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 Packages 2018 at reasonable price

British Hajj Travel Introduces Hajj Packages 2018.

Each year Muslims from all over the world gather in Makah to perform Hajj between 8th and 12th Du-Ul-Hijjah in order to show their solidarity and submission to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. The pilgrimage to Makah is one of the five main pillars of Islam, so it is compulsory for every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in their life. 

However, one should be financially and physically able to perform this religious duty, but that’s not all that you need to make this endeavor. Pilgrims also need to make sure that they have acquired the services of a reliable travel agency for the journey otherwise it can prove a very daunting experience for them.

British Hajj Travel Ltd, however, has resolved this problem for Muslims in the UK by offering them top-class Hajj Packages at extremely affordable rates. The Lancashire-based traveling company has been in this business for more than a decade. On top of it, British Haj Travel is authorized by the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia to carry out Hajj and Umrah packages. 

The British Hajj Travel agency has always made an effort to offer best and reasonably priced cheap hajj packages, so more and more Muslims in the UK can perform the holy ritual every year. It can be judged from the fact that packages for Hajj of British Hajj Travel are created by keeping the budget, traveling needs and accommodation types of visitors.

This makes things more manageable and reasonable for the customers of British Hajj Travel. It is because of this very reason the premium Hajj travel agency now maintains a huge base of loyal customers.

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.

British Hajj Travel Ltd has launched Hajj Packages 2018 with all-inclusive facilities. We offer them supreme services at low rates, as it understands. Economy Hajj, and other Hajj package also available with the best and cheap Hotels. Price Start at £5200. Call Us for details ***0203 9170 999***

source: blog.mzahidtravel.com