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No entry into Makkah without Haj permits

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No entry into Makkah without Haj permitssaudigazette.com.sa

No entry into Makkah without Haj permits

MAKKAH – The Haj Security Forces Command, represented by Road Security Forces Command, have started carrying out arrangements on use of vehicles in Makkah Province and the holy sites. They have also begun preventing people without Haj permits from entering Makkah. Such violators are turned away, apart from imposing penalties on those who try to circumvent the regulations and directives, Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Statistics issued until last Friday (the day before yesterday) by the Road Security Forces Command showed that 70,000 people coming to Makkah without Haj permits were turned away. The Command confirmed that over 28,000 vehicles were sent back and impounded, as they violated the conditions for transporting pilgrims. These vehicles had a load of fewer than 25 passengers. Other vehicles fulfilled the load requirements, but the owners did not carry special permits for transporting pilgrims as required by the regulations. The Command stressed that penalties will be imposed on violating vehicles and their drivers, in line with the regulations and directives.

The Haj Security Forces Command stressed to all who have come to perform Haj that it is necessary to obtain the required permits. The Command will not be lenient with anyone. It emphasized that all must comply with the directives for transporting pilgrims by obtaining the necessary permits. It called on them to cooperate with the security men and enable them to carry out their duties. The Command said anyone who violates the directives would be liable to penalties, as stipulated by the regulations.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

The Fifth Pillar of Islam: The Pilgrimage (Hajj)

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The Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the five pillars of Islam.  Pilgrimage is not undertaken in Islam to the shrines of saints, to monasteries for help from holy men, or to sights where miracles are supposed to have occurred, even though we may see many Muslims do this.  Pilgrimage is made to the Kaaba, found in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the ‘House of God,’ whose sanctity rests in that the Prophet Abraham built it for the worship of God.  God rewarded him by attributing the House to himself, in essence honoring it, and by making it the devotional epicenter which all Muslims face when offering the prayers (salah).  The rites of pilgrimage are performed today exactly as did by Abraham, and after him by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them.

Pilgrimage is viewed as a particularly meritorious activity.  Pilgrimage serves as a penance – the ultimate forgiveness for sins, devotion, and intense spirituality.  The pilgrimage to Mecca, the most sacred city in Islam, is required of all physically and financially able Muslims once in their life.  The pilgrimage rite begins a few months after Ramadan, on the 8th day of the last month of the Islamic year of Dhul-Hijjah, and ends on the 13th day.  Mecca is the center towards which the Muslims converge once a year, meet and refresh in themselves the faith that all Muslims are equal and deserve the love and sympathy of others, irrespective of their race or ethnic origin.  The racial harmony fostered by Hajj is perhaps best captured by Malcolm X on his historic pilgrimage:

“Every one of the thousands at the airport, about to leave for Jeddah, was dressed this way.  You could be a king or a peasant and no one would know.  Some powerful personages, who were discreetly pointed out to me, had on the same thing I had on.  Once thus dressed, we all had begun intermittently calling out “Labbayka! (Allahumma) Labbayka!” (At your service, O Lord!) Packed in the plane were white, black, brown, red, and yellow people, blue eyes and blond hair, and my kinky red hair – all together, brothers!  All honoring the same God, all in turn giving equal honor to each other . . .

That is when I first began to reappraise the ‘white man’. It was when I first began to perceive that ‘white man’, as commonly used, means complexion only secondarily; primarily it described attitudes and actions.  In America, ‘white man’ meant specific attitudes and actions toward the black man, and toward all other non-white men.  But in the Muslim world, I had seen that men with white complexions were more genuinely brotherly than anyone else had ever been.  That morning was the start of a radical alteration in my whole outlook about ‘white’ men.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world.  They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans.  But we were all participating in the same ritual displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white…  America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.  Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white – but the ‘white’ attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam.  I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.”

