How to Perform Hajj Tips, Advice, and Description - Presentation Transcript: By Suffiullah
The term "Hajj or Haj ( حَجّ ) " has been derived from Arabic word. The word "Hajj" means heading for an honorable person or place. Meaning of Hajj:
Hajj means worshipping Allah by performing the Hajj rituals, which are defined as specific acts performed at a specific time and place in a specific way. The Hajj is the Pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah). It is the fifth of the “Five Pillars of Islam” which takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu-al-Hjjah. Muslim who can able and afford do so is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his/her lifetime.
They (the people) ask you (the Prophet) concerning the new moons. Say: “They are only signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage ( Hajj ).” It is no virtue if you enter your Houses from the back: It is virtue if you fear Allah enter Houses through the proper doors: And fear Allah that you may prosper. [ 2:189 ]. Read More...
In this article the procedure to wear Ihram and to perform the rites of Hajj and Umrah are presented in a simplified way. Also included is the procedure to visit the Holy Prophet (pbuh)'s Tomb and his Mosque.
1. IHRAM
The literal meaning of Ihram is to make haraam (forbidden). When a haji pronounces the Niyyah(intention) of Hajj and Umrah and utters Talbiyah, certain halaal (permissible) things become haraam for him. This combined action (Niyyah and Talbiyah) is called Ihram. The two sheets that a haji wears are figuratively known as Ihram but the real Ihram is Niyyah & Talbiyah. If someone wears these two sheets and does not declare his intention and utter Talbiyah, he does not become aMuhrim. That is why, before Niyyah and Talbiyah, he can cover his head during two rakahs of Nafl, an act which is not allowed in the real state of Ihram. Read More...
What is Eid al-Adha?
At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2011, Eid al-Adha will begin on or around November 6th, and will last for three days.
What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The Qur'an describes Ibrahim (AS) as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121). Read More...
EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan. Read More...
Rules about Fasting the month of Ramadan
Fasting the month of Ramadan is an obligation and a great worship. It is among the best acts of obedience and greatest deeds, and one for which there is great reward. Imam al-Bukhariyy related the Qudsiyy hadith that the Prophet said Allah said: which means: "The reward of every good deed is multiplied ten up to seven-hundred times, except that of the Fasting; it is usually done in sincerity and will be multiplied by as many times as Allah wills." One of the doors of Paradise, named ar-Rayyan, is specified for those Muslims who used to fast in this world. On the Day of Judgment, it will be opened, and those who used to fast in obedience to Allah enter through it, then it would be closed and no others will enter through it. Read More...
Q.1. (i) What is the reality behind Shab-e-Meraj? Did our Prophet visit Baitul Maqdas and the skies and see the paradise and hell and meet other Prophets there? How could he meet the Prophets there when he had led them in prayer in Baitul Maqdas, a short while ago the same night? Had those Prophets whom he met over the skies, also reached there by riding the Burraq?
ii) What is Burraq? Is it a heavenly animal? Does it look like a horse with flying wings? Is it scientific and rational?
iii) Did the Prophet travel in Meraj while awake or in his dream, like some scholars say? Did he see Allah? Does the event find mention in Qur’an and Hadith? How should the Muslims celebrate Shab-e-Meraj?
This night is called Shabe-Baraat ( the night of freedom ) because Allah frees all His sinful servants who were destined for Jahannam.
The Quraan has called it a blessed night.
Nabi has said in a Hadith regarding this month. "Shabaan is my month and Ramadhaan is the month of Allah."
This month is an introduction to Ramadhaan, like Shawwal hail the end of Ramadhaan. Allah Ta'ala 's mercy decends during this night. During this night, beginning at sunset Allah Ta'ala 's special attention descends upon the first sky. He proclaims "Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may pardon him?
Is there anyone requesting sustenance that I may provide for him?
Is there anyone afflicted with difficulty (so that he may ask for assistance) that I may help him?
Is there anyone with any other need? Read More...
Lailat-ul-Qadr - The night of Power
In this night (27th of Ramadan), the Holy Quran was sent down from LOH-E-MEHFOOZ (the Preserved Tablet) to the earth. Messenger of ALLAH (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) told us to search for Shab-e-Qadr in the odd numbered nights, in the last ten days of Ramzan. So, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan could be Shab-e-Qadr.
Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that Rasool Allah peace be upon him said, "Look for Lailat-Ul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari).
Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that as much Rasool Allah peace be upon him tried (Ibadat) in the last Ashra (ten days) of Ramadhan, did not try in any of the Ashra." (Muslim)
Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that I asked Rasool Allah peace be upon him, "If I find Lailatul Qadar then what should I do? HE peace be upon him said, recite this Dua."ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI" (Tirmidhi). Read More...
The Islamic Festival of Milad un-Nabi (or Milad-an-Nabi), often called Mawlid in colloquial Arabic, celebrates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
The Islamic Festival of Milad un-Nabi (Mawlid), which marks the observance of the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, is celebrated in Rabi' al-Awwal (Rabi I), the third month of the Islamic calendar.
Shia Muslims celebrate the festival of the Rabi' al-Awwal 17th, to coincide with the date of birth of their 6th Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq. Sunni Muslims celebrate the festival on Rabi' al-Awwal 12th.
Islamic scholars are divided on whether the celebration of Milad un-nabi is necessary, and on whether it is permissible in Islam. Everyone agrees that the birth of the prophet Muhammad is the most significant event in Islamic history, but scholars point out that the Muhammad's companions did not observe the anniversary of his birth, and that Muhammad did not observe the anniversaries of the births and deaths of his family.
History of Milad un-Nabi (Mawlid)
The first references to the observance of Milad un-Nabi, in Mecca in the 8th Century, relate to the transformation of the house where Muhammad was born into a place of prayer.
The first Sunni celebration took place in the 12th Century in Syria, when Nur ad-Din was the ruler. The reason why the Sunnis adopted the Shi'ite festival is not clear, but it is possible it was done to counter Christian influence in Spain and Morocco.Public celebrations of the Prophet's birth first occurred 400 years after his death. Milad un-Nabi started as a festival for the Shia ruling class, without the involvement of ordinary people, near the end of the 11th century in Egypt. The celebrations emphasised the Ahl al-Bayt, that family of the Prophet Muhammad, with sermons and recitation of the Qu'ran.
The celebration of the festival spread throughout the Muslim world, with local customs influencing the celebrations. The festival had been adopted by the Ottoman Empire by 1558, during the reign of Sultan Murad III. In 1910 the Ottoman Empire gave Milad un-Nabi official status as a national holiday. Today Milad un-Nabi is an official holiday in all Muslim countries except Saudi Arabia. Read More...
He Beloved Messenger of Allah said,
“The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab which comes between Jumada and Shaban.”
[Bukhari, Hadith no. 2958]
The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
Youm-e-Ashura, or the day of Ashura, falls on the 10th of the Islamic month Muharram.
Its meaning is derived from the word ‘asha nura’ which translates as ‘enlightened day’.
An important date in the Islamic calendar, it holds to its significance many key events which occurred on it, including the events of Karbala and the tragic martyrdom of Sayyidina Imam Hussain, the dear grandson of the Beloved Messenger of Allah.
Events which Occurred on Youm-e-Ashura
In Sayyidina Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, he writes of the following incidents in history which have occurred on 10th Muharram i.e. Youm-e-Ashura:
• Allah accepted the repentance of Prophet Adam after his exile from Jannah;
• Allah saved Prophet Nuh and his companions in the ark;
• Allah protected Prophet Ibrahim from the blaze of the fire which Pharaoh threw him into;
• Allah spoke directly to Prophet Musa and delivered to him the Commandments;
• Prophet Ayyub was restored to full health (from leprosy);
• Prophet Yusuf was reunited with his father Prophet Yaqub after many years of separation;
• Prophet Yunus was released from the belly of the fish which had swallowed him;
• Prophet Musa parted the sea, allowing him to deliver the nation of Israel from captivity;
• Pharoah’s army was destroyed;
• Prophet Dawud was forgiven after Allah tested his level of justice;
• The kingdom of Prophet Sulayman was restored;
• Prophet Isa was raised from the earth and elevated to Jannah;
• Sayyidina Imam Hussain achieved the honourable status of martyrdom at Karbala. Read More...
Did you Preach and Propagate ISLAM today?