Harms of Delaying the Hajj

Harms of Delaying the Hajj

How could a faithful believer accept to leave off Hajj given his capability of fulfilling it with his property and body, when he knows that it is among the obligatory duties and fundamental pillars of Islam?

How could one greedily withhold his property from performing this obligatory duty, given that he spends it on what his soul desires?

How could one not want to tire himself in Hajj given that he tires and fatigues himself in worldly affairs?

How could one become too lethargic to fulfill this obligatory duty given that it is due only once in the lifetime?

How could one delay performing Hajj given that he does not know whether he would have the power to reach it after this year or not?
Beware  of  hoping to live long!

O you, whom Allaah The Almighty gave property and he has not yet performed Hajj! It should be known to you that life is short, what remains thereof is shorter (than what has elapsed), the appointed term is decreed but not known,   not available all the time and health is not assured perpetually.

1)- Have you not heard Allaah The Almighty saying to His Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) (what means): {Let them eat and enjoy themselves and be diverted by [false] hope, for they are going to know.} [Quran 15:3]

That is to say, let them live as cattle, interested only in food and desires and engaged in hope, as having excessive ambitions will divert them from obeying the Lord of the Worlds.

Have you not heard the statement of Allaah The Almighty (which means): {Do they not look into the realm of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allaah has created and [think] that perhaps their appointed time has come near?} [Quran 7:185]

2- Have you not heard Anas bin Maalik may Allaah be pleased with him saying, “The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) drew a line and said:‘This is (the example of) man.’Then, he drew another line beside it and said:‘That is his lifetime.’Then, he drew a third line far from it (the first) and said: ‘That is (man's) hope, and while he is in this state (of hope), the nearer line (death) attacks him.’" [Al-Bukhaari]

3- The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), feared for us from having excessive hope of living too long. In this respect, it was narrated on the authority of Jaabir may Allaah be pleased with him that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: "Fancies and extensive hope (to live too long) are what I fear most for my Ummah (nation). As for fancy, it diverts (people) from the truth; and as for the extensive hope, it causes one to forget the Hereafter." [Al-Haakim]

4- So, talk yourself to account and hurry, O heedless one!.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri may Allaah have mercy upon him said, "Hurry, hurry (to do good things), for it is only breaths (which connect you with that life) and if they stop, your deeds which bring you closer to Allaah The Exalted would stop as well. May Allaah have mercy upon the man who looks at himself and then weeps for the number of his sins." Then, he recited the following verse (which means): {We only count out to them a [limited] number.} [Quran 19:84] He resumed, "The last number to be counted is your death, departure from your family and entering your grave."

You have a limited number of steps which you can never exceed and a fixed number of breaths beyond which you will never go.
For this reason, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), urges us to hurry (to do good deeds) and avail ourselves of (the opportunity offered by) life and time.

1- It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: "Hasten to (good) deeds before (the coming of) seven (things): are you waiting for poverty that causes one to forget (remembering Allaah and the Hereafter), richness that causes one to transgress all due bounds, sickness that corrupts (the health), old age that brings about senility (by which one might lose reason), inevitable and sudden death, (the affliction of) Ad-Dajjaal, which is an absent but expected evil, or the Hour, and the Hour is more disastrous and more bitter" [At-Tirmithi]

2- It was further narrated on the authority of Jaabir bin ‘Abdullaah may Allaah be pleased with him that he said that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), addressed them in a Khutbah (sermon) saying: “O people! Turn in repentance to Allaah before you die, and hasten to do righteous deeds before you are occupied (by illness and the like of it), and maintain what is between you and your Lord (i.e. His right over you) by remembering Him frequently, and giving charity frequently in secret and public, so that you would be provided with sustenance and victory and your affairs would be mended." [Ibn Maajah]

3- It was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said to a man while instructing him: "Avail yourself of five (good benefits you have) before (the coming of) five (evil things you would suffer from): (avail yourself of) your youth before (the coming of) your old age, your health before (the coming of) your illness, your richness before (the coming of) your poverty, your leisure before (the coming of) your occupation and your life before (the coming of) your death." [Al-Haakim]

You have to show regret and turn in repentance today before you are forced to show regret on a day on which it would be of no profit to you to regret. At that time, man would say (what means):

• {"My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind."} [Quran 23:99-100]

• {Or [lest] it says when it sees the punishment, "If only I had another turn so I could be among the doers of good."} [Quran 39:58]

Put before your eyes the following Statement of Allaah The Almighty (which means): {And spend [in the Way of Allaah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous." But never will Allaah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allaah is acquainted with what you do.} [Quran 63:10-11]

At the time death approaches you, you would neither return to your World, nor add to your good deeds. You have to work for the Day of Judgment, the Day of grief and regret.

Adhere to that gain by availing yourself of those virtuous seasons, which cannot be substituted.

Hasten to do good and hurry before the attack of death;

Before the indulgent shows regret for his indulgence;

Before he asks to be sent back to life to do righteousness, and his question receives no answer;

Before death impedes the hopeful from realizing his hope;

Before one becomes in his hole, in pledge of the deed which he has sent forth.

You should know that if one does not avail himself of the opportunity, it would turn into a cause of grief. Means might be available to you today, but not tomorrow.

Thus, sow today to reap tomorrow, and tomorrow is very near.

You should know that if Allaah The Almighty wills good for a slave, He expands his breast to accept that in which there lies his prosperity and salvation, and uses his organs in doing what pleases Him.

The successful happy one is the one, who, if instruction is given to him, his heart is opened to it, and his organs become responsive to act upon it. Those have the glad tidings (of Paradise) as stated by the Lord who says (what means): {So give good tidings to My servants who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allaah has guided, and those are people of understanding.} [Quran 39:17-18]

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Reflections on the Meanings of Takbeer

Reflections on the Meanings of Takbeer

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, La ilaaha illallaah, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-Hamd

(Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship but Allaah. Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, to Him belongs all praise!)
Takbeer is one of the rituals of ‘Eed in Islam. It is a confirmed act of the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) to be done on ‘Eed Al-Fitr and ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha, and it is more obvious on ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha because it continues in the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah along with the days of At-Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Thul-Hijjah) in which saying Takbeer is prescribed in general, whereas it is prescribed on the day of ‘Arafah and the days of ‘Eed in particular.

Some formulas of Takbeer were authentically reported – most of them are close in structure, so it is preferable to reflect upon one formula to derive some actions that should take place in the heart of the Muslim when uttering this beautiful form of Thikr and glorification of Allaah The Almighty.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, La ilaaha illallaah, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-Hamd

(Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship but Allaah. Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, to Him belongs all praise!)
Look at these words again and again, and you will find letters of light written with tranquility. They are three consecutive Takbeers like pearls in a necklace chosen from the noblest words and phrases. It is the word of monotheism and dedication followed by another Takbeer celebrating The One True God and by a third Takbeer mingled with gratitude and praise. They trip on the tongue sweeter than honey! When a Muslim sees the letters decorated in such a way, he feels comfortable, happy, and is exhausted no more. He hears a voice that motivates him to work. So, what about the content and meaning with which these letters address the heart? Does this inspire the soul to seek these meanings? Does this require the religious people to ardently strive for the good things and gifts reflected by these phrases?

Below are brief reflections on some of the meanings of Takbeer that Allaah The Almighty guided us to know by His favor, wishing they go deep in the hearts to awaken the ones overtaken by somnolence and activate the ones who have fallen prey to lethargy Thus, the heart travels by this Takbeer to Allaah The Almighty to obtain its share of love for Him and what He loves and enjoy drawing close to Him.

First reflection
 
Takbeer signifies worshiping Allaah The Almighty by celebrating His Name Al-Kabeer (The Grandest) and the implication of His being Grand. Allaah The Almighty loves His being and His perfect Attributes. He loves to be worshiped and mentioned by these Attributes and testify to the fact that their impacts and influences do exist. To do so, Allaah The Almighty ordained for His slaves to do all that helps to magnify these sublime attributes and glorify these beautiful Names although He is in no need for that.

Indeed, nobody can praise Allaah The Almighty as He should be praised, but He alone can duly praise Himself. It is the mercy of Allaah The Almighty to His slaves that He showed them how they could draw close to Him by remembering Him and granted them knowledge whereby they could recognize Him. As a result, Allaah The Almighty will bless them, show them mercy, and purify them. Otherwise, they will be like animals, or even worse. The fact that Allaah The Almighty is Grand necessitates drawing close to Him by means of this Name, which includes saying Takbeer. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And glorify Him with [grand] glorification."}[Quran 17:111]

Allaah The Almighty is described as being Grand and Superior, and this pertains to the nuances of grandness. So, Takbeer should be a means whereby the slave seeks to understand the Name of Allaah Al-Kabeer and realize the impact of this beautiful Name in terms of worshiping Allaah, believing in His Oneness, and loving Him.

The Name of Allaah The Almighty Al-Kabeer is always associated with His Name Al-‘Aliyy (the Most High) in the Quran. Highness and supremeness necessitate smallness in the perception of human senses. In other words, the higher a thing goes, the smaller it looks. Thus, it is more befitting that Highness of Allaah is associated with His Grandness. This denotes that Allaah possesses absolute Highness and absolute grandness, and therefore, this negates any possibility of comprehending His being and it cuts off all the means that lead to it. What belongs to Allaah The Almighty cannot be measured by the human perception, nor can His unique features be judged by the criteria of their features. He is Al-‘Aliyy (the Most High) in a way that is never subject to physical requirements, and He is Al-Kabeer (the Grandest) whose Grandness does not contradict the perfection of highness.

There is another beautiful point in the association of the two sublime Names, that is, grandness describes beings more frequently than highness. Highness may reflect the loftiness of being, of attributes, or the highness of actions; grandness, however, usually modifies the being. Thus, their association indicates the highness of being in His name Al-‘Aliyy, which is supported and highlighted by the description of grandness. Allaah The Almighty possesses absolute Highness of being over all His Creatures by virtue of this association.

Also, ponder on the context of the verses where this honorable Name (Al-Kabeer) is mentioned, and you will find that it occurs in the context of exalting Allaah The Almighty above every fault or imperfection committed by people regarding the right of Tawheed and worshiping Him without partner. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {[They will be told], "That is because, when Allaah was called upon alone, you disbelieved; but if others were associated with Him, you believed. So the judgment is with Allaah, Al-‘Aliyy Al-Kabeer (the Most High and the Grand)."} [Quran 40:12] Allaah The Almighty is Al-Kabeer (The Grand), and none is grander than Him. His absolute grandness is evidence that He must be worshipped Alone, which is implied in saying Takbeer. Anything else is more entitled to belittlement or smallness. How does the heart become attached to such small things?
  
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Sublime Benefits and Objectives of Hajj

Sublime Benefits and Objectives of Hajj

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam which was prescribed in the ninth year after the Hijrah (emigration) of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). It is out of the mercy of Allaah The Almighty towards His slaves that He has enjoined Hajj upon them at least once in a lifetime. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [due] to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.} [Quran 3:97]

Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) addressed them saying: “O people, Allaah has made Hajj obligatory for you; so perform Hajj.” Thereupon, Al-Aqra‘ ibn Haabis said, “O Messenger of Allaah, (is it to be performed) every year?” The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), remained silent, but the man repeated (these words) thrice, whereupon the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “If I were to say ‘yes’, it would become obligatory (for you to perform it every year) and you would not be able to do it.”Then he said: “Leave me with what I have left to you, for those who were before you were destroyed because of excessive questioning, and their opposition to their prophets.” [Saheeh Muslim and others]

The occasion of Hajj has many benefits and objectives spanning  ideological, personal, societal, moral and educational aspects. These include the following:

1- Deepening faith and strengthening piety:

There is no doubt that performing Hajj in the Sharee‘ah-prescribed manner strengthens faith and cleanses the self from its impurities. It rouses Islamic emotions with the purpose of realizing the greatness of Allaah The Almighty and feeling humble submission to Him where pilgrims actually live for a number of appointed days in the atmosphere of divine inspiration and in the places of the revelation of the Noble Quran. Thus, thousands of souls head in overwhelming spirituality towards greater, more tangible religious commitment, complete submission to Allaah The Exalted, sincere adherence to and fruitful interaction with His orders and prohibitions.

Allaah The Almighty referred to this great purpose and the useful positive meanings it encompasses in the verse in which He Says about a Hajj ritual (what means): {Their meat will not reach Allaah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.} [Quran 22:37]

2- Feeling the sacrifices of the first Muslims:

The heightened spirituality of the days of Hajj makes the Muslims recall the early days of Prophethood. A believer experiences first-hand the extent of the sacrifices of the Companions may Allaah be pleased with them and realizes the efforts of the first Muslims who established the basics of religion, adhered to the rulings and spread the virtues and merits of this religion. They endured the sufferings and trials they faced from their enemies and the sacrifices they offered in terms of their souls, money, families, times and interests. Due to these trials and sacrifices, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), warned against disparaging or abusing them. He said:"Allaah, Allaah! Fear Him with regard to my Companions! Do not revile them after me! Whoever loves them loves them with his love for me…" He also said in another narration:“If any one of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in the cause of Allaah) it would not be equal to even a handful or even half a handful of what was spent by one of them." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

3- Total obedience to Allaah The Almighty:

Performing the rituals of Hajj in spite of the variety of their forms, times and places and the difference in their utterances, numbers and contents instills in the souls of the pilgrims the value of obeying Allaah, the One and the Only. It teaches them to comply in totality with His orders, rulings and instructions even if they do not know the wisdom behind them or their material consequences.

Among the actions that prove this total submission to Allaah are performing Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah seven times, kissing the Black Stone, throwing the pebbles with known and appointed times and numbers, standing at ‘Arafaat and then heading at night towards Muzdalifah to stay the night therein.

Thus, the physical, intellectual and spiritual activities of man merge in a great and noble manner for him to get used to executing the orders of Allaah The Almighty and adhering to His instructions with truthfulness, sincerity, submission and humility without hesitation nor delay, even if the material benefits of this do not appear immediately.

‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him used to kiss the Black Stone and say, "No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) kissing you, I would not have kissed you."[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

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Hajj: Lessons for Life

Hajj: Lessons for Life

There are many lessons that could be learned from Hajj and that have great benefits for individuals and the entire Ummah (Muslim nation).

Dear reader, the following are some of these lessons:

1.  Gaining piety (fear of Allaah The Almighty)

Piety is the aim of Hajj and the best of all matters as Allaah The Almighty Advised the former and the latter peoples Saying (what means):

·   {Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allaah Knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allaah (piety). And fear Me, O you of understanding.} [Quran 2:197]

·   {Their meat will not reach Allaah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.}[Quran 22:37]

·   {That [is so]. And whoever honors the Symbols of Allaah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.}[Quran 22:32]

The people of understanding whom Allaah The Almighty chose to fear Him draw lessons from Hajj to obtain piety. They look at the origin of the Divine legislation and its important status in religion, and realize that true love for Allaah The Almighty and slavery to Him are only achieved when one prefers what Allaah The Almighty wills to what he personally wills.

A good example of this is Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention whom Allaah The Almighty ordered to slaughter his only son, Ismaa‘eel may Allaah exalt his mention the son that he was granted at an old age and the apple of his eyes.

This was a great trial that shows true faith and sincerity, as Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention gave all Muslims a great lesson in being sincere to Allaah The Almighty by preferring what Allaah The Almighty decreed to what he wanted regardless of how precious this matter was. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention hastened to do what Allaah The Almighty ordered him to do despite his deep love and great mercy and pity towards his beloved son, so he succeeded and passed the test. Allaah The Almighty showed mercy to him and prevented the knife from cutting the throat of his son and ransomed Ismaa‘eel may Allaah exalt his mention with a great sacrifice and made this a confirmed act of the Sunnah for Muslims until the Day of Judgment. This was a great lesson for Muslims to treat Allaah The Almighty in the same way that they treat the ones they love and to sacrifice what they want for the sake of Allaah The Almighty and what He loves.

If pilgrims grasped this meaning and realized this great secret for which sacrifices were legislated, they would return after performing Hajj with these great lessons and they would never slacken or refrain from fulfilling the orders of Allaah The Almighty. They would never prefer the joy of sleeping to praying Fajr (Dawn prayer).

Love of money would never prevent them from abandoning cheating, injustice, Riba, giving less than what is due or selling merchandise by making false oaths.

Love of desires and women would never prevent them from lowering their gaze, maintaining their chastity and guarding their private parts in order to prefer what Allaah The Almighty loves to what their souls love seeking the reward and satisfaction of Allaah The Almighty in this life and the Hereafter.

Love of this life would not prevent them from spending money and sacrificing their soul in the Way of Allaah The Almighty.

You can compare many other matters to these ones.

This is how the people of understanding learn the great lessons of Hajj in order to gain piety.

2.  Getting used to Thikr (Remembrance of Allaah)

Thikr is the greatest aim of all acts of worship and it is greatly manifested in Hajj. This is because Tawaaf, Sa‘y and throwing the pebbles were all legislated in order to remember Allaah The Almighty according to the narrations of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).

When pilgrims remember Allaah The Almighty constantly while performing these acts of worship, they feel assured, have peace of mind and draw closer to Him. Consequently, this will get them accustomed to remembering Allaah The Almighty after Hajj.

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Your wife is your friend

 saudigazette

Your wife is your friend

Picture this; you are heading to your friend’s house to watch a soccer game. Before you reach, your friend gives you a call.

He says, “Bro, don’t forget to stop by the market and bring some chips and soft drinks!”

You reply, “Good thinking, right away man!”

You watched the soccer match and had a great time hanging out with your buddies. Now, you’re heading home, and guess what?

Your wife calls. You grudgingly answer and she says, “Baby, we need some bread, and butter so I can make you a sandwich to take to work tomorrow.”
You reply, “What? I just bought some bread 3 days ago, what is wrong with you? You are just wasting my money!”

Reading different articles and different studies show that the divorce rate is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. According to one particular study, 1 in 5 marriages in Saudi Arabia end in divorce.

The definition of marriage in Islam is: A contract that results in the man and woman living with each other and supporting each other within the limits of what has been laid down for them in terms of rights and obligations.

The scholar, Ibn Othaimeen, says, “It is a mutual contract between a man and a woman whose goal is for each to enjoy the other, building a pious family and a sound society.”

Webster’s definition of marriage is: the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.

In my opinion, if spouses treat one another with mutual respect and love, marriage is really living the dream; it is about helping one another to be a better person and to please the Creator.

Is marriage obligatory?

According to many Islamic scholars, marriage is recommended. However, for certain individuals it becomes wajib (obligatory). The general opinion is that if a person, male or female, fears that if he/she does not marry they will commit fornication, then marriage becomes obligatory. If a person has strong sexual urges then it becomes obligatory for that person to marry.
Marriage should not be put off or delayed, especially if one has the means to do so.

A man, however should not marry if he does not possess the means to maintain a wife and future family.

The general rule is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) enjoined people to marry.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When one marries, they have fulfilled half of their religion, so let them fear God regarding the remaining half.” (narrated by Anas ibn Malik)

Islam greatly encourages marriage because it shields one from wrongful actions and upholds the family unit.

