Hajj is a Reflection of the Ummah‎

Hajj is the reflection of the Ummah (Muslim nation) that reflects its positive and negative aspects, as Hajj is the greatest gathering of the Ummah where the greatest number of people come together from a variety of backgrounds and places.

One of the advantages of a mirror is that it reflects the reality of things clearly and precisely. A person who has a mirror takes care to keep it clean and shiny so that when he looks in the mirror if he were to see anything amiss such as dirty clothes or the like, he would know that the mirror has nothing to do with this as it just reflects reality. A person might be angry and upset when he sees any defect, but if he is sensible, he would attempt to rectify the situation so that his reflection in the mirror would be better. However, those who are foolish might break the mirror, and to such people, we say, “You have not only failed to change the reality but you also lost the means that could tell you about the defects.”

Similarly, Hajj is the mirror of the Ummah (Muslim nation) that reflects its positive and negative aspects, as Hajj is the greatest gathering of the Ummah where the greatest number of people come together from a variety of backgrounds and places. Hajj gathers princes, scholars, people of culture, men of letters, and ordinary men and women. Undoubtedly, the mirror of Hajj reflects many positive aspects, such as unity in the worship of Allah

The Almighty and the establishment of equality and unity. At the same time, however, it reflects some defects in the Muslims that clash with these positive aspects.

 It is difficult to ignore the mistakes and faults of the pilgrims, which become noticeable during Hajj, such as defective ‘Aqeedah (creed), innovations in the religion, negligence regarding acts of worship, the absence of Khushoo’ (fear of Allah The Almighty) and ignorance about matters of the religion. Moreover, one can see other forms of ignorance which are exemplified in being negligent about cleanliness and the most basic rules of health and hygiene, not adhering to or complying with health instructions and breaching orders. Other shortcomings include causing chaos, rigidity in one’s dealings, harshness when crowding with others, being irritable, having fanatical feelings towards a certain race or country, or feeling uncomfortable when dealing with others.

This does not mean that there are many negative aspects to Hajj, but at the same time, we should not allow these faults to go unaddressed. We should not break the mirror but be grateful for it, as we have managed to see the defects through it and now simply have to find the remedy.

Hajj is an event that shows the great efforts exerted to turn the Ummah from disunity to unity, from humiliation to dignity, from weakness to strength and from ignorance to knowledge and advancement. There is no doubt that the greatest role is that of the Islamic governments, their mass media, and their educational curricula. Another important role is that of scholars, and their efforts in spreading Da’wah (the call to Allah The Almighty), preserving the ‘Aqeedah of Muslims, declaring the truth, combating ignorance and resisting the invasion of harmful ideas. Other efforts and duties are the initiatives of wealthy people and economic institutions; still, others are related to intellectuals and men of letters. A third category is related to writers and the Imaams who deliver Khutbahs (sermons). Indeed, every Muslim bears part of the great responsibility towards raising the status of the Ummah. Thus, we should encourage every individual in general and every pilgrim, in particular, to fulfill his duty so that the promise of Allah The Almighty may be achieved, as He Says (what means): {Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.}

Source: islamweb.net

Complete the Umrah for Allah

Thus, the meaning of the verse (which means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allah…”} [Quran 2:196] is to carry out the due rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah properly and offer them with full sincerity to Allah The Exalted after starting them.

Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allah…” } [Quran 2:196]

Scholars of Tafseer (exegesis) mentioned that this verse was revealed in Al-Hudaybiyah in the sixth year A.H. The polytheists of the Quraysh prevented the Muslims from entering Al-Masijid Al-Haraam to perform ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). In fact, this incident was before Hajj was rendered obligatory for Muslims. Hence, what is meant in the verse is ‘Umrah while Hajj was mentioned in the verse to give Muslims the glad tidings that they would perform Hajj later; and this is one of the miracles of the Noble Quran.

Scholars of Tafseer elaborated on that verse, and here we shall highlight their opinions briefly:

They agreed unanimously that once the Muslim starts his Hajj or ‘Umrah, he is obliged to complete it. Meanwhile, their opinions vary on the intended meaning of completing Hajj or ‘Umrah. There are four different opinions regarding this issue:

1-    Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that it [completing Hajj or ‘Umrah] means finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them.

2-    Other scholars argued that the intended meaning of the verse is that the Muslim should enter the state of Ihraam before he leaves his home intending Hajj or ‘Umrah only without being engaged in any other worldly affairs aside. ‘Ali along with other Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, adopted that opinion. Furthermore, Sa‘eed ibn Jubayr and other Taabi‘oon (successors) may Allaah have mercy upon them adopted the same opinion as well.

3-    Mak-hool may Allaah have mercy upon him believes that the intended meaning is the necessity of assuming Ihraam for the Hajj or the ‘Umrah from the due Meeqaat.

4-    Some argue that the meaning here is to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah separately. ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, elaborated on that verse saying, “Completing Hajj and ‘Umrah means to perform them one at a time and to perform ‘Umrah on months other than the months of Hajj.” [‘Abdul-Razzaaq]

Furthermore, Imam At-Tabari may Allaah have mercy upon him mentioned in his Tafseer that the correct among these opinions is the first opinion, which states that completing Hajj or ‘Umrah means finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them and performing them duly.

Additionally, scholars hold different opinions regarding whether ‘Umrah is an obligatory or a Sunnah act of worship. The Hanafi and Maaliki scholars consider it to be a voluntary act. This was the same opinion that was held by Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah and Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased with them, among the Companions and An-Nakha‘i may Allaah have mercy upon him from the Taabi‘oon (successors). Those who adopted this opinion did not find in this verse any evidence that ‘Umrah or Hajj is obligatory. In fact, they found that this particular verse proves only that Muslims should complete Hajj or ‘Umrah i.e. finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them. They argued that the evidence on the obligation of Hajj is not stated in that verse, but in other verses such as the one (which means): {“… And [it is due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House…”} [Quran 3:97]

Maalik may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “The ‘Umrah is an act of Sunnah but we do not know of anyone who rendered it permissible for Muslims to neglect to perform it.”

Whereas, Imaam Ash-Shaafi‘i and Imaam Ibn Hanbal may Allaah have mercy upon them believed that ‘Umrah is obligatory just like Hajj. ‘Umar, Ibn ‘Umar and other Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, adopted that opinion in addition to ‘Ataa, Mujaahid and Al-Hasan may Allaah have mercy upon them from among the Taabi‘oon.

Allah The Exalted Says (what means):
·        {“And I Did not Create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” } [Quran 51:56]

·        {“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion…” }[Quran 98:5]

Thus, the meaning of the verse (which means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allah…”} [Quran 2:196] is to carry out the due rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah properly and offer them with full sincerity to Allah The Exalted after starting them. It is worth mentioning that the previously mentioned verse underlines two significant issues:

·        First, it highlights the importance of completing the acts of worship after starting them; as Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {“… do not invalidate your deeds”} [Quran47:33]

Furthermore, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, “The best righteous deed for the Prophet Sallallahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was that which was done frequently and on regular basis.” [Muslim]

·        Second, which is the most important one, offering acts of worship with full sincerity to Allah The Almighty. Actually, devoting one’s intention of worship solely and sincerely to Allah The Almighty is one of the pillars of the validity of any act of worship and a reason for having our acts of worship accepted. It was narrated in a reported citation that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, used to recite that supplication, “O Allah, make all my deeds righteous and offered with full sincerity to You with nothing thereof devoted to anyone but You.”

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O Pilgrim, Remember the Sanctity of the Ancient House

O Pilgrim, Remember the sanctity of Ancient House, as well as the sublime position of the Kaba, is clear even to those who possess modest knowledge and insight. This is clarified in many Quranic verses and Prophetic Hadeeths (narrations). Scholars have also stated this in their books, their rites and in the books of Tafseer (exegesis). Thus, there is no ambiguity on this issue and all praise is due to Allah for this.

Nonetheless, the following points are worth remembering:

First:

In the Noble Quran, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Ibraaheem (Abraham). And whoever enters it shall be safe. 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: 96-97]

In these verses, Allah The Almighty clarifies that the Ancient House is the first House of worship established for humankind and that it is blessed and a guidance for the worlds. These are actually great indicators of the honored and exalted position of this House. Abu Tharr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?’ The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) answered: ‘Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah).’ He said, ‘Which was built next?’ He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) replied: ‘Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem).’ He said, ‘What was the period of time between the two?’ He said: ‘Forty years.’ He said, ‘Which was built next?’ He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due, perform the prayer there, for it is a place of prayer.’[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Second:

This Ancient House was the first House established for humankind for worshipping and obeying Allah. However, there were many houses before it established for housing and residence. This House, however, was the first one to be established so that people would worship Allah therein and circumambulate it. Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, was the first to build this House with the help of his son, Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), may Allah exalt his mention. The next House to be built for worship on earth was Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem). It was first built by Ya‘qoob (Jacob) ibn Is-haaq (Isaac) ibn Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt their mention. The period between the construction of the two was forty years. Many years later, Al-Aqsa Mosque was inhabited by Prophet Sulaymaan (Solomon), may Allah exalt his mention.

Third:

This Ancient House is the best and first house established for worship. It is a blessed House since Allah The Almighty distinguished it by the acts of circumambulation and worship. All these actions are means to expiate sins and forgive misdeeds. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Ibraaheem a place of prayer. And we charged Ibraaheem and Ismaa‘eel, [Saying], “Purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf (circumambulation) and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].”} [Quran 2: 125]

Allah The Almighty has made the House a place of return for people to which they will always want to come and never feel the unwillingness to go there. Rather, as soon as they return, they would love to come again, since Allah The Almighty has implanted love for this House and willingness to go to it within the hearts of the believers. There they experience great benefits, their ranks are exalted, the reward of their good deeds is multiplied and their misdeeds are forgiven.

Fourth:

Allah The Almighty has made His Ancient House a safe place where people find safety and security. It is a safe sanctuary where even game is safe from being chased or killed, although it is lawful for Muslims to do so outside the sacred precincts of Makkah. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever enters it shall be safe.} [Quran 3: 96]

The verse, however, does not mean that harm, killing, and so on, does not happen in this place. Rather, it means that safety and security must be granted to whoever enters it and no one is allowed to afflict it with harm. It was a practice during the pre-Islamic era that a person would encounter someone who had harmed him, even a person who had killed his father or brother for instance, but without afflicting him with harm unless he was outside the sacred sites.

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Supplications Of Hajj

Supplications Of Hajj

Supplications Of Hajj

“O Our Lord, grant us best in this life and the best in the next life– and protect us from the punishment of the fire.” Supplications of hajj to be said  at Al- Safa and Al- Marwa”

The Talbiyah: When we are in a state of Ihram all along the pilgrimage
Labbaïkal-lâhumma labbaïk, labbaïka lâ sharîka laka labbaïk,
innal-hamda, wan-ni’imata, laka wal-mulk, lâ sharîka lak.
Here I am, My lord, Here I am, You have no partner, Here I am.
Praise, Grace and the kingdom is for you, You have no partner.
The supplication of hajj to be recited between the Yemeni corner and the black stone
( at the Ka’abah) .
Rabbanâ âtinâ fid-dunyâ hassanatan, wa fil-âkhirati hassanatan, wa qinâ adhâban-nâr.

“innas-safâ wal-marwata min sha’âiril-lâh ”

” Indeed As- Safa and Al – Marwa are from the places of worship of Allah ”

” Abda’u bimâ bada’al-lâhu bih .” “I begin with what Allah begin with”

“Allâhu Akbar, allâhu Akbar, allâhu Akbar.”

“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest.”

“Lâ ilâha ilal-lâhu wahdahu lâ sharîka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa alâ kulli shaï’in qadîr,

lâ ilâha illal-lâhu wahdahu andjaza wa’adah ,wa nassara abdah, wa hazamal-ahzâba wahdah.”

“None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, Without partner. To him belongs all sovereignty and praise and he is over all things

omnipotent. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone.

He fulfilled his promise, aided his servant and single-handedly defeated the allies.”

The day of Arafah

Lâ ilâha illal-lâhu wahdahu lâ sharîka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa alâ kulli shaï’in qadîr

None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, Without partner.

To him belongs all praise and sovereignty and he is over all things omnipotent.

When throwing each  pebble at the  Jamaraat

“Allâhu Akbar” – “Allah is the greatest ”

At the black stone

Bismillah wa Lâhu Akbar  –  In the name of  Allah, Allah is the greatest.

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How can your Hajj be accepted?

The things which the Muslim should do so that his Hajj will be accepted are:
He should have the intention of performing Hajj for the sake of Allah. This is the sincerity of intention (ikhlaas). In his Hajj he should follow the way the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) performed Hajj. This is the following (the Sunnah). No righteous deed will be accepted unless it fulfills these two basic conditions: sincerity of intention and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah) and give Zakaah, and that is the right religion”(al-Bayyinah 98:5)

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Actions are but by intentions, and each man will have but that which he intended.” And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected.”

This is the most important thing that the pilgrim should seek: sincerity of intention, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say during his Hajj: “Learn from me your rituals.”

Another condition is that Hajj must be done with halaal funds, for Hajj done with haraam funds is haraam and is not permitted. Some of the scholars even said that Hajj is not valid in this case, and one of them said:

“If you do Hajj with money whose source is haraam, you have not done Hajj but your camel has.”

Another condition is that he should avoid what Allah has forbidden because He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj” (al-Baqarah 2:197)

He should avoid whatever Allah has forbidden in general, whether in Hajj or at other times, such as immorality and sin, haraam speech, haraam deeds, listening to music and so on. He should also avoid that which Allaah has forbidden particularly in Hajj, such as al-rafath (intercourse with women), and shaving the head. He should also avoid wearing that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade us to wear in ihraam. In general, he should avoid everything that is forbidden when in ihraam.

The pilgrim should also be kind, generous and easy-going with his wealth and in his actions. He should treat his brothers well as much as possible. He must avoid annoying or disturbing the Muslims, in the holy places and marketplaces, or in the crowded conditions of the mataaf (the area around the Ka’bah where tawaaf is performed) and the mas’aa (the place where saa’i is performed) and around the jamaraat, and in others.

These are all things that are obligatory for the pilgrim, or that he must do. The best way to achieve that is to travel with a knowledgeable person who can remind him about his religion. If that is not possible, then he should read the books of the scholars before going for Hajj, so that he can worship Allaah with knowledge. End quote.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him).

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Good Deeds After Hajj: A Sign of Acceptance

One of the most important things that Hajj pilgrims are to be concerned with after performing Hajj is whether it has been accepted or not.

Performing Hajj is principally a great blessing in itself, but in order for this blessing to be complete, it is to be coupled with a far greater blessing, that is, acceptance on part of Almighty Allah. This is clearly apparent in the case of performing Hajj.
In fact, there are many ways to render the Muslim’s acts of obedience and the performance of Hajj acceptable.

First and most importantly, the Muslim should avoid being boastful by being able to perform Hajj for it is one of the duties that you owe to the Almighty.

Even the righteous predecessors, knowing that they would return to the Almighty, used to be very afraid that the good deeds they offered in this world might not be accepted.

After performing Hajj, Muslims should combine in their hearts both fear and hope. Experiencing only fear in this respect may lead them to despair of Allah’s mercy; while anticipating that Almighty Allah will accept their deeds and Hajj without experiencing any fear of the contrary, may lead you to be overconfident that you can escape Allah’s punishment.

Further, they should ask Allah for forgiveness at any moment. However earnest Hajj pilgrims may be in doing their best in offering acts of obedience, there will always be something missing, for no one is perfect.

Thus, the Merciful directs His worshipers to compensate for this inevitable shortcoming by always beseeching Him to forgive them after offering acts of worship. That is why He says after mentioning the rituals of Hajj ” Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allah for His Forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.”  (Al-Baqarah 199).

Allah equally ordered our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to conclude his life; which was full of acts of worship and striving in His cause, with asking Him for forgiveness. This is referred to in the following verse:   “So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives.”  (An-Nasr 3).

After performing Hajj, Muslims should offer as many good deeds as they can. Good deeds are like a tree that needs regular watering and care so that it bears fruits. It is a sign of their obedience to do so in the hope that they will be accepted by the Almighty.

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Ruling on Umrah

Ruling on umrah is umrah compulsory or sunnah

Ruling on Umrah

Is Umrah mandatory or a Sunnah?

Muslim scholars are agreed that Umrah is prescribed in Islam and is an act of virtue.

They differed as to whether it is mandatory or not. Imam Abu Haneefah and Imam Maalik were of the view that it is a Sunnah and mustahabb (preferable) , but not obligatory; this was also the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

They quoted as evidence for that the hadeeth narrated by al-Tirmidhi  (931) from Jaabir, who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked whether Umrah is mandatory or not. He said, “No, but if you do Umrah it is better.”

But this hadeeth is da’eef (weak); it was classed as da’eef by al-Shaafa’i, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Ibn Hajar and al-Nawawi; by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Tirmidhi, and by others.

Al-Shaafa’i (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It is da’eef (weak) and cannot be used as evidence. There is nothing proven that says that Umrah is a voluntary act of worship.

Ibn Abd al-Barr said: This was narrated with isnaads that are not valid, and such reports cannot be used as evidence.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/6): the scholars of hadeeth are agreed that it is da’eef (weak).

One of the things that indicate that this is da’eef (weak) is the fact that it was proven that Jaabir was of the view that Umrah is mandatory, as we shall see below.

Imam al-Shaafa’i and Imam Ahmad were of the view that it is mandatory. This view was also favoured by Imam al-Bukhaari. (May Allah have mercy on them all).

Those who say that it is obligatory quoted a number of things as evidence:

The report narrated by Ibn Maajah (2901) from ‘Aa’ishah who said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, do women have to engage in jihad?’ He said, ‘Yes, they must do jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and Umrah,’”

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/4): Its isnaad is saheeh according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.

The point in this hadeeth is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said alayhinna i.e., they must do, which means that it is obligatory.

The famous hadeeth of Jibreel (peace be upon him) in which he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about Islam, eemaan (faith) and ihsaan, and about the Hour and its signs. This was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Daaraqutni from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him), in which Umrah was mentioned along with Hajj: “Islam means to bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; to establish regular prayer; to pay the zakaah; to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah to the House; to do ghusl to cleanse oneself from janaabah (impurity following sexual activity) and to do wudoo’ perfectly; and to fast Ramadan.” Al-Daaraqutni said, “This isnaad is proven and saheeh (true).”

The hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood (1799) and al-Nasaa’i (2719) from al-Subay ibn Ma’bad who said: “I was a Christian Bedouin… I came to ‘Umar and said, ‘O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, I have become Muslim and I found that Hajj and Umrah are prescribed for me, so I entered ihraam for them.’ ‘Umar said, ‘You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”

The opinion of a group of the Sahaabah, including Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn ‘Umar and Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with them all). Jaabir said, There is no Muslim for whom ‘Umrah is not obligatory. Al-Haafiz said: This was narrated by Ibn Jahm al-Maaliki with a hasan isnaad.

Al-Bukhaari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Chapter: The obligation of Umrah and its virtues.” Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: There is no one who does not have to do Hajj and Umrah. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: It is mentioned together with Hajj in the Book of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad), the Hajj and Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Mecca) for Allah” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

Because it is mentioned together with Hajj, this means that it is obligatory like Hajj.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said: The correct view is that ‘Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime, like Hajj. Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 16/355.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (7/9): The scholars differed concerning ‘Umrah and whether it is obligatory or Sunnah. It seems to us that it is obligatory.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 11/317

The correct one of the two scholarly views is that ‘Umrah is obligatory, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Mecca) for Allah” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

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One going to hajj must perform two sacrifices

One going to hajj must perform two sacrifices

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:

If a person goes for Haj does he have to perform a sacrifice in Mecca as well as in his home or will the sacrifice in Mecca be enough. I have been told that a second sacrifice, specifically for Eid Al Adha is also mandatory for a person performing Haj despite his having performed a sacrifice in Mecca.

Please advise regarding this matter.

(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:

One going to hajj must perform two sacrifices

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.

Every believer who is actually performing the Hajj pilgrimage is obligated to offer at least one sacrifice on the Day of Adha at Muna, for the offering of the sacrifice is an obligatory rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.

For the believers who are not actually on the Hajj pilgrimage, the offering of a sacrifice on the Day of Adha is an extremely preferred Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws) and thus voluntary. If one offers the sacrifice for the Sake of Allah one would be eligible to receive a huge reward from their Lord; and if one for any reason chooses not to offer it, there is no sin.

To the best of our knowledge there is absolutely no obligation in Shariah on one who has fulfilled the Hajj rites and already offered their sacrifice during the Hajj days, to offer a second sacrifice when they return home.the sacrifice that they offered as one of their Hajj rites would more than suffice to fulfill their obligation.

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.

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Greatest Glad Tidings for Pilgrims

Greatest Glad Tidings for Pilgrims

Performing Hajj or ‘Umrah and praying in the Two Holy Mosques are some of the greatest acts of worship. Therefore, when the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), was asked about the best deed, he said: “Belief in Allaah and His Messenger.”When he was asked about the next deed, he answered:“Doing Jihaad in the cause of Allaah.” When he was asked about the next deed, he answered: “An accepted Hajj.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and the faith of the Muslim cannot be complete without performing it in the proper legislated way once the person has the ability to do so. Allaah The Almighty mentioned some of the benefits that the pilgrim attains; as He Says (what means): {And proclaim to the people theHajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass -* That they may witness benefits for themselves} [Quran 22:27-28]
The religious Sharee‘ah-related benefits are the greatest benefits gained for the Hereafter that bring the person closer to Paradise, distance him from Hell, make the scales of good deeds heavier, and so on. Some of these benefits are:
Paradise is the reward of an accepted Hajj:
Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said:“The performance of two ‘Umrahs expiates the sins committed in the interval between them and the accepted Hajj has no other reward but Paradise.” [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said to ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas may Allaah be pleased with him: “Do you not know that Islam effaces all the (previous) misdeeds, Hijrah effaces all the (previous) misdeeds, and also Hajj effaces all the (previous) misdeeds?”[Muslim]
Hajj is one of the best forms of Jihaad in the cause of Allaah:
‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said, “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! We see that Jihaad is the best of deeds; should we not engage in Jihaad?’ He said: ‘For you (women), the best act of Jihaad is to perform Hajj that is accepted (by Allaah).’” [Al-Bukhaari]
Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The Jihaad of the old, the weak and of women is to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah.” [Al-Albaani: Hasan by virtue of a corroborating narration]
Hajj and ‘Umrah cause richness and purification:
Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Make Hajj and ‘Umrah alternately because both of them rid one of poverty and sins as the blacksmith’s bellows removes all the impurities from iron, gold and silver.” [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi; Al-Albaani: Hasan Saheeh]
Hajj elevates ranks and removes sins:
Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “No foot of the pilgrim’s camel moves unless Allaah writes for the pilgrim a good deed or removes one of his sins or raises him one rank.”[Al-Albaani: Hasan]
Acceptance of Hajj conditioned with providing food and exchanging the greetings of peace:
Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “An accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise.”He was asked, “How can it be accepted?” He said: “By offering food and saying good words.” [Al-Albaani: Saheeh by virtue of corroborating narrations] Another narration reads: “By offering food and spreading the greetings of peace.” [Ahmad; Al-Albaani: Hasan]
Supplication of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah is accepted:
Ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The one who goes out to fight in the cause of Allaah, the one who is performing Hajj and the one who is performing ‘Umrah are the visitors of Allaah whom He invited and they accepted His invitation and asked Him and He gave to them.” [Al-Albaani: Hasan]
Reward of performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan:
Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “The performance of ‘Umrah in Ramadan equals (the reward of performing) Hajj.” [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
Reward of spending money in Hajj and ‘Umrah:
‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said to her during her ‘Umrah: “You will be rewarded proportionally to your pain and expenditure.”[Al-Albaani: Saheeh]
Reward of the one who goes out to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah and then dies:
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allaah and His Messenger and then death overtakes him – his reward has already become incumbent upon Allaah. And Allaah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 4:100]
Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Whoever goes out to perform Hajj and dies, the reward of Hajj will be recorded for him until the Day of Resurrection. Whoever goes out to perform ‘Umrah and dies, the reward of ‘Umrah will be recorded for him until the Day of Resurrection. Whoever goes out for battle in the Cause of Allaah and dies, the reward of the fighter in the cause of Allaah will be recorded for him until the Day of Resurrection.” [Al-Albaani: Saheeh by virtue of corroborating narrations]
Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said that while a man was with the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), during Hajj, he fell from his mount and it kicked him and he died. Consequently, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Wash him with water and Sidr, shroud him in his two garments, do not put perfume on him and do not cover his head for he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment saying Talbiyah.” [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]

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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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Faith And Noble Deeds

Faith And Noble Deeds

Faith And Noble Deeds

Q.  What is Iman (faith)?
Ans. Iman (faith) means to believe in:
(i) Allah,
(ii) All His Attributes,
(iii) Angels,
(iv) Divine Books,
(v) Prophets,
(vi) Veracity of things brought by the Holy Prophet from Allah, and
(vii) Affirmation in words of all the above things. This affirmation or assertion is the essence of Iman. But the condition for affirmation is waived in special circumstances and situations. For example, the Faith of a dumb person is valid even though he is unable to give it expression in words.
Q. What do we mean by noble deeds?
Ans. All the modes of worship and good practices taught to us by Allah and His Messengers are to be taken as noble deeds.
Q. Are the modes of worship and noble deeds also part of Faith?
Ans. Yes, Faith in its entirety includes noble deeds. These noble acts give light and perfection to one’s Faith which remains incomplete without them.
Q. What do we mean by worship?
Ans. To worship means to offer one’s servitude. One who offers servitude is a worshipper mid the one served is the object of worship. There is only one Being worthy of worship for all of us He is Allah who created us and the universe. We are all His servants. He has ordained us to worship Him. It is, thus, our duty to offer our worships to him.
Q. What sections of Allah’s creation have been ordained to worship?
Ans. Human beings and Jennies have been commanded to offer their worships.  These two are known as mukallaf (answerable). Angels and the rest of animate creatures are not answerable in respect of worship to Allah.
Q. Who are Jennies?
Ans. Jennies are also among the major creations of Allah, They are made of fire. Their bodies are so fine as to be invisible. But they become visible should they choose to take the form of man or animal. God has invested them with power to assume the form of an animal or a human being. They are both male and female. They procreate too.
Q. What is the proper way of worship?
Ans. Worship can take several forms, such as:
(i) Saying Salat,
(ii) Fasting,
(iii) Giving alms,
(iv) Performing Hajj,
(v) Offering sacrifices,
(vi) Retiring to mosques in I’tikaf,
(vii) Exhorting people to do good,
(viii) Forbidding them to do evil,
(ix) Giving respect and regard to one’s parents, teachers and elders,
(x) Setting up schools,
(xii) Studying religion,
(xii) Imparting religious knowledge and education to others,
(xiv) Helping those who would study religion,
(xv) Fighting Allah f s enemies for the sake of Allah,
(xvi) Attending to the needs of the poor,
(xvii) Feeding the hungry,
(xviii) Extinguishing the thirst of the thirsty.
Doing such other acts as Allah commands and approves of also fall within the precincts of worship. These very acts and practices are known as “noble deeds”.

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'Complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allaah'

‘Complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allaah’

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allaah…” } [Quran 2:196]
Scholars of Tafseer (exegesis) mentioned that this verse was revealed in Al-Hudaybiyah in the sixth year A.H. The polytheists of the Quraysh prevented the Muslims from entering Al-Masijid Al-Haraam to perform ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). In fact, this incident was before Hajj was rendered obligatory for Muslims. Hence, what is meant in the verse is ‘Umrah while Hajj was mentioned in the verse to give Muslims the glad tidings that they would perform Hajj later; and this is one of the miracles of the Noble Quran.
Scholars of Tafseer elaborated on that verse, and here we shall highlight their opinions briefly:
They agree unanimously that once the Muslim starts his Hajj or ‘Umrah, he is obliged to complete it. Meanwhile, their opinions vary on the intended meaning of completing Hajj or ‘Umrah. There are four different opinions regarding this issue:
1)   Ibn ‘Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him said that it [completing Hajj or ‘Umrah] means finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them.
2)   Other scholars argued that the intended meaning of the verse is that the Muslim should enter the state of Ihraam before he leaves his home intending Hajj or ‘Umrah only without being engaged in any other worldly affairs aside. ‘Ali along with other Companions may Allaah be pleased with them adopted that opinion. Furthermore, Sa‘eed ibn Jubayr and other Taabi‘oon (successors) may Allaah have mercy upon them adopted the same opinion as well.
3)   Mak-hool may Allaah have mercy upon him believes that the intended meaning is the necessity of assuming Ihraam for the Hajj or the ‘Umrah from the due Meeqaat.
4)   Some argue that the meaning here is to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah separately. ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him elaborated on that verse saying, “Completing Hajj and ‘Umrah means to perform them one at a time and to perform ‘Umrah on months other than the months of Hajj.” [‘Abdul-Razzaaq]
Furthermore, Imaam At-Tabari may Allaah have mercy upon him mentioned in his Tafseer that the correct among these opinions is the first opinion, which states that completing Hajj or ‘Umrah means finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them and performing them duly.
Additionally, scholars hold different opinions regarding whether ‘Umrah is an obligatory or a Sunnah act of worship. The Hanafi and Maaliki scholars consider it to be a voluntary act. This was the same opinion that was held by Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah and Ibn Mas‘ood may Allaah be pleased with them among the Companions and An-Nakha‘i may Allaah have mercy upon him from the Taabi‘oon (successors). Those who adopted this opinion did not find in this verse any evidence that ‘Umrah or Hajj is obligatory. In fact, they found that this particular verse proves only that Muslims should complete Hajj or ‘Umrah i.e. finishing the due rituals of Hajj or ‘Umrah after starting them. They argued that the evidence on the obligation of Hajj is not stated in that verse, but in other verses such as the one (which means): {“… And [it is due] to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House…”} [Quran 3:97]
Maalik may Allaah have mercy upon him said, “The ‘Umrah is an act of Sunnah but we do not know of any one who rendered it permissible for Muslims to neglect performing it.”
Whereas, Imaam Ash-Shaafi‘i and Imaam Ibn Hanbal may Allaah have mercy upon them believed that ‘Umrah is obligatory just like Hajj. ‘Umar, Ibn ‘Umar and other Companions may Allaah be pleased with them adopted that opinion in addition to ‘Ataa, Mujaahid and Al-Hasan may Allaah have mercy upon them from among the Taabi‘oon.
Allaah The Exalted Says (what means):
·  {“And I Did not Create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” } [Quran 51:56]
·  {“And they were not commanded except to worship Allaah, [being] sincere to Him in religion…” }[Quran 98:5]
Thus, the meaning of the verse (which means): {“And complete the Hajj or ‘Umrah for Allaah…”} [Quran 2:196] is to carry out the due rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah properly and offer them with full sincerity to Allaah The Exalted after starting them. It is worth mentioning that the previously mentioned verse underlines two significant issues:
·   First, it highlights the importance of completing the acts of worship after starting them; as Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {“… do not invalidate your deeds”} [Quran47:33]
Furthermore, ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said, “The best righteous deed for the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was that which was done frequently and on regular basis.” [Muslim]
·  Second, which is the most important one, offering acts of worship with full sincerity to Allaah The Almighty. Actually, devoting one’s intention of worship solely and sincerely to Allaah The Almighty is one of the pillars of the validity of any act of worship and a reason for having our acts of worship accepted. It was narrated in a reported citation that ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him used to recite that supplication, “O Allaah, make all my deeds righteous and offered with full sincerity to You with nothing thereof devoted to anyone but You.”

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