selfies while on pilgrimage has become the norm and has spread like an epidemic.
A selfie has become a way to show that a person was actually here. It began on Hajj, but now has now grown dramatically. A growing number of pilgrims stop and take selfies while circumambulating the Ka’ba. Several people have been seen making videos or taking a video call while circling the Ka’ba. We will not debate whether it’s right or wrong to use phones in this way on Hajj, but it certainly does affect others.
“I miss the old days when capturing pictures wasn’t allowed inside the Haram. At least, we didn’t used to end up bumping into each other” Rahat Saleem said after a recent visit to Makkah.
“Selfie craze is disturbing the normal flow of Tawaf and it causes problems not only to elderly, but to every worshipper.” Fatima Sharif, who is in the Kingdom on a visit from Pakistan, said.
“Personally I think it takes the pleasure and serenity away from the worship and from the task you are here perform in Makkah.” another pilgrim, who is saddened by selfie mania, said.
It is a person’s choice whether to take a picture or not, either for their memory or to show others, but one has to respect other people as well. Holy sites are always crowded with people coming from near and far to worship and perform pilgrimage. When a person stops at Mataf or Sa’ee just to have their picture taken, it hinders the flow, causing people to bump into each other.  At other times, your picture can include several strangers in the background male and female who should not be in your selfie. Always take a note of whether it is the right time or place, thinking about others first is also a good deed and will be rewarded.

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Hajj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

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Haj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

Hajj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

MAKKAH — Hajj seasons will come in hot weather for the next 10 years and many pilgrims may be subjected to sun strokes, warned a study carried by Makkah daily on Monday.
The study, conducted by the Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj and Umrah Research, said the Hajj seasons will fall in the hot summer months of September, August, July and June in the coming 10 years.
The study noted a high rise in cases of sunstroke during last year’s Hajj season and added that sun strokes and other diseases of summer will continue to afflict pilgrims during upcoming seasons.
It said Makkah and the surrounding areas will be too hot during the next decade and warned pilgrims to take the necessary precautions to remain safe.
The study advised the pilgrims to avoid the direct rays of the sun, use umbrellas, take lot of water and soft drinks, cover their heads, wear light clothes and put the air conditioner on while taking a bath.
It said the symptoms of sun stroke include hot body temperature, headaches and dizziness, loss of consciousness, fast heart beats and sweating.
According to the study, there were 1,014 cases of heat exhaustion last year, 723 sun strokes and 1,737 heat injuries.

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A piece about Hajj experience

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A piece about Hajj experience

This is a piece about my Hajj experience for 2006. I am not trying to write about how to do Hajj and I will explain this as I write.
Firstly I would like to express my personal and sincerest gratitude to some of the people who made my Hajj possible and a success.
To my wife who stood beside me in every decision that I made from the time we made our commitment to Allaah in 2002 to make our Hajj in 2006. Through the good times and the bad times of ill health and financial problems. Even when I decided to sell our home so she could stay home to recuperate from illness while I started a business. A debt to her that I could never repay except by both of us completing our Hajj.
To the Saudi government and the thousands of officials and unseen workers right down to the street sweepers who organized everything so we could complete our Hajj. When moving over three million people at any given time delays are inevitable and we had our share. This is a time for patience and to never loose sight of the final goal and that is Hajj. I will mention this massive logistical nightmare more as I write for now it is enough to say that Hajj would not be possible but for a very few without the work that these people do.
My first experience of the reality of Hajj.
It is 4:00am and we arrived in Madeenah at 2:00am, some 30 hours since leaving Brisbane. It was a good flight with a couple of lengthy transit stops. I have had a shower and it is time to walk to The Prophet’s Mosque for Fajr Salaat. A bit early but if I sleep now I will have a hard time waking for Thuhr. A five-minute walk from our hotel and there in front of me is the splendor of this magnificent building. We all have the photos and wall hangings but nothing prepared me for the real size of the Mosque. The photos actually make the place look smaller.
A little further and we walk through the gates into the Mosque courtyard. It is at this stage that I realized that the building is just a pile of rock and, as beautiful as it is, it will fall into decay one day. I suddenly had this feeling of walking into a presence. Like walking into a soul. I felt the goose-bumps across my skin and the tears began to well in my eyes as an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me. That feeling of being in the presence of a living being is something that no picture can ever portray and the only way you will experience or even understand what I felt is to stand in front of this Mosque for the first time.
The following evening after Maghrib we decided to visit the grave of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). This is not an easy undertaking at the best of times during Hajj as there are millions of people with the same idea. I think it really is the will of Allaah if you are one of those chosen to go. After a very difficult time maneuvering my way through the massive crowd I suddenly found my self directly in front of the grave with only the partitioned wall separating me from the grave. The feeling generated by standing right in front of the Prophet’s sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) grave is something else that I could never explain to you in words. I was brought up in a Christian society (and a fairly tough one at that) where grown men do not cry. It was the first time since I was a child that I had those tears of emotion running down my face. My expectations of Hajj have only been with me since I reverted to Islam in 2000 and I know the depth of my feelings. Those feelings touched my very soul at these times and throughout the rest of hajj. I can only imagine how much more intense the feelings are for someone who has been waiting for this time all of their lives. I could certainly see some of that feeling in my wife and others around me.
If you go to Hajj then you will feel and understand what I mean. If you never go then I am sorry to say that you will miss the most beautiful experiences that you can ever have on this earth.
Since I have been back from Hajj I have been asked about Hajj in physical terms, is it nice, is it hard, is it good, what is it like? All I can say is that it is none of these things as these are all experiences of our physical senses. Our touch, taste, sight and feeling. Hajj has nothing to do with these feelings as it is something spiritual. It is a feeling of the soul.
While I was away I used my video camera and took hours of film along with a large number of photos.  As I moved further through my Hajj, I realized that all this material would really mean nothing to anyone else other than another look at the outside of a few buildings, a bit of landscape and a couple of mountains. The only person who could get the true feeling of what this film meant was me.
If I am not blessed to be able to go again then I will be able to look at this film in later years and hopefully it will revive some of the emotion that I felt at Hajj. For anyone else it would be meaningless. For this reason (right or wrong) the film that I have taken and the photos will remain my property for my wife and myself to view.
Throughout Hajj and a couple of the extra tours we did the feelings and the emotions keep flooding in day after day. Just when you think it can’t get any better it does. To climb Mount Uhud. The grave site of the martyred companions. To see where the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) hid from his pursuers. To stand at the base of Mount Hiraa’ and know that in the cave at the top of this mountain is where the original revelation of the Quran started. To climb Mount ‘Arafah and stand at the place where Adam and Eve where reunited. The tent city of Mina and the stoning of the Jamaraat. It is a never ending trip through the greatest moments of Islam.
Of course, no Hajj is complete without ‘Umrah at Al-Masjid Al Haraam and the Ka’bah. When we entered the Masjid for the first time, our guide, Barakat Ali, took us through the door that was the entrance that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used. From this entrance the house where he was born and spent his early life is visible. From this point Brother Barakat asked us to look at the floor as we entered and not to look up until he advised. At this time I looked up and there before me was the Ka’bah. Again I will not try to explain the feelings that I had except to say that it was a totally overwhelming experience. On your first visit to the Ka’bah you will know if you do the same thing.
Another statement that I hear is how lucky I was to go. And also I am asked how does one go about getting to Hajj or that they are planning to go in the future.
There is no luck involved in going to Hajj. It is not a lottery. Planning to go in the future will not get you there. The only way to get to Hajj is to make the commitment to Allaah that you are going to Hajj for Him. Make the commitment and set a date and, if Allaah accepts you for Hajj, then you will go. Nothing or no one on this earth will stand in your way from that point.
A couple of the most important things to take to Hajj are faith and patience. From the time you commit to Hajj work hard on your faith. If you are prone to being easily annoyed or quick to temper then it is time to also start changing these failings. You will need patience, patience and more patience. Never loose sight of why you are there. You are there to do Hajj for Allaah. Nothing else matters but the successful completion of your Hajj. Everywhere you go remember that you are walking in the footsteps of our Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Anger, yelling, fighting, etc will not see you complete your Hajj successfully.
I do not have much more to say. If what I have written encourages just one person to commit to Hajj then I will be a very happy man.

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Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

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Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

MAKKAH – Old age, language problem, getting separated from the group are some of the reasons why pilgrims get lost in the Grand Mosque and the central area around it.

Makkah Arabic daily has put together a list of the top ten reasons. Usually, pilgrims try to find those who speak their language or police officers to ask for direction to their hotel. This becomes a real problem when a pilgrim is unable to communicate with authorities or when he or she is unaware of the name or location of his or her hotel.

“You also need to take into account the age of pilgrims and their social and cultural backgrounds,” said supervisor of Turkish pilgrims Ahmad Halabi, who stressed that the Saudi Ministry of Haj pays special attention to lost pilgrims and make sure that they reach their destination.

He cited a number of reasons and factors why pilgrims get lost, which include old age. Elderly pilgrims find it difficult to remember the doors through which they entered the Grand Mosque. “The Grand Mosque is big and the streets and roads around it are confusing. Some insist on leaving their hotels alone and refuse to stay with the group. That’s when most of the accidents happen,” Halabi said.

“Some pilgrims refuse to carry wrist bands, which contain their names and location,” he said.
The Makkah Municipality is working to develop an indicative map of Makkah and major important sites in the city, he said.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Helpful advice for Pilgrims

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Helpful advice for Pilgrims

Helpful advice for Pilgrims

Allaah, The Most Exalted, Says (what means): “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.”  [Quran 2:197]
1)   Consciousness of Allaah
The best way to please Allaah is to watch for Him constantly and be conscious and fearful of Him in all your actions and speech.
2)   Correct ‘Aqeedah (Belief)
Every Muslim should understand that if his/her belief is not sound, the Hajj or any other act of worship is not accepted. So always try to correct your belief by asking scholars who will provide you with proofs from the Quran and Sunnah.
3)    Pure intention
Almighty Allaah does not accept what is not directed to Him alone. Therefore, you should always be sincere and have pure intention for Hajj.
4)   Correctness of rituals
No ritual is accepted unless it is made correctly, exactly as Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) performed it. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Whoever adds something new to our religion that is not part of it, it is rejected.”[Al-Bukhaari]
5)   Patience
The difficulty of rituals requires every pilgrim to be patient and forgiving of others.
6)   Repentance
Do your best to make Hajj a chance of repentance for all your sins.  This repentance requires that you strive not to commit these sins again.
7)   Mercy
Do your best to help Muslims, avoid pushing or hurting them in all of the Hajj rituals, especially in Tawaaf, Sa`y, and pebble throwing, which are extremely crowded.
8)   Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a true sign of faith.  Therefore, you should always keep your heart, body, food, drink, and everything clean.  Also ask others to keep ritual and worship places as clean as possible.
Practical tips
1)   Money:
Do not worry about exchanging money.  You can do that very easily anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
2)   Small groups:
Close observation shows that people who move in large groups are prone to having either one or someone get lost, and/or missing some rituals or to perform them late which  may require a compensation either by slaughtering an animal, fasting or something else.
3)   Good company:
Be sure to choose good company during your entire journey, because they can help you avoid arguments and help you perform your Hajj correctly.
4)   To avoid getting lost:
It is recommended to arrange with your group in advance exactly where and when to meet and what to do in cases of being late, and what to do if someone gets lost. Following these procedures may help:
Arrange to meet in plain sight where there is a clear, colored sign or landmark.
Specify a range of time to meet for those who may be late for some reason, provided that this time does not affect the ritual to follow.
Be sure that everyone in your group is properly instructed and notified.
5)   Food:
Do not carry food from your homeland; almost everything is available there. Also, remember that your food may be taken from you at the airport.
To develop good eating habits, observe the following
Avoid eating big meals, (a) because this is not healthy, and (b) not helpful for performing rituals.
1)   The best foods to eat are fruits, and the best drinks are water and juice.  They are everywhere and inexpensive.
2)Put the remains of food in a plastic bag, and in a trash container.
6)   Medication:
Carry only medication that is essential for your health.  Other common medicines can be obtained from any drugstore.  You can get free first aid care in all ritual areas.
7)   Protection:
Beware of the high temperatures in all ritual areas.  Avoid being exposed to the sun for long periods of time.  Carry an umbrella and drink lots of liquid.
8)   Services for the handicapped:
Fothe weak, the sick, the handicapped and elderly people, there are special services provided.  Wheel chairs and on-shoulder-litters can be rented for those who need them.  Ask the authorities for these services inside Al-Masjid Al-Haraam.  Sometimes you may find them free, but usually they are not very expensive.  Take advantage of these services if you need them.

Article by: www.islamweb.net

Tawaaf (Circumambulation)

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Tawaaf (Circumambulation)

Tawaaf (Circumambulation)

Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him and his father, said, “Enjoy this House, the Ka‘bah; it was destroyed twice, but the third time, it will be lifted [i.e. it will never be rebuilt again].” [Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh, and Al-Haakim in his Mustadrak. Al-Haakim ranked it as Saheeh (authentic) according to the conditions stipulated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Furthermore, Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him and his father, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“He who performs circumambulation around the Ka‘bah and two Rak‘ahs [units of prayer], his reward shall be equivalent to that of freeing a slave.”[Ibn Maajah, Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
‘Ali may Allaah be pleased with him said,“Perform plenty of Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah before you cannot do so – before a man with a small head and small ears will demolish it with his shovel.” [‘Abd Ar-Razzaaq in his Al-Musannaf ]
Abu ‘Ubayd reported in his book Ghareeb Al-Ahaadeeth  that ‘Ali may Allaah be pleased with him said, “Perform plenty of Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah before you cannot do so. It is as if I am looking at him – an Abyssinian man with a bald head [or he may have said, with small ears] and lean legs, sitting by it while it is being demolished.”
These narrations are proven true by the authentic Hadeeths that were reported on the thin legged man who would demolish the Ka‘bah. Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“Thu As-Suwayqatayn [literally: one with two lean legs], from Abyssinia will demolish the Ka‘bah.”  [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Other Hadeeths on destroying the Ka‘bah were reported but this is not the place to cite them. Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him allocated a whole chapter of his Saheeh titled Hadm Al-Ka‘bah (the Destruction of the Ka‘bah) where he cited these narrations.
Scholars stated that it is recommended for Muslims who go to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque) to perform Tawaaf as much as they can and to the best of their abilities, and some of them were of the view that performing voluntary Tawaaf is better than performing a voluntary prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam.
Ibn Taymiyyah may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “Tawaaf is the Hajj ritual that involves the most work; it is prescribed for the person arriving at Al-Masjid Al-Haraam to perform the Arrival Tawaaf. It is also prescribed for the pilgrim to perform the Farewell Tawaaf, apart from the obligatory Ifaadhah [Return from Mina] Tawaaf after staying in ‘Arafah. It is also recommended to go to Makkah to perform Tawaaf during one’s stay in Mina, and in general. Tawaaf is recommended throughout the year.”
He also said, “It is far more beneficial and virtuous for a person to circumambulate around the Ka‘bah than any other walking possible.”
Thus, it can be concluded that circumambulation around the Ka‘bah is one of the best acts of worship and righteous deeds for Muslims heading for Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, whether he is a pilgrim performing Hajj or ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) or a visitor. However, the person who performs a voluntary Tawaaf should avoid the times when people are more likely to crowd during Tawaaf, such as the Day of An-Nahr (the 10th day of Thul-Hijjah) and the days of Tashreeq (the 12th, 13th and 14th of Thul-Hijjah) so as not to crowd others who are performing obligatory Tawaaf, and he shall be rewarded for such an intention, if Allaah wills.

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Muslims Unity and the hajj

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Muslims Unity and the hajj

Muslims Unity and the hajj

Muslim Unity and agreement lead to strength and victory, while disunity and disagreement lead to weakness and defeat. Powerful nations only succeeded because of unity among its members and integration of its efforts. History is the best witness to this rule. Hence, we find several texts in the Quran and the Sunnah stressing this great principle and warning against disagreement and dispute. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

{And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allaah Is with the patient.} [Quran 8:46]

Abu Mas‘ood, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to place his hand upon our shoulders at prayer time (when we would form rows for the prayer) and say, ‘Stand in straight rows and do not differ among yourselves, or else your hearts will differ (due to disaccord).’”[Muslim]

Hajj is a great occasion where the Muslims’ unity appears in its most beautiful forms. All differences disappear, all barriers melt and Muslims gather in this imposing scene, which delights the souls and hearts.

Muslims from all over the world gather around this Ancient House, towards which they turn to perform the prayers five times a day, the House towards which they turn their souls and hearts during prayers in their faraway lands. Now, they gather around it to see, consult, love, and shake hands with each ‎other. They took off those different and distinguishing clothes to wear a white uniform indicating the whiteness of their hearts, as well as the purity of their appearance and souls.

Indeed, these are magnificent moments when all pilgrims move from Mina to stand this great standing in ‘Arafah confirming the unity of place, time, clothes and destination.

There are unanimous manifestations of unity in Hajj, including:
–   Unity of place and time: Hajj is performed in a specific time and place and it is impermissible to be performed at any other time or in any other place. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing duringHajj.} [Quran 2:197]
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Hajj is the standing at ‘Arafah.”[At-Tirmithi]

–   Unity of rituals: All pilgrims are required to perform the rituals of Hajj including Ihraam, Tawaaf, Sa‘y between the Safa and Marwah, standing at ‘Arafah, spending the night at Mina, stoning the Jamraat and so on.

All pilgrims perform the same rituals, the thing that embodies and deepens brotherhood and love among them.
–   Unity of aim and feeling: All pilgrims come from every distant pass hoping for the Mercy of Allaah The Almighty, fearing His punishment and raising their hands to implore Him and ask for His forgiveness, bounty and satisfaction.
They have one Qiblah, one Lord, similar feelings and similar clothes. These manifestations of unity that take place in this blessed occasion maintain the feeling of unity and reinforce the feeling of brotherhood among Muslims. They also strengthen mutual sympathy and sharing in joy in addition to religious and worldly cooperation among Muslims.
This was a brief overview of this important issue that occupy the minds of all Muslims, who aspire to a time when the Muslim nation will reunite to achieve superiority over the other nations and restore its leadership that the Muslims lost because of disunity and disagreement. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Allaah Has Promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He Will surely Grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He Granted it to those before them and that He Will surely Establish for them [therein] their religion which He Has Preferred for them and that He Will surely Substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that – then those are the defiantly disobedient.} [Quran 24:55]

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Article by: islamweb.net

Recommendations to Pilgrims and Visitors of the Holy Mosque

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Recommendations to Pilgrims and Visitors of the Holy Mosque

We would like to offer certain recommendations to the pilgrims and visitors of the Holy Mosque in implementation of the Quranic verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And cooperate in righteousness and piety} [Quran 5:2]
These recommendations are also in line with the Prophetic Hadeeth in which the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Religion is Naseehah (sincere advice), to Allaah, His Book, and to the Muslim leaders and the Muslim public.”[Muslim]

Recommendations:

1-Fearing Allaah The Exalted in all conditions and cases. Piety is the source of all good morals and it is one of the Divine recommendations to His Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Allaah The Exalted Says (what means):
·{O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul…} [Quran 4:1]
· {And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allaah…} [Quran 4:131]
In many of his Khutbahs (sermons) the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), used to command people to fear Allaah The Almighty.
Piety means doing what Allaah The Almighty has imposed on His slaves and keeping away from His prohibitions out of sincerity and love for Him. This should also be with the aim of winning the reward of Allaah. The Almighty and being saved from His punishment, in accordance with the way that Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), legislated for us.
‘Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood may Allaah be pleased with him.Who was one of the senior scholars of the Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said, “True piety and fear of Allaah The Almighty mean obeying Him without any form of disobedience, remembering Him without any form of forgetfulness, and thanking Him without any sign of ingratitude to Him.”
‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azeez may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “Piety cannot be obtained only through fasting all day and praying all night, and then committing sins in between, but piety can be obtained through keeping away from what Allaah The Almighty has prohibited and doing what He has made obligatory. Anything good after that is an additional good.”
The revered Tabi‘ee, Talq ibn Habeeb may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “Piety is to act in obedience to Allaah, on a light (guidance) from Allaah seeking the reward of Allaah, and to refrain from disobeying Allaah, on a light from Allaah, fearing His punishment.”
These are precious words and they mean that the Muslim has to learn his religious affairs and know what will make him sinful if he does not know it. In this way, the Muslim will worship Allaah The Almighty with insight. This is the practical application of the Two Testimonies of Faith (I bear witness that there is none truly worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).)
The first testimony of faith entails believing in Allaah The Almighty alone, and dedicating worship to Him alone, as well as doing everything for His sake alone, hoping for His mercy and fearing His punishment.
The other testimony of faith entails believing that Muhammad, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), is the Messenger of Allaah The Almighty to humankind and the Jinn, in addition to believing in his sayings, adhering to his Sharee‘ah and keeping away from whatever contradicts it. Those two testimonies form the foundation of the religion of Islam. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
·{Allaah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, The Exalted in Might, The Wise.} [Quran 3:18]
·{And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, The Entirely Merciful, The Especially Merciful.} [Quran 2:163]
·{Say, [O Muhammad], “O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allaah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.” So believe in Allaah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allaah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.}[Quran 7:158]
2-All pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosque, as well as all Muslims, are advised to observe the five daily prayers on time. Every Muslim must revere these prayers and perform them tranquilly, because they constitute the greatest pillar of Islam after the Two Testimonies of Faith. They represent the post of Islam and the first thing about which the Muslim will be reckoned. Whoever leaves the daily five prayers is a disbeliever. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
·{And establish prayer and give Zakaah and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.} [Quran 24:56]
·{Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allaah, devoutly obedient.} [Quran 2:238]
·{Certainly will the believers have succeeded: * They who are during their prayer humbly submissive}[Quran 23:1-2]
·{And they who carefully maintain their prayers – * Those are the inheritors * Who will inherit al-Firdaws. They will abide therein eternally.}[Quran 23:9-11]
The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:
– “Between a man and disbelief and Shirk is the abandonment of prayer.”[Narrated by Muslim in the chapter of “Calling the One who leaves the prayer a disbeliever”]
– “That which differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of prayer. He who abandons it, becomes a disbeliever”[Ahmad, Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa’i, At-Tirmithi, and Ibn Maajah]
– “Whoever observes prayer (punctually fulfilling its conditions), it will be light, evidence, and salvation for him on the Day of Resurrection; but whoever does not, it will not be for him light, evidence, or salvation; and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be associated with Qaaroon, Pharaoh, Haamaan, and Ubayy ibn Khalaf (a great enemy of Islam from among the Quraysh).” [Ahmad]
Some scholars interpreted this Hadeeth saying,
“The person who abandons prayer will be raised with such a foursome because his neglect of prayer may be due to his preoccupation with his property, his presidency, his work, or his trade. Hence, if he was preoccupied with his property, he will be resurrected with Qaaroon; if with his position as a leader, then he will be resurrected with Pharaoh; if with his work, then with Haamaan; and if with his trade, then with Ubayy ibn Khalaf, the trader among the disbelievers of Makkah.”

Article by: www.islamweb.net

Hajis saved from baggage check-in formalities

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hajj-passengers
JEDDAH — Companies in charge of accommodation of pilgrims will also be made responsible for shipping their luggage to their destinations. Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar has said:
“This is a new mechanism which has been initiated to facilitate swift and smooth departure of pilgrims,”. He said.
Under this mechanism pilgrims will go to the airport without any luggage. They will no longer have to wait at the counters to check-in their baggage.
The minister said the licensed accommodation companies in Makkah and Madinah will transport the luggage to the airport and complete the shipping procedures.
Concerning Zamzam water, which pilgrims are keen to take back home, the minister said it will be shipped onboard the aircraft flying back home after dropping pilgrims.
“Pilgrims will receive their quotas of the blessed water on their arrival in their home countries. They will no longer have to take Zamzam water with them as accompanying luggage when leaving the Kingdom after Haj,” he said.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Number of Umrah visas to treble in 2016

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Saudi Arabia is planning to triple the number of Umrah visas issued each year to 15 million, according to local media.
From next year, 1.25 million pilgrims could be allowed to visit the Grand Mosque each month, compared to 400,000 presently.
Haj Minister Bandar Al Hajjar was quoted as saying that the increased numbers were to make use of the newly expanded Grand Mosque. which is undergoing a $20 billion refurbishment.
Umrah and Haj visas were cut in 2014 and 2015 during construction, which is still ongoing.
According to the Haj Ministry, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015. It expects to issue up to 60 million by 2018.
About 1.8 million foreign pilgrims recently descended on the Islamic holy city of Makkah for haj, an annual pilgrimage Muslims are expected to perform in their lifetime.
This year’s religious gather was marred by one of the worst stampedes in Saudi history. Saudi authorities said 769 people died, but figures compiled by Associated Press put the number at 1399, while several governments also disputed the official Saudi figure.

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