Women and Hajj

Women and Hajj

Despite the equality of men and women in the Islamic rulings, there are some rulings specified for women out of mercy towards them because of their different nature.

• If a woman still in her Iddah (waiting period) when she is divorced and she wants to go for Hajj, she may go but she has to be accompanied by a Mahram . However, if  the waiting period is for the death of the husband, she cannot go to Hajj for staying at home is one of the obligations of the waiting period for the wido
   
• The companionship of a Mahram is an obligation for women when she is performing Hajj. If she has got no Mahram, she cannot perform Hajj and her Hajj is not valid. Allah’s apostle (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman should not travel except in the company of a Mahram.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
       
• Regarding Ihram of the woman it is it like that of the man with exception to clothes: A woman should assume Ihram like and she is permitted to wear whatever clothes she likes as long as they meet the Islamic rulings. A woman cannot  wear Niqaab , Burqa' or gloves. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A woman in the state of Ihraam should not wear Niqaab or gloves.” (Bukhaari) .
       
• Talbiyah for women and hajj: unlike men, women should say Talbiyah in a low voice. and it is impermissible for her to raise her voice when saying Talbiyah in the presence of men.
       
• Ramal and Idhtibaa': The rulings of Ramal and Idhtibaa' are not applicable to women. She should not perform Ramal, Idhtibaa' or run during Sa‘i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa.
       
• Shortening hair: A woman has to cut the length of a fingertip from her hair. Ibn Abbas said, “It is not obligatory upon women to shave their hair (after ending Ihraam), rather, it is obligatory upon them to shorten the hair.” (Abu Daawood )
       
• If a woman menstruates and does not become pure until she fears missing the company; she should not perform Tawaf until she becomes pure, for the Prophet, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Aa’isha when she was menstruating: “Perform each rite that the pilgrim performs with exception to performing Tawaf around the House.” (Bukhaari and Muslim). However, if she perform Tawaf, for example, lest she should miss the company, some scholars including Ibn Taymiyah, endorse the idea that it is permissible for her to perform Tawaf because of necessity.

Source:go-makkah.com

The Values of Hajj

The Values of Hajj

Hajj is a collection of actions and recitations. These collections inspire the Muslim's soul with spiritual sublime feelings.

Generally speaking, Hajj includes a number of prayers performed by the pilgrim during a definite period. Every action, word, and prayer is a symbol that inspires the soul with a vivid feeling and encompasses a secret and an objective.
 
Ihram, Talbiyah (Tawaf) (circumambulation), Saa’y, Wuquf (staying at Arafat) to name but a few, are a mixture of actions and feelings which are spiritually experienced by the pilgrim. Every action has got a deep meaning and each rite aims at the accommodation of the values of Islam and the demonstration of its purposes in a symbolic and accurate way.

Rites are performed within the hugest gatherings of people. Crowds assemble to worship Allah, the almighty.  Their target is Allah’s satisfaction and forgiveness, submission and surrender to his will.

Once a Muslim decides to perform Hajj, his heart will long to reach his purpose, Allah’s satisfaction and the purification of the self.

Performing Hajj is the sacrifice of money and many physical desires and pleasures for the sake of Allah. It leaves an everlasting mark in the Muslim’s heart to constantly remember the Almighty.

It equally renewed the society. Performing Hajj cannot be undertaken singly. Its rites have to be performed communally. Herein, lies the basic principles of Islam: Brotherhood, Unity, peace and equality.

Pilgrims coming from different nationalities will get to know each other, pray and supplicate together so that the Almighty ease their hardships and forgive them.

Source:go-makkah.com

The month of forgiveness

The month of forgiveness

 {And race toward forgiveness from your Lord…}
(Chapter 57, verse 21)

Allah has blessed us by extending our lives to witness another month of Ramadan. It is said that our righteous predecessors would spend six months of the year asking Allah to allow them to live until the next Ramadan. Then, they would spend the next five months hoping that Allah would accept their fasting, prayers, and supplications.

Why would they exert such great efforts?

Allah says in the following verse in the Holy Qur’an, {Say: O my servants who have transgressed against themselves (by sinning) despair not of the mercy of Allah, indeed Allah forgives all sins. It is He who is the Forgiving the Merciful.} (Chapter 39, verse 53)

Ramadan is a month of forgiveness. Allah forgives his slaves and saves them from the Hellfire. He admits them to His mercy and Paradise, and forgives their sins.

Abu Umaamah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He redeems from Hell.” (Ahmad, Sahih by Al-Albani)

Ramadan is more than just experiencing the worship of fasting and the communal ‘brotherhood’ bond. Ramadan is a golden opportunity to get our sins forgiven. It offers salvation and access to paradise. Our destination in the Hereafter is at stake during this month. It is quite simple to attain Allah’s mercy, to attain His forgiveness, and to attain His Paradise.

It is no surprise therefore, that when the angel Jibril supplicated, “Whoever lives to witness Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven, may Allah separate him from His mercy”, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Ameen.”

Imagine; the best of the angels and the best of humans have made this supplication. Is it not accepted by Allah?

Allah is the All Merciful; He wants to forgive us. However, we must make the effort. We have to know that Allah’s mercy is beyond our imagination. His mercy is far greater than our hopes, so much so, that on the Day of Resurrection even the devil will hope to enter Paradise by the mercy of Allah.

We cannot even begin to conceive the extent of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. When a prominent person gives gifts, he gives them according to his rank and status, meaning the gifts will be expensive, special, and exclusive).

Now imagine when Allah gifts us with His mercy and forgiveness, He is the King of all kings, should not his gifts be worth much more to us? And for Allah is the best of examples. He (Glory be to Him) knows all our faults, mistakes, shortcomings and sins, yet

He still showers us with the opportunity of forgiveness.

We have to understand that Ramadan is filled with prospects of forgiveness and mercy from Allah. We have to make use of it, before it passes by. We may not live to see the next Ramadan. How many people were here last Ramadan who are not here to experience this one? How many of us know someone who has lost a loved one in the past year?

Procrastination is a tool of deception deployed by Shaytan. We have to act today, and benefit from Ramadan.

Various aspects of Ramadan carry the blessing of having our sins forgiven. Allah gives us ample opportunities and He makes it easy for us in this month by removing the distractions of Shaytan.

Abu-Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hope and anticipation that Allah will forgive his sins, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

We must be sure to have a sincere and proper intention, to fast solely for the pleasure of Allah.

Similarly, in another Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever stands for qiyam in Ramadan, with sincere faith and hope and anticipation that Allah will forgive his sins, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Allah is the Most Forgiving; His forgiveness is a corner-stone of Ramadan.
Moreover, in Ramadan Allah has given us the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), an even greater chance to get our sins forgiven. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “Whoever stands Laylatul Qadr with sincere faith and hope and anticipation that Allah will forgive his sins, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

When Aisha asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), about what to say on the night of Laylatul Qadr, he instructed her to ask,
“Allahumma innak ‘afuwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni,” (O Allah! You are the Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.)”

Allah will respond to our supplications.

Allah blesses us with so many chances to ensure that we make the most of it, to ensure that our sins are forgiven. He has created Paradise for us, and He wants to give it to us. Each day of fasting is an opportunity to obtain Allah’s gift of forgiveness, every night we stand in prayer. Every moment of Ramadan is a chance for forgiveness.  

We have to ask ourselves, do I want to get the gift of having my sins forgiven this Ramadan, or will I be one of those who are separated from the Mercy of Allah?

May Allah accept our fasting, and our night prayers.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

A beginner's guide to Ramadan

source: arabnews

A beginner's guide to Ramadan

Millions of Muslims around the world on Monday marked the start of Ramadan, a month of intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts. Others will begin fasting a day later, Tuesday, due to a moon-sighting methodology that can lead to different countries declaring the start of Ramadan a day or two apart.
Here are some questions and answers about Islam's holiest month:



WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST?


The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's inner self.
 It's seen as a way to physically and spiritually purify, refraining from habits such as smoking and caffeine. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Many spend more time at mosques during Ramadan and use their downtime to recite the Quran.
 London's new Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, wrote in the Guardian that he plans to use Ramadan to "build bridges" and break bread with Muslims and non-Muslims around the city at synagogues, churches and mosques, though he acknowledged that 19-hour-long fasts during the longer summer days in Europe and forgoing coffee will be challenging.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing Haj.



HOW DO MUSLIMS FAST?


Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan. A single sip of water or a puff of a cigarette is enough to invalidate the fast.
However, Muslim scholars say it's not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day. Ramadan is also an exercise in self-restraint. Muslims are encouraged to avoid gossip and arguments. Sexual intercourse between spouses is also forbidden during the daytime fast.
Just before the fast, Muslims have a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day, the "suhoor." Egyptians eat mashed fava beans called "ful," spiced with cumin and olive oil, while in Lebanon and Syria, popular suhoor food is flatbread with thyme, cheese or yogurt. In Afghanistan, people eat dates and dumplings stuffed with potato and leeks, first steamed, then fried.



HOW DO MUSLIMS BREAK THEIR FAST?


Muslims traditionally break their fast like Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is the most anticipated moment of the day.
After sunset prayers, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends. Iftar is a social event as much as it is a gastronomical adventure. Across the Arab world, apricot juices are an iftar staple. In South Asia and Turkey, yogurt-based drinks are popular. 
Every night of Ramadan, mosques and aid organizations set up tents and tables for the public to have free iftar meals.


CAN MUSLIMS BE EXEMPTED FROM FASTING?


Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, those who are ill, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people traveling, which can include athletes during tournaments.
 Many Muslims, particularly those living in the United States and Europe, are accepting and welcoming of others around them who aren't observing Ramadan. 
However, non-Muslims or adult Muslims who eat in public during the day can be fined or even jailed in some Mideast countries.

In many predominantly Muslim countries like Indonesia, karaoke bars and nightclubs are closed across much of the country for the month. Restaurants there use curtains to conceal customers who eat during the day.
 And in Egypt, the Dar Al-Ifta, which is the main authority in charge of issuing religious edits, on Monday warned against eating in public, saying this is not an act of "personal freedom, but chaos — an assault on Islam."
 In China, minority Uighur Muslims complain of heavy restrictions by the Communist Party, such as bans on fasting by party members, civil servants, teachers and students during Ramadan, as well as generally enforced bans on children attending mosques, women wearing veils and young men growing beards.


WHAT ARE SOME RAMADAN TRADITIONS?


Typically, the start of the month is welcomed with the greeting of "Ramadan kareem!" Another hallmark of Ramadan is nightly prayer at the mosque among Muslims called "taraweeh. "
Egyptians have the tradition of Ramadan lanterns called the "fanoos," often the centerpiece at an iftar table or seen hanging in window shops and from balconies. In the Arabian Gulf countries, wealthy families hold "majlis" where they open their doors for people to pass by all hours of the night for food, tea, coffee and conversation.
 Increasingly common are Ramadan tents in five-star hotels that offer lavish and pricey meals from sunset to sunrise. While Ramadan is a boon for retailers in the Middle East and South Asia, critics say the holy month is increasingly becoming commercialized. Scholars have also been disturbed by the proliferation of evening television shows during Ramadan. In Pakistan, live game shows give away gifts promoting their sponsors. In the Arab world, month-long soap operas starring Egypt's top actors, rake in millions of dollars in advertising.





HOW DO MUSLIMS MARK THE END OF RAMADAN?


The end of Ramadan is marked by intense worship as Muslims seek to have their prayers answered during "Laylat al-Qadr" or "the Night of Destiny." It is on this night, which falls during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that Muslims believe that God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed the first versus of the Quran. 
The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a three-day holiday called Eid Al-Fitr. Children often receive new clothes, gifts and cash.
 Muslims attend early morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend the day at parks and eating — now during the day.

Source: arabnews.com

Civil Defense emergency plan for Ramadan ready

Civil Defense emergency plan for Ramadan ready

MAKKAH — Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, has approved a contingency plan prepared by Civil Defense to deal with any emergency in Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan, said a top official.

Lt. Gen. Sulaiman Bin Abdullah Al-Amr, director general of the Civil Defense, said preventive measures will also be taken to ward off any threats to the safety of pilgrims, visitors and others in the holy cities.
“The Crown Prince has made it clear that the safety of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah is paramount.

“The Crown Prince ordered the Civil Defense to take all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Pilgrims come from all over the world to perform a religious duty, therefore they should feel safe and secure and focus on their spirituality,” said Al-Amr.

He also said the Civil Defense submitted a comprehensive plan and he is grateful for the Crown Prince’s support and encouragement.

“With Umrah and Haj seasons, the Two Holy Mosques become extremely crowded. It is the duty and responsibility of the Civil Defense to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims and to ensure that the directorate takes all necessary precautions to aid and protect pilgrims,” said Al-Amr.

He added the plan involves 19 other directorates and authorities.

“The Civil Defense emergency plan is a comprehensive one involving 19 authorities and directorates.

“Each of the 19 directorates has a representative in the Civil Defense control room. The Civil Defense will be ready for emergency rescue operations, medical aid, evacuation, sheltering and others,” said Al-Amr.
“The plan has three phases. The first phase is prevention. In this phase, the Civil Defense takes all precautions necessary to anticipate any potential danger or threat on pilgrims and prevent it. The first phase took started at the beginning of this month. The Civil Defense ran more than 1,210 inspection campaigns under a preventive scanning plan,” said AL-Amr.
He added the campaigns recorded 197 violations.

“The second phase focuses on field preparation. The Civil Defense has officers spread out in critical areas and they are equipped with the tools necessary to deal with any emergency through various strategies such as evacuation,” said Al-Amr.

He added the third phase focuses on raising awareness among pilgrims of the importance of safety measures.

“The Civil Defense offers a number of educational workshops and lectures on safety in the Two Holy Mosques. The Civil Defense is also active through social media to ensure its message reaches a wide layer of people,” said Al-Amr.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Pilgrims told not to overstay visas

Source: arabnews

Pilgrims told not to overstay visas

JEDDAH: The Passport Department has warned that pilgrims and visitors overstaying their visas could face fines up to SR50,000, six months in jail and deportation.

Any expatriate or citizen who transports, accommodates, harbors and employs a violator faces a fine of up to SR100,000 and six months in jail. Expatriates would be deported. Penalties would be multiplied for repeat offenses.

There would be a SR100,000 fine for a Haj and Umrah company that fails to report a violation, with a one-year jail sentence for the director of the firm, and a ban on hiring workers for five years.

The department said that pilgrims must make sure they leave the country because they have been provided an opportunity by Allah to perform Umrah.

Article by: arabnews.com

Ramadan Umrah: My Journey

 source: flickr

Ramadan Umrah: My Journey

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

Jannat Al-Baqi

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

The Prophet’s Mosque

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

Masjid Al-Quba

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

Battlefield of Uhud

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

Breaking The Fast

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

Desert Travel

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

Ka’bah

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

Taraweeh Prayers

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

Ramadan 27th & 29th

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

Adhans

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

The Journey Home

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

Reflections

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

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

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Source: mymonline.org

‘My path to faith was not that easy’

‘My path to faith was not that easy’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Article by: www.arabnews.com

Floral designs add to beauty of Grand Mosque

Floral designs add to beauty of Grand Mosque

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Hajj and the Invitation to Islam

Hajj and the Invitation to Islam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article by: www.islamweb.net

Tolerance is Islam’s cardinal principle

image by: arabnews

Tolerance is Islam’s cardinal principle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prophet’s example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article by: arabnews

Hajj: A Once in a Lifetime Obligation

Hajj: A Once in a Lifetime Obligation

Acts of worship vary in relation to time. An act of worship is either an annual obligation such as fasting the month of Ramadan, or a weekly obligation such as the Friday prayer, or a daily obligation such as the five prayers, or it is obligatory only once in a lifetime, and that is Hajj.

When a person tries to figure out the reasons behind imposing Hajj only once in a lifetime, he may wonder whether this is only for the sake of facilitation or for another reason. Facilitation may be the reason, however what is certain is that Hajj involves many lessons and great teachings and if the Muslim understood them well, they would be sufficient for him and he would not need to perform Hajj again. That is why one is not obliged to perform Hajj over and over again as long as the first time is sufficient if it was performed as Allaah The Almighty wishes and likes. Nevertheless, it is recommended that the Muslim perform Hajj after that as many times as possible to internalize these lessons and such teachings in his soul until they become like inborn traits. In such a case, Allaah The Almighty would encompass His slave in His Mercy and engulf him in His Bounty.
 
The ultimate purpose of Hajj is to achieve untainted Tawheed (monotheism):
 
Devotion to Allaah The Almighty and acknowledging His Oneness is the essence of Hajj as explicitly stated in the Hadeeth in which the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the Sake of Allaah…”, i.e. when one performs Hajj, he does so for the Sake of Allaah The Almighty to provide proof of the deep-rooted monotheism in his heart. One can easily recognize that confirmation of monotheism is the essence of Hajj since its legislation at the time of Ibraaheem (Abraham) may Allaah exalt his mention and throughout all its rites from beginning to end. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], "Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf...} [Quran 22:26]

Al-Qurtubi may Allaah have mercy upon him commented on this verse saying, "This verse rebukes the polytheists who live in the neighborhood of the Sacred House, because adherence to and preservation of monotheism was the condition that was imposed on their father and his offspring, including you, but you did not meet this condition; and instead associated others with Allaah The Almighty."

Therefore, the polytheists are forbidden from approaching the Holy House, as Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Haram after this, their [final] year. And if you fear privation, Allaah will enrich you from His bounty if He wills. Indeed, Allaah is Knowing and Wise.} [Quran 9:28]

The pilgrim commences his Hajj by acknowledging Tawheed (Oneness of Allaah The Almighty) when he says Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allaahuma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Inna Al-hamda wan-Ni‘mata, Laka wal-mulk, La Sharika Lakk (Here I am, O Allaah! Here I have come. Here I have come; there is no partner with You. Verily, praise, blessing and Kingdom are Yours. There is no partner with You).”

The Muslim is also required to make frequent Thikr, Talbiyah and Tahleel (saying, “Laa Ilaaha Illa Allaah (There is none truly worthy of worship but Allaah)”). He should also make Takbeer while throwing the Jamaraat (pebbles). When he intends to return to his country after finishing Hajj, he should return to the Sacred House to perform the Farewell Tawaaf along with making Thikr, supplication, Tahleel and Takbeer as much as possible. Hence, the pilgrim starts Hajj by acknowledging the Oneness of Allaah The Almighty and concludes with the same thing.
Then comes devotion, i.e. to make this act of worship sincerely for the sake of Allaah The Almighty, far removed from ostentation, seeking fame or good reputation. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Allaahumma haathihi hijjatun la riyaa’a feeha wa la sum‘ah (O Allaah, this is a pilgrimage in which there is no showing off or seeking reputation).”
 
Things that invalidate and blemish Hajj:
 
Sexual intercourse and sins adversely affect the desired reward of Hajj. Sexual intercourse invalidates Hajj, and so does foreplay, kissing, and sexual speech in the presence of women.

Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {so whoever has madeHajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.} [Quran 2:197]

Abu Bakr Al-Jassaas may Allaah have mercy upon him commented on this verse saying,

In this verse, Allaah The Almighty commanded the pilgrim to guard his private parts and tongue from all sins and acts of disobedience. Indeed, sins are prohibited before entering the state of Ihraam, but Allaah The Almighty Stated that they are especially prohibited during Ihraam to stress the great status of the state of Ihraam and to confirm that the punishment of the sins that are committed during the state of Ihraam are more severe.

The greatness of Hajj cannot be compatible with committing sins or vices by the pilgrim. Hence, the pilgrim must purify himself by refraining from committing any sin so as to refine his soul and habituate it to abandon its bad habits. In this way, the pilgrim will emancipate himself from evil desires, and will perfect his soul with noble manners and good behavior.

The reward of the pilgrim:
 
What a great reward it is to receive forgiveness of all sins! The Muslim would return sinless after performing Hajj as legislated and directed by Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). He will return to his house after performing Hijrah and Jihaad, and after disassociating himself from the polytheists, and showing kindness to the poor and the needy. He will be far from sins just as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him, a clear white slate untainted by any blemish. Ibn Hajar may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “The words ‘as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him,’ mean without any sin. Apparently, this means forgiveness of minor and major sins and their consequences.”

This great gift is indeed more valuable than the whole earth full of gold, as it means that the pilgrim has been secured from the repercussions of his previous sins and misdeeds. Thus, the pilgrim should prepare himself for the future to make sure that his record of deeds remains clean. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it]} [Quran 3:30]

Article by: www.islamweb.net

It’s not weakness to remain silent

It’s not weakness to remain silent

A man reviled Abu Bakr in the presence of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet remained seated. He looked pleased and smiled. He insulted Abu Bakr twice, but Abu Bakr controlled himself and remained silent. He insulted him for a third time, and Abu Bakr then let his tongue loose and responded back. At that, the Messenger of Allah got up and left.

Abu Bakr followed after the Prophet and said: “Messenger of Allah! He insulted me and you just sat there. Then when I responded to some of what he said, you became angry and got up.” The Prophet said: “There was an angel with you who was responding to his insults on your behalf.”

Then the Prophet said: “Abu Bakr, (keep in mind) three things which are always true, one of which is that whenever a person is subjected to an injustice but leaves the matter to Allah, then Allah will come to his aid… .” (Musnad Ahmad)

It is not a weakness to remain silent. It takes real strength. What others say will only hurt you if you let it. Construct within yourself a “refuse treatment plant” and try to turn other people’s insults into something constructive and positive that you can use for your own betterment and the betterment of others.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us a story about a baby who spoke in its infancy. While the baby was suckling on its mother’s breast, a man on an expensive, magnificent horse rode by. The mother said: “O Allah! Make my son turn out to be like that man.”

At that point, the baby left off his mother’s breast, looked at the man, and said: “O Allah! Do not make me like him.”

The mother carrying her child then came across a young servant girl who was being stoned by a crowd shouting out at her that she was an adulteress and a thief. The mother said: “O Allah! Do not let my son turn out like that woman.”

The baby stopped suckling again and looked at the servant girl and said: “O Allah! Let me turn out like her.” The mother asked the baby why he said those things. He replied: “That man you saw was a wicked tyrant, and that servant girl who was accused of committing fornication and stealing neither committed fornication nor stole anything. That is why I asked Allah to make me like her.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) There are a lot of well-known stories about people who kept quiet in the face of accusations and insults. Some people do not feel the need to defend themselves and clear their names.

One of these stories pertains to the celebrated Japanese philosopher Hakuin Ekaku. His neighbor’s teenage daughter fell pregnant, and when her enraged parents confronted her about it, she said that Hakuin was the father. News of the shameful deed spread far and wide, even overseas, and the philosophers’ reputation was ruined. However, it did not trouble him in the least, though people stopped coming to see him.

When the baby was born, they brought it to him and said: “You are its father, so you have to look after it.” He took the child and cared for it. A year later, wracked by feelings of guilt, the girl admitted that the real father was the young man who worked at the shop.

The girl’s parents went back to the philosopher full of apologies. They said: “We have come to take back the baby.” He returned the child to them without saying a word.

There is a similar story in the Muslim world, that of Jurayj the Pious.

When someone criticizes you, insults you, or calls you names, do not respond. Do not try to defend yourself. Allow yourself to appear at a loss. See the positive effect that this has on you. As Allah said to Mary when she gave birth to Jesus: “And if you see any person, say: Lo! I have vowed a fast unto the Beneficent, and I may not speak this day to any mortal.” (Qur’an, 19:26)

For a few moments, let yourself feel that your stature has diminished. Then you will feel as if something mighty inside you has woken up and you will know that you have not diminished in the least.

I have many times found myself the brunt of people’s abuses. Sometimes the arrows that were aimed at me were friendly fire. I found nothing more consoling in such situations than keeping quiet and saying to myself: “Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best one for me to trust my affairs.”

It is not good for you to get into the fray when the sides are unclear, and when those who are ignorant are mixed in with those who have knowledge. When tempers settle down, that is the time to comment on the situation.

Speaking when tensions are high and issues are unclear can simply confuse matters further. You might say things you do not mean and that you cannot easily retract. You are more likely to have your worlds misunderstood even if they are true. You are more likely to alienate and drive away the very people whom you are trying to convince.

Also keep in mind that silence can sometimes be egotistical.

This is something we need to be aware of. It can become an expression of arrogance, aloofness, and disdain for others. Do not use silence be a way to act haughtily and put other people down. Silence is a form of expression, and can be used for better or for worse, so endeavour to use it only to further goodness and truth.

Article by: www.arabnews.com

Haramain train test run in Jeddah mid-year

saudigazette

 Haramain train test run in Jeddah mid-year

 JEDDAH — The Haramain High Speed Train, which is currently undergoing test runs between Madinah and Rabigh, will begin its trial run from the main station in Jeddah mid-year, according to informed sources.

The sources said work in the second stage of the project, which is being implemented by 12 Spanish companies, is going on smoothly and has been 90 percent completed.

They said the companies are currently installing electricity posts, extending underground cables, making train cushions and laying down rails on the suspended bridges which are 24 meters high and have combined lengths of 2,500 meters.

There are two bridges connecting the train’s station at King Abdulaziz International Airport with the railway track coming from Madinah and going to Al-Sulaimania station in Jeddah.

On its way from Jeddah to Makkah, the train will pass through a bridge which is 1,500 meters long and 15 meters high.

A new bridge, which is 70 meters wide, is currently being built. It will be the widest train bridge in the world.

The 447-meter track passes through a number of cities and towns. The train runs between Makkah and Madinah, passing through Jeddah and Rabigh crossing wide suburban areas and farms.

With the end of the first phase of the project, 429 km of rails have been built and handed over to the contractor who began the second stage extending from Madinah to the crossing on the Expressway leading to the Haj terminal in Jeddah.

The train is expected to be fully operational in 2017. When it enters service, the number of buses transporting pilgrims will be remarkably reduced. They will only be used to take pilgrims from railway stations in Makkah and Madinah to their accommodation.

The High Speed Train will be linked to the Makkah metro to provide pilgrims with easy and fast transportation to the Holy Sites.

As many as 12 carriages are being used now in the ongoing test runs between Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.

A number of young Saudi men who were trained in Spain will be operating the train.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

I embraced Islam by reading Qur’an

 I embraced Islam by reading Qur’an

Al-Haj Ibrahim Khalil Ahmad, formerly Ibrahim Khalil Philobus, was an Egyptian Coptic priest who studied theology and obtained a high degree from Princeton University. He studied Islam to find gaps to attack it; instead he embraced Islam with his children, one of whom is now a brilliant professor in Sorbonne University, Paris. He speaks about himself in this concluding narrative:

I TOOK my final decision. In the morning I spoke with my wife from whom I have three sons and one daughter. But no sooner than she felt that I was inclined to embrace Islam than she cried and asked for help from the head of the mission. His name was Monsieur Shavits from Switzerland.

He was a very cunning man. When he asked me about my true attitude, I told him frankly what I really wanted and then he said: Regard yourself out of job until we discover what has befallen you. Then I said: This is my resignation from my job. He tried to convince me to postpone it, but I insisted. So he made a rumor among the people that I became mad. Thus I suffered a very severe test and oppression until I left Aswan for good and returned to Cairo.

In Cairo, I was introduced to a respectable professor who helped me overcome my severe trial, and this he did without knowing anything about my story. He treated me as a Muslim, for I introduced myself to him as such although until then I did not embrace Islam officially. That was Dr. Muhammad Abdul Moneim Al-Jamal, the then undersecretary of treasury. He was highly interested in Islamic studies and wanted to make a translation of the Holy Qur’an to be published in America. He asked me to help him because I was fluent in English since I had got my M.A. from an American University. He also knew that I was preparing a comparative study of the Qur’an, the Torah and the Bible. We cooperated in this comparative study and in the translation of the Qur’an.

When Dr. Jamal knew that I had resigned from my job in Aswan and that I was then unemployed, he helped me with a job in Standard Stationery Company in Cairo. So I was well established after a short while. I did not tell my wife about my intention to embrace Islam, thus she thought that I had forgotten the whole affair, and that it was nothing but a transitory crisis that no more existed. But I knew quite well that my official conversion to Islam needs long complicated measures, and it was in fact a battle, which I preferred to postpone for some time until I became well off and after I completed my comparative study.

In 1955 I did complete my study and my material and living affairs became well established. I resigned from the company and set up a training office for importing stationery and school articles. It was a successful business from which I gained much more money than I needed. Thus I decided to declare my official conversion to Islam. On Dec. 25, 1959, I sent a telegram to Dr. Thompson, head of the American Mission in Egypt informing him that I had embraced Islam. When I told my true story to Dr. Jamal he was completely astonished. When I declared my conversion to Islam, new troubles began. Seven of my former colleagues in the mission had tried their best to persuade me to cancel my declaration, but I refused. They threatened to separate me from my wife and I said: “She is free to do as she wishes.” They threatened to kill me. But when they found me to be stubborn they left me alone and sent to me an old friend of mine who was also a colleague of mine in the mission. He wept very much in front of me. So I recited before him the following verses from the Qur’an: “And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth: They pray: ‘Our Lord! We believe, write us down among the witnesses. What cause can we have not to believe in God and the truth which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?’” (Qur’an, 5:83-84)

I said to him: “You should have wept in humiliation to God on hearing the Qur’an; and believe in the truth which you know but you refuse. He stood up and left me as he saw no use. My official conversion to Islam was in January 1960.

My wife left me at that time and took with her all the furniture of our house. But all my children joined me and embraced Islam. The most enthusiastic among them was my eldest son Isaac who changed his name to Osman, then my second son Joseph and my son Samuel, whose name is Jamal, and daughter Majida who is now called Najwa. Osman is now a doctor of philosophy working as a professor in Sorbonne University in Paris teaching oriental studies and psychology. He also writes in ‘Le Monde’ magazine. As regards to my wife, she left the house for six years and agreed to come back in 1966, provided that she keeps her religion. I accepted this, because in Islam there is no compulsion in religion. I said to her: I do not want you to become a Muslim for my sake but only after you are convinced. She feels now that she believes in Islam but she cannot declare this for fear of her family, but we treat her as a Muslim woman, and she fasts in Ramadan because all my children pray and fast. My daughter Najwa is a student in the Faculty of Commerce, Joseph is a doctor pharmacologist and Jamal is an engineer.

Since 1961, I have been able to publish a number of books on Islam. In 1973, I performed Haj and I am doing activities preaching Islam. I hold seminars in the universities and charitable societies.

My faith in Islam has been brought about through reading the Holy Qur’an and the biography of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him. I no longer believed in the misconceptions against Islam, and I am especially attracted by the concept of unity of God, which is the most important feature of Islam. God is only One. Nothing is like Him. This belief makes me the servant of God only and of no one else. Oneness of God liberates man from servitude to any human being and that is true freedom.

Article by: www.arabnews.com