Some Practical Tips for Hajj ‘Mabroor’

GUEST ARTICLE

by Asma bint Shameem

Hajj is the ‘Ultimate’ journey. They say it is the journey of a lifetime. Yet I see so many people, brothers and sisters, confused, angry, frustrated or just simply ignorant. So here is a piece of sincere advice for all of my brothers and sisters going for Hajj this year.

1. Educate yourself before you go

This is the most important point. They say “Knowledge is Power.” And how true that is. I see people confused, not knowing what to do, looking left and right…bewildered. And in the end, they just follow what the rest of the crowd is doing without even knowing whether what they are doing is even from the Sharee’ah of Muhammad (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) or not!

Indeed, I know people who have gone and come back from Hajj, and yet they don’t know what kind of Hajj they performed, how many minimum days one is required to stay in Mina….in fact, they don’t even know that it takes seven rounds around the Kaa’bah to make one Tawaaf!

Going to Hajj without knowing the basics of how to perform Hajj and Umrah is like placing someone who doesn’t know how to offer Salah, in the middle of people praying in Jama’ah. He may follow their movements in ruku’ and sujood, but does he really know how to pray? Did such a prayer even count?

So study the rituals of Hajj before you go. Learn how to perform this magnificent journey closest to the Sunnah. Because the closer to the Sunnah it will be, the more acceptable it will be to Allaah, Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala. Know the various rulings about the Meeqaat, Ihraam, Tawaaf, staying in Mina, stoning the Jamaraat, visiting the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)’s Masjid, etc. Educate yourself on the various common mistakes done by the pilgrim, so you can be aware of them and avoid them. And Insha Allaah, you will be able to perform your Hajj with confidence, according to the Sunnah, hoping for it to be accepted by Allaah.

2. Go with a prepared heart

Every year at Hajj, you see only two kinds of people. So for example, when stuck in traffic for 5 hours, you will see the first kind of people, sitting there calm and cool, with patience, wisely utilizing his time making dhikr of Allaah or reading Qur’aan….while the other kind of person will grumble and complain, fidget restlessly in his seat, cuss at the bus driver and waste his whole time fighting with whoever is sitting next to him.

Why is that? Because the first kind of person came with a prepared heart and the second one didn’t.

You see, Hajj is not only a journey of the body to the house of Allaah…it is also a journey of the heart and soul. And just as it is important to know the manners of performing Hajj, it is equally important to prepare yourself spiritually.

Remember, this is Hajj…. an act of Ibaadah….the fifth pillar of our Deen….something Allaah loves. So have khushoo’ in your Ibaadah….submit your heart and soul to Him, to the One Who has invited you to His Honorable House. Reflect on why you are here.

Have tawakkul in Him and complete faith. Be sure to know that He will take care of you. Be kind to His slaves, have patience and forbearance, take everything in stride and look for the positive in everything, even if it seems bleak.

So when the bus breaks down, its okay….it was the Will of Allaah that it happened. And when the guy next to you pushes you, or your shoes get stolen, forgive him.

And if your luggage gets lost for a day or two, be patient. And if you get stuck in traffic for 8 hours, remind yourself…whatever time Allaah has decreed for me to get there, I will get there, not a second before and not a second after.

3. Know Salatul Janazah

There is hardly any Fardh prayer in the Haram, that is not followed by the prayer for Janazah. And I see so many brothers and sisters who just sit there and not participate in this great act of worship, just because they don’t know how. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever attends the janaazah until he offers the prayer will have one qeeraat (of reward), and whoever attends until (the deceased) is buried will have two qeeraats.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what are the two qeeraats?” He said, “Like two great mountains,” meaning, of reward. (Saheeh – agreed upon).

And remember:

the reward of a prayer in al masjid al-Haraam is equal to 100,000 prayers anywhere else. [Tabarani]. So don’t miss out on this great opportunity to add to your good deeds.

4. Don’t get overwhelmed with the crowd

When you look at the large number of people there for Hajj, don’t get overwhelmed or bothered. Instead, raise your head up high, feel proud and thank Allaah. After all, all those people are none, but your own brothers and sisters in Islaam.

This is the Ummah of your beloved Prophet, Muhammad (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam). They are from you and you are from them. They are a part of you, just as much as you are a part of them. All of you are there for one and one purpose only….to worship One God, Allaah, Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala. So love them…and have mercy for them….and make dua for them.

5. Time is precious

Utilize your time to the MAX while in Makkah and Madeenah.

Do all your 5 prayers in the Masjid, no excuses allowed! