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Easy ways to earn great rewards

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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)

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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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Source: islamicity.org

I felt new strength after becoming a Muslim

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I felt new strength after becoming a Muslim

I felt new strength after becoming a Muslim

I went to the mosque for a second time and I wasn’t nervous anymore. That evening, I felt so strengthened and said to God that I commit myself to Him as a Muslim; that I want to be faithful in this path. Since then, I have felt new strength.

Sadiqah Ismat, formerly Stephanie, is from Cape Town, South Africa. Here she writes in detail about her journey to Islam, spread into several phases, which she describes as an extremely complex one. This is the concluding part of her story.

I couldn’t resist it anymore and did loads of research, reading lots of conversion stories, and I began to believe it was possible to let go and let God lead me. As my heart was already long won over, all I had to do was to convince my mind.

So, I read Internet articles and the English translation of the Holy Qur’an, I began to pray in the Muslim way. I prayed to Almighty God that He guided me. I asked Him for a breakthrough.

One day, I read an article called “The Miracle of the Qur’an” by Khalid Baig. He said the following: “Prominent scholar Dr. Hamidullah tells of an effort in Germany by the Christian scholars to gather all the Greek manuscripts of the Bible as the original Bible in Aramaic is extinct. They gathered all manuscripts in the world and after examining them reported: “Some two hundred thousand contradictory narrations have been found… of this one-eighth are of an important nature…

“When the report was published, some people established an institute for Qur’anic research in Munich with the goal of examining Qur’an the same way. By 1933, at least 43,000 photocopies of Quranic manuscripts had been collected. While some minor mistakes of calligraphy were found, not a single discrepancy in the text had been discovered!”

After reading this, I was so impressed that there was only one version of the Qur’an throughout Islamic history. The next week I popped in to buy some dress trimming as an excuse to ask about the job and share my interest in Islam. When I purchased the trimmings, I got into a conversation about Islam with a wonderful lady working there, who gave me her sister’s contact number.

Her sister knew someone who worked at a madrassah (Muslim school) and who would be willing to teach me. The lady taught me a thing which touched my heart — she taught me to say “Assalam-o-Alaikum” (peace be upon you).

I went home, weeping with joy. I phoned the sister of the lady I spoke to, and she said she would contact me soon.

It was Friday, and on the very next day, I felt confident enough to say the Shahada. I prayed that I would have the strength in the time to come. God strengthened me soon afterward.

I went to church that Sunday, and with almost everyone, I knew to be Christian and having misconceptions about Islam, I realized I won’t have much support from the members of my community once I embrace Islam.

No wonder I was afraid to tell them that I was about to become a Muslim. God strengthened me soon afterward.

I was really impatient to take the big step. I spoke to my mother first. But I didn’t tell her outright that I was actually Muslim already; I just told her that I am in the process of learning about Islam and that I kept it from her as I was scared what she would say.

She told me that I must be “careful.” I said a few things about Islam to help clear her mind about the misconceptions regarding the true religion, and that I would be the same person and would always love her. She could see I was serious about it.
My dad was annoyed too. It was hard because I always saw him as an open-minded person.

I went to the mosque for the first time, six days after my reversion, and was welcomed warmly to the family of Islam by the Imam. Praying for the first time with others in union, being led by the imam, was an incredible experience, even though I was nervous at first!

Soon, I started learning at madrassah. My sister also found out from my mom that I had embraced Islam, and was stunned, but seemed to accept it later on. But I feel happy that we are still in a good relationship, alhamdulillah.

I went to the mosque for a second time and I wasn’t nervous anymore. That evening, I felt so strengthened and said to God that I commit myself to Him as a Muslim; that I want to be faithful in this path. Since then, I have felt new strength.

I became Muslim because I felt Islam shows us the best way to live. It was truly my heart’s choice. In fact, Islam has set me free. It set me free from an inordinate attachment to images which had plagued me for 15 years and simplified my life.

I am a Muslim. Alhamdulillah.

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Source: arabnews.com

Why do Muslims go to Muzdalifah during Hajj ?

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

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

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Source:islamiclandmarks.com

The great benefit of Hajj

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: darulfatwa.org.au

A Practical Guide to Hajj

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Complete Guide to Hajj

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare your Spirit:

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

You need to acquire knowledge of:

1-The rites:

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

2-The invocations:

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

3-The verses of the Quran:

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

4-Community life:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO-Makkah’s Advice:

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

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

The risks and the precautions

Here are some safety mesures to respect during your pilgrimage:

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

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

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

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

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

After your return from the pilgrimage

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

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

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Source: go-makkah.com

Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

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Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Leaders and officials inside the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas are working around the clock in preparation for the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered among the busiest in a year and test the capabilities of service agencies.

Government bodies are preparing the Grand Mosque, its yards and roofs, while the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has supplied the mosque with huge amounts of carpets, copies of the Qur’an, water coolers and waste containers to prepare all available spaces for worshippers whose numbers are expected to increase dramatically during the last 10 days.

The northern yards of the expanded Grand Mosque is at maximum alert to provide services and prepare locations. The lower toilets have been opened and the safety of the escalators has been checked. Security forces concerned with managing the crowds are preparing their plans for the last 10 days of the holy month, too. These plans aim to use empty spaces in the expansion to prevent stampedes and regulate entry and exit flows, in addition to preventing people from performing prayers in thoroughfares and sitting in hallways.

The service agencies are supported by a large voluntary group and charitable teams who work in the areas of food distribution, rescue, first aid, guidance, free transportation and pushing wheelchairs.

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Source: arabnews.com

Seeking Allah’s blessings in Ramadan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Source: arabnews.com

Significance of Ramadan – What Makes Ramadan Very Special?

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Ramadan is the most valuable month in the Islamic schedule (Hijri) and it is compulsory for the Muslims to quick in the month of Ramadan. Here are some intriguing and speedy focuses that demonstrate the significance of Ramadan in Islam.

  • Allah has made fasting this month the fourth Pillar of Islam
  • Allah uncovered the Quran in this month
  • Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree/Power) in this month, which is superior to a thousand months
  • Allah has made fasting Ramadan and spending its evenings in petition out of confidence and in the trust of the prize a method for absolution of sins
  • In this month, Allah opens the entryways of Paradise and shuts the doors of Hell, and chains up to the demons
  • Consistently Allah has individuals whom He recovers from the Fire
  • Fasting Ramadan is a method for appeasement for the wrongdoings conferred following the past Ramadan, insofar as one keeps away from real sins
  • Fasting in Ramadan is comparable to fasting ten months
  • Whoever supplicates Qiyaam in Ramadan with the Imaam until he completes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the entire night in the petition
  • Umrah in Ramadhaan is comparable to Hajj
  • It is Sunnah to watch I’tikaaf (retreat with the end goal of love) in Ramadan
  • It is Mustahabb in the feeling of being firmly prescribed in Ramadan to examine the Quran together and to peruse it to an awesome arrangement
  • It is Mustahabb in Ramadan to offer Iftaar to the individuals who are fasting.

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Rajab: An ideal time to gear-up for Ramadan

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Rajab: An ideal time to gear-up for Ramadan

As the blessed month of Ramadan is on us, many of us are aiming to spend this Ramadan with a great spiritual effort and sincerity. To turn that intention into reality the Month of Rajab is an ideal time to prepare for the month of Ramadan.
Starting to gear ourselves up from now (in the month of Rajab), when the month of Ramadan dawns upon us we will be able to benefit completely. So in this manner the holy month of Rajab is our first step towards the blessed month of Ramadan.
Allah’s Messenger pbuh said, Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaaban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my followers (i.e. Muslim)
Scholars say: Rajab is the Allah’s month of repentance (istighfar), Shaaban is the month of sending peace and mercy (salawat/durood shareef ) upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of Qur’an.
The month of Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran,
Rajab is a month in which worship is rewarded magnificently – especially fasting and seeking repentance (Istighfar). Also, making Dua during the first eve of Rajab is highly recommended. In these blessed days of Rajab,
With this in mind, if we don’t want to waste our valuable time of Ramadan and want to get most out of Ramadan then here are some ways to prepare ourselves for Ramadan.
We should increase our Ibaad’ah in this month of Rajab. Then by the time we get into gear, blessed days of Ramadan will approach. This is why the Prophet would recite the following Du‘a after the month of Rajab would commence
O Allah! Bless us in the months of Rajab and Shaaban, and make us reach Ramadan (by granting us life until then) It is mentioned on the authority of Anas Bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) that when the Holy Prophet (saw) sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:
‘Allahuma Barik lana fi Rajaba wa Sha’bana wa ballighna Ramadhan’
“O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings).”
One of the greatest virtue of the holy month is 27th night of Rajab, the Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, was taken on the Isra wa Mi’raj (The Night Journey and Ascension to the Heavens).
As most of us aware that there was a great and glorious night, in which the Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, met his Lord and was given the commandment to perform the 5 daily prayers.
To get most out of this holy month we can improve our relationship with the Qurān by increasing the amount we read and seeking to acting upon it.
Being consistent in reading our Adhkār in the morning and evening also a chance of seeking repentance (Istighfar).
Fasting whatever days you are able to, especially Monday and Thursday and the 13th, 14th and 15th days of this month are highly recommended.
Giving charity and doing what you can to help those in need or treating them kindly is a way to put our great efforts in this month.
Worshipping Allah in these nights, especially in the last portion of the night.  Being so particular in night prayers so as to enter into those who Allah praises in the Qur’ān: Those who spend their wealth (in charity) and seek forgiveness in the last portion of the night.
Ask Allah to give us a great portion of the gifts bestowed in this month and that He makes us among those who attain acceptance and felicity in this life and the next.

O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Shaaban, allow us to reach Ramadan and assist us in fasting and praying in the night.(Ameen).

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Source: Saudi Gazette

Ramadan blessings

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Ramadan blessings

The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness, Ramzan is the holly month and it is ninth month according to the Islamic calendar,it is a month of fasting for muslimes all over the world, The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon after moon sighted muslimes celebrate Eid ul Fitar.
The fast (roza) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. Before the rise of sun and Azan of fajar we do saher, sehri is a like break fast and the time of Azamn-e-fajar muslimes who have fast are restricted to eat and drink before the time of aftari, when the azan-e-magreeb is start we are abil to eat and drink dates are usually the first foods to break the fast.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship, Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control and compulsory charity (zakat) Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan.
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (Juz’, which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month.
The blessed month of Ramadan has been divided in 3 parts or Ashra: The Days of Mercy, The Days of Forgiveness and the Days of Emancipation from Hell-fire. In this month Laylat al-Qadr “the night of power” or ‘the night of decree” is expected in last 10 days. most important blessd of ramzan is Al Quran kareem has completed on Muhammad (s.a.w) all the muslimes men do atekaaf in masjid and women in their home.
In month of ramzan shopping fever is at their extreem level all markets have fully loaded with people specially the ladies have been crazy.
In the end of ramzan all muslimes celebrate eid 3 days. The day of eid start with the fitra and then offer prayer of eid after salat Every buddy hugging their muslim brother and distribute eidi to children in the form of money,sweets,or gifts. Sheeer khorma is a traditionaly sweet dish and every buddy eat it.

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Article by: hamariweb.com

Ramadan in Makkah

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Wherever in the world they may be, when the sun sets at the end of the day, those who have fasted turn to face one location: the Sacred Ka’bah in the city of Makkah. The crystal-clear “Allaahu Akbar” of the familiar Makkan Athaan rings through the city where the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) spent so much happiness and sorrow.

In Makkah, the spirit of giving and remembering Allaah, is truly manifested during Ramadan. The emphasis remains on worship and not on food and festivities as in many other places. It is an amazing sight to see thousands upon thousands of people be all accommodated with dates and water (and even more) for the breaking of the fast. And as the Athaan is called, one cannot escape the sheer generosity of Makkans, offering food and water to all.
It is not unusual to see a man with a pick-up van full of cooked rice and chicken dishing food out to everyone who passes by. The wealthy provide Iftaar and clothes for the poor, and organizations are active in giving huge amounts of charity.
Makkah in Ramadan is filled with visitors performing ‘Umrah or spending a vacation of their lifetime. For them, it is the Ramadan of a lifetime. For residents of the normally quiet city, however, the place is turned upside down.
“The traffic really picks up, and the routine of the city is reversed,” said one resident of Makkah. “Day becomes night and night becomes day. People sleep in late and the shops stay open late.”
Also, locals are flanked by visitors who are in the city for the month; a year’s supply of houseguests comes all at once for them.
During Ramadan, there is much reading of the Quran in the city in which it was first revealed and the true spirit of Ramadan prevails.
Makkans usually break their fast in homes, often in big gatherings with families and friends. The breakfast usually begins with soups of all kinds, then with the traditional Samboosah and Soubia.
A common tradition of Makkaans is that bringing food to the mosque in their local area becomes a noticeable phenomenon during this month, to the point that hardly any Muslim is left hungry during this blessed month.
Families will bring their food to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque) to break fast there and then offer the Maghrib Prayer together. Later at night, during Taraaweeh Prayer, Al-Masjid Al-Haraam will be as bright as daytime, and nearly as full as it does during Hajj.
It is amazing to think it, but in nearly every place on earth someone from our Ummah will be fasting Ramadan. No other religion could claim such a united and unanimous act of worship amongst its believers. So in the spirit of this joyous and blessed month, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in every part of the world. Let us make the effort to remember them in our supplications, because no matter where we reside on this planet we share something very special. We will always be a single Ummah under the mantle of Islam.

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Article by: islamweb.net