Merits of Umrah

Merits of Umrah

Allah made the outcome of performing this act of worship the great reward that stimulates the Muslim’s zeal, whets his will power and makes him proceed to it with an expanded chest and energetic determination in the hope of the reward and forgiveness of Allah and what has been prepared of good by Allah to the pilgrims of His honorable House. There are many texts about the merits of Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), of which mention may be made of the following:

Ever since Allah The Almighty commanded His Khaleel (intimate friend) Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, to proclaim Hajj to the people, hearts have been in longing for this House and location, and crowds of visitors come to it from every distant pass in response to the call of Allah The Almighty. In this respect, Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said,
When Ibraaheem finished building the House, it was said to him (by Allah): “Proclaim (Hajj) to the people.” He said, “O Lord, to what extent would my voice reach?” He said: “It is your duty to proclaim, and it is incumbent upon Me to convey (your voice to everywhere in the world).” Ibraaheem then called, “O people, (the obligatory duty of) Hajj has been enjoined upon you to the ancient House, so come to perform Hajj.” All that is between heaven and earth heard his voice. Do you not see the people coming from the farthest ends of the earth announcing (with Talbiyah (the Hajj-related chant)) their response (to the call)?

The obligatory duty of Hajj was made obligatory by Allah The Almighty upon the capable among His salves once in a lifetime, as He States (what means): {And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3:97] The obligation of Hajj is among the indisputably established facts of Islam.

Hajj effaces sins and misdeeds that are committed before it

Hajj is among the greatest means of the forgiveness removal of sins and misdeeds. If one performs Hajj Mabroor (which is a Hajj that is accepted by Allah), he would return from Hajj (as pure from sins) as a newborn on the day his mother gave birth to him, that is, purity from all sins and mistakes. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said that he heard the Prophet, Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), say: “Whoever performs Hajj, during which he neither has sexual activity (with his wife) nor commits sins, he will return (as sinless) as a newborn child on the very day his mother delivered him.”[Al-Bukhari] The Hadeeth very clearly confirms the forgiveness of sins, be they minor or major, according to Al-Haafith Ibn Hajar may Allaah have mercy upon him.

However, this forgiveness is, according to the Hadeeth, conditional on abstention from having sexual activity (intercourse and foreplay with one’s wife) and disobedience to Allah during the Hajj.

It was narrated in an authentic Hadeeth that ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, came to the Prophet, Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), to embrace Islam and he put a condition that his previous sins should be forgiven for him, whereupon the Prophet, Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), mentioned to him three things, each of which removes the sins and mistakes prior to it. Thus, it was narrated on the authority of ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said,

When Allah placed the love of Islam in my heart, I went to the Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and said, “Stretch out your hand so that I can give you the pledge of allegiance.” However, when he stretched out his hand, I withdrew mine. He said: “What is the matter with you, O ‘Amr?” I replied, “I want to place a certain condition on this.” He asked: “What condition do you wish to place?” I said, “That I should be granted forgiveness.” He said: “Do you not know that (embracing) Islam effaces all the previous misdeeds committed before it as does the Hijrah (emigration) and Hajj?”[Muslim]

Thus, Hajj was made among the acts of worship that remove all sins previously committed.

The reward of a Hajj Mabroor is Paradise

Allah The Almighty promises His slaves reward for their obedience to Him and made for Hajj no reward other than Paradise. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, Sallallahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The performance of two ‘Umrah expiates the sins that are committed in the interval between them; and the Hajj Mabroor (that is accepted by Allah as being performed with sincerity and according to the rules of Sharee‘ah) has no reward other than Paradise.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim] However, this reward is contingent on the condition of its being accepted, as not every Hajj will be rewarded with Paradise. That reward is restricted only to the Hajj Mabroor, and a Hajj Mabroor is that which complies with the teachings and principles of Sharee‘ah indeed and belief and is not contaminated with anything of Shirk, (polytheism) sin, sexual relations or disobedience.

Among the signs of Hajj Mabroor is that the Muslim’s condition after Hajj becomes better than before it. The evidence for that is the statement of Allah The Almighty (which means): {And those who are guided – He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness.} [Quran 47:17] Al-Hasan Al-Basri may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “(The sign of) a Hajj Mabroor is that the pilgrim returns (from it) having no desire for this world and seeking the Hereafter.” Overall, Hajj Mabroor, as Al-Qurtubi may Allaah have mercy upon him put it, “Is that whose rulings are fulfilled and which is performed perfectly according to what is required from the one competent for religious assignment.”

Hajj is among the best righteous deeds

Righteous deeds are numerous and vary in rank and degree of reward and excellence. Since one’s lifetime is very short, the deeds are numerous and he may not know which of them should be given priority, it is incumbent upon the slave to be eager to understand the ranks of deeds to get closer to Allah with the dearest of deeds to Him, and give it priority over what is lesser in rank and excellence. The Prophet, Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), put the deeds in order (according to their ranks) in the Hadeeth narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, when the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), was asked about the best deed, he replied: “To believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad).” The questioner then asked, “What comes next (in goodness)?” He replied: “To participate in Jihaad (religious fighting) in the cause of Allah.” The questioner then asked, “What comes next (in goodness)?” He replied: “To perform a Hajj Mabroor.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In clarification of why Hajj was given such preference and rank, one of the righteous predecessors said, “I have reflected on all the righteous deeds and found that the prayers exhaust only the body and not wealth, as does fasting, and found that charity exhausts only wealth but not the body, whereas Hajj exhausts both; thus, I saw it as the best.” Hajj then is a financial as well as physical worship.

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Source: islamweb.net

Best time to book Umrah packages

The best time to book  Umrah package is after the Hajj season ends. In the months of Moharram and Saffar, most of the Pilgrims who want to go for Umrah in coming to Ramadhan or any time of the coming yearbook their packages with their agents.

Every devoted Muslim knows that Hajj is obligatory for every capable Muslim once in his lifetime. Hajj is performed every year in the month of Dhul Hajj. The bookings of Hajj are made well in advance because of the very large number of people going to Hajj every year and each year the number of pilgrims increases. Umrah, on the other hand, is different because it can be performed at any time of the year. The peak Umrah season is during the months of Rabi-ul-Awal and Sha’aban. In the months of Ramadhan, every Muslim wants to do Umrah because as narrated by this Hadith:

Narrated by Ibn Abbas, The Prophet of Allah (SAWS) said, “Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadhan, as its (reward) is equivalent to having performed Hajj with me.” Sahih Albukhari.

According to the recent Saudi Government rules, anyone who wishes to perform Umrah must book their Umrah with authorized and licensed Umrah agents in their local countries. This gives the pilgrim an opportunity to book their complete package including flight bookings, accommodation, and transportation, etc. The new rules forbid any pilgrim from going to Umrah without booking with an Umrah agent. There are several Hajj and Umrah packages offered by a number of agents around the world. These packages range from budget-friendly packages to five-star luxury packages. During the Umrah season, the agents usually get overbooked especially for the month of Ramadhan. These bookings are
made well in advance to avoid congestion of flights, hotel and accommodation bookings in Makkah. Some hotels which are near the Holy Mosque in Makkah are booked months in advance.

The best time to book  Umrah package is after the Hajj season ends. In the months of Moharram and Saffar, most of the Pilgrims who want to go for Umrah in coming to Ramadhan or any time of the coming year book their packages with their agents. This gives them a very good opportunity to book hotels, flights, and transport in Makkah and Madinah. A reputable agent can book your complete package for individuals or groups. It is always preferable to book your package with a reputable and registered Umrah agent to avoid certain hassles of high prices of accommodation and flights. The Saudi Government has imposed new rules for Umrah and Hajj service providers to meet the standards set by the Government.

Umrah and Hajj should always be performed with complete concentration and devotion to Allah (SWT) and booking well in advance will give you the chance to have a hassle-free sacred journey to Makkah and Madinah, and you can concentrate more on your prayers rather than worrying about the hotel or return flights. Responsible booking agents always advise their clients to book their Umrah packages during the months of Moharram and Saffar, but they can get last minute bookings as well which may cost a bit more in flights and accommodation, but you will be able to perform your obligation with full devotion to Allah (SWT).

Source: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

Preparations for Umrah

Jeddah — Preparations for the Umrah season have already begun with the successful completion of this year’s Haj.

Announcing this Minister of Haj and Umrah Muhammad Saleh Bentan said the outstanding success of Haj won applause and appreciation of those who came for the pilgrimage from around the world.

Benten was addressing the heads and members of offices of Haj affairs and the guests of Haj Grand Symposium as well as the winners of the ministry’s prize for media work at a reception on Saturday evening.

This is still below the ministry’s ambitious plan of receiving about eight million Umrah pilgrims.

The revenues to be generated by the Umrah season are expected to soar over SR200 billion by the year 2020.Preparations for the Umrah 2020 will be started soon.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Returning Home from the Hajj Trip

It is sunnah for the pilgrim who completed the Hajj and is Returning Home from the Hajj Trip to his hometown to say: No one is God except Allah, Who has no partner.

He is the One attributed with Dominion. He is the One Who deserves to be thanked and praised. He has Power over everything.

لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شىء قدير

We are going back to our hometown worshipping Allah after performing hajj, prostrating to Him, and thanking Him.

آيبون عابدون ساجدون لربنا حامدون،

He is the One Who fulfilled His promise and gave victory to His slaves,

صدق وعده، ونصر عبده

and He alone defeated the allied blasphemers.

وهزم الأحزاب وحده

Returning Home from the Hajj Trip our soul become fresh and get so much blessing.

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Source:darulfatwa.org.au

Tent city ready to welcome the guests of Allah

Tent city ready to welcome the guests of Allah

MAKKAH — On Saturday (Dhul Hijjah 8), pilgrims will start moving to Mina, a tent city 5 kilometers to the east of Makkah, for the Day of Tarwiyah.

The Day of Tarwiyah, which marks the beginning of Haj rituals, means the day of fetching water and quenching the thirst.

The day traces its name to the fact that in the past when there was a scarcity of water in Mina, pilgrims used to fetch water and fill containers and feed their animals and make sure their camels had enough water.
About 30 government and private departments will be receiving the guests of Allah in Mina.

The tent city is ready to receive the pilgrims who will stay for three nights during which they will stone the Satan (devil) at the Jamrat area, shave their heads, change their ihrams and slaughter sacrificial animals.

Mina has 25 hospitals and health centers manned by about 26,000 medical cadres of doctors, nurses, technicians, and administrators to extend medical services to pilgrims.

Civil Defense units, the security forces, the Red Crescent Authority are also stationed in Mina to serve the pilgrims.

The last batch of the 717,000 pilgrims who visited Madinah before Haj arrived in Makkah on Thursday on board 119 buses.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, the exact number of pilgrims who came from abroad and inside would be announced on Monday evening.

The Ministry of Health has prevented buses carrying pilgrims from stopping at camel enclosures along the roads because of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

A number of pilgrims usually ask bus drivers to stop to take memorial photographs with the camels which have been tainted to be the main carriers of coronavirus.Tent city ready to welcome the guests of Allah.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

British Muslims gear up for Hajj

ASPIRING British Muslims embarking on the upcoming Haj pilgrimage were given training on how to perform the rituals for the Journey of a Lifetime hosted by the Council of British Hajjis (CBHUK) in partnership with the London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre. The training was delivered by qualified scholars over a series of events hosted in towns and cities across the United Kingdom. Hundreds attended eagerly to learn about Haj with doctors and travel industry experts delivering health & safety advice too.

Dr. Ahmad Al Dubayan, director general of the London Central Mosque, urged pilgrims to learn the rituals of Haj so that they can gain maximum benefit from this act of worship as Haj touches peoples hearts and changes them for the better. He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for hosting the pilgrims and services provided to them and the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the development of the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and Masjid Al Haram to accommodate the faithful. He lauded efforts by Lord Adam Patel in leading the British Haj delegations and welcomed a new era of support for British pilgrims in partnership with CBHUK.

Rashid Mogradia, CEO of the Council of British Hajjis (CBHUK), offered travel advice and how to stay safe during Haj. With millions performing various rituals of Haj at the same time at the same place, he stressed the importance of following instructions from the Tour Operators and Saudi officials on the ground for a smooth journey. The Council also offered health and safety advice preparing pilgrims for the Journey of a Lifetime. Mogradia thanked the Saudi Embassy in London for their continued help and support to British pilgrims and the Islamic Cultural Centre for a fruitful partnership in educating pilgrims.

The City of London Police offered Haj fraud prevention advice to pilgrims to book with reputable and licensed tour operators and asked the community to report unscrupulous tour operators and fraudsters to Action Fraud and Trading Standards so that the authorities could take action against them.
Haj is a journey of faith and one that every abled Muslim male and female, who has the financial means, is mature and sane must perform at least once in their lifetime. Around 19,000 British pilgrims are expected to travel to Makkah for Haj.

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No entry into Makkah without Haj permits

No entry into Makkah without Haj permitssaudigazette.com.sa

No entry into Makkah without Haj permits

MAKKAH – The Haj Security Forces Command, represented by Road Security Forces Command, have started carrying out arrangements on use of vehicles in Makkah Province and the holy sites. They have also begun preventing people without Haj permits from entering Makkah. Such violators are turned away, apart from imposing penalties on those who try to circumvent the regulations and directives, Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Statistics issued until last Friday (the day before yesterday) by the Road Security Forces Command showed that 70,000 people coming to Makkah without Haj permits were turned away. The Command confirmed that over 28,000 vehicles were sent back and impounded, as they violated the conditions for transporting pilgrims. These vehicles had a load of fewer than 25 passengers. Other vehicles fulfilled the load requirements, but the owners did not carry special permits for transporting pilgrims as required by the regulations. The Command stressed that penalties will be imposed on violating vehicles and their drivers, in line with the regulations and directives.

The Haj Security Forces Command stressed to all who have come to perform Haj that it is necessary to obtain the required permits. The Command will not be lenient with anyone. It emphasized that all must comply with the directives for transporting pilgrims by obtaining the necessary permits. It called on them to cooperate with the security men and enable them to carry out their duties. The Command said anyone who violates the directives would be liable to penalties, as stipulated by the regulations.

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The Fifth Pillar of Islam: The Pilgrimage (Hajj)

The Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the five pillars of Islam.  Pilgrimage is not undertaken in Islam to the shrines of saints, to monasteries for help from holy men, or to sights where miracles are supposed to have occurred, even though we may see many Muslims do this.  Pilgrimage is made to the Kaaba, found in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the ‘House of God,’ whose sanctity rests in that the Prophet Abraham built it for the worship of God.  God rewarded him by attributing the House to himself, in essence honoring it, and by making it the devotional epicenter which all Muslims face when offering the prayers (salah).  The rites of pilgrimage are performed today exactly as did by Abraham, and after him by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them.

Pilgrimage is viewed as a particularly meritorious activity.  Pilgrimage serves as a penance – the ultimate forgiveness for sins, devotion, and intense spirituality.  The pilgrimage to Mecca, the most sacred city in Islam, is required of all physically and financially able Muslims once in their life.  The pilgrimage rite begins a few months after Ramadan, on the 8th day of the last month of the Islamic year of Dhul-Hijjah, and ends on the 13th day.  Mecca is the center towards which the Muslims converge once a year, meet and refresh in themselves the faith that all Muslims are equal and deserve the love and sympathy of others, irrespective of their race or ethnic origin.  The racial harmony fostered by Hajj is perhaps best captured by Malcolm X on his historic pilgrimage:

Every one of the thousands at the airport, about to leave for Jeddah, was dressed this way.  You could be a king or a peasant and no one would know.  Some powerful personages, who were discreetly pointed out to me, had on the same thing I had on.  Once thus dressed, we all had begun intermittently calling out “Labbayka! (Allahumma) Labbayka!” (At your service, O Lord!) Packed in the plane were white, black, brown, red, and yellow people, blue eyes and blond hair, and my kinky red hair – all together, brothers!  All honoring the same God, all in turn giving equal honor to each other . . .

That is when I first began to reappraise the ‘white man’. It was when I first began to perceive that ‘white man’, as commonly used, means complexion only secondarily; primarily it described attitudes and actions.  In America, ‘white man’ meant specific attitudes and actions toward the black man, and toward all other non-white men.  But in the Muslim world, I had seen that men with white complexions were more genuinely brotherly than anyone else had ever been.  That morning was the start of a radical alteration in my whole outlook about ‘white’ men.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world.  They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans.  But we were all participating in the same ritual displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white…  America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.  Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white – but the ‘white’ attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam.  I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.”

Thus the pilgrimage unites the Muslims of the world into one international fraternity.  More than two million persons perform the Hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse backgrounds together in worship.  In some Muslim societies, once a believer has made the pilgrimage, he is often labeled with the title ‘hajji’; this, however, is a cultural, rather than religious custom.  Finally, the Hajj is a manifestation of the belief in the unity of God – all the pilgrims worship and obey the commands of the One God.

At certain stations on the caravan routes to Mecca, or when the pilgrim passes the point nearest to those stations, the pilgrim enters the state of purity known as ihram. In this state, the certain ‘normal’ actions of the day and night become impermissible for the pilgrims, such as covering the head, clipping the fingernails, and wearing normal clothing in regards to men. Males remove their clothing and don the garments specific to this state of ihram, two white seamless sheets that are wrapped around the body.  All this increases the reverence and sanctity of the pilgrimage, the city of Mecca, and the month of Dhul-Hijjah. There are 5 stations, one on the coastal plains northwest of Mecca towards Egypt and one south towards Yemen, while three lies north or eastwards towards Medina, Iraq, and Najd.  The simple garb signifies the equality of all humanity in God’s sight and the removal of all worldly affections.  After entering the state of ihram, the pilgrim proceeds to Mecca and awaits the start of the Hajj.  On the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim is reminded of his duties, and the rituals commence on the 8th of the month. The pilgrim visits the holy places outside Mecca – Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Minaa – prays, sacrifices an animal in commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice, throws pebbles at specific pillars at Mina, and shortens or shaves his head. The rituals also involve walking seven times around the sacred sanctuary, or Kaaba, in Mecca, and ambulating, walking and running, seven times between the two small hills of Mt. Safaa and Mt. Marwah.  Discussing the historical or spiritual significance of each rite is beyond the scope of this introductory article.

Apart from Hajj, the “minor pilgrimage” or Umrah is undertaken by Muslims during the rest of the year.  Performing the umrah does not fulfill the obligation of Hajj.  It is similar to the major and obligatory Islamic pilgrimage (hajj), and pilgrims have the choice of performing the umrah separately or in combination with the Hajj.  As in the Hajj, the pilgrim begins the umrah by assuming the state of ihram.  They enter Mecca and circle the sacred shrine of the Kaaba seven times.  He may then touch the Black Stone, if he can, pray behind the Maqam Ibrahim, drink the holy water of the Zamzam spring.  The ambulation between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times and the shortening or shaving of the head complete the umrah.

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Source: islamreligion.com

The benefits of fasting

The benefits of fasting from physical to emotional, mental and spiritual. Fasting is a natural cleanser and purification, not just from food but also from sin. Even the ancient Greeks recognized its benefits.

“Instead of using a medicine, better fast today,” said Plutarch, a Greek Moralist. Fasting has been around for centuries and was performed by the people of the past; its advantages are endless.

Physical Benefits:

Staying away from food for long hours cleanses the body and rests the digestive system. Dr. Razeen Mahroof, an anesthetist from Oxford, says about fasting, “A detoxification process also occurs because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body.” The body is purified from excess food and fat.

Fasting is a natural remedy, which helps to free up energy which can then be used more productively. It is estimated that after a heavy meal the body uses 65% of its available energy to digest that meal. So if you fast, you have energy that is freed up because there is no meal to digest. So the energy can then be used by the body to heal itself, to mend broken tissues and cells.

It also opens the way for healthier eating habits, if the suhoor and iftaar are in line with the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take a light suhoor and a light iftaar.

Though Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended taking suhoor and said that there is a blessing in the suhoor meal, he was not extravagant and did not fill his belly with a large feast.

He (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach.” (Ibn Majah)

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

Fasting clears a person’s mind. The individual becomes less occupied with the vanities of this world and more concerned with the hereafter if the prophetic way of fasting is observed. During Ramadaan and any other voluntary fast, the individual spends time reading the Qur’an and their tongues are wet with the remembrance of Allah. Thus, attaining the pleasure of Allah becomes their primary goal and they forget the distractions of this world.

In addition, fasting has been proven to improve brain health. It helps with the homeostatic process of neuronal autophagy, and increases levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), positively affecting the cognitive part of our brains. Furthermore, the risk of many diseases including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, brain trauma, depression, and ischemic strokes have all been shown to decrease with fasting.

Recent research has also found that after a few days of fasting there are higher levels of endorphins in the blood making the individual more alert and attentive, giving a sense of mental wellbeing.

Spiritual Benefits:

These benefits are too many to enumerate. Fasting helps the individual get closer to Allah, to earn the pleasure of Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah has said, “Fasting is for Me and I will give reward for it…”

This indicates that fasting is between the individual and Allah. Moreover Allah will reward the fasting person as much as He wishes, and however He wishes, and Allah’s rewards are infinite!

During the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked and the devils are chained. Allah makes it easier for us to come closer to Him, and simpler to earn good deeds.

Also, Allah admits into His mercy many of His slaves and saves them from the Hellfire.

An added bonus of fasting is that it will give us access to the gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is a gate in paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which those who fast will enter on the Day of Judgement and no one besides them will enter it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Fasting is a prophetic remedy for the body, mind, heart, and soul. It contains many benefits, some of which can be felt immediately and others which will be shown to us on the Day of Resurrection.

May Allah make us amongst those whom He admits to His Mercy, and those from whom He accepts their fasts, and those whom He admits to Paradise through the gate of Ar-Rayyan.

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Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Prophet’s sermon on holy month(Ramadan)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Shaban, in which he welcomed the holy month of Ramadan and said:

O, People! The month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings, and forgiveness. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months. The days of this month are the best among the days and the nights are the best among the nights and the hours during Ramadan are the best among the hours. This is a holy month in which you have been invited by Him (to fast and pray). Allah has honored you in it. In every breath you take is a reward of Allah, your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations are answered.

Therefore, you must invoke your Lord in all earnestness with hearts free from sin and evil, and pray that Allah may help you to keep fast, and to recite the Holy Qur’an. Indeed!, miserable is the o­ne who is deprived of Allah’s forgiveness in this great holy month. While fasting remember the hunger and thirst o­n the Day of Judgment. Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind toward your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard.

Be kind to orphans so that if your children may become orphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your sins and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times, during which Allah Almighty looks at His servants with mercy. Allah Answers if they supplicate, Responds if they call, Grants if He is asked, and Accepts if they entreat. O, people! you have made your conscience the slave of your desires.

Make it free by invoking Allah for forgiveness. Your back may break from the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate yourself before Allah for long intervals, and make this load lighter. Understand fully that Allah has promised in His Honour and Majesty that, people who perform salat and sajda (prostration) will be guarded against Hell-fire o­n the Day of Judgment.

O people!, if anyone among you arranges for iftar (meal at sunset) for any believer, Allah will reward him as if he had freed a slave, and Allah will forgive him his sins.

A companion asked: “But not all of us have the means to do so.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: Keep yourself away from Hell-fire though it may consist of half a date or even some water if you have nothing else.

O people!, anyone who during this month cultivates good manners, will walk over the Sirat (bridge to Paradise) o­n the day when feet will tend to slip. For anyone who during this month eases the workload of his servants, Allah will make easy his accounting, and for anyone who doesn’t hurt others during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah will safeguard him from His Wrath o­n the Day of Judgment.

Anyone who respects and treats an orphan with kindness during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah shall look at him with kindness o­n that Day. Anyone who treats his kinsmen well during this month, Allah will bestow His Mercy o­n him o­n that Day, while anyone who mistreats his kinsmen during this holy month(Ramadan), Allah will keep away from His Mercy.

Whoever offers the recommended prayers during this month, Allah will save him from Hell, and whoever observes his obligations during this holy month, his reward will be seventy times the reward during other months. Whoever repeatedly invokes Allah’s blessings o­n me, Allah will keep his scale of good deeds heavy, while the scales of others will be tending to lightness. Whoever recites during this month an ayat (verse) of the Holy Qur’an, will get the reward of reciting the whole Qur’an in other months.

O people!, the gates of Paradise remain open during this month. Pray to your Lord that they may not be closed for you. While the gates of Hell are closed, pray to your Lord that they never open for you. Satan has been chained, invoke your Lord not to let him dominate you.”

Ali ibn Talib (RAA) said: “I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what are the best deeds during this month’?” ‘He replied: ‘O Abu-Hassan, the best of deeds during this month is to be far from what Allah has forbidden’.”

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Source: arabnews.com

Cutting hair in umrah

Cutting hair in umrah

Mu’meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

AssalamO Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu

Iam from India and had been to Omra from Kuwait, in 2002 for the 1st time during the last 10 days of Ramzaan month.

I performed all arkaan of Omra well, but regarding cutting of hairs I have some doubt which I want to clarify as below:

After completion of Saee during 1st Omra, I have seen some persons (Arab origin) cutting hairs at one corner side of Marwah, and at that time I don’t know the place of hairs cutting, and I went near to one Arab person who already cutting hairs. That Arab person was in Ehraam dress, may be he also had came to perform Omra with his belongings.

He cut my hairs also from three locations from my head and I asked him is it Khalaas (finished) he said Khalaas. I don’t know Arabic language except few words, and after he says “Khalaas”, I thought I have finished all arkaans of Omraa, as I read from books in Omraa hairs shaving is preferred but it can also be cut by 1″ min from 3 locations of head to complete Omraa.

That was the day of Friday morning (10 AM) so I was in a hurry to go to my accommodation to have bath and come back to Haram (Mecca) to perform Friday prayers in Haramsharief as it was the important day for me in Omra journey.

So after having bath I came to Haram in normal dress to perform Friday prayers.

After that in my room some persons asked, “have you not shaved your head”?, your Omra can’t be finished without this. My friend had convinced that Allah is great InshaAllah like that

Before going to Omra, I had plan to perform 3 Omra. One for me and One Omra for my late Father and 3rd One either for my Mother or my Wife (Both alive), so from the beginning I had plan to cut my hairs in 3 Omra to satisfy hairs cutting for 3 Omra.

Since I did my 1st Omra, I had great confusion and some kind of uneasiness in my heart that whether my Omraa will get accepted or not? On the next day (Saturday) morning after I had Fajar prayers at Haram (Mecca mosque) and while way back to room I went in the Saloon and cut my hairs from all portion of my head (not shaved), to cover the mistake which happened and after having bath I weared Ehraam dress and went to Ayesha Mosque (Meeqat) to reenter Mecca to perform 2nd Omra on my late father. So after Waazu I prayed 2 rakaat namaaz at Ayesha mosque and came to Mecca and performed Omraa well and this time I went down straight to Saloon shop which I came to know later, and cut my hairs from entire portion of my head (not shaved) and went back to room and had bath. But as I thought I couldn’t perform for 3rd Omraa.

Later, from Mecca we (all tourist bus members) went to Madina where we stayed 3 days and after Eid prayers we returned to Kuwait.  

Now after I came back to Kuwait I had great confusion and one time I asked one Indian person who along with Kuwaiti Aalim, after Friday prayers clarifies individuals doubts, and I also asked my doubt to Indian guy, but he didn’t hear my entire topic and after hearing briefly he said its OK. Some kind of tension was cleared but I was not completely satisfied, I thought to ask again to clear my doubt but time went on and now my family (Wife + 3 childrens all elders) came 2 years back here in Kuwait and they want to return back to India, after performing Omra.

So in this circumstances what I need to do, So please clarify my following doubts:

1.      Whether my 1st and 2nd Omra is OK?

2.      In case, my 1st / or and 2nd Omra is not OK, what I need to do?

3.      I heard Dam (lamb sacrifice) to be given, in my case for what penalty I am liable to give? One lamb or 2 lamb or not at all? If, I am liable to give, then where the sacrifice shall be given? In Mecca or anywhere?

4.      If the sacrifice is required in Mecca, as I have to go again for Omra with my family how I should give lamb sacrifice, because if I start Omra journey from Kuwait I have to wear Ehraam from Meeqat, so can can I wear the Ehraam and enter Mecca and later after reaching Mecca can I give sacrifice (Dam) for my previous Omra, and perform Omra with my family?

5.      I heard without coming out from Ehraam its Sin of Zeena to meet with wife, as iam staying with my wife, will I comes under this sin, if so, for this Sin what I have to do?  

6.      Please clarify in detail as I have little time to go to Omra again with my family?

I am very thankful if you could give me proper guidance as above, in detail, and also Iam very thankful for the your entire team rendering great services in the name of Allah and may Allah accept all your services (amen).

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Cutting hair in umrah

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: Whether my 1st and 2nd Omra is OK?

The Prophet (saws) said, “May Allah bless those who shaved (after their pilgrimage of Hajj or Umrah).” The Companions asked him, “O Allah’s Messenger (saws), what about those who clip their hair short?” Thereupon the Prophet (saws) again said, “May Allah bless those who shaved.” They repeated their question the third time, and again the Prophet (saws) said, “May Allah bless those who shaved.” When they asked him for the fourth time, “O Allah’s Messenger (saws), what about those who clip their hair short?” He (saws) replied: “And (may Allah bless) those who clip their hair short.

The absolute majority of the scholars and the jurists in Islam consider it a preferred act and rite of pilgrimage that one shave their heads; but if one cuts their hair short that too would suffice to fulfill the obligations of the pilgrimage.

Allah Subhanah Alone Knows how this practice of cutting a few clips of hair in three places after one has completed their rites of the Umrah pilgrimage started in the Muslim Ummah..there is absolutely no evidence in the authentic and established Sunnah or any of the accepted books of Fiqh regarding the permissibility of this act.

If one in ignorance of the laws of Allah, without any intention to disobey Allah Subhanah, did not shave their hair after the Umrah pilgrimage nor cut it short, but had only a few clips of hair cut in three places..as disliked as the act may be, the majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that The Lord Most Merciful, if He so Wills, will accept the pilgrimage of the believer, and one does not need to give a damm or sacrifice as atonement. And Allah Alone Knows Best.

Your Question: I heard Dam (lamb sacrifice) to be given, in my case for what penalty I am liable to give? One lamb or 2 lamb or not at all? If, I am liable to give, then where the sacrifice shall be given? In Mecca or anywhere?

Respected brother, in your particular case, you need not give a damm or sacrifice of atonement.but you should indeed turn unto your Lord in sincere taubah and seek His forgiveness for the act that you happened to do in ignorance of the Laws of the Lord Most Majesticit is expected that you will find your Lord Forgiving and Merciful and if He so Wills and Pleases, He will not diminish aught of the reward that is due to you for your pilgrimage.

Your Question: If the sacrifice is required in Mecca, as I have to go again for Omra with my family how I should give lamb sacrifice, because if I start Omra journey from Kuwait I have to wear Ehraam from Meeqat, so can can I wear the Ehraam and enter Mecca and later after reaching Mecca can I give sacrifice (Dam) for my previous Omra, and perform Omra with my family?

First and foremost, the majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that there is no sacrifice of atonement due from you.thus you are at absolute liberty to visit the House of Allah whenever you so will and please.

Your Question: I heard without coming out from Ehraam its Sin of Zeena to meet with wife, as iam staying with my wife, will I comes under this sin, if so, for this Sin what I have to do?  

One of the restrictions of entering the ehraam for pilgrimage is that one cannot conjugate with ones wife until one has come out of the state of ehraam .but rest absolutely assured brother, because you completed all the rites of the pilgrimage and came out of the state of ehraam, you are at absolute liberty to enjoy your lawful relationship with your wife.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allahs Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

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Article by: islamhelpline.net

When Will be Hajj 2016

hajj 2016

When Will be Hajj 2016

Hajj is fard (compulsory) on every eligible (eligibility measuring indicated by Sharia Law.) Muslim. Muslims over the worldwide turn into the visitors of Allah and the most honored individuals. The time spent in Ka’aba is the blessed span of whole life of any individual. Hajj is performed in the month of Zul-Hijjah (the last month of Islamic year/calendar) every year. The solar dates or month parallel to Zul-hijja vary every year. 8th of Zul-Hijja is considered as the first day of Hajj and the last day of Hajj is 12th Zul-Hijjah. These five days of  Hajj amid your entire visit to Makkah and Medina. The five days of Hajj 2016 will start from 8th  of  Zul-Hijja 1437H as per Islamic Principles. The dates of Hajj 2016 according to English calendar will be 8th or 9th September 2016 Insha Allah.
By teachings of Islam each day of Hajj has its own particular deep sense of being, name and spirituality. The name of 5 days of are:
1st day:
8th Zul-Hijjah – Yaumut Tarwiyah
2nd Day:
9th Zul-Hijjah – Yaumul Wuquf
3rd Day
10th Zul-Hijjah – Yaumun Nahr
4th Day:
11th Zul-Hijjah – Ayyamut Tashriq
5th Day:
12th Zul-Hijjah – Ayyamut Tashriq

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Article by: al-khair.org