The wife has many rights which the husband is obligated to uphold.

Maintenance

The husband is responsible for the wife’s maintenance. This right has been established in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

It is inconsequential whether the wife is Muslim, non-Muslim, rich, poor, healthy or sick. It is the husband’s role to bear the financial responsibility of the family in a generous way so that his wife may be assured a decent living.

This entails the wife’s right to housing, clothing, food, and general care, like medication, hospital bills. He must provide for her, according to his means. The wife’s home must be adequate so as to ensure her privacy, comfort, and independence.

If a woman used to have a maid previously in her family, or if she is unable to attend to her household duties, it is the husband’s duty to provide her with a maid or domestic help if he can afford to do so.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best Muslim is one who is the best husband.”

Mahr

The wife is entitled to a marriage gift that is her own. This may be prompt or deferred depending on the agreement between the parties. A marriage is not valid without mahr, and it is for the wife, not her father or brother or anyone else. It does not have to be money or gold. It can be non-material. Mahr is a gift from the groom to the bride. This is the Islamic law, unlike some cultures whereby the bride’s parents pay the future husband to marry the daughter. This practice degrades women and is contrary to the spirit of Islam. There is no specification in the Qur’an as to what or how much the mahr has to be. It depends on the parties involved.

Non-material rights

A husband is commanded by the law of God to treat his wife with equity, respect her feelings and show kindness and consideration. The Prophet’s last sermon that he gave to the Muslim community before his death stressed kindness to women.

As for the husband’s rights; among the wife’s obligations is to contribute to the success and happiness of the marriage. She should be attentive to the comfort and wellbeing of her husband, and vice-versa of course.

The wife should be trustworthy and honest. She cannot deceive her husband by deliberately avoiding conceiving. She should not have any sexual intimacy with anyone other than her husband. She should not receive or entertain strange males in the house without his knowledge and consent. She should not accept gifts from other men without his approval. This is meant to avoid jealousy, suspicion, and gossip. She should not dispose of his belongings without his permission.

A wife should make herself attractive to her husband and be responsive to his advances. The wife should not refuse her husband without reason as this may lead to marital problems. The husband, of course, should take into account the wife’s health and consideration of circumstances.

The best description that I have ever read describing the closeness of husband and wife to each other is the description in the verse in the Qur’an which says: {they are your garments and you are their garments}. (Chapter 2, verse 187)
Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, comfort, cover, support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans.

There is always time and room for fun in the marriage too.

Remember that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) found the time to go out to the desert and race with his wife Aisha. She outran him but later after she had gained some weight, he outran her.

Remember that the Prophet (peace be upon him) took his wife to watch the young Ethiopians playing and dancing their folk dances.

Caring about your spouse’s emotions is just as important as taking care of the physical needs. The show of emotions is necessary to keep the marital bond away from rusting and disintegrating.

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Kingdom to focus on Haj and Umrah for revenue

Kingdom to focus on Haj and Umrah for revenue

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia will strengthen its Haj and Umrah service sector as part of a diversification strategy and reduce dependence on falling oil revenue.

Analysts have emphasized that Haj/Umrah is the second most important economic sector after oil and gas.

Economists consider Haj and Umrah as vital sectors with significant growth potential and ability to create more job opportunities for young Saudi men and women.

The tourism sector contributes SR85 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) with Haj and Umrah providing a whopping SR45 billion.

With the completion of expansion projects at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah, the revenue from the sector is expected to double.

Saudi Arabia currently receives nearly two million foreign Haj pilgrims annually. The figure is expected to reach 2.7 million by 2020.

It also receives more than six million Umrah pilgrims in nine months of the year. The figure is meager compared to the Kingdom’s potentials.

The tourism sector was instrumental in creating more than 100,000 jobs for Saudis within a short span.

Revenue from the tourism, Umrah and Haj sector is expected to grow by SR35 billion during the next five years through cultural, historical and medical tourism.

Abdul Ghani Al-Ansari, a member of the National Tourism Committee, emphasized the need to restructure the sector to make it a major contributor to the national economy.

There are 49 Saudi companies that are licensed to provide Umrah services. There are a similar number of Haj service firms in addition to 3,000 foreign agents. The total number of pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah is estimated at between 7.3 million to 7.5 million, contributing SR57 billion to the GDP. This figure is likely to increase in the coming years, he said.

“The total capacity of hostels and furnished apartments in Makkah and Madinah is not fully utilized due to lack of good planning,” Al-Ansari told Okaz/Saudi Gazette.

Makkah can now accommodate 12 million pilgrims while Madinah can house only 230,000 visitors. “This shows there is big gap when we compare the two holy cities,” he pointed out.

He called for the establishment of a center to discuss revenues generated from Haj and Umrah.

He urged authorities to increase the number of Umrah service firms to more than 100 to bring more pilgrims from all over the world.

The Ministry of Haj can meet its annual budget on its own without any need to depend on government funds to implement its projects, he said.

Economist Abdullah Katib estimated the annual revenue from the Haj season at SR20-23 billion on the basis of the number of Hajis, which had fallen during the past five years as a result of expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

“About 40 percent of this revenue comes from housing, 15 percent from gifts, 10 percent from food and the remaining from other services,” Katib said.

“As a result of ongoing expansion projects, the number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims is expected to increase by not less than 30 percent during the next five years. This demands construction of more hotels and housing units. This will enable the housing sector alone to generate SR9-12 billion during the same period,” he explained.

He said the annual increase should be balanced in order for the holy sites to accommodate the Hajis.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Hajj and the Invitation to Islam

Hajj and the Invitation to Islam

Hajj is a great pillar of Islam that does not need any clarification of its virtues, merits and rank in Islam. It is adequate to mention that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Allaah The Exalted placed it in a high status in the hearts of all Muslims.

Allaah The Exalted honored Makkah with the presence of the Sacred House, and therefore the hearts of all Muslims are inclined to it. People from the east and the west, in fact, from every corner of the globe come to Makkah with a longing heart. Some may have been waiting years for this moment. Unfortunately, some of the dwellers of Makkah do not realize the great virtues and merits of Hajj as other Muslims, who yearn to perform Hajj.

Some people have a lifetime wish to perform Hajj. They spend their lives saving money just to perform Hajj; just to perform the obligatory Hajj once in their lifetime. These Muslims may turn 50, 60, or 70 without being financially able to perform Hajj and may die before fulfilling this wish.

If you find yourself amazed at such people, allow me to relate a story about a man who was imprisoned in the USA. This prisoner was asked, “What caught your attention the most while serving your sentence in prison?” The prisoner replied, “There was a Muslim man from Nigeria who was imprisoned with me. I noticed that he was always sad, depressed, and distressed. I thought that he was suffering from a financial crisis or that his family was struggling with an ordeal or that he was sentenced to death. I had many thoughts about the reasons behind his distress and sadness, but they were very far away from the real reason. I had the chance to sit with him once; so, I asked him, “I see you always sad and depressed; what is saddening you?” He replied, “I am only concerned with one issue.” I inquired, “What is it?” He responded, “I am a Muslim and I have been sentenced to 50 years in prison, and I am now over 30 [or perhaps he said 40]. This means that if I serve my sentence, I will die in prison. This means that I will miss the chance of performing Hajj in my life.”

This was the biggest worry and greatest problem of a man who was imprisoned and exempted from Hajj, according to the Islamic Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation).

This story highlights the great significance of Hajj in the hearts of Muslims.
Even sinners and dissolute persons, despite their sins and dissoluteness, yearn to perform Hajj. They long to go to the Ka‘bah. Some people are said to have admonished a poet who was known for his dissoluteness and drinking wine. When the poet got fed up with their admonishment, he composed a poem that means, “If I performed the five daily prayers, Allaah The Exalted Would Forgive my dissoluteness. I have not associated partners with Allaah and I hold on to the true religion of Islam. I [wish to] participate in Jihaad and earn some money in order to perform Hajj. This religion is plain and clear; so, spare me treading the hidden paths.”
 
Dear readers, despite this man’s dissoluteness, he yearned to perform Hajj and was willing to exert great efforts to fulfill that dream!

People from all over the world, from different countries, nationalities, languages, schools of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), sets of beliefs, and ideologies, come to Makkah. Some of them are pious, devout, knowledgeable and active worshippers and others are the exact opposite. We should ask ourselves, what do we offer these pilgrims? What do we, the people of Makkah, do for pilgrims who come from every corner of the globe? What do we do? What do the callers to Allaah do for them? What do the seekers of knowledge do for these pilgrims? What do the scholars offer their fellow Muslims?
Dear reader, you should ask yourself these questions and ponder on the answer in real life. Then, you should compare it to the following narration that is cited in the Sunnah books. A year after the first Pledge of Al-‘Aqabah, during the season of Hajj, the second Pledge of Al-‘Aqabah took place. Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah may Allaah be pleased with him said,

“The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) spent ten years following the pilgrims while they were performing the rites of Hajj (in Majannah, ‘Ukaath, and Mina), saying to them: “Who would support me so that I can deliver the Message of my Lord to the people and he would be rewarded with Paradise?” However, he received no answer. A man would leave his home in Mudhar or Yemen and his people and relatives would warn him about the man of Quraysh, i.e. the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). They would say to him, “Beware of this man of Quraysh so that he would not tempt you [to forsake the religion of your fathers and grandfathers].”

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to walk by the tents of the pilgrims, inviting them to Islam and people would point at him and whisper among themselves. Then, Allaah The Exalted chose us from Yathrib [Madeenah] to believe in him. A man from Yathrib would come and meet with the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) listen to the Quran and embrace Islam. He would go back to his people and communicate the message of Islam to his townsfolk until there was not a single house in Madeenah except that some of its dwellers had proclaimed their Islam. Then, we identified leaders from among ourselves and seventy of us assembled. We asked ourselves, “How long will we stand still while the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is roaming in the mountains of Makkah and Muslims are afraid of the people of Quraysh?”

We went to Makkah in the season of Hajj and arranged a meeting with the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in Al-‘Aqabah territory. We went to the place of meeting individually or in pairs until we all reached the place. We asked the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) about the principles over which he would take a pledge. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) answered:

• To listen and obey in all sets of circumstances.
• To spend in plenty as well as in scarcity.
• To enjoin good and forbid evil.
• In the service of Allaah, you will fear the censure of none.
• To defend me in case I seek your help, and debar me from anything which you debar yourself, your spouses and children. And if you observe those precepts, Paradise is in store for you.

When we started paying allegiance to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) As‘ad ibn Zuraarah may Allaah be pleased with him who was the youngest of the seventy apart from me, stood up and gave the following short address: "Take it easy people of Yathrib! We have covered that long distance because we have deep belief that he (Muhammad) sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is the Messenger of Allaah. We are already convinced that following him entails departure from the pagan Arabs even if it were at the risk of our lives. Should you persevere in this course, hold fast to it, and your great reward is placed in the Hand of Allaah, but if you are caught in fear, I admonish you to give it up right now, and then you would be more excusable by Allaah.” We said, “Move your hand away from us, As‘ad. By Allaah we would never forsake or annul this pledge.” We started giving the pledge to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) one by one. He repeated the terms of the pledge for us and guaranteed we would enter Paradise.” [Ahmad, Al-Bayhaqi, and Al-Haakim]
 
This is only part of the narration, but this part sheds light on the topic under discussion. Dear pilgrim who is determined to come from your faraway country to perform Hajj, let us ponder on the Sunnah of your Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), to find out how he seized this great blessed spiritual season. Then, let us ponder on its great fruits.

Is not humanity today in dire need for this guidance?
Do people not come to the Ka‘bah with longing humble submissive hearts?
Did Allaah The Almighty not make a covenant with the people of knowledge? Did Allaah The Exalted not command us to call to Islam? What did you do? What have you prepared for your Hajj?
Dear Muslims who are heading towards Makkah to perform Hajj, you should follow the example of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).

You should call to the religion of truth even if it is through a book or a tape. You should consult with the people of knowledge and wisdom about this. Do not deprive yourself by wasting such a great gathering that may not be given to some, or rather many, people except once in a lifetime. Make full use of this chance to benefit from those people whose knowledge and piety is worthy of benefiting from and help those who came with longing and humble hearts. Clarify doubtful matters for the ignorant people, advise the sinners and do righteous deeds so that you may prosper.

I would like to remind you to be courteous and hold on to wisdom in calling people to Allaah The Exalted who Says (what means): {Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.} [Quran 16:125]

If you are unable to practice Da‘wah (inviting to Islam), then spare people your evil, help the pilgrims, receive them with a cheerful face, and deal with them kindly with the refined Islamic morals. This would in itself be one of the best forms of Da‘wah.

Article by: www.islamweb.net

The blessings of water

The blessings of water

Water is the most important liquid for human survival. Water has been on earth since its beginning. Without water there would be no life on earth. Water makes up about 71% of the Earth’s surface, while the other 29% consists of continents and islands. Did you know that that 96.5 per cent of all the earth’s water is salt water in oceans and seas? The remaining 3.5% is fresh water from rivers and lakes and frozen water in the polar ice tops. And, 69% of the 3.5% fresh water is in the form of ice. If we could melt all that ice, and the earth’s surface was perfectly smooth, the sea levels would rise to an altitude of 2.7 km. The human body consists of 75% water.

Water is one of the key elements responsible for life on earth. Water circulates through the land just as it does through the human body, transporting, dissolving, and replenishing nutrients and organic matter, while carrying away waste material. It also regulates the activities of fluids, tissues, cells, lymph, blood, and glandular secretions.

An average adult body contains 42 liters of water and with just a small loss of 2.7 liters a person can suffer from dehydration, dizziness, weakness, and headaches. The role of water is vital role in our health and essential for cell function.

The 75% of water in our body helps us swallow and digest food. Without water, all chemical reactions in our body would not take place, including carryingaway the substances that we do not need any more. Water regulates our body temperature and without water, we would be unable to live for a few days.

In our every day life we use water in our houses, to grow plants for food, in industries and factories, to produce energy and electricity, in transportation and trade. Whatever we think of to continue living, water is always there.

In the history of humanity, water has been the center of civilizations. Communities were established close to fresh drinking water sources such as wells, or in a region known of rain as a source of fresh water.

Traditional and modern medicine has been making use of the psychological and physiological diverse properties of water. Since early centuries and up until today, numerous healing springs located all around the world have been recognized for their benefits with historical records of how the water springs had curative properties.

Of the scientific marvels in the Holy Qur’an, water was mentioned as the source of all life.
“Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?” (21:30)

Fourteen centuries ago, the Holy Qur’an has revealed that water is a part of every living organism. Centuries later after the invention of the microscope, scientists discovered that the cytoplasm and the basic substance of the cell is made up of 80% water.

There are facts that mankind had not been aware of before the twentieth century yet they were mentioned in the Holy Qur’an.

Water in the seas and oceans regulates the temperature of the Earth, and it maintains marine life. The combination of hot and cold sea currents, the absorption of a great amount of sunlight and energy from the activities of the various marine life forms are all regulated by water.

When we study facts about water, we can see the amazing creative power that gave water a number of physical and chemical characteristics that are not found in other elements.

The low density of frozen water enables it to float on the surface of seas and oceans, otherwise if it sunk to the bottom of oceans and seas, it would interfere with underwater life. Moreover, the molecular structure of water with its double pole and resistance to dissolution and ionization, its freezing and boiling points and the high specific and latent heat, impressive viscosity and surface tension, its great ability in the processes of oxidation and reduction and to react with many chemical compounds help to crack the soil to facilitate the germination of plants. Water carries out a major role in all plants, animals and people. It is considered to be one of the great miracles of Allah.

Humans have been exploiting and abusing the sources of fresh water such as rivers, lakes, and also oceans and seas by contamination and pollution.
Water is a blessing from Allah, essential to all our bodily functions and life. We must conserve water and preserve it for ourselves and for the generations to come.

Abdullah ibn Amr reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed by Saad while he was performing ablution. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “What is this extravagance?” Saad said, “Is there extravagance with water in ablution?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Yes, even if you were on the banks of a flowing river.” Source: Sunan ibn Majah 425

Muslims should avoid wasting water.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Messages from the Holy Qur’an: Taqwah

Messages from the Holy Qur’an: Taqwah

The Holy Qur’an is a book of guidance for all of humanity. Some verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to address a particular issue that occurred in the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Some verses of the Holy Qur’an serve as a direct message from Allah to the believing Muslims, regardless of their time in history or geographical place. Muslims should pay great attention to these verses. In several instances in the Holy Qur’an, Allah, glorified is He, explicitly calls out to the believers, {O you who have believed}.


Seven times in the Holy Qur’an, Allah instructs the believers to have taqwah.

Taqwah is one of those Arabic words that cannot be translated exactly into English. To have taqwah means to fear Allah; it means to have piety. A believer who has taqwah is constantly aware of the presence of Allah. A pious believer looks not to what the people would think or say about him/her, but this believer cares more of how he/she acts and behaves in the sight of Allah.

It is taqwah that stands between the believer and sin. A four-year old girl spilled a platter of food on to the kitchen floor; there is grease and tomato sauce everywhere. Her mother rushes in. None is in the house except mother and child. If her in-laws were present, the mother would have calmly wiped it up and reassured her frightened daughter. But now, they are alone in the house. The mother is so angry because it took hours of work to prepare that meal and now it’s splattered on the floor. The mother’s taqwah is what prevents her from hitting her daughter or even scolding her. Because of taqwah, the mother rushes over to hug her daughter, and she says, “It’s OK. It was an accident. Will you help me clean it up?”

Muslims should pay close attention to the messages in the Holy Qur’an that were meant for them. Each time Allah calls on the believers to develop taqwah, Allah also couples taqwah with another command in the same verse. Which are the seven verses in which Allah reminds the Muslims to have taqwah? What other lessons did Allah teach the Muslims in those verses? We will review the verses that have the same beginning: {O you have believed, fear Allah}.

The first verse:
{O you have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should believe.} (Chapter 2, verse 278)

Interest is prohibited in Islam. An economic system based on interest increases the gap between rich and the poor; it makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. According to an article in The Guardian, “The richest 62 people are as wealthy as half the world’s population.”

“In Islam, a person has to earn what he seeks to obtain. The lender of money does nothing thereby to entitle him to anything other than the money lent. In interest transactions there is no division of profit between the two parties on the basis of equality. A person lends his money to someone as a loan on the condition that the borrower has to pay a certain amount of money in addition to the principal within the given time period,” wrote Zahid Zamir, faculty member with the Department of Business and Accounting at York College of the City University of New York.

The second verse:
{O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]} (Chapter 3, verse 102)

It is very important to be sincere and to remain steadfast in our faith no matter what tribulations we may face. Whatever comes our way, we pray to Allah to keep us in the fold of Islam. The scholars say that in our last moments, as death nears, a Muslim may experience a final test. Shaytan whispers evil to the dying Muslim and tries to trick him/her into abandoning the religion of Islam.

That is why it is recommended to repeat this supplication, “Oh Allah! Turner of the hearts, turn my heart towards your deen.”

The third verse:
{O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.} (Chapter 5, verse 35)

So fearing Allah or having taqwah, guarantees success for the believer.

The fourth verse:
{O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.} (Chapter 9, verse 119)

Honesty and truthfulness are admirable qualities of a good, pious Muslim. Not only should I strive to be honest under all circumstances, but I should also look for the company of those who are honest and truthful. The traits of friends rub off on one another.

As the great scholar Imam Al-Shafi’e said in his poem:
“I love the righteous, although I’m not of them
Perhaps I shall receive intercession through them
And I hate he who trades in sins
Although we are both dealing in the same trade.”

The fifth verse
{O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.}(Chapter 33, verse 70)

Again, having taqwah is equated with speaking the truth and dealing with people fairly and justly. How many of us have truly tried to incorporate honesty and justice in our lives?

The sixth verse
{O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of the His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Chapter 57, verse 28)

In this verse having taqwah and fearing Allah is coupled with believing in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This verse is very promising to the Muslims. If Muslims filled their hearts and consciousness with taqwah or piety, the rewards are mercy and forgiveness from Allah, and a light and radiance in the life of the believer.

The seventh verse
{O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Aware of what you do.}  (Chapter 59, verse 18)

What have we prepared for tomorrow? The tomorrow in this verse does not mean the future in this world or our retirement plan. The tomorrow in this verse means the Day of Judgment.

How we can prepare for this tomorrow? We can prepare through acts of worship and acts of goodness: prayer, fasting, reading the Holy Qur’an, defending the weak, helping the poor, giving to orphans, speaking kindly, being good to our neighbor, visiting the sick.

The richness and depth of the meaning of the world taqwah as used in the Qur’an amazes me. Read those verses again and again, and reflect on the messages in the Holy Qur’an which state, {O you who have believed, fear Allah [have taqwah].}

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

World’s largest umbrella being installed in Makkah Haram

World’s largest umbrella being installed in Makkah Haram

MAKKAH — Work started on Thursday for the installation of the world’s largest folding umbrella in the northern courtyard of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

This is the first of the eight high-tech giant umbrellas and 54 small ones to be installed in the Grand Mosque in the coming six months.

Being manufactured in Germany, each canopy will consist of a giant clock, screens of guidelines for worshippers, air-conditioners, and surveillance cameras. Each umbrella will have a height of 45 meters and weigh 16 tons. It will give shade to an area of 2,400 square meters when open.

Some 25 engineers, specialist technicians, and safety experts from Germany will supervise the installation process and electronic operating mechanism. Another 54 small umbrellas will also be installed in the northern courtyard, covering a total area of 19,200 square meters. As part of the project, 122 benches for worshippers to take rest as well as service buildings will be built. The infrastructure work for the installation of canopies have already started.

The entire northern plaza stretching from King Fahd Expansion structure to the King Abdullah Expansion structure of the mosque will have canopies when the project is completed. The shaded area will have the capacity to accommodate around 400,000 worshippers.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques is supervising the project, in cooperation with specialists from the Ministry of Education and the contracting company, which is implementing the largest ever expansion of Islam’s holiest site.

In December 2014, a few weeks before his death, King Abdullah ordered the installation of umbrellas in the courtyards surrounding the Grand Mosque.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, announced then that the King’s order came to provide shading for external plazas, in addition to the areas approved in the King Abdullah Expansion project, with an additional area estimated at 275,000 square meters. More than 300 canopies will provide shade from the sun to the visitors of the Grand Mosque, he said.

Nearly 250 similar umbrellas have been installed on the plazas around the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah earlier. Like blooming flowers, the umbrellas are programmed to fold and unfold in minutely delayed sequence to avoid collision between their moving parts. Their near-silent operation is automatically aligned with changes in the daily temperature. They open each morning, creating a translucent ceiling, and retract each evening in less than three minutes.

In summer, the open umbrellas provide daytime shade and reflect away much of the sun’s radiant energy. When closed at night, they allow residual heat absorbed by the stone floors and walls to escape back into the atmosphere. The process is reversed in winter. When temperatures are relatively low, umbrellas are closed during the day to allow the winter sun to warm the site, and opened at night to retain heat near ground level.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Effect of Hajj on Perfecting Tawheed

Effect of Hajj on Perfecting Tawheed

Every year, the Islamic Ummah (nation) lives this blessed season and these special days which combine between the honor of place and time. It is the occasion of Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah The Almighty. Pilgrims, the guests of Allaah, from all corners of the earth come together hoping to attain the Forgiveness and Pleasure of Allaah The Almighty. Their ears enjoy hearing the Talbiyah and their hearts feel tranquil and humble due to achieving goals and hopes. They head for the Ancient House of Allaah, the Ka‘bah, to which people’s hearts long for and return. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [mention] when We Made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security.} [Quran 2:125]

Hence, there should be a benefit from the universal congregation at this time and the proper means to found and perfect Tawheed of the pilgrims during their stay in this purified country that is established on a solid base of sound creed since it was unified by King ‘Abdul-‘Azeez until the present time. From that time until now, this land has judged according to Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) in the various affairs of life and carefully applies its teachings. It continually tries to unite Muslims and does its best to spread the sound creed via its various facilities whether they are related to Da‘wah (invitation to Islam), the media, education or culture.

Its effective role is clear during Hajj when Muslims come from all over the world, to know each other, love each other and study the matters of their religion. Undoubtedly, this gathering is a chance for Muslims to become closer to each other and remove the image of disunity and aversion. It is also a power that disappoints the Muslims' enemies. It is a meeting on the straight Path of Allaah The Almighty and His sound methodology. The knowledgeable person towards the way of Allaah The Almighty, guides people to the right path, and teaches them. On the other hand, the ignorant person seeks guidance and asks about whatever confuses him; whereas the person who has doubts asks about doubtful matters and seeks the clear answers that go along with the Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) of Allaah The Almighty and the Sunnah (tradition) of His Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).

The Hajj gathering is also a chance to remove the doubts and innovations in religion that are practiced by some Muslim sects that the pilgrim may not realize in his country. This is because steering away from religious innovations and adhering to the guidance of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), are among the main reasons for perfecting Tawheed and following the sound methodology which was approved by Allaah The Almighty for His slaves as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And, this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.} [Quran, 6:153]

Therefore, pilgrims should offer a sincere Hajj for the sake of Allaah The Almighty in conformity with the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), without any increase or decrease or negligence. They should follow the example of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), who said: “Learn your rituals (of Hajj) from me.” They should not let any other matter distract them from their rituals. They should ask the people of knowledge about any difficult or confusing matter. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So ask the people of the message if you do not know.} [Quran 16:43]

There is no doubt that the scholars of this country have a leading role in advising people during the season of Hajj whether in terms of their rituals or morals, dealing with other people and inculcating the true creed in their souls. Despite the few days spent during Hajj in this country, pilgrims have a great chance to meet the scholars there and benefit from their Khutbahs (sermons), lectures and Fatwas (rulings).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – is considered the leader of the Islamic world and the caretaker of sound Islamic principles. Every year, it receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from within it and beyond its borders. It gathers all its material and human powers to organize the affairs of Hajj, serving the pilgrims of the Sacred House, facilitating their transportation and all other services so that they could so easily perform their Hajj without any annoying or distracting matters.

Pilgrims and residents of Saudi Arabia should benefit from the lessons, lectures and Fatwas of scholars there. They must adopt the sound creed of Tawheed and tolerant Islamic teachings and raise their children according to the correct Islamic upbringing away from deviation, extremism, or following the destructive streams and schools of thought which are propagated by the enemies of Islam.

Pilgrims should make the most of the school of Hajj in order to return to their homes carrying the correct message of this religion and its sound, pure creed and achieving the great goal of Hajj, which is to worship Allaah The Almighty Alone.

Article by: www.islamweb.net

Tolerance is Islam’s cardinal principle

image by: arabnews

Tolerance is Islam’s cardinal principle

Tolerance in Islam, is not a mere fairytale phrase, but Muslims live it in reality. Islam urges us to be tolerant and forgive others. This is indicated in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

One of the features of Islam indeed is that it is Deen Al-Rahmah (the religion of mercy). By the same token the Muslim should be easy going, not one who puts others off; he should forgive when he is able to take revenge and be tolerant when people make mistakes.

Tolerance and patience are traits of the soul of every Muslim, a part of his Iman (belief) in the religion of Islam, acknowledging the unparallel sovereignty of our one and only true creator, called in Arabic as “Allah.”

Once when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked, “What is Iman?” he (peace be upon him) replied: “Iman (faith) is patience and tolerance.” (Al-Silsilah Al-Sahihah, No. 554)

Islam may tolerate anything, but it teaches zero tolerance for injustice, oppression, and violation of the rights of Our One and only Creator and that of other human beings.

Tolerance is a basic principle of Islam. It is a religious moral duty. It does not mean “concession, condescension or indulgence.” It does not mean lack of principles, or lack of seriousness about one’s principles. Sometimes it is said, “people are tolerant of things that they do not care about.”

But this is not the case in Islam. Tolerance according to Islam does not mean that we believe that all religions are the same. It does not mean that we do not believe in the supremacy of Islam over other faiths and ideologies.

It does not mean that we do not convey the message of Islam to others and do not wish them to become Muslims. Remember, Tolerance toward falsehood is Intolerance.

Islam teaches tolerance on all levels: Individual, groups and states. It should be a political and legal requirement. Tolerance is the mechanism that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), and the rule of law. There are many levels of tolerance:

a. Among family members — husband and wife, parents and children, siblings etc.

b. Tolerance among members of the community: Tolerance in views and opinions, tolerance among different schools of thought.

c. Tolerance between Muslims and the people of other faiths (interfaith relations, dialogue and cooperation).

Prophet’s example

When one looks into the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), one may draw on many examples to portray the high level of tolerance shown to people of other faiths.

Allah bestowed upon him the best attitude and conduct, and the best way of dealing with people and situations, even though he was illiterate and could neither read nor write. He grew up poor in an ignorant desert land, tending sheep, an orphan with neither father nor mother.

But Allah taught him all good characteristics and good ways, and taught him the stories of earlier and later generations, and that which brings success and salvation in the Hereafter and happiness in this world, and showed him the way to focus on one’s duties and keep away from inessentials.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not use to repay evil with evil; rather he would pardon and forgive. He got angry for the sake of his Lord but he did not get angry for his own sake. He would adhere to the truth even if that resulted in harm for himself or his companions.

It was narrated that Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was never given the choice between two things but he chose the easier of them, so long as it was not a sin. But if it was a sin he would be the furthest of the people from it.

And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never took revenge for himself, unless the sacred limits of Allah were transgressed, then he would take revenge for the sake of Allah.” (narrated by Al-Bukhari, 3367; Muslim, 2327)

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) tolerance, proves beyond doubt, the place of tolerance in Islam, for surely, the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not do things which was not part of Islam.

The stories, examples and proofs of the magnificent tolerant nature of final Prophet (peace be upon him) are too numerous to mention in detail here.

Let us take just one example in this article: The tribe of Quraish were archenemies of Islam and, for a period of 13 years while he was still in Makkah, they would rebuke the Prophet (peace be upon him), taunt and mock him, beat him and abuse him, both physically and mentally.

They placed the afterbirth of a camel on his back while he prayed, and they boycotted him and his tribe until the social sanctions became unbearable.

They plotted and attempted to kill him on more than one occasion, and when the Prophet (peace be upon him) escaped to Madinah, they rallied the majority of the Arab tribes and waged many wars against him.

What was the reaction of Muhammad (peace be upon him) toward his Makkan enemies when he entered Makkah and liberated it from idolatry and paganism?

In the wake of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) and the Muslims’ great victory and in the climax of their joy, rapture and happiness at coming back home to the Sacred City of Makkah – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gathered together the Makkans, who were afraid that he would harm or kill them in revenge for their past abuse and killing of Muslims.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked them, “O, you people of Quraish! What do you think of the treatment that I am about to do with you?”

They answered, “You are a generous brother and the son of an honorable brother of ours.”

Then, the kind, tolerant, generous and merciful Prophet (peace be upon him) forgave them, announcing: “No harm will come to you. You may go. You are free.” (Baihaqi, 18055; and also, Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) pg. 467)

It has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Muti, who heard from his father and said: “I heard the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) say on the day of the Conquest of Makkah: “No Quraishite will be killed hound hand and foot from this day until the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 19:4399)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) issued a general pardon to all its inhabitants, who were not only pagans but also those that had fought him for the longest time, and regarding whom many of those verses of fighting like (Qur’an, 9:5) had been revealed.

Rarely in the annals of history can we read such an instance of tolerance and forgiveness? This shows the real tolerant nature of Islam. Even after being tortured for years by those same Makkans and the Quraishite, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forgave them.

In contrast, we have seen throughout history what atrocities various ‘super-power’ nations committed when they have unjustly attacked, invaded, and tortured others, throughout human history; And that too, just for the sake of this temporary world. And this continues, even today!

Article by: arabnews