Description of ‘Umrah Rites

 

Description of ‘Umrah Rites

It is an act of Sunnah (tradition) for the person intending to perform 'Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) to bathe and clean himself upon reaching the Meeqaat (boundary). He also should perfume his body, head, and beard. Bathing for Ihraam (sacral state) is an act of Sunnah for both men and women, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding.

The man must wear the clothes of Ihraam which are the lower garment (Izaar) and the upper garment (Ridaa‘) after taking off his form-fitting clothes such as chemises, trousers and the like. As for the woman, she may wear any clothes that cover her body without any adornment or unlawful exposure of adornment. However, she should avoid wearing gloves and Niqaab (face cover) while assuming the state of Ihraam, but she should cover her face in the presence of non-Mahram (marriageable) men by lowering her headcover over her face

Having done this, the person prays the obligatory prayer if it is its due time. Otherwise, he performs two Rak‘ahs (units) as an act of Sunnah for commencing the state of Ihraam.

When he finishes performing prayer, he should start his state of Ihraam by intending to perform 'Umrah, and saying: “Labbayka ‘Umratan.” Then he should say: “Labbayk-Allaahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inn-al-hamda wanni’mata laka wal-mulk. Laa shareeka lak (Here I am at Your service performing ‘Umrah. Here I am at Your service, Oh Allaah; here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service. You Have no partner. Here I am at your service. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is Yours, and You Have no partner.”

A man should raise his voice when saying this, while a woman should only say it loud enough that the women beside her may hear.

By this, the person has started the rites of ‘Umrah, and he is therefore prohibited to do any of the restrictions of Ihraam until he finishes the rites of ’Umrah and ends his state of Ihraam.

A person in the state of Ihraam should say the Talbiyah frequently, as it is a declaration that indicates the rites of 'Umrah, especially when changing times and places, such as descending or ascending or when day or night approaches. One should keep saying the Talbiyah until the time when he will start Tawaaf.

When one approaches Makkah, he should bathe before entering it, as the Prophet did so. It is also a Sunnah for one to enter Makkah form the area of Kadaa' “Ath-Thaniyyah Al-‘Ulya” (higher place) and leave it form the area of Kudayy (‎Ath-Thaniyyah As-Sufla‎) (lower place), as the Prophet did so.

When the person performing the rites of 'Umrah enters Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, he proceeds with his right foot first and says, “Bismillaah, was-Salaatu was-Salaamu ‘alaa rasoolillaah. Allaahumm-ighfir li, waftahli abwaaba rahmatik. (In the Name of Allaah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah. Oh Allaah, Forgive my sins and open the doors of Your Mercy before me.)” Just as he does when entering any other mosque.

He should approach the Black Stone to start his Tawaaf (circumambulation) from that point. Before starting Tawaaf, it is an act of Sunnah for one to place the middle of his upper garment under his right arm and the ends of it over his left shoulder, which is known as Idhtibaa‘ (uncovering his right shoulder).

Upon reaching the Black Stone, he should touch it with his right hand and kiss it. If he could not, then he should touch it with his hand and then kiss his hand. If this also was not possible, he should face the Black Stone and point to it with his hand without kissing it. When touching the Black Stone, one should say, “Bismillaah, Allaahu Akbar (In the Name of Allaah, Allaah is The Greatest)”

Then, one should start the Tawaaf until he reaches the Yamaani Corner – the corner before the corner of the Black Stone – he should touch, but not kiss it. If he could not, then he should not point to it. One should say between the Yamaani Corner and the Black Stone, “Rabbana Aatina fid-dunyaa hasanah, wa fil-aakhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘athaab an-naar.” {"Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."} [Quran 2:201[

During the rest of the Tawaaf one may say what he pleases of supplications, Thikr, and recitation of the Quran, knowing that there is no specific supplication or Thikr for each circumambulation.

He must make seven rounds of circumambulation starting from and ending at the Black Stone, and what he does in the first round of circumambulation applies to the rest.

During the first three rounds, one should make Ar-Ramal (hastening). One should walk at a normal pace during his last four rounds, taking into consideration that this ruling is confined to men.

When he completes the seven rounds of Tawaaf, he should put his upper garment to its normal position then approach the Standing Place of Ibraaheem and recite: {And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Ibraaheem (Abraham) a place of prayer} [Quran 2:125] He should then perform two Rak‘ahs (unts) behind the Standing Place of Ibraaheem if it is possible. However, if he was unable to, he can perform them in any other place in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam. During the first Rak‘ah, he should recite – after Al-Faatihah – the Soorah of Al-Kaafiroon [Chapter 109], and during the second Rak‘ah – after Al-Faatihah – the Soorah of Al-Ikhlaas [Chapter 112].

When he completes the two Rak‘ahs, he should proceed to the the place for performing Sa’y between As-Safa and Al-Marwah   mounts), and when he is close to As-Safa mount, he should recite: {Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allaah} [Quran 2:158[

Then he should say, “I start with that with which Allaah started.”

He should ascend As-Safa until he is able to see the Ka’bah. Facing the Ka’bah and raising his hands, he should praise Allaah and supplicate to Him saying:

La ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay‘in qadeer. La ilaaha ill-Allaahu wahdah, anjaza wa’dah, wa nasara ‘abdah, wa hazama al-ahzaaba wahdah. (There is none worthy of worship except Allaah Alone without any partners, His is all dominion and praise, and He is over all things Competent. There is none worthy of worship except Allaah Alone without any partners, He fulfilled His promise, granted victory to His Slave, and defeated the allied forces Alone).

He should say this three times, supplicating with what he wills in between.

He should descend from Mount As-Safa and head to Mount Al-Marwah at a normal pace until he reaches the green mark. He should then run as fast as he can without harming others until he reaches the next green mark. He continues toward Al-Marwah at a normal pace. During this, one should occupy himself in remembering and praising Allaah The Almighty as well as making supplications or reciting the Quran. It should be known that running between the two green marks is confined to men and not for women.

When he reaches Al-Marwah, he should ascend it, face the Qiblah (direction of the Ka'bah), raise his hands and repeat what he said on As-Safa mount without reciting: ‎{Indeed, As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of ‎Allaah… } [Quran 2:158]. By this, a person would have accomplished one of the seven rounds of Sa’y.

He should then descend Al-Marwah and head towards As-Safa, taking care to walk where walking is designated and to run where running is designated. He continues this procedure until he completes seven rounds of Sa’y going from As-Safa to Al-Marwah is considered one round and returning is another.

Upon completion of Sa’y, men should shave or shorten their hair, but shaving is more preferable for them. A woman should only shorten her hair the length of a fingertip. By this, the ‘Umrah is complete, and the person performing ’Umrah terminates his Ihraam and is free to do the things he was prohibited from during his state of Ihraam.

Article www.islamweb.net

Rulings for Women on Hajj and ‘Umrah

Rulings for Women on Hajj and ‘Umrah

 It is a communal obligation upon the whole Ummah to perform Hajj annually to the Sacred House of Allaah The Almighty. Hajj is obligatory once in the lifetime of every Muslim who meets the conditions of Hajj. The extra times will be considered voluntary Hajj. Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and the share of woman in Jihaad. ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her narrated that she once asked the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), "Should Muslim women participate in Jihaad?" The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) answered her:"Yes, but their Jihaad is free of fighting; it is performing Hajj and ‘Umrah.” [Ahmad and Ibn Maajah]
The general conditions of Hajj that apply to the man and woman are: Islam, sanity, freedom, puberty and financial ability.

1-Mahram (non-marriageable male): it is a condition for the woman who wants to perform Hajj to have a Mahram accompanying her who may be her husband or whoever is not allowed to marry her forever either by blood relation such as her father, son, brother or by a permissible reason such as brother from a suckling relation, her stepfather or stepson.

Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said that he heard the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), delivering a Khutbah saying: “No man should be in seclusion with a woman except in the presence of a Mahram and no woman should travel except with a Mahram."A man stood up and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, my wife has set out for Hajj, and I have signed up for such-and-such military campaign.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: ‘Go and perform Hajj with your wife.’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “A woman is not allowed to travel for three days without the company of a Mahram.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

There are many Hadeeths that forbid the woman from travelling for Hajj or any other purpose without a Mahram. The woman is weak and prone to face a lot of hardships and troubles that only men can overcome. Moreover, wicked and immoral men look at women as prey, so there must be a Mahram accompanying the woman to protect and guard her. The Mahram who accompanies the woman has to be sane, adult and Muslim. If she cannot find a Mahram, she has to send someone to perform Hajj on her behalf.

2-If the woman is going to perform voluntary Hajj, she needs to have the permission of her husband because her travel for Hajj deprives him of enjoying his right. So, he has the right not to allow her to go for voluntary Hajj.

3-It is permissible for the woman to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah on behalf of a man as well as another woman according to the consensus of scholars.

4-If the woman on her way to Hajj has her monthly period or postpartum bleeding, she should continue her way and fulfill her Hajj like the ritually pure women. However, she should not circumambulate the Ka‘bah. If she has menses or postpartum bleeding when entering the state of Ihraam, she is allowed to enter Ihraam because it does not require purification.

5-Upon entering Ihraam, women are permitted like men to make Ghusl (ritual bath) and clean themselves by cutting hair that needs shaving and clipping nails. There is no harm if the woman applies non-fragrant perfumes, for ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said, “We pasted our foreheads with Musk at the time of assuming Ihraam. When one of us perspired, it (the perfume) came down on her face. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) saw this, and did not forbid it.” [Abu Daawood]

6-When making the intention of entering the state of Ihraam, the woman should take off her Niqaab (face veil) or Burqu’ if she was wearing any before Ihraam. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The woman in the state of Ihraam is not allowed to wear Niqaab.” [Al-Bukhaari] The woman should cover her face with anything other than Niqaab by putting her Khimaar or garment over her face when non-Mahram (marriageable) men look at her. She should also cover her hands with anything other than gloves by putting a garment or cloth above them. The woman’s face and hands are ‘Awrah that must be covered before non-Mahram men either in case of Ihraam or other cases.

7-During Ihraam, it is permissible for the woman to be dressed in any kind of clothing that has no adornments, and does not look like men's clothes. Such clothes should not be tight to outline the shape of her body, or transparent that reveal whatever is beneath them, or short that unveil the feet or hands. The clothes should be loose and thick. Scholars unanimously agree that the woman in the state of Ihraam is allowed to wear Qamees, Dir‘, Sirwaal, Khimaar, and leather socks and she does not have to wear a certain color. She is allowed to wear any color she likes.

8-It is recommended for the woman to raise her voice with Talbiyah after Ihraam only to the extent that she can hear herself. It is disliked for her to raise her voice to a higher level in order to avoid Fitnah. By the same token, it is not recommended for her to pronounce the Athaan or Iqaamah. In addition, whenever she wants to draws the attention of the Imaam to something in prayer, it is recommended for her to clap, not to say Subhaan Allaah loudly like men.

9-The woman has to be completely covered, lower her voice, lower her gaze, and not to crowd with men especially at the Black Stone, and the Yemenite Corner. It is unlawful to crowd together with men because this is Fitnah. Moreover, it is Sunnah to be closer to the Ka‘bah and to kiss the Black Stone in case that is possible. She should not commit an unlawful act in order to fulfill a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition). The Sunnah for the woman is to point to the Black Stone from afar when she is facing it.

10- All the Tawaaf (circumambulation) and Sa‘y of the woman is done while walking. Scholars unanimously agree that women should not walk quickly in Tawaaf or between As-Safa and Al-Marwah and they do not have to make Idhtibaa‘ (uncovering the right shoulder).

11-The menstruating woman is permitted to do all the rituals of Hajj including Ihraam, staying at ‘Arafah, spending the night in Muzdalifah, throwing the pebbles, and so on, with the exception of making Tawaaf until she becomes purified. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said to ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her: “Do what the pilgrim has to do but do not make Tawaaf until you become purified.”The menstruating woman should not make Sa‘y between As-Safa and Al-Marwah because Sa‘y is not valid without performing the Tawaaf of the Hajj or ‘Umrah because the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), did not make Sa‘y except after Tawaaf. The majority of scholars said that Sa‘y is not valid if the pilgrim made Sa‘y before Tawaaf.
If the woman has her menses after finishing Tawaaf, then, it is permissible to perform Sa‘y because purification is not a condition for Sa‘y.

12-It is permissible for women to proceed from Muzdalifah to Mina with the weak people after the setting of the moon and to throw Jamrat Al-‘Aqabah upon arriving at Mina out of fear of overcrowding.

13-The woman should trim her hair the length of a fingertip from the end of the hair after Hajj and ‘Umrah. It is impermissible for the woman to shave her hair.

14-If the menstruating woman throws Jamrat Al-‘Aqabah and trims her hair, then, her Ihraam is ended and she is allowed to do whatever she was not permitted to do during Ihraam except having intimate relations with her husband. She is permitted to have such relations after Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah. If she has sexual relations with her husband before performing Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah, then, she has to pay expiation: slaughtering a sheep in Makkah and distributing its meat among the poor of the Sacred City.

15-If the woman menstruates after Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah, then, it is permissible for her to leave for her home whenever she likes and she does not have to perform the Farewell Tawaaf. ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her narrated that Safiyyah bint Huyayy may Allaah be pleased with her started menstruating after Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah and I mentioned this to the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). He said: “‘Will she keep us from leaving?’I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, she performed Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah and then she had her menses.’ He said: ‘Then, let her leave.’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said, “The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) commanded the pilgrims that the last thing they should do in Makkah is to circumambulate Al-Bayt (the Ka‘bah), but he exempted the menstruating woman and the one who has postpartum bleeding.”

Article by: www.islamweb.net

Seeking Comfort in Life

Seeking Comfort in Life

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions knew something that is not often displayed today.
They were able to face difficulty with a certain determination in their hearts; they were grateful for even the seemingly small blessings; they took pleasure in praying at night while the people were asleep.

What they knew was this: if they sought God they would not be let down.

This is the secret to the statement of Abu Bakr to the Prophet during the battle of Badr, when the Prophet was crying out to God in an impassioned du`a’(supplication) until his cloak fell from his shoulder. Abu Bakr said: “O Messenger of Allah, this prayer of yours to your Lord will suffice you, and He will fulfill for you what He has promised you!”  And He did - the battle was won by the Muslims.

Human desires are insatiable. And for this reason, the more we chase after this world, the less we are satisfied. If we chase after the love of a human being, especially in ways that are not lawful, inevitably we will be let down because no human being is perfect. We may chase after compliments, praise and attention – but after that momentary pleasure, it will fade away. What will be left is mere emptiness. We go after money, power and status – but it won’t end there, because we will always want more. And our hearts will always be perturbed because these things are temporary. Once we have reached the goal, the pleasure we feel will wear away and we will want something else or something more.

If we find ourselves in that position, these words are hard to read because, in a sense, we don’t want to give up the chase. We think, perhaps, somehow, we will find that which we are looking for. It bothers us to have to prioritize God and His religion in our lives, because that might get in the way of worldly pleasures. But God says in the Quran: {أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّـهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ} Translation: {truly it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest} [Ar-Ra’d:28].

We may have heard this verse a hundred times before. However, one thing we must know is that if we truly want that comfort in the heart, it must be through seeking Him.

To be more specific, what is meant here is not that we shouldn’t seek to be successful in this life, or that we shouldn’t seek companionship. Rather what is meant is the way in which we do it. Look at the Prophet. He could have compromised his principles when Quraysh offered him power, wealth and women for him to tone down his message. They even tried to negotiate a power-sharing agreement whereby the other gods would be worshiped on some days and the one God would be worshiped on others.

Declining these offers caused the Prophet physical hardship, but he was at rest in his heart.

Why?

Because he knew that ultimately to seek dunya (current life) for the sake of this world was not the goal, no matter how tempting it might be. He knew that whatever he gave up was temporary, because the real comfort in this world is with God. And he was not let down.

So when we read the Quran, and God tells us He is with the patient – let us take comfort in that. When the Prophet tells us that God is too shy to turn away the hand that asks Him with nothing, let our hearts find rest in that God indeed has heard our du`a’ and will give us something.

Therefore, as we near the end of this section of things to know in seeking tranquility of the heart, let us take the Prophet as the example we should aspire to. He knew that if he followed the path to God, no matter the physical hardships, God’s promise would prevail. And that gave him ultimate peace at heart.

Article by: en.islamway.net

 

‘Wish I could stay at Grand Mosque forever’

MADINAH: Performing tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba was “a dream come true” for Algerian pilgrim Ahmed Al-Qairawani, who is in the Kingdom for the first time.
“It cannot be described in words. I cried once I entered the Grand Mosque and saw the sacred Kaaba, where pilgrims circumambulate around it raising their hands seeking Allah’s forgiveness,” he told Arab News.
“I saw the black stone and Abraham’s shrine for the first time. I wish to stay at the Grand Mosque for the rest of my life,” he said.
Al-Qairawani praised the expansion projects at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and in Madinah, including the mataf expansion.
He said the Kingdom’s role in serving pilgrims and providing them with all possible facilities, right from the entry to the country until departure is exemplary.
Speaking about what he did in Madinah, Al-Qairawani said that he visited the Prophet’s Mosque where he got the chance to greet him (peace be upon him) as well as he visited the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Qur’an, Islamic mosques and other historical sites in the holy city.

Article by: arabnews.com

Faith is my life so wonderful and beautiful

Aminah Assilmi is a former Christian based in the US. She tried to convert Muslims to Christianity, but herself embraced Islam when she read the Qur’an and other books on Islam. In this concluding part of her narrative, she describes how her Shahadah proved a solid footing on the ladder to spiritual knowledge and closeness to God.

IN all this, the first light was my grandmother. She approved of my choice and joined me. What a surprise! I always knew she had a lot of wisdom, but this! She died soon after that. The day she pronounced Shahadah, all her misdeeds had been erased, while her good deeds were preserved. She died so soon after accepting Islam that I knew her ‘book’ was bound to be heavy on the good side. It fills me with such joy!
As my knowledge grew and I was better able to answer questions, many things changed. But, it was the changes made in me as a person that had the greatest impact. A few years after I went public with my Islam, my mother called me and said she did not know what this ‘Islam thing’ was, but she hoped I would stay with it.
She liked what it was doing for me. A couple of years after that she called again and asked what a person had to do to be a Muslim. I told her that all person had to do was know that there was only One God and Muhammad was His Messenger. Her response was: “Any fool knows that. But what do you have to do?” I repeated the same information and she said: “Well, OK. But let’s not tell your father just yet.”
Little did she know that he had gone through the same conversation a few weeks before that. My real father (the one who thought I should be killed) had done it almost two months earlier. Then, my sister, the mental health person, she told me that I was the most ‘liberated’ person she knew. Coming from her that was the greatest compliment I could have received.
Rather than try to tell you about how each person came to accept Islam, let me simply say that more members of my family continue to find Islam every year. I was especially happy when a dear friend, Brother Qaiser Imam, told me that my ex-husband took Shahadah. When Brother Qaiser asked him why, he said it was because he had been watching me for 16 years and he wanted his daughter to have what I had. He came and asked me to forgive him for all he had done. I had forgiven him long before that.
Now my oldest son, Whitney, has called, as I am writing this book, and announced that he also wants to become Muslim. He plans on taking the Shahadah as the ISNA Convention in a couple of weeks. For now, he is learning as much as he can. God is the most merciful.
Over the years, I have come to be known for my talks on Islam, and many listeners have chosen to be Muslim. My inner peace has continued to increase with my knowledge and confidence in the Wisdom of God. I know that God is not only my Creator but, my dearest friend. I know that God will always be there and will never reject me. For every step I take toward God, He takes 10 toward me. What a wonderful knowledge.
True, God has tested me, as was promised, and rewarded me far beyond what I could ever have hoped for. A few years ago, the doctors told me I had cancer and it was terminal. They explained that there was no cure, it was too far advanced, and proceeded to help prepare me for my death by explaining how the disease would progress. I had maybe one year left to live. I was concerned about my children, especially my youngest. Who would take care of him? Still I was not depressed. We must all die. I was confident that the pain I was experiencing contained blessings.
I remembered a good friend, Kareem Al-Misawi, who died of cancer when he was still in his 20’s. Shortly before he died, he told me that God was truly Merciful. This man was in unbelievable anguish and radiating with God’s love. He said: “God intends that I should enter heaven with a clean book.” His death experience gave me something to think about. He taught me of God’s love and mercy. This was something no one else had ever really discussed. God’s love!
I did not take me long to start being aware of His blessings. Friends who loved me came out of nowhere. Even more importantly, I learned how very important it was for me to share the Truth of Islam with everyone. It did not matter if people, Muslim or not, agreed with me or even liked me.
The only approval I needed was from God. The only love I needed was from God. Yet, I discovered more and more people, who for no apparent reason, loved me. I rejoiced, for I remembered reading that if God loves you, He causes others to love you. I am not worthy of all the love. That means it must be another gift from God. God is the Greatest!
There is no way to fully explain how my life changed. Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to God)! I am so very glad that I am a Muslim. Islam is my life. Islam is the beat of my heart. Islam is the blood that courses through my veins. Islam is my strength. Islam is my life so wonderful and beautiful. Without Islam, I am nothing, and should God ever turn His magnificent face from me, I could not survive.
“O God! let my heart have light, and my sight have light, and my hearing (senses) have light, and let me have light on my right, and let me have light on my left, and let me have light above me, and have light under me, and have light in front of me, and have light behind me; and let me have light.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Article by: arabnews.com

Some Mistakes of Pilgrims

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and prayers and peace of Allah be upon the Seal of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet, Muhammad, and upon all his family and Companions.

Hajj (Pilgrimage) carry fruitful acts, as Allah, Glorified be He, has made it a mean for expiating wrongdoing and forgiving sins. The Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said,

"Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or commit any evil will return (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him". [Agreed upon]

متفق عليه«من حج فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع من ذنوبه كيوم ولدته أمه»

He also said,

"From one Hajj to the next Hajj is an expiation for whatever (sins) committed between them, so long as major sins are avoided".

«الحج إلى الحج كفارة لما بينهما ما اجتنبت الكبائر»

Since validity of worship depends on sincerity to Allah, Exalted be He, and following of his Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), it is necessary for an observant Muslim to well consider such fundamentals, so that his worship may become perfect. Allah, Exalted be He, says, {And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)} [Al-Bayyinah 98:5].

البينة: 5{وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ}

Transliteration: Wa Ma Umiru Illa liya`budu Allaha Mukhlisina lahu ad-din.

He also says, {Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.} [Al-Ahzab 33:21].

{لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا} الأحزاب: 21

Transliteration: Laqad kana lakum fi rasuli Allahi Uswatun Hasanatun Liman kana Yarju Allaha wa al-Yawma Al-Akhira Wa Thakara Allaha kathira.

In addition, He says, {….And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). And fear Allâh; verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment.} [Al-Hashr 59:7].

الحشر: 7{وَمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ فَٱنتَهُوا۟}

Transliteration: Wa Maatakumu Ar-Rasulu fa khuthuhu Wa Ma Nahakum `Anhu fa Intahu)

These are just examples of the Qur'anic texts in this regard.

Hajj to Allah's Sacred House is one of the Five Pillars of Islam that is obligatory only on the part of those who can physically and financially afford it. Its rituals and rulings were fully clarified by the Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), through verbal explanation, actual performance, and silent consent. Companions watched the Prophet carefully to well learn Hajj practices, in observance of his command,

"Take from me your rituals (of Hajj)" [Reported by Muslim].

رواه مسلم«لتأخذوا مناسككم»

Then, they passed to us what they have learnt, as clear as could be.

Despite all such clarification and demonstration, some people do deviate from the Prophetic guidance, by either leaving some commendable supererogatory ritual or falling in an act of Bid`ah (i.e., innovation in religion) or disobedience, out of ignorance, misconception, or imitation of unreliable persons.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan has discussed some mistakes and errors commonly committed by pilgrims.

Mistakes in Ihram

1. Some pilgrims coming by air delay their Ihram (i.e., state of consecration to Hajj or `Umrah) until they reach Jeddah Airport and then assume Ihram there or at any other point nearer to Makkah, thus surpassing the Miqat (i.e., site of assuming Ihram) on their way. The Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) described Miqats saying, "They are for the people at those very places and besides for those who come through those places". [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

رواه البخاري«هن لهن ولمن أتى عليهن من غير أهلهن»

Thus, everyone who passes by or becomes parallel to a Miqat on his way, whether by air or on land, while he has the intention to perform Hajj or `Umrah (i.e., Lesser Pilgrimage) should assume Ihram at that Miqat. If he surpasses it and assumes Ihram at a place closer to Makkah, then he will have missed one of the obligatory rituals of Hajj and should offer a sacrificial animal in expiation. It is noteworthy that Jeddah is not a Miqat for those who do not live in it and those who assume Ihram in it.

2. Some pilgrims take souvenir photos after assuming Ihram and keep them and show them to their friends and acquaintances. This is wrong in two ways:

a) Taking photos in itself is haram and an act of disobedience, based on hadiths that prohibit it and show punishment for doing it. A pilgrim is consecration himself to worship, and thus it is not suitable to start that worship with an act of disobedience.

b) This falls under dissimulation and false pretension; liking to show others one's photo in the state and garments of Ihram is a dissimulation, and dissimulation annuls good deeds. It is a form of "minor polytheism", and it is one of the distinctive features of hypocrites.

3. Some pilgrims think that they should bring with them their shoes, money, and all other belongings that they might need on their journey and that it is impermissible for them to use anything that they had not brought with them before assuming Ihram. This is a big mistake and stark ignorance: They should not, and it is not haram to use any personal stuff not brought before Ihram. They can purchase and use anything they need, and they can replace Ihram garments, shoes, etc. They should avoid only the known prohibitions of Ihram.

4. Some men in the state of Ihram uncover their right shoulders, which is impermissible unless during circumambulation on arrival and circumambulation of `Umrah. Otherwise, both shoulders should be covered with the garment all the time.

5. Some women think that they should wear a specific color when on Ihram, such as green. This is wrong. There is no particular color that should be worn by women during Ihram. They can assume Ihram in their ordinary clothes, excluding clothes that are dandifying, tight, or transparent, which are impermissible whether on Ihram or not.

6. Some women in the state of Ihram put on a turban-like headdress so that burka does not touch the face, which is wrong and needless, and there is no evidence on its legitimacy. In a hadith narrated by `A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her), we are told that women on Ihram did cover their faces when in front of men but did not wear turbans or burka carriers. There is no problem if the burka touches the face.

7. Some women who get their period while on their way to Miqat with the intention of performing Hajj or `Umrah may abstain from assuming Ihram, thinking that ritual purification from menstruation is a prerequisite to Ihram. This is evidently wrong: Menstruation does not invalidate Ihram, and menstruating women can assume Ihram and perform all rituals of Hajj except for circumambulation around the Ka'ba, which is to be delayed until menstruation stops, as clarified in the Prophetic Sunnah. If a menstruating pilgrim goes beyond the Miqat without assuming Ihram, she should go back and assume Ihram at the Miqat. If she assumes Ihram from a point nearer than the Miqat, she should offer a sacrificial animal to compensate for leaving a Hajj duty.

Mistakes in Circumambulation

1. Many pilgrims restrict themselves to specific supplications that they read from handbooks during circumambulation, and sometimes they form groups that repeat together supplications after a recite. This is wrong in two ways:

a) The pilgrims stick to supplications that were not specified for that very event; the Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) was not reported to utter particular supplications during circumambulation.

b) Congregational supplication is a Bid`ah, and it disturbs other pilgrims. Typically, every pilgrim should utter whatever supplications he himself chooses to say, silently or in a low voice.

2. Some pilgrims kiss Ar-Rukn Al-Yamani (i.e., the Ka'ba corner to the direction of Yemen), which is wrong - it is just to be held with hands, without kissing. The Black Stone can be kissed, held with hands, or pointed at in case of crowd. Ar-Rukn Al-Yamani, however, is to be held with hands, but not to be kissed or pointed at from a distance. Other corners are neither to be kissed nor to be held.

3. Some people jostle through the crowds to hold and kiss the Black Stone. This is impermissible, since it is very difficult, can do harm to others as well as the jostler himself, and causes bodily contact with women. Normally, the Black Stone is to be held and kissed only when possible; otherwise, it is to be pointed at from a distance, to avoid jostling, doing harm, and touching women's bodies. Acts of worship are based on easiness. Holding and kissing the Black Stone is supererogatory and conditional on ability, and the option of pointing at it is to be used in case of inability to hold and kiss it. Also, jostling and pushing may lead to haram things - then how come that a haram is committed in order to perform a supererogatory act?

Mistakes in Haircutting

Some pilgrims cut only a few hairs of their heads, which is not sufficient for the ritual to be properly done. The point is to shorten hair in all parts of the head; on the basis that shortening replaces shaving, and since shaving is for the whole head, so is shortening. Allah, Exalted be He, says, {(some) having your heads shaved, and (some) having your head hair cut short, having no fear.} [Al-Fat-h 48:27].

الفتح: 27{مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ}

Transliteration: Muhalliqina Ruusakum Wa Muqassirina la Takhafun)

When one shortens some part of his head, it is not the same as shortening all his hair.

Mistakes in Stay at `Arafa

1. Some pilgrims do not check where they stay and do not follow the signposts indicating the boundaries of `Arafa, thus erroneously staying outside the mountain. If they continue to be where they are and do not enter the area of `Arafa itself all through the Shar`i stay time, then their Hajj will be invalid. Pilgrims should make sure to be within the perimeter of `Arafa during the Shar`i stay time.

2. Some pilgrims think that during stay at `Arafa, they should see or climb the Mountain of Ar-Rahmah, and to do so, they impose on themselves huge difficulty and danger. There is no need to overdo it: All is needed is just to be present anywhere in `Arafa, as the Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said, "And all of `Arafah is the place of standing, and avoid the Valley of `Uranah". [Authenticated by Al-Albani]

صححه الألباني«عرفة كلها موقف، و ارتفعوا عن بطن عرنة»

It makes no difference to see the mountain itself or not. Also, some turn their faces to the Mountain of `Arafa when supplicating, while they should do so to the Ka`ba.

3. Some pilgrims leave `Arafa before sunset, which is impermissible. Leaving time is defined as the sunset, and whoever leaves `Arafa before that time and does not return will be missing a Hajj duty and should thus offer a sacrifice and show repentance to Allah. The Prophet (Prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) remained at `Arafa till sunset, and he had already said, "Take from me your rituals (of Hajj)". [Authenticated by Al-Albani]

صححه الألباني«خذوا عني مناسككم»

Mistakes at Muzdalifah

Upon reaching Muzdalifah, a pilgrim should perform Salahs of Al-Maghrib and Al-`Isha' combined, spend the night there, pray Salah of Al-Fajr, supplicate just before sunrise, and leave to Mina. It is permissible for people who have excuses - especially women, the elderly, and children - and those who take care of them to leave after midnight. Mistakenly, some do not make sure to be staying within the boundaries of Muzdalifah, and some leave before midnight. Whoever does not spend the whole night at Muzdalifah with no excuse will be omitting a Hajj duty that should be compensated for by sacrificing an animal and repenting to Allah.

Mistakes in Pebble Throwing

In the duty of pebble throwing, a pilgrim is to throw at `Aqabah on the Eid day (it is permissible to do so as of the midnight of the Eid day) and then throw at the other three sites of throwing following the noon of the three Days of Tashriq (i.e., 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), respectively. However, some pilgrims commit the following errors in that ritual:

1. Some throw at a wrong time - i.e., throw at `Aqabah before midnight of Eid day or at the other three sites before the noon of the Days of Tashriq. Such throwing is invalid, since it is not done at the specified times. It is just like performing a Salah before its due time starts.

2. Some miss the order of throwing at the three sites, starting with the second or last one. The right order is to start with the Small, then the Middle, and finally the greater.

3. Sometimes, thrown pebbles do not hit the throwing target (i.e., the stone column) or hit it so strongly that they bounce back and fall outside the stone column basin. Such throwing is invalid, since the pebbles have not fallen inside the basin. This mistake occurs due to ignorance, hastiness, or carelessness.

4. Some perform the throwing of the last two days in advance along with the throwing of the first day or appoint a proxy to perform the remaining two times of throwing on behalf of them, to be able to travel back home early before completing Hajj. This is an act of manipulation of Hajj activities and temptation from the Devil. A person spends much effort and money to perform Hajj, and when he is just a few steps away from finalizing it, he falls under the influence of the Devil and errs on several Hajj duties, which are:

(1) Dropping the last two times of throwing,
(2) Not staying at Mina all through the three Days of Tashriq,
(3) Doing Farewell Circumambulation at a wrong time (as it should be done after the elapse of all hajj days and activities).

It would have been better if such a person had not gone to do Hajj in the first place and save himself the waste of effort and money. Allah says, {And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), the Hajj and 'Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for Allâh} [Al-Baqarah 2:196].

البقرة: 196{وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلْحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّـهِ}

Transliteration: Wa Atimmu al-Hajja Wa al-`Umrata lillah.

That is to say, all activities of Hajj and `Umrah should be done in a Shar`i manner by those who assume Ihram for either of them, with sincere intention devoted to Allah, Exalted be He.

5. Some pilgrims misunderstand the meaning of hastening in the Qur'anic verse: {But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him} [Al-Baqarah 2:203].

البقرة: 203{فَمَن تَعَجَّلَ فِى يَوْمَيْنِ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَن تَأَخَّرَ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ}

Transliteration: Fa Manta`Ajjala fi Yawmayni fa la Ithma `Alayhi wa man ta'akhkhara fa la Ithma `Alayh.

They think that the two days refer to the Eid day and the day following it (i.e., 11th of Thul-Hijjah), and consequently they assume to be hastening and leave on the 11th day. This is a fatal mistake that is committed out of ignorance. The two days here follow the Eid day (11th and 12th), and there is nothing wrong either to hasten to leave upon throwing pebbles after the noon of the 12th or to stay and throw after the noon of the 13th and then leave - the latter will be better and more recommendable.

Prayers and peace of Allah be upon Muhammad and upon his family and Companions.

Article by: en.islamway.net

Etiquette of Hajj and 'Umrah

"The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allaah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!" [al-Baqarah 2:197]

People should perform the rituals of Hajj with respect, veneration, love and submission to Allaah the Lord of the Worlds, in a tranquil and dignified manner, following the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

These great rituals should be filled with dhikr (remembering Allaah), takbeer (proclaiming Allaah's greatness by saying Allaahu akbar), tasbeeh (glorifying Allaah by saying Subhaan-Allaah), tahmeed (praising Allaah by saying al-hamdu Lillaah) and istighfaar (seeking Allaah's forgiveness by saying Astaghfir-Allaah), because he is in a state of worship from the moment he enters ihraam until he exits it; Hajj is not a time for idle talk and play or doing whatever you want with no restrictions, as we see some people do, so we see them playing and laughing and making fun of people and other reprehensible actions, as if Hajj were prescribed for joking and playing.

The pilgrim and others should regularly observe the things that Allaah has enjoined such as praying in congregation on time, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.

The pilgrim should strive to benefit the Muslims and treat them kindly by guiding them, helping them when needed, and being compassionate towards the weak, especially in places where such compassion is appropriate, such as in crowded places. Showing compassion to people brings mercy from the Creator, for Allaah shows mercy to those of His slaves who are merciful.

He should avoid obscenity, immorality, sin and arguing that does not support the truth. With regard to debating in support of the truth, this is obligatory when it is appropriate. He should avoid being aggressive towards people or annoying them, so he should avoid backbiting, malicious gossip, cursing, swearing, hitting, and looking at non-mahram women, for these things are haraam whether one is in ihraam or not, but they are even more haraam when one is in ihraam.

He should avoid things that many people do, such as saying words that do not befit the rituals. For example, when stoning the jamaraat, some of them say, "We are stoning the Shaytaan" and they may curse the site or hit it with shoes etc., which is contrary to the idea of humility and worship, and defeats the purpose of stoning the jamaraat, which is to carry out the commands of Allaah.

 Article by: en.islamway.net

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Human Rights and Justice in Islam

Islam provides many human rights for the individual.  The following are some of these human rights that Islam protects.
The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether a person is Muslim or not.  Islam also protects honor.  So, in Islam, insulting others or making fun of them is not allowed.  The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Truly your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable.”
Racism is not allowed in Islam, for the Quran speaks of human equality in the following terms:
 “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one another.  Truly, the noblest of you with God is the most pious. Truly, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 49:13)
Islam rejects certain individuals or nations being favored because of their wealth, power, or race.  God created human beings as equals who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety.  The Prophet Muhammad said: “O people!  Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one.  An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person,  except in piety.”

One of the major problems facing mankind today is racism.  The developed world can send a man to the moon but cannot stop man from hating and fighting his fellow man.  Ever since the days of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam has provided a vivid example of how racism can be ended.  The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah shows the real Islamic brotherhood of all races and nations, when about two million Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage.
Islam is a religion of justice.  God has said:
“Truly God commands you to give back trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice....” (Quran 4:58)
And He has said:
“...And act justly.  Truly, God loves those who are just.” (Quran 49:9)
We should even be just with those who we hate, as God has said:

“...And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice.  Be just: that is nearer to piety....” (Quran 5:8)

The Prophet Muhammad said: “People, beware of injustice,  for injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.”

And those who have not gotten their rights (i.e. what they have a just claim to) in this life will receive them on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet said: “On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)...”

Article by: islamreligion.com

 

‘Islam brought about a total change in me’

Aminah Assilmi is a former Christian based in the US. She tried to convert Muslims to Christianity, but herself embraced Islam when she read the Qur’an and other books on Islam. In this third part of her narrative, she describes how her Shahadah proved a solid footing on the ladder to spiritual knowledge and drew her closer to God.

What I first started to study Islam, I did not expect to find anything that I needed or wanted in my personal life. Little did I know that Islam would change my life. No human could have ever convinced me that I would finally be at peace and overflowing with love and joy because of Islam.

The Qur’an addressed all the issues of existence and showed a clear path to success. It was like a map forgiving, an owner manual for life!

“Have we not expanded thee thy breast? And removed from thee thy burden that which did gall thy back? And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)? So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty there is relief!” (Qur’an, 94:1-6) When I first embraced Islam, I really did not think it was going to affect my life very much. Islam did not just affect my life. It totally changed it.

Family life: My husband and I loved each other very deeply. That love for each other still exists. Still, when I started studying Islam, we started having some difficulties. He saw me changing and did not understand what was happening. Neither did I. But then, I did not even realize I was changing. He decided that the only thing that could make me change was another man.

There was no way to make him understand what was changing me because I did not know.

After I realized that I was a Muslim, it did not help matters. After all, the only reason a woman changes something as fundamental as her religion is another man. He could not find evidence of this other man, but he had to exist. We ended up in a very ugly divorce. The courts determined that the unorthodox religion would be detrimental to the development of my children. So they were removed from my custody.

During the divorce, there was a time when I was told I could make a choice. I could renounce this religion and live with my children, or renounce my children and live with my religion. I was in a shock. To me this was not a possible choice. 

If I renounce my Islam, I would be teaching my children how to be deceptive, for there was no way to deny what was in my heart. I could not deny God, not then, not ever.

I prayed like I had never prayed before. After the thirty minutes was up, I knew that there was no safer place for my children to be than in the hands of God.

If I denied him, there would be no way in the future to show my children the wonders of being with God. The courts were told that I would leave my children in the hands of God. This was not a rejection of my children!

I left the courts knowing that life without my babies would be very difficult. My heart bled, even though I knew, inside, I had done the right thing. I found solace in Ayat Al-Kursi.

“God! There is no god but He — the living, the self-subsisting, supporter of all. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there that can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and he feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is Most High, The Supreme (in glory).” (Qur’an, 2:255)

This also got me started looking at all the attributes of God and discovering the beauty of each one. Child custody and divorce were not the only problems I was to face. The rest of my family was not very accepting of my choice either. 

Most of the family refused to have anything to do with me. My mother was of the belief that it was just a phase and I would grow out of it.

My sister, the ‘mental health expert’ was sure I had simply lost my mind and should be institutionalized. My father believed I should be killed before I placed myself deeper in Hell. Suddenly I found myself with no husband and no family. What would be next?

Friends: Most of my friends drifted away during that first year. I was no fun anymore. I did not want to go to parties or bars. I was not interested in finding a boyfriend. All I ever did was read that book (the Qur’an) and talk about Islam. I still did not have enough knowledge to help them understand why Islam was so beautiful.

Employment: My job was next to go. While I had won just about every award there was in my field and was recognized as a serious trend setter and money maker, the day I put on hijab, was the end of my job. Now I was without a family, without friends and without a job.

Article by: arabnews.com

30m passengers used Jeddah airport in 2015

 
JEDDAH — About 30 million passengers have traveled through King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah in 2015, which is an increase of 6.6 percent over the previous year.
“This is the largest number of passengers in all the Kingdom’s airports,” the airport’s director Abdullah Al-Rimi said.
He said since its inception, the airport has been witnessing an increasing number of air traffic movement which is three times its actual capacity.
Rimi referred the large number of passengers using the airport to the increasing number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims, tourism and economic activities.
“The air transport companies operating to and from the airport have gone up from 64 to 80 last year. They reach 100 companies during the Haj and Umrah seasons,” he said.
The director said the continuous rise in the air traffic and the increasing number of passengers represent a grave challenge to the airport in its transitional period before the shift to the new airport.
“We have a big responsibility to provide excellent services to the passengers and to all airline companies using the airport,” he said. Rimi said, when it is formally opened, the new airport will satisfy the needs of the air transport market in the Kingdom.
“The new airport will be a quantum leap in air travel industry in the region and will enable the Kingdom to compete with the world in the domain of airport and passenger service,” he said.
The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has said the upgraded airport will become fully operational by the middle of 2017.
The first phase of the project will be completed by the end of 2016 and will start receiving flights in the last quarter of 2017, according to officials.
With the completion of the first phase, which includes a terminal complex spreading over an area of 720,000 square meters, 46 gates for international and domestic flights, and 94 air bridges to serve aircraft of different sizes, the airport will have the capacity to handle 30 million passengers a year.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

British haj travel Umrah packages 2016

Reflections on the Month, Rabi-ul-Awwal

Every day we remember our prophet and we ask God to bless him, his family and his companions during our daily prayers.
As I use this evening to reflect deeper on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the beloved of our Almighty God, I think of all his virtues, characteristics and mannerisms. I am in awe of his unconditional faithfulness to God, his love of people, animals, and the Earth. I am in awe of his patience, his courage. I am in awe of the dignity and respect he showed his wives, his elders, even the youngest of children. I am in awe of his kindness to strangers, his fairness towards workers, his attention for the sick, the poor, the orphans and the widows. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) was a selfless man, he put all before himself, the happiness and contentment of others was more important to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an immigrant rights activist, a racial justice and human rights activist, a feminist, a man who stood with and for the oppressed. That is my Prophet (peace be upon him).
I reflect on the state of affairs of the Muslims now, all the ills of the world and how we contribute towards them. I imagine what if we all strived harder to emulate the most beautiful virtues and characteristics of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him); this world, our world would be a better place. We would be a united, strong, dignified community that can overcome any and all adversity. We can never claim that we have seen anywhere near the obstacles and challenges that our Prophet experienced as he introduced our beloved religion to people and societies.
I ask God to continue to guide us all on the right path; the path of peace, justice, love, equality and the path that leads us to Him. May we struggle hard every day to live in the shadows of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) who was brought here as a mercy to this world. May we remember the Prophet in all that we do and ask ourselves often, what would he do?
I am grateful for a faith that teaches me that this life is temporary, that I must live a life of good deeds towards others and worship God. I am grateful to God for our Prophet (peace be upon him) who was brought to us as an example of living a full, content life in worship of God. When we are broken, when we are sad, when we are empty, when we are struggling – sit still, reflect and remember God and his beloved Prophet and the richness of Islam. Reading Quran and learning more about the life of our Prophet (peace be upon him) will refill and heal our broken hearts, bring us contentment and remind us to be grateful to God for all that He has bestowed upon each of us.
Linda Sarsour is a working woman, racial justice and civil rights activist, speaker against Islamophobia in America, and mother of three. Ambitious, outspoken and independent, Linda shatters stereotypes of Muslim women while also treasuring her religious and ethnic heritage. She is a Palestinian Muslim American, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Linda is the Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Number of Umrah visas to treble in 2016

Saudi Arabia is planning to triple the number of Umrah visas issued each year to 15 million, according to local media.
From next year, 1.25 million pilgrims could be allowed to visit the Grand Mosque each month, compared to 400,000 presently.
Haj Minister Bandar Al Hajjar was quoted as saying that the increased numbers were to make use of the newly expanded Grand Mosque, which is undergoing a $20 billion refurbishment.
Umrah and haj visas were cut in 2014 and 2015 during construction, which is still ongoing.