Thus the pilgrimage unites the Muslims of the world into one international fraternity.  More than two million persons perform the Hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse backgrounds together in worship.  In some Muslim societies, once a believer has made the pilgrimage, he is often labeled with the title ‘hajji’; this, however, is a cultural, rather than religious custom.  Finally, the Hajj is a manifestation of the belief in the unity of God – all the pilgrims worship and obey the commands of the One God.

At certain stations on the caravan routes to Mecca, or when the pilgrim passes the point nearest to those stations, the pilgrim enters the state of purity known as ihram. In this state, the certain ‘normal’ actions of the day and night become impermissible for the pilgrims, such as covering the head, clipping the fingernails, and wearing normal clothing in regards to men. Males remove their clothing and don the garments specific to this state of ihram, two white seamless sheets that are wrapped around the body.  All this increases the reverence and sanctity of the pilgrimage, the city of Mecca, and the month of Dhul-Hijjah. There are 5 stations, one on the coastal plains northwest of Mecca towards Egypt and one south towards Yemen, while three lies north or eastwards towards Medina, Iraq, and Najd.  The simple garb signifies the equality of all humanity in God’s sight and the removal of all worldly affections.  After entering the state of ihram, the pilgrim proceeds to Mecca and awaits the start of the Hajj.  On the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim is reminded of his duties, and the rituals commence on the 8th of the month. The pilgrim visits the holy places outside Mecca – Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Minaa – prays, sacrifices an animal in commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice, throws pebbles at specific pillars at Mina, and shortens or shaves his head. The rituals also involve walking seven times around the sacred sanctuary, or Kaaba, in Mecca, and ambulating, walking and running, seven times between the two small hills of Mt. Safaa and Mt. Marwah.  Discussing the historical or spiritual significance of each rite is beyond the scope of this introductory article.

Apart from Hajj, the “minor pilgrimage” or Umrah is undertaken by Muslims during the rest of the year.  Performing the umrah does not fulfill the obligation of Hajj.  It is similar to the major and obligatory Islamic pilgrimage (hajj), and pilgrims have the choice of performing the umrah separately or in combination with the Hajj.  As in the Hajj, the pilgrim begins the umrah by assuming the state of ihram.  They enter Mecca and circle the sacred shrine of the Kaaba seven times.  He may then touch the Black Stone, if he can, pray behind the Maqam Ibrahim, drink the holy water of the Zamzam spring.  The ambulation between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times and the shortening or shaving of the head complete the umrah.

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Source: islamreligion.com

The benefits of fasting

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The benefits of fasting from physical to emotional, mental and spiritual. Fasting is a natural cleanser and purification, not just from food but also from sin. Even the ancient Greeks recognized its benefits.

“Instead of using a medicine, better fast today,” said Plutarch, a Greek Moralist. Fasting has been around for centuries and was performed by the people of the past; its advantages are endless.

Physical Benefits:

Staying away from food for long hours cleanses the body and rests the digestive system. Dr. Razeen Mahroof, an anesthetist from Oxford, says about fasting, “A detoxification process also occurs because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body.” The body is purified from excess food and fat.

Fasting is a natural remedy, which helps to free up energy which can then be used more productively. It is estimated that after a heavy meal the body uses 65% of its available energy to digest that meal. So if you fast, you have energy that is freed up because there is no meal to digest. So the energy can then be used by the body to heal itself, to mend broken tissues and cells.

It also opens the way for healthier eating habits, if the suhoor and iftaar are in line with the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take a light suhoor and a light iftaar.

Though Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended taking suhoor and said that there is a blessing in the suhoor meal, he was not extravagant and did not fill his belly with a large feast.

He (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach.” (Ibn Majah)

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

Fasting clears a person’s mind. The individual becomes less occupied with the vanities of this world and more concerned with the hereafter if the prophetic way of fasting is observed. During Ramadaan and any other voluntary fast, the individual spends time reading the Qur’an and their tongues are wet with the remembrance of Allah. Thus, attaining the pleasure of Allah becomes their primary goal and they forget the distractions of this world.

In addition, fasting has been proven to improve brain health. It helps with the homeostatic process of neuronal autophagy, and increases levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), positively affecting the cognitive part of our brains. Furthermore, the risk of many diseases including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, brain trauma, depression, and ischemic strokes have all been shown to decrease with fasting.

Recent research has also found that after a few days of fasting there are higher levels of endorphins in the blood making the individual more alert and attentive, giving a sense of mental wellbeing.

Spiritual Benefits:

These benefits are too many to enumerate. Fasting helps the individual get closer to Allah, to earn the pleasure of Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah has said, “Fasting is for Me and I will give reward for it…”

This indicates that fasting is between the individual and Allah. Moreover Allah will reward the fasting person as much as He wishes, and however He wishes, and Allah’s rewards are infinite!

During the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked and the devils are chained. Allah makes it easier for us to come closer to Him, and simpler to earn good deeds.

Also, Allah admits into His mercy many of His slaves and saves them from the Hellfire.

An added bonus of fasting is that it will give us access to the gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is a gate in paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which those who fast will enter on the Day of Judgement and no one besides them will enter it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Fasting is a prophetic remedy for the body, mind, heart, and soul. It contains many benefits, some of which can be felt immediately and others which will be shown to us on the Day of Resurrection.

May Allah make us amongst those whom He admits to His Mercy, and those from whom He accepts their fasts, and those whom He admits to Paradise through the gate of Ar-Rayyan.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Prophet’s sermon on holy month(Ramadan)

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The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Shaban, in which he welcomed the holy month of Ramadan and said:

O, People! The month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings, and forgiveness. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months. The days of this month are the best among the days and the nights are the best among the nights and the hours during Ramadan are the best among the hours. This is a holy month in which you have been invited by Him (to fast and pray). Allah has honored you in it. In every breath you take is a reward of Allah, your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations are answered.

Therefore, you must invoke your Lord in all earnestness with hearts free from sin and evil, and pray that Allah may help you to keep fast, and to recite the Holy Qur’an. Indeed!, miserable is the o­ne who is deprived of Allah’s forgiveness in this great holy month. While fasting remember the hunger and thirst o­n the Day of Judgment. Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind toward your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard.

Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your sins and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times, during which Allah Almighty looks at His servants with mercy. Allah Answers if they supplicate, Responds if they call, Grants if He is asked, and Accepts if they entreat. O, people! you have made your conscience the slave of your desires.

Make it free by invoking Allah for forgiveness. Your back may break from the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate yourself before Allah for long intervals, and make this load lighter. Understand fully that Allah has promised in His Honour and Majesty that, people who perform salat and sajda (prostration) will be guarded against Hell-fire o­n the Day of Judgment.

O people!, if anyone among you arranges for iftar (meal at sunset) for any believer, Allah will reward him as if he had freed a slave, and Allah will forgive him his sins.

A companion asked: “But not all of us have the means to do so.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: Keep yourself away from Hell-fire though it may consist of half a date or even some water if you have nothing else.

O people!, anyone who during this month cultivates good manners, will walk over the Sirat (bridge to Paradise) o­n the day when feet will tend to slip. For anyone who during this month eases the workload of his servants, Allah will make easy his accounting, and for anyone who doesn’t hurt others during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah will safeguard him from His Wrath o­n the Day of Judgment.

Anyone who respects and treats an orphan with kindness during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah shall look at him with kindness o­n that Day. Anyone who treats his kinsmen well during this month, Allah will bestow His Mercy o­n him o­n that Day, while anyone who mistreats his kinsmen during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah will keep away from His Mercy.

Whoever offers the recommended prayers during this month, Allah will save him from Hell, and whoever observes his obligations during this holy month, his reward will be seventy times the reward during other months. Whoever repeatedly invokes Allah’s blessings o­n me, Allah will keep his scale of good deeds heavy, while the scales of others will be tending to lightness. Whoever recites during this month an ayat (verse) of the Holy Qur’an, will get the reward of reciting the whole Qur’an in other months.

O people!, the gates of Paradise remain open during this month. Pray to your Lord that they may not be closed for you. While the gates of Hell are closed, pray to your Lord that they never open for you. Satan has been chained, invoke your Lord not to let him dominate you.”

Ali ibn Talib (RAA) said: “I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what are the best deeds during this month’?” ‘He replied: ‘O Abu-Hassan, the best of deeds during this month is to be far from what Allah has forbidden’.”

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Source: arabnews.com

Cutting hair in umrah

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Cutting hair in umrah

Mu’meneen Brothers and Sisters,

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

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

AssalamO Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu

Iam from India and had been to Omra from Kuwait, in 2002 for the 1st time during the last 10 days of Ramzaan month.

I performed all arkaan of Omra well, but regarding cutting of hairs I have some doubt which I want to clarify as below:

After completion of Saee during 1st Omra, I have seen some persons (Arab origin) cutting hairs at one corner side of Marwah, and at that time I don’t know the place of hairs cutting, and I went near to one Arab person who already cutting hairs. That Arab person was in Ehraam dress, may be he also had came to perform Omra with his belongings.

He cut my hairs also from three locations from my head and I asked him is it Khalaas (finished) he said Khalaas. I don’t know Arabic language except few words, and after he says “Khalaas”, I thought I have finished all arkaans of Omraa, as I read from books in Omraa hairs shaving is preferred but it can also be cut by 1″ min from 3 locations of head to complete Omraa.

That was the day of Friday morning (10 AM) so I was in a hurry to go to my accommodation to have bath and come back to Haram (Mecca) to perform Friday prayers in Haramsharief as it was the important day for me in Omra journey.

So after having bath I came to Haram in normal dress to perform Friday prayers.

After that in my room some persons asked, “have you not shaved your head”?, your Omra can’t be finished without this. My friend had convinced that Allah is great InshaAllah like that

Before going to Omra, I had plan to perform 3 Omra. One for me and One Omra for my late Father and 3rd One either for my Mother or my Wife (Both alive), so from the beginning I had plan to cut my hairs in 3 Omra to satisfy hairs cutting for 3 Omra.

Since I did my 1st Omra, I had great confusion and some kind of uneasiness in my heart that whether my Omraa will get accepted or not? On the next day (Saturday) morning after I had Fajar prayers at Haram (Mecca mosque) and while way back to room I went in the Saloon and cut my hairs from all portion of my head (not shaved), to cover the mistake which happened and after having bath I weared Ehraam dress and went to Ayesha Mosque (Meeqat) to reenter Mecca to perform 2nd Omra on my late father. So after Waazu I prayed 2 rakaat namaaz at Ayesha mosque and came to Mecca and performed Omraa well and this time I went down straight to Saloon shop which I came to know later, and cut my hairs from entire portion of my head (not shaved) and went back to room and had bath. But as I thought I couldn’t perform for 3rd Omraa.

Later, from Mecca we (all tourist bus members) went to Madina where we stayed 3 days and after Eid prayers we returned to Kuwait.  

Now after I came back to Kuwait I had great confusion and one time I asked one Indian person who along with Kuwaiti Aalim, after Friday prayers clarifies individuals doubts, and I also asked my doubt to Indian guy, but he didn’t hear my entire topic and after hearing briefly he said its OK. Some kind of tension was cleared but I was not completely satisfied, I thought to ask again to clear my doubt but time went on and now my family (Wife + 3 childrens all elders) came 2 years back here in Kuwait and they want to return back to India, after performing Omra.

So in this circumstances what I need to do, So please clarify my following doubts:

1.      Whether my 1st and 2nd Omra is OK?

2.      In case, my 1st / or and 2nd Omra is not OK, what I need to do?

3.      I heard Dam (lamb sacrifice) to be given, in my case for what penalty I am liable to give? One lamb or 2 lamb or not at all? If, I am liable to give, then where the sacrifice shall be given? In Mecca or anywhere?

4.      If the sacrifice is required in Mecca, as I have to go again for Omra with my family how I should give lamb sacrifice, because if I start Omra journey from Kuwait I have to wear Ehraam from Meeqat, so can can I wear the Ehraam and enter Mecca and later after reaching Mecca can I give sacrifice (Dam) for my previous Omra, and perform Omra with my family?

5.      I heard without coming out from Ehraam its Sin of Zeena to meet with wife, as iam staying with my wife, will I comes under this sin, if so, for this Sin what I have to do?  

6.      Please clarify in detail as I have little time to go to Omra again with my family?

I am very thankful if you could give me proper guidance as above, in detail, and also Iam very thankful for the your entire team rendering great services in the name of Allah and may Allah accept all your services (amen).

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

Answer:

Cutting hair in umrah

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

Your Question: Whether my 1st and 2nd Omra is OK?

The Prophet (saws) said, “May Allah bless those who shaved (after their pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah).” The Companions asked him, “O Allah’s Messenger (saws), what about those who clip their hair short?” Thereupon the Prophet (saws) again said, “May Allah bless those who shaved.” They repeated their question the third time, and again the Prophet (saws) said, “May Allah bless those who shaved.” When they asked him for the fourth time, “O Allah’s Messenger (saws), what about those who clip their hair short?” He (saws) replied: “And (may Allah bless) those who clip their hair short.

The absolute majority of the scholars and the jurists in Islam consider it a preferred act and rite of pilgrimage that one shave their heads; but if one cuts their hair short that too would suffice to fulfill the obligations of the pilgrimage.

Allah Subhanah Alone Knows how this practice of cutting a few clips of hair in three places after one has completed their rites of the Umrah pilgrimage started in the Muslim Ummah..there is absolutely no evidence in the authentic and established Sunnah or any of the accepted books of Fiqh regarding the permissibility of this act.

If one in ignorance of the laws of Allah, without any intention to disobey Allah Subhanah, did not shave their hair after the Umrah pilgrimage nor cut it short, but had only a few clips of hair cut in three places..as disliked as the act may be, the majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that The Lord Most Merciful, if He so Wills, will accept the pilgrimage of the believer, and one does not need to give a damm or sacrifice as atonement. And Allah Alone Knows Best.

Your Question: I heard Dam (lamb sacrifice) to be given, in my case for what penalty I am liable to give? One lamb or 2 lamb or not at all? If, I am liable to give, then where the sacrifice shall be given? In Mecca or anywhere?

Respected brother, in your particular case, you need not give a damm or sacrifice of atonement.but you should indeed turn unto your Lord in sincere taubah and seek His forgiveness for the act that you happened to do in ignorance of the Laws of the Lord Most Majesticit is expected that you will find your Lord Forgiving and Merciful and if He so Wills and Pleases, He will not diminish aught of the reward that is due to you for your pilgrimage.

Your Question: If the sacrifice is required in Mecca, as I have to go again for Omra with my family how I should give lamb sacrifice, because if I start Omra journey from Kuwait I have to wear Ehraam from Meeqat, so can can I wear the Ehraam and enter Mecca and later after reaching Mecca can I give sacrifice (Dam) for my previous Omra, and perform Omra with my family?

First and foremost, the majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that there is no sacrifice of atonement due from you.thus you are at absolute liberty to visit the House of Allah whenever you so will and please.

Your Question: I heard without coming out from Ehraam its Sin of Zeena to meet with wife, as iam staying with my wife, will I comes under this sin, if so, for this Sin what I have to do?  

One of the restrictions of entering the ehraam for pilgrimage is that one cannot conjugate with ones wife until one has come out of the state of ehraam .but rest absolutely assured brother, because you completed all the rites of the pilgrimage and came out of the state of ehraam, you are at absolute liberty to enjoy your lawful relationship with your wife.

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

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

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Article by: islamhelpline.net

Sha'ban: Merits, Do's, and Dont's

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Sha’ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find some particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is reported in the authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast most of the month in Sha’ban. These fasts were not obligatory on him but Sha’ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan. Therefore, some preparatory measures are suggested by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Some of these are given below:
1. The blessed companion Anas, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked, “Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?” He replied, “Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan.”
2. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: “Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha’ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month.” Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, replied: “That (Sha’ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.”
3. Ummul Mu’mineen ‘Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, says, “Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast the whole of Sha’ban. I said to him, ‘Messenger of Allah, is Sha’ban your most favorite month for fasting?’ He said, ‘In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.”
4. In another Tradition she says, “Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha’ban.”
5. In another report she says, “I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha’ban. He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast almost the whole of the month.”
6. Ummul-Mu’mineen Umm Salamah, Radi-Allahu anha, says: “I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan.”
These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha’ban, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did not like to miss it.
But it should be kept in mind that the fasts of Sha’ban are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Therefore, if one fears that after fasting in Sha’ban, he will lose strength or freshness for the fasts of Ramadan and will not be able to fast in it with freshness, he should not fast in Sha’ban, because the fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Sha’ban. That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself has forbidden the Muslims from fasting one or two days immediately before the commencement of Ramadan. The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, “Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha’ban is gone.”
According to another report Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has said: “Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts.”
The essence of the above-quoted ahadith is that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself used to fast most of the month of Sha’ban, because he had no fear of developing weakness or weariness before the commencement of Ramadan. As for others, he ordered them not to fast after the 15th of Sha’ban for the fear that they would lose their strength and freshness before Ramadan starts, and would not be able to welcome the month of Ramadan with enthusiasm.

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Article by: albalagh.net

Now Umrah visas can be converted into tourist visas

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Now Umrah visas can be converted into tourist visas

RIYADH — Prince Sultan Bin Salman, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), launched here Sunday the Post-Umrah Program, an initiative which allows Umrah pilgrims to convert their visas into tourist visas.
This is a key channel of “The Kingdom is the Muslims’ Destination” initiative, which was proposed by the commission several years ago.
In a press statement following the launching ceremony in Riyadh, Prince Sultan said the program aims at providing an opportunity to Umrah pilgrims to see the landmarks of the country, Islamic historical sites, attractive tourist destinations, and shopping centers and malls.
They might also opt to make cultural, medical, educational and marketing tours, visit exhibitions and attend conferences after having completed their Umrah, he added.
He said the SCTH is carrying out the program in cooperation with the ministries of interior, foreign affairs, and Haj.
Prince Sultan said the SCTH started the program several years ago and it took a long time to study. There were procedures that were not ready yet, like converting Umrah visa into tourist visa, among other procedures.
Business visa holders and GCC citizens can also avail themselves of the opportunity to join the post-Umrah program, he said.

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Source: saudigazette

34 travel agencies compete to provide services to Madinah visitors

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34 travel agencies compete to provide services to Madinah visitors

MADINAH — With the start of this year’s Umrah season public and private 34 travel agencies are competing with one another to provide the best possible services to the guests of God who visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah before or after performing the lesser pilgrimage.

According to official statistics, about 1.5 million Umrah pilgrims visited Madinah since the start of the season by land, air, and sea. The figure is 10 percent less than the number of pilgrims who came during the same period last year.
Nearly 1.2 million of these pilgrims have already left the Kingdom while 400,000 of them still remain in the country, Al-Madinah Arabic daily reported.
Saudi missions abroad have issued 3 million Umrah visas in four months, the report said. More pilgrims are expected to visit the Prophet’s city in the coming months with their numbers peaking in Rajab, Shaaban, and Ramadan. This demands greater efforts by all relevant government departments to improve services to pilgrims.
Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is the main gateway of pilgrims to Madinah. The Haj Ministry’s branch office has opened a section at the airport to receive and see off pilgrims while the Traffic Department facilitates the movement of buses carrying the guests of God, the Arabic daily said.
A shuttle service, which was previously operating only during Ramadan, has been successful in ensuring quick and smooth transportation of pilgrims from different points of the city to the Prophet’s Mosque. Security officers and highway police ensure the safety of pilgrims while the Passport Department facilitates immigration procedures.
The Civil Defense Department has set out a comprehensive program to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, especially at hotels and furnished apartments. The Health Affairs and Red Crescent Authority extend a variety of health and first-aid services. Haj Ministry’s officials prevent squatting of pilgrims in public places and tackle the reasons behind it.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry inspects the markets to ensure an adequate supply of essential commodities at reasonable rates while the municipality enforces hygiene regulations in the market.
On the directive of Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal Bin Salman, a workshop was held with the participation of 34 public and private agencies to discuss how to provide integrated services to the guests of God during the current Umrah season.
Sami Isawi, director of the Department for Haj, Umrah, and Visit, said the workshop focused on the reception of pilgrims, their housing, transportation, and food as well as the historical places that pilgrims visit in Madinah.
“The workshop discussed prospects of improving housing facilities for pilgrims,” Isawi told the Arabic daily. It also focused on supplying healthy food and the proper storage of foodstuffs. Discussions also centered on improving IT services and how to meet the requirements of pilgrims with special needs.
“The workshop has proposed a number of recommendations, which would be implemented during the next Haj season,” he added.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Hajj and Spiritual Discipline

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Hajj and Spiritual Discipline

Hajj and Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual discipline is a means to regulate and develop the spirit that Allaah The Almighty breathed into man. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] spirit, then fall down to him in prostration.}[Quran 15: 28]
It was narrated that Ibn Mas‘ood may Allaah be pleased with him said, “The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) who is the most truthful one, said to us:’Each one of you comes together in his mother’s womb for forty days and then becomes a clot for a similar period of time. Then he becomes a chewed lump of flesh for a similar length of time. Then an angel is sent to him and he breathes spirit into him…’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Man consists of body and spirit. When the spirit is weak, the body dominates the spirit and a man becomes similar to animals. He becomes a slave and prisoner of the lusts of food, drink, sex, sleep as well as other sensual desires. The spirit wilts and withers away, and is overcome and dragged to the dirt. Thus, man falls to the lowest depths and lives solely to satisfy his physical needs, thereby restricting his aspirations and hopes only to this earth and the worldly life. He becomes like the heedless people who do not see beyond the view of their sensual eyes, for their hearts have been tainted and covered by a veil due to their deeds.
When the spirit is strong, it overcomes the body, leads man to goodness in both worlds and saves him from both extremism and negligence. When the spirit dominates, it neither curbs the body’s desires, nor wrongs it. Rather, it leads the body in a way which reforms it. Thus, one surrenders to Allaah The Almighty Who breathed the spirit into him; thus, he is far removed from acquiring animal-like traits and achieves the task for which he has been created, which is succession on earth.
“Spiritual energy is man’s largest and greatest energy and the most relevant to existence. On the contrary, the body’s energy is limited, as it depends on what is perceived by the senses. Although the mind’s energy is more powerful, it is also restricted by time and place. Spiritual energy, however, is neither limited nor restricted, since it is connected to Allaah The Almighty.” [Manhaj At-Tarbiyah Al-Islaamiyyah: Muhammad Qutb]
Islam gives special care to the spirit, since it is the means of connecting it to Allaah The Almighty. The essence of the Islamic approach in disciplining the spirit is to establish a permanent connection between it and Allaah The Almighty in every moment, every action, every thought and every feeling.
Worship is the most effective way to discipline the spirit. Worship makes one always connected to Allaah The Almighty. The main purpose of many acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, Hajj and Zakaah (obligatory charity), is to establish a permanent relationship between the slave and his Lord and to further keep this relation strong and firm. It is from the favors of Allaah The Almighty on man that some acts of worship are performed daily (such as prayers), others annually (such as fasting), and a third category which is required just once in one’s lifetime, such as Hajj. The acts of worship in essence are opportunities to maintain a strong and firm relationship between the slave and his Lord. The role of Hajj is refining the soul and strengthening its connection to Allaah The Almighty and charging it with consciousness of Allaah The Almighty.
The role of Hajj in spiritual discipline
Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied: “To have faith in Allaah and His Messenger.”The enquirer asked, “What next?” The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“To perform Jihaad for the sake of Allaah.” The enquirer asked, “What next?” The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“To perform a valid and accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Hajj is immediately mentioned after Jihaad because they are both from the best acts of obedience which bring one closer to Allaah The Almighty, next to having faith in Him.
It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said, “O Messenger of Allaah! We find Jihaad the best of deeds. May we (i.e. women) participate in Jihaad?”The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), replied:“No, the best Jihaad for you (i.e. women) is a valid and accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari] According to another narration, she said, “O Messenger of Allaah! Are women required to make Jihaad?”The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), replied:“They are required to make Jihaad with no fighting in it: i.e. performing Hajj and ‘Umrah.”[Ibn Khuzaymah]
Hajj is a temporary desertion of the worldly life
Hajj starts when one assumes Ihraam (sacral state) by taking off form-fitting clothes, abandoning perfume during the whole period of Ihraam, wearing a uniform which consists of an upper and lower sheet of white cloth. When one is in the state of Ihraam, he abandons the adornment and pleasures of the worldly life and uses only what covers his ‘Awrah (private parts), as he seeks nothing but the satisfaction of Allaah The Almighty.
Talbiyah implies encouragement to head for Allaah The Almighty
When the pilgrim reaches the Meeqaat (a place from where one has to assume Ihraam), he starts to repeat Talbiyah, saying, “Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk (O Allaah, I answer Your Call, there is no partner with You).” It is as if one says: I have abandoned the worldly life with everything in it and hastened to You, my Lord, so that You may become satisfied with me. Here I am worshipping none but You and care for none but You. He declares this after he has cast off his ordinary clothes and the pleasures of the worldly life for the sake of Allaah The Almighty alone.

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

Article by: www.islamweb.net

5 Tips for Your Journey During Umrah or Hajj

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5 Tips for Your Journey During Umrah or Hajj

For those who are planning on completing Hajj or Umrah, below are a couple of tips that may help you during your journey.
Tip # 1 – Visa
Keep in mind that individuals traveling alone will not be issued a visa and that all potential pilgrims must apply for their visa through a qualified travel agent. Visas will only be issued once approved by the Saudi Embassy.
Tip # 2 -Vaccinations
As you assemble all of your travel documents, be sure to schedule all necessary vaccinations with your doctor. The Saudi Ministry of Health requires that you arrive prepared with vaccination certificates for Meningococcal Meningitis and Yellow Fever.
Tip # 3 – Medical Conditions
If you have any health conditions make sure that you take along adequate quantities of your medicine. It would be smart to always carry a medical bracelet or even an index card stating your medical condition, the medicines you are taking and in what doses, as well as any allergies that you may have. Be sure to list emergency contact information in case of an urgent situation. Even if you do not have any health conditions, take along basic pain killers and gastrointestinal relief remedies for any stomach discomforts. Those who have sensitive stomachs and are prone to illness when eating unfamiliar substances should take preserved items such as granola bars or dried fruit. Also, always carry a bottle of water with you.
Tip # 4 – What to Take
Your flight and transport situation will be hectic as you and a million other people take this journey. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack a pair of sandals as well. Do not pack too many clothes, as taking care of a large suitcase will be a hassle. Be sure to pack many pairs of socks and a sweater since the weather in Madina gets a little chilly in the evenings.
Tip # 5 – Expensive Items
Last but not least, it is unnecessary to take anything expensive with you on your journey. Jewelry and electronics are needless and once misplaced, will be gone forever.
Have a fulfilling pilgrimage and may Allah (Subhana Wata’ala) protect you and your family during your journey.

Article by: www.halaltrip.com

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