HAJJUM MABROORUM (The Haji's Handbook) by Alhaj Muhammed Abdul Qaiyum

              Table of  Contents 

 



v  Allah’s Commands on Haj in the Holy Qur’an                       

v  Introduction   

v  The Haji’s New Orientation

v  The First Step to Haj:  In Our Home

v  The State of Ih’raam                                   

v  Um’rah, the Minor Pilgrimage

v  Hajje Ifraad                                                     

v  Hajje Thamath’tho                                     

v  Hajje Qiaan                                               

v  The House of Allah                                          

v  Our Admission to the Masjid al Haram       

v  Thawaaf-e-Bai’ythullah                                                   

v  Duaa’yaen at Maqaam-e-Mul’thazim                       

v  Duaa’yaenat Maqaam-e-Ibrahim  

v  The Miracle water of Zam Zam

v  The Sayee                                 

v  The Rites of Haj                                        

v  To Arafaath With High Hopes                                  

v  Waqoof-e-Arafaath: Our Date With Destiny

v  We Move to Muz’dalifa                         

v  Tenth Zul’haj for Responsible Behavior

v  Rites of Qurbaani                               

v  Thawaaf-e-Ifa’dah                                   

v  We Resume Camp at Mina                                              

v  We Return to Take Leave of Bai’ythullah        

v  Ziarah: Visit to Medinathul Munawwarah    

v  We Visit the Historic Sites            

v  The Ninetynine Names of Allah              

v  Right Guidance from Holy Qur’an.

     

Va athimmul hajja val umratha lillah

Perform (as best as you can) the Haj and the Um’rah

(the major and minor pilgrimages) for Allah

(Surah 2^nd:: al Baq’r: 196)

Allah guides unto Himself  those  who turn to Him in repentance and  cherish

absolute belief and trust in Him as the Almighty.  And their hearts 

(and minds)  find rest and serenity  in the Remembrance of Allah. 

Indeed; in the Remembrance of Allah do hearts (and minds) find peace.

( Surah 13^th: ar Raad: verses 27-28)

My dear Brother, my esteemed Sister,

  Assalamu Alaikum va Rah’mathullahi va Barkaathuhu.

Welcome to THE MAQAAM-E-MULTHAZIM*,

 where all the Prophets of Allah had stood and sought His Help

 and Allah rewarded them with success in their respective missions.

Rejoice: you are the most fortunate persons on earth today. 

Allahu Rabbul Aalameen has chosen to accord you the honour of being His Guest.

As you  stand by the  golden  door of His Blessed House, with your hands raised in Duaayaen, your eyes fill with tears of gratitude and devotion to the

    Most Compassionate One Who loves you most.

Every Muslim wishes to be here and seek Allah’s Gracious Pardon for all the sins committed over a lifetime. Once our sins are pardoned, the door to triumph and high achievement will open before us by Allah’s Mercy and Compassion.

With our right chin and our hands resting on the wall of Baiythullah, honored as the Maqaame Multhazim, we pray to Allah.  And tears flow from our eyes and urgent Dua’yaen rise from the depth of our hearts.

*The Maqaame Multhazim is between the Hajre Aswad

and the Door of the Holy Ka’bah.

This the moment we had waited for.

To stand before the Greatest, at the doorstep of His House and be assured:

Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa loves to pardon us and grant us our prayers.

Our highest aspirations will now be realized.

Nasrum min-Allahi va Fath’hun Qareeb!

 Welcome to Good Fortune from Allah!

Every year, the unique and enthralling experience of

 Haj and Ziarah cheers and inspires all humanity:

v  We realize that Islam is the faith that Allah Himself has perfected for men, women and children of all nations of all time.

v  By Allah’s Will the True Faith has come to us through His celebrated apostles Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammed S.A.W.S. 

v  And Islam is being reborn every day in the hearts and minds of enlightened millions around the globe.

v  All this is nothing short of a miracle in modern times.

The Haj is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to cast away the load of sins past and emerge purified by Allah’s Grace and take on the magnificence of being a Haji of high rank. Our mission now is to prove worthy of the trust, the love and honour that Allah, Our Most Merciful Creator and Sustainer has endowed on us.   

Insha Allah, you will be returning home soon as your sacred                                                                                  Haj and Ziarah are completed by the Fad’l, Grace, of Allah. People will look up to you for guidance and inspiration and you must not fail them.  From now on, in the Holy Land, as you are in the company of world class Ulemaa from every country of the world, try to acquire more of the right knowledge of Islam and earn Allah’s love.  And, believe me, there is no greater joy in life than to study the Holy Qur’an and Hadith and broaden your vision and enhance your stature as a good Muslim.

You will be earning the Holy Prophet’s praise, as he has informed us:  Anyone studying the Qur’an and Hadith and conveying their meaning and message to others, is like a man or woman who has planted, say, a fruit bearing tree. Like the generation and after generation of people who will be partaking the luscious fruit, all the numberless people who learn from you and convey Islam to others will be bringing you the reward from Allah for bringing to their hearts the light of Islam.  That is indeed the best blessing to all humanity. 

My brothers and sisters, when you  return as Hajis to your lands, the most valued gift you will convey to your people will be Da’wathul Islam. It would be best for you to exhort your listeners to study and practice the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith (the commands and the life account of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.). These are essential reading for us.

Unlike books authored by human beings, the two Holy Books of Islam are authentic Repositories of Divine Wisdom. If we wish our lives to be rich in high achievements, all Muslims must learn to feel, think and respond to situations in accordance with their teachings.

The Holy Qur’an commends us: You are the best of people brought up for humanity: you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and (you are steadfast in) believing in Allah.” (Surah 3^rd: Aal-e-Imra’n: 110). Allah values the sincerity of our quest, ignores minor faults and helps us to improve, day by day, in our Faith and Practice of Islam.

To aspire and be an excellent Muslim is to train yourself to be an excellent human being and prove a blessing to all humanity.

As Muslims, we remain absolutely free from every kind of fear, jealousy, cowardice, superstition and moral infirmity. We dedicate every moment of our life to the perfection of our thinking, our character, our personality and our interaction with people. Our means are most honourable: We entrust our family, our careers and our personal safety to Allah, than Whom none is greater. Allah’s is the most complete protection: everlasting security. We are the Ummah, the followers of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S., who was, and will ever remain, the true masterpiece among all the creations of Allah. The Holy Qur’an praises him as Allah’s Rah’math, Gift of Compassion to the entire Universe.

He taught us moderation in everything.  He has cautioned us that we must never transgress the limits set by Allah and we must at all times obey His Commands and we will certainly achieve success and triumph. We are duty bound to study and adapt his magnificent Uswathul Hus’naa, his immaculate life record into every facet of our  lives.  That is our Passport to Paradise, sure and certain.

“The best among you”, he said, “are those who have the best of manners and the most excellent character.” May Allah kindly bless all of us with an excellent Islami life of peace, happiness and prosperity.  A’meen!

For our own good, Allah trains us and exhorts us to aim at perfection in fulfilling our duties and responsibilities as Muslims.  Allah expects from us absolute devotion to Him and His Chosen Messenger both while performing Haj and later on through life. We are to be exemplars to other Muslims and earn an abode in Jannath for ourselves and our near and dear ones.  Masha Allah! All praise to Allah.

Our Glorious Creator Allahu Rah’manir Raheem reminds us: “The pilgrimage is in the well-known months; and whoever is favoured to perform the pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there should be no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation during the entire pilgrimage. And whatsoever good you do, Allah knows it. So make provision for yourselves (for the hereafter).  The best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding. It is no sin for you if you seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading).

But, when you march ahead with the Hajis (returning) from Arafaath, remember Allah by the sacred monument. Remember Him as He has guided you, although before,  you were among those astray. Then hasten onward with the other Hajis and seek Allah’s pardon. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Surah 2^nd: al Baq’ra: v. 186-199)

           In submitting this offering to the world, it is my hope and prayer that the

              Haji’s Handbook may inspire the readers to perform Haj and Ziarah in

              the best possible manner,  insha Allah,  in accordance with the Sunnah,

                the tradition,of Our Glorious Prophet Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.

In answer to the need that is keenly felt in every Haj, by those who are new to the Arabi language, I submit an easy transliteration in English of all the Manaasik, the Haj recitations. For the original Arabi text and their correct pronunciation, please consult the Haj guides and audio cassettes available in Islami bookstores

    

          We use the abbreviation  “S.A.W.S” for “Sallallahu Alaiyhi va Sallam”’.

This is the blessing we seek from Allah for our Holy Prophet Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.

   Muhammed  Abdul Qaiyum

Allahu Sub’hanahu  va tha Aalaa  has made the Holy Ka’bah

 the Most  Sacred and  Safe Haven for Humanity

               (The Holy Qur’an: Surah 5th Al Ma’yidah: Verse 97).

All over the world when we stand up for prayer, five times daily, we face the Abode of Allah, Baiythullah, in the First and Holiest City of the World, Makkathul Mukarramah.

“We do not worship the House but its Glorious Creator Who is there and His Throne is highest over the heavens and the entire Universe and He is settled and treasured within our hearts”.

The Holy Ka’bah is a blessing from Allah. World Centre for pilgrimage. Sanctuary  for  humanity. The Haj we yearn to perform, at least once in a lifetime, is focused on the  Holy Ka’bah.

Ka’bah means the Exalted, the Pre-eminent. The name is also for the cubic design in which Islam’s First Prophet Syedina Ibraheem and son Ismayeel (May Allah bless them with peace) built it four thousand years ago.

On its completion, they prayed to Allah to accept their work and sustain their progeny and future generations with abundance of fruit. They also begged Allah to reward their descendants in Makkah with a Prophet from their own lineage.

Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. was born in a house nearby in 570 CE. Almost 2,500 years after his ancestor’s prayer to Allah for the Prophet of the Last and Final Era of Creation to rise and spread the Light of Islam from Makkathul Mukarramah, the Ummul Qurah  the Mother of All Cities, to all the other cities and human habitats worldwide.

 Allah ordained him at age 40 as the Prophet of the Last and Final Era of Humanity. The line of over 124,000 Prophets  from Allah ended with him.

Each Salaah performed in the Masid-al-Haram that houses the Holy Ka’bah, earns us the sawaab, reward, from Allah, equal to 100,000 salaah’s performed elsewhere (other than  the Masjide Nabavi in Medinah where the  Salaaths earn us 5,000 times more sawaab than elsewhere).

Each reward is multiplied 27 times when we perform the Salaaths in Jama’ath behind the Imam as Musalliyeen in the two Glorious Masaajid honoured in Islam as the Haramaiyn Shareefaiyn. May Allahu Rabbul Izzath. kindly grant  such good fortune to us also by His Rah’math, His Compassion, most often. Aameen!

Allah’s Commands on Haj

Va athimmul hajja val umratha lillah

Perform (as best as yu can) the Haj and the Um’rah

(the major and minor pilgrimages) for Allah

(Holy Qur’an: Surah 2^nd:: al Baq’r: 196)

Vva azzin finnaasi bil hajji yaathooka rijaalan’v

va alaa kulli daamirin yaatheena min kulli fajjin ameeq.

Li yash’hadoo manaafi’ya lahum va

yazkurus’mallahi fee ayyaamim

ma’aloomaathin.

And proclaim unto Humanity the Pilgrimage.

They will come unto you on foot and on every lean camel; they will traverse every distant route; that they may witness things that are of benefit to them and mention the name of Allah through all the prescribed days. (Surah  22^nd: al Haj: 27-28)

Inna avvala baiy’thin’v va vudiya linnaasi lallazee bi bakkatha mubarakan’v  va hudan’l lil aalameen. Feehi aayaathum bai’yinaathum maqaamu ibrahima va man dakhalahu kaana aaminaa. Va lillahi alan naasi va hijjul baiy’thi manis’tha tha ilaiy’hi sabeela. Va man kafara fa innallaha ghanee’yun anil aalameen.

The very first House (of Worship) ever built for humanity is the one at Bakkah, a sanctified habitat and (symbol of) guidance unto all beings, in which are clear signs: the place where Ibrahim stood for prayer. And whoever enters it, finds peace (and security). Pilgrimage to the House of Allah, the Holy Ka’bah in Makkathul Mukarramah) is a duty that humanity owes to Allah, (prescribed) for those who can afford the journey to it. As for anyone who doubts it,

Allah, (the Omnipotent) depends not on (such) creatures.

(Surah  3^rd: Aal-e-Imr’an:  verses 96-97)

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

In the name of Allah the Merciful, the Compassionte

Chapter  1

Haj, Um’rah & Ziarah

The institution of Haj is a most inspiring blessing to us from Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth.

This annual pilgrimage to His Blessed Habitat in Makkah in Saudi Arabia, opens the door to a world of high achievement for us. We discover our inner spiritual grandeur. We are exalted by its dynamism.  And we are transformed by the vision it imparts us, of the glorious future that Allah has reserved for every one of us.

The holiest city in the world, Makkathul Mukarramah, was chosen by Allah Himself to be the site where He wanted His House to be. 'Bakkah' was its ancient name. And it was built by the Patriarch Prophet, Syedina Ibrahim and his son Syedina Ismail Alaihumus Salaam (May the Blessings of Allah be on them).

The spiritual center of the world is here: the Holy Baithullah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.  It was this sanctified spot of earth that saw the first appearance of human life.

On their expulsion from Heaven and the resulting separation on their descent to earth, Syedina Aadam and Hawwaa Alaihumus Sallam (who are referred to as Adam and Eve by others than Muslims) were reunited in its environs.

Innumerable are the honors conferred on this Glorious Abode by Allah. And the Blessed Ka’bah is where honors without limit are conferred by Allah on millions of Muslims.

The Hajis, their number exceeding three million, pay their respects to it and sing the praise and glory of Allah here every year. They return to their lands and their homes puriified and blessed by Allah with entitlement to Paradise.

              Just to look at the Holy Ka’bah is to discover the inner glory of our faith. The greatest men in world history were indeed the Prophets chosen, ordained and praised by Allah Himself.  And these Apostles of Allah made one or more pilgrimages to this Sanctum Sanctorum of the world and performed Haj and were blessed by the Almighty.

What greater privilege, honor and fulfillment could there be for us than to join this august company and become Hajis ourselves? The Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.S.) has assured us that the Haj and Um’rah performed by us serve to eliminate poverty and erase sins, the way a goldsmith’s refining process cleanses gold of all impurities. 

Also that a person performing Haj with true devotion and without any corruption or evil in thought or action, will emerge pure and magnificent from the experience like a baby just born, free of all sins.

The Hijri months of Shawwal, Zul Qa’yidah and the first ten days of Zul Haj (or the entire month even) are designated the months of pilgrimage according to Qur’ani scholars.

It is Far’d, obligatory, for every affluent Muslim to perform Haj once in a lifetime.

 The eligibility criteria are important and must be observed:

v  The person must be a free agent, an adult of sound health in both bodyand mind and has the strength and stamina to perform all the rites of the Haj in a proper manner.

v  Old people and those suffering extreme ill health may avail the concession of Hajje Badal, by which they may engage a good and ablebodied Muslim to perform the Haj on their behalf.

v  They must meet all his/her expenses themselves. That person must have performed his/her own Haj already.

v  The first Haj that any Muslim performs is his/her own and it cannot be a Hajje Badal.

v  The route to and from Makkathul Mukarramah is safe and open to the intending Haji and to those accompanying him/her.

v  The Haji is in possession of adequate funds, provisions, passport, visa and other documents needed to secure him and his family members (if they are performing Haj with him) reasonable comfort and safety in transportation, accommodation, medical attention and ready access to food, water and other necessities.

v  Women need a male escort to perform Haj.  The escort must be either her husband, father, brother or son.

v  Children may perform Haj. But this does not relieve them of the obligation to perform Haj in later years when they grow up. 

When these conditions are fulfilled, an affluent Muslim is counselled by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) to proceed on Haj at the earliest opportunity. 

For a person to perform Haj, the invitation comes from Allahu Rabbul Izzath Himself. When this reaches us, in the form of hidayah, the motivation, the luckiest Muslims abide by it wholeheartedly.

Those who are not so lucky, find themselves swayed by doubt and hesitation. Many of those who postponed the blessed journey in the past, have either lost it or have come very near to losing the great opportunity. (May Allah save us from such a misfortune!)

With the first Haj performed, our obligation (Far’d, an essential duty) is fulfilled by us. Every Haj performed in later years is a naf’l, an optional one. We can perform this naf’l  Haj on behalf of those whom we love, starting with:

v  our parents,

v  our Beloved Prophet Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam and

v  other Muslims to whom we feel, we owe this gift.

As stated albove, our first Haj is Far’d, an essential duty.  In addition to it, we are required, as Wa'jib, to perform an Umr’ah by visiting Makkathul Mukarramah exclusively for it. 

And this Um’rah is best performed in the month of Ramadan, especially on the day (or the night) of the Lai’ylathul Qad’r, the 27^th.

Chapter  2

The Magnificence of Haj

Haj is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and the most disciplined Conference of Nations meeting in any one place at a specified time. 

We have Muslims from all over the world, of different races and color, language and traditions, who

v  Come to Makkathul Mukarramah for the love of Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.S.). 

v  And this devotion, this unique love fills their hearts with glory;

v  They pray to Allah and perform Umr’ah in the most sanctified Masjid al Haram;

v  Then they disperse to camp on the open grounds of Mina and Arafaath and Muzdalifa for prayers and the rites of Haj; and

v  They return to the Holy Ka’bah for Thawaaf and Prayers.

v  Their only aim is to gain the approval and blessings of Allah, our Creator

The Haj pilgrims, known now as Hajis, endure extremes of heat, even a duststorm at times and voluntarily forego the luxuries of living they had been enjoying in their homes in their own countries. That they are filled with happiness and euphoria as they do this, out of love for Allah and His Rasool (S.A.W.S.), is the most inspiring and ennobling spectacle of Haj.

The climate and the ever changing weather conditions of every country are in accord with Allah’s Will and by His Command.  If only Allah had willed it, the deserts of Arabia would have turned into the most fertile fields and green pastures and the scenery transformed into a landscape of rare beauty.

From the sand dunes would have sprung wide rivers with green covered mountains, waterfalls and scenic delights as their backdrop, if only Allah had given them the Command.

Presently the mountains and the desert sands radiate fierce heat.  And it is by a massive outlay of funds that potable water is rendered abundant here. Airconditioning, the best of modern highways and the latest amenities have been provided everywhere. Nonetheless, it remains a test of human endurance to spend even three weeks here.

            Yet they come in millions: Hajis drawn from the coldest as well as the hottest regions of the world. They come by walk.  They come on horseback, with mule packs or by camel ride. They come by ship, by road transport and by jet airliners.

Neither the rigors of climate, nor travel fatigue nor the expense involved deters them or dampens their zeal. Through a lifetime of savings, they have prepared for this journey of love and devotion.

With every step forward, they feel the deepening of faith within themselves. Not even the possibility of risk to the dearest of all their possessions, their own lives, deviates them from the mission of their lives.

They are the guests of Allah.  His angels have spread the red carpet for them on all the routes they take to fulfill the rites of Haj.

Allah loves them for the zeal and for the limitless love they treasure in their hearts for Him and His Chosen Prophet Syedina Muhammed Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam.

Acceptance of our Haj by Allah is rewarded with Paradise.  This has been promised to us by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.).  From our side, however, we need to aspire sincerely to be worthy of this trust and the honor it brings. Our repentance over past sins must be true and sincere.

We must also resolve, for the rest of our lives, to guard against every evil. It may be difficult to do so. But we must try and abjure every kind of sin, every act of shame and every instance of despicable conduct if we want our Haj to remain unsullied.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) gave us an amazing insight

into human destiny by this pronouncement:

“innamal aamaala bin niy’yaath!”

(Actions are judged by intentions)!

If we try sincerely to steer our life clear of evil, we will have the fullest support from Allah (through His angels). And our record of righteousness will remain unsullied.  We will, by Allah's grace, rank among the Saaliheen, the best Muslims and the blessed of Allah's servants.

v  Haj is a pilgrimage for self-purification. 

v  Once we have performed Haj, we turn over a new leaf.  We do lead an exemplary and sin-free life. We cultivate self-discipline.

v  Not only in our actions but also in our thinking and in our intent, we act noble, unselfish and outgoing to people in a positive way.

v  Our excellence of manners and our exquisite behavior endear us to one and all.

v  We conduct ourselves as the living saints of Islam.

v  We serve to inspire in the hearts of onlookers, Muslims as well as non-Muslims, an exalted and reverential opinion of Haj. 

v  Maasha Allah.  Glory to Allah!

Chapter  3

The Haji’s New Orientation

With our decision to proceed on Um’rah and/or Haj, we are beginning a new life whose record will do us proud on the Day of Judgment. It may earn us, insha Allah, an abode in Jannathul Firdaus, the highest heaven.

Months earlier, we had realized that Haj is but one of the five duties ordained by Allah unto us and we must, therefore, fulfill the other four duties also, and that too in the best possible manner, if we want our Haj to be perfect and acceptable to Allah. 

Accordingly:

v  We resolved to give up old habits of sloth.  We commenced peforming all Salaath’s in jama’ath (an assembly of Muslims, in a Masjid or elsewhere, led by an Imam, leader).  And whenever circumstances kept us from reaching the Masjid for them, we performed salaah in our home or work place at the earliest.

v  We have observed the Ramadan fast. 

v  We have found joy and inspiration in giving our time and our money to relieve the distress of other Muslims in the name of Allah.

v  We have learned to respect the rights that others have over us, as spelt clearly in the Holy Qur’an.

v  We have led a perfectly proportioned Islami life.  We have carried out our religious duties and also conducted our business and our professions in the exemplary and responsiibe manner of our Leader Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.

v  We realized the futility of aggressive postures, misplaced pride, acquisitive craze and greed, that are not sanctioned by Islam.  We have stayed clear of these negative features.

v  We recast our mental make-up, our views and our character to conform  with the teachings of our role-model, Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  S.A.W.S.

v  This has earned us the sincere adoration of the people who matter most to us.  Life has become a pleasant, joyous and wonderful experience for us and our dear ones

We now make the preparations in earnest for this glorious mission of Haj we are undertaking for the love of Allah.

Budgeting comes first.  We ensure that the Haj expenses will be met entirely from lawfully earned income.  “Allah is the Pure and Immaculate One”. 

He likes purity and integrity in everything”, said the Prophet (S.A.W.S.). The money we spend in the way of Allah, must be clean, like the yearning in our hearts that Allah may kindly accept our Haj. If there is the least doubt in this behalf, we may borrow the required funds from other Muslims whom we know to be honest and above board.

The responsibility on a Muslim to draw his/her will in time is specified in detail in the Holy Qur’an.  We attend to this in an organized manner, taking legal help if needed. We arrange for the safe custody of the document.

We take leave of our family members, relatives, friends and associates.  We assure them we harbor no ill feeling against any of them.  And we ask for and get their pardon for any injury or hurt we may have caused them knowingly or unknowingly. If we have ever wronged a person, we make a sincere restitution.

We settle all our dues to others.  To those who owe us and are unable to repay, we grant pardon if we can or we extend the loan tenure.

We abide by a tradition, ordained by society, that we finalize and celebrate in a proper and unhurried manner, the nikah, marriage, of our unmarried daughters to eligible Muslim grooms, before we proceed on Haj.

We entrust our family to the protection of Allah.  We have the fullest confidence that there is no security more complete and guaranteed than Allah’s. Our Glorious Creator grants us peace of mind and in a mood of real happiness, we plan our journey to the Haram Shareef.  Maasha Allah.

 

This is Islam: every day of the year, we seek to be better and better human beings, better and better Muslims and become more and more beloved of Allah.

Chapter  4

The First Step to Haj: In Our Home

It is auspicious to commence our Haj journey on a Thursday as was done by Our Glorious Prophet S.A.W.S. Otherwise, for a Muslim, every day of the year is eminently suitable to take up projects aimed at gaining pre-eminence in our faith and in our careers. Nasrum min-Allahi va fath’hun qareeb! (Allah’s help is arriving and ours will be the triumph soonest!)

We have a haircut, cut and trim our nails, shave off under-arm and pelvic hair, brush our teeth, have a full bath, put on herbal fragrance (Ith’r) and don Ih’raam for the first time. 

What is Ih’raam and why do we wear it?  Ih’raam for men consists of two pieces of unstitched cloth, preferably white, one tied round the waist and the other wrapped around the upper body. 

            For women any dress (that is not glamorous) is okay. It must cover them fully, with the exception of the face, the two hands and the two feet. The hair must be fully covered with a scarf or head tie. 

The thought comes to us:  the Ih’raam is in no way different from the kafan, shroud, that clothes us when we bid farewell to the world.  By donning Ih’raam, we proclaim to the world that our past life of sin and blunders is dead and gone.

When our Haj is graced with Allah’s Acceptance, we enter a glorious new life. In the eyes of Allah, we have gained admittance to a new class of honoured Muslims who are registered for Heaven.  Hereon, our foremost duty is to safeguard this favoured status and entitlement we have been promised, to eternal good fortune. We avoid sins, perform all the duties of a true Muslim  and do all the good we can to Allah’s Creations.

Every moment of our life we realize that the Uswathul Hus’naa, the immaculate example of our Master Syedina Muhammed Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam, is in our mind’s eye and the mutual love that is evolving in our hearts must never be sullied by any evil thought or action. Willingly or unwillingly we have chosen to be the living saints of Islam and we must not fail ourselves at any cost. The responsibility is ours to guarantee that our life and our achievements are viewed positively by all with whom we interact and we earn for Islam a good name and gracious regard from all people all over the world.

We perform two Rakaah’s Salaah Sunnah. And as we are seated, bareheaded, we declare the Thal’biyah and make the Niyyath for Haj or Um’rah, whichever we are undertaking. And we pray to Allahu Rabbul Izzat to grant us success and triumph in our mission.

This is an auspicious moment.  We can ask for fulfillment of all our highest aims.  Insha Allah, they will be granted. After the Dua we rise with the Thal’biyah on our lips and in our hearts.

Thal’biyah is the revered incantation that our lips and our hearts recite continually (from the moment of donning Ih’raam and making Niyyath to the moment our eyes rest on the Holy Baithullah in Makkathul Mukarramah) for the first time:

labba'yek,

Allahumma labba'yek,

labba'yeka laa shareekalaka labba'yek,

innal hamda

van ney'matha

laka  val mul'k

laa shareeka lak

I present myself for Your service,

Ya Allah, I present myself for Your service

I present myself for Your service. None can be equated with You.

I present myself for Your service.

Truly, unto You is the Praise And the Blessing.

(And) the Dominion  (over the Earth) is entirely Yours.

None can be equated with You!

Now we have entered the state of Ih’raam. The state of Ih’raam, which we have entered of our own free will, is a state of utmost reverence. From this moment, we must observe all the precautions prescribed for it.  We must ensure that its pre-eminence remains inviolate.

                    As we commence the glorious journey for Haj,

                    let us pray to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa:

Allahumma zavvid’niyath  thaq’wah vagh’firlee zunoobee va vajjih’nee ilal khai’yri aiy’namaa thavajjah’thu.

Allahumma innee a’oozubika min’v va’ashaayis safari va kaabathil mun’qalabi val’hav’ri baadal kav’ri va sooyil man’zari fil ah’li val maali val valadi. 

millahi va billahi va thavakkalthu alallahi va laa hav’la va laa quv’vatha illaa billah.

Innallazee farada alai’ykal qur’ana

la raadduka ilaa ma’aad.

Sub’hanallazee  sakh’khara lanaa haaza va maa kunnaa lahoo muqrineena va innaa ilaa rabbinaa la mun’qaliboon.  

Bismillahi maj’raha va mur’saahaa inna rabbee laghafoorun’r raheem.

Chapter 5

The State of Ih’raam

We are now the guests of Allah.  And we are preparing to visit His House and earn His Grace. We must act with immaculate courtesy towards one and all and observe all the precautions, a few of which are given below:

v  As long as we are in Ih’raam, we must not shave or cut our hair, nor cut or trim our nails till the Um’rah and/or Haj is completed and we are ready to come out of Ih’raam.

v  We must not go for hunt nor cause injury to any animal or bird in the precincts of the Haram which is an area encompassing several square miles around the Holy Ka’bah.

v  Sex is strictly forbidden as long as we are in Ih’raam. We avoid lust and lewd talk.

v  It is easy to avoid Zinaa but we need superhuman self discipline to save ourselves from the rampant evil of the times:  Zinaa ul Uyoon (adultery of the eyes). Now that we are training ourselves for the exalted life of a Haji, we must  keep our glances down and avoid staring at women. And remember: Porn is the Passage to Perdition, sure and certain!

v  We cultivate the best of manners and are most courteous and helpful to everyone.

v  On several occasions I have seen Hajis hauling the baggage of other Hajis free as head loads and rendering gracious service to people,  just to earn the approval of Allah.

v  No falsehood, no hypocrisy, no unseemly behavior, no indulgence in any act which could be ascribed to shir'k (equating anyone with Allah) and absolutely no politics.

v  Thalbiyah should be recited everywhere except in the toilet.

v  We can have a bath, any time, taking care not to lose hair. 

v  We would be called upon to give a sacrifice (referred to as "Dumm") if we transgress any of the regulations prescribed for Hajis. 

v  In lieu of a sacrifice, we can fast for ten days for Allah.  Three of the fasts are observed in the first week of Zul Haj and the rest on our returning home after the Haj.

v  Our presence in the Holy Land of Islam is a lifetime opportunity. We have been blessed to be in the Har’main Shareefai’yn, the most sacred of the world’s Masaajid. We must perform all the Salaaths here in Jama’ath behind the Imam of all Humanity, the noblest and holiest Muslim Leader we will find in our life..

v  It will be a misfortune to miss even one Salaah-fil-jama’ath.  Such a misfortune can only occur due to unavoidable circumstances. In such a case, we must perform the Salaath by ourselves at the earliest we can.

If there are one or more persons who have not yet peformed the Salaath, we can form our own jama’ath and pray with them.

v  We must be reciting the Holy Qur'an and the Thasbeehaath.

v  These are recitations in which we praise Allahu Rabbul Izzath, honour His Beautiful Names and seek His Grace and His Compassion for our own and our near ones’ salvation and triumph over all evils. . Examples:

v  Allahu, Allahu, Allahu!

v  La  ilaaha  illallah!

v  Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, la ilaaha illallahu vallahu akbar! Allahu akbar, va lillallahil ham’d!

v  Sub’hanallahi va biham’dihi, sub’hanallahil azeemi va bihamdihi, asthagh’firullaha rabbee, min kulli zambin’v va khatheeyyathin’v va athoobu ilaihi! 

And we send Darood repeatedly to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S): Allahumma salle alaa Syedinaa Muhammedin’v va alaa aali Syedina  Muhammedin va baarik va sallim

For those who are unable, for any reason, to don Ih’raam before reaching Jeddah or any other city in Saudi Arabia, they must don Ih’raam before they cross the Meeqaath, the boundary around the Haram of Makkah. There are well-marked posts indicating the periphery and are known to all Hajis. 

This is our homage to the Holy Baithullah. We go in humility. We go in Ih’raam. We go in with Eimaan.

Our Master Syedina Muhammed (S.A.W.S.) has defined Eimaan:

It is the state between fear of Allah (and His punishment) and a sincere hope and faith in Allah's Compassion (that He will forgive us and grant us salvation).

We repeat the Thal’biyah:

v  after every Salaah and

v  as we commence the journey to Mina and Arafaath and

v  on the journey back to Muzdalifa and Mina.

Imam Malik (R.A.A.) has recorded that after reciting the Thalbiyah, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) made the Dua,

v  seeking Allah's Compassion and grant of Paradise (to him and his Ummah)

v  and seeking refuge in Allah from Allah's Wrath and from the fire of Hell:

Allahumma innaa nas'aluka ridaaka val jannatha va na'oozubika min ghazabika van naar.  A'meen!

As we cross the Meeqaath, the boundary of the Sanctified Zone, the Haram, we recite:Allahumma inna haazaa harama haramuka va harama rasoolika faharrim lah'mee va dameee va az'mee alan anaar.

Allahumma aaminnee min azaabika yavma thab'asu ibaadaka va aj'alnee min av'liyaa'yika va ahle tha'athika va thub alaiya innaka Anthath Thawwabur Raheem.

STARTING FROM HOME

ALLAHUMMA BIKAN THASHAR’THU VA ILAIYKA THAWAJJAH’THU

VABIKA A’THASAMTHU VA ALAIYKA THAWAKKALTHU.                                                                                                                                                       ALLAHUMMA ANTHA SIQATHEE VA ANTHA RIJAAYEE.                                                                       ALLAHUMMA AKFINEE MAA AHAMMANEE VA MAA LAA A’HTHAMMU BIHEE VA MAA ANTHA AALAMU BIHEE MINNEE AZZA JAARUKA VA LA ILAAHA GHAIY’RUKA.                                      ALLAHUMMA ZAVVID’NITH THAQWAH  VAGH’FIR’LEE ZUNOOBEE VA VAJJIH’NEE IIAL KHAIRI ILAL AI’YNA MA THAWAJJAH’THU.                                                                                                       ALLAHUMMA INNEE A’OOZU BIKA MIN’V VIGH’SAA’YIS SAFARI VA KAABATHIL MUNQALABI VAL HAV’RI BAADAL KAV’RI VA SOOYIL MUNZARI

 FIL AH’LI VAL MAALI.

Ya Allah, (in obedience to Your Command on Umrah and Haj) to be rewarded with Your Approval I am leaving my near and dear ones to Your Care and Protection and I have surrendered myself entirely to You, Ya Allah.  You Alone are my Support and it is by Your Compassion that our highest hopes are realized. Ya Allah, Kindly protect me and my family from acts that could lead to problems for us or our people. Yours is the vast knowledge and only those are saved who seek refuge in You from all evils. And no one else is worthy of worship but You. 

Kindly grant me still higher Thaqwah, devotion to You and forgive me my sins and guide me to be righteous in all my deeds and grant me Your Protection from the risks and rigors of travel and save me  and my family and all our possessions from every disaster and from the evil eye and grant me, my family and my people

 the best of prosperity and a glorious future.  Aameen!          

At the door,  as you start your holy journey, pray to Allah: BISMILLAHI  VA LAA HAV’LA VALAA QUWWATHA ILLA BILLAHIL ALIYUL AZEEM.  THAVAKKALTHU ALALLAH.  ALLAHUMMA VAFFIQNEE LIMA THUHIBBU VA THARDAA VA AH’FIZNEE MINASH SHAIYTHAANIR RAJEEM.

In the Name of Allah, I commence this holy journey.  No one can be righteous and be saved from evil except by Allah’s Will.  We (my family and I) entrust all our affairs to Allah, the Most Glorious.  Ya Allah, Kindly grant me the righteousness that pleases you and save me from being overpowered by Shaithaan the despised. Aameen!

As you board your means of transport, pray to Allah:

 BISMILLAHI, VAL HAM’DU LILLAHILLAZEE HADAANA LIL  ISLAM`VA ALLAMNAL QUR’ANA VA MANNA ALAILYNA BI MUHAMMAEDDIN SALLALLAHU ALAIYHI VA SALLAM.  ALHAMDULILLAHILLAZEE JA’ALANEE FEE KHAII UMMATHIN UKHRJATH LINNAAS. SUB’HANALLAZEE SAKHKHARA LANAA HAAZA VA MAA KUNNAA LAHU MUQ[‘RANEENA VAINNAA ILAA RABBABAA LA MUNQALIBOON. VALHAM’DU LILLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN.  AAMEEN!

Chapter  6

We Are in The World’s Holiest City

As we have stated earlier:

Allahu Sub’hanahu  va tha Aalaa has made the Holy Ka’bah a Sacred and  Safe Haven for Humanity (Holy Qur’an: Surah 5th Al Ma’yidah: 97) All over the world when we stand up for prayer, five times daily, we face the Abode of Allah, Baiythullah, in the Holiest City of the World, Makkathul Mukarramah. “We do not worship the House but its Glorious Inmate, Who is there and everywhere and He is settled and treasured within our hearts”.

It is a blessing from Allah. World Center for pilgrimage. Sanctuary  for all humanity. The Haj we yearn to perform, at least once in a lifetime, is focused on the Ka’bah. Ka’bah means the Exalted, the Pre-eminent. The name is also for the cubic design in which Islam’s First Prophet Syedina Ibraheem and son Ismayeel (May Allah bless them with peace) built it 5,000 years ago.

On its completion, they prayed to Allah to accept their work and sustain their progeny and future generations with abundance of fruit and reward them with a Prophet from their own lineage. Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. was born in a house nearby in 570 CE.  Allah ordained him at age 40 as the Prophet of the Last and Final Era of Humanity. The line of over 124,000 Prophets from Allah ended with him.

Each Salaah performed in the Masid-al-Haram that houses the Ka’bah, earns us the sawaab, reward from Allah, equal to 100,000 salaah’s performed elsewhere (other than  the Masjide Nabavi in Medinah where the  Salaaths earn us 5,000 times more sawaab than elsewhere)

. Each reward is multiplied 27 times when we perform the Salaah in Jama’ath behind the Imam as Musalliyeen.. The Maqaame Multhazim, situated between the Door of the Ka’bah and the Hajre Aswad, is the sanctum sanctorum of Islam. Prophets of the past stood here and made supplications to Allah and were  rewarded with high destiny.

May Allahu Rabbul Izzath. kindly grant  such good fortune to us also by His Rah’math, His Compassion most often. Aameen!

We offer our gratitude to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aala for granting us the desinty to be in the world’s holiest city where He chose to have His Own House, the Holy Ka’bah.

We recite the Dua:

Allahumma inna haazal harama haramuka val balada baladuka val am’na am’nuka, val ab’da ab’duka, jie’thuka mim balaadin bayeedathin, bi zunoobin katheerathin’v va aamaalin sai’yathin, as’aluka mas’alathal muth’tharriyeena ila’iyka, al mush’fiqeena min azaabika, an thas’thaq’bilanee bi mahdi af’vika, va an thud’khilanee faseeha jannathika, jannathin nayeem.

 Allahumaa inna haaza haramuka va harama Rasoolika, fa harrim lah’mee va damee va az’mee alan naaar. 

Allahumma aaminnee min azaabika yav’ma thab’asu ibadaka, as’aluka bi annaka anthallahu laa ilaaha illaa anthar Ra’maanur Raheem, an thusallee va thusallim alaa Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. in va alaa aalihi thas’leeman  katheeran abadaa.

All our life we faced the Glorious Baithullah in our Salaath’s to Allahu Rabbul Aalameen. Now, in the next few minutes, we will, insha Allah, behold it with our own eyes! Even those who lost eyesight, realize it as the vision that illumines their hearts and minds.  And those whom Allah has blessed with spiritual insight, view it as the world’s highest esteemed, honored and best loved Fount of Faith.

          A senior Haji, who had visited quite a few of the royal palaces in India and was held in awe as a living saint, was introduced to me as we were seated in the Muthaaf, awaiting the Maghrib Azaan. His eyes remained focused on the Holy Baithullah. His words of praise for its unique grandeur appeared to rise from his heart. And they left a lasting impression on me: “Those before our time had the eyes to see its incomparable beauty. They have described to us its magnificence. A dazzling fount of brilliance, an edifice of gold, platinum and of even more precious metals inlaid with the most precious  diamonds, both white and  black, blue sapphires and the most colourful gems never before seen anywhere.  It is indeed the most enthralling, uplifting work of divine art and there is no house of treasures anywhere that can match it.”

We have the assurance that every salaah, every charity and every good deed performed here brings us from Allah the most coveted rewards, a hundred thousand times greater than what it strictly deserves.  So too, any sin or reprehensible act that we might commit here in Makkathul Mukarramah, will bring us a penalty a hundred thousand times more severe than what it would have cost us elsewhere.!

We check into any hotel or Muallim's place.  If we had not brought them all in our baggage from home, we would need a new Ih’raam, a broad unstitched belt made specially for Hajis and a book of manaasik, if we do not have the Haji’s Handbook with us.

The smart traveler never takes chances.  We must ensure the safety of our passport and other documents and our cash.  The Haji’s belt comes handy for this and also for carrying a few facial tissues.  We may buy all these locally.

We have a light bath, taking care not to use soap or shampoo that could cause loss of hair. We may put on a new Ih’raam, if we like. We strap the belt around our waist and with a booklet of Manaasik or this book in hand, we proceed to the Holy Masjid-al-Haram.

Chapter  7 

Um’rah, the Minor Pilgrimage

Um’rah consists of:

v  entering the Holy Masjid al Haram in Makkah,

v  performing Thawaaf of Holy Ka’bah and

v  making Sayee between Safaa and Mar'wah, all within the Holy Masjid precincts.

 We don Ih’raam for Um’rah and make the Niyyath:

Allahumma innee ureedul umaratha fa yassir'haa lee va thaqabbal’haa minnee, navai'ythul umratha va ah'ramthu bihaa lillahi tha aalaa a'zza 'o jal.  

The Program is

v  Donning Ih'raam

v  Thawaaf with Ramal  (Striding boldly in the first three rounds of the Holy Ka’bah)

v  Sayee, the seven strides between Safaa and Mar'wah

v  Hair  is trimmed or shaved off by males;   and women cut  away an inch length

v  We come out of Ih’raam.

During the Haj season, the Um’rah is performed first as a precondition of Haj and the other rites completed thereafter.

At other times, it is required of us, as Waajib, to perform Um’rah at least once in our lifetime by travelling to Makkathul Mukarramah exclusively for it.  You may also seek the Ziarah of our Leader S.A.W.S. in Madinathul Munawwarah after this.

It has become the heart’s desire of almost every Muslim planning for his/her first Haj, to avail the blessings of Umrah in the Holy Month of Ramadan.and perform,the Lailathul Qad’r Salaath’s and recitation of the Holy Qur’an in the Mubarak Haram Shareef,  Masha Allah.

Pray for this blessing and rejoice if this is granted.  Otherwise, go on with the normal Umrah’s and Haj.  Insha Allah you and your family will be granted magnificent Neymaath and be blessed with happy, healthy and glorious Muslim lives.  And your elders who are no more, will be in Jannath from the duaayaen you offer for them in the Haramaiyn Shareefaiyn, in the Waqoof al Arafaath and in the other eminent sites

The Blessings of Haj, Umrah and Ziarah extend through centuries. And the families of the Hujjaaj are also granted bounties beyond measure in Jannath as the result of the Duaayaen we offer for them in the entire course of our Haj and Zia rah..   Masha Allah!

 

Chapter 8

Hajje Ifraad , Haj Only

In Hajje Ifraad, we come out of Ih’raam only after completing Haj.

 We make the Niyyath:  Allahumma innee ureedul hajja fa yassir'hu lee va thaqabbal’hu minnee navai'ythul hajja va ah'ramthu bihee  mukh'lisan lillahi tha aalaa a'zza'o jal.

The Program for Hajje Ifraad is:

v  Donning Ih'raam

v  Niyyath

v  Thawaafee Qudoom

v  Camp at Mina on 8^th Zul Haj

v  Prayers at Arafaath on Zul Haj 9^th

v  Overnight stay at Muzdalifa

v  Back to Mina early on Zul Haj 10^th 

v  Stoning the Big Shaiy'thaan

v  Qurbaani

v  Haircut or Shave

v  Thawaafe Ziyarath and Sayee

v  Back to Mina and stay there on 11^th and 12^th Zul Haj

v  Stoning of Shaiy'thaans on both afternoons

v  Return to Masjide Haram  and

v  Thawaafe Vida’a

Chapter 9

Hajje Thamath'tho

 Ulema, the Islami scholars, cite this as the best category of Haj. It is possible only during the Haj season that spans the Hijri months of Shawwaal and Zul Qai'ydah and the first ten days of Zul Haj.

We make the Niyyath to perform Um’rah first: Allahumma innee ureedul umratha fa yassirhaa lee va thaqabbal’haa minnee navaiy'thul umratha va ah'ramthu bihaa mukhlisan lillahi tha aalaa a'zza'o jal.

The Um’rah is performed as explained earlier. We come out of Ih’raam on completing the Um’rah. For Hajis who plan to be in the Haramai’yn Sharifai’yn (the Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina and their sacred surroundings) for a few weeks, the Hajje Thamath'tho is most helpful.  They can avail its advantages: once the Um’rah is concluded, they come out of Ih’raam and lead a normal Muslim life, devoting most of their time to salaah’s and tawaaf’s and recitation of the Holy Qur’an in the Masjid al Haram.

Later, on the 8^th Zul Haj, we don Ih’raam afresh and make Niyyath for Haj and go on to perform it: Allahumma innee ureedul hajja fa yassir'hu lee va thaqabbal’hu minnee navaiy'thul hajja va ah'ramthu bihee muq'lisan lillahi tha aalaa a'zza'o jal.

The Program for Hajje Thamath’tho’:

·         Donning Ih'raam and making Niyyath for Um’rah

·         Thawaafe Um’rah with Ramal

·         Sayee of Um’rah

·         Haircut or Shave

·         Donning Ih'raam afresh and making Niyyath for Haj on 8^th Zul Haj

·         Camp at Mina the same day

·         Prayers at Arafaath on 9^th Zul Haj

·         Stay at night at Muzdalifa

·         Back to Mina on 10^th

·         Stoning of Big Shai’ythaan

·         Qurbani (obligatory)

·         Haircut or Shave

·         Thawaafe Ziyarath with Ramal

·         Sayee of Haj

·         Back to Mina and Stay there on 11^th and 12^th Zul Haj

·         Stoning the Shai’ythaans on both afternoons

·         Return to Haram Shareef and

·         Thawaafe Vidaa

Chapter  10

Hajje Qiraan

 We don Ih’raam to perform Haj and Um’rah simultaneously. 

In this, we can come out of Ih’raam only on the 10^th Zul Haj at the earliest; and that too after we complete the three rites: 

(1)   Stoning the Shai’ythaan, 

(2)   Performing the Qurbani and

(3) Cutting or shaving the hair.

Program for Hajje Qiraan: the First Phase:

·         Donning Ih'raam

·         Making the Niyyath for both Um'rah and Haj:

Allahumma innee ureedul umratha val hajja fa yassir'humaa lee va thaqabbal humaa minnee navaiy'thul umratha val hajja va ah'ramthu bihimaa mukhlisan lillahi tha aalaa a'zza'o jal.

·         Thawaafe Um'rah with Ramal

·         Sayee of Um'rah

·         No haircut nor shave

·         We continue in the State of Ih’raam.

Program for the Second and Final Phase of Hajje Qiraan::

·         Thawaafe  Qudoom with Ramal on 7^th or 8^th Zul Haj 

·         Sayee of Haj

·         Camp at Mina on Zul Haj 8^th

·         Prayers at Arafaath on Zul Haj 9^th

·         Stay at night at Muzdalifah

·         Back to Mina early on 10^th Zul Haj

·         Stoning of Big Shai’ythaan

·         Qurbaani (obligatory)

·         Haircut or Shave

·         Thawaafe Ziyarath

·         Sayee of Haj, if it was not performed prior to leaving for Mina on the 7^th or 8^th of Zul Haj

·         Back to Mina and stay there on 11^th and 12^th Zul Haj

·         Stoning the Shaiy'thaans on both afternoons

·         Return to Holy Haram Shareef and

·         Thawaafe Vidaa

Chapter  11

The House of Allah

The Holy Ka’bah is a rectangular building of stone fully draped in a black woollen covering known as "The Kis'wah".  On it are embroidered in exquisite calligraphy in gold leaf, a few quotations from the Holy Qur'an. 

The golden doorway is called the Door to Heaven.  As we face this door, we can see the Hajre As’wad, the black stone from Jannath, Paradise, embedded in the corner to our left, at a height of about three feet from the ground.

The portion of the wall between this and the Door to Heaven is called Maqaame Mul'thazim.  This is the most reverential spot where all the Prophets of the past had stood and prayed to Allahu Subhanahu va tha Aalaa. 

Our Glorious Prophet (S.A.W.S.) used to pray here with his right cheek pressed against the wall and his hands outstretched, the right one touching the doorway to Holy Baithullah.

If we find a place here, we will be most fortunate and can pray to our heart's content. If there is a crowd, it is better to stand anywhere behind it and pray to Allahu Rabbul Izzath. Our sawaab, reward, will not be curtailed that we are not in the forefront. In fact we will be giving proof that we are better Muslims, when we respect and honor the sanctity of the Glorious House of Allah and yield the coveted position to other Hajis. 

To kiss the Hajre As’wad is Sunnah (a practice of the Holy Prophet S.A.W.S.) and a great blessing. But we must not force our way in or be rude to any other Haji for this honor. Just by a gesture of our right hand, from anywhere in the Muthaaf (the open courtyard around the Holy Ka’bah), we can kiss it and this would bring us equal sawaab, reward, from Allah. 

To our right, as we face the Door to Heaven, is the Makhaame Ibrahim.  It is the blessed stone on which Prophet Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam stood as he constructed the Baithullah with stones brought in by his son Prophet Ismail Alaihis Salaam.  It was moved by a flash flood from its proximity to the House of Allah to a position about fifteen feet away within the Muthaaf. 

Syedina Umar R.A.A., who was the Ameerul Momineen , the Khalifah or Supreme Ruler of the nation at the time, decided not to move it back. It is now enclosed in security glass and we can see the footprints of the Great Patriarch therein. 

We are directed in the Holy Qur'an to make this, the Maqaame Ibrahim, our Musalla, the place where we stand for prayer.  We may stand (anywhere we find space) behind it and pray to Allahu Rabbul Izzath.

When Thawaaf is going on, we must stand far and away behind it so as not to hinder the Hajis and other Muslims performing Thawaaf.

As we face the Door to Heaven, we see to our right a marble wall four feet high and three feet wide, built in a semicircular formation and virtually embracing the entire face of the northern wall of the Ka’bah.  This is called the Hatheem and also Al Haj’r.  In its eminence it is a part of the interior of the Holy Ka’bah.

The Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.S.) has informed us that it was originally enclosed within the Holy Ka’bah.  But during a reconstruction, the halaal (legally earned) funds collected by the people of those times, ran out. The remaining stones were therefore piled in a horseshoe formation.  They are now embedded within the beautiful marble wall described above.

It is popularly known as the Hatheem.  It has become a blessing for us from Allah.  Since it is not actually joined to the Ka’bah, there is an opening  at each end of its horseshoe configuration. Men, women and children are able to enter it any time (except during timings of Salaah’s in Jama’ath, prayers in congregation) and pray to Allah to their hearts' content. 

The golden Meezaabe Rah’math extends from high up this wall to let out rainwater from the roof of the Holy Ka’bah.  Hajis view it as pointing to Medinathul Munawwarah, the Radiant City of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.)

Behind us, in the left corner of the Muthaaf, is the Zam Zam. This blessed fount of sweet water sprang up and gushed out from the hardest of rocks, four thousand years ago, at Allah's command.

At the insistence of his first wife Sarah, Syedina Ibrahim (A.S.) had escorted his far younger wife Hajira and their newborn son Syedina Ismail (A.S.) to the barren and desolate region that Makkah was in those times. He had left them there, in Allah's protection and returned home.

Other women would have made a scene.  But the prophet's young wife asked him just this: Was he abandoning them of his own will or was it at Allah's command? When told it was by Allah's will, she bade him farewell and said, "If it is by Allah's will, Allah will indeed protect us.  Go home in peace!"

The bag of dates and the full waterskin given to her finished too soon. And the tender child Ismail started crying and thrashing his baby feet in hunger and thirst.

She climbed the neigbouring hill Safaa and then ran to the other hill Mar’wah to see if any well or pond could be located. She had made seven trips in all; and it is these we commemorate in Sayee, which we will describe later. As no water was found, she plodded weary steps back to her son. And she beheld Allah's miracle in action.

A spring of water had gushed out of the hard rocks and was reaching to her baby's feet. Fearing that it might engulf and drown her child, she cried out, "Zam, Zam!" in Hebrew, which meant, "Enough, Enough!"

The Mother of Momineen Syedathi Ayesha (R.A.A.) has said that if only Bibi Hajirah had not contained the spring thus, it would have been gushing unlimited water through the centuries and the whole of Arabia would have been irrigated with it and turned fertile! Allah granted Bibi Hajirah's wish and the water was contained in the Historic Well that has since taken the name "Zam Zam”.

To the Hajis this is a unique gift from Allah.  With deep reverence, they drink this blessed water and pour a few drops on to their heads. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) has said, as reported by Thabarani, “The best water on earth is the water of Zam Zam. Its excellent taste satisfies thirst and imparts nourishment and it is a cure for serious ailments”. 

Chapter  12

Our Admission to the Masjid al Haram

It is masnoon, in accord with the practice of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.), to enter the blessed Grand Masjid from the Baab-us-Salaam.  This is diagonally opposite to the main entrance known as Baab Abdul Aziz,.

Hajis keen to enter by Baabus Salaam may go round the Masjid, enter by the Grand Entrance of that name and locate the original Baabus Salaam.  This is a beautiful but comparatively smaller archway in the colored stone gallery skirting the Muthaaf.  It is well marked. This celebrated Baab (doorway) frames a glorious view of the Holy Ka’bah and its Golden Door. Hajis entering it are promised an unforgettable reward. A most inspiring picture of this holiest monument on earth is imprinted on their hearts and minds and it is cherished by them lifelong.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S,) has informed us that each Salaah performed in the Masjid-al-Haram, the Grand Masjid of Makkah is equal to 100,000 Salaah’s performed in other Masaajid. 

(The one exception to this is the Masjid-e-Nabavi, the Great Masjid of Medinathul Munawwarah that is ranked second to it; and each Salaah performed therein fetches a thousand times higher sawaab than elsewhere) .

Add to this the reward, multiplied twentyseven times, that is promised to Musalliyeen (the people lined up for prayer) participating in a Salaath al Jama’ath, the prayer in congregation led by the Imam! 

May Allah kindly grant every one of us the good fortune to be availing this bounty most often.  Aameen!

Chapter  13

THAWAAF-E-BAIYTHULLAH

Going Round the Holy Ka’bah

At the doorway of the Blessed Masjid al Haram, we recite:

Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.

Laa ilaaha illallahu vassalaaThu vassalaamu alaa RasoolullahI SALLALLAHUALAIYHI VA SALLAM.

A'oozu billahil azeem  va bi vaj'hil kareem va sulthanihil qadeem minash shaiy'thaanir rajeem.

Allahumma ifthe'h lee ab'vaaba rahmathika va magh'firathika

va sah’hil lee ab’vaaba rizkhika.  A'meen!

We enter the Muthaaf, the marble-paved open courtyard, and have our first full view of the Holy Ka’bah in its center.  With this, the Thalbiyah recitation is stayed. 

We raise our right hand to shoulder level and recite three times:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

Laa ilaaha illallahu vallahu akbar,

Allahu Akbar va lillahil ham'd.

Allah is Great. Allah is Great.

There is no god except Allah; and Allah is Great.

Allah is Great. And,

to Allah is due all Praise

We adjust the upper cloth of our Ih’raam so as to expose the right shoulder to view.  We proceed to the point from where we are to commence the Thawaaf.

We can easily locate the broad line formed by black marble tiles inlaid into the Muthaaf floor. This runs diagonally from the Hajre As’wad corner of the Holy Ka’bah to the steps leading to the Safaa hillock.

We face the Holy Baithullah and stand a little to the left of this line anywhere on the Muthaaf and make the Niyyath for Thawaaf.  When the Muthaaf is full, as in the Haj season, we may stand even far behind this point anywhere in the Masjid and within view of the Holy Ka’bah.

We make the Niyyath that we are performing the Thawaaf-e-Qudoom (the inaugural circumambulation of the Holy Ka’bah). And we add the words “for Um’rah” and/or “for Haj” as the case may be and we state the dedication:  "for Allah".

We start walking, with our chest pushed forward, shoulders drawn back and steps close together. We walk with grace. We walk with power.  We walk with assurance: Now that we are under the Command of Allah and in the Protection of Allah no evil can touch us.  if the crowd is large.

For the first three rounds, this manner of walk is mas’noon (in accord with the Holy Prophet’s practice).  In the other four rounds, we can walk normally.

First we kiss the Hajre As’wad, the black stone interred in the corner of the Holy Ka’bah to the right of its golden door.  We are informed from Hadith that this stone was milk white originally and was from Heaven and that the peoples' sins had turned it black.  We kiss it and make Dua to Allah.  Insha Allah our prayers here will be granted. 

Syedina Umar R.A.A., who succeeded Syedina Abu Bak’r R.A.A as the Ameerul Momineen, Chief of the Devout Muslims, was performing the Thawaaf when he chose to address the Black Stone from Jannath. 

He said:  “You are just a stone.  You have power neither for good nor for evil.  Yet, I am kissing you.  I would not have done this if I had not seen (my Leader) Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.) kissing you!” In this way, he set for us the right perspective and the explanation for the regard we give it.

 If the assembly is large we can kiss it by gesture, raising our right hand to it,

We re-enter the stream of Hajis and Momineen making the Thawaaf.  We recite the Dua of the first Shouv'th, circumambulation: 

Sub'haanallahi val hamdulillahi va laa ilaaha illallahu vallahu akbar. 

va laa hav'la va laa quvva'tha illaa billahil aleeyil azeem. vassalaathu vassalaamu alaa Rasoolillahi  sallallahu allaihi va sallam.

Allahumma eimaanam bika va thasdeeqam bi kithaabika va vafaa'am bi ah’dika va ith’thibaa'an li sunnathi nabeeyika va habeebika MUhammedin sallallahu alaihi va sallam.

  

Allahumma innee as'alukal af'va val aafiyatha val mu'aa’faathad daayimatha fid deeni vad duniya val aakhirathi val fa'wza bil jannathi van najaatha minan naar. Aameen!

We reach the Rukne Yamaani, a stone embedded in the third corner of the Holy Ka’bah, indicating the direction of Yemen.  We just touch it by our right hand.  If we are unable to reach it due to crowd pressure, we just walk on towards the Hajre As’wadh in the next corner.  We recite:

Rabbanaa aathinaa fid duniyaa hasanathan'v va fil aakhirathi hasanathan'v vakhinaa azaaban naar, va ad'qil’nal jannatha ma'al ab'raar, ya Azeez, ya Ghaffar, ya Rabbal Aalameen.

"Our Creator, grant us excellence in this world and in the hereafter and save us from the ravages of Hell and admit us into Paradise with our dear ones, You are the Glory, You are the Forgiver and You are the Creator and Sustainer of all the worlds (in the universe)." 

We repeat this Dua in all the seven rounds of the Thawaaf, when we walk this sector of the Muthaaf.

Every time we cross the diagonal black marble line after our first shou’vth, we complete one round of the Holy Ka’bah. 

We kiss the Hajre As’wadh if we can or we raise our right hand from afar and say Allahu Akbar and proceed on the second round.

The Dua’yaen for the second and subsequent rounds are given below.  We may recite these or we may make Dua in our own language.

 

It is best to include the Third Kalimah,

Sub’hanallahi valham’du lillahi va laa illaaha illAllahu vAllahu Akbar valaa hav'la va laa quvvatha illa billahil Aleeyul Azeem.

 in our Dua’yaen in every round of the Thawaaf.

As stated earlier, we complete one round of the Thawaaf every time we come to, and cross, the black marble line. 

We must salute the Hajre As’wad , saying Allahu Akbar and begin  the Dua for the next round.

Dua for the Second Shou'vth (round):

Allahumma inna haazal bai'ytha bai'ythuka val harama haramuka val am'na am'nuka, val ab'da ab'duka, va anaa ab'duka vab'nu ab'dika va haazaa makhaamal aa'yiz bika minan naar;

Fa harrim luhoomanaa va basharathanaa alan naar.

Allahumma habbib ilai'ynal eimaana va zaiyan’hu fee quloobinaa va karri’h ilai’ynal kuf'ra val fusooqa val is'yaan vaj'al'naa minar raashideen.

Allahumma qinee azaabaka yav'ma thab'asu ibaadaka. 

Allahummar'zukhnil jannatha bi ghai'yri hisaab.  A'meen!

Dua for the third shou'vth:

Allahumma innee a'oozubika minash shakki vash shir'ki vash shiqaaqi van nifaqi va sooyil aq'laaqi va sooyil man'zari val mun'qalabi fil maali val ah'li val valadi.

Allahumma innee as'aluka ridaaka val jannatha, va a'oozubika min sakhathika van naar. 

Allahumma innee a'oozubika min fith’nathil qab'r, va a'oozubika min fithnathil mah'ya val mamaath.  A'meen!

Dua for the fourth shou'vth: 

Allahumma aj'al’hu hajjam mab’rooran'v va sai'yam mashkooran'v va zam'bam magh'fooran'v va amalan saaliham maqboolan'v va thijaarathan lan thaboora

yaa aalima maafis sudoor. 

Akh'rijnee ya Allahu minaz zulumaathi ilan noor.

Allahumma innee as'aluka moojibaathi rahmathika, va azaayima magh'firathika, vas salaamatha min kulli ithmin'v val ghaneematha min kulli birrin'v val fou'vza bil jannathi van najaatha minan naar.

Rabbi qan'nei'nee bimaa razaq'thanee, va baarik'lee feemaa aathai'ythanee, vakh'luf alaiya kulla ghaa'yibathin lee min'ka bi'khair. A'meen.

Dua for the fifth shou'vth:

Allahumma azillanee tha'htha zilli ar'shika yav'ma laa zilla illaa zilluka,

va laa baaqee illa vaj'huka, vas'qinee min hav'di nabee’iyaka Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. in sallallahu alaihi va sallam,

Sharbathan hanee’yathan maree’yathan laa naz'maa’o baada'haa abadan.

Allahumma innee as'aluka min khai'yri maa saa'alaka min'hu nabee'yuka Syeduna Muhammed S.A.W.S. un sallallahu alaihi va sallam,

va a'oozubika min sharri maa astha'aazaka min'hu nabee'yuka

Syeduna Muhammed S.A.W.S. un sallallahu alaihi va sallam.

Allahumma innee as'alukal jannatha va nayee'mahaa va maa yuqar’ribunee ilai'yhaa min qav'lin av faei’lin av amalin va a'oozubika minan naari va maa yuqar’ribunee ilaiy’haa min qav’lin av faei’lin av amalin. A'meen!

Dua for the sixth shou'vth:  

Allahumma inna laka alai'ya huqooqan kabeerathan feemaa bai'ynee va bai'ynaka va haqooqan kaseerathan feemaa bai'ynee va bai'yna khal'qika.

Allahumma maa kaana laka min'haa fagh'fir'hu'lee va maa kaana li khal'qika fatha'hammal'hu annee va agh'ni'nee bi halaalika an haraamika va bi tha'athika am maa'si'yathika va bi fad'lika amman sivaaka, yaa Waasiyal Magh’firath.

Allahumma inna bai'ythaka azeemun va vaj'haka Kareemun’v va

antha yaa Allahu Haleemun Kareeemun Azeemun thu'hibbul af'wa fa af’vu annee. A'meen!

Dua for the seventh and final shou'vth:

Allahumma innee as'aluka eimaanan kaamilan va yaqeenan saadiqan va riz'qan vaasiyan’v, va qalban khaashiyan,

va lisaanan zaakiran, va halaalan thayyiban, va thav'bathan nasoohan, va thav'bathan qab'lal mav'th, va raahathan indal mav'th, va magh'firathan'v  va rah'matham baadal mav'th, val af'uva indal hisaab, val fav'za bil jannathi van najaatha minan naar, bi rah'mathika ya Azeez ya Ghaffaar.

Rabbi zid'nee il'man’v val hiq'nee bis saaliheen.  A'meen!

In this way the seven shouv'th's are completed and concluded with the kissing of Hajre As’wad by gesture (or with our lips if we are able to reach it without jostling the Muslim brothers before us).

After this, we take our stand at the Maqaame Multhazim, just next to Hajre As’wad and we pray to Allahu Subhanahu va tha Aalaa to our heart's content.  This is the sacred spot where all the Prophets of the past had stood and made Dua to Allah at least once in their lifetime.

Our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W.S.) used to stand here with his right cheek touching the wall of the Holy Ka’bah and he beseeched Allahu Rabbul Izzath, with tears in his eyes, to bless us, his Ummah, with salvation and a glorious destiny in both worlds. Salli alaa Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam.

If the assembly is too large and space cannot be found, we can stand behind the people, even far from them but within the Masjid, and pray to Allah. 

This certainly is the best and the holiest place on earth and our Dua’yaen here are granted by Allah. We must therefore make the best use of this opportunity and seek Allah's Rahmath for our own and our near ones' and our peoples' glory here in this world and in the hereafter.

Chapter  14

Dua’ayaen at Maqaame Multhazim

Allahumma ya Rabbal Baiy'thil Atheeq, aathiq riqaabana va riqaaba aabaa'yinaa va umma'haathinaa va ikh'waaninaa va av'laadinaa va az’vaajinaa minan naar yaa zal'joodi val karami val fad'li val manni val athaayi val ih'saan.

Allahumma ah'sin aaqibathanaa fil umoori kullihaa va ajir'naa min khizi'yid  duniyaa va azaabil aakhirath.

Allahumma innee ab'duka vab'nu abdika vaaqifun thah'tha baabika multhazimum bi aathaabika muthzallilunbai'yna yadai'yka, arjoo rahmathaka va aq'shaa azaabaka ya Qadeemal Ih'saan.

Allahumma innee as'aluka an thar'fa'a zikree va thada'a viz'ree va thus'liha amree va thu'thah'hira qal'bee va thunav'vira lee fee qab'ree va thagh'firlee zanm'bee va as'alukad darajaathil ulaa minal jannath, yaa Vaajidu  yaa Maajidu  laa thuzil annee ney'mathan an'amtha bihaa alaiya.

Allahumma ya Muqallibul Quloobi sab'bith qal'bee alaa deenika.

Allahumma innee as'aluka moojibaathi rahmathika va azaayima magh'firathika vas salaamatha min kulli ithmin'v val fav'za bil jannathi van najaatha minan naar.

Allhumma innee as'alukal hudaa vath thuqaa val afaafa val ghinaa.

Rabbanaa thaqabbal minnaa innaka Anthas Sameeyul Aleem va thub alai'ynaa innaka Anthath Thawwabur Raheem.  Aameen.

Our conditions today are no different from what our elders endured in the earliest years of Hijrah when the Commonwealth of Islam came into being in Madinathul Munawwarah. Shaiythaan’s unwavering and sworn enmity unto us (since day one of our forefather Aadam’s life) makes daily life indeed difficult to all of us. Every moment of our lives we are in need of Allah's Protection and Aid. Allah has never let us down.  We must be constantly expressing our gratitude to Him as His angels stand guard over us through night and day. As in every aspect of our religious and worldly life, our only option is to abide by the example of Our Beloved Prophet Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. and his blessed companions and overcome, by Allah’s Grace, all the challenges we face.

Our manifesto is the Holy Qur’an.  Its triumph we see in the Uswathul Hus’naa of Our Glorious Leader Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  He has taught us everything both spiritual and political.  Islam has no problem with people of other religions. Allah has directed us to inform them: “Lakum Deenukum Valiya  Deen!”. (Unto us our faith: unto you yours!) There is absolutely no scope for any conflict.

And so, whenever we feel hurt or threatened, we must follow the Holy Prophet’s example and pray to Allah.  Have we not read in the Holy Qur’an: In the dead of night, when a lonely being calls for help in his/her pain or anguish, who responds and sends in help, but Allah? It is only our prayers with true faith and devotion to Allah that will solve our problems, fulfill our needs and reserve  an abode of joy for us in Paradise.

Here, in the simple robes of a Haji you have the opportunity to be a benefactor to all humanity. Wherever you are, in a clean state in a clean environ, realize that you are in the Glorious Presence of Allah and pour out your feelings and emotions to Allah and seek His Blessings not only upon yourself and your families but also on the hapless, unprotected, long suffering Ummah of Syedina Muhammed Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam spread out worldwide..

And pray also for the well being of the entire human race as all of us face the threat of famine, floods, epidemics, earthquakes and other disasters, both natural and manmade,  from which only Allah can protect His creations. By the grace of Allah, cordial relations between Muslims and people of all other faiths will be re-established and the world becomes a haven of mutual understanding , and ever lasting harmony.

Here, no one but Allah sees the tears in your eyes.  No one but Allah feels the trepidations in your heart.  And there is no one greater than Allah Who can grant you your heart's inmost aims and fulfill your desire for grandeur:  in this life and in the eternal life to come. As the Urdu poet Iqbal laid bare our souls to the Creator, we are:

Khaar hai'yn bad'kaar hai'yn,

doobay huvey zillath mae hai'yn,

Kuch bhi hai'yn, leykin Therey Mahboob ki Ummath mae hai'yn.

Raham kar, Apney na aayeenay karam ko bhool jaa,

Hum Thujhey bhooley hai'yn leykin

Thoo na hum ko bhool jaa!

Wretched we are, sinful we are and immured in disgrace we are,

Whatever we are, we are the Ummah of the Glorious Messenger You love.

Have Mercy on us, Our Lord, Grant us again Your Grace, Your Compassion.

We were misled for a time by our own misdeeds, We are now back on track,

Kindly forgive us our sins  (Ya Allah). Take us back into Your Love.

Our great empires are gone. When they ceased to be a source of pride for Islam, Allah dispensed with them.  But our grandeur and our courage as Muslims, our

 love for Islam and our devotion to Allah and His Messenger Syedina Muhammed     S.A.W.S. have stayed with us, stronger and absolute than at any time before.

Let us remember and recite often the Duaa from the Holy Qur’an:

“Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith, and place not in our hearts any rancour toward those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art Full of Pity, Merciful.”

(Surah 59^th: al Hash’r: verse 10)

In rags and often barefoot, on tottering legs and bleeding feet,

riven by hunger and penury most of the time amid the constant din

of Shaiy'thaan and his agents seeking to subvert our loyalty to You. Ya Allah,

we have remained truly devoted  to You and held fast the “rope of Allah”

as commanded in the Holy Qur’an. 

And even today we are upholding heroically, Ya Allah,

the dignity of our glorious Faith and fulfilling as best as we can,

the mission of love to Allah and devotion to Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.

that Your Beloved Prophet (S.A.W.S.) entrusted to us fifteen centuries ago.

We have none but You, Ya Allahu Rabbul Izzath, as our Support and we are confident:  By Your  Rah’math, Your Compassion, we will certainly overcome all difficulties and reach to the highest glory in the very near future.

Tell this to Allah and more as you can.  Speak out! Allah wants you to.  His help is just waiting for you and your Dua.  Ask and you will bring to yourself and to your people the Glory that only Allah can endow.

Nasrum min-Allah-i va Fath’hun Qareeb!

Allah's help is coming to you and yours will be the triumph soonest.

(Holy Qur’an: As Saff: 13)

Let all of us just unite as Muslims first and last and clear our hearts of the rancor and factional hatred we have unwisely carried in our hearts for other sects of Islam.

Let us bequeath to our children and to their future a World of Islam that is Glorious, that is Great and indeed Magnificent in all its departments. The Way it was in the lifetime of Our Lord Syedina Muhammed Sallallalhu Alaiyhi va Sallam.

The future will, by Allah’s Grace, be bright and the coming generations will be protected from the kind of setback and humiliations we have endured so long.

May Allahu  Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa, Who is our One and Only Source of Correct Hidaayah, True Guidance, bless us with leaders of vision and foresight who are truly devoted to Islam and to progress and high achievement in both our Eimaan and to our economic turnaround.  Aameen!

May Allah grant us the good fortune to witness the resurgence of our economies and the renaissance of Islam worldwide within our lifetime.  Aameen!

Chapter  16

The Miracle Water of Zam Zam

Now we partake of the blessed water of Zam Zam.  We may go to the historic well in the corner opposite the Door to Heaven.

 If the Muthaaf is crowded, we may savor the auspicious water from any of the faucets or containers provided around the Muthaaf.

·         Zam Zam is a living miracle.

·         This glorious fount of sweet water is a blessing to us from Allah.

·         We derive from it whatever positive results we seek in good health and wellbeing.

·         This is the fount of "Shifaa" (the divine  cure to every ailment). 

·         Its water is a cureall, a panacea for every kind of physical, psychic or spiritual ailment suffered by mankind.

We must face the Holy Ka’bah and be bareheaded and drink the water in three mouthfuls, reciting Bismillah before and Alham’dulillaah after each intake.

Dua for Partaking Holy Zam Zam water: Allahumma innee as’aluka il’man naafi’yan va riz’qan vaasi’yan va shifaa’an min kulli daa’yin va saq’mim bi rah’mathika yaa arhamur raahimeen.  Aameen!

Chapter  17

The Sa’yee

We walk seven times between the hillocks Safaa and Mar’wah

We now ascend the steps leading to the pink-and-yellow-stone Masjid building surrounding the Holy Ka’bah and proceed to the hillock Safaa.  (This and the Promenade to hillock Mar'wah are now fully enclosed within the Masjid).  We may ascend the two historic hillocks as high as we can, and stand, if possible, where the Holy Ka’bah is visible. 

With true gratitude we praise Allahu Subhanahu va tha Aalaa and raise both hands to shoulder level thrice, saying Allahu Akbar and recite three times: Laa ilaaha illAllahu vah'dahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku va lahul ham'du va huva alaa kulli shai'yin Qadeer.  Laa ilaaha illAllahu vah'dahu anjaz va’adahu va nas'ra ab'dahu va haz'mal ah'zaaba vah'dahu.

We may make the Niyyath that we are performing the Sayee (of Um’rah or Haj or both Haj-and-Um’rah) for Allah:

Allahumma innee ureedus sayee baiy'nas Safaa val Mar'watha fa yassir'hu lee va thaqabbal’hu minnee sab'atha ash'vaathin'l lillahi tha aalaa azza’o jal ab'daa bimaa badaAllahu bihee .

innas Safaa val Mar'watha min sha'aa’yi'rillahi fa man hajjal bai'ytha av’aathamara falaa junaaha alai'yhi an'y yathav’vafa bihimaa va man tha'thavva'a khai'yran fa innAllaha Shaakirun Aleem.

Before and after this recitation, we must make Dua’yaen to Allahu Subhanahu va tha Aalaa.  This is an auspicious setting for our invocations.  We feel we are very close to Allah's Rahmath here in the sanctified precincts of the Holy Masjid. 

We are assured that our prayers to Our Glorious Lord will be granted and this is a most auspicious day of our life.

And we proceed to make the seven trips between this hill and the other one Mar'wah at the opposite end. This commemorates Bibi Hajirah's desperate running, 65 centuries ago, to find water for her famished babe.

At about fifty yards from Safaa, you will find a portion of the promenade marked by green lights at either end. This is where Shai’ythaan sought to subvert her loyalty to Allah. He told her how futile it was to seek water in such a barren and rocky terrain. 

She rejected his evil counsel and ran for a while to ward him off.  In this sector we do the same and recite, as she had done:

Rabbi agh'fir var'ham va aafu'va thakaarrum va thajaavaz ammaa tha'alam, innaka tha'alamu maa laa na'alam, innaka anthAllahul A'ozzul Akram.

In this rocky and barren site which Allah had chosen for His Home, He had watched a poor and lonely woman, a desperate mother, defying every possible danger and holding on to courage as she protected her tender babe against the elements.  Not that the sight or her predicament was any pleasing to Him. 

Allah is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.  He was only testing her endurance and making her an example to the future mothers in Islam.  She passed the test with honors and returned to find her Ismail not only safe but endowed by Allah with a glorious spring of sweet water.

This well was now his domain, according to the law of the times. It would bring him the leadership in later times of the community of settlers drawn to the well and its promise of affluence.

In addition to the Duaa’yaen in our own words, we recite:

In the first walk from Safaa to Marwah:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar kabeeraa,

val hamdulillahi kaseeraa, va Sub'haanAllahil Azeemi

va bihamdi’hil Kareemi, bukrathan'v va aseelaa, va minal lai'yli fas'jud lahoo va sabbih'hoo lai'ylan thaveelaa.

Laa ilaaha illAllahu Vah'dahu, Anjaz Va'adahaoo va Nas'ra Abdahoo va Haz'mal Ah'zaaba Vah'dahoo, Laa Shai'ya Qablahoo va Laa Ba'adahoo, Yuhee va Yumeethu va Huva Hai'yun Daayiman Laa Yamoothu va Laa Yafoothu Abadaa,  bi Yadi'hil Khai'yru va Ilai'yhil Maseer, va Huva Alaa Kulli Shai'yin Qadeer.

(Here, if we have reached the sector marked with green lights, we recite the invocation stated above: rabbi agh'fir var'ham…)

Rabbi najjinaa minan naar, saalimeena ghaanimeena, fariheena musthab'shireena ma'a ibaadikas saaliheena ma'allazeena an'amAllahu alai'him minan nabeeyeena vas sid’deeqeena vash shuh'daayi vas saaliheena va hasuna oolaayika rafeeqan, zaalikal fad'lu minAllahi va kafaa billahi Aleemaa. 

Laa ilaaha illAllahu Haq’qan Haq’qaa. 

Laa ilaaha illAllahu Tha'abbudan'v va Rikhqaa. 

Laa ilaaha illAllahu valaa na'abudhu illaa iyyaahu mukhliseena lahud deen va lav karihal kaafiroon.

(As we would have reached Marwah now, we recite): 

Innas safaa val Mar'watha min sha'aayirillahi, fa man hajjal bai'ytha av a'athamara falaa junaaha alai'hi an'yathav’vafa bihimaa, va man thathav’va'a khai'yran finnallaha shaakirun aleem.

We ascend the Mar'wah hillock and face the Holy Bai'ythullah and we raise our hands and say three times Allahu Akbar and repeat the Dua we rendered on the hillock Safaa.

We must avail these opportunities and add Duaa’yaen in our own words for the fulfilment of our own and our near ones' high aims in life and for the glory of the Muslim Ummah.

Now we proceed on the second walk, which is the return one this time, from Mar'wah to Safaa and recite:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, valillahil hamd. Laa ilaaha illAllahul Vaahidul Far’dus Samadullazee Lam Yath’thakhizu Saahibathan'v va Laa Valadaa valam yakun'l lahu shareekun fil mulki, valam yakun’l lahu valeeyum minaz zulli va kabbir'hu thakbeira. 

Allahumma innaka qulta fee kithaabikal munazzali, ud'oonee astajib lakum da'av'naaka Rabbana kamaa amar'thanaa fagh'fir'lanaa kamaa va’ad’tha’naa Innaka Laa Thukhliful Mee'aad.

Rabbanaa innanaa same'ynaa munaadi’yan yunaadee lil eemani an aaminoo bi Rabbikum fa aamannaa Rabbanaa fagh’firlana zunoobanaa va kaffir annaa sai'yaathinaa va thavaffanaa ma'al abraar.

Rabbanaa va aathinaa maa va'ad’thanaa alaa rusulika va laa thukh'zinaa yav'mal qiyaamathi Innaka Laa Thukhliful Mee'aad.

Rabbanaa alai'yka thavak’kalnaa va ilai'ka anab'naa va ilai'ykal maseer.

Rabbanagh'firlanaa vali ikh'waaninal lazeena sabaqoonaa bil eimaani valaa thaj'al fee quloobinaa ghillan'l lillazeena aamanoo Rabbanaa innaka Ravoofun'r  Raheem.

(We are now at the sector with green Lights and repeat the recitations to ward off Shai’ythaan as above:  Rabbi aghfir var'ham….

And after this, as we are near Safaa, we recite the Qura’nic verse as we did at Mar'wah:  Innas Safaa val Marwatha…)

This pattern is kept up in the ascent up the hills, salutation to the Holy Ka’bah and Dua’ayen and resumption of the walk:

The Dua for the third walk:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, valillahil ham'd. 

Rabbanaa ath'mim lanaa nooranaa vagh'firlanaa, innaka alaa kulli Shai'yin Qadeer.

Allahumma innee as'alukal khai'yra kullahu, a’aajilahu va aajilahu va asthagh’firuka li zambee, va as'aluka rahmathaka Ya Arhamar Raahimeen.

(We may be at the segment marked by green lights now.  let us recite Rabbi aghfir var'ham…. as earlier).

Rabbi zid'nee ilman'v valaa thuzigh qalbee baadh iz hadai'ythanee va hab'lee min'l ladun'ka rahmathan, innaka Anthal Wah’haab. Allahumma aafinee fee sam'ee va basaree. laa ilaaha illaa Antha .

Allahumma innee a'oozubika min azaabil qab'r.  laa ilaaha illa Antha Sub'haanaka innee kunthu minaz zaalimeen.

Allahumma innee a'oozubika minal kuf'ri val faq'r.

Allahumma innee a'oozu bi ridaaka min sakhathika va bi mu'aa'faathika min uqoobathika va a'oozubika min'ka laa uh'see sana'a'an alai'yka Antha Kamaa Ath'naiy'tha alaa Naf'sika Falakal Hamdu Hath’tha Thardaa.

(Now, with the Safaa in sight, we recite the Qura’nic verse, “Innas Safa val Mar'watha….)

Dua for the fourth walk: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, valillahil ham'd. 

Allahumma innee as'aluka min khai'yri maa tha'alamu va a'oozubika min sharri maa tha'alamu vasthagh'firuka min kulli maa tha'alamu, innaka Antha Allaamul Ghuyoob.

Laa ilaaha illAllahu, al Malikul Haq’qul Mubeen, Mohammedun'r Rasoolullahis  Saadiqul Va'adil Ameen. 

Allahumma innee as'aluka kamaa hadai'ythanee lil IIslam an'l laa than'zi'ahu minnee hath’tha thathawaf’faanee va anaa Muslimun.

Allahumma aj'al fee qalbee nooran'v va fee sam'ee nooran'v va fee basaree nooran.

Allahumma ash’rah lee sadree va yassir lee amree va a'oozubika min sharri vasaa’visis sad'ri, va shathaathil am'ri, va fith’nathil qab'r. 

Allahumma innee a'oozubika min sharri maa yuliju fil lai'yli va min sharri maa yuliju fin nahaari, va min sharri maa thahubbu bihir riyaahu Ya Arhamar Raahimeen. 

Sub'haanaka maa abadh'naa'ka haq’qa ibaadathika Ya Allah.  Subhanaka maa zakarnaaka haq’qa zikrika Ya Allah.

We recite now:  Rabbi agh'fir var'ham….and

innas safaa val mar’watha…..

Dua for the fifth walk:  Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, valillaahil ham'd.

Sub'haanaka maa shakar'naaka hq’qa shuk'rika Ya Allah.

Sub'haanaka maa qasad'naaka haq’qa qas'dika Ya Allah.  Sub'haanaka maa aalaa shaanaka Ya Allah. 

Allahumma habbib ilai'ynal eimaan, va zai'yinahu fee quloobinaa va kar'rih  ilai'ynal kufra val fusooqa val isiyaana vaj'alnaa min ibaadikas saaliheen, va aj'alnaa minar raashideen.

We recite:  Rabbi agh'fir arham….

Allahumma khinee azaabaka yav'ma thab'asu ibaadaka. 

Allahumma ahdinee bil hudha, va nakhkhinee bith thakh'waa, vagh'firlee fil aakhirathi val oolaa. 

Allahummab'suth alai'ynaa mim barkaathika va rah’mathika va fad'lika va riz'qika.  Allahumma innee as'alukan nayeemal mukheemallazee laa yahoolu va laa yazoolu abadaa. 

Allahumma aj'al fee qalbee nooran, va fee sam'ee nooran, va fee basaree nooran, va fee lisaanee nooran, va an yameeneee nooran, va min fav'qee nooran, va aj'al fee naf'see nooran, va azzim'lee nooran. Rabbi'shrah lee sad’ree va yassir lee amree.

and we recite:  innas safaa val marwatha….

Dua for the Sixth Walk: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, valillahil ham'd.

Laa ilaaha illAllahu vah'dahu sadaqa va’adahu, va nas'ra abdahu, va haz'mal ah'zaaba vah'dahu,

Laa ilaaha illallahu va laa na'abudu illaa iyaahu mukhliseena lahud deen va lav karihal kaafiroon. 

Allahumma innee as'alukal huda vath thukhaa val afaafa val ghinaa. 

Allahumma lakal hamdu kallazee thaqoolu va khai'yram mimmaa thaqool. 

Allahumma inne as'aluka ridaaka val jannatha, va a'oozubika min sakhathika van naar, va maa yuqar’ribunee ilai'yha min qavlin av fey'lin av amalin. 

Allahumma bi noorikah' thadaiynaa va bi fad'lika as'thagh'naiy’naa  va fee kanafika va in'aamika va athaa'yika va ih’saanika as'bah'thanaa va am'saiy'naa. Anthal Awwalu Falaa Qablaka Shai'yun, Val Aakhiru Falaa Ba'adaka Shai'yun, Vaz’zaahiru Falaa Shaiy'a Fav'qaka Val Baathinu Falaa Shai'ya Doonaka, Na'oozubika minal falasi val kasali va azaabil khab'r, va fith'nathal ghinaa va nas'alukal fav'za bil jannathi.

we recite “Rabbi aghfir varham….and  innas  Safaa val Marwatha….”

Dua for the seventh and final walk:  Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Kabeeraa Val ham'du Lillahi Kaseeraa.

Allahumma habbib ilai'yal eimaana va zai'yanahu fe qalbee va  karri'hu ilai'yal  kuf'ra val fusooqa val is’yaan, vaj'alnee minar raashideen.

We recite:  Rabbi agh’fir varham….

Allahummakh'thim bil khai'yraathi aajaalana, va  haq’qiq bi fad'lika aamalanaa, va sahhil li'bulooghi ridaaka subulanaa va hassin fee jameeyil ah'waali aamaalanaa, Ya Mun'khizal Ghar'qaa Ya Munjiyal Hal'kaa Ya Shaahida Kulla Naj'waa, Ya Munthahaa Kulli Shak'waa,  Ya Qadeemal Ih’saan, Ya Daayimal Maaroof, Ya Man Laa Ghinaa Bi Shaiyin An'hu, Va Laa Bud’da Li Kulli Shaiyim min'hu, ya man riz'qu kulli shai'yin ilai'hi  va maseeru kulla shai'yin ilai'yhi. 

Allahumma innee aayizum bika min sharri maa aathai'ythanaa, va min sharri maa mana'athanaa. 

Allahumma thawaffana Muslimeen val hiq'naa bis saaliheen ghai'yra qadaayaa va laa maf'thooneen.  Rabbi yassir va laa thu'assir, Rabbi athmim bil khai'yr.

we recite: Innas safaa val marwatha…

By the grace of Allah, the Sayee is completed.  We ascend the Marwah hillock, raise our hands towards the Holy Ka’abah and recite Allahu Akbar thrice.

And we make the Dua to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa to kindly accept our Thawaaf and our Sayee and to bless us with Hajje Mabroor (the Haj that is accepted by Allah).

We now get our hair cut or shaved off.  Unless there are compelling reasons to retain our hair, we must shave it off. Women have their hair cut by an inch in length.

We must not cut or shave off our hair ourselves. Another Hajee who has completed the rites of Um’rah, may render this assistance to us. 

It would be best to avail the services of people awaiting us on the Marwah hill or just outside it, with scissors in hand. There are barber saloons also close by for Hajis to avail expert services in this behalf.

After this we return to the Muthaaf or anywhere within the Masjid.  We face the Holy Ka’bah and perform two rakaah’s Salaah Sunnah. 

Shukr Alhamdulillah, the Um’rah is now completed. 

The prohibitions we took on after donning Ih’raam, apply no more.  We can now avail the neymaath, the blessings of life normally allowed to a Muslim. Married couples may resume their relations.

This will not, however, apply to those performing Hajje Qiraan.   They will not have a haircut or shave but will continue to be in the state of Ih’raam and proceed to Minaa and Arafaath on the  8^th Zul Haj.

Chapter  18

The Rites of H a j

On the 8^th of Zul Haj, the Haj rites proper begin for all Hajis.  We have a bath (taking care not to lose hair), put on perfume and don Ih’raam.  We perform two Rakaah’s prayer Sunnah and make the Niyyath for Haj as informed earlier. The Thalbiyah is now our constant companion.

We will be camping in Mina in the open (in a tent) for the next four days. 

It would be best to join a Muthawwif (Muallim)'s caravan, if we are not already in such a group. The needed facilities for transport, accommodation, food and bath, are best made by the Muthawwifeen, who are approved and designated by the Saudi government for such services.

This is the most significant and reverential journey of our life.  It is also a test of our endurance, our stamina and general competence.

We must perform the journey, as every Haji does, with the utmost patience, forbearance, self-discipline and faith in the Rahmath of Allah. We will rise higher in our spirtual stature and also earn the approval of Allah by being courteous, helpful and outgoing to other Hajis.

This is the chance of a lifetime to project the glory and perfection of our faith and develop and exalt our love of Allah and His Rasool (S.A.W.S.).

There will be difficulties and problems.  Haven't we volunteered to face them?  We will brave them and overcome them with the help of Allah.

We are the chosen guests of Allah and He is taking every care of us.  Let us have no fear and never be in panic, whatever the circumstances. 

No fuss, no complaints.  We are all devotion, our hearts and lips quietly and sincerely praising Allah and seeking His pardon for our sins and His help for our success and glory in this life and in the hereafter.

We perform the Salaaths Zuh'r, As'r, Maghrib and Ishaa in Mina.  It is advisable and practical too, to perform these Salaaths in our camp itself, whether it is a tent or a makeshift shelter. Hajis form groups of their own and pray to Allah in Jama’ath.

We may join any group that is to our liking or we may pray by ourselves.

It is masnoon to avail the Qas’r privilege accorded to us by Allah and pray two Rakaath’s Far’d instead of four in Zuh'r, As'r and Ishaa. In Salaath al Magh’rib there is no Qas’r; and we pray its three Rakaath’s Far’d in full wherever we happen to be.

We may recite the Holy Qur'an and study the Hadith.

We may engage in Zikre Ilaahi.

Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa has directed us in the Holy Qur’an in Surah 59^th: Ash’Shar’h: verse 10: FA IZAA FARAGH’THA FANSAB, VA ILAA RABBIKA FARGHAB !“Whenever you find respite from work, resume your spiritual quest and gain the pleasure of your Lord (Allah) with true devotion!”)

And in Surath Ar Raadh, we are informed:

ALLAHU YABSUTHUR RIZQA LIMAN’Y YASHAA’O VA YAKHDIRU. VA FARIHOO BIL HAAYAATHID DUNIYA . VAM AL HAAYAATHID DUNIYA FIL AAKHIRATHI ILLAA MATHAA’YUN. VA YAQOOLUL LAZEENA KAFAROO LUV LA UNZILA ALAIHI AAYATHUM MIN/R RABBIHI. QUL INNALLAHA YUDILLU MAIYN/YASHAA’O VAYAH’DEE ILAIYHI MUN ANAAB.   ALLAZEENA AAMANOO VA THUT’MI YINNA QULOOBBUHUM BI ZIKRILLAH .  ALAA BI ZIKRILLAHI  ALAA BI ZIKRILLAHI THATHMAYI’YINNUL QULOOB

Allah enlargeth livelihood for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will); and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of the world is but brief comfort as compared with the Hereafter. (26) Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent

Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him), (27) Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in

Allah enlargeth livelihood for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will); and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of the world is but brief comfort as compared with the Hereafter. (26) Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent

Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him), (27) Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! (28) Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end (Surah 13^th: ;ar ‘/Raad: verses 26-27)

“Allah guides unto Himself all who turn to Him, who believe (in His Rah’math) and whose hearts find joy in the remembrance of Allah. Indeed in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find real happiness (and peace)”.

We attain this eminence by reciting as often as we can:

Laa ilaaha illAllahu Muhammed S.A.W.S. un’r Rasoolullah.

Or, we may recite:

Laa ilaaha illAllah.

The best Zik’r, CONVEYed by learned scholars, is:

"Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah".

Yet another Thasbeeh that pleases Allah is:

Sub’hanAllahi va biham’dihee, Sub’hanAllahil

Azeemi va bi ham’dihee,

asthagh’firullahu Rabbee min kulli zambin’v va khatheey’yathin’v va athoobu ilai’yhi.

We may memorize these and be reciting them as often as we can, even as we are engaged in our work, while driving, while riding a bike, while seated in an airliner, when trying to solve any problem or overcoming any difficulty

that could have arisen.  We are guaranteed triumph:

Nasrum minAllahi va fath’hun qareeb!

Every instant we can spare, we recite the blessed name of Our Creator.  It becomes part of our breathing, an accompaniment to every heartbeat of ours. 

In return we are blessed with bountiful Neymaath by the Rabbul Aalameen.

Chapter  19

To Arafaath , with the highest hopes

Early on the 9^th Zul Haj, the Arafaath Day, we perform Salaathul Faj'r at Mina and proceed to Arafaath. Everyone reciting the Thalbiyah, the millions of Hajis from all over the world converge on the plain of Arafaath, which is about seven miles from Mina.

This glorious meeting place is entwined with history and the population of our planet by human beings.

The parents of all humanity, Adam and Eve were expelled from heaven and landed on earth, thousands of miles apart from one another. They realized it was the punishment they merited for disobeying their Lord and succumbing to the temptation offered by Shaiy’thaan. And they spent years in repentance and supplication before Allah.

Their Dua’yaen were finally accepted by Allah and the first human couple created by Allah were reunited on this Holy Ground. 

On this day, Allah's Rahmath is closest to the Hajis standing up and praying to Him for compassion and fulfillment of their inmost and long cherished aspirations.

 

If we reach the tent earmarked for us early, we may have a bath and put on a new Ih’raam.  We may recite the Holy Qur'an and engage in Zikre Ilaahi before Salaathuz Zuh’r.

The Azaan for Zuh'r prayer from the Masjid Nimrah, is our cue to the start of the special prayers. This unforgettable afternoon of Dua’yaen, the Wuqoofe Arafaath, is the main purpose for which we had undertaken this glorious pilgrimage. 

The Masjid itself would have filled with Hajis who had entered it for Salaah much earlier.  If we find place, we can join them.  Otherwise we will line up with the millions of others who stand up for Salaah on the roads and the sidewalks. This is the world's largest ever congregation of human beings. The two Far’d Salaahs, Zuh'r and As'r, that we perform here in Jama’ath, bring us the highest sawaab. 

We pray behind the venerable Imam from Haram Shareef al Makkah, who leads the Zuh'r prayer now, of two Rakaah’s Far’d performed in Qas’r. 

This is followed, immediately, by the Azaan of Salaath al As'r and this Salaah of Four Rakaah’s Far’d is also performed in Jama’ath similarly in Qas’r of Two Rakaah’s. The Imam renders the Sermon after this.

After this, and until we leave this hallowed ground after sunset, no other Salaah is performed, either individually or in Jama’ath. 

                                                            Chapter  20             

 Waqoof-e-Arafaath:  Our Date With Destiny

Allah gives us life and sustenance. And our mission on earth is to earn His approval and secure, by His Grace, an abode in the highest heaven, Firdaus, in the eternal life to come.

Our arrival at Arafaath is a signal of of the high destiny Our Glorious Creator has reserved for us.  Allah chose us to be in this annual assembly of Hujjaj over which Allah Himself presides. This afternoon, Allah receives our petitions and grant us the good fortune that ill exalt us here on earth and in the life to come.

We retire to our respective tents or stand anywhere and commence our supplication to Allah.  It is wise to stand in the shade and protect ourselves from the hot sun.

We give ourselves up to heartrending Dua’yaen to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa. The hotline is now opened between the Creator and His slaves in Arafaath and no one intercedes. Every man, woman and child, who had come for Haj, now opens his or her heart (and also his or her soul) to the Supreme Lord of the Universe.

Some people go to Jabal-e-Rahmath. It is a small hill that we can see from everywhere.  It has a white pillar at its peak, the mark of its distinction. 

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) had rendered the historic Quth’bathul Vidaa, the Last Sermon, here on the 9^th Zul Haj of the 10^th year of Hijrah, when the historic verse was revealed to mark the completion of the Holy Qur’an:

"This day We have perfected the Faith for you and completed (the series of) our blessings unto you and (We) have chosen as your religion: Islam!"

The time we have is so precious.  It is better we commence our duaa’yaen right away.  Wherever we stand, we are close to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa.  The Glorious Creator is this day waiting for our supplications. 

Allah, the Almighty, has graciously thrown open to us the doors that lead us to His Mercy, to His Compassion and to His Limitless Treasures.

It is here in these precious few hours that the miracle is witnessed and experienced every year.

Supply of bounties from Allah exceeds the demand, the requests, from His ardent slaves.

You need only seek Allah's Help and your highest aims will certainly be realized! Ask for more, and still more, from the Rah’math of Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa:

·         for yourself, your wife and children and their future lineage,

·         for your parents and those who have departed,

·         for your relatives and friends,

·         for the people, the men, women and children whose glorious faith you share and also

·         for the other people whom you want to be the friends and well wishers of your people.

Allah's Rahmath is with you! All the aims of your life can be fulfilled now. In these four memorable hours, build for yourself a mansion in heaven and a glorious empire upon earth.

And, in this moment of your audience with Allah, the Mightiest, you will remember the problems, the suffering and the unmerited humiliation inflicted on you and your people--for no fault of theirs or yours.  Haven't we endured it all with “our hearts branded with fear and lips locked into silence"?

Shed tears if you must; but it would be more fitting to rejoice and show your gratitude to Allah. Inspite of all that persecution, you remain unvanquished wherever you are. 

And your loyalty and devotion to Allah and His Chosen Messenger Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.) have grown stronger and unflinching with the passage of time!

We have been asking ourselves: what is the cause of the trauma caused to the Ummah, of which we are a part?  And we realized in time: it is the direct result of our own and our peoples’ sloth and indifference to Islam.  We have not been as consistent and wholehearted in the observance of Salaah and Fasting and Zakaah as we should have been! 

In our workplace, we take the utmost care to earn the boss’ approval.  We guard ourselves against a charge of dereliction of duty as that would earn us the sack.  But with Allah, the Supreme and Incomparable Lord of the Universes (known and yet to be known to humanity), we act different. In sheer stupidity, we pride ourselves on being the spoiled brats of Islam. 

Allah keeps our lives and limbs intact.  For all the days and nights left in our life span, He has prearranged the supply of sustenance and comfort and career joys to us.  Don’t we owe Him our gratitude?

If Allah chooses, even for a split second, to ignore us and forget our constant and continuing need of His Help, what will happen to us?

A mere breach in the supply of power or water to our homes, brings humanity to its knees.  If there is a malfunction of even a single cell or a miniscule nerve in our complex system, or a tiny aneurism or blood clot causes a rupture of our blood vessels we could suffer a fatal stoke or be paralyzed for life.

Because Allah is the Rah’maanir Raheem, the Merciful and the Compassionate, all of us want the Glorious Creator to overlook our shortcomings and kindly grant us our prayers and that too instantly, within seconds and bless us and continue to bless us with unlimited bounties!

Let our eyes be opened in Arafaath and our souls imbibe the true love of Allah and His Rasool Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam. The least we can do to prove worthy of all the care and protection Allah has devoted to us is to cleanse ourselves of sham and pretense and mould ourselves into perfection as Muslims. 

Our family, our nation and our world will be the beneficiary if this positive improvement occurs here in our character and attitude and motivation in life.

Let us wish the masses well and pray to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa on this momentous occasion, to kindly have mercy on us and on our errant brothers and sisters in the Faith and to pardon our sins and make all of us good Muslims and readmit us into His Rah’math.

May Allah kindly bring all of us to the glorious road of Islam and motivate us to observe regular Salaah and fulfill all our religious duties in an excellent and exemplary manner. A'meen!

Allah knows them and nothing is hidden from Him.  Yet He wants to hear from you your own assessment of the stupendous problems facing the Ummah. Let your eyes brim with tears as you explain how weak and disorganized and disspirited you and your people are to face them.

Beseech Allah to grant strength of purpose and courage and victory to you and your people. Recite the a'yat from the Holy Qur'an that  conveys Allah's promise unto us:

If Allah helps you, none can overcome you.

If He forsakes you, then who is there who can help you?

In Allah (Alone) should the believers put their trust.

(The Holy Quran:  Surath Al Imra’n: 160)

State over and over again your total dependence on Allah, ask His forgiveness and seek His help, for yourself, your family and your nation.

Your prayers will, insha Allah, bring about the Islami renaissance that has been in the making for a century now.

At the same time pray for a change of heart in your opponents.  If their eyes are opened by Allah, their hearts will shine forth with understanding, if not love, for Islam and they will become your friends.

            Do not ever underestimate yourself.  If your prayers rise from deep within your heart and theirs is an intense  projection of the anguish and aspirations that are in every Muslim heart in every country of the world, your Dua’yaen will be accepted by Allahu Rabbul Izzath. And the future course of history will be changed by Allah to the advantage of Muslims.

We know from the Holy Qur’an that Prophet Solomon (Syedina Sulaimaan Alaihis Salaam) was leading his drought affected people to prayers for rain when he halted abruptly and asked the retinue to turn back. 

The Prophet King was specially gifted by Allah.  He could understand the language used by species other than humans also. He had just seen and heard an ant lying on its back and beseeching Allah for rain.  He told his people Allah had granted its prayer that very instant and there certainly would be plentiful rain and famine averted.

Can’t your prayers achieve a similar result, my brothers and sisters in Islam?

An inspiring chapter in the history of Islam is the transformation that came over Syedina Omar (R.A.).  He was a most dreaded leader of the Kuffar in Makkah. Muslims were praying to Allah to kindly inspire Omar to embrace Islam and boost the  strength of the beleaguered believers in Makkah.

Omar and Abu Jeh’l were the fiercest enemies of Islam. Both had vowed to kill the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) with their own hands.  Abu Jeh’l was the more cunning of the two and was able to retain the loyalty of his coterie without having to carry out his boast.  Not so Omar, whose charisma was built on sheer courage and integrity.

Unable to contain his fury any longer, he set out one day, sword drawn, to kill the Leader of Islam (S.A.W.S.). En route a friend accosted him and mocked him for his frenzy.

He said Omar had a more urgent task on hand.  He should go and find out first if the rumor was true that his own sister and her husband had both embraced Islam! 

Omar was beyond himself in rage. He rushed to his sister’s house. His worst fears were confirmed. His sister was reading from the Holy Qur’an!  In sheer ferocity, he lashed out at her and snatched the parchment from her hand. 

As the injured lady wept at the hurt and anguish he had caused her, he read the Surath Al Imran that she had been reciting from the Holy Qur’an. 

A world of awakening dawned before him and his anger melted. He was overcome by compassion and a deep sense of shame.  And he recognized instantly the divine origin of the verses he read. In his heart there was repentance and anger at himself for defying so long a faith so true, so pristine and so glorious.

He had to make amends.  He ran like mad and within moments he was before the Prophet whom he had vowed to kill. 

Omar was on the verge of tears.  He surrendered to Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.). and begged to be forgiven and admitted to Islam. It was the shining moment of our history.  Omar became the strongest advocate of Islam.

In later years, he was elected the second Caliph at a time when Islam was confronting the heavily armed forces of old established empires on three different fronts.

Seated on mats woven from palm leaves in the Masjide-e-Nabavi at Madina, he wrote to his commanders as far apart as Persia, Syria and North Africa. 

Through  couriers (and once by telepathy while giving the Friday sermon at the Masjid), he conveyed to them expert and timely guidance. He also supported them with his dua’yaen and the unflinching trust he placed in them.

Allah blessed him with triumph in the jihad he waged both on ground and in the minds of men and women to inspire them with the dynamism, the integrity and glory of Islam.

People were drawn to Islam by the peace and security and contentment that prevailed in the Commonwealth of Islam under Omar’s expert administration. 

The ruler’s personal grandeur and dynamism born of his devotion to the Holy Qur'an and Hadith, set the highest standards in effective government and establishment of public order, guaranteeing equality, fairplay and true justice to all.  Omar’s magnificent record as the triumphant  ruler of a vast commonwealth, is, to this day, unsurpassed in world history. 

Such miracles can occur yet again if our prayer to Allah is earnest and heartrending.

We may recite this Dua in the beginning or at the conclusion of our invocations in our own words to Allahu Qaadiyul Haajaath:

Allahumma lakal ham’du kallazee naqoolu va khai'yram mimma naqoolu. Allahumma laka salaahee va nusukee va mah'ya'ya va mamaathee va ilai'yka ma'aabee va laka ya rabbi thuraa'see.

Allahumma innee a'oozubika min azaabil qab'ri va vas'vaasis sad'ri va shathaathil amri.

Allahumma innee a'oozubika min sharri maa yajee'yu bihir riyaahu.

Laa ilaaha illallahu vah'dahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku va lahul ham'du yuhee va yumeethu va huva hai'yun'l laa yamoothu biyadi'hil khai'yru va huva alaa kulli shai'yun qadeer.

Allahumaj'al fee qalbee nooran'v va fee sam'yee nooran va fee basaree nooran. Allahummash'rah lee sad'ree va yassir lee am'ree.

Allahumma yaa raafee'ad darajaathi va munazzilal bar'kaathi va faathiral ardeena vas samaawaathid darjath ilai'ykal aswaathi bi sunoofil lughaathi nas'al'lukal haajaathi va haajathi al la tan'saanee fee daaril balaa'yi izaa nasee'yanee ah'lud duniya.

Allahumma innaka thas'maoo kalaamee va tharaa makaanee va tha'alamu sirree va alaa'niyathee va yakh'faa alai'yka shai'yun min am'ree anal baayisul faqeeru, al'mustha'gheesul musthajeeru, al vaj'lul mush'fiqu al mu'atharifu bi zanmbihee as'aluka mas'alathal masaakeena va ab'thahilu ilai'yka ib'thi'haalal muz'nibiz zaleeli va ad'ooka dua'al khaayifid dareeri man qad'ath ilai'yka laka raq'bathu'hu va faadath laka ib'rathuhu va zallath lajab'hathuhu va raghima laka an'fahoo.

Allahumma laa thaj'al'nee bi duayika rabbi shaqeeyan’va kun ravoofan raheeman ya khai'yral mas'ooleena va ak'ramal mu'etheen.  Rabbanaa aathinaa fid duniya hasanathan'v va fil aakhirathi hasanathan'v va qinaa azaaban naar.

Allahumma innee zalamthu nafsee zulman kaseeran'v va innahu laa yagh'firuz'zunooba illaa antha, fagh'fir'lee magh'firathan'm min indika var'ham'nee innaka anthal ghafoorur raheem.

Allahummagh'fir'lee magh'firathan thus'li'hu bi'haa shaanee fid daarai'yni, var'ham'nee rah'mathan'v vaasiyathan as

Adu bihaa fid daarai'yni va thub alai'ya  thav'bathan nasoohan laa anku'thu'haa abadan'v va al'zim'nee sabeelal isthiqaamathi laa azib'ghu an'haa abadan.

Allahumman qil'nee min zillil maasiyathi ilaa azzith tha'athi vak'fin'nee bi halaalikaan haraamika vagh'ni'nee bi fadhlika amman sivaaka, va navvir qal'bee va qab'ree vah'dinee va a'yiz'nee minash  sharri kullihee vaj'ma liyal khai'yra kullahoo.

Allahumma innee as'alukal hudaa vath thukhaa val afaafa val ghinaa. Allahummar'zukh'nil yus'raa va jannib'nil os'ra, var'zukh'nee thaa'athaka maa ab'khai'ythanee isthav'da'athuka deenee va amaanathee va khawaatheema malee va qav'lee va badanee va nafsee va ah'lee va ah'baabee va saa'yiral muslimeena va jaaya maa an'am'thabihee alaiya va alai'yhim min umoorid duniyaa val aakhirath.

Allahumma laa thaj'al'hu aakhira ah'dee bi haazal mav'qafi var'zuqneehi maabaqai'ythu andan, vaj'alnee fee haazal yav'ma musthajaaban duayee, magh'firathan zunoobee, va aa'thinee minar rid'waani var riz'khil vaasi'yil halaali maa tha'qarrabahoo ai'ynee va baarik lee fee jamee'yil umooree va fil ah'li val maali val valadi.

Va sallallahu alaa Syedinaa Muhammed S.A.W.S. in'v va aalihee va sah'bihee va sallam.  A'meen!

Allah loves those:

v  who seek His Blessings with imagination and in a language of deep devotion,

v who feel His closeness to themselves as He is

      their Creator and they His creation,

v  who blend their awe of Him with true love for Him and His Glorious Messenger (S.A.W.S.),

v  who are sure and certain in their hearts that come what may, their Allah and His Rahmath will stay with them and grant them triumph over every kind of adversity, 

v  who begin and conclude every Dua, invocation, with Darood, (their request to Allah to kindly bless their benefactor Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.) with peace and with pre-eminence among all His Prophets),

v  whose keynote is the promise from Allah in the Holy Qur'an:

Laa thaq'nathu min'r Rah’mathillah!"

Never lose faith in the Compassion of Allah!" and

Nasrum minAllahi va fath’hun qareeb!

"Allah's Glorious Help is on way to you and

yours indeed will be the ultimate triumph!"

A little before sunset, as the time for departure from Arafaath nears, the Muthawwif (Muallim), the Saudi group leader of your delegation, will lead you in the final invocation to Allah as a group.

The invocation in Arabi is an excellent appeal for Allah's Compassion and the Muthawwif renders it in a most sincere and earnest manner.

You are at liberty to join or continue with your own Dua’yaen to Allah.

                                                                         Chapter  21

We Move to  Muz’dalifa

Now begins the most massive exodus of humanity ever seen anywhere in the world: the fulfillment of Allah’s promise in the Surathun Nas’r of the Holy Qur’an:

When from Allah comes the Help and Victory,

and you see men, women and childrenentering Allah’s Religion

in legions, celebrate (in your hour of triumph)

the Praise of your Lord and seek His Pardon

(for faults committed even unknowingly).

He always bestows (Compasssion and)

Mercy (on His penitent slaves).

The most glorious day of our life has reached its beautiful finale.  Maasha Allah!  A job well done.

The prayers conclude as the sun sets.  And over three million Hajis bid farewell to blessed Arafaath and begin the euphorian trek back to Muzdalifah, then to Mina and finally to the Holy Baithullah in Makkathul Mukarramah. They are nearing the culmination of the celebrated rites of Haj.

It was my opportunity, once, to climb atop a bus and witness the mass of humanity surging back to Allah's House with Thalbiyah on their lips and an uplifting joy in their hearts.

 

On the sidewalk are the thousands who make their mode of Haj:  "Makkah to Makkah by walk"!  With backpacks of blankets and some utensils and a folded umbrella thrust deep into the bundle, theirs is the stride of a victorious army on the march. 

Seven roads (they may be more now) with bumper to bumper traffic and the fourteen sidewalks and the surrounding desert adorned with sprightly humanity, seeking Allah like lovers hastening to their Beloved!

For once, the Hajis’ fear of the Creator has been transformed into true love for Him: Our Lord Almighty, Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa. The aura of Arafaath has filled our hearts and minds with love and a unique sense of fulfillment.  Allah so near to us, as our father was, loving and possessive as our mother was, holding our hand and leading us to triu;mh as the best our friends did in our early years. This is not just an euphoria.  We are no more the weaklings we were  a month before.  The  audience with the Lord, the warmth of welcome that fills th air and the Hajis are now our honoured companions.  The journey to the future is going to be great, uplifting and ennobling.   that day.  The heart and soul of the guests of Allah are brimming over with gratitude and a true and abiding love for  our Graccious, Generous and All Powerful and All Powerful Host, Allahu Rah’maanir Raheem!

For  every one of us, the Hajis in Arafaath, who are in  millions, Allah has opened wide this day the door to Heaven.

Until yesteday thery were His slaves. Today their status has risen.  From here on they will be known as His friends!

The words of the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) echo in our hearts.  This night in Muzdalifah, where we halt for the night, the Shaiy'thaan will be cursing himself, “tearing at his hair and throwing dust onto himself, as he beholds humanity's reunion with Allah”. 

It is the annual drama, enacted in this vast open theater, of the Devil's condemnation as the enemy of man.  This night he is the accursed being shunned and despised by all good people.

Muzdalifah is another vibrant memory the Haji cherishes through life. Under the stars and on bare ground, he spreads a blanket and spreads out his limbs for a while. This is a night for both prayer and rest.

Some Hajis proceed to the historic Masjid of Muzdalifah, the Mash'har al Haram. Most of us, however, pray to Allah (by ourselves as individuals or in Jama’ath, congregation, with other Hajis).

The Salaath’s Magh’rib and Isha’a may be performed by us at any hour of the night, once we have set up our open air camp in Muzdalifah.

We also collect fortynine plus pebbles. These pebbles are of the size of a peanut each.

We reserve them for our enemy, the Shai’ythaan and his two associates, We will be confronting them and stoning them in Mina tomorrow and over the next two days.

Now it is time to relax and rest for the night, in Allah's protection. Let us conserve our energy.

                                                               Chapter  22

     Tenth of Zul Haj Teaches Us Responsible Behavior

The 10^th of Zulhaj, the day that follows Arafaath, calls for the utmost patience, forbearance and responsible behavior from every Haji.

While the Muslim world celebrates the Eidul Ad’haa, we will try and perform best the three important duties that will test  our fitness to be a  Haji. As the eastern sky lights up for dawn, we perform Salaahul Faj'r at Muzdalifah and start immediately for Mina, with the Thalbiyah on our lips.

We enter Mina and reach the Jam’raath, where the Shai’ythaans are stoned.  The Thalbiyah recitation is now halted. And we go stone the Big Shaiy'thaan right away. We keep the other two brats waiting till tomorrow.

With every pebble thrown, we recite ALLAHU AKBAR. RIDAN LIL RAHMAAN, VA RAJMAN'L LIL SHAIY'THAAN! 

On each of the following days, in the afternoon of the 11^th and 12^th Zul Haj, we will stone all three Shai’ythaans one by one.  Why do we do this?

 About 5,000 plus years past, when Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail were on their way to a selected site in Mina for fulfillment of the Patriarch Prophet’s vow to sacrifice his beloved son in Allah's cause, Shaiy'thaan blocked their route at three places and tried to turn the Prophet against Allah.  Syedina Ibrahim A.S. threw seven stones at him each time and scared him away.  It is at these three spots that we stone the Shai’ythaans.

In the last few years, the lack of discipline among a few Hajis had led to sudden stampedes and the scene had taken the look of tragedy. Better arrangments for regulating the crowds have since been made and the Ruk'n (rite) rendered easier and safer. Hajis must be most careful, alert and disciplined always, especially in locations like the Jamra’ath. They must be circumspect and avoid rush and panic. 

To preserve our own and other Hajis' lives is most important. Haj is an experience that makes us perfect human beings and excellent Muslims. Our discipline and helpfulness to one another here will be the hallmark of our success.  Safety First!

It is quite possible that saboteurs and mischief makers might infiltrate Haji ranks or take on some disguise and cause panic or indulge in acts of sabotage any time anywhere in the holy places. All Hajis must therefore keep their eyes and ears open and detect such vile elements and hand them over to the police. 

May Allahu Rabbul Aalameen kindly protect every one of His Devout Muslim Slaves from the rancor and malice of His enemies who are trying to create problems for us at every step.  A’meen!

With Allah’s help and protection, we will certainly triumph over all Shaiy’thaans and we will also frustrate and defeat their disciples who may have taken human form. 

                                                                       Chapter  23

The Rites of Qurbaani

We go to the huge enclosure set apart for Qurbani and perform the rite.  We must say BISMILLAHI, ALLAHU AKBAR.  ALLAHUMMA MIN'KA VA LA'KA and we must see that the animal's face is towards the Holy Ka’bah.  Qurbani is a must for the Qiraan Hajis and it is optional for others.

A sheep or goat is the unit of Qurbani, for each individual.  Seven hajis can come together and give as Qurbani, one camel or one bull, male or female. This category of livestock is considered equal to seven sheep. 

The person performing the rite must mention the names of the Hajis who have paid for the animals and then sacrifice the animal for Allah.

Men go for a haircut or a total shave of the head.  Women cut away an inch length from their hair. 

Now we have come out of Ih’raam.  We have a bath and put on normal dress. Except for conjugal relations, all prohibitions of Ih’raam are now over.

We go to Makkathul Mukarramah for Thawaaf-e-Ifaadah  (also known as Thawaaf-e-Ziarat) at the Holy Baithullah and come back to Mina for rest and prayers.

Qurbani: In Mina, there is a special enclosure for this rite. Livestock (sheep, lambs and camels) brought in for sacrifice are grouped there for our purchase.

  

We must do the Qurbani in the sheds erected for the purpose. Here trained people are available for processing the meat after sacrifice. The stalls are kept clean and the requisite facilities and plentiful water are available.

The three days of our stay in Mina are characterized "the days for drying sacrificial meat".This implies that the meat of the animals sacrificed must be eaten by us, distributed to the poor and also dried in the sun and taken home, if possible. A little effort and expense undertaken in this behalf will bring us good rewards, both delicious meat and liver dishes and spiritual fulfillment at a duty well done.

It may be noted that the meat of animals sacrificed as "dhumm" is not to be eaten. "Dhumm" is the penalty for contravening the prohibitions of Ih’raam.  Even hair lost when we were in I’hraam, could render us liable for this.

For those who cannot afford the 'dhumm' sacrifice, it is permissible to observe ten days' fast instead. At least three days' fasting should be observed in the Haj season. 

This is best done on the days preceding Arafaath Day. The remaining seven days' fast must be observed after returning home.

                                                                     Chapter  24

Thawaafe Ifaadah

We proceed to the Holy Masjid-e-Haram at Makkah and perform the Thawaafe Ifaadah*  as Far’d.  We make the Niyyath appropriately, saying the Thawaaf is for Allah, and we make seven rounds of the Holy Ka’bah in the manner of our First Thawaaf. The only difference is that we will be performing this Thawaaf in our usual dress and not in Ih’raam.

There will be the maximum number of Hajis assembled in the Masjid and the Muthaaf.  We must be most disciplined, courteous and alert every step of the way.  The surge of Hajis is so orderly and devout, we will be carried along, as though by angels, and the fatigue will not be there. We must, however, take the utmost care not to slip or fall down, nor trample under foot any other Haji who may have fallen down unexpectedly.

(*This Thawaaf-e-Ifaadah can be performed later on also, after our final return to Makkathul Mukarramah on the 12^th or 13^th of Zul Haj).

Hajis who had not performed Sayee with the Thawaaf-e-Qudoom on the 8^th Zul Haj, must perform it now.

With this, all the prohibitions of Ih’raam are over and the married Haji may resume conjugal relations with his wife if they are performing Haj together.

                                                                       Chapter  25

We Resume Camp at Mina

After performing the Thawaaf-e-Ifadah, we return to Mina and stay there till the afternoon of 12^th or 13^th Zul Haj.  We go and stone the three Shai’ythaans every afternoon.

These three days 11^th, 12^th and 13^th of Zul Haj, were named in earlier years the days for savoring and sundrying the sacrificial meat brought in from the Qurbani  the Hajis had performed at the conclusion of the rites of Haj.

This implies that the meat of the animals sacrificed must be eaten by us, distributed to the poor and also dried in the sun and taken home, if possible. A little effort and expense undertaken in this behalf will bring us good rewards, both delicious meat and liver dishes and spiritual fulfillment at a duty well done.

We must realize the excellent ideal behind this and make good use of the valuable meat and not let it go waste.

The spiritual importance of our stay here is still more dynamic. Our time in Mina is devoted to Salaah and Zikr-e-Ilaahi (recitation of the Glorious Names of Allah), studying the Holy Qur’an and Hadith and sending Darood to Our Master Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  S.A.W.S. 

We performed the Haj as best as we could. We sit back and enjoy our reward: the exhilaration of having achieved the mission of our life.  For the first time in many, many years, we feel the pressures have been lifted and there is nothing that we need to be worried or unduly concerned about. We are relaxed and we realize that Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa is Our Best Support and we are going to lead the remaining years of our life in peace and in real joy under the Glorious Protection and Absolute Security that only Allah, Our Lord, provides.

To most of us, Haj is our first exposure to international living. Here in Mina, the Hajis avail this excellent opportunity and meet Muslims from other lands and establish friendship and rapport with them. It is our good fortune as Muslims that we are absolutely free from shyness and artificiality in our public relations. No hauteur nor snobbery alienate Muslims from one another!

Our Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) has shown us how to make friends and spread the Light of Islam around the world.  Every one of us is outgoing and most friendly to other Hajis and we share with them the enduring joy and happiness that Haj onveys to all humanity.

In the Masaajid in our lands, we have been meeting and exchanging friendly greetings and conversation with total strangers.  On occasions, we have also invited them to dinner or tea at our homes and the friendships have endured.

Here the World of Islam is present before us.  People of every race and color, scholars and professionals as well as the not so educated, the rich and the powerful as well as those who have nothing but Allah as their most valued possession, the young, the middle aged and the old, the spectrum of humanity is here and all we need do is to smile the salamath, wish them “Hajjam Mabroorum” and the gates are opened to the glory of Islami renaissance.

Allah wishes us, in our post-Haj years, to dedicate our lives to the noble task of re-establishing in real terms the Islami unity the Holy Qur’an has spelled out: “Hold fast, all of you, to the rope of Allah; and be not like those who are divided among themselves.  Let there arise from you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.  They are are the ones to attain felicity”.  (Surath al Al Imraan:  103-105).  Maasha Allah!

                                                              Chapter  26

            We Return, to Take Leave of Baithullah

Hajis staying on in Mina till the 13^th  Zul Haj, must stone the Shai’ythaans that afternoon and then leave or stay the night in Mina and reach Makkathul Mukarramah next day.

The Hajis' stay in Makkathul Mukarramah after this is a unique and spiritually uplifting experience. 

This stay in the Holy City is a wonderful opportunity  for us to deepen and enrich our faith.  It must not be frittered away in useless pursuits.

Shopping and developing commercial contacts for business expansion is allowed but this must be curtailed and treated as secondary objectives.

We are not sure if we will return to this Glorious Haram Shareef for a second Haj or Um’rah from our land.

Let us therefore treat every moment of our stay in Haram Shareef as a blessing from Allah and:

v  Perform as many Naf’l Thawaaf's of the Holy Baithullah as we can. 

v  We can also perform these thawaaf’s on behalf of Our Master Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam and our elders who are no more.  We may also perform them on behalf of our loved ones who are left behind in our native land.

v  Be in the Glorious Masjid in time and perform all the five Far’d Salaahs in Jama’ath;

v  Recite the Holy Qur'an as much as possible in the Holy Masjid. We may bequeath the sawaab to Our Glorious Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and to our elders who are no more, as our homage of love and devotion to them;

v  Recite Darood-e-Shareef by the thousand as an expression of our gratitude to Our Beloved Benefactor (S.A.W.S.) who brought us the gift of Islam.

v  Partake of the Holy Water of Zam Zam.  This brings us sawaab and also health and wellbeing as it is the best treatment for all ills and it is also food, according to Hadith.

Before leaving the Holy City, we must peform the Thawaaf-e-Vidaa, our farewell to the Most Sanctified House of Allah. After completing the rites of Thawaaf as earlier, we come to the Maqaame Multhazim and make an earnest invocation to Allahu Sub’hanahu va tha Aalaa.

This being the final Dua we are making in this glorious House of Worship, we must put all our worries and problems before Allah and seek His Help and Guidance for the rest of our lives.

In every Dua, we must also pray for the salvation of Muslims all over the world and for the unity, progress and triumph of the World of Islam.

Dua After Thawaaf-e-Vidaa:

AA'YIIBOONA THAA'YIBOONA AABIDOONA LI RABBANAA HAMIDOONA SADAQALLAHU VA'ADAHOO, VA NAS'RA AB'DAHOO, VA HAZ'MAL AH'ZAABA VAH'DAHOO.

ALLAHUMMA INNEE ABDUKA VAB'NU AB'DIKA VAB'DO AMATHIKA HAMALATHANEE ALAA DAAB'BATHIKA VA SAY'YAR'THANEE FEE BILAADIKA HATH'THAA  AD'KHAL'THANEE HARAMAKA VA AM'NAKA VA QAD  RAJAV'THU BI HUSNI ZANNEE AN THAKOONA THAD GHAFAR'THA LEE ZAMBEE FALAKAL HAM'DU VA LAKASH SHUKR.

ALLAHUMMA'H FIZ'NEE MIN YAMEENEE VA MIN SHIMAALEE VA MIN KHAL'FEE VA MIN AMAAMEE VA MIN FAV'QEE VA MIN THAH'THEE HATH'THAA THUQAD'DIMANEE ALAA AH'LEE FA IZAA AQ'DAM'THANEE ALAA AH'LEE FAK'FINEE MAVOONATHA A'YAALEE VAK'FINEE MAVOONATA KHAL'QIKA AJ'MAYEENA VA SALLALLAHU THA AALAA ALAA HABEEBIHEE SYEDINA VA MAULANA MUHAMMED S.A.W.S. INV VA AALIHEE VA SAH'BIHEE AJMAYEENA YA RABBAL AALAMEEN.  A'MEEN!

                                                             Chapter 27

        Ziarah: The Visit to Medinathul Munawwarah

We are now headed for Medinathul Munawwarah to pray to Allahu Rabbul Izzath in the celebrated and historic Masjid-e-Nabavi.  We also seek therein the Ziarah of the Glorious Leader (S.A.W.S.). 

The Saudi scholar, Abdullah Abdul Gani Al-Khayyat of the Iftha organization, Riyadh, informs us in his book, “What A Muslim is Required to Know About His Religion” that our love for Our Prophet Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  S.A.W.S. should be far higher than the love we have for our father or our sons. He cites also the Hadith that a high order of devotion to Our Beloved Leader will not be attained otherwise.

He reminds us of our duty to obey the Holy Prophet S.A.W.S. in all matters as commanded in the Holy Qur’an:  “So take what the Apostle assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. (Surah Hash’r: 7)

“We should fervently believe that Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam is the Seal of (all) the Prophets and Apostles of Allah and that no other Messenger will ever succeed him. This is supported by the Holy Qur’an: ‘Muhammed is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Apostle of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets’.  (Surah Ah’zab:  33-40)”

The Ziarah is the expression of our gratitude to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) to whose Islami bequest we owe all the peace, serenity and and spiritual harmony of the happy family lives we have enjoyed all these years.

As we approach the Radiant City of Medinathul Munawwarah and have our first view of the minarets of the Holy Masjid, we recite:

Allahumma salle alaa Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. in'v va alaa aalihee va as’haabihee va baarik va sallim.

Allahumma haazaa haramu nabeeyika faj'al'hu lee dakhaayatham minan naari va amaanam minal azaabi va sooyil hisaab.   Aameen!

We remain in this beloved city, the seat of Islam's First Commonwealth, for a full eight days or more. We offer salutations, the affirmation of our devotion and love, to Our Master Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam.

We enter the Holy Masjid by the famous Babus Salaam, placing first our right foot with decorum inside the entrance. 

And we recite:

Bismillahi maashaa allahu laa quvvatha illaa billah.

Rabbi ad'khilanee mud'khila sid'khin'v va akh'rij'nee mukh'raja sid'khinv vaj'al'lee min'l la'dun'ka sulthaanan naseeran'v vava qul jaa'al haqqu va zahaqal baathilu innal baathila kaana zahooqaa.

Allahumma anthas salaam va min'kas salaamu va ilai'yka yar'ji'yus salaam fa hai'yinaa rabbanaa bis salaami va ad'khil'naa daaras salaami thabaarak'tha rabbanaa va tha aalai'ytha yaa zal jalaali val ikraam.

Allahumma if'theh lee ab'vaaba rah'mathika var'zukh'nee min ziarahi  rasoolika sallallahu tha aalaa alai'yhi va sallama maa razaqaka  av'liyaa'yaka va ah'la tha'athika va khiznee minan naari vagh'firlee var'hamnee

Bismillahi vassalaamu alaa rasoolillahi Syedinaa Muhammed S.A.W.S. in sallallahu alai'yhi va sallam.

This is the Masjid the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) built with his own hands.  It had mud walls then, a mud floor and a roof of palm fronds.  When there was rain and Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.) was leading the prayers and performing Saj'dah, the wet mud would stick to his radiant forehead. 

"The rain drops would shine forth from it like sars in the sky!" his beloved wife and our Blessed Mother Syedathi Ayesha R.A.A. has informed us.

The Blessed Masjid has been vastly and exquisitely rebuilt and expanded since then. 

The original house of prayer can be recognized from the centuries old pillars of white marble that mark its periphery. 

The hallowed stretch of the Masjid between the Pulpit and the Trellice enclosing the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.)'s Rouzah (Mausoleum) has been designated by Our Leader (S.A.W.S.) as the "Riyadul Jannath" (Rose Garden of Paradise).

The Mehraab, Niche, where he stood and led the prayers is still there. The world’s most orderly queue is formed there by Hajis (their title here is “Zaayireen”). 

When the jama’ath is not yet formed for Salaah, they seek the privilege and oportunity of performing two rakaah’s naf’l there for Allah, in the sacred spot where our Master (S.A.W.S.) had stood and led the world’s first community of Islam in prayers to the Glorious Rabbul Aalameen. 

We yearn to absorb and take back with us to our families the aura, the glory, the love of Allah and His Rasool (S.A.W.S.) that fill this blessed Masjid and its fragrant Rose Garden of Paradise.

There was a date palm in the original Masjid which had dried up, on which the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) leaned while delivering the Quthbaath, sermons. When a wealthy mominah (pious lady) donated a wooden pulpit and it was brought into use, the date palm felt abandoned.

It is said to have wept like an anguished human being.  It regained tranquility only when the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) came down from the new pulpit and placed a loving hand on it in a gesture of understanding and solace!

Hundreds of devotees are vying every moment for the honor and privilege to perform Salaah here. 

May Allahu Rahmaanir Raheem kindly grant to every reader of this book, the good fortune of praying at least two rakaah’s Sunnah in the Riyadul Jannath and also in the auspicious Mehraab.  Thakhabbal Allah!  (May Allah kindly accept our prayers!)

Dua at the Riyadul Jannath:

BISMILLAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.  ALLAHUMMA INNEE HAAZIHEE ROU'ZATHUM MIN RIYADIL JANNATHI SHARRAF'THAHAAA VA KARRAM'THAHAA VA MAJJAD'THAHAA VA AZZAM'THAHAA VA NAV'VAR'THAHAA BI NOORI NABEEYIKA VA HABEEBIKA SYEDINA MUHAMMED S.A.W.S. IN SALLALLAHU ALAI'HI VA SALLAM.

ALLAHUMMA KAMAA BALLAGH'THANAA FID DUNIYAA ZIYARATHAHU VA MA'AASIRAHUSH SHAREEFATHA FALAA THAH'RIMNAA YA ALLAHU. FIL AAKHIRATHI MIN FAD'LI SHAFA'ATHI SYEDINA MUHAMMED S.A.W.S. IN SALLALLAHU ALAI'YHI VA ALAA AALIHEE VA SALLAM. VAH'SHUR'NAA FEE ZUM'RATHEE VA THAH'THA LI VA'AAYI'HEE VA AMITH'NAA IZAA THUMEETHANA ALAA MAHABBATHI'HEE VA SUNNAHI'HEE VAS'KHINAA MIN HAV'DI'HIL MAV'ROODI BI YADI'HISH SHAREEFATHI SHAR'BATAN HANEEYATAN'L LAA NAZ'MAA'O BAADAHAA ABADAN, INNAKA ALAA KULLI SHAI'YIN QADEER.

We must behave with the utmost decorum, defer to other brothers and give no cause for any displeasure to anyone on any account. Absolute silence and utmost respect to the Glorious Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and the highest hopes of Allah's Rahmat being gained by us, must impart to our conduct the grace and sheen of the true Muslim.

We must remember that every Salaah, every Dua, every good deed and every act of charity done by us in the Har'main Sharifai'yn, the two Grand Masaajid of Makkathul Mukarramah and at Medinathul Munawwarah, entititle us to a thousand fold sawaab.  So too will any incongruity in our actions bring upon us penalties a thousandfold from Allah!

The A'yat from the Holy Qur'an is displayed here, in which Allah cautioned the Sahabaye Kiraam (honored companions) and other Zaayireen not to raise their voice above the Prophet (S.A.W.S.)’s for any reason at any time!

We are told in clear terms that if anyone contravened the Command, Allah would erase the record of all his good deeds! We realize the ominous warning is equally applicable to us and we must conduct ourselves with great solemnity and decorum in this Glorious Masjid.

Before the expansion of the Holy Masjid, there were a few small houses adjacent to it.  The first was Bibi Ayesha (R.A.A.)'s and the next one was Bibi Fathimah (R.A.A.)'s. At the unanimous request of the Mothers of the Momineen, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) spent the last days of his life in the house of Bibi Ayesha (R.A.A.)

When he found himself unable to lead prayers at the Masjid, he asked Syedina Abu Bak'r (R.A.A) to lead the Jama’ath.  However, when they had lined up for Salaah, he wished he could join the congregation.

He could not walk by himself. With his arms resting on the shoulders of two companions, he was helped to reach the front row. His feet drew a line in the sand as he was led on. 

This should open our eyes to the obligation every Muslim is under.  Even so near the end, Our Great Leader (S.A.W.S.) fulfilled his duty and performed Salaah in Jama’ath. He could not accede to Syedina Abu Bak'r's request to Take his place as Imam.  He stood a little behind  Syedina Abu Bak'r R.A.A. and completed the Salaah. 

When the Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.S.) breathed his last in the Hujrah (small house) of Bibi Ayesha (R.A.A.), Syedina Abu Bak'r decided that the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) must be buried in the exact spot where he had died. 

Bibi Ayesha continued to live there by her Glorious Husband's Rou'za.  (mausoleum). 

She was his beloved in life.  She wished to be buried by his side. But later events denied her the fulfillment of this fond hope.

On her father Abu Bakr (R.A.A.)'s death, the First Caliph of Islam was buried by the side of his dearest friend and honored son-in-law.  Still later, as the Second Caliph Umar (R.A.A.) also wished to be buried there, Bibi Ayesha R.A.A. decided to give up her house by her own free will.

There was no space left there. The world's most honored and cherished mausoleum, the Rouzathun Nabi (S.A.W.S.), is her gracious bequest to the Ummah.

In this Blessed Masjid we perform the five Salaahs invariably in Jama’ath every day.  We also offer as many Naf’l Salaahs and recite as much of the Holy Qur'an as we can.

These Salaahs and recitations are rewarded by Allah 1,000 times more than for those performed elsewhere, as confirmed by Hadith.  Thaqabbal Allah!

At least one complete recitation of the Surath Al Kahaf or  similar chapters of the Holy Qur’an every day is considered auspicious. 

We conclude with recitation of the Surath al Fath’iha once and the Surath al Ikhlaas (Qul Huvallahu Ahad) thrice.

And we pray to Allah to kindly grant its sawaab to Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam, to his wives who are our Reverential Mothers and to his lineage and to his companions, as our token of love and gratitude. 

We also make Dua to Allahu Subhanahu va tha Aalaa in our own words. 

The Rou'zah is totally enclosed now, within the Holy Masjid. And no one is allowed inside the enclosure.

However, the enclosure, a golden trellice, has small circular openings indicating the three historic resting places.

We take our stand, with the deepest respect and in utmost silence, a little to the left of the golden gate. 

And we convey our respectful salutations to the Glorious Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his two companions:

BISMILLAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.

ASSALAMU ALAI'YKA AIYUHAN NABEEYUS SYEDUL KAREEMU VAR RASOOLUL AZEEMUR RAVOOFUR RAHEEM, VA RAHMATHULLAHI VA BARKAATHUHU. 

ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA SYEDINAA VA NABEEYYANAA VA HABEEBANAA VA QURRATH AA'YUNINAA YA RASOOLALLAH.  ASSALAAHU VASSALAMU ALAI'YKA YAA NABEEYALLAH. 

ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA JAMALA MULKILLAH.  ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA NOORA ARSHILLAH.  ASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA KHAI'YRA KHAL'QILLAH. 

ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA SHAFEEYAL MUZ'NIBEENA INDALLAH.

ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA MAN ARSALAHULLAHU THA AALAA RAHMATHAN'L LIL AALAMEEN.

VA QAD QAALALLAHU THA AALAA FEE HAQ'QIKAL AZEEM.

VA LAV ANNAHUM IZ ZALAMOO ANFUSA'HUM JAAVOOKA FASTAGH'FARULLAHA VASTAGH'FARA LAHUMUR RASOOLU LA VAJADALLAHU THAV'VAABAN'R RAHEEMAA.

ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA MUHAMMED S.A.W.S.  BIN ABDULLAH IB'NI ABDUL MUTHTALIB IB’NI HAASHIM.

YA THAAHAA, YA YAAASEEN, YA BASHEER, YA SIRAAJ, YA MUNEER, YA MUQADDAMA JAI'YISHIL AMBIYAA'YI VAL MURSALEENA VA HAA ANAA YA SYEDHEE YA RASOOLALLAHI QAD JEE'Y'THUKA HAARIBAM MIN ZAMBEE VA MIN AMALEE VA MUSHTHASH'FI'YAN VA MUSTHAJEERAN'M BIKA ILAA RABBEE FASH'FA'O LEE YA SHAFEE'AL UMMAHI KASHIFAL GHAMMATHI YA SIRAAJAZ ZUL'MATHI AJIR'LEE BIHEE YA ALLAHU MINAN NAAR.

YA NABEEYIR RAH'MATHI, YA RASOOLALLAHI AIYU'NAAKA ZAA'YIREENA VA QASAD'NAAKA RAAGHIBEENA VA ALAA BAABIKAL AALEE VAAQIFEENA VA BIHAQ'QIKA AARIFEENA FALAA TARUD'DANAA KHAAYI'BEENA VA LAA AN BAABI SHAFAA'ATHIKA MAH'ROOMEENA YA SYEDHEE YA RASOOLALLAHI,

AS'ALUKASH SHAFAA'ATHA VA AS'ALULLAHI THA AALA ALAKAL VASEELATHA VAL FADEELATHA VAD DARAJATHAR RAFEE'ATHA VAL MAKHAAMAL MAHMOODA VAL HAV'DHAL MAV'ROODA VASH SHAFA'ATHAL UZ'MAA FIL YAV'MIL QIYAAMATHI VA YAV'MIL MASH'HOOD.

YA KHAI'YRA MAN DUFINATH FIL KHAAYI AAZAMAHU

FA THAABA MIN THEEBI'HINNAL KHAA'O VAL AKAM

NAFSEEYIL FIDAA'O LI QAB'RIN ANTHA SAAKINUHU

FEEHIL AFAAFU VA FEEHIL JOODU VAL KARAM.

ANTHAL HABEEBU YA HABEEBALLAH,  ANTHASH SHAFEE'O YA SHAFEEYALLAH, ANTHAL MUSHAFFA'O,

ANTHALLAZEE THUR'JAA SHAFAA-THUKA INDAS SIRAATHI IZAA MAA ZALLATHIL QADAMU ASH'HADU ANNAKA YA RASOOLALLAH.

QAD BALLAG'HTAR RISAALATHA VA AD'DAI'YTHAL AMAANATHA VA NAS'HATHAL UMMAHA VA KASHAF'THAL GHUMMAHA VA JALAI'YTHAZ ZUL'MATHA VA JAAHAD'THA FEE SABEELILLAHI HAQQA JIHAADIHEE VA ABADHTHA RABBAKA HATHTHAA ATHAAKAL YAQEEN.

JAZZAKALLAHU THA AALAA ANNAA VA AN  VAALIDAI'YNAA VA ANIL ISLAMI KHAI'YRAL JAZAAYI  VA NAS'ALUKASH SHAFAA'THA AN THASH'FA'LANAA INDALLAHI YAV'MAL ARDI YAVMAL FAZAYIL AKBAR, YAV'MA LAA YAN'FA'O MAALUN VA LAA BANOONA ILLA MAN ATHALLAHA BI QAL'BIN SALEEM.

ISH'FEI LANAA VALI VAALIDAI'YNAA vali av'laadinaa vali az'vaajinaa vali ikh'waaninaa VALI AKH'WAATHINAA vali mashaa'yikhu THareeQathinaA  VA MASHAA'YIKHI AV'RAAD INAA VALI  ASAATHIZATHINAA VALI JEERANINAA VA LIMAN AV'SAANAA VA KHALLADANAA IND AKA BI DUA'YIL KHAI'YRI INDHAZ ZIYAARATHI ASSALAAATHU VASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA SULATHAANAL  AN'BIYAA'YI VAL MUR'SALEEN. 

ASSALAAHU VASSALAAMU ALAIYKA YA RASOOLALLAHI VA ALAA AALIKA VA ZAVEEKA FEE KULLI AANIN'V VA LAH'ZATHIN ADADA MULLI ZARRATHIN ZARRATHIN ALFA ALFAF MARRATHIN MIN ABEEDIKA RIDAAYIL MUSTAFAA AL A'AZIMEE'BNI SAD'RISH SHAREE'ATHI AMJAD ALEEYAS'ALUKASH SHAFAATHA FASH'FAELAHU VALIL MUSLIMEEN.

We must not raise our hands to him as we do to Allah. But from the depth of our hearts and unheard by anyone else, we can open our hearts to him.

I am yet to meet anyone who has been through this glorious experience and has not emerged a more perfect Muslim, a nobler person and a devout servant of Allah.

We now move to the right of the golden gate and send our salutation first:

ASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA SYEDINA ABU BAK'RINIL SIDDEEKH.   ASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA AWWAL'AL QULAFAA'YI VA THAAJAL ULAMAAYI VA SIH'RAL NABEEYIL MUSTAFA VA RAHMATHULLAHI VA BARKAATHUHU.

We make Fa’thiha as above and pray to Allah for his elevation to still higher echelons in the Jannathul Firdaus, the highest heaven.

We send our salutation next:

ASSALLAMU ALAI'YKA YA SYEDINA UMAR IB'NIL KHATH’THAAB.

ASSALAAMU ALAI'YKA YA IZZAL ISLAMI VAL MUSLIMEENA YA SAANI'YIL QULAFAA'YI VA THAAJIL ULAMAAYI VA SIH'RAN NABEE'YIL MUSTAFA VA RAHMATHULLAHI VA BARKAATHUHU.

We make Fa’thiha and Dua to Allah for a still higher place in Jannathul Firdaus for him.

                                                                 Chapter  28

We Visit the Historic Sites

In and Around Medinathul Munawwarah

A visit to the Jannatul Baquee, the celebrated Graveyard just outside the Masjid is a must.

We can see the history of Islam unveil itself before us here.  The graves of Syedathi Fathimah (the daughter, who was the only child to survive, of the Prophet S.A.W.S.), Syedina Hasan (the Prophet's grandson who resembled him most and was loved by him dearly), and Ummul Momineen Syedathi Ayesha, Syedina Usman, Syedina Abbas (uncle of the Prophet), Syedathi Haleemah (the Prophet Sal.'s wet nurse) and of countless companions and martyrs Ridwan Allahu An'humaa, are there. 

The First of the Mothers of Momineen, Syedathi Khadija  (R.A.A.) is buried in Makkah and the Umraa-ul-Momineen Abu Bak’r and Umar R.A.A. are buried in the Rouzathun Nabi (S.A.W.S.) We remember also the Mother of Momineen Syedhathi Maimoona and the honored Martyrs of Islam Syedina Ali ibn Abu Thaalib and Syedina Hussain ibn Ali Ridhwaan Allahu An’humaa, whose Rouzah’s  (mausoleums, resting places) are elsewhere. And the Glorious Muslims R.A.A. who laid down their lives in the Cause of Allah in the Battle of Bad’r, are buried in the Shuh’dah sector of Bad’r on the road that links Makkathul Mukarramah to Medinathul Munawwarah

The beloved pioneers of Islam mentioned above, are truly the most honored and blessed Muslims of all time. They shared with the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) the danger from the Kaafir diehards who had sworn to kill them all. The persecution they suffered was beyond the limits of human endurance.  Yet they bore it with courage and sacrificed their all for the triumph of Islam. Their lives and sacrifices and their unstinted support to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) are a shining chapter of Islami history.

We make Fa’thiha and Duaa’yaen for them from the depth of our grateful hearts.

May Allahu Rabbul Alameen kindly grant them salvation and accord them higher and still higher eminence in the Jannathul Firdaus.  A'meen!

We visit and perform two rakaah’s Salaah Thahiy’yathul Masjid in the Masjide Qubaa, which was the first to be built in the region by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his Companions and the first Salaah in Jama’ath was performed there. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) used to visit the Masjid by walk or by camel ride every Saturday and perform two rakaah’s naf’l  there. 

We are informed in the Hadith collections of Ahmed, Nisaayee and others that the Muslim who performs Wudu (ablution) at his residence (or place of lodging) and proceeds to the Masjid-e-Qubaa and performs two rakaah’s naf’l there, is rewarded by Allah with sawaab equal to an Um’rah performed at Haram-e-Makkah.

We visit and pray as above in the Masjid-al-Qiblathai'yn also.  This historic Masjid commemorates Allah's sanction for the Muslims to face the Holy Ka’bah in Makkathul Mukarramah in all their Salaah’s from that auspicious moment. 

The revelation came as the salaah in jama’ath was in progress at this Masjid and they were facing the Masjid al Aqsaa in the Baithul Muqaddas (in Jerusalem) as was the practice then in vogue.

The news was conveyed and the congregation led by the Imam  turned en masse from facing Baithul Muqaddas to face the Holy Baithullah (Makkathul Mukarramah).

We visit the sites of the battles of Uhud and of the Khandaq (Trench), which are just outside the Radiant City.  The resting place of Islam's most honoured martyr, Syedina Hamzah (R.A.A.) is there.  With our salutations to him and the other martyrs buried there, we pray to Allah for their salvation and elevation to Jannathul Firdaus. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) has said that the Great Martyr R.A.A. will be the first to enter Jannathul Firdaus, the highest of heavens.

In visiting the graves of the glorious Muslims,  we are following the tradition of our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W.S.)  He has counselled us to visit such graves as they remind us of the last day in every one’s life.

He has also told us that we must give our salutations to the dead as:

Assalamu Alai'ykum ya Ah'lad Diyaari minal momineena val Muslimeen va inna inshaa Allahu bikum laa'hikhoona  nas'alullahu lana va lakumul aafiyah.

 "Momineen and Muslims, peace be with you.  Allah willing, we will be meeting you.  And for you and for ourselves, we seek Allah's blessings for everlasting happiness".

The Khandaq (Trench) dug by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his companions filled up long ago.  But its memory inspires and uplifts Muslim hearts even now.

 

Within five years of the Prophet S.A.W.S.’s migration from his birthplace Makkah to the northern  City, Medinah that gave him and his Companions  refuge was earning fame and renown throughout Arabia as the Fortress of Islam.

The Kuffaar of Makkah could not tolerate this affront to their vanity and self esteem.  They met and finalized plans for a sudden onslaught on Madinah that could wipe away Islam from the face of earth.

When the news reached the Muslims in Medina they found themesleves totally unprepared for this renewed aggression from the enemies of Islam.  They met in Shoorah (the earliest Parliament in world history). The Greatest Human Being Ever Born, Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam, graciously invited suggestions from the assembly for the defence arrangements to be made. 

Salmaan Farsi was there. He was an Iranian, who had reached Madinah in a long spiritual quest which led him from Zoroastrianism to Christianity and finally to Islam.

Salman had been sold into slavery when his wandering in quest of a True Faith led him to Arabia.  When the people in and around Madinah embraced Islam out of love for the Glorious Prophet (S.A.W.S.), he realized that Allah had led him to the right destination. 

But the person who owned him had not embraced Islam till then.  He refused to let him go.  Even the personal pleading of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.) elicited no kind response from him. 

Finally he relented but set the most difficult terms for Salman’s release: let him plant a few thousands of date saplings first. The Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his companions accepted the challenge and completed the project to perfection.  They secured their Muslim brother’s release from bondage!

Salman sought the Prophet (S.A.W.S.)’s permission to offer a suggestion. And he explained to the Shooraa the strategy of trench warfare that was, until then, unknown in Arabia.

            The Prophet (S.A.W.S.) accepted it and led the companions in digging the trench.  The hot sun and the fierce heat from the black sands proved to be a severe ordeal to the Muslims. All of them were suffering the rigors of starvation besides.  They tied large stones to their bellies to ward of the pain and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) was rendered unconscious at one stage. 

But the trench was finally got ready.  The elite warriors of the Kuffaar rushed in and were ‘trench shocked’!  They reined in their horses. They realized they could not leap over the long and winding trench with impunity and the Muslim archers who awaited them, would annihilate them in no time. The enemies of Islam were forced to turn back and go home in ignominy. Maasha Allah!

This victory is not just another chapter of our history.  It holds out the promise to us of what the Muslim Ummah may yet achieve through sincere mutual trust and cooperation between all Muslim countries.  It inspires us to honor the lesson and apply it to modern times. 

Forget the disputes and the unwarranted divisions.  Close ranks. Only thus can the Commonwealth of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  meet  the challenges posed to it around the globe and emerge triumphant forever.

                                                           Chapter  29

          The Message of Medinathul Munawwarah

At the conclusion of our Ziarah, there is an upward lilt in our heart and in our mind a sense of awakening. This is a unique radiance never before felt in our life.

We have achieved the purpose of our life by coming to this Radiant City and presenting ourselves before our Glorious Master, Our Benefactor Syedina Muhammed Sallallahu Alaihi va Sallam.  We are sure his love and his blessings are with us, as we head for home.

In this unforgettable moment we discover in ourselves a grandeur we had never even dreamt of achieving. We feel inspired with the Message of Medinathul Munawwarah.  Translated into words, from my own experience, it reads:

If Muslims the world over, wish to lead untramelled Islami lives and they wish their own and their countries’ honour and integrity to remain unsullied, they must, for the sake of Allah and His Rasool S.A.W.S.,

v  ignore and forget the divisive history of all the conflicts that erupted after the demise of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. and his trusted Qulafaa Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman and Ali R.A.A.

v  do away with all the unwarranted intersect debates and disputation that lead us nowhere and serve no Islami purpose,

v  give up all internal feuds and hatred of other groups since they end up in mutual recrimination and pit one Muslim sect against another in an endless conflict for no fault of either party,

v  join hands to establish strong and viable institutions worldwide for the unity and advancement of all Muslims not only in Islami knowledge and practice but also in the highest reaches of science, technology and  world finance.

v  Among the greatest leaders of tomorrow, who will establish, in real terms,  world peace and international cooperation and harmony, there must, insha Allah, be a great number of Muslims in the front ranks.

v  NASRUM MINALLAHI VA FATH’HUN QAREEB! Allah’s Help is on its way unto us and the triumph will be ours very soon!

We carry back with us to our homes the record of the forty Salaahs Far’d and innumerable Naf’l rakaah’s we performed in the Haram al Medinathul Munawwarah. 

We also carry home and to our final resting place, the confidence and hope that the Shafa'ath, the gracious intercession, of Our Benefactor S.A.W.S. will be ours on the Day of Judgment. This Shafa'ath is a unique benediction from Allah for Muslims.

Islam does not encourage intercession by saints or priests and others. Every Muslim is in direct communion with Allah and is free to seek from Him the highest rewards.

On the Day of Judgment, however, our rescue from the fire of hell will only be possible by the intercession of Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  

In the Kithaab al Fadaa'yil of Sahih Muslim, the blessed companion Abu Huraira informs  us that the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) said:  "On the Day of Judgment, by Allah's Grace, I will be pre-eminent among the descendants of Aadam and I will be the first intercessor; and mine will be the first  intercession accepted (by Allah)".

For this, we Muslims have been making the right preparations since early in life. In the Dua we make after listening to every Azaan (the Muezzin's call to Salaah), we beseech Allah to kindly elevate Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S. to the highest echelon, the Maqaame Mahmoodah .

And we also appeal to Our Lord and Creator to kindly grant him the permission to seek Allah’s Gracious Pardon for our sins on the Last and Final Day of Mankind.

The Holy Qur'an praises Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.'s love and concern for us. The Surath Al Tha'vbah, verse 128, says:

“Now has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should suffer (for your sins). Ardently anxious is he about you. To the believers, he is most kind and merciful".

On the Day of Judgment the trillions upon trillions of human beings who appeared on earth from the beginning and up to the end of the world, will be repenting and despairing for such a benefactor to secure them Allah's Pardon.

And ours will be the privilege to be recommended by our Beloved Prophet Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S  to Allah for our salvation and for His Gracious Grant of Our Admission to Paradise!

At the conclusion of our cherished stay in the Radiant City, we perform two Rakaath’s Naf’l in the Masjid of Our Master S.A.W.S.

At the thought of having to leave this Radiant City, we feel a sense of loss and we pray to Allahu Subhanahu va tha Aalaa:

v  To kindly accept our Haj, our Um'rah's and our Ziarah and all the Salaah’s and good deeds we were able to perform in the world's holiest Islami shrines in and around Makkathul Mukarramah and Medinathul Munawwarah,

v  To kindly grant us (and our family members, if any, accompanying us) safe return to our homes in our homeland,

v  To kindly grant us more opportunities in future to perform innumerable Um’rah’s, Haj and Ziarah’s by ourselves and with our families,

v  To kindly grant us and our family members pardon for all our sins and to bless us to be among Allah’s Obedient and Devout Slaves in the Jannathul Firdaus, the highest heaven,

v  To kindly grant us fulfillment of all the Duaa’yaen we had submitted to Rabbul  Izzath in the course of our pilgrimage and especially on Zul Haj 9^th in the blessed Waqoof al Arafaath,

v  To kindly grant peace, progress, prosperity, international goodwill and support to our people, the Muslims of the world, and make them better and better Muslims every day.

v  And with tears flowing from our eyes, we take leave of Our Benefactor S.A.W.S. and his two trusted aides Syedina Abu Bakr and Umar R.A.A.

v  Throughout the return journey we remain devout and in prayer to Allahu Sub’hanallahu va tha Allah to kindly bless us to be exemplary Muslims for the rest of our lives and grant us an abode in Jannathul Fidaus..

v  As we near our city we recite: Aayiboona thaayiboona aabidoona li Rabbinaa Haamidoon.                                                    

v  Once we reach our town by the Grace of Allah, it is better for us to go first to the Masjid near our home and perform two Rakaah’s Salaah Naf’l and sincerely express our gratitude to Allahu Rabbul Izzath

v  And as we enter home, we pray:

Thav'ban thav'ban li Rabbinaa av'ban laa yughaadiru alai'ynaa hav'ban.  Allahumma if’theh lanaa ab'vaaba rahmathika va sah’hel lanaa ab'vaaba riz'qika.  A'meen!

Let us pray to Allahu Rabbul Izzath to kindly accept our offerings: your Haj and my book: Rabbanaa thaqabbal minnaa innaka Anthas Sameeyul Aleem va thub alai'ynaa innaka Anthath Thawwabur Raheem,

HUVALLAHUL MAALIKUL MULKI

ZUL JALAALI VAL IKRAAM:

He (Allah) is the Lord of all the worlds.

He created the world and all its systems.

Everything on and inside the earth will perish.

But Allah’s Immaculate Countenance of the Utmost Power,

Beauty and Glory will remain forever and reign over the universe.

Allah was, Allah is and Allah will always be!

(Holy Qur’an :Surah’s Fa’thiha & Ar Rahma’an)

Chapter 30

The Ninetynine Names of

ALLAHU SUB’HAANAHU VA THA AALAA

·         It is best for us to use, in our Salaah, in our Dua’yaen and in our conversation, the Name that Our Glorious  Creator has chosen for Himself in the Holy Qur’an: ALLAH.

·         It is also the best Zik’r: ALLAH, ALLAH, ALLAH!

·         The Holy Qur’an confirms that the most beautiful  are the names of Allah, and inspires us to address Him by them.

·         The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) has said, in a Hadith narrated by his trusted companion Abu Huraira R.A.A., that there are ninetynine names of Allahu Rabbul Izzath and anyone who memorizes them and recites them will enter Paradise.

·      There is no achievement in any field of human endeavor, that will not be ours, when we do this.

·         And, we will be safe and secure, with our loved ones, in the protection of Allah, than Whom none is greater.  And Allah’s is the most complete protection, everlasting security. Fee AmaanAllah!

·         It will be most auspicious for our sons’ future, if we name them Allah’s servants, as in the following pages, in the format: Abdullah. Abdul Ghaffar, Abdur Raheem, Abdul Azeez, Abdur Rah’maan.

·         The “u” at the end of the names is not pronounced, except in Zik’r, the recitation that earns great sawaab.

·      We may also name them after Syedina Muhammed S.A.W.S.  (S.A.W.S.) Examples: Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Waseem, Jameel Ahmed. Ih’san Ahmed, Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Ameen, Muhammed S.A.W.S.  Kaleemullah

The Ninetynine Names of

ALLAHU SUB’HAANAHU VA THA AALAA

HUVALLAHULLAZEE LAA ILAAHA ILLAA HUVA

AR RAH’MAANU               AR RAHEEMU                    AL MALIKU                        

AL QUD’DOOSU                AS’SALAAMU                   AL MO’MINU 

AL MU’HAIY’MINU          AL AZEEZU                        AL JAB’BARU         

AL MUTHAKABBIRU        AL KHAALIQU                 AL BAAREE’YU         

AL MUSAV’VIRU              AL GHAFFAARU               AL QAH’HAARU        

AL WAH’HAABU              AR RAZZAAQU                  AL FATH’THAHU    

AL ALEEEMU                    AL QAA’BIDU                    AL BAASITHU            

AL KHAAFIDU                  AR RAAFI’YU                    AL MU’YIZZU         

AL MUZILLU                      AS SAMEE’YU                  AL BASEERU             

AL HAKAMU                     AL AD’LU                          AL LATHEEFU           

AL KHABEERU                  AL HALEEMU                   AL AZEEMU               

AL GHAFOORU                 ASH SHAKOORU             AL ALEE’YU

AL KABEERU                    AL HAFEEZU                     AL MUQEETHU   

AL HASEEBU                     AL JALEELU                      AL KAREEMU 

AR RAQEEBU                    AL MUJEEBU                     AL WAASI’YU  

AL HAKEEMU                   AL WADOODU                 AL MAJEEDU   

AL BAA’YISU                    ASH SHAHEED                 AL HAQ’QU   

AL WAKEELU                   AL QAVEE’YU                   AL MATHEENU   

AL WALEE’YU                  AL HAMEEDU                    AL MUH’SEE  

AL MUB’DI’YU                  AL MU’YEEDU                  AL MUHEE    

AL MUMEETHU                AL HAI’YU                          AL QAI’YOOMU   

AL WAAJIDU                     AL MAAJIDU                      AL WAAHIDU   

AL A’HADU                       AS SAMADU                       AL QAADIRU   

AL MUQTHADIRU            AL MUQADDIMU               AL MUVAKH’KHIRU 

AL AWWALU                    AL AAKHIRU                       AZ’ ZAAHIRU   

AL BAATHINU                  AL WAALEE                         AL MUTH’AALI  

AL BARRU                         ATH THAW’WAABU           AL MUNTHAQIMU

AL AFOO’VU                     AR RAVOOFU                     AL MUQ’SITHU       

AL JAAMI’YU                    AL GHANEE’YU                  AL MUGH’NEE

AL MU’E’THEE                  AL MAANI’YU                    AD’DAARRU              

AN NAAFI’YU                   AN NOORU                         AL HAADEE                 

AL BADEI’YU                    AL BAAKHEE                      AL WAARISU    

AR RASHEEDU                  AS SABOORU                      AR RABAL AALAMEEN       

       We must add JALLA JALALUHU to each of Allah’s Blessed Names 

Chapter 31

The Way of Wisdom from the Holy Qur’an

Your Lord commands you to worship none but Him and be kind to your parents. Whether one or both of them be in your care and reach old age,

do not use any word of contempt or revulsion against them

but treat them with honor.

Be humble before them (in love and kindness) and pray:

"May Allah bestow His Mercy on them as (my mother)

had nursed me (and both parents had brought me up

with love and care) when I was young".

Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts.

If you are righteous in your deeds (you will find that)

He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him

again and again (sincerely and in repentance).

And give to your next of kin, what is rightfully due to them,

as also to the poor and to the wayfarer.

But do not squander away (your wealth).

The spendthrifts are associates of the Shai’ythaan and

the latter is (disobedient and ungrateful) to his Lord.

Even if you have to turn away from them

(the people cited above) on account of your expecting

the Mercy of Your Lord

(and their thoughts not according with yours),

give them a kind and compassionate explanation

(flowing from your own piety and regard for human fellowship).

Do not hold back your hand when it is time to give (in charity)

nor give away all you have and start blaming yourself for turning destitute.

Your Lord grants His bounty in abundance

to whomsoever He wishes and He curtails it (for some).

He cares for all His servants and knows (their needs).

Do not kill your children for fear of poverty.We shall provide for them as well as for you. It is indeed a great sin to kill them.

Do not ever approach adultery.

It is an evil and its consequences are disastrous.

Do not take away any life that Allah has made sacred

(this is Allah's prohibition!) except when justified

(by due process of law). And if anyone is killed wrongfully,

We have given the heir the right (to take revenge or to forgive).

But he may not exceed the bounds (set by Allah) in taking that revenge; otherwise, his right (the right of the assassin's heir) shall be recognized.

Do not touch the wealth of the orphan, unless it be to increase it,

till the orphan attains the age of full strength.

Be true to all your covenants,for every covenant

will be enquired into (on the Day of Judgment).

Fill the measure (to the fullest) when you measure; and when you weigh (anything) weigh (it) in a balance that is correct (and incontrovertible);

for that is better (for you) in the final reckoning.

Do not pursue (out of idle curiosity) the matters

of which you have no (proper) knowledge,

for (the faculties gifted to you) your hearing, your sight

and (the thoughts and feelings in) your (mind and) heart

(are to be employed in commendable activity).

For all of those (other functions in which you engage

those faculties)you shall be called to account

(on the Day of Judgment).

Do not walk on earth with impudence (and false pride),

for you will never rend the earth asunder

nor measure up to the mountains in height.

All these actions are evil and deemed hateful

(and undesirable) in the Sight of your Lord.

These are among the (precepts of) wisdom,

which your Lord has revealed to you.

Repel the evil deed with that which is best.

(Surath Al Mominoon: 96)

Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal.Repel the evil deed with the good one.

Instantly, your enemy will be transformed into a (warm and) intimate friend.

(Surath al Haameem: 34)

When you are greeted (with courtesy), respond with a greeting still more courteous,or (at least) of equal elegance.Allah takes careful account of all things.(Surath An Nisaa: 86)

And if you punish, let your punishment be proportionate

to the wrong that was done to you.

But if you refrain out of patience, that is indeed

best (course) for those who are patient.

For Allah is with those who restrain themselves and (He is with) those who do good.(Surath An Nah’l: 126 & 128)

It is possible that Allah may establish friendship between you and those

who are presently your enemies.For Allah has power (over) all things.

And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and justly with those who do not fight against you for religious causesand they do not drive you out of your homes.For Allah loves those who are just.

Allah only forbids you from seeking the friendship and protection of those who wage war against you for your Faith and drive you out of your homes and instigate others to drive you out.Turning to  them (for fraternization)

 is wrongdoing.

(Surath Al Mumthahana 7, 8 & 9)

                                           
                                                                    Chapter 32

The Salaah for Those Seeking

Allah's Protection from All Calamities

Allahumma innee a'oozubika min fithnathin naar va azaabin naar va fithnathil qab'r va min sharri fith'nathil ghinaa va min sharri fithnathil fakh'r,  a'oozubika min fithnathil maseehid dajjaal.

Allahummagh'sil khathaa'yaya bi maayil thal'ji val baradi va naq'qi qal'bee minal khathaayaa kamaa naq'qai'ythath tha'vbal abiyad minad dansi va baayid baiy'nee va bai'yna khathaayaya  kamaa ba'ad'tha baiy'nal mashriqi val magh'rib.

Allahumma fa innee aoozubika minal kas'li val harami maa'thami val magh'ram. Aameen!

"Ya Allah, I seek refuge in you from the trial of hell fire and from the torment of hell fire, and from the trial of the grave and the torment of the grave, and from the evil of the trial of affluence, and from the evil of the trial of poverty and I seek refuge in you from the evil of the atrocity of dajjaal.

Ya Allah,(kindly) wash away my sins with snow  and the water from hail, purify my heart from sins as is purified the white robe from the dirt  and keep away the sins from me at a distance as vast as the expanse between the east and the west.

Ya Allah I seek refuge in you from sloth, from senility, from sin and from indebtedness.  A'meen!

Chapter  33

GOOD NEWS FOR THE PRACTICING MUSLIM

Innad deena indallahil Islam

The true religion, in the Sight of Allah, is Islam

(Holy Qur’an:  Surath al Imraan: 19)

Inna as'haabil jannathil yav'mafee shughu'lin faakihoon.

Hum va az'vaajuhum fee zilaalin

alal araayiki muth’thaki'yoon.

Lahum feeha faakihathun'v va lahum maa yad’da'oon.

Salaamun qav'lam min'r Rabbir Raheem.

Certainly the dwellers of Paradise will, on the Day of Judgment, have (unmingled) joy in all they do.They and their wives will be in pleasant shade,reclining on thrones set high.Every kind of fruit (the reward for good deeds) will be thereor them. They will have whatever they desire.

For them, the salutation from their Most Merciful Lord will be "Peace!"

(Surah Al Ya'seen: 55 to 58)

Vallazeena yakhoolana Rabbanaa hab lanaa min az'vaajinaa

va zurree'yaathina qurratha aa'yunin'v vaj'al'naa lil muth'thaqeena imamaa.Oolaayika yuj'zavnal ghur'fatha

bimaa sabaroo va yulaq'qavna feehaa thahiyyathan'v va alaamaa. Khaalideena feeha.Hasunath mustha'qarran'v va maqaa'maa.

And those who pray, "Our Lord, Grant us wives and children

who will be the delight of our eyes  and grant us

the (good fortune to be) righteous (always).

They are the ones who will be rewarded with

the highest Heaven for their patience and constancy.

They will be welcomed therein with salutations of peace.

Dwelling therein for ever,

how beautiful (their) abode and place of rest!

(Surath Al Furkhan: 73-76)

Daavaahum feehaa Sub'haanaka Allahumma Vath Thahiyyaa'thu'hum Feehaa Salaamun'v va Aakhiru Daa'vaahum Anil'Ham’dulillahi Rabbil Aalaameen.

The prayer (of the righteous dwellers of Heaven) will be:

"Glory to You, Allah!" Their greeting therein will be "Peace!"

And their concluding prayer will be: "Praise be to Allah,

the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe!"(Surath al Younus: 10)

The Glory of Allah is Noorun Alaa Noor,

Radiance Ultimate

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.

The example of His Light is as though there were a Niche and within it a Lamp,

the Lamp encased in Glass, the Glass as it were a brilliant Star,

Lighted from a blessed Tree, an Olive neither from the East nor from the West,

whose Oil is most luminous though no fire has touched it:

Light Encompassing Light! Allah guides whom He likes to His Light.

Allah provides for those whom He likes (and rewards them) beyond measure.

(The Holy Qur’an:  Surath An Noor 35-38)

The Exemplar:

You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah, an excellent example

(role model) for him who hopes in Allah and the Final Day

and who remembers Allah much.

(Surath Al-Ah'zaab: 21)

From Surah 17^th: Al Israa: verses 031-39: 

Kill not your  children for fear of want:

 We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. 

Verily the  killing of them is a great sin.

Nor  come  nigh  to  adultery:  for  it  is  a shameful  (deed) and an evil,

opening the road (to other evils).

Nor take  life - which  God has mad  sacred - except for just cause.

 And if anyone is slain wrongfully,  we have given his heir  authority

(to demand  qisas or to forgive):  but let him nor exceed 

bounds  in the  matter  of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).

Come not nigh to the orphan's  property except to  improve  it,

until he  attains  the age of full strength; and fulfil (every)  engagement,

for (every)  engagement  will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).

Give full measure  when ye measure,  and weigh with a balance 

that is straight: that is the most fitting and the most advantageous

in the final determination.

And  pursue  not that of  which  thou  hast no

knowledge;  for  every act of  hearing,  or of

seeing or of  (feeling  in) the heart  will be

enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).

Nor walk on the  earth with  insolence: 

for you  cannot rend the earth  asunder,  nor reach the mountains in height.

Of all such things the evil is hateful in the sight of thy Lord.

These  are among  the  (precepts  of)  wisdom, which  thy Lord has

 revealed  to  thee.  Take not, with God, another object of worship,

lest thou shouldst be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected.

The Holy Qur’an Reveals the Truth

And We sent never any Messenger before you

( Muhammed S.A.W.S. ),  except that We revealed to him:

“Indeed there is no god but I, so worship Me and Me alone.”  (25:21)

"Their brother Noah said to his people, Will you not be God-fearing?  I am for you a faithful Messenger, so serve God and obey me."   (108.26)

"And Abraham came unto His Lord with a pure heart and said to his father and his people, “What do you worship? Do you choose false gods in  preference to Allah?  What then do you think of (Allah) the Lord of the Universe?"  (84 & 87:37)

"Moses said, O my people, if you believe in God, then in Him put your trust,

if you have indeed submitted to Him." (84:10)

(Jesus said) "Surely God is my Lord and your Lord,

so worship Him and Him alone, this is the straight path." (51:3)

"Say (Muhammed S.A.W.S. ): My prayers, my rituals, my living and my dying are all for the sake of (Allah, the One) Lord of the Universe." ( 6:162)

"Verily this is your community (of believers) and it is but one community and I am your Lord, so worship Me and Me alone."  (92:2

                 

1.     وَأَتِمُّواْ الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ فَإِنْ أُحْصِرْتُمْ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ وَلاَ تَحْلِقُواْ رُؤُوسَكُمْ حَتَّى يَبْلُغَ الْهَدْيُ مَحِلَّهُ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ بِهِ أَذًى مِّن رَّأْسِهِ فَفِدْيَةٌ مِّن صِيَامٍ أَوْ صَدَقَةٍ أَوْ نُسُكٍ فَإِذَا أَمِنتُمْ فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ فِي الْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ إِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌ ذَلِكَ لِمَن لَّمْ يَكُنْ أَهْلُهُ حَاضِرِي الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَاتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

2.     الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلاَ رَفَثَ وَلاَ فُسُوقَ وَلاَ جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ وَمَا تَفْعَلُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَتَزَوَّدُواْ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الأَلْبَابِ

3.     لَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَبْتَغُواْ فَضْلاً مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَإِذَا أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَاتٍ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللَّهَ عِندَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الضَّالِّينَ

4.     ثُمَّ أَفِيضُواْ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُواْ اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Perform the pilgrimage and the visit (to Mecca) for Allah. And if ye are prevented, then send such gifts as can be obtained with ease, and shave not your heads until the gifts have reached their destination. And whoever among you is sick or hath an ailment of the head must pay a ransom of fasting or almsgiving or offering. And if ye are in safety, then whosoever contenteth himself with the visit for the pilgrimage (shall give) such gifts as can be had with ease. And whosoever cannot find (such gifts), then a fast of three days while on the pilgrimage, and of seven when ye have returned; that is, ten in all. That is for him whoso folk are not present at the Inviolable Place of Worship. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is severe in punishment. (196) The pilgrimage is (in) the well-known months, and whoever is minded to perform the pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation on the pilgrimage. And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it. So make provision for yourselves (Hereafter); for the best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding. (197) It is no sin for you that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading). But, when ye press on in the multitude from 'Arafat, remember Allah by the sacred monument. Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray. (198) Then hasten onward from the place whence the multitude hasteneth onward, and ask forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Surah 2^nd: al Baq’ra: vierses 186-199)         

اَللّٰهُ يَبۡسُطُ الرِّزۡقَ لِمَنۡ يَّشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُ‌ؕ وَفَرِحُوۡا بِالۡحَيٰوةِ الدُّنۡيَا ؕ وَمَا الۡحَيٰوةُ الدُّنۡيَا فِى الۡاٰخِرَةِ اِلَّا مَتَاعٌ‏ ﴿۲۶﴾  وَيَقُوۡلُ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا لَوۡلَاۤ اُنۡزِلَ عَلَيۡهِ اٰيَةٌ مِّنۡ رَّبِّهٖؕ قُلۡ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُضِلُّ مَنۡ يَّشَآءُ وَيَهۡدِىۡۤ اِلَيۡهِ مَنۡ اَنَابَ ‌ۖ ‌ۚ‏ ﴿۲۷﴾  اَلَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا وَتَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ قُلُوۡبُهُمۡ بِذِكۡرِ اللّٰهِ‌ ؕ اَلَا بِذِكۡرِ اللّٰهِ تَطۡمَٮِٕنُّ الۡقُلُوۡبُ ؕ‏

ALLAHU YABSUTHUR RIZQA LIMAN’Y YASHAA’O VA YAKHDIRU. VA FARIHOO BIL HAAYAATHID DUNIYA . VAM AL HAAYAATHID DUNIYA FIL AAKHIRATHI ILLAA MATHAA’YUN. VA YAQOOLUL LAZEENA KAFAROO LUV LA UNZILA ALAIHI AAYATHUM MIN/R RABBIHI. QUL INNALLAHA YUDILLU MAIYN/YASHAA’O VAYAH’DEE ILAIYHI MUN ANAAB.   ALLAZEENA AAMANOO VA THUT’MI YINNA QULOOBBUHUM BI ZIKRILLAH .  ALAA BI ZIKRILLAHI  ALAA BI ZIKRILLAHI THATHMAYI’YINNUL QULOOB

Allah enlargeth livelihood for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will); and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of the world is but brief comfort as compared with the Hereafter. (26) Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent

Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him), (27) Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! (28) Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end (Surah 13^th: ;ar ‘/Raad: verses 26-27)