Accomodation Tips during Hajj and Umrah

Accomodation Tips during Hajj and Umrah

1. Hajj and Umrah is a supreme religious experience. It is however, also physically rigorous and emotionally taxing. Pilgrims are therefore advised to prepare themselves physically and mentally so as to face the difficulties that are likely to confront.
2. 
   Each pilgrim is entitled to only two baggages such as one suite case and one carry on bag. You are sharing accommodation with some one else respect each other rights and give respect of his & her right and to accommodate each other space for himself and his baggage. This translates into very limited space availability during stay in hotels, transportation and in tents.
    
3. Hotels in Saudi Arabia classify as Star as per the Saudi Government rating to the Hotels industry therefore do not compare with the USA or Europe Standards.
   
   Each Pilgrim will be provided with a single mattress space in Mina Tents, however you will be getting Sofa Bed for his/her comfort, each pilgrims will be getting one bed sheet, one light blanket and he/she is advised to bring towel for his personal use.
    
4. The measurement of most of accommodation is not more than 300 meter ; it's recommended that most of the time to reach some place is the shortest possible route on foot.
    
5. Pilgrims should try to use the lift judiciously, avoiding use at the same time and similarly those on the near floors such as first and second floors may resort to possible use of stairs.
    
6. Do not over crowd the lift. It is a safety hazard.
    
7. It's recommended that you should not use the hotel phone it will cost you more than you expecting. After you check in inform relative or love one your Room # and main phone #.
    
8. The refrigerator is to be shared by all the pilgrims. Therefore, Pilgrims are requested to use it optimally.
   
   Pilgrims should not leave their room / building with food being cooked. It is observed that this could lead to fire and is a serious safety threat. This applicable only if you using own cooking or making tea.
    
9. Pilgrims should remember their hotel location and phone numbers, main landmark nearby and the nearest gate of Haram Sharif. If they miss their buddy, they can reach by the above information. In case they cannot, they may contact the nearest police post.
    
10. Pilgrims must strictly follow the departure time schedule from Madinah to Makkah and also from Makkah to Mina, Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifa, and back to airport Makkah to Jeddah airport. 

Sporce: go-makkah.com

A successful Haj

source: whatisislamabout.com

A successful Haj

THE 2016 Haj season recently concluded with the pilgrims and officials alike terming it a safe, convenient and successful Haj— all the ingredients that go into the recipe called success. All pilgrims performed their fifth pillar rituals in peace and security. It was by far a very smooth Haj that concluded with no accidents. The sight of 1.8 million pilgrims traveling in unison to the holy sites at specified times, gathering and praying to Allah, was breathtaking. We all wish these pilgrims a safe journey back home and we are looking forward to host millions of pilgrims to perform their rituals in peace next year.

What was amazing about this year’s Haj, which is a seamless continuation of last year’s edition, the year before and previous ones, is the participation of our youth to serve the guests of Allah. We have seen them in all ages, men and women, not hesitating to provide any and every help the pilgrims may need. The concept of volunteering to serve pilgrims at holy sites only shows that our youth’s sense of responsibility is growing. The hard work they displayed at the holy sites is only an indication that a bright future is awaiting this country when this generation comes of age and joins the workforce by bringing this quality of hard work to their careers. I have seen and been told by many who performed Haj this year that our scouts played an important and vital role in providing guidance to lost pilgrims, helping families to find their missing children and loved ones and transporting injured and older pilgrims on wheelchair.

Our security officers — the eyes that never sleep — should be thanked for their efforts to ensure a safe and smooth Haj. In every corner, they were there watching, round the clock, and organizing the pilgrims’ movements in sync with the established plans for various sites. Despite bound by their duty, they went beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. They even carried pilgrims on their backs if they were not able to walk. We have seen hundreds of pictures and many video clips of officers providing assistance to those in need without them knowing that they were being filmed or photographed. They seek no reward but the reward from Allah to serve His guests with honor.

We have seen tired police officers and security forces beat their exhaustion with a quick shuteye and are back on their feet for yet another round of selfless service. They rest or sleep under bridges on the hard concrete in hot weather for a brief period and come back rejuvenated before joining the line of their fellow officers to organize, guide and protect pilgrims. The scene on the last day of Haj as pilgrims were exiting Mina with the officers standing on the side of the road waving goodbye to pilgrims was a heart-rending one, especially with the pilgrims greeting the officers back and some shaking their hands. In addition many were praying to Allah that they would come back one day to perform the pilgrimage again, while officers wished them a safe journey back home.

The Health Ministry played an integral role in this year’s Haj by providing treatment for sick and infirm pilgrims and even transporting and accompanying sick pilgrims all the way across the holy sites with a complete medical team, until they completed their pilgrimage. I watched the other day a special coverage on the efforts by the Health Ministry through the Snapchat account of Fares Al-Turki, Saudi entrepreneur, who revealed the whole gamut of the ministry’s efforts in keeping the pilgrims healthy and safe. He said that heart catheterization and open-heart surgeries are taking place alongside the prompt treatment for light and sunstroke cases.
While Al-Turki was filming, a doctor said that they had performed 27 open-heart surgeries on pilgrims and 300 heart catheterization operations.
Pilgrims who come form poor countries take advantage of the free medical services provided to pilgrims to get these operations done at no cost. It is said that some of the machines installed in the heart of pilgrims cost more than SR100,000 and it is provided free to pilgrims. The government, represented by the Health Ministry here, does not ask for their nationalities or where they come from, but provide all help to keep the pilgrims safe and healthy.

We thank all the other related authorities that participated in contributing to the success of this year’s Haj, all in their posts, working diligently and selflessly. I cannot highlight the services of every individual or authority as the space for this article is limited to mention all their efforts. But we acknowledge their efforts that energized the journey of a lifetime for a pilgrim. At the same time, we feel sorry for the Iranian pilgrims, who were deprived by their own government from performing Haj this year. We wish that Iran would come to its senses, if they have any, and finally understand that Haj is not a political occasion to push their ideology, but a spiritual journey of devotees and many stages of servitude in their worship of Allah.

The authorities are to be thanked that the squatting problem, which was a major one in the past, has dropped dramatically this year following a clampdown on illegal pilgrims. The numbers are also down sharply due to the awareness campaign on squatting as a problem and the tough punishment imposed on violating people.
Our aim to serve the guests of Allah will continue forever and whatever suggestions for improvement or ways to better serve pilgrims will be implemented next year. The only thing I wish is to see next year is the cost of performing Haj to drop to an affordable level. Once again all our thanks to those who participated and made sure that our guests are safe and sound.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Over 1.3m arrive for Haj

dailymail.co.uk

Over 1.3m arrive for Haj

MAKKAH — As many as 1,323,520 pilgrims have arrived from various parts of the world to perform this year’s Haj, which climaxes on Sunday with the Standing on Arafat.

According to Director General of the Passports Department (Jawazat) Maj. Gen. Solaiman Al-Yahya, 1,245,203 pilgrims have arrived by air through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah.

He said 65,594 pilgrims have arrived by land from neighboring countries and the rest by sea through various seaports, mainly the Jeddah Islamic Seaport.

Al-Yahya said that 216 foreign pilgrims who did not observe Haj instructions were sent back to their respective countries. The violations included forging of 52 passports.

Under the instructions of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier, interior minister and the chairman of the Supreme Haj committee, any external pilgrim with valid Haj permit who arrives late for valid reasons such as flight delay will be received and rushed to Makkah.

Meanwhile, Hashim Al-Falih, chairman of the Haj Preparation Committee at the Makkah Governorate, said that 189,000 people who attempted to enter Makkah and the Holy Sites were sent back from checkpoints since the beginning of the Haj season until Thursday.

He said the violating Saudi pilgrims will face imprisonment and fines while expatriates will face the same punishment and deportation.

Falih, who is adviser to Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, said 48,000 vehicles transporting illegal pilgrims were confiscated and 22 fake Haj companies sealed.

The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has warned that those domestic pilgrims who have registered for Haj and paid the fees but did not go for the pilgrimage will not get their money back.

“There will not be any reimbursement of fees for domestic pilgrims who are not in Makkah or the Holy Sites for Haj by Friday,” the ministry said in a statement.

However, those intending pilgrims who informed the ministry about their change of mind by Dhul Hijjah 3 (Sept. 5) will be reimbursed with a 40 percent deduction. But those who informed on Dhul Hijjah 6 (Sept. 8) that they won’t be performing Haj will be reimbursed with a deduction of 70 percent.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Countdown to Haj 2016 begins

arabnews.com

Countdown to Haj 2016 begins

RIYADH: Domestic pilgrims from some parts of the Kingdom will leave for Makkah on Thursday.

The Ministry of Health has advised them to take care of personal hygiene and ensure that they have all the needed vaccinations and carry medicines with them, in case of need.

More than 300,000 Saudis are expected to join the foreign pilgrims this year.

According to the General Directorate of Passports, until Tuesday, 1,310,408 pilgrims had entered the Kingdom.

The directorate said 1,233,029 pilgrims arrived by air, 64,656 over land, and 12,723 by sea.

This year, Saudi pilgrims were able to obtain permits to perform the Haj through online applications; payments were made according to the package chosen by the pilgrims.

The directorate had warned people not to attempt to do the pilgrimage without a permit given by the authorities.

Most of the pilgrims from distant places such as Dammam and Riyadh chose to leave for the pilgrimage on Thursday so that they can join Friday prayers.

Seventy-seven Haj operators from 200 companies work to serve pilgrims.

Tthe Haj and Umrah Ministry earlier advised people to deal only with registered companies.

Offers for Haj came out in three packages ranging from SR3,000 to SR11,980; SR5,892 to SR11,890; SR3,000 to SR5,250 and the most economical fare (“moyassur“) SR3,000.

 arabnews.com

Mohammed Saraff, a pilgrim from Riyadh, said he paid SR9,250, which includes full board and lodging in Makkah, Mina and internal transport between the Haj ritual sites.

“I only have to pay for the sacrificial lamb and the bus transport to and from Makkah,” he said.

A pilgrim from the Eastern Province said he will be starting the pilgrimage on Thursday, since it is a long journey from Dammam, while another from Jeddah said that he will start his pilgrimage on Saturday.

The “meeqat” points include Dhul Hulayfah, 9 km from Madinah; Juhfah, 190 km to the northwest of Makkah; Qarn Al-Manazil, 90 km to the east of Makkah; Dhat Irq, 85 km northeast of Makkah; Yalamlam, 50 km southeast of Makkah and Taif.

The famous Ayesha Mosque near Makkah is also considered as “meeqat” point that helps pilgrims perform Umrah again once they complete the obligatory pilgrimage.

Dr. Nazreen Sherbini, specialist in infectious diseases and influenza, said that in addition to vaccination against meningitis, it is advisable to take a flu shot before the pilgrims depart for Makkah.

“Pilgrims should wear a protective mask that covers the nose and their mouth in crowded places, and follow the basic health etiquette while sneezing or coughing,” Sherbini said, warning that they should keep away from people who have incessant coughing, sneezing and a body temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius, and runny nose.

Sherbini said that all pilgrims should have taken the vaccination in time as advised by the doctors.

The flu vaccine helps prevent all types of flu, she said, adding that pilgrims do not require antibiotics for seasonal flu.

She said more liquids help the patients recover soon, except for those who suffer from renal, respiratory and cardiac diseases.

Source: arabnews.com

More than 707,000 pilgrims visit Madinah

saudigazette.com.sa

More than 707,000 pilgrims visit Madinah

MADINAH — A total of 707,685 pilgrims visited Madinah since the start of the Haj season until Monday, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday quoting a statistical report of the Private Establishment of Guides.

As many as 592,514 pilgrims have already left for Makkah while 115,094 are still present in the Prophet’s city. As many as 114,000 pilgrims will be sent to Makkah Wednesday.

According to the statistics, 10,956 contracts were signed by various departments to accommodate the visiting pilgrims in 590 hotels and furnished apartments.

It said 67 pilgrims are presently confined to hospitals for medical treatment.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Universal Lessons of Hajj

islamicity.org

Universal Lessons of Hajj

The current state of affairs both within and outside the Muslim world greatly increases the relevance of some of the spiritual and universal messages inherent in the Hajj.

Millions of pilgrims from all over the world will be converging on Mecca in the coming days. They will retrace the footsteps of millions who have made the spiritual journey to the valley of Mecca since the time of Adam.

Hajj literally means, “to continuously strive to reach one’s goal.” It is the last of the five pillars of Islam (the others include a declaration of faith in one God, five daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan). Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.

The Hajj is essentially a re-enactment of the rituals of the great prophets and teachers of faith. Pilgrims symbolically relive the experience of exile and atonement undergone by Adam and Eve after they were expelled from Heaven, wandered the earth, met again and sought forgiveness in the valley of Mecca. They also retrace the frantic footsteps of the wife of Abraham, Hagar, as she ran between the hills of Safa and Marva searching for water for her thirsty baby (which according to Muslim tradition, God answered with the well of Zam Zam). Lastly, the pilgrims also commemorate the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son for the sake of God. God later substituted a ram in place of his son.

Yet, the Hajj is more than these elaborate rituals. The faithful hope that it will bring about a deep spiritual transformation, one that will make him or her a better person. If such a change within does not occur, then the Hajj was merely a physical and material exercise devoid of any spiritual significance.

As all great religions teach, we are more than mere physical creatures in that we possess an essence beyond the material world. Indeed, this is why all great religions have a tradition of pilgrimage. In the Islamic tradition, Hajj encapsulates this spiritual journey toward this essence.

As Islamic scholar Ebrahim Moosa asks rhetorically: “after paying homage to the two women Eve and Hagar in the rites of pilgrimage, how can some Muslims still violate the rights and dignity of women in the name of Islam? Is this not a contradiction?”

Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in my way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other.” (Quran 3:195)

Clearly, the white sea of men and women side by side performing tawaf (circling) around the Kaaba (the stone building Muslims believe was originally built by Adam and rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael) should lay to rest any claim that Islam — as opposed to some Muslims — degrades women.

The fact that millions of Muslims transcending geographical, linguistic, level of practice, cultural, ethnic, color, economic and social barriers converge in unison on Mecca, attests to the universality of the Hajj. It plants the seed to celebrate the diversity of our common humanity. Pilgrims return home enriched by this more pluralistic and holistic outlook and with a new appreciation for their own origins.

One of the most celebrated Western Hajjis (one who has completed the Hajj) is none other than African-American civil rights leader El-Hajj Malik El Shabbaz, more commonly known as Malcolm X. The man who was renowned for preaching that whites were “devils” — especially the blond, blue-eyed ones — profoundly reassessed these views during the Hajj. This transformation, of course, sealed his break with the Black nationalist movement of the Nation of Islam.

Contrary to the teachings of the Nation, he concluded that Islam encompassed all of humanity and transcended race and culture. Malcolm X later said, “In my 39 years on this Earth, the holy city of Mecca had been the first time I had ever stood before the Creator of all and felt like a complete human.”

In Mecca, he discovered himself mixing with, “fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was whitest of white.” Malcolm X was so inspired by what he witnessed, that, in letters to friends and relatives, he wrote, “America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.”

Upon returning to America, he embarked on a mission to enlighten both blacks and whites with his new views. Malcolm X understood that in order to truly learn from the Hajj, its inherent spiritual lessons must extend beyond the fraternal ties of Muslims to forging a common humanity with others.

In fact, as part of the spiritual experience, the pilgrimage links people across religions through a past shared by several Abrahamic traditions. This combined with the Islamic teaching of the common origin of humanity holds out much hope. Indeed, the Qur’an teaches: “We created you from a single pair of a male and female (Adam and Eve), and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other and not that you might despise each other. The most honored of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you” (Quran 49:13). This is a great celebration of the differences and at the same time unity of all of humanity.

Another essential spiritual message of the Hajj is one of humility to God and His supremacy and control over all that we know. The multitude of people and their inner beliefs and practices are all to be judged by God and God alone in His infinite wisdom and full knowledge. Indeed, as the Qur’an insists, “Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith, truth stands out clear from error.” (Quran 2:256)

The result of a successful Hajj is a rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy. And it is these values – all attributes of God almighty — that are indispensable to us all if we are just to get along in this world.

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Source: islamicity.org

Ten blessed days of Dul Hijjah

arabnews.com

Ten blessed days of Dul Hijjah

IT is the time of the year again when we see millions of people from every corner of the world gathering in Makkah for Haj, which is the largest annual religious gathering that humanity knows. It is not just the number of people, but also the diversity that is stunning. Indeed, the heart of every believer soars with joy and the eyes well up when they watch the live transmissions being aired from the holy sites and every single one of them wishes that he/she was one of the blessed ones performing Haj.

It all started when Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to build His House, purify it and then call people to it for pilgrimage. Allah talks about this, in Surah Al Haj and says: “And when We designated for Ibraheem the site of the House, [saying], ‘Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate. And proclaim to the people the Haj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.’” (Qur’an 22:26-27)

Ibn Katheer said in his commentary on these verses: “This means: Allah says, Proclaim (O Ibrahim) the Haj to the people, calling them to come on pilgrimage to this House which We have commanded you to build. It was mentioned that Ibrahim said, “O Lord, how can I proclaim it to the people when my voice does not reach them?” He said, “Call and We will convey it.” So he stood in his maqaam (Station of Ibraheem) — or it was said, on the rock, or on Al-Safa, or on Abu-Qubays (a mountain) — and said: “O people, your Lord has taken a House, so come to it on pilgrimage.”

Praise be to the One Who has made His House "a place of return for the people and (a place of) security." (2:125). The hearts of those who love Allah are naturally attached to the House of the Beloved. Every time they see its image from afar they long for it and every time they are away from it they want to return. Although this narration amazes us, it also saddens many who are unable to undertake this amazing journey, either due to financial reasons, family obligations, or any other reason that may exist. Allah knows the state of hearts and He is especially Merciful toward His believing slaves when He decrees that whenever one resolves to do an act of worship but he is unable to do it because of some excuse, he will be granted the reward of one who does it.

This is proven by the incident when the Messenger (peace be upon him) came back from the campaign of Tabook and when he drew close to Madinah he said: “In Madinah there are some people who, whenever you marched or crossed a valley, were with you (gaining similar rewards).” The companions said: “O Messenger of Allah, but they were in Madinah.” He said, “They were in Madinah because some excuse kept them back.” (Al-Bukhari-4423)

We can also get the ultimate rewards of Haj, right from where we are. According to a Hadith, whoever prays Fajr prayer in congregation, then sits and remembers Allah until the sun rises, and then prays 2 rakahs of voluntary prayer (Al-ishraq), he will gain a reward equal to that of performing a perfect, perfect, perfect Haj and Umrah. (Al-Albaani, Saheeh Al-Jaami’-6346)

Furthermore, Allah has made the month of Haj, Dul Hijjah blessed, and the first ten days of this month have been made the best ten days of the year so all good deeds done in this season carry extra rewards.

The evidence of this has been reported in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah says: “By the dawn. And by the ten nights.” (Qur’an 89:1-2) The ten nights refer to the first ten days of Dul-Hijjah according to Ibn Abbas, Mujahid and others. (Tafsir Ibn Katheer)

The Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “There are no days in which righteous actions are more beloved to Allah than these ten days...” (Al-Bukhari, 2/457)

Therefore, for those of us who are unable to be in Makkah right now for Haj, let’s value these special days of the year and maximize our efforts to excel in various good deeds. We can:
u Pray all obligatory prayers on time and try to pray extra voluntary prayers for extra reward.

u Fast as the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dul-Hijjah. (Saheeh Abi Dawood-2/462). And when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on the 9th — The Day of ‘Arafah, he said: “It expiates (sins) for the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim-1162)

u Keep our tongues moist with Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillaah), Tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah) and Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah)

u Try to read the Qur'an as much as possible as ‘every letter earns us more than ten rewards’ (Tirmidhi-2910).

u Increase in our worship, repentance and dua during the day and during the night.

u Give charity and help those who are less fortunate to prepare for Eid.

u Restrain our tempers and our tongues from evil or idle talk, try being patient in upholding ties with relatives even if they are rude to us.

u Share sacrificial meat with the poor and be cheerful with everyone.

These ten days are truly special days of great gains and profits. The smart trader is the one who makes the most of this special season to increase his profits and seek nearness to His Master, whether he is at Makkah or not. May Allah guide us to be of the wise ones who do their best to get the maximum reward. Ameen.

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Source:arabnews.com

Seven Reasons to Perform Hajj While Young

Seven Reasons to Perform Hajj While Young

“The feet of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of five things: of his life as to how he spent it, his youth as to how he used it, his wealth as to where he got it and how he spent it, and of his knowledge as to what he did with it.” (Tirmithi)











“That they may witness benefits for themselves…” (Qur’an, 22:28)

From a young age, many of us dream of going to Hajj – to see the Ka`bah in person, the Station of Ibrahim, drink ZamZam, perform tawaaf (circling the Ka`bah), wear the white garments of Hajj, and be with brothers and sisters from around the world in the greatest international gathering in the history of humanity. It is a rare opportunity for forgiveness, for change, for turning to the Creator, and for Paradise, insha’Allah.

But it can sometimes feel out of reach and far away. This is especially the case with the youth.

But as a person moves on in life, high school and university finish. There may be money left over, or loans that finally get paid off, and a person is in a position to perform Hajj. At the same time, there are many options in life. It could be marriage, travel or vacation – one has to choose. For the young, with all of life’s possibilities tugging at the heart, here are a few reasons to put one’s heart, efforts, and resources into making that life-long dream a reality: the journey of Hajj.


1. If the Door is Open, It May Never Open Again

The dream has finally had its means made easy – will you fulfill it? Life is so short on earth; we never know if this opportunity will come again. In fact, Allah tells us how short life on earth is:









“You stayed not but a little – if only you had known,” (Qur’an, 23:114)

“You stayed not but a little – if only you had known,” (Qur’an, 23:114)

If the door for performing Hajj is finally open, a person should jump at the chance to perform it.

Ibn `Umar , said, “When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.” (Bukhari)


2. Hasten Toward Hajj

“Expedite the performance of Hajj. For nobody knows what may obstruct one.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad)
Along with not knowing what may obstruct one if one does not take the open opportunity to perform Hajj, the Prophet told us to expedite the performance of Hajj. We are told to get it done, not put it on the backburner or be lax concerning its performance, or to put other things as a priority above it. It is a duty to be fulfilled for Allah a pillar of Islam. For someone who has had the means to perform Hajj for some time and does not go, the Prophet http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/Islam/SAWS_sm__14x12.JPGinformed us of the state of loss of such a person: “Allah said: ‘Any of My slaves who is healthy and are of the means for five years, and did not visit My house, he is mahroom.” (Ibn Hibban & Musnad Abu Ya’laa: 3703:1031) The direct translation of mahroom is “deprive,” meaning a person who is able to go to Hajj and does not, has deprived themselves of something good and of benefits that cannot be imagined that will be regretted on the Day of Judgment.


3. Hajj Decreases Poverty

The Prophet http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/Islam/SAWS_sm__14x12.JPGsaid, “Keep on doing Hajj and Umrah, because they both eliminate poverty and sins just like a furnace eliminates the dirty impurities of iron, gold and silver. And an accepted Hajj has no reward less than Paradise!” (Tirmithi, Nisaa’i, Ahmad) It is important that we do not let our worries stop us from going, if we have the means. If we are concerned for our sustenance, one should perform Hajj with the expectation of improving its state, however Allah

4. The Supplication

One of the most prominent features of Hajj is supplication to Allah http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/IC-Articles/Allah_swt%5b14x13%5d.GIF. One does it so much on Hajj. But what is more, the supplication of Hajj is answered insha’Allah; and the best supplication is that of Arafah during Hajj.

“The warrior in the path of Allah, the one performing Hajj and the one performing Umrah are the delegations of Allah. If they call on Allah they are answered and if they ask Him for anything it is given to them.” (Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibban)

“The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah […]” (Tirmithi, Malik)

“There is no other day when Allah sets free more slaves from the Fire than the day of Arafah, for that day He comes nearer to them and says proudly to the angels: What do these people seek?” (Muslim)

Now for the youth looking to improve their lives – to get that nice job, get into that school, improve their relationship with Allah http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/IC-Articles/Allah_swt%5b14x13%5d.GIFand draw near to Him, marry that wonderful man or woman, have that a family member come to Islam or get back on the straight path, Hajj is the place to be. Hajj is where it’s at. Think of having supplicated during Hajj and living life from now on benefitting from those supplications insha’Allah.


5. The Release from Sin

Not only is Hajj a priceless opportunity for supplication, it is a chance to wipe clean the slate of one’s mistakes and shortcomings of the past. “One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Imagine having all of one’s mistakes wiped away, and having a clean and healthy conscience, mind and heart and a purified soul insha’Allah. Imagine experiencing this rebirth of sorts from a young age. It is a dream; it is priceless. But by Allah’s Mercy and Compassion, it is insha’Allah within reach for those who make Hajj. Hajj is a great way of for young person to get a head start in cleaning up the shortcomings and mistakes of the past, and thereafter look towards a much brighter future insha’Allah. Hajj is also a chance for Paradise: “An `umrah to another `umrah expiates what is in between them, and the accepted Hajj receives nothing except Paradise.” (Bukhari & Muslim) `Umrah is a like Hajj except it is shorter and can be performed at any time of the year.


6. Utilize Your Youth

Not only is Hajj a chance to be reborn in terms of one’s past mistakes and shortcomings in life, it is also a chance for the youth to take advantage of the fresh health they are often given by Allah http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/IC-Articles/Allah_swt%5b14x13%5d.GIF, the Most Generous. “There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.” (Bukhari) Take advantage of this great blessing that is guaranteed for no one. Hajj is not only a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual experience, but also a very physical one. No matter how young or in-shape you are, you will stand to benefit from every last bit of youthful energy and physical health Allah http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/IC-Articles/Allah_swt%5b14x13%5d.GIFhas blessed you with during Hajj.


7. Experience the World

As a young person, valuable life lessons taken from an early age are precious and can leave a lasting impression. One of the greatest life lessons anyone can learn and experience most vividly on Hajj is that human beings are equal to each other. Equal, that is, except in terms of taqwa, or God consciousness and reverence. On Hajj this is not an ideal of the mind or on the tongue, but is something put into practice, witnessed and experienced. During the Hajj itself, in part of what is known as the Farewell Sermon, the Prophet http://www.islamicity.com/global/images/photo/Islam/SAWS_sm__14x12.JPGsaid, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” (Excerpt from Khutbatul Wada’, amongst collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Ahmad)

From virtually every nook and corner of the Earth, men and women gather together in unity and submission to God during Hajj. Men all wear the same simple, white cloth garments; men and women perform the same acts of worship; young and old and even children participate; the rich and the poor mix. Everyone is equal before God and their piety is ultimately only known to Him, and He is their final Judge. Going through such an experience on a large scale with millions of people, insha’Allah, will open up the mind, heart, and soul to what it really means to be a human being amongst everyone on earth, much less what it truly means to be a Muslim in peaceful surrender to God.

Source: islamicity.org