According to the Haj Ministry, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015. It expects to issue up to 60 million by 2018.
About 1.8 million foreign pilgrims recently descended on the Islamic holy city of Makkah for haj, an annual pilgrimage Muslims are expected to perform in their lifetime.
This year’s religious gather was marred by one of the worst stampedes in Saudi history. Saudi authorities said 769 people died, but figures compiled by Associated Press put the number at 1399, while several governments also disputed the official Saudi figure.

Article by: arabianbusiness.com

The wondrous holy book has all the answers

Aminah Assilmi is a former Christian based in the US. She tried to convert Muslims to Christianity, but herself embraced Islam when she read the Qur’an and other books on Islam. In this second part of her narrative, she describes how her Shahadah proved a solid footing on the ladder to spiritual knowledge and closeness to God.

I ARGUED that I was Christian, I was just trying to understand Islam. (Inside I was thinking: I couldn’t be a Muslim! I was American and white! What would my husband say? If I am Muslim, I will have to divorce my husband. My family would die!)
We continued talking. Later, he explained that attaining knowledge and understanding of spirituality was a little like climbing a ladder.
If you climb a ladder and try to skip a few rungs, there was danger of falling. The Shahadah was just the first step on the ladder. Still we had to talk some more.
Later that afternoon, May 21, 1977 at Asr, I took Shahadah. However, there were still some things I could not accept, and it was my nature to be completely truthful, so I added a disclaimer. I said: “I bear witness that there is no god but God and Mohammad is His Messenger” ‘but, I will never cover my hair and if my husband takes another wife, I will castrate him.’
I heard gasps from the other men in the room, but Abdulaziz silenced them. Later I learned that he told the brothers never to discuss those two subjects with me. He was sure I would come to the correct understanding.
The Shahadah was indeed a solid footing on the ladder to spiritual knowledge and closeness to God. But it has been a slow climb. Abdulaziz continued to visit me and answer my questions. May God reward him for his patience and tolerance.
He never admonished me or acted like a question was stupid or silly. He treated each question with dignity and told me that the only stupid question was the one never asked. Hmmm... my grandmother used to say that.
He explained that God had told us to seek knowledge, and questions were one of the ways to accomplish that. When he explained something, it was like watching a rose open — petal by petal, until it reached its full glory.
When I told him that I did not agree with something and why, he always said I was correct up to a point. Then he would show me how to look deeper and from different directions to reach a fuller understanding. Alhamdulillah (To God is all praise!)
Over the years, I had many teachers. Each one special, each one different. I am thankful for each one of them and the knowledge they gave. Each teacher helped me to grow and to love Islam more. As my knowledge increased, the changes in me became more apparent. Within the first year, I was wearing hijab. I have no idea when I started. It came naturally, with increased knowledge and understanding. In time, I even came to be a proponent of polygamy. I knew that if God had allowed it, there had to be something good in it.
“Glorify the name of thy Guardian — Lord Most High, Who hath created, and further, given order and proportion; Who hath measured, and granted guidance; and Who bringeth out the (green and lush) pasture, and doth make it (but) swarthy stubble, We shall make you to recite (the Qur’an), so do not forget, except as God wills: for He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden. And We will make it easy for thee (to follow) the simple (path).” (Qur’an, 87:1-8)
When I first started to study Islam, I did not expect to find anything that I needed or wanted in my personal life. Little did I know that Islam would change my life. No human could have ever convinced me that I would finally be at peace and overflowing with love and joy because of Islam.
This book spoke of the one God, the Creator of the universe. It described the beautiful way in which He had organized the world. This wondrous Qur’an had all the answers. God is The Loving! God is the Source of Peace! God is the Protector! God is the Forgiver! God is the Provider! God is the Maintainer! God is the Generous One! God is the Responsive! God is the Protecting Friend! God is the Expander!
“Have we not expanded thee thy breast? And removed from thee thy burden the which did gall thy back? And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)? So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty there is relief!” (Qur’an, 94:1-6)
The Qur’an addressed all the issues of existence and showed a clear path to success. It was like a map forgiving, an owner manual for life!

Article by: arabnews.com

Blessed Places where Dua’as are Accepted

Every Dua and supplication made by the Muslims to the Allah Almighty should be made with the belief that it will be acknowledged by our merciful Lord if it is in the best of our concerns.
Salman reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Your Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted One, is Modest and Generous, and He loathes to turn away His servant empty-handed when he raises his hands to Him in supplication.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.)
However, there are some times and specific places particularly in Makkah and Medina where one’s Dua is surely accepted.

• Every Muslim knows that if he will make a supplication in front of Ka’aba or from where ever Ka’aba is visible, there is no chance that his supplication will not be granted.
• While performing Tawaf and Sa’ee.
• On the hills and in between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
• Near to Hajr-e-Aswad, the Black Stone.
• Under Meezaab-e-Rahmat which is the water outlet at the roof of Ka’aba.
• Near to Rukn-e-Yamaani which is the crack in the Holy Kaaba where Ali (RA) was born.
• Near to Maqaam-e-Ibrahim also known as the Station of Ibrahim (AS)
• Near to the Jamraat which is the three stone pillars in Mina where Muslims stone the satan.
• Near to the Multazam
• Near to the Well of Zam Zam
• Between Rukn-e-Yamaani and Maqaame Ibrahim.
• At Mina, especially in Masjid Khaif
• At Arafaat, a desert location where the pilgrim spends the 9th of Zul Hijjah as a rite of Hajj.
• At Mash’arul Haraam
• In the Hateem , the semi circular area next to Ka’aba.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Your supplication will be answered if you are not impatient, and if you do not say, ‘I supplicated but my supplication was not heard’.”
Although some places are best for the acceptance of supplications and dua’as, the Muslims must realize that the doors of Mercy and acceptance of Allah are open all the time. The guidance of Allah and His apostle (PBUH) encourages the Muslims to continuously pray to their merciful and Generous Lord as the supplication of a believer is indeed a worship of his Lord as said by our beloved Prophet (PBUH) and reported by Nu’man b. Bashir:
“Verily supplication is worship.”

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk