Blessings of Dhul Hijjah

The last month of the lunar calendar ‘Dhul Hijjah’ is here. It is the month of the fifth pillar of Islam — Haj. This is the last sacred month of the year in Hijra Calendar. It is the month of Eid Al-Adha and the great sacrifice.

Did you know that first 10 days of this month are very important and blessed?

Even for those who are not performing the pilgrimage — Haj, the first 10 days are equally important and virtuous. All the good deeds that you do are loved and rewarded by Allah manifold in these 10 days. Every act of worship has double rewards.

If you are not going for Haj then, what can you do to gain the benefit and blessing of 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

According to a saying of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), fasting in any of these 9 days is equivalent to fasting for one year. Hence, your reward is as if you fasted throughout the year. Therefore, you can start by fasting to avail the blessing of these days.

Fasting on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, which is the day of Arafat for those performing pilgrimage is the most special and auspicious. Did you know that fasting on ninth of this month would make up for the sins and misgivings of last and the coming year?

However, as the summer is strongest in the Kingdom right now. Thus, it is better to keep yourself hydrated and drink a lot of water if you are going to fast.

In addition, it has been stated that if you pray at night, it will be equivalent to praying on the night of Qadr in Ramadan. We all seek Layla-tol-Qadr in Ramadan, and here Allah has given us the opportunity to have it again.

Do the Dikhr as much as possible. Always keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah. Recite Qur'an and Takbeerat. Ask your parents to guide you, and help you learn.

Do as many good deeds as possible. Allah loves all the good things that you can do in these days and they are rewarded immensely. Respect others, and show your good manners. Be the first one to greet others, and help everyone around you.

Spend a part of your pocket money on giving charity, or helping someone in need. Make Dua for your loved ones and the entire world. Allah listens to our prayer when we call upon Him. Make positive changes in life by adopting a good habit, and dropping a bad one. If you are not regular in your daily prayers, it is a very good time to make the change. Get rid of anger, and stop fighting with your siblings.

This time of the year is very important, especially if you did not get the chance to do well throughout the year. Be a good Muslim, and an excellent human being starting today. The rewards and blessings are yours in this world and the hereafter.

British Haj Travel Ltd Services:

If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah packages from the UK this year, then contact "British Haj Travel Ltd" experience team. We are the one of the leading Hajj and Umrah travel agency company in the UK. We have the huge range of packages for Hajj and Umrah at the cheap price. Call us for any query about Hajj or Umrah: ***0203 9170 999***

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Over 1.3m pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Electronic platforms had also helped to make the process easier.
Capsules are fitted with a sliding door at the end that can be opened by a magnetic card for each user, to ensure privacy.

More than 1.3 million pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj season, and more than 200,000 “domestic pilgrims” have also registered for services including the “low-cost Hajj,” “affordable Hajj,” and “general program,” the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Sunday.

The number of pilgrims registered for the general program is 160,221, with 37,891 signing up for low-cost Hajj and 10,016 for the affordable Hajj.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat said that the ministry had worked hard to ensure that all programs and facilities to receive guests in accordance with the highest standards were in place well in advance of the season. He said that its electronic platforms had also helped to make the process easier.

Mashat expressed his hope that all pilgrims would enjoy Hajj in comfort and safety and that God would accept their prayers and that they would return safely to their home countries after performing their pilgrimage.

This Hajj season pilgrims will also be able to try out the latest mobile hotel capsules — sleeping units that offer hotel room services and facilities in the smallest possible space, Hadiya, the Hajji and Mu’tamer’s Gift Charitable Association have announced.

These capsules can be placed side-by-side or on top of each other, with a height of two units. When the capsules are stacked a three-step staircase gives access to the top capsule.

Capsules are fitted with a sliding door at the end that can be opened by a magnetic card for each user, to ensure privacy.

To fulfill the wishes of the pilgrims who want to perform Umrah British Haj Travel Ltd is here to give them complete and best Umrah services from the United Kingdom. We now offer to our best customers and Cheap Umrah Packages and deals. So do not lose time and take advantage of this great opportunity to perform Umrah.

source: arabnews.com

Three levels of Faith | Islam, Iman, and Ihsan

Our religion is composed of three parts in which we have Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. We will discuss three of them in this article.

Islam

As we discussed above that there are three levels of faith that a person can attain being a Muslim. The first level is Islam. A Muslim must be declared that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah (SWT). By declaring this a person accepts the message of Allah Almighty that is revealed to humanity through the last prophet Muhammad (SAW). After accepting Islam it is obligatory on Muslim to observe all other Islamic obligations like five daily prayers, Zakat, Fasting in Ramadan, make a pilgrimage (Hajj) of the house of Allah if he/she is capable of doing this physically and also financially. These are some obligatory things that a Muslim must follow after the proclamation of Islam. The rules of Islam come more easily to those who have prepared their hearts with Iman.

Iman

Iman or faith is the first thing that we have to learn in our religion because it acts as our roots. Iman is basically to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers and all the scriptures which He sent down before. As Allah Almighty said in Holy Quran: “O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger, (in) the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray” (Quran, 4: 136)

So, a person reaching Iman believes that not only Allah exists but He is capable of doing anything He wants to do. A Mumen believes in everything Allah Almighty told in the Holy Quran. The belief in the Last Day which is the Judgment Day is an acknowledgment of accountability and estimation. It is an incentive for people to do good in this life in order to be rewarded in Paradise and a warning against doing badly in order to avoid punishment in the Hellfire.

The Prophet (SAW) said that Iman is, “To believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, to believe in meeting Him, to believe in His Messengers, the Resurrection and the predestination” (Al-Bukhari). We can say that Iman is about inwardly actions.

Ihsan

Ihsan is the highest status of religion Islam. Its definition that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described is: “To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He sees you.” The concept of Ihsan in Islam is also that a Muslim is a responsible person where he does things in a good manner. We can say that Ihsan means a Muhsen is sure that Allah is seeing him/her in everything he/she says or does in his life. So, a Muhsen does his best to say and do only what pleases Allah Almighty and conforms to His commands.

In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct (Ihsan), and giving to relatives (and He) forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded” (Quran, 16: 90).

In short, by living according to the concept of Ihsan and by applying it to all that a Muslim does, he/she will be rewarded and drench with mercy and forgiveness from Allah Almighty.

British Haj Travel Ltd Services:

If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah packages from the UK this year, then contact "British Haj Travel Ltd" experience team. We are the one of the leading Hajj and Umrah travel agency company in the UK. We have the huge range of packages for Hajj and Umrah at the cheap price. Call us for any query about Hajj or Umrah: ***0203 9170 999***

source: quranreading.com

Two-Month Haj plan unveiled

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has unveiled its two-month Hajj plan for the upcoming Haj season, stretching from the beginning of the current month until the end of the month of Dhul Hijjah (July-August).

Sheikh Dr Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, chief of the authority, said the presidency was keen to make all early preparations for the Haj season for this year, including a number of services, covering administrative and human resources, guiding, engineering and technical fields.
He also pointed out that the plan during this year’s Haj season is working to achieve a number of goals, including helping pilgrims to perform their duties with utmost ease while making sure that the plan goes on without any hindrance, making all its venues available for the Great Mosque pilgrims and guiding them with wisdom and good advice as well as providing all the necessary services and preparing all the facilities and venues and ensuring they are ready in the best possible way. He also indicated that it was done in partnership and coordination with the relevant institutions, government and security parties headed by the Ministry of Interior and the regions of Makkah and Madinah.

Concerning the pilgrims’ guidance, Sheikh Sudais stressed the availability of a number of important services provided by public administrations including a guidance and advise service that is concerned with raising the awareness of pilgrims and visitors conducting their worship in the most appropriate way and according to legitimate requirements. This includes: workshops conducted by a number of religious figures from sheikhs, instructors and scholars, the distribution of Qur’an copies, pamphlets, religious and advisory books, translation of Friday sermons in the Two Holy Mosques in several languages, and organizing and arranging the visits and salutations to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his worthy companions (may Allah be pleased with them) as well as arranging the entrance and praying of women in the Prophet’s Mosque without mixing with men.

He also underlined the fact that the foundation has been working on the simultaneous interpretation of Friday sermons in the Holy Mosque and that in 10 languages in addition to organizing all the gates and stairs during the Haj season. There are 210 gates in the Grand Mosque and 100 gates in the Prophet’s Mosque

There is 660 marble Zamzam water fountains and 25,000 water dispensers in the Grand Mosque, 60 fountains and 23,000 water dispensers in the Prophet’s Mosque.


King Abdul Aziz Foundation will also contribute through the renovation of Kiswa (gold-laced cover of the Holy Kaba) and a new cover on Dhul Hijjah 9. 
The number of humidifiers and air fresheners will also be increased in the corridors of the Grand Mosque in order to welcome visitors and worshipers. The air fresheners will be equipped with the finest incense and the best variety of coal which preserves heat without causing any smell or sparks. The air fresheners used are made of colloidal copper and covered with a colloidal perforated silver coat that allows diffusing the incense with all caution.

Efforts are also on to allocate 600 air fans to the Grand Mosque and its squares, 4,500 air fans in the corridors of the Mataf (Kaba circumambulation area) and 250 umbrellas in the Prophet’s Mosque as well as 52,499 carpets in the Two Holy Mosques. — Al Arabiya English

If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah this year, then contact British Haj Travel Ltd and get Luxury Hajj packages and Umrah packages at affordable price. Call at for further details: ***0203 9170 999***

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Five Pillars of Islam - Social Importance and Benefits

Islamic structure has a solid foundation just like every sound structure have a solid foundation in order to remain strong. Islam’s solid foundation is the five pillars, forming the basis of Islamic teaching as taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a great and responsible life according to Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam enclose the basic moral obligations for Muslims which we all should follow and act upon them. Those who inspect the basics of Islam are usually told about the “Five Pillars” of the religion Islam. These five pillars of Islam have the great impact on Muslim’s life.

1. Islam is built upon the Five Pillars of Islam which are as follows:
2. The Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
3. Salah (Establishing regular Prayers)
4. Zakat (Paying charity)
5. Sawm (Fasting in the month of Ramadan)
6. Hajj

Now we will discuss these five pillars of Islam in detail about their importance, benefits and how they affect the Muslim’s life.

(1)

• Shahadah: The first pillar of Islam is the confession of faith; there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is His last Prophet. Under this pillar, all other obligations are incorporated, for to believe in Allah and Muhammad (SAW) as His Prophet is to obey their teachings and the example of Muhammad’s life. We can also say that sincerely reciting the Muslim undertaking of faith is Shahadah. It must be based on a sincere and firm belief from the heart, as well as being expressed verbally. The declaration of the first pillar has two parts; the first part of the declaration signifies that no person, object or vitality has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone. Allah alone has the power over all things because He is the only Creator and Sustainer of all that exists in this world. Allah has no partner without any doubt. The second part of the declaration is that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s final Messenger. He is the last and final Prophet in a long chain of Prophets sent to call the people to the obedience and worship of Allah alone.

One will become a true Muslim only if he/she will utter Shahadah and also accept it by heart.

(2)

• Salah: The second pillar is prayer (Salah). Muslims are expected to engage in prayer five times a day, facing Mecca. Prayer provides a pattern of Muslim life. Muslims hope to please Allah by remembering him constantly by offering prayer regularly. Salah is basically performing practice prayers in a proper way five times daily. In Quran Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer the prayer for My remembrance” (Quran 20:14). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Prayer is a pillar of the religion (Islam). Whoever establishes it, establishes a religion; and whoever destroys it (neglects it), destroys religion.” So we can say it is obligatory on every Muslim to offer prayer five times a day for the sake of Almighty Allah and also if you want to complete your faith. After Shahadah, it is the most important pillar of Islam.

Benefits of Salah

• Prayer establishes a personal and spiritual connection between the Muslim and his Creator based on faith and love
• It will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace, and closeness with Allah
• Through prayer, Muslim remembers the greatness of his Creator and supplicates to Him for his needs and wishes
• Repeatedly humbling oneself before Allah prevents a person from falling into sin
• Salah is the type of purification for one’s soul
• Salah is an opportunity for repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah

When Salah is performed correctly with complete concentration, humility, and sincerity, it will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace, and closeness with Allah. We should pray five times a day if we want to close to Allah and should make Dua in front of Him for anything for any cause He will absolutely listen and fulfill.

(3)

• Zakat: Zakat is paying an alms (or charity) to benefit the poor and the needy people for the sake of Almighty Allah. The meaning of the word “Zakat”, is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Muslims are required to give at least 2.5 percent of their annual capital to the poor, either directly or through Muslim charitable organizations. Giving to the poor is intended to achieve a generous lifestyle and a sense of caring for the Muslim community, especially those lacking physical and financial means. We as a Muslim believe that if we give poor or needy people from our income and wealth then we will become trustworthy to Almighty Allah. As Allah (SWT) mentioned in Holy Quran: “Those who establish the prayer (Salah) and give the charity (Zakat) these are the ones who will prosper” (Quran, 31:4-5). The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has made Zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining wealth.” By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims purify their remaining wealth, as well as ensure both financial and spiritual growth.

Benefits of Paying Zakat

• Purify one’s heart from greediness, selfishness, and arrogance
• Made people be sympathetic and compassionate towards needy and poor
• Reminds blessings of Allah and encourage to be grateful to Almighty Allah
• Reduce poverty from society and balance the gap between different socio-economic classes and groups.

If someone wants to give more than specified that is 2.5 percent then he can give if he has a will to do more for needy people for pleasing Almighty Allah.

(4)

• Sawm: Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan for Almighty Allah because it is the Holy month of Allah. Fasting involves refraining from such things as food, tobacco, and sexual relations during daylight hours. One should also abstain from all sinful actions. These periods of fasting are to encourage and enable Muslims to develop self-control, to oppress bad habits, and to refocus their minds towards personal spiritual progress. Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran:”Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain piety” (Quran, 2:183). As with any act of worship, fasting requires obedience and submission to Allah’s commands through the highest degree of commitment and sincerity. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory on every physically and mentally capable adult Muslim. Children, the sick, the mentally unfit, the elderly, menstruating women, and travelers are privileged.

Benefits of Fasting

• Promotes self-purification and spiritual growth
• Fasting has health benefits it is proven scientifically
• Forgiveness of sins
• Purifies the soul and helps it acquire obeying Almighty Allah by restraining desires, and promotes steadfastness
• Create awareness about the state of affairs across the globe and the hardships encounter
• Fasting is a mean of learning self-restraint and patience

(5)

• Hajj: The fifth pillar is Pilgrimage. All Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if their finances and health grant. During the pilgrimage, Muslims dress in white garments and remove all indicators of status or class. This practice is intended to help Muslims recognize that before Allah they are all equal. Racial, gender and economic differences are subdued as commonalty of Muslims from many nations bow together to worship Allah. Performing the pilgrimage is a temporary suspension of all worldly activities, and is a time for one to reflect, worship, seek the forgiveness of Allah and attain His closeness. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makah) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the expenses (for one’s transportation, provision, and residence)” (Quran, 3:97). This great act of worship consists of many components including sacrificing an animal, supplicating, visiting and praying at various sites, circling the Kabah, walking between two mountains, as well as many other rituals, all of which are performed over a period of 6 continuous days. During Hajj Brotherhood is increased, as is the sense that all Muslims, regardless of their differences, are one nation.

The five pillars of Islam have been prescribed by Allah, and a Muslim is required to believe and act according to them. They are practical as well as easy, and the blessings and wisdom behind them are multiple. Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslims are putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their worldly lives. These five pillars provide the solid structure for the betterment and success of all humanity. It’s obligatory on us (Muslims) to practice these in our lives for getting benefits in this life and the Hereafter. 

If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah this year, then contact us because of British Haj Travel Ltd is one of the leading Hajj and Umrah travel agency company in the UK. We have the huge range of Hajj packages and Umrah packages with all inclusive facilities. Call us for further details at ***0203 9170 999***

source: quranreading.com

Hajj: A Submission to ALLAH (swt)

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory for a person who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once in his or her life. Due to its importance as a Holy ritual and the emphasis put by Allah Almighty and Prophet (PBUH) on its performing, every Muslim dream to be able to perform Hajj.

The importance of Hajj is evident from  Quran teaching,  Allah Almighty has time and again emphasized its importance. Besides being a religious ritual, it carries some universal messages as well. The lines below give the major religious acts re-enacted during Hajj along with the universal messages it conveys to humanity.

Acts Re-Enacted During Hajj:

There are three major religious acts of Holy personalities re-enacted during the performing of Hajj:

Adam & Eve-Â The first experience relived by pilgrims is the experience of the exile of Adam and Eve from Heaven. From Heaven when they were banished to earth, they wandered separately and when they met, they both asked for the forgiveness of Allah Almighty in the valley of Mecca.

Hagar- The second experience relived by pilgrims is of Abraham’s wife Hagar. She ran between the hills of Safa and Marva in search of water for his thirsty son. As per Muslim beliefs, her running was answered by Allah Almighty with the well of Zamzam.

Abraham- The third act relived by pilgrims is in commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son on the order of Allah Almighty, which was then substituted by ram by Gabriel.

These are the three acts, which pilgrims re-enact during Hajj. However, beyond the religious significance, there are different universal messages which the ritual of Hajj conveys to all of humanity. The three major universal messages conveyed by Hajj are given below.

The Place of Women:

The first universal message that Hajj conveys to humanity is the equality of gender and the place which Islam gives to women. During Hajj, women are the same with men, they do all the rituals, they strive the way men do, they pray the way they do, so it would be false to think that Islam somehow undermines women, rather Islam conveys the message of giving respect and dignity to women on equal levels as men possess. If you read Holy Quran, Allah Almighty clearly says in it:

“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)

If Allah Almighty thinks of men and women as equal, then who are we to regard women as lesser beings? Moreover, all the acts of Hajj clearly show that Allah Almighty has the same orders for women as they are for men; therefore, there is no discrimination. Hence, the message of gender equality and the place of women in Islam is the universal message conveyed by the event of Hajj.

Equality:

The second universal message conveyed by Hajj, of which the world is in most need of is the equality of people. During Hajj, one observes Muslims from all over the world, from different geographical locations, different practices, different culture, different linguistic features, different color, ethnicity, social status and so on. All these people from different backgrounds circle around Kabah side by side, they say prayers standing with one another, they cast stones regardless of who is standing next to them. Allah Almighty says in Quran:

“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.” (49:13)

Hajj is the embodiment of this Ayah. All the Muslims from different countries perform Hajj the same way without any gender, cast, color, nationality or status discrimination, thus Hajj gives the message of universal equality among mankind.

Humility:

The other universal message conveyed by the event of Hajj is of humility and submission to the supremacy of Allah Almighty. The saying âs of prayers, the wearing of only Ihram, the flip-flops, the constant praise of Allah Almighty, all these teach the lesson of humility to mankind, and tells them that there is one Supreme Power and He is the one to Whom everyone has to return, thus the need of being humble in our lives.

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source: blog.mzahidtravel.com

How to Kiss Hajr e Aswad (Black Stone) During Hajj

The importance of kissing Hajre Aswad and the significance it has for a Muslim is evident from the previous post, which showed the references from Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the importance of the stone. Thus, out of respect and to fulfill the tradition of Hajre Aswad Muslims kiss the stone whenever they are doing Tawaf e Kaaba.

Pertaining to the kissing of Hajre Aswad, it is done during Tawaf in the days of Hajj. Without any doubt Hajj is one of the greatest congregations on the surface of this planet, therefore, kissing the Black Stone is not an easy thing to do when millions of others are also striving towards it. In this regard, those who are able to kiss the stone in person can do so, whereas those who are not able to go close to the stone because of all the crowd and hustle can raise their hand and point towards it which represents the same reverence as would a kiss do. Therefore, kissing the stone is not mandatory; rather it can be done by waving towards the stone as well.

Although there is an option of kissing the stone from a distance, however, there are ardent lovers of the stone who want to kiss the stone in the traditional way so that they are able to fulfill the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For such people, there is a systematic way by following which they can increase their chances of kissing the stone. The following lines shall discuss few steps that can help in increasing the probability of kissing Hajre Aswad during Tawaf.

Step#1

The first step is of getting into the line of people who are along with the line of Kabah. The best way to start it is by getting into the line at Yemeni corner.

Step#2

The second step is of sticking with the wall of Kabah. In doing so you need to make sure that one hand of yours should be constantly touching the Kabah wall so that you aren’t dragged away into the crowd. In addition, the second thing to do is to make sure the hand of yours that is towards the crowd is in a laid down position so that you don’t push someone unintentionally when the hustle grows.

Step#3
The third step in the progression towards the Hajre Aswad is not to break the flow and move forward within the current. The line moves forward inch by inch, therefore, any trying of overtaking the other person or changing the line and then moving ahead will all be in vain. Therefore, the best ploy is to go with the current and not break it.

Step#4

When you start getting near to the mob, now would be the best time to start reciting your Adhkars as when you grow nearer the pressure of the crowd increases and in such situation, it is quite natural that you might get impatient and forget your adhkar. Therefore, start reciting them when you are in line.

Step#5

When you will be reaching close to the corner, where perpendicular current will also be trying to push you, at that point, you need not panic; rather you must use the force from opposite direction to your advantage, as all it will be doing is pushing you closer to the stone. Therefore, instead of fighting the current, maneuver to your benefit and move closer to the mob.

Step#6

If at some point you feel that you cannot handle the pressure of the crowd, then instead of painting and removing your hand from the wall of Kabah, you must find the rings that are there instilled in the wall. These rings will help you maintain your center of gravity.

Step#7

When you get within feet or inches of the Stone, start reciting the duas you can remember and ask refuge and help from Allah Almighty. When you are near the stone and everyone is pushing, it can turn out to be a state of frenzy and you might push someone. Therefore, ask Allah Almighty to give you patience and courage to reach the stone with ease.

Step#8

Once you have reached the stone, then instead of losing your senses at the sight of the stone and sticking there for long, the wise thing to do is to just kiss it and move on quickly. If you stay there even for a second longer, then chances are that the incoming crowd would push you and you may fall, which is a risk you should never take in such a crowded place. Therefore, kiss the stone and move on quickly without giving a chance to others to push you.

Remember, while kissing the holy black stone is gives an immense feeling of being blessed by Almighty, it also requires you to follow a systematic approach to help your kissing cause come true peacefully. For that, you are suggested to keep these guiding steps in your mind that will ultimately help you towards kissing of stone.

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source: quranreading.com

The Muslim golden age

The Muslim golden age

There was a time in the history of the world where Islam stood in a position that was above all. The Islamic Empire was the most magnificent and powerful in the world. It produced the greatest scholars, rulers, scientists, architects, and citizens that flourished in all areas of life.

It wasn’t until much later that we strayed from our teachings and the result of that is what made us a misunderstood nation that is lagging behind.

Today we journey back to dig in the history of the Golden Era of Muslims. Modern day Muslims may not realize how many things; objects and concepts alike, were actually brought into existence by our ancestors whose heritage we are supposed to be carrying. But over the course of thousands of years, the original names were lost and benefitting from that, Europeans who were good at adapting saw the chance and gladly took it, they took the discoveries and inventions and evolved into the successful, developed nation that they are now. In the past, Muslims ruled over Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and much of Central Asia.

Education was made compulsory on all men and women by Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), as he said, “Seek knowledge even if it is in China.”

In those times China was considered the farthest geographic state recorded. When the prophet said this, he tried to encourage the Muslims to try everything that was in their power to acquire knowledge. Following his teachings, centers of learning were founded in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and Cordoba. These centers of learning and study later served as models for European universities.

Allah instructs His servants to contemplate, to look at the wonders in the universe and to try to understand.

“And on the Earth are signs for the certain in faith. And in yourselves. Then will you not see?” (Qur’an, chapter 51, verse 20-21)

The Muslims of that time had a thirst for knowledge and curiosity of what Allah had hidden for them on the Earth and in all of space and time. That led the Muslim scientists to establish that the world was round in the 9th century. The early expeditioners learned how to navigate by looking at the stars. The use of navigation tools and weather forecasting was the expertise of the Muslims. By studying the stars, they would make calendars and decide on the times of prayers.

Modern medicine also has its roots planted in that golden era. In fact, Muslim doctors established the world’s first hospital, which originally was adjacent to the mosques. Also, there were hospital caravans that brought medical care to the people in villages, which evolved into the units that today we call ambulances.

Al-Khwarizmi was given the title of the “father of algebra”. The word algebra came from one of his books. Al-Khwarizmi was the one who introduced the concept of “0” in mathematics and started using it for calculations.

Ibn Sina commonly known as Avicenna is still the most famous and influential scientist in medicine. The Canon of Medicine was his most celebrated book that contained the summary of all the medical knowledge of his time. His book was primarily used as a text book in medical universities for 500 years after he had originally written it. His work on optics was phenomenal and way ahead of its time. He had written a total of 450 books, unfortunately only 240 of these books survived. He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and much more.

Muslims believe that only Allah can create something alive, so they turned to shapes and patterns found in nature, and recreated them using geometry. This brilliant art of geometric shapes and arabesque patterns was used decorate a wide range of objects from every day items such as plates and candle sticks to large scale places like mosques and castles.

Arabesque is a method of art that uses basic tools like rulers and compasses to create symmetric abstract art, which is then commonly used to decorate mosques, pottery and textiles.

Calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully which came into being because the Muslims thought that the word of God when written must be as beautiful as can be made. For this reason, they would only let the most professional calligraphers to write God’s name and verses from the Holy Qur’an in buildings and different places. Calligraphy is now taught in universities as a subject.

The contributions of Muslims to all the areas of the world are innumerable, we owe so much to them, that I could not possibly mention all of them here. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But it gives me pride to say that we are people of such a beautiful, rich, and intelligent heritage. We had pride, glory, and respect.

What happened to us? And what can we do to earn our name and place in this world back?

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Economy Umrah Packages 2018 for UK Citizen

Economy Umrah Package 7 Nights

5 STAR UMRAH PACKAGE 2018-2019

Location: Makkah

Price: From £370

Economy Umrah Package 7 Night 1 Jan 2018 – 16 May 2018
Makkah Hotel:	Anjum Hotel	BB	4 Night
Madinah Hotel:	Crowne Plaza	BB	3 Night
Meal Visa:	B&B Umrah Visa
Transport: Flight:	On Reques On Request

Cheapest Umrah Packages UK

British haj travel Ltd is a company which gives you most Cheapest Umrah packages as compare to other companies in the market. If you want to get best packages sitting at home. Don’t need to worry about that anymore just came to us or make a call. we are just at a call distance from you. Most of the companies in the world are just trying to make money but our purpose is not to make money we are working for our customers , our customers ease ,and mainly we are working for Allah. Our Aim is to provide best facilities in cheapest price to the customers. 

we are working for 16 years in your services . We make your Umrah best and memorable for sure. We give you the hotels which are at walking distance from Haram. We have all type of hotels 3star , 4star , 5star ,or any cheaper. We give you the hotels with best facilities in a very reasonable price. We are so confident you’ll find best price for your trip here with Cheapest Umrah packages that we guarantee it find cheaper price Hotel , Flight , Hotel and even Rental Car (on customer’s demand). Whatever the interest of your group and whatever your need is , we can create a customized package especially for you , Indeed we will provide the services you want services such as airfare andaccommodation.

We give you airlines with best price and less or without stay. We give you Hajj & Umrah VISA in maximum 15 days and for sure. We also have urgent visa services according to customer’s demand. There is 100% guarantee of your Visa by us. We are 24 hours available for our customers. Whenever customer need any help or have any Question about our company or package we are available for them.

Our customer is our 1st priority because Every company’s greatest assets are it’s customer because without customer there in no company ‘’. There ease is everything to us. We believe that ‘’unless you have 100% satisfaction you need to improve’’. So we are still improving ourselves to give you more reliability and facilities. A good company is which know what is their customer’s need before thet they tell. And we know our customer’s need. We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better. 

Money is not our reward , our reward is to make the customer satisfied and to give them best of all. We give not only our services to the customer , we give our sincerity , our time , our hard working, our loyalty to the customer. We always give more for the customer than what’s requiredof us . We give best Quality to our customer price because we know that ‘’ Quality is remembered long after the forgotten ‘’ . We take care of our customers because without care there is no loyalty.

Thousands of customers are satisfied from us. There are many companies working in the market but How do you know that they are real ? By only one thing , and it’s there ATOL NO. we are working with ATOL NO , and our ATOL NO. is 10721. We are located at Door No 84 , Kingsley Road , near Hounslow TW3 1QA , UK . There are few companies which are working with ATOLNO. We have the best reviews in the market. We give you the best packages. We don’t give you a single package , British haj travel always give you number of packages. And make you to choose what is best package for you and what you want. We provide you the package same as we said or send you. British haj travel Ltd give you a proper follow back until the customer is satisfied. By customer’s love and demands and our success in thousands of Umrah packages we are offering all Tours. Like Holiday tours , cheap tickets to anywhere ,Cruise Tours , business tours ,cheap hotels with good facilities ,5 star , 3 star , 4 srtar or any cheapers , or any tour r tickets you want in cheapest price and best offers. Once you came to our company you can’t go to any other place for sure .

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source: cheapestumrah.blogspot.com/

'One Day in the Haram'

'One Day in the Haram'

"One Day in the Haram," a 90-minute documentary, presents in detail how the Grand Mosque is run, covering the various departments such as the cleaning, IT, audio, maintenance, administration and Zamzam water systems.

“People don’t know how the Haram is incredibly organized and has one of the world’s most advanced systems operating the site,” says Abrar Hussain, writer and director of the film. “It’s one of the rare places in the world that operates continuously all year round.”

Most films about the Holy Mosque focus on the worshippers and the travelers’ experience while this film, after having done extensive research, presents the daily routine through the eyes of the workers, he says.

The film was made by Hussain along with Saudi executive director Abdulelah Al-Ahmary with a shared vision of creating a new kind of approach to depicting the Holy Mosque in the media.

The crew consists of filmmakers from the UK as well as locals based in Saudi Arabia who paid Makkah frequent visits to produce the film over a period of 18 months.

The trailer reveals an intimate examination of the staff and a modern style of cinematography.

“It was important to show the everyday cycle and present the natural environment of the Holy Mosque. The five prayers were important to create structure to the film,” says Hussain, adding that full access to the site granted by Imam Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque enabled the crew to complete filming all aspects of the mosque.

The crew refrained from using a tripod and used moving cameras instead to present the rapid flow of movement for “a real-feel experience”.

“The aim of the film is to increase people’s desire to visit and offer an experience of being in the Haram for the millions who haven’t visited yet,” adds Hussain.

The documentary also seeks to attract an international audience and participate in film festivals worldwide once it premieres this year.

Hussain, who lives in the UK, says there is lots of misinformation on Islam in the West. “This film not only aims to highlight the aesthetic beauty of the House of God but also show the ideals of the religion.”

The budget for the film that was produced by Arabian Pictures amounts to 250,000 British pounds (approximately SR1.27 million).

Commenting on his experience, Hussain, who has previously produced documentaries on Islam and traveled various countries to film other works, called his latest project “a great honor to work in the most important place in the world for Muslims.”

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Pilgrims in Madinah after a successful Hajj

Source:arabnews.com

Pilgrims in Madinah after a successful Hajj

Many pilgrims have arrived in Madinah after a spiritually uplifting few days in and around the holy city of Makkah. They are visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, as well as other attractions around Madinah as authorities announce the third phase of their Hajj plan.(Photos by SPA)

Source:arabnews.com

264,000 more pilgrims from abroad this year

source: saudigazette.com.sa

264,000 more pilgrims from abroad this year

THE number of foreign pilgrims performing Haj this year would be highest in history, according to sources at the Ministry of Haj and Umrah. Saudi authorities have made flawless and elaborate arrangements to receive the largest number of pilgrims in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and to ensure a hassle-free Haj. So far nearly one million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom.

The number of foreign pilgrims last year was 13,25,372. However, this year, there will be an increase of about 264,000 pilgrims reaching a total of around 1.6 million. Most of them have started flocking the holy land from all over the world. This was made possible following Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s directive to lift the 20 percent cut in the quota of foreign pilgrims and 50 percent cut in the number of domestic pilgrims. The quota cut was enforced in 2012 due to the massive expansion works of mataf (circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) and the Grand Mosque.

As of Thursday, a total of 916,562 pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom, an increase of 165,013 (22 percent) comparing with the same period last year. According to a statistical report of the General Directorate of Passports, the number of pilgrims who arrived by air reached 878,567, while the number of pilgrims who arrived by land and sea account for 35,023 and 2,972 respectively. Of these pilgrims, 607,715 reached Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and spend a few days in the holy city before setting out for Makkah.

Meanwhile, more than a million pilgrims and visitors offered Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. In his Friday sermon, Sheikh Faisal Bin Jameel Ghazzawi, imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque, urged the pilgrims to engage in supplications and spiritual preparations in anticipation of their life-time journey which is around the corner.

The imam specially spoke about the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, asking pilgrims to take full advantage of them well before moving to the holy sites to perform the Haj rituals. “Haj is the greatest of all worships that make the believer much closer to Almighty Allah and there should not be any laxity and delay in utilizing the opportunity of performing this fifth pillar of Islam,” he said.

Sheikh Ali Al-Hudaifi, imam and khateeb of the Prophet’s Mosque, cited in his sermon a myriad benefits — both spiritual and material — a Muslim obtains by performing Haj. “Nobody except Almighty Allah can calculate the rewards and benefits of Haj. In the event of an acceptable Haj, Allah will safeguard a Muslim from the machinations of Satan during the rest of his life,” he said while urging pilgrims to be cautious to win the pleasure of God through respecting the Signs of Allah in the holy city as well as performing the rituals earnestly and not spoiling their rituals with involvement in worldly affairs.

Meanwhile, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh Al-Asheikh launched the ministry’s media programs to educate pilgrims during the current Haj season. He said the plan included distribution of millions of publications, books, CDs, films and dawa mass media material in 32 international languages. “Around 100 satellite channels are taking part in educating pilgrims through the dissemination of films and programs produced by the ministry. The plan also reflects the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the pilgrims,” the minister said.

Types of Packages

Prime travel agency of the UK, British Hajj Travel Ltd is famous for offering best Hajj packages and Umrah deals to British pilgrims.

VIP Hajj Packages   |   Golden Hajj Packages   |   Silver Hajj Packages   |   Deluxe Hajj Packages

VIP Umrah Packages   |   Golden Umrah Packages   |   Silver Umrah Packages    Deluxe Umrah Packages

source: saudigazette.com.sa