The challenge of the Qur’an

The Qur’an is not only unique in the way in which it presents its subject matter, but it is also unique in that it is a miracle itself.
By the term “miracle,” we mean the performance of a supernatural or extraordinary event which cannot be duplicated by humans. It has been documented that Prophet Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) challenged the Arabs to produce a literary work of a similar caliber as the Qur’an, but they were unable to do so in spite of their well-known eloquence and literary powers. The challenge to reproduce the Qur’an was presented to the Arabs and mankind in three stages:

l. The whole Qur’an
In the Qur’an, God commanded the Prophet to challenge all of creation to create a book of the stature of the Qur’an: “Say: ‘If all mankind and the jinn would come together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce it’s like even though they exerted all their strength in aiding one another’.” (Qur’an, 17:88)

2. Ten chapters
Next, God made the challenge ostensibly easier by asking those who denied its divine origin to imitate even 10 chapters of the Qur’an: “Or do they say that he has invented it? Say (to them), ‘Bring 10 invented chapters like it, and call (for help) on whomever you can besides God, if you are truthful.” (Qur’an, 11:13)

3. One chapter
This final challenge was to produce even a single chapter to match what is in the Qur’an, whose shortest chapter, Al-Kawthar, consists of only three verses: “And if you all are in doubt about what I have revealed to My servant, bring a single chapter like it, and call your witnesses besides God if you are truthful.” (Qur’an, 2:23)
These challenges were not just empty words with no one caring to prove them wrong. Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) call to monotheism, to the abolition of idolatry in all its forms, and to the equality of slaves and their masters threatened the whole socio-economic framework of Makkah society in general, and the position of the ruling Quraishi tribe from which the Prophet came in particular.
Makkah, the trading center of Arabia, as well as its spiritual center, desperately wanted to stop the spread of Islam. Yet all that the Prophet’s opponents had to do to crush the movement was to make up a single chapter like any one of those which the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers were reciting to the people.
A number of Quraishi orators and poets tried to imitate the Qur’an, but they failed. They then resorted to offering him vast amounts of wealth, the position of king over them, and the most noble and beautiful of their women in exchange for his promise to stop inviting people to Islam.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded to them by reciting the first 13 verses of Chapter Fussilat, until they asked him to stop. (Collected by Al-Hakim, Al-Baihaqi, Abu Yala and Ibn Hisham)
The Quraish also resorted to torturing their slaves and relatives who had embraced Islam in a vain attempt to cause them to revert to paganism. Later they organized an economic boycott against the Prophet (peace be upon him), his followers and the members of his clan, Banu Hashim, in an attempt to starve them into submission. But even this plan eventually failed. Finally, they plotted to kill him in his home by sending armed young men from each of the clans of Quraish in order that the guilt of his murder be shared by all the clans, making revenge by the Prophet’s clan impossible.
However, God enabled the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers to leave Makkah and join a new band of converts who had arisen among the tribes of a city to the north called Yathrib.
Islam spread rapidly through the clans of Yathrib, and within a year Muslims became the city’s majority. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was then made the ruler, and the name of the city was changed to Madinatun-Nabi (The city of the Prophet), which was then shortened to “Madinah.” Over the next eight years, the clans of Makkah and its neighboring lands mounted a series of unsuccessful battle campaigns against the emerging Muslim state in Madinah. All of this bloodshed could have been avoided if only the Quraish and their allies had been able to produce a mere three lines of poetry or flowing prose similar to the shortest chapter of the Qur’an.
Hence, there can be no doubt about the inimitability of the Qur’an’s literary style, about the miracle of its rhyme and the marvel of its rhythm.
It has been suggested that the inimitability of the Qur’an is not necessarily unique, for great English poets like Shakespeare, Chaucer, or great poets in any language tend to have distinctly unique styles which set them apart from their contemporaries.
However, if, for example, some leading poet of today were to make an in-depth study of Shakespeare’s writings and write a sonnet in Shakespeare’s style in old ink and on old paper, then claim that he had discovered a lost poem of Shakespeare’s, the literary world would probably accept this claim, even after careful study.
Thus, even the greatest of poets could be imitated, no matter how unique his style was, just as the famous painters have been imitated. (In fact, some English scholars consider much of what has been attributed to Shakespeare to have been written by his contemporary, Christopher Marlowe.)
The Qur’an, however, is way above this level, as attempts to forge chapters have been made throughout the ages, yet none has withstood close scrutiny. And, as was mentioned before, the incentive to imitate the Qur’an was more intense during the time of its revelation when literally skills were at their peak than at any other time, yet there was no successful attempt.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Loving mankind for Allah’s sake

One of the main characteristics of Muslims is that they have a great love for Allah, His messengers and prophets and for all Muslims who seek Allah’s approval.

