Mina stampede street to be a direct road to Jamarat

Mina stampede street to be a direct road to Jamarat

MAKKAH — The street No. 206, which was a scene of stampede that killed a number of pilgrims during last year’s Haj, will be made a direct road to the Jamarat area to avoid any overcrowding of pilgrims.

Quoting informed sources, Makkah Arabic daily said on Sunday that pilgrims using this new road will not have to cross any intersections and will directly access the Jamarat area. The sources said the project, which is being implemented by the Authority for the Development of Makkah and the Holy Sites, will be completed on the first day of Dhul Hijja (September 2).

The street was a walkway for pedestrians which ended in a cul-de-sac at which pilgrims will either have to turn right or left to continue their path to the Jamarat. The sources said a number of pilgrims changed course last year reversing their path which resulted in the deadly stampede.

Work under way to link Street 206 directly to the Jamarat area. The project being implemented by the Authority for the Development of Makkah and the Holy Sites will be completed on the first day of Dhul Hijja (Sept. 2). — Courtesy: Makkah newspaper

They said a number of tents which block the road will be dismantled and shifted to another area in Mina which has become spacious after government offices were relocated outside the tent city.

Meanwhile, the Makkah municipality has completed its operational plan for Haj by allocating 27 service centers in the Holy Sites consisting of 22 in Mina, three in Muzdalifah and two in Arafat. The centers will undertake the general cleaning, observe environmental health and ensure the safety of food being provided to pilgrims. They will also monitor the tents to curb the entry of outsiders.

On the other hand, temperature in the tents in Mina will be brought down from 33 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees during the year’s Haj thanks to a new type of air conditioners developed by an Australian company.

The company was contracted by the Public Investments Fund (PIF) of the Finance Ministry which has been responsible for the installation of air conditioners in the tents in Mina.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Hajj and Umrah Details

MAKKAH — Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar has said a total of 250,000 of Umrah visas have been issued so far for the current Umrah season, with 30,000 of the pilgrims already reaching the holy cities.
“Last Umrah season we received 6 million pilgrims,” he said, attributing the increase in Umrah traffic to simplified procedures for obtaining Umrah visas.
“What used to take months can now be done within a few hours,” said Hajjar.
He added the Umrah visa is free of charge and pilgrims should be wary of exploiters who might seek to profit from them.
“The ministry and Saudi missions involved in organizing Umrah pilgrimage do not profit from issuing Umrah visas. We have announced in Arabic, English and French that the visa is free of charge. If any of the pilgrims come across any company or individual charging them for Umrah visas, they must report them to the ministry as it is illegal to charge fees for Umrah visas,” said Hajjar.
He also said the ministry has opened a center to train all volunteers and people participating in organizing Umrah and Haj campaigns.
“The comfort and satisfaction of the pilgrims is paramount for us. We aim to provide high quality services for the pilgrims. All directorates in Makkah and Madinah are responsible for serving pilgrims during Umrah and Haj seasons,” said Hajjar.
He said 41 Saudi companies offer Umrah services currently.
“The Umrah services companies have more than 3,000 representatives abroad in 180 countries. All of the services are processed electronically through the ministry’s e-portal. Muslims abroad wishing to apply for Umrah visas can contact any of the Saudi Umrah services companies in their country and fill in an application for the visa,” said Hajjar.

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Ramadan in Makkah

Wherever in the world they may be, when the sun sets at the end of the day, those who have fasted turn to face one location: the Sacred Ka’bah in the city of Makkah. The crystal-clear “Allaahu Akbar” of the familiar Makkan Athaan rings through the city where the Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) spent so much happiness and sorrow.

In Makkah, the spirit of giving and remembering Allaah, is truly manifested during Ramadan. The emphasis remains on worship and not on food and festivities as in many other places. It is an amazing sight to see thousands upon thousands of people be all accommodated with dates and water (and even more) for the breaking of the fast. And as the Athaan is called, one cannot escape the sheer generosity of Makkans, offering food and water to all.
It is not unusual to see a man with a pick-up van full of cooked rice and chicken dishing food out to everyone who passes by. The wealthy provide Iftaar and clothes for the poor, and organizations are active in giving huge amounts of charity.
Makkah in Ramadan is filled with visitors performing ‘Umrah or spending a vacation of their lifetime. For them, it is the Ramadan of a lifetime. For residents of the normally quiet city, however, the place is turned upside down.
“The traffic really picks up, and the routine of the city is reversed,” said one resident of Makkah. “Day becomes night and night becomes day. People sleep in late and the shops stay open late.”
Also, locals are flanked by visitors who are in the city for the month; a year’s supply of houseguests comes all at once for them.
During Ramadan, there is much reading of the Quran in the city in which it was first revealed and the true spirit of Ramadan prevails.
Makkans usually break their fast in homes, often in big gatherings with families and friends. The breakfast usually begins with soups of all kinds, then with the traditional Samboosah and Soubia.
A common tradition of Makkaans is that bringing food to the mosque in their local area becomes a noticeable phenomenon during this month, to the point that hardly any Muslim is left hungry during this blessed month.
Families will bring their food to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque) to break fast there and then offer the Maghrib Prayer together. Later at night, during Taraaweeh Prayer, Al-Masjid Al-Haraam will be as bright as daytime, and nearly as full as it does during Hajj.
It is amazing to think it, but in nearly every place on earth someone from our Ummah will be fasting Ramadan. No other religion could claim such a united and unanimous act of worship amongst its believers. So in the spirit of this joyous and blessed month, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in every part of the world. Let us make the effort to remember them in our supplications, because no matter where we reside on this planet we share something very special. We will always be a single Ummah under the mantle of Islam.

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Virtues of ‘Umrah Performed in Ramadan

Virtues of ‘Umrah Performed in Ramadan

Ibn ‘Abbaas  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated, “When the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) returned after performing Hajj (major pilgrimage), he asked Umm Sinaan Al-Ansaariyyah,Why did you not perform Hajj?’ She replied, ‘The father of so-and-so [i.e., her husband] had two camels and he went on pilgrimage on one of them, and the second is used for the irrigation of our land.’ The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said [to her]:AnUmrah (minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is akin to Hajj with me [in terms of reward].’ [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] According to another narration, he told her: When Ramadan comes, do ‘Umrah as [the reward for] it then is equivalent to Hajj.”

Likewise, it was reported by Umm Ma‘qil  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  her that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said to her, “PerformUmrah in Ramadan, as it is equal to Hajj.‎[Abu Daawood] Similar Hadeeths were also narrated on the authority of Jaabir, Anas, Abu Hurayrah and Wahb ibn Khanbash  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  them all.
 
Ibn Battaal  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him commented on the aforementioned Hadeeths, saying:
The sentence that ‘Umrah “then is equivalent to Hajj, proves that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), was actually encouraging her to perform a voluntary Hajj, as the whole Ummah (Muslim nation) has unanimously agreed that the Umrah can never be a substitute for the obligatory Hajj. Moreover, what he,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), meant is that they are like each other in reward, but virtues cannot truly be perceived through analogy; and Allaah The Almighty bestows His Bounty upon whom He Wills. 
 
Benefits and rulings [derived from these Hadeeths]:
1-    The mercy and bounty bestowed by Allaah The Almighty upon His slaves is great, as He granted them huge rewards in return for small good deeds; so, we praise Him abundantly for that.
2-    The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), was keen on ensuring the welfare of his Ummah and would ask after those under his rule. Just as he was the sincerest confidant to all people, any slave whom Allaah The Almighty puts in charge of subjects should treat them leniently, advise them, check on their conditions and serve their worldly and religious benefits.
3-    ‘Umrah done during the month of Ramadan cannot be a substitute for the obligatory Hajj, i.e., they are equal in reward, but the former does not replace the latter as a fulfillment of the obligation that is unanimously agreed upon by the scholars.
4-    The reward of good deeds increases in proportion to the virtue of the time they are performed in, as well as one’s heartfelt devotion and dedication.
5-    This Hadeeth is similar to the narration that says, “The Chapter Al-Ikhlaas (Purification) equals one third of the Quran”; it indicates that it is equivalent in terms of the reward of recitation, not that reciting it could, or should, substitute actually reciting [that much or] the whole of the Quran.
6-    The ‘Umrah here is considered equal to the Hajj in reward, when it is performed during the month of Ramadan, which is a great season for good deeds. Hence, whoever performs it then, enjoys the virtue of the place [i.e., the Sacred Mosque in Makkah] and time [i.e., Ramadan]; this is also the case with one who performs Hajj, as he is also in the same holy place and in a blessed time [i.e., months of Hajj].
In addition, doing ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan ‎is more difficult. That is because one may be fasting while performing it or break his fast due to the traveling involved, and then have to make up for it. This is not the case when one performs Umrah during any other month. The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said to ‘Aa‘ishah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  her once, when he ordered her to perform ‘Umrah, “It [i.e., its reward] is according to your effort”, or, as per another narration, “according to your expenditure.”[Muslim]
7-    This great reward is granted to whoever performs the ‘Umrah during the month of Ramadan, even if he [or she] returns immediately thereafter and does not prolong his [or her] stay in Makkah.
8-    These Hadeeths do not mean that it is recommended for one to perform Umrah many times in the month of Ramadan or in a single day of it. This practice, which has become common today, differs from the Sunnah and traditions of the honorable Companions  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  them as it was not reported that any of them used to perform many ‘Umrahs during the same journey to Makkah.
9-    Whoever performs ‘Umrah in Ramadan and intends to stay at the Holy Mosque during the whole month or its last ten nights, should guard himself against committing any prohibition, because evil deeds are more sacrilegious in Makkah than in any other place, not to mention, during the month of Ramadan.
10-    Whoever takes his family to stay at the Holy Mosque during the month of Ramadan, should take care that they, too, do not fall into committing any forbidden act; otherwise, he may return with sins that exceed the reward he came to earn, due to his negligence towards his wife and children.
11-    If one entered the state of Ihraam (ritual consecration) with the intention of performing Umrah and reached Makkah while fasting, he has the choice of either breaking his fast to be able to do it immediately or waiting to do it until after sunset. It is better for him to break his fast during the daytime and perform ‘Umrah upon arrival, since doing ‘Umrah right after reaching Makkah, is what the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), did.

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Important Etiquettes of Hajj

Important Etiquettes of Hajj

Performing Hajj to the House of Allaah The Almighty entails following certain etiquettes. If the pilgrim observes and fulfills these etiquettes, he would return, Allaah willing, having a great number of good rewards and accepted deeds.
Amongst them are:

  • One should start by repenting sincerely of all sins and misdeeds.
  • A pilgrim should set right any wrongs he has done towards people, restore the rights of people and pay off whatever he can of the debts he owes them.
  • One should also return anything that has been entrusted to him and seek forgiveness from anyone with whom he has any incorrect dealings.
  • He should write his will and have it witnessed, and he should appoint someone to pay off the debts that he is unable to pay.
  • He should also leave enough funds with his family and those whom he should provide for, such as his wife, parents and children, to cover their needs until he returns.

Amongst the other recommended manners is that the pilgrim should strive hard to please his parents and those whom he is obliged to honor and obey, such as a teacher and his relatives. A pilgrim should also strive to ensure that his funds are Halaal (lawful) and free from any suspicion. If he goes against this and goes to perform Hajj with unlawful wealth, it will not be a proper accepted Hajj.
Provision and money: Thepilgrim should take sufficient provisions and money with him, so that he can share them with those who are in need in such blessed places and help the destitute.
The pilgrim should also avoid arguing over the goods he buys. One should be easygoing in buying and selling, taking and giving. This is because the people of such a blessed destination wait for the season of Hajj to obtain the benefits of Hajj and benefit the pilgrims by providing them with the necessary food, suitable clothes, and necessary tools in return for a reasonable and an acceptable gain.
Moreover, the pilgrim should learn about how Hajj has to be performed, i.e. one should learn its rulings, what is permissible, prohibited, obligatory, and recommended for him, since no act of worship is valid if it is done by the one who does not know it properly. A person should take a book about the correct manner of performing the rituals and their aims with him, and he should read it constantly. A pilgrim should also ask scholars about all the acts of Hajj. Muhammad Al-Hajjaar affirms this in his book Sawt Al-Minbar, saying, “Whoever does not adhere to this and takes it lightly, it is feared that his Hajj will not be valid because he failed to fulfill one of the conditions and pillars of Hajj. Moreover, many pilgrims may imitate some of the common people of Makkah.”
Good companions: The pilgrim should also adopt a kind and pleasant attitude and avoid arguing or pushing and shoving people on the road and near sources of water.
The pilgrim should guard his tongue against insults, backbiting, cursing his mount or any other kind of foul speech, for the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or commit any evil will go back free of sin as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”
Furthermore, the pilgrim should seek a companion who desires good and hates evil, so that if he forgets, he can remind him, if he remembers, he can help him, and if he happens to be a man of knowledge, he should stick with him, because he will help him to perform a valid Hajj and adopt noble morals. He will also help him with his knowledge and good conduct to avoid bad attitudes that may disturb him throughout the journey.
Muhammad Al-Hajjaar says, “It is strange that you see many wealthy Muslims, who do not know the rulings and rites of Hajj, spend wealth in abundance in traveling for Hajj without there being any compelling necessity for this along with [an element of] objectionable extravagance, while they do not spend even a little in seeking a companion who may teach them what they need in their journey to Hajj, so that they may receive the reward of learning and return with a proper accepted Hajj. ”
Truly, this is something for all of us to reflect over.

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Selfies affecting Holy Kaaba

Selfies affecting Holy Kaabaimage by: saudigazette

Selfies affecting Holy Kaaba

Islam is the religion of peace and tolerance. It welcomes everyone, without discrimination on color, caste or creed.  It accept its followers the way they are, and asks them to worship no other than Allah (SWT) and accept the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as His last messenger.
It’s been more than 1400 years since Islam has spread across the globe, and it is not only Arabs who are Muslims, but people from every country on every plant. With the development of science and technology, things are becoming easier compared to in the past for those travelling and visiting the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Yet, pilgrimages are performed just as when they started. Technology and smart phones have helped a lot, offering several advantages to pilgrims, but the new fashion of taking selfies while on pilgrimage has become the norm and has spread like an epidemic.
A selfie has become a way to show that a person was actually here. It began on Hajj, but now has now grown dramatically. A growing number of pilgrims stop and take selfies while circumambulating the Ka’ba. Several people have been seen making videos or taking a video call while circling the Ka’ba. We will not debate whether it’s right or wrong to use phones in this way on Hajj, but it certainly does affect others.
“I miss the old days when capturing pictures wasn’t allowed inside the Haram. At least, we didn’t used to end up bumping into each other” Rahat Saleem said after a recent visit to Makkah.
“Selfie craze is disturbing the normal flow of Tawaf and it causes problems not only to elderly, but to every worshipper.” Fatima Sharif, who is in the Kingdom on a visit from Pakistan, said.
“Personally I think it takes the pleasure and serenity away from the worship and from the task you are here perform in Makkah.” another pilgrim, who is saddened by selfie mania, said.
It is a person’s choice whether to take a picture or not, either for their memory or to show others, but one has to respect other people as well. Holy sites are always crowded with people coming from near and far to worship and perform pilgrimage. When a person stops at Mataf or Sa’ee just to have their picture taken, it hinders the flow, causing people to bump into each other.  At other times, your picture can include several strangers in the background male and female who should not be in your selfie. Always take a note of whether it is the right time or place, thinking about others first is also a good deed and will be rewarded.

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Hajj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

Haj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

Hajj to fall in hot summer months for next 10 years

MAKKAH — Hajj seasons will come in hot weather for the next 10 years and many pilgrims may be subjected to sun strokes, warned a study carried by Makkah daily on Monday.
The study, conducted by the Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj and Umrah Research, said the Hajj seasons will fall in the hot summer months of September, August, July and June in the coming 10 years.
The study noted a high rise in cases of sunstroke during last year’s Hajj season and added that sun strokes and other diseases of summer will continue to afflict pilgrims during upcoming seasons.
It said Makkah and the surrounding areas will be too hot during the next decade and warned pilgrims to take the necessary precautions to remain safe.
The study advised the pilgrims to avoid the direct rays of the sun, use umbrellas, take lot of water and soft drinks, cover their heads, wear light clothes and put the air conditioner on while taking a bath.
It said the symptoms of sun stroke include hot body temperature, headaches and dizziness, loss of consciousness, fast heart beats and sweating.
According to the study, there were 1,014 cases of heat exhaustion last year, 723 sun strokes and 1,737 heat injuries.

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Haramain rail test runs positive

Haramain rail test runs positive

Haramain rail test runs positive

MAKKAH — Test runs have proved that there is no need to change the present track of Haramain high speed railway that links the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah.
“Not any of these tests have showed the need to change the track of Haramain rail,” a senior official of the Saudi Railway Organization was quoted as saying by Makkah newspaper.
He said the tests have not affected the schedule for operation of the railway. “These are essential technical measures followed globally. A number of technical and safety tests are required before launching the railway’s regular service,” he explained.
He said the main Haramain stations in Jeddah, Makkah and Rabigh would be opened shortly for school students to visit to promote a culture of using public transport.
“The culture of railway and public transport is something new to our society. There is a need to educate them about public transport system in order to prepare them to deal with it positively and preserve its huge facilities including stations and trains,” he explained.
The visits by public and private school students would help them understand how to use the railway system and how to enter and exit from the train.
Managements of railway stations are now in the process of allocating places for shops and restaurants to investors and businessmen before the final launch of the railway, which is set to revolutionize transport of pilgrims and other passengers between the three cities.
“There is no change in the schedule of the project as works are in progress simultaneously in its Makkah, Jeddah, Dhahban, Rabigh, Wadi Al-Fara and Madinah sectors,” he said.
Asked about renting places inside the railway stations, the official said it would be decided by the project’s operator. “All stations are now ready and are provided with necessary services, infrastructure facilities and parking areas for passengers,” he said, adding that tenders would be invited before allocating places for shopping centers, restaurants and other businesses.

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Tawaaf (Circumambulation)

Tawaaf (Circumambulation)

Tawaaf (Circumambulation)

Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him and his father, said, “Enjoy this House, the Ka‘bah; it was destroyed twice, but the third time, it will be lifted [i.e. it will never be rebuilt again].” [Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh, and Al-Haakim in his Mustadrak. Al-Haakim ranked it as Saheeh (authentic) according to the conditions stipulated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Furthermore, Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him and his father, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“He who performs circumambulation around the Ka‘bah and two Rak‘ahs [units of prayer], his reward shall be equivalent to that of freeing a slave.”[Ibn Maajah, Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
‘Ali may Allaah be pleased with him said,“Perform plenty of Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah before you cannot do so – before a man with a small head and small ears will demolish it with his shovel.” [‘Abd Ar-Razzaaq in his Al-Musannaf ]
Abu ‘Ubayd reported in his book Ghareeb Al-Ahaadeeth  that ‘Ali may Allaah be pleased with him said, “Perform plenty of Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah before you cannot do so. It is as if I am looking at him – an Abyssinian man with a bald head [or he may have said, with small ears] and lean legs, sitting by it while it is being demolished.”
These narrations are proven true by the authentic Hadeeths that were reported on the thin legged man who would demolish the Ka‘bah. Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“Thu As-Suwayqatayn [literally: one with two lean legs], from Abyssinia will demolish the Ka‘bah.”  [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Other Hadeeths on destroying the Ka‘bah were reported but this is not the place to cite them. Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him allocated a whole chapter of his Saheeh titled Hadm Al-Ka‘bah (the Destruction of the Ka‘bah) where he cited these narrations.
Scholars stated that it is recommended for Muslims who go to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque) to perform Tawaaf as much as they can and to the best of their abilities, and some of them were of the view that performing voluntary Tawaaf is better than performing a voluntary prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam.
Ibn Taymiyyah may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “Tawaaf is the Hajj ritual that involves the most work; it is prescribed for the person arriving at Al-Masjid Al-Haraam to perform the Arrival Tawaaf. It is also prescribed for the pilgrim to perform the Farewell Tawaaf, apart from the obligatory Ifaadhah [Return from Mina] Tawaaf after staying in ‘Arafah. It is also recommended to go to Makkah to perform Tawaaf during one’s stay in Mina, and in general. Tawaaf is recommended throughout the year.”
He also said, “It is far more beneficial and virtuous for a person to circumambulate around the Ka‘bah than any other walking possible.”
Thus, it can be concluded that circumambulation around the Ka‘bah is one of the best acts of worship and righteous deeds for Muslims heading for Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, whether he is a pilgrim performing Hajj or ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) or a visitor. However, the person who performs a voluntary Tawaaf should avoid the times when people are more likely to crowd during Tawaaf, such as the Day of An-Nahr (the 10th day of Thul-Hijjah) and the days of Tashreeq (the 12th, 13th and 14th of Thul-Hijjah) so as not to crowd others who are performing obligatory Tawaaf, and he shall be rewarded for such an intention, if Allaah wills.

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Recommendations to Pilgrims and Visitors of the Holy Mosque

Recommendations to Pilgrims and Visitors of the Holy Mosque

We would like to offer certain recommendations to the pilgrims and visitors of the Holy Mosque in implementation of the Quranic verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And cooperate in righteousness and piety} [Quran 5:2]
These recommendations are also in line with the Prophetic Hadeeth in which the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Religion is Naseehah (sincere advice), to Allaah, His Book, and to the Muslim leaders and the Muslim public.”[Muslim]

Recommendations:

1-Fearing Allaah The Exalted in all conditions and cases. Piety is the source of all good morals and it is one of the Divine recommendations to His Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Allaah The Exalted Says (what means):
·{O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul…} [Quran 4:1]
· {And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allaah…} [Quran 4:131]
In many of his Khutbahs (sermons) the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), used to command people to fear Allaah The Almighty.
Piety means doing what Allaah The Almighty has imposed on His slaves and keeping away from His prohibitions out of sincerity and love for Him. This should also be with the aim of winning the reward of Allaah. The Almighty and being saved from His punishment, in accordance with the way that Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), legislated for us.
‘Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood may Allaah be pleased with him.Who was one of the senior scholars of the Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said, “True piety and fear of Allaah The Almighty mean obeying Him without any form of disobedience, remembering Him without any form of forgetfulness, and thanking Him without any sign of ingratitude to Him.”
‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azeez may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “Piety cannot be obtained only through fasting all day and praying all night, and then committing sins in between, but piety can be obtained through keeping away from what Allaah The Almighty has prohibited and doing what He has made obligatory. Anything good after that is an additional good.”
The revered Tabi‘ee, Talq ibn Habeeb may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “Piety is to act in obedience to Allaah, on a light (guidance) from Allaah seeking the reward of Allaah, and to refrain from disobeying Allaah, on a light from Allaah, fearing His punishment.”
These are precious words and they mean that the Muslim has to learn his religious affairs and know what will make him sinful if he does not know it. In this way, the Muslim will worship Allaah The Almighty with insight. This is the practical application of the Two Testimonies of Faith (I bear witness that there is none truly worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).)
The first testimony of faith entails believing in Allaah The Almighty alone, and dedicating worship to Him alone, as well as doing everything for His sake alone, hoping for His mercy and fearing His punishment.
The other testimony of faith entails believing that Muhammad, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), is the Messenger of Allaah The Almighty to humankind and the Jinn, in addition to believing in his sayings, adhering to his Sharee‘ah and keeping away from whatever contradicts it. Those two testimonies form the foundation of the religion of Islam. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
·{Allaah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, The Exalted in Might, The Wise.} [Quran 3:18]
·{And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, The Entirely Merciful, The Especially Merciful.} [Quran 2:163]
·{Say, [O Muhammad], “O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allaah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.” So believe in Allaah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allaah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.}[Quran 7:158]
2-All pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosque, as well as all Muslims, are advised to observe the five daily prayers on time. Every Muslim must revere these prayers and perform them tranquilly, because they constitute the greatest pillar of Islam after the Two Testimonies of Faith. They represent the post of Islam and the first thing about which the Muslim will be reckoned. Whoever leaves the daily five prayers is a disbeliever. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
·{And establish prayer and give Zakaah and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.} [Quran 24:56]
·{Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allaah, devoutly obedient.} [Quran 2:238]
·{Certainly will the believers have succeeded: * They who are during their prayer humbly submissive}[Quran 23:1-2]
·{And they who carefully maintain their prayers – * Those are the inheritors * Who will inherit al-Firdaws. They will abide therein eternally.}[Quran 23:9-11]
The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:
– “Between a man and disbelief and Shirk is the abandonment of prayer.”[Narrated by Muslim in the chapter of “Calling the One who leaves the prayer a disbeliever”]
– “That which differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of prayer. He who abandons it, becomes a disbeliever”[Ahmad, Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa’i, At-Tirmithi, and Ibn Maajah]
– “Whoever observes prayer (punctually fulfilling its conditions), it will be light, evidence, and salvation for him on the Day of Resurrection; but whoever does not, it will not be for him light, evidence, or salvation; and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be associated with Qaaroon, Pharaoh, Haamaan, and Ubayy ibn Khalaf (a great enemy of Islam from among the Quraysh).” [Ahmad]
Some scholars interpreted this Hadeeth saying,
“The person who abandons prayer will be raised with such a foursome because his neglect of prayer may be due to his preoccupation with his property, his presidency, his work, or his trade. Hence, if he was preoccupied with his property, he will be resurrected with Qaaroon; if with his position as a leader, then he will be resurrected with Pharaoh; if with his work, then with Haamaan; and if with his trade, then with Ubayy ibn Khalaf, the trader among the disbelievers of Makkah.”

Article by: www.islamweb.net

Haj – The journey of love

Haj - The journey of love

By Him whose House the loving Haj visit,
Responding with ihram at the appointed limit,
Uncovering their heads in total humility
Before One to Whom faces bow in servility.
They exclaim in the valleys,
“We have responded to You –
All Praise is Yours, and Kingdom too!”
He invited and they answered, with love and pleasure;
When they called upon Him, nearer came the Divine treasure.
You see them on their mounts, hair dusty and disheveled,
Yet never more content, never happier have they felt;
Leaving homelands and families due to holy yearning,
Unmoved are they by temptations of returning.
Through plains and valleys, from near and far,
Walking and riding, in submission to Allâh.

[At the Ka’bah]
When they see His House – that magnificent sight
For which the hearts of all creatures are set alight –
It seems they’ve never felt tired before,
For their discomfort and hardship is no more.
Now the eye of the Lover drowns in its streams,
It sees through its tears the goal of its dreams;
Now for Allâh, how many tears are issued?
Each one being followed by a multitude,
When the eye perceives the House, its darkness clears,
And from the sorrowful heart, pain disappears;
Vision cannot encompass this beautiful sight:
Each glance returns with greater delight!
No wonder at this, for when the Merciful preferred
The House for Himself, it became most honoured.
He clothed it in Majesty, a magnificent garment;
Embroidered it with Beauty, a wonderful ornament!
The hearts all love the House therefore,
Awed and humbled, in respect and honour.
Arafat
Now to ‘Arafat, hoping for Mercy and Forgiveness
From the One overflowing with Generosity and Kindness;
Now for Allâh is that Magnificent Standing
Like, though lesser than, the Day of Reckoning.
The Irresistible draws near, His Majesty manifest,
Boasting to His angels, for He is the Mightiest,

