Rings fastening the Kiswa to the base of Kaaba get gold coating

Rings fastening the Kiswa to the base of Kaaba get gold coating

MAKKAH — The General Administration for Projects in the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has started gilding (coating with 24 carat gold) the stainless steel rings fastening the Kiswa to the base of the Holy Kaaba.

In line with the directives of Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, general president for the affairs of the two holy mosques, the project is being carried out in cooperation with a specialist national company.

Sultan Al-Qurashi, director general of projects, said the stainless steel rings were cleaned and polished. They were then coated with 24 carat gold in three stages and with a thickness of 5 microns.

Eleven rings are being installed on the northern side of the Holy Kaaba.

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 Source: saudigazette

Ramadan Umrah: My Journey

 source: flickr

Ramadan Umrah: My Journey

My wish was finally coming true. I had been on Umrah before when I was younger but for the past year, I had really wanted to go for the last ten days of Ramadan and it was now finally happening. I would spend three nights in Medinah and from there go to Makkah for 8 nights. I was excited, but also worried if my trip and Ibadat would be as rewarding as I had hoped. The Holy Land awaited me.
Alhamdulillah, I have many experiences and many stories from the trip to recollect but I will try to share some of the most meaningful moments…

Jannat Al-Baqi

We first arrived in Madinah and made arrangement to visit the Prophet’s Mosque. As we were being driven from the airport, I couldn’t wait for my first glance of the Prophet’s Mosque. But before that, we drove past Jannat Al-Baqi: the graveyard of the Sahabah. It was truly incredible to know that some of the greatest men and women that have ever lived were resting a few hundred metres from me. I was wishing I could have been born at that time and lived with both the Prophet and the Sahabah; what an amazing life that would have been to be in the company of the greatest people to have ever stepped foot on this planet! However, Allah always does what is best for the believer so this must be the best time for me to be around.

The Prophet’s Mosque

…And then I saw the Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, the Prophet’s mosque. Breathtaking is all I can think of to describe it. This was where Islam was first established in the community and I was standing on the very soil on which our beloved Prophet began to implement Islam in all aspects of society; I felt so blessed.
My first few days were unbelievable. This place was so detached from the rest of the world; you could literally tell how everyone felt like they were in a different world – there was no stress from business, family or anything else. The only thing on everyone’s mind was their Rabb and gaining the blessings of Ramadan.

Masjid Al-Quba

Ziyarat (visiting sites related to Prophet Muhammad) was a lot of fun. The most memorable Ziyarat locations for me were firstly Masjid Al-Quba: the first mosque in Islam. Just to pray Salah on the same soil gave me goosebumps. I was in awe as I looked at the walls; I could just imagine the believers building this mosque brick by brick with the Prophet helping them. Once again, I wished I was one of the Sahabah and could help in the construction of such a meaningful building. I pray that one day I can contribute significantly to the building of a mosque in this world.

Battlefield of Uhud

The second was the battlefield of Uhud, where Hamza (radhiAllahu ‘anhu) gave his life fighting for Islam and in which the Prophet’s orders to the archers were abandoned, ultimately leading to a disaster ending to the battle. I think the reason why these two places had the greatest impact on me was because I have grown up, like many of you have, watching ‘The Message’ where both events are depicted in this film, and so it was easier for me to imagine what happened. Just being there really touched my soul

Breaking The Fast

One of the highlights of going to Umrah during Ramadan was undoubtedly breaking the fast. Right after Asr, hundreds of volunteers roll out plastic mats and start putting dates, yoghurt, bread, nuts and water out for the people. After a long day, with the sun’s heat, to be looking at food for such a long time and not to be allowed to eat it…subhanAllah, such is a test from Allah! I tried to keep my concentration on making dua and reading as much Quran as I could but even then it was quite difficult. However, this feeling would disappear as Maghrib would approach; there was a buzz around the mosque as everyone would get ready to break their fast. Some were making one last dua’, some were finishing off a surah, and some were quietly chatting with their neighbours, but everyone felt that brotherhood amongst themselves and that’s what made  it so special. As the Adhan would be called, we were all reminded that we were doing this for one purpose: for the sake of Allah.

Desert Travel

Travelling from Medinah to Makkah by car really put into perspective the hardships the Sahabah and Prophet had to endure while travelling to spread the word of Islam. The rocky mountains, the scorching heat, and the plain desert land with nothing in sight could have only been an extremely arduous journey. It was the anticipation of seeing the Kabah that was eating away at me; it was the excitement as well as the nervousness (which I will explain later).

Ka’bah

Upon seeing the Kabah, I could not help but start crying. I had seen it when I visited Makkah before but for a strange and unexplainable reason, the emotions were as raw as ever. I felt at home. It is difficult to describe the exact feelings that one has when facing the house of their God, only someone who has been there will be able to understand exactly what I mean. The first thing we did was to perform our Umrah which was a remarkable experience. I had never seen anything like it before; crowds were intently focused on their Ibadat as they went around the Kabah and ran between the two hills. That’s exactly what I was trying to do: just focus on every word I was saying, understand and really feel the depth of all that I was asking from God. My legs were aching and the soles of my feet hardening but I kept on going and was giving encouragement to my mum at the same time. During the Umrah, I began to feel very scared and remember the Day of Judgment as all I could see around me were people asking for forgiveness. Surely this must be like that Day, but the difference being that we won’t be able to change anything then unlike in our current state. This realization shook me and I began to repeatedly ask myself, “Am I doing enough to save myself from Hellfire and earn Allah’s Mercy?” I pray that I can one day positively answer this question…

Taraweeh Prayers

Another highlight of coming to Makkah/Medina during Ramadan is the Taraweeh prayers as well as the Qiyam prayers during the last ten nights. The Tawareeh prayers start right after Maghrib and last for about two hours, and the Qiyam prayers including the Witr start at 1:00am and again last for another two hours. These prayers are spiritually uplifting – to stand in congregation with your brothers facing the Qiblah while listening to some of the world’s best Qaris is mesmerising! Standing for so long is not easy especially if you weren’t able to stand on the carpet and instead have to stand on the marble, but subhanAllah it is all worth it when you think of where you are, what you’re doing, and how much reward you could be earning.

Ramadan 27th & 29th

The masjid is always packed with people but on the 27^th night, my mother and I made the mistake of going back to the hotel between Maghrib and Isha because just within twenty minutes, all of the entrances to the Masjid were blocked off and the roads were full of people coming from all directions. We ended up having to pray our Taraweeh prayers in the middle of the roads, with ambulances driving in between the rows of people, and with no space and nowhere to move or go. Everybody was stuck but it was exciting and both terrifying as there was every likelihood that we could be crushed.
I have never seen so many people than on both the 27^th and 29^th night of Ramadan. As far as my vision could go, all I could see were people. At times, my mother and I felt suffocated with the number of people around us; just to walk a hundred metres, it would take half an hour. Therefore, there was no real point of moving but since my mother was ill at the time, we had to regularly go to the bathroom, resulting in being squashed from all directions as well as being worried of getting separated. Alhamdulillah though, we managed to stick together, even when my mum disappeared into a huge crowd as I was able to find her within a few minutes.

Adhans

One of the most special moments on my visit was standing in front of the Kabah during both the Fajr and Maghrib Adhan. I purposefully walked up to the front of the rows near the time of the Adhan so that I would be one of those who prayed in the walkways and had a full view of the Kabah. It was easily one of the best moments of my life hearing the Adhan while looking at the House of God – again it was just one of those indescribable moments that cannot be matched by anything in this world. My heart just felt so at peace and as I write this, I wish could be there right now.

The Journey Home

Two weeks quickly flew by and before I knew it, I was on my way to Jeddah to fly back to London. From what I have written and from what people have heard from me, the visit seems to have appeared to be rather perfect, but unfortunately, there were many things that went wrong such as feeling ill, stifled by the sheer number of people, and being let down by our tour organisers. However, this was fine because nothing ever works out to be perfect and especially since there are always lessons to learn. However, my biggest hardship was not the physical tribulation that I faced; it was rather a test of my faith…
During my visit. I was repeatedly attacked by Shaitan who made me question many core elements of our faith such as, ‘Why do we worship God?’, ‘Why do we pray Salat five times a day?’, and ‘Why do we praise God?’ Astaghfirullah (I seek refuge in Allah). These thoughts were continually circling my mind and it made me very depressed at times because I was in the most holy place on Earth but I still having these silly thoughts in my mind that were disabling me from being able to fully focus on my Ibadat at all times.
It was strange as these questions never troubled me before, and only later was I slightly comforted as someone told me when I came back that Allah tests people in different ways and this was just one of my tests. My heart only came to rest when I came back as I spoke to people and read up and found the answers which I always knew and understood deep down. Therefore, although this was the best trip I have ever made, it was also the most difficult and I was very worried that my Iman was decreasing in such a place.

Reflections

So what have I gained from this visit? Have I become closer to my Deen through this visit? The troubling thoughts were definitely taxing, but as there is always something good in what happens, I pray that by going over these questions, I have reaffirmed my faith, strengthened my Iman, and allowed me to answer questions that many Non-Muslims pose. By reflecting on the feelings and emotions I experienced while I was there, I felt like I have become closer to Allah. Usually after people come back from Umrah/Hajj, it is a time of deep reflection and improvement but truth be told, it had not been anywhere near enough as I would have liked, especially since I still had those thoughts circulating in mind, and as I was continuously preoccupied with work and charity. However, now that my responsibilities have reduced and I recollect my thoughts on paper, I realize that I must now look to my ultimate responsibility: to become a better Muslim.
Of course this journey does not end on the aeroplane, but is one that is continuous until I go back to my Lord and one that I hope to continue to learn from and improve myself inshAllah. Visiting the Holy Land during Ramadan was truly amazing and I pray to Allah to be granted this opportunity again for it is an experience I will never forget.

“So, it is a must for the souls to be nurtured by way of tests, and to be severely tested during the course of the battle between truth and falsehood with fear and hardship, and with hunger and decrease in wealth and life and fruits. This testing is a necessity so that the believer can give his share of what his belief requires; so that it becomes dear to him in accordance with that he gives for its sake of sacrifice and burden; so that it becomes dear to him in accordance with what he is willing to give for its sake!

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Source: mymonline.org

Finding yourself in the Holy Qur’an

Finding yourself in the Holy Qur’an

Just like the Holy Books before it, the Qur’an was sent down by God through an angel to the prophet to give the message of God to mankind. The message given to mankind is for their own salvation and ultimately for their happiness in the both worlds, this transient world and in the Hereafter.

When reading the Qur’an, Muslims should try to be attuned to the message from Allah. Our hearts and minds should be present as we read the verses of the Qur’an.

We have been commanded to think, to reflect, and to ponder on what we read. Reading hastily and absent mindedly will take away from the benefits that we can otherwise achieve if we read with contemplation.

When reading the Holy Qur’an, ask yourself, “Which of the verses of the Qur’an best describe me?”

Search through the Qur’an to find yourself.

When coming across the verses that describe the believers, evaluate yourself to see if you measure up to those believers who have been promised the gardens, with rivers flowing beneath them.

Take for example these verses from the third chapter in the Qur’an. If you find yourself lacking in these praiseworthy qualities, use these verses as a reminder to yourself for some spiritual and personal growth.

{And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous. Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people-and Allah loves the doers of good.} (Chapter 3, verses 133-134)

A Muslim needs to hold himself/herself to higher standards to live up to this verse. To be able to give in hardship and in ease, to restrain my anger, not lose my temper, and to forgive and pardon those who have hurt me; that is not easy. However, if I am able to do that, then I can consider myself one of the believers praised by Allah in the Qur’an.

Keep reading the Holy Qur’an; read it every day to find the verses that best describe you.

One of my teachers, a teacher of the Holy Qur’an, who has spent his whole life learning and teaching the Holy Qur’an, said that the verse in the Qur’an which he holds dearest to his heart is the following:

{Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend [in his cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] expect a transaction [i.e. profit] that will never perish.}(Chapter 35, verse 29)

That transaction or profit which will never perish is a transaction between the believer and Allah, when the believers do good, Allah gives them ten-fold or one hundred-fold, with immeasurable generosity and rewards.

From after the dawn prayer until nightfall, this teacher listens to his students reciting the Holy Qur’an, and he corrects and teaches them, taking breaks only for prayer and meals. He has students all over the world from Jordan to Saudi Arabia to Czechoslovakia to the United States. For the past 23 years, he has devoted his life to teaching the Holy Qur’an and he found himself in this verse, as those who recite the Book of Allah.
 
When reading verses that describe people who are reprimanded by Allah, we must try our best not to make the same mistakes. Be honest with yourself, and beware of being one of these types of people as described in the Qur’an who sever the ties of blood relations, are miserly, those who backbite and slander, those who skip prayers, those who do not feed orphans and the poor, or those who cheat in business transactions.

One of the earlier scholars of the Holy Qur’an, Al-Ahnaf bin Qays, wanted to find out who he was; which type of people mentioned in the Holy Qur’an did he resemble?

He spent several nights reading the Holy Qur’an with deep concentration.
He read about a group of people described in this verse, {They used to sleep but little of the night. And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.}(Chapter 51, verses 17-18)

The believers described in this verse stay up most of the night in prayer, prostration, supplication, and remembrance of Allah. Al-Ahnaf bin Qays was very humble; he did not think that he was included in such a high rank as these pious worshipers, so he kept searching.

He came across these verses of the Holy Qur’an, which describe the state of the heart of the disbelievers, {Indeed, they when it was said to them, “There is no deity but Allah” were arrogant. And were saying, “Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?”} (Chapter 37, verses 35-36)

Since he believed in Allah and he believed in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he knew that he was not one of the people described in the verses above.

Afterwards, Al-Ahnaf kept turning the pages of the Qur’an, searching for the group that he belonged to until he stopped at this verse, {And [there are] others who have acknowledged their sins. They had mixed a righteous deed with another that was bad. Perhaps Allah will turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Chapter 9, verse 102)

Thereupon, Al-Ahnaf said, “I am of these people.”
He was a righteous man; he feared Allah and was steadfast in his worship of Allah. He acknowledged that he was not perfect, that he had sins, but he was optimistic and hopeful for the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.

How about you? Which verses of the Holy Qur’an best describe you?

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Source: saudigazette

Ramadan: The season of mercy

Ramadan: The season of mercy

There is no better time to start making positive changes in our lives than this blessed month.

Ramadan is a Muslim's recurring opportunity for spiritual enhancement and soul redemption. It is also an annual exercise in self-control and self-restraint, but above all, it is a physical manifestation of our total submission and obedience to Allaah Almighty. Because of this submission and obeying of His order, the Muslim fasts, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse during the days of Ramadan. This is the physical aspect of fasting. By nightfall, the spiritual aspects take over, because while eating, drinking, and sexual relationship between spouses are permitted during nighttime, the Muslim then engages in prayers that take him/her deep into the night. It is a well-balanced program that lifts the spirit, strengthens the resolve, and asserts Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) as no other act of worship can.

The conduct of our Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and his companions may Allaah be pleased with him in Ramadan differs a lot than the way Muslims do today. They dedicated their days and nights for worship. Their lives revolved completely around the book of Allaah, the Quran. Reciting it in and out of prayers. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to review the whole Quran with Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) once every Ramadan. Imaam Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him narrated: “Jibreel used to repeat the recitation of the Quran with the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) once a year (in Ramadan) but he repeated it with him twice in the year he died." The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to stay in ‘I'tikaaf (seclusion in the Masjid) for ten days every year (during Ramadan) but in the year of his death, he stayed in ‘I’tikaaf for twenty days.”

Ramadan is the month of mercy and charity. The mere revelation of the Quran and the commission of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) to the Prophethood are among the greatest manifestations of Allaah's mercy. Allaah, The Most Exalted, asserts this in numerous verses of the Quran, such as (what means):

“And We have sent down to you the Book (i.e. the Quran) as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims." [Quran 16:89]

And (what means): “So there has [now] come to you clear evidence from your Lord and a guidance and mercy.” [Quran 6:157]

And (what means): “And We had certainly brought them a Book which We detailed by knowledge — as guidance and mercy to a people who believe.” [Quran 7:52]

And (what means): “And We send down of the Quran, that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” [Quran 17:82]

And when Allaah Almighty referred to the commission of our beloved Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) He said (what means): “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” [Quran 21:107].
Moreover, when the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said describing himself and listing his attributes: "I am the Prophet of mercy." [Al-Bukhaari]

There is no question that our beloved Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) possessed the highest forms of moral and human attributes. Among human beings, he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was the most generous, the most merciful, the most courageous, the 'most' and the 'best' of everything good in Islam, and as described by his wife 'Aa'ishah may Allaah be pleased with her his morals were the Quran.

The question is: where does this leave us? Some people dismiss their shortcomings by saying: "I am not the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )", but where does it say that you have to be a prophet to be merciful, or to be generous, or to be anything for that matter? Granted, that no one can be compared to the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) or even hope to partially attain his high levels and standards, but that should not be an excuse for not following his example and striving to be the best Muslims that we can be.

There are many Prophetic narrations that refer to the depravation of an individual from the very thing he deprives others from, or the rewards, in multiples, of that which he provides. Among these narrations are:

1. "Allaah will not be Merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind." [Al-Bukhaari]

2. "Allaah does not bestow His mercy except on the merciful among His slaves." [Al-Bukhaari]

3. "Every good deed will be rewarded tenfold, up to seven hundred times, and Allaah multiplies to whomever he wills." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

4. "Allaah Says: Spend O son of Aadam and I shall spend upon you." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

There is no better time to start making positive changes in our lives than this blessed month. In Ramadan, many good things occur: the rewards are multiplied, the devils are chained, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the gates of Paradise are opened. Every night of Ramadan, Allaah redeems believers from the pains of Hellfire. It is the month of mercy, repentance, and charity. Use it or loose it!

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Article by: islamweb.net

Jeddah airport gets ready for busy Umrah season

Jeddah airport gets ready for busy Umrah season

JEDDAH: At this important time, the managers and administration team at King Abdulaziz International Airport are getting ready for the busy Umrah season which will start from the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and will continue until the beginning of Shawal. Typically, the airport receives more than 4 million Umrah pilgrims who arrive on about 27,000 flights throughout the season.

Turki Al-Deeb, director of public relations and information at King Abdulaziz International Airport, said that since the beginning of this current Umrah season (from the middle of last Hijri month of Safar until last Friday), more than 2.4 million Umrah pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom on 18,148 flights, against 1.78 million people who left the Kingdom boarding 9,750 flights.

“The management of the Haj and Umrah complex at the airport have been working since the beginning of Rajab to recruit about 7,000 employees representing 27 government and public sectors in preparation for the peak days of arrival, given that the movement of Umrah pilgrims has now started to pick up and will continue during the last 10 days of Ramadan until the first days of Shawal,” said the director of public relations and media.

He said that the movement at the airport in general is streamlined and continues to flow easily around the clock despite the high density of arrivals and departures of pilgrims, adding that the workers and employees at the airport are using maximum efforts to provide the best services for worshipers and visitors.

He also confirmed the increasing numbers of Umrah pilgrims compared to the same period last year, expecting the total number of Umrah pilgrims coming through King Abdulaziz International Airport to reach more than 8 million by the end of the season.

He emphasized the fact that the procedures for the arrivals and departures are running smoothly in all lounges allocated for such services.

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 Article by: arabnews.com

When Day of Judgment will bring ‘death’ to this universe

source: arabnews

When Day of Judgment will bring ‘death’ to this universe

Allah Almighty says: “And the Moon is eclipsed, and the Sun and the Moon are fused together, on that Day man will ask: “Where can I run?” No indeed! There will be no safe place. That Day, the only resting place will be your Lord.” (Qur’an, 75: 8-12)

Consider the people and events that shape your life. You are working hard to get somewhere, trying to find your place in the struggle for a good life. You are very attentive to some matters and reflect deeply upon them. At the same time, you carefully avoid thinking about other matters and, as it happens, many people close to you do the same. Everyone knows what subjects to avoid in conversation and thought. Death is one of these, perhaps the most important one. For them, death is an end to which there is no solution.

The Day of Judgment, which will bring “death” to the universe just like the death of people, is a matter that people do not like to think about; rather, they consider it as a remote and distant matter. They have a vague idea of what will happen on that Day, but since the thought of it scares them, people are inclined to forget about it. Rather than facing up to it, they just get on with their lives instead.

The Day of Judgment is the final day of life on Earth and for the universe. But at the same time, it is the beginning of the eternal life in the Hereafter. On that Day, people will be resurrected, created anew. Believers in Allah and the Hereafter will be hosted in Paradise, whereas unbelievers will be driven to Hell. Therefore, for those who expect such a Day, fully aware of what this event means, it is meaningless to run away from death, the Day of Judgment, and the Hereafter. To the contrary, the reality of death and the events of that Day will lead people to do good in the cause of Allah, direct them to believe in the Hereafter, and bring them closer to Allah. Only the believers will be spared the great fear on that Day, on which previously unseen events will take place, for Allah reveals that they will have no cause for fear or sadness, for: “Not so! All who submit themselves completely to Allah and are good-doers will find their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and know no sorrow.”(Qur’an, 2:112)

Those who believed in this Day and in the Qur’an, as well as that the real life is in the Hereafter, while alive and lived accordingly will be safe. They did not disregard the existence of death and were not too vain to worship Allah. Such people will be received in the most pleasant way in the Hereafter, and Allah’s guiding light will be with them on the Day of Judgment. The faithful are given the good news in the Qur’an, as follows: “...on the Day when Allah will not disgrace the prophet and those who believed along with him. Their light will stream out ahead of them and on their right. They will say: ‘Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us! You have power over all things’.”(Qur’an, 66:8)

This book reveals the Day and its events, and warns of its difficulties. What matters most is that the Day of Judgment is a reality for all people and, as such, should not be ignored. This book will help you think about its existence and reality.

The Day is approaching
“And the Hour is coming without any doubt, and Allah will raise up all those in the graves.”(Qur’an, 22:7) Death is coming closer by the day. Whether you are young or old, death is a little closer to you every day, even every minute. You cannot resist time or prevent death’s approach. Nothing you do can change the fact that you and those close to you are only “temporary” beings. Like every other living being, you are advancing toward the Day on which your life will end.

Humanity is not the only part of creation that is subject to death. All other creatures, Earth itself and the whole universe, have a day of death fixed for them. The Day of Judgment is a day of terror and unimaginable fear. But at the same time, it is most wondrous. Everything on Earth will be flattened, the stars will be extinguished and fall in rapid succession, and the Sun will be wrapped up in darkness. All human beings who have ever lived will be gathered and made to witness this Day. This Final Day will be dreadful for the unbelievers, and its Lord will be Allah, Who owns all that exists.

The Day of Judgment, contrary to many people’s belief, is approaching; it is not in the distant future. When it arrives, Earth and everything belonging to it will be destroyed. Ambitions, desires, anger, expectations, lusts, enmities, and pleasures will cease. Plans made for the future will become meaningless, for those who had forgotten that they will be returned to Allah, preferring this world over the eternal life and its misleading wealth, beauty, and pleasures, will have met their end. On this Day, everyone will witness clearly Allah’s existence and will come face to face with the death that they had tried so hard to forget. Their attempt to forget Allah and the Hereafter is finished, and a new beginning, one which will be eternal and bring no happiness to the unbelievers, is awaiting them. From the very first moment of this eternal life, the punishment is so fearsome that those who experience it will beg for “death” and “annihilation.” The beginning of this life is the Day of Judgment and, “the Hour is coming without any doubt.”

Life is temporary, death is real
From your earliest childhood onward, you head for certain goals or are guided by others. You probably will have a family and a job, try to earn more in order to have a better life, educate your children, and hope that they will have a better life than you did. Once a week you meet the other members of your extended family. You take vacations, go to work, and spend the rest of your time at home. Except for a few hiccups on the way, your life progresses orderly and you usually encounter nothing outside the ordinary.

Everything in your life seems to be premeditated, and everyone’s life is like everyone else’s. You need to work to realize these goals, and you need to have a family to continue your lineage. According to this worldview, what else could you possibly want besides “a good job” and “a nice family?” Having achieved these goals, you expect to lead a happy life.

However, some important changes are happening in your body and environment. Many cells with diverse functions fulfill their purpose and die. As you age, it becomes harder to replace them. Your body is ageing visibly, as seen through your illnesses and weaknesses. Time moves fast, and the impossibility of reversing it becomes clearer every day. Thinking that you were going to live happily and comfortably forever, you are nevertheless nearing death.

Thus, this worldly life can never give the sense of contentment and peace you expect. When this “satisfying” life ends, you will come face to face with the real truth. Given this fact, none of your life ambitions should become your true purpose in life. This life is a temporary trial to separate the righteous from the evildoers. Allah reveals this reality in the following verse: “He Who created death and life to test which of you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever-Forgiving.”(Qur’an, 67:2)

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Ramadan: The Season of Supplications

 

Ramadan: The Season of Supplications

The supplication of Yoonus (Jonah) may Allaah exalt his mention is one of those narrated on the authority of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) which was answered from Allaah The Almighty. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "As for the supplication of Thun-Noon (Yoonus), therewith he supplicated Allaah while being inside the fish, ‘There is no deity except You; exalted You Are. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.’ No Muslim supplicates Allaah with it in anything but Allaah responds to him." [At-Tirmithi]


The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said in another narration: "‘Should I not teach you something; if anyone supplicates Allaah therewith whenever he is stricken by distress or an adversity of this world, he will be guided to a way out of it?’ It was said, ‘Yes (tell us).’ He said: ‘It is the supplication of Thun-Noon." [Al-Haakim and An-Nasaa’i]

Allaah The Almighty has opened for you this gate of response to supplication, in order to rectify your states. If you have learned about the Quran, supplication, Thikr (remembrance of Allaah The Almighty), standing (in prayer), fasting and your heart has not yet responded to them, know that your inclination and worldly fortune have hindered you from hastening to compete in the race to realize them, perchance you would attain the forgiveness of Allaah The Almighty. If you have reached such a state and despaired of rectifying your own self with what you have learned, and instead find it too difficult for you to do, and find obstacles impeding you from performing acts of worship: then, that is the way you can get rid of such despair and difficulties.

It is most likely that this supplication, with the etiquette mentioned above, will be a means of eliminating distress, resolving the problems we are suffering from, and removing the adversity that has afflicted us, as mentioned by the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). It is incumbent upon one to hasten to Allaah The Almighty, sparing no time and no effort, and be in the best state in which his supplication may be accepted by Allaah The Almighty. If his supplication is accepted, our conditions will become rectified, both the soul and heart will hasten to respond to those deeds and acts of worship and the breast will be expanded (to the truth). In this way one's feet will be firmly established on the way to Allaah The Almighty, receiving light to their Lord, mercy will descend and our misery will be removed. Consequently, the man whose supplication is answered will have his gates opened for him, i.e. the gates of healing and guidance, mercy and response in compliance with His Saying (what means): {And your Lord Says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.} [Quran 40:60]

A believer should do his best to avoid despair and enter upon Allaah The Almighty. This will aid him in achieving what he has not obtained, keep him firm on what he has received, and receive much more of the mercy of Allaah The Almighty in realization of the Statement of Allaah (which means): {If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].} [Quran 14:7]

If you were certain that your supplication (by day while fasting), and at night (while standing in prayer), would surely receive an answer (from Allaah The Almighty), then, with which supplication would one supplicate his Lord?

Undoubtedly, you would like your Lord to boost your faith, strengthen your determination, aid you in remembering Him, give thanks to Him, and worship Him in a sound manner of worship. You would like Him to expand your breast with the Quran so that you would approach it, draw closer to Him , help you in your occupation, avert evil from you and save you from (the evil of) Satan, the whispers of your Self and evil inclinations. By means of supplicating him sincerely, you will achieve many other blessings in your property, children, soul, work and morals, in the matters between you and Allaah The Almighty, and in your dealings with people. This will remove adversity from you as well as from the Muslims. Ramadan is the season when those supplications are opened, and they are never rejected by day or night.

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 Article by: www.islamweb.net

An Urgent Message to My Muslim Sisters in Ramadan

An Urgent Message to My Muslim Sisters in Ramadan

Dear Muslim sisters everywhere,
I wish all goodness for every Muslim woman on earth, and I ask Allaah The Almighty to make you and us all to witness the month of Ramadan, accept our acts of obedience in it, and assist us during it. I am writing this especially for you, my sister, and wish to highlight some thoughts and ideas within it that could be of benefit to you during this blessed month.

Firstly, you should be delighted at the advent of Ramadan and display this happiness, for the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), would give glad tidings of its advent to his Companions. It is quite okay for you to contact your relatives and neighbors to congratulate them on this occasion and remind them of the rights of Allaah that they should observe in Ramadan. The purpose of doing so is to fill the hearts and souls of our neighbors and relatives with happiness, so as to accustom them to loving the occasions of goodness and to performing the Sharee‘ah obligations and voluntary acts with pleasure and love.

Fill your home with happiness as you await Ramadan and make the children feel that they are about to receive a dear guest. Ask them to clean their rooms before fasting, so that such tasks will not prevent them from performing acts of worship. Show optimism and activity for the advent of that month, even if you are tired or sick. Beware of using the same statements as some other women do, such as saying that Ramadan is the month of suffering and hard work because they have to cook a lot, wash the dishes and do other tasks. If the children hear such statements, these ideas will be inculcated in their hearts, and they will continue to have this concept for the rest of their lives.

Ramadan is the month of generosity, openhandedness, goodness and blessings. Try to instill the love of such morals in the hearts of your children, and repeat them frequently until they dominate their thoughts and then, their hearts. Always describe Ramadan as the month of goodness and worship in which the Quran was revealed. It is also the month of forgiveness, charity and Zakaah (obligatory charity) in which Allaah The Almighty honors His slaves and showers them with His bounty. Thus, we should adopt these morals, and the wealthy in particular should check the condition of the poor and treat them generously. Let every son and daughter give charity to the poor and needy people out of his/her own purse, and empty their wardrobes to pick the good clothes that they no longer use or need and give these things to those who deserve them as a gift or present, not as charity, to avoid hurting their feelings.

Ramadan is the month of affection, love and psychological and inner purity. Hence, teach your children that it is obligatory to purify their hearts, and that there should be no quarrels, fighting, disputes or severing the ties of kinship in it. In Ramadan, friends, relatives and neighbors visit one another, ties of kinship are maintained and people are reconciled. Also, in it there is no cheating, deception, lying, backbiting, tale-bearing, falsehood, calumny or saying anything but good and permissible words, because Allaah The Almighty has no need for a fasting person to abstain from eating and drinking if he does not abstain from saying false things and working accordingly.

Ramadan is the Month of Worship

Buy a prayer rug for every boy and girl and provide the girls with head covers. Perfume the carpets and head covers so that their appearance and scent is alluring and attractive. Take the children with you when you perform the prayers, and the boys who are old enough to go to the mosque should accompany their father, and those who are not old enough should stand beside you until they are all used to performing the prayers and feeling and appreciating the meaning of worship in Ramadan.

Ramadan is the Month of the Quran

We should remind ourselves of this and try to inculcate it in our children’s hearts. Ramadan is the month in which the revelation began; hence, the Quran has a special significance in this month and there should be keenness on reciting, studying, learning and applying it. Prepare a Mus’haf (copy of the Quran) for every member of the household: Mus’hafs for adults and small parts for the youngsters. It is preferable that a session for recitation is held where the household, old and young, sit and each recites part of the Quran. It would be beneficial if they gathered to make a complete and collective recitation of the Quran. Ask each of them about the amount he recites daily and motivate and encourage them with gifts in order to recite the Quran frequently and fill the house with the remembrance of Allaah The Almighty.

Ramadan is Not the Month of Eating and Drinking

Ramadan is a time that should be used in worship. Therefore, do not waste it in preparing many types of food, drinks, appetizers and grilled and fried dishes. If you are not careful, you will spend your Ramadan in the kitchen. I do not mean thereby that you should not care about the food, but I mean that it should not be your and your family’s main concern. Everyone should know that a little food is sufficient, so that we can dedicate most of our time to worshiping Allaah The Almighty. It is very important to organize your time. It will be very useful if you do not allow the time of cooking and preparing food to override the time of Thikr (mentioning Allaah), prayers and recitation of the Quran. At the same time, nothing should override the time of cooking so as not to leave those who fast feeling hungry afterwards.

I am not one of those who like gatherings in Ramadan; however, if it is necessary, you should prepare a planned program. Tell each of the attendees to bring with her the best thing she learnt or heard about fasting, Taraaweeh prayers, voluntary acts of worship, Zakaah, I‘tikaaf (seclusion) and all that is related to Ramadan. There is no harm in specifying a particular topic to search or discuss, but of course it should be a topic pertaining to Thikr, so that the gathering will not turn into a session of tale-bearing, backbiting and distraction. It is also possible to prepare a quiz that is made up of questions about Fiqh (jurisprudence), creed or any other information that the Muslim woman needs in her religion like the rulings of purity, prayers, fasting, the children’s upbringing or taking care of the house, husband and family.

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‘My path to faith was not that easy’

‘My path to faith was not that easy’

Radko is a former atheist, based in Czechoslovakia. He became Christian, only to find crucial questions left unanswered. In this first part of his narrative, he describes how he gradually moved toward Islam.

I ONCE knew an atheist who claimed he’d never believed in God’s existence. In his view, believers were supposed to be people of weak character who felt the necessity to find a crutch for their inability and laziness, so they attended church. He felt agitated if, when the debating religion, he could not persuade the opponent with his arguments. He despised believers in an almost hysterical way. He had, however, a very good friend who believed in God. They agreed to refrain from discussing religion whenever together.

One day this man, probably in a rare moment of weakness, accepted the invitation of his friend to visit his church. To himself, he laughed at the thought of speaking out in the middle of mass and laughing and pointing his finger at the believers from the pulpit. However, as we know, God works in mysterious ways. He went to church, stood in the back benches, and stared at the people praying.

The mass service started and he gave all of them a sarcastic glance. Then the sermon began, lasting about 15 minutes. Suddenly, in the middle of the sermon, tears welled in his eyes. A strange feeling of joy and happiness washed away his animosity, a feeling that engulfed his entire body. After mass, the two friends left together. They were silent until the moment they were to part ways, when he asked his friend whether they could go to church together again. They agreed to go again the next day.

It’s possible some of you might have guessed that I was that stubborn atheist. I had felt nothing but contempt and hatred toward people of faith. But after that sermon in 1989, when the priest discussed how we should not judge others if we don’t want to be judged, my life suddenly took a dramatic turn.

I started attending church services regularly and was thirsty for any information on God and Jesus Christ. I took part in meetings with Christian youngsters where we exchanged our spiritual experiences. I felt resurrected. Suddenly I felt the need to be in the company of believers. I needed to make up for the past 18 years.

I was brought up in an atheist family, who except for having me baptized, did not exercise any attempt to guide my spiritual development. I remember being in sixth grade when a comrade was sent by the Communist Party to explain to us why God does not exist. I remember myself absorbing his every word. In my case, I needed no convincing. I believed everything he said. His arrogance, contempt, and hatred toward believers became mine. But now I had to make up for all those years.

I met with a priest and others who guided me in this new direction. I was full of so many questions, to which they responded. Later I was to realize a big mistake: I accepted everything without contemplation or reflection. I could say that they explained things to me in a ‘take-it-as-it-is’ manner, but that would not be fair to them. It was, in fact, my mistake. I didn’t reflect upon their words, nor did I think critically. This would cause me a lot of complications later. In retrospect, I believe an important factor that influenced my behavior was age. I was too young to properly comprehend matters so serious and complicated as faith.

I wished to become a good Christian, and God knows I tried very hard. Yet over time, I could not reconcile the contradictions found in the Bible, such as the divine nature of Prophet Jesus and the concept of inherited sin. Priests tried to respond to my questions, but eventually, their patience began to run thin. I was told that such matters should be accepted on faith, and that these questions were a waste of time and would only serve to distance me from God. Till this day, I recall myself quarrelling with a spiritual leader, an event that restarted my self-destructive tendencies. Maybe I wasn’t right after all. I was young.

How I became Muslim
My path toward Islam wasn’t easy at all. You may think that since I was disappointed with Christianity, I would have immediately accepted Islam as my faith. This could have been very simple, but all I knew about Islam at the time were things like Muslims refer to God as Allah, they read the Qur’an instead of the Bible, and they "worship" Muhammad (peace be upon him). Also, I think I was not yet ready to accept Islam.

So I withdrew from the church community and claimed to be a soloist Christian. I found out, however, that even though I didn’t miss the community of believers or church, God was ‘settled’ so deep in my heart that I couldn’t let Him go. I didn’t even try. Quite the opposite, I felt happy to have God around and hoped He was on my side.

Later I began to engage in one stupidity after another, living a life of luxury and lust. I did not realize that such a road would lead me away from God and toward hell. A friend of mine says that you need to hit rock bottom in order to feel the ground beneath your feet. This is exactly what happened to me. I fell really deep. I can just imagine how Satan must have been waiting for me with open arms, but God did not give up on me and gave me another chance.

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Why Qur’an is a divine book

Why Qur’an is a divine book

IF one assumes that the Qur’an is the product of a man’s mind, then one would expect it to reflect some of what was going on in the mind of the man who “composed” it.

In fact, certain encyclopedias and various books claim that the Qur’an was the product of hallucinations that Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) underwent.

If these claims are true, then evidence of this would be apparent in the Qur’an. Is there such evidence? In order to determine whether or not there is, one must first identify what things would have been going on in his mind at that time and then search for these thoughts and reflections in the Qur’an.

It is common knowledge that Prophet Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) had a very difficult life.

All of his daughters died before him except one, and he had a wife of several years who was very dear and important to him, who not only proceeded him in death but died at a very critical period of his life.

As a matter of fact, she was quite a woman because when the first revelation came to him, he ran home to her, afraid. Certainly, even today one would have a hard time trying to find an Arab who would tell you, “I was so afraid that I ran home to my wife.” They just aren’t that way.

Yet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, felt comfortable enough with his wife to be able to do that. That’s how influential and strong woman she was. Although these examples are only a few of the subjects that would have been on Prophet Muhammad’s mind, they are sufficient in intensity to prove my point.

The Qur’an does not mention any of these things — not the death of his children, not the death of his beloved companion and wife, not his fear of the initial revelations, which he so beautifully shared with his wife — nothing; yet these topics must have hurt him, bothered him, and caused him pain and grief during periods of his life.

Indeed, if the Qur’an was a product of his psychological reflections, then these subjects, as well as others, would be prevalent or at least mentioned throughout.

Scientific approach
 
A truly scientific approach to the Qur’an is possible because the Qur’an offers something that is not offered by other religious scriptures, in particular, and other religions, in general. It is what scientists demand. Today there are many people who have ideas and theories about how the universe works. These people are all over the place, but the scientific community does not even bother to listen to them. This is because within the last century the scientific community has demanded a test of falsification.

They say, “If you have theory, do not bother us with it unless you bring with that theory a way for us to prove whether you are wrong or not.”

Such a test was exactly why the scientific community listened to Einstein toward the beginning of the century.

He came with a new theory and said, “I believe the universe works like this; and here are three ways to prove whether I am wrong!” So the scientific community subjected his theory to the tests, and within six years it passed all three.

Of course, this does not prove that he was great, but it proves that he deserved to be listened to because he said, “This is my idea; and if you want to try to prove me wrong, do this or try that.”

This is exactly what the Qur’an has — falsification tests. Some are old (in that they have already been proven true), and some still exist today. Basically it states, “If this book is not what it claims to be, then all you have to do is this or this or this to prove that it is false.” Of course, in 1400 years no one has been able to do “This or this or this,” and thus it is still considered true and authentic.

Falsification test
 
I suggest to you that the next time you get into dispute with someone about Islam and he claims that he has the truth and that you are in darkness, you leave all other arguments at first and make this suggestion.

Ask him, “Is there any falsification test in your religion? Is there anything in your religion that would prove you are wrong if I could prove to you that it exists – anything?”

Well, I can promise right now that people will not have anything – no test, no proof, nothing! This is because they do not carry around the idea that they should not only present what they believe but should also offer others a chance to prove they’re wrong. However, Islam does that.

A perfect example of how Islam provides man with a chance to verify its authenticity and “prove it wrong” occurs in the 4th chapter. And quite honestly, I was very surprised when I first discovered this challenge. It states: “Do they not consider the Qur’an? Had it been from any other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” (Qur’an, 4:82)

This is a clear challenge to a non-Muslim. Basically, it invites him to find a mistake.

As a matter of fact, the seriousness and difficulty of the challenge aside, the actual presentation of such a challenge in the first place is not even in human nature and is inconsistent with man’s personality.

One doesn’t take an exam in school and after finishing the exam, write a note to the instructor at the end saying, “This exam is perfect. There are no mistakes in it. Find one if you can!” One just doesn’t do that. The teacher would not sleep until he found a mistake! And yet this is the way the Qur’an approaches people.

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 Article by: arabnews.com

Amazing Qur’an — a sea of treasure

Amazing Qur’an — a sea of treasure

One thing which surprises non-Muslims who are examining the book very closely is that the Qur’an does not appear to them to be what they expected.

What they assume is that they have an old book, which came 14 centuries ago from the Arabian desert; and they expect that the book should look something like that — an old book from the desert. And then they find out that it does not resemble what they expected at all.

Additionally, one of the first things that some people assume is that because it is an old book which comes from the desert, it should talk about the desert. Well the Qur’an does talk about the desert — some of its imagery describes the desert; but it also talks about the sea — what it’s like to be in a storm on the sea.

Merchant marine

Some years ago, the story came to us in Toronto about a man who was in the merchant marine and made his living on the sea. A Muslim gave him a translation of the Qur’an to read. The merchant marine knew nothing about the history of Islam but was interested in reading the Qur’an.

When he finished reading it, he brought it back to the Muslim and asked, “Who was this Muhammad (peace be upon him), was he a sailor?”

He was impressed at how accurately the Qur’an describes a storm on a sea. When he was told, “No as a matter of fact, Muhammad lived in the desert,” that was enough for him. He embraced Islam on the spot.

He was so impressed with the Qur’an’s description because he had been in a storm on the sea, and he knew that whoever had written that description had also been in a storm on the sea.

The verses in reference was: “Or (they are) like darknesses within an unfathomable sea which is covered by waves, upon which are waves, over which are clouds — darknesses, some of them upon others. When one puts out his hand (therein), he can hardly see it. And he to whom Allah has not granted light — for him there is no light. (Qur’an, 24:40)

The description of “…a wave, over it a wave, over it clouds” was not what someone imagining a storm on a sea to be like would have written; rather, it was written by someone who knew what a storm on the sea was like.

This is one example of how the Qur’an is not tied to certain place and time. Certainly, the scientific ideas expressed in it also do not seem to originate from the desert 14 centuries ago.

The smallest thing

Many centuries before the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), there was a well-known theory of atomism advanced by the Greek philosopher, Democritus. He and the people who came after him assumed that matter consists of tiny, indestructible, indivisible particles called atoms.

The Arabs too, used to deal in the same concept; in fact, the Arabic word dharrah commonly referred to the smallest particle known to man. Now, modern science has discovered that this smallest unit of matter (i.e., the atom, which has all of the same properties as its element) can be split into its component parts.

This is a new idea, a development of the last century. Yet, interestingly enough, this information had already been documented in the Qur’an, which states: “He (i.e., God) is aware of an atom’s weight in the heavens and on the earth and even anything smaller than that...” (Qur’an, 34:3)

Undoubtedly, 14 centuries ago that statement would have looked unusual, even to an Arab. For him, the atom was the smallest thing there was. Indeed, this is proof, that the Qur’an is not outdated.

Honey

Another example of what one might expect to find in an “old book” that touches upon the subject of health or medicine is outdated remedies or cures. The Prophet (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) gave advice about health and hygiene, which are found in his Prophetic Traditions, and until today this advice is compelling and proven in the field of medicine.

The Qur’an is a divine revelation and so are the prophetic traditions. The Qur’an sheds light on some remedies as do the prophetic traditions; unlike medical journals of today, there is no information that is outdated in the Qur’an and the prophetic traditions.

In summary, the Qur’an mentions one item that can be used as a treatment, which is not in dispute by anyone. It states that in honey there is healing. And certainly, I do not think that there is anyone who will argue with that!

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 Article by: www.arabnews.com

Floral designs add to beauty of Grand Mosque

Floral designs add to beauty of Grand Mosque

MAKKAH – The inside portion of the newly constructed Haram building that overlooks mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaba) has been decorated with Islamic floral designs.

The prayer areas inside the Grand Mosque are also adorned by various engineering and geometrical designs adding beauty to the place’s spiritual environment.

“We have selected these special designs for the Grand Mosque as they are part of the Islamic heritage,” an informed source at the Haram Mosque told Makkah Arabic daily.

He said the new designs are made of best quality marbles brought specifically for the Grand Mosque. He described Islamic floral as the best form of architectural design.

“These decoration works are done by a team of experts recruited from different parts of the world,” said the source who requested anonymity. “This work has been done carefully to avoid any influence of un-Islamic faith and designs,” he said.

The Islamic floral designs are used for the external decoration, he said, adding that it is prepared on the basis of the designs of various types of leaves and flowers.

“A single floral design will have intertwined elements of various leaves, which are then repeated in an organized and harmonious manner,” he explained.

Floral designs look beyond nature as they are securitized through geometric decoration where the principle of abstraction prevails, the official said.

“These designs are widely used to decorate mosques, tombs, walls and other treasured materials made of copper, ceramic and glass,” he added. It is also used to decorate book pages and bindings.

He said the interior walls of the new Haram building is ornamented by geometric decoration with marvelous designs, which is based on the use of geometric lines.

It’s formulated in marvelous art forms with different polygons, star shapes and overlapping circles.

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 Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

The Journey of a Pilgrim

The Journey of a Pilgrim

He leaves his house happy and contented. He has pledged to his Lord to try hard to make his Hajj Mabroor (i.e. accepted by Allaah The Almighty, performed with the intention of seeking His pleasure only and not to show off, without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention )). He dreams of all the good deeds he will perform to please Allaah The Almighty and arrives at the airport feeling as if the heavens and earth are congratulating him on Hajj.

Tension:

At the airport, he has his first brush with reality, when he experiences the extreme overcrowding and flight delays. At first, he attempts to be patient but with the passage of time, he starts running out of patience, especially as all those around him begin to grumble and lose their temper and the atmosphere becomes tense. His eyes survey the pilgrims as they jostle amongst themselves roughly. Some of them start fighting with those responsible for this delay and when he is about to join them, he remembers the verse in which Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.} [Quran 2:197]

Thus, he stays in his place glorifying and remembering Allaah The Almighty, finding solace in the verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says: {And remember Allaah during [specific] numbered days.} [Quran 2:203]. He finds it to be his best friend and companion, just like the other verse in which Allaah The Most Merciful Says (what means): {And whatever good you do - Allaah knows it.} [Quran 2:197]

This verse urges him to help the others calm down and contain their anger with soothing words, until some of his companions in the hall lowered their voices, seeking the forgiveness of their Lord. He remembered the saying (which means): {And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allaah.} [Quran 2:197]

Change of conditions:

He takes out a book from the folds of his clothing to read the order of the rituals of Hajj and the supplications of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Then, he starts reminding pilgrims of this and they listen to him with rapt attention, their angry expressions changing to cheerful ones and their shouts turning to whispers of remembering Allaah The Almighty, praying and asking Him to confer His blessings upon His Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). They are encompassed by a cloud of tranquility when recalling the verse in which Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And fear Me, O you of understanding} [Quran 2:197]

Time passes quickly and it is time for the plane to take off. People rush towards the plane, attempting to precede one another. He allows them to pass him, while remembering, praising and glorifying Allaah The Almighty, thus abiding by the verse (which means): {and mention the Name of Allaah on known days.} [Quran 22:28]

When he enters the plane, he observes a chaotic scene: everybody is trying to sit in the plane with no order or numbering, even in the first class, whoever bagged the seat and was able to sit there had "won" – or so it seemed. The competition was intense and one brother even started quarrelling with another. For what? For a seat which they would leave after a short while? At this, he remembered the Hadeeth in which the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "‘The Mabroor Hajj has no reward other than Paradise.’ It was said, ‘How can it be Mabroor?’ He said: ‘By feeding the needy and speaking kindly to people.’" So where was ‘kind speech’ in this spectacle? He smiles when he remembers the noble verse which he wanted to act upon and apply (which means): {but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allaah} [Quran 2:189]

He remembers and glorifies Allaah The Almighty and keeps walking quietly until he takes the seat upon which he should have sat, by the will of Allaah The Almighty, whether he had rushed or not. The plane took off and the pilgrims recited the supplication (which means): {"Exalted is He Who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it. And indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."} [Quran 43: 13-14]

Practical examination:

The pilgrims remembered the Hadeeth in which the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) says: "‘No one pronounces Tahleel (saying, La Ilaaha Illallaah (none is worthy of worship except Allaah)) except that he would receive glad tidings.’ The people asked, ‘Of Paradise, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) replied: ‘Yes.’" [At-Tabaraani, with an authentic chain of narrators]

The plane arrives at Jeddah Airport and they are obliged, due to the crowd, to stay in the arrival hall until Allaah The Almighty encompasses them in His mercy. Hour after hour passes while they see nothing but walls and seats and their eyes are fixed on the same door, all hoping that it would open to start the departure procedure. This delay is a practical examination to test if the hearts have attained piety, which has been mentioned repeatedly by Allaah The Almighty in the verses of Hajj, almost nine times. Indeed, how can Allaah The Almighty alone be in the heart of the pilgrim, if he does not remember anything but Him and does not think about anything except obeying and pleasing Him?

Occupying oneself with Allaah The Almighty:

He tells himself, "If I occupy myself with Allaah The Almighty in a way that fills my heart and controls my actions, He will certainly help me. As long as Allaah The Almighty is with you, don't worry about anything else." After this inner dialog, he feels calm and purposeful.

However, some of the pilgrims, in spite of their Ihraam (the sacral state), lose their temper and patience and start grumbling and complaining, to the extent that some of them, in their rage forget to remember Allaah The Almighty. While others would recite Tahleel from time to time, their hearts were occupied with things other than Allaah The Almighty.

Eventually, because every trouble comes to an end, the departure procedures were finally over and the group headed towards Makkah. Within just a few hours of their journey, some of the pilgrims had lost their provisions of righteousness over minor issues. Pilgrims face minor problems continuously during the Hajj, and they should be aware of these to avoid losing their composure, and consequently, their reward.

Buses start approaching the Sacred Mosque and our pilgrim is still reciting the Talbiyah (saying “Labbaykallaahuma Labbayk, Labbayka laa Shareeka laka Labbayk, inalhamda wan ni’mata laka wal-Mulk, laa Shareeka lak”), glorifying and remembering Allaah The Almighty, and shedding tears with humble submissiveness.

When the bus arrives at the building where the pilgrims are to reside during the period of Hajj, they start putting away their luggage while the hearts of some of them are still attached to the world and they start quarreling over the accommodation. This happens at a time when they are preparing for Tawaaf (circumambulation), prayer and Sa’y. This is how Satan works, conniving to distract us from the purpose for which we have come. He keeps away, repeating in his heart and upon his tongue, "Labbayka Allaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la Shareeka laka Labbayk, Inna Al-Hamda wan-Ni‘mata laka wal-Mulk La Shareeka Lak (O Allaah! I hasten to You. You have no partner. I hasten to You. All praise and grace belong to You and the Sovereignty too; You have no partner)."

He sits quietly, waiting for his turn to use the bathroom, keeping Satan away by remembering Allaah The Almighty and reciting Talbiyah. He remembers the Hadeeth of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in which he says: "The Mabroor Hajj has no reward other than Paradise."

There are many afflictions on the path to an accepted Hajj. Pilgrims must remember that if the pleasure of Allaah The Almighty is the only purpose of this blessed journey, then piety is one of the necessities that should accompany the obligation of Hajj.

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Article by: www.islamweb.net/