This bond of love and friendship between believers is revealed as follows in the Qur’an: “Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and those who have iman: Those who establish prayer and pay alms, and bow.” (Qur’an, 5:55)
The true source of Muslims’ love for one another is their profound love of Allah. Believers whose aim in the life of this world is to earn the approval and mercy of Allah and paradise spend their whole lives for Allah. As revealed in the Qur’an in the verse “Say: ‘My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds,” (Qur’an, 6:162), they seek to earn Allah’s approval in all they do and in all their behavior. The love of believers who dedicate all they have to earning Allah’s approval is also for Allah alone.
The love of a believer who knows Allah, who witnesses His might and greatness at every moment and who feels His love, affection and mercy throughout his life, is incomparably stronger than any other love. His love for other believers will similarly be powerful and profound since it is based on love of Allah. The fact that he knows that the friendship he enjoys with other believers will last for all time in the hereafter is another reason for that being very strong and permanent. Allah cites the moral values of the Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) in the Qur’an as an example of the love of believers: “[After the child had been born and grown We said], ‘Yahya, take hold of the Book with vigor.’ We gave him judgment while still a child, and tenderness and purity from Us – he had piety.” (Qur’an, 19: 12-13)
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) also reveals in Hadiths that believers’ love for one another is for Allah’s approval: Abu Zarr (may Allah bless him) relates: “Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said: “The most virtuous of deeds is to love for Allah’s sake and to hate for Allah’s sake.” (Kutub-i-Sitte, vol. 10, p. 140; Abu Dawud, Sunnet 3, 4599)
Believers with a great love and fear of Allah and who honestly strive for His approval of them, are auspicious people who bring beauty to the world. Because of these superior virtues they also love Allah’s creations, feel affection and compassion for them, and wish to protect them and do them good.
Allah has revealed that in return for this fine love and their sincere devotion to our Lord that stem from the faith in believers’ hearts and their fear of Him, they will be rewarded with paradise, the place of the best love and devotion.
Our Lord does not only command His servants to love in the Qur’an. He also describes in detail what form the foundation of love will take. For example, He reveals that at the basis of a person’s love for someone else will lie patience, loyalty, generosity, care, truthfulness, courage, protectiveness and loving other more than one loves oneself.
Allah refers to this love as follows in the Qur’an: “But those who before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the Faith — show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls — they are the ones that achieve prosperity.” (Qur’an, 59:9)
As revealed in this verse, characteristics such as consideration, loyalty and fortitude are the most significant indicators of love. People who are egotistical and selfish, and not patient and forgiving, are totally devoid of true love. Our Lord, who of course has a flawless knowledge of the behavior and attitudes of the servants He creates, their psychology in other words, describes the features of people who are loveless and do not behave in accordance with the moral values of the Qur’an in detail in that book, and thus makes it easier for Muslims to identify those characteristics.
Allah reveals in the Qur’an that hard work and care and attention are necessary for love. He notes that loves needs to be tended, just like a flower.
Some people who do not know the true love that Allah describes in the Qur’an imagine that love is dependent on physical appearance and that people can only be loved if they are attractive. Yet people’s anatomical structures consist of flesh, fat, bone and blood; therefore, were it not for the skin, the work of Allah’s matchless creation, there would be very little about people to like.
People who turn their love toward matter do not in fact love that appearance. It is at this point that the basis of the true love that believers feel for one another emerges. This is because believers love people, not just for their external appearance, but for the moral virtues they embody in their souls. And it is believers who live by the moral values of the Qur’an and seek the approval of Allah who possesses these moral qualities. For that reason, Muslims love other Muslims.
And among Muslims, they love them most whom they regard as having the most piety and being the most sincere because according to the Qur’an, love is dependent on piety.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Unprecedented Umrah rush

RIYADH: Makkah witnessed an unprecedented crowd of Umrah pilgrims this week with hotels booked to capacity and worshippers praying in the courtyards of the holy mosque and on adjoining streets.

Five and four-star hotels are charging SR550 a night, while small hotels with limited facilities and no services were are charging SR200.
Worshippers who went to the Grand Mosque an hour ahead of adhan (call for prayer), were denied entry because of congestion. They were seen praying either in the courtyard of the Haram or on the Ajyad Street and on the Jabal Al-Kaaba Road.
Pilgrims from Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, Singapore, the Philippines, Indian, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and neighboring Arab countries were seen in large numbers.
A hotelier told Arab News that because of the school holidays, a large number of local pilgrims also joined the worshippers. “ Some of them come on a week's package organized by the Kingdom's Umrah operators.
Umrah travel operators in the capital have drastically reduced the weekend pilgrim package to SR100 from its original price of SR250 during the Haj season.
A return fare from Riyadh to Makkah by a luxury coach including accommodation in the holy city costs SR100 per pilgrim and there is an additional charge of SR50, if the pilgrim opts to visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah on way to Makkah. On an additional payment of SR100 per pilgrim, accommodation could be extended to a four-star hotel in the holy city.
A travel operator in the city said the weekend package to Makkah and Madinah begins at 4 p.m. in Riyadh on Thursday and ends midnight Saturday. Each family is given a large room while bachelors are accommodated on a sharing basis with three pilgrims to a room. Children under 12 are charged half the fare. Accommodation is provided in a three star hotel.
There are nearly 300 Umrah travel operators spread out in the capital but these are largely concentrated on the city center of Batha.
According to Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar, the Kingdom is expected to receive more than 6 million Umrah pilgrims during the current season and the number is likely to exceed past figures.
“All arrangements are in place and the ministry is ready to welcome the visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque,” he said .
“The ministry has deployed all its staff and personnel to serve the guests of God and facilitate their arrival to perform the religious rituals smoothly and leave the Kingdom during the coming months without any accumulation in their numbers,” said Hajjar.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Best time to book Umrah packages

Every devoted Muslim knows that Hajj is obligatory for every capable Muslim once in his lifetime. Hajj is performed every year in the month of Dhul Hajj. The bookings of Hajj are made well in advance because of the very large number of people going to Hajj every year and each year the number of pilgrims increases. Umrah on the other hand is different because it can be performed at anytime of the year. The peak Umrah season is during the months of Rabi-ul-Awal and Sha’aban. In the months of Ramadhan, every Muslim wants to do Umrah because as narrated by this Hadith:
Narrated by Ibn Abbas, The Prophet of Allah (SAWS) said, “Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadhan, as its (reward) is equivalent to having performed Hajj with me.” Sahih Albukhari.
According to the recent Saudi Government rules, anyone who wishes to perform Umrah must book their Umrah with authorized and licensed Umrah agents in their local countries. This gives the pilgrim an opportunity to book their complete package including flight bookings, accommodation and transportation etc. The new rules forbid any pilgrim from going to Umrah without booking with an Umrah agent. There are several Hajj and Umrah packages offered by a number of agents around the world. These packages range from budget friendly packages to five star luxury packages. During the Umrah season the agents usually get over booked especially for the month of Ramadhan. These bookings are made well in advance to avoid congestion of flights, hotel and accommodation bookings in Makkah. Some hotels which are near the Holy Mosque in Makkah are booked months in advance.
The best time to book your Umrah package is after the Hajj season ends. In the months of Moharram and Saffar, most of the Pilgrims who want to go for Umrah in coming Ramadhan or any time of the coming year book their packages with their agents. This gives them a very good opportunity to book hotels, flights and transport in Makkah and Madinah. A reputable agent can book your complete package for individuals or groups. It is always preferable to book your package with a reputable and registered Umrah agent to avoid certain hassles of high prices of accommodation and flights. The Saudi Government has imposed new rules for Umrah and Hajj service providers to meet the standards set by the Government.
Umrah and Hajj should always be performed with complete concentration and devotion to Allah (SWT) and booking well in advance will give you the chance to have a hassle free sacred journey to Makkah and Madinah, and you can concentrate more on your prayers rather than worrying about the hotel or return flights. Responsible booking agents always advise their clients to book their Umrah packages during the months of Moharram and Saffar, but they can get last minute bookings as well which may cost a bit more in flights and accommodation, but you will be able to perform your obligation with full devotion to Allah (SWT).

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

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Free Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Haram courtyard

Pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque in Makkah can take advantage of free Wi-Fi service in the courtyards of the mosque.

This is part of a series of technological services being introduced by the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques for the benefit of the faithful, according to Bandar Al-Khuzaim, director of the information technology center at the presidency.

Al-Khuzaim said the free Wi-Fi service in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque aims at establishing online contacts between the presidency staff and worshippers.

The presidency staff will use this popular wireless networking technology to send guidance and awareness text messages to pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Al-Khuzaim said the presidency will also make available Bluetooth service for worshippers in the mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) so that those who perform tawaf can know the number of rounds of circumambulation that they have finished. This service is being introduced in cooperation with the technological innovation center at Umm Al-Qura University of Makkah.

“The presidency has also introduced the issuing and renewal of online booking of iftar meals at the Grand Mosque. Both individuals and firms can take advantage of this service to donate iftar meals for worshippers,” he said.

Al-Khuzaim announced that a new facility has been introduced for the electronic registration for performing itikaf (seclusion in the mosque to worship Allah) in six languages. They are Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Turkish and Persian.

A similar online facility is available for those who want to visit the Grand Mosque Exhibition and the Kaaba cover (kiswa) factory, he added.

Article by: english.alarabiya.net

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New Umrah portal helps pilgrims save time and money

MAKKAH — Pilgrims can save up to 15 percent of accommodation expenses by selecting hotels available on the new Umrah services website launched two weeks ago, said Vice President of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah Affairs Abdullah Qadhi.
“We list standard rates for hotels. E-services facilitate and expedite procedures. What used to take 24 hours, will now take a few seconds,” said Qadhi.
He also said pilgrims can now directly contact hotels and do their own bookings rather than use the services of an agent.
Qadhi said the new website includes all features, from Umrah packages to hotel availability. Pilgrims can select their package and services and process their payments.
“We held an introductory workshop on the new website at Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The workshop was attended by Umrah services companies and Sejel Electronic Systems Company,” said Qadhi.
“We are expecting 25 percent more pilgrims than last season when 6 million pilgrims arrived for Umrah. The new website includes all features, from Umrah packages to hotel availability. Pilgrims can select their package and services and process their payment,” said Qadhi.
Having all features in one website curbs exploitation, he added.
“The website was newly launched and Sejel Electronic Systems Company is working on developing it. The company will be available for technical support throughout the day, every day of the week. We have built the website according to international standards. The Ministry of Haj has sponsored the project in order to facilitate pilgrimage for Muslims all over the world,” said Qadhi.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday, Qadhi said representatives of Sejel explained to Umrah companies the benefits of registering in the system.
Experts from Sejel at the workshop also taught employees of Umrah companies how to make bookings through the system.
He said all Umrah companies have already registered in the system and all hotels must register through simplified steps for an appointment to obtain a pin number from the Ministry of Haj to deal with Umrah companies through the system.
The meeting was arranged with the coordination of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah.
Saudi Arabia is planning to triple the number of Umrah visas. As many as 1.25 million pilgrims are expected to arrive each month starting next year. This compares with 400,000 a month now.
The new system would allow full use of massive expansion projects at the holy sites. The number had declined, particularly because of a multi-billion-dollar expansion which began four years ago at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

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Minor Pilgrimage (Umrah) Hadith

Umrah is regarded as the minor pilgrimage or lesser pilgrimage to Makkah that can be carried out at any time during the whole year. Although the reward and merit of performing Umrah during the month of Ramadan is outstanding as compared to other Islamic months and the retribution is also equal to that of Hajj but it cannot be regarded as a substitute of Hajj.
The Arabic meaning of Umrah is to visit a voluminous place whereas according to Sharia, Umrah means to perform the prescribed rituals after acquiring the sacred state of ihram. Muslims from all over the world perform Umrah every year and visit the holy places of Makkah and Madina. Despite the fact that there is no obligation to perform Umrah but it is a Sunnah to perform Umrah at least once in a lifetime to earn great reward from Allah SWT.

Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that the Prophet(S) said:

“An Umrah to another Umrah will be redemption of sins for whatever (minor) occurs between them.” (Bukhari, Muslim).

This Hadith quite clearly explains the immense reward and blessings earned by performing Umrah. It cleanses one’s soul from all the past wrongdoings, committed intentionally or unintentionally and shows that Umrah serves as expiation for one’s sins whether major or minor.  In addition to this, Allah is greatly pleased by those who walk His path with an intention of getting his pleasure and blessing and indeed Umrah is one of those means to earn Allah’s love.

The following Hadith speaks for itself and shows the immense love Allah has for his mankind.

Ibne Umar (R) narrates that Prophet (S) said:

“The warrior in the cause of Allah, the pilgrim and the one who is performing Umrah are all the delegation of Allah. He called them and they responded and they will ask of His bestowals and He will give it to them.” (Ibne Majah, Ibne Hibbaan)

Aisha (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Whoever leaves his home only for the purpose of Hajj or Umrah and he dies, nothing will be presented to him nor will he have any accountability on the day of Reckoning and it will be said to him, enter into Jannah.” (Tabraani Baihaqi)

If one passes away on his way to Umrah or in between or after the completion of Umrah will not be questioned by Allah Almighty on the Day of Judgment and will enter the Jannah.

This is an absolutely astonishing and breath taking virtue of Umrah among many that the believing Muslim will get rewarded with by the utmost Grace and Mercy of Allah SWT. May all Muslims get the chance to undergo the sacred journey of Hajj and Umrah at least once in their lifetime! Undoubtedly, fortunate are those who already have amended their conducts after this auspicious expedition of the lifetime.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

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Merits of Hajj and ‘Umrah

Ever since Allaah The Almighty commanded His Khaleel (intimate friend) Ibraaheem (Abraham) to proclaim Hajjto the people, hearts have been in longing for this House and location, and crowds of visitors come to it from every distant pass in response to the call of Allaah The Almighty. In this respect, Ibn ‘Abbaassaid,

When Ibraaheem finished building the House, it was said to him (by Allaah): “Proclaim (Hajj) to the people.” He said, “O Lord, to what extent would my voice reach?” He said: “It is your duty to proclaim, and it is incumbent upon Me to convey (your voice to everywhere in the world).” Ibraaheem then called, “O people, (the obligatory duty of) Hajj has been enjoined upon you to the ancient House, so come to perform Hajj.” All what is between the heaven and earth heard his voice. Do you not see the people coming from the farthest ends of the earth announcing (with Talbiyah (the Hajj related chant)) their response (to the call)?

The obligatory duty of Hajj was made obligatory by Allaah The Almighty upon the capable among His salves once in lifetime, as He States (what means): {And [due] to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allaah is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3:97] The obligation of Hajj is among the indisputably established facts of Islam.

Allaah made the outcome of performing this act of worship the great reward that stimulates the Muslim’s zeal, whets his will power and makes him proceed to it with an expanded chest and energetic determination in the hope of the reward and forgiveness of Allaah and what has been prepared of good by Allaah to the pilgrims of His honorable House. There are many texts about the merits of Hajj and ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), of which a mention may be made of the following:

Hajj effaces sins and misdeeds that are committed before it

Hajj is among the greatest means of the forgiveness removal of sins and misdeeds. If one performs Hajj Mabroor (which is a Hajj that is accepted by Allaah), he would return from Hajj (as pure from sins) as a newborn on the day his mother gave birth to him, that is, purity from all sins and mistakes. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrahthat he said that he heard the Prophet,, say: “Whoever performs Hajj, during which he neither has sexual activity (with his wife) nor commits sins, he will return (as sinless) as a newborn child on the very day his mother delivered him.”[Al-Bukhaari] The Hadeethvery clearly confirms the forgiveness of sins, be they minor or major, according to Al-Haafith Ibn Hajar.owever, this forgiveness is, according to the Hadeeth, conditional on abstention from having sexual activity (intercourse and foreplay with one’s wife) and disobedience to Allaah during the Hajj. 

It was narrated in an authentic Hadeeth that ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aascame to the Prophet,, to embrace Islam and he put a condition that his previous sins should be forgiven for him, thereupon the Prophet,, mentioned to him three things, each of which removes the sins and mistakes prior to it. Thus, it was narrated on the authority of ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aasthat he said,

When Allaah placed the love of Islam in my heart, I went to the Prophetand said, “Stretch out your hand so that I can give you the pledge of allegiance.” However, when he stretched out his hand, I withdrew mine. He said: “What is the matter with you, O ‘Amr?” I replied, “I want to place a certain condition on this.” He asked: “What condition do you wish to place?” I said, “That I should be granted forgiveness.” He said: “Do you not know that (embracing) Islam effaces all the previous misdeeds committed before it as does the Hijrah (emigration) and Hajj?”[Muslim]

Thus, Hajj was made among the acts of worship that remove all sins previously committed.

The reward of a Hajj Mabroor is Paradise 

Allaah The Almighty promises His slaves reward for their obedience to Him and made for Hajj no reward other than Paradise. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrahthat the Prophet,, said: "The performance of two ‘Umrahs expiates the sins that are committed in the interval between them; and the Hajj Mabroor (that is accepted by Allaah as being performed with sincerity and according to the rules of Sharee‘ah) has no reward other than Paradise."[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] However, this reward is contingent on the condition of its being accepted, as not every Hajj will be rewarded with Paradise. That reward is restricted only to the a Hajj Mabroor, and a Hajj Mabroor is that which complies with the teachings and principles of Sharee‘ah in deed and belief, and is not contaminated with anything of Shirk, (polytheism) sin, sexual relations or disobedience.

Among the signs of Hajj Mabroor is that the Muslim’s condition after Hajj becomes better than before it. The evidence for that is the statement of Allaah The Almighty (which means): {And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness.} [Quran 47:17] Al-Hasan Al-Basrisaid, “(The sign of) a Hajj Mabroor is that the pilgrim returns (from it) having no desire for this world and seeking the Hereafter.” Overall, Hajj Mabroor, as Al-Qurtubiput it, “Is that whose rulings are fulfilled and which is performed perfectly according to what is required from the one competent for religious assignment.” 

Hajj is among the best righteous deeds

Righteous deeds are numerous and vary in rank and degree of reward and excellence. Since one’s lifetime is very short, the deeds are numerous and he may not know which of them should be given priority, it is incumbent upon the slave to be eager to understand the ranks of deeds to get closer to Allaah with the dearest of deeds to Him, and give it priority over what is lesser in rank and excellence. The Prophet,, put the deeds in order (according to their ranks) in the Hadeethnarrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrahwhen the Messenger of Allaah,, was asked about the best deed, he replied: “To believe in Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad)." The questioner then asked, “What comes next (in goodness)?" He replied: “To participate in Jihaad (religious fighting) in the cause of Allaah." The questioner then asked, “What comes next (in goodness)?" He replied: “To perform a Hajj Mabroor." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

In clarification of why Hajj was given such preference and rank, one of the righteous predecessors said, “I have reflected on all the righteous deeds and found that the prayers exhaust only the body and not wealth, as does fasting, and found that charity exhausts only wealth but not the body, whereas Hajj exhausts both; thus, I saw it as the best.” Hajj then is a financial as well as a physical worship.

Article by: islamweb.net 

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Choose a travel agent who offers a wide selection of "packages" for Hajj. Not all of the products of travel agents are of equal quality and value. Choosing the right agent is of crucial importance. Hopefully, a representative of your travel agent will be your constant guide and trouble shooter during Hajj. Invest time and effort in this essential phase of your preparation

Talk to friends and acquaintances who may have recently used the services of various companies and ask them for recommendations. The quality of service and commitment to the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims vary significantly among travel agents. Whereas a good and responsible agent can "make" your Hajj, a bad one can just as easily "break" it.

Be sure to ask the travel agent specific questions and have him give you specific answers:

 What will be the duration of your stay in Mecca and Medina? What dates? Is the program flexible or will it allow no changes once it is made? Is there any additional cost to such changes? If so, what is it?

How far away will you be staying from Haram ash Shareef, both in Mecca and in Medina? If your place of residence is not within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes), what type of transportation to and from Haram ash Shareef will be made available? How often during the day will it be available?

Will a representative of the travel agent who is fully conversant with the rites of Hajj, and Saudi rules and procedures for customs, immigration, and travel be with you at all times? Will he stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your visit? You do not want to be left in Saudi Arabia without adequate guidance and assistance. The laws and procedures there can be very difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming.

Will the representative of the agent be conversant with the Arabic language? If not, will an interpreter be provided in Saudi Arabia? Most Saudi authorities do not speak English, and your command of Arabic is likely to be limited.

Will you have the option of travelling within Saudi Arabia, (for example from Mecca to Medina), in a taxi hired by you at your own expense instead of the prepaid bus provided by your muallim? How about possible return by air from Medina to Jeddah on your way out of the country instead of the usual prepaid bus? Get a good idea of this additional expense.

You may want to use the above options in view of the fact that the bus journeys during Hajj season can be nerve-racking. For example, a bus journey from Mecca to Medina (approximately 400 km or 250 miles) can take as long as twenty to thirty hours, whereas a taxi will cover the same distance in three to four hours. The small additional cost you will incur is well worth the money in terms of time saved and physical discomfort avoided.

If you choose to use any of the alternate travel options (and it is highly recommend that you give them very serious consideration), be sure to redeem your unused bus coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out. Your travel agent should be able to help you in this.

What kind of arrangements will be made for your stay in Mina and Arafat? How about the food arrangements in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah?

Does the price of your package include meals? See if the agents make an effort to vary the menu. You may have to supplement your meals with milk, fruits etc. Food supplied by the agents tends to be monotonous, and the lack of variety is likely to kill your appetite after a couple of days!

Will the agent arrange for a sacrifice on your behalf on the 10th of Zul Hijjah? This is a common service agents often provide for a small fee. They will inform you of the time of the sacrifice so that you may perform other rites accordingly.

source: islamicity.com

Hajjar: 60m annual Umrah visas by 1440H

JEDDAH: New regulations aim to increase the number of Umrah pilgrims to 1.25 million a month, leading to 10 million Umrah visas a year, according to Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar, who said the new plan would be applied in 1437H.
In the next four years — by 1440H — the total number of Umrah visas will reach 60 million.
The minister said he would meet with heads of Umrah companies to discuss the operational plan for the season. He stressed the importance of preparing all services for pilgrims in coordination with others government agencies, according to a media report.
“This high number of Umrah pilgrims will benefit from mega projects at the holy mosques,” he said.
Abdallah Tashkandi, a member of the Umrah and Haj Committee at the Makkah Chamber for Commerce and Industry, said the new regulation would have a positive impact on service providers, as the business will increase.
Speaking to Arab News, he said: “Haj and Umrah service companies suffered from the reduced number of Umrah pilgrims in the last few years due to the expansion projects at the Grand Mosque.”
Hajjar had said in September that this Haj season would see the last reduction in the number of pilgrims. “Starting from next Haj season, the number of pilgrims will increase to 5 million and then to 30 million in the coming five years,” the minister was quoted as saying.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Government issues 250,000 Umrah visas

JEDDAH: Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar has said that 250,000 Umrah visas have been issued since the season began a month ago.
He said that last year a total of 6 million visas were issued. The number was made possible due to the sheer speed of issuing visas which resulted from single visa’s taking only a matter of hours to process.
He also said that a new Haj and Umrah Training Center was being set up outside the Haj Ministry to ensure that quality services are offered to all religious visitors during the current season.
He emphasized that the ministry, along with all the Kingdom’s embassies and consulates, do not receive any money for issuing Haj or Umrah visas. “They are free and we have announced this on our Arabic-English website, and have called on visitors to report establishments that demand fees for the service,” Hajjar said.
Great efforts have been taken to welcome all religious visitors, with the ministry noting that all necessary facilities have been offered to ensure the ease of travel for all Umrah visitors.
He said the Haj Ministry had a plan in place to take care of all religious visitors from the beginning of their pilgrimage until the end, whether the visitor comes by sea or air, and during his stay in Makkah and Madinah, until his or her departure.
Hajjar noted that there are 41 accredited companies in Saudi Arabia that offer Umrah and Haj services, adding that the ministry has more than 3,000 agents in 180 countries which work in electronic coordination with the Foreign Ministry.

Article by: arabnews.com

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‘Our goal is to make the pilgrims’ trip outstanding and memorable’

JEDDAH: Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar confirmed that the number of Umrah performers is expected to be consistent with the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which allows Muslims from all over the world to perform the pilgrimage.

In an exclusive interview, he said that the e-track for Umrah performers has contributed to streamlining the procedures to get visa and service packages. This initiative resulted in an increase in the number of Umrah pilgrims to about six million last year and a decrease in the number of overstayers to 0.1 percent.
Following are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: The Umrah season has approached and the Kingdom has started receiving pilgrims, so what are the preparations of the Ministry of Haj?
A: We, the ministry staff and I, are pleased to welcome the Umrah pilgrims from all over the world and wish them a happy stay in the Kingdom. We are glad to provide them with all available services. The ministry’s preparations start from the moment a pilgrim applies to perform Umrah in his/her home country till their arrival and stay in Makkah, Madinah and other holy places. The services continue until their departure for their home countries. Our goal is to make the pilgrims’ trip outstanding and memorable so that they act as the Kingdom’s ambassadors in their countries to convey the achievements and aspirations of the Kingdom, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, his government and the citizens in serving the guests of Allah.

Q: You want the Umrah performer to be the Kingdom’s ambassador to his/her homeland and worldwide, how can you achieve this?
A: It is the ministry’s vision to increase the level of services, including reception, farewell, housing, transport and catering. The ministry cooperates with the institutions that provide direct services to the pilgrims and visitors with a view to building a hospitality industry and related services, conforming to international standards, while focusing on continuous training for all Haj and Umrah workers. Companies and service providers play an active and effective role in these areas. However, we always aspire to bring integration between the support provided by the state in the form of projects and the level of services provided by the private sector.

Q: Back to our first question about the logistics of the Ministry of Haj?
A: The Umrah season begins on 1st Safar and ends on 15th Shawwal. The ministry starts developing an operational master plan by the beginning of Dul Qaada. The Umrah season this year is the fourth stage of implementing the Umrah Performers Regulations issued by the Cabinet, which starts in 1437 A.H. and ends in 1441 A.H. This season also coincides with the resolution of the Cabinet dated 20/11/1435 A.H. on the amendment of certain articles of Umrah Performers Regulations. During the current year, all matters relating to determining the locations of Umrah performers’ housing, room numbers, travel and transport bookings to and from the Kingdom will be included in the Umrah E-Track to be linked with the Automatic Reservation Program for hotels and furnished apartments, which will be a condition for visas.

Q: When will the ministry open the door for licensing new Umrah service companies? How many companies will be licensed?
A: The date and time to accept the applications will be announced shortly. An electronic program has been developed, whereby the applicant for license can enter all required particulars about himself and his/her company, including the commercial registration, capital, number of workers, experience and financial guarantee and other information. Points will be granted per element of the required data. To ensure transparency and clarity, applicants may review the points and degrees obtained. As to the number of such companies, it is under consideration and will take into account the company’s profitability and ability to effectively render services.

Q: What are the most important conditions to be primarily met in order to qualify for Umrah company license?
A: The company’s track record in the field, solvency and administrative competence in addition to other conditions and requirements. Such conditions are designed to ensure presence of financially and administratively strong companies that in total can form the service industry governed by international standards and operated by Saudi manpower. The requirements will be posted in details.

Q: Saudi Umrah companies have external agents and the Ministry of Haj is the licensing authority thereof. What are the licensing conditions?
A: There are currently 41 Saudi Umrah companies with 3,500 external agents working in 81 countries. For license, the ministry stipulates that the external agent should be licensed by a government authority at home, member of IATA and produce a bank guarantee. Prior to licensing, it is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry is currently preparing mechanisms to ensure increase in the level of services provided by the Umrah travel agents and more transparency to the Umrah performers themselves.

Q: It is said that external agents of Saudi Umrah companies collect additional amounts for visas, is this true?
A: The embassies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worldwide do not collect any fees to issue Haj and Umrah visas. Such visas are granted to any pilgrim or Umrah performer free of charge. The ministry posts this announcement on the electronic portal in Arabic, English and French languages through the communication center. Furthermore, there are clear instructions to Umrah companies and their external agents in this regard. In case any Umrah performer is asked to pay for the visa, he should call the ministry at the toll-free number from within the Kingdom or abroad.

Q: What is the number of Umrah program days?
A: The validity of the Umrah visa is one month and each Umrah company determines the number of program days.
Q: What is the basis on which the visa allocation for each Umrah company is determined? Why do some companies get more visas than the others?
A: The number of visas per Umrah company is based on the average visas obtained during the past years. Each company determines the number of visas it needs through the programs it launches. If the Umrah performers depart once their programs are completed, the company may obtain a similar number of visas. However, if the Umrah performers overstay, the company’s ability to get new visas is affected. Therefore, a compliant company that operates in accordance with these instructions can obtain the number of visas it wants.

Q: Following the completion of religious tourism programs, can the Umrah performer visit other cities in the Kingdom?
A: I do not back the idea of calling Umrah as religious tourism. They should be two separate activities. Umrah is a ritual and tourism is something else. There is an agreement between the Ministry of Haj and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), whereby the pilgrim, following the completion of Umrah program, and through companies licensed by the Commission for Tourism can make his/her tourist program. Once the Umrah performer moves to the tourist company, the responsibility of the Umrah company and the Ministry of Haj ends.

Q: The numbers of overstaying Umrah performers are increasing year after year. Why the ministry does not take more stringent measures to prevent overstaying?
A: If we review the numbers of Umrah performers and overstayers during the past ten years and their ratio, then your statement is not accurate. In 1427 A.H., the number of Umrah performers was less than three million and overstayers about 500,000. In 1436 A.H., the number was six million and overstayers about 6,000, i.e. 0.1%. The ministry has taken stringent measures to eliminate overstaying. The action includes suspension of more than 100 Umrah companies. For the existing companies, in case the number of overstaying Umrah performers reaches a certain figure, the e-system automatically suspends the violating company until the situation is rectified. The Umrah companies are compliant with the ministry’s instructions. The ministry looks forward to eliminating the overstaying numbers by the Will of Allah.

Q: What is the deadline for Umrah performers to depart so that they are not deemed overstaying?
A: By the end of Dul Qaada.

Q: Was the housing capacity in Makkah and Madinah affected by the expansion projects at the Two Holy Sites? What are the actions taken?
A: The Umrah performers housing sector in Madinah was affected by the expansion projects, but the housing capacity in Makkah was not affected. To address this exceptional situation, the ministry made a proposal approved by the Cabinet whereby the Umrah performers are allowed to live in the pilgrims’ designated housing in accordance with certain limitations. The proposal led to increase the housing capacity in both Makkah and Madinah and also to price stability due to the balance created between supply and demand. The proposal has also given the opportunity to the owners of housing licensed by the Haj Housing Inspection Committee to have their housing registered in the Umrah e-track to be used for Umrah performers. The SCTNH is the competent authority. The owners are required to visit the commission for classification. Making the possible minimum classification is among other necessary requirements for accommodating Umrah performers in addition to the operational and constructional safety requirements. The proposal has also provided for the implementation of the procedures through the e-link between the Ministry of Haj, SCTNH, General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Pilgrims Housing Inspection Committee in order to cut short the period for issuing and renewing licenses.

Q: Roughly speaking, how many buildings designated for pilgrims’ housing will be allowed to house Umrah performers?
A: In Makkah around 6,000 and in Madinah around 1000 housing units will be licensed to house Umrah performers. This will achieve good returns for investment throughout the year for the owners because the units will be used in both Haj and Umrah seasons. At the same time, this will increase the capacity of the Two Holy Cities and will allow more Muslims to perform Umrah. The Kingdom is very interested in meeting the wishes of Muslims of the world.

Q: The greeting programs to welcome the pilgrims were met with acceptance and acclaim by the pilgrims. The media showed touching footages full of tears of happiness and joy. Why these programs are not continued during Umrah seasons?
A: The ministry launched the greetings program to welcome the pilgrims upon arrival and departure. The program includes welcoming the pilgrims at airports, buses and field service offices. The reception includes giving gifts, flowers and chants as an expression of joy and happiness of Saudi citizens’ at the arrival of pilgrims and Umrah performers.
Q: There are citizens other than professionals to look forward to serving the Pilgrims. Does the ministry has a vision to provide them an opportunity?
A: Yes, the ministry has established the “Piligrims, Umrah Performers and Visitors Friends Unit”, which is designed to attract volunteers from different academic, age and professional segments to take part in serving the pilgrims under certain conditions, various plans and programs developed by the Unit Officials.

Q: Last word to close the interview.
A: Among the blessings of Allah to this country is the leadership that rules in the light of the Holy Qur’an and is guided by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Following in the footsteps of the founder of this country, the late King Abdulaziz, our leaders have made Haj and Umrah their top priority, deploying all potentials and resources for the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to perform the rituals in tranquility, assurance and peace of mind.

Article by: arabnews.com

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