“My slaves have come to Me so lovingly,
I’ll be Generous and Merciful, willingly.
I have forgiven their sins, – to this you are witness –
Fulfilled their hopes, and showered them with goodness.”
So joyous news! O people of that standing,
When sins are forgiven and Mercy is spreading;
How many slaves are set completely free?
Whilst others seek a cure, and heal will He.
Now Satan is never known to lose such face:
He’s blameworthy, rejected, in utter disgrace.
For he sees a matter that enrage him must:
He flees, slaps his face and covers it in dust!
Such Forgiveness he never did see
As granted by the Lord, and such Mercy!
He built his edifice from every temptation available
Till he thought it was complete, unassailable;
Then Allâh struck his building at its very foundation,
So it fell upon him, tumbling in devastation;
What worth has his structure, this evil ploy,
That he does build, and the Lord does destroy?
[Muzdalifah and Mina]
Now to Muzdalifah, to spend the night
In the Sacred Area, then Prayer at first light;
Now on to the Great Pillar, which they need
To stone at the time of the Prayer of ‘Id;
Now to their tents for the sacrifice prepared,
Reviving the tradition of a Father revered.
If sacrificing themselves were Allâh’s demand,
They would respond, submitting to the command;
Just as they’d expose their necks in Jihad
To Allâh’s enemies, till these stream with blood;
They discipline themselves, presenting the head for a shave:
Bringing humility and happiness to the obedient slave.
[The Tawaf of Ifadah/Ziyarah]
So when they’ve removed those natural growths,
Completed their rites, and fulfilled their oaths,
He invites them again to visit His House:
What honour and welcome this visit allows!
By Allâh, they visit it in so much splendor,
Receiving their rewards and plenty of honour;
There Allâh bestows Grace, Favour and Kindness,
Showing Generosity, Mercy and Forgiveness.
[Mina]
Then they return to Mina, each to his tent,
Every minute wish is granted, and they are content;
They stay there a day, then another, then a third,
They’re allowed to depart early, but to stay is preferred;
They stone the pillars daily after the sun’s decline,
With a slogan of Takbir in the presence of the Divine!
If only you could see their standing there:
Palms outstretched, hoping for Mercy’s share!
“O Lord! O Lord! Knowing as You do
That we hope for no-one, only You!
Then grant our wish, O You All-Knowing,
We pray for Your Mercy overflowing.”
[The Farewell Tawaf]
When they’ve achieved at Mina all their gains,
Once more they fill the valleys and plains:
To the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, by the end of the day,
To circle it seven times, and then to Pray.
When departure nears and they are certain
That the bond of proximity is about to loosen,
There’s only a last stand for a final farewell:
Now for Allâh are the eyes that swell,
And for Allâh are the heavy hearts that turn
Into cauldrons of desire where fire does burn;
And the passionate sighs whose heat so vigorous
Nearly melts the Lover, ecstatic, rapturous!
Now you see those bewildered, perplexed in the throng,
Whilst others chant their sorrowful song:
“I depart, but there remains for You my yearning,
My fire of grief is raging and burning;
I bid farewell, but longing pulls my reins –
My heart is encamped in Your eternal plains!”
No blame today for saying what you feel:
No blame for expressing what you used to conceal!

Article by: en.islamway.net

Hajis saved from baggage check-in formalities

hajj-passengers
JEDDAH — Companies in charge of accommodation of pilgrims will also be made responsible for shipping their luggage to their destinations. Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar has said:
“This is a new mechanism which has been initiated to facilitate swift and smooth departure of pilgrims,”. He said.
Under this mechanism pilgrims will go to the airport without any luggage. They will no longer have to wait at the counters to check-in their baggage.
The minister said the licensed accommodation companies in Makkah and Madinah will transport the luggage to the airport and complete the shipping procedures.
Concerning Zamzam water, which pilgrims are keen to take back home, the minister said it will be shipped onboard the aircraft flying back home after dropping pilgrims.
“Pilgrims will receive their quotas of the blessed water on their arrival in their home countries. They will no longer have to take Zamzam water with them as accompanying luggage when leaving the Kingdom after Haj,” he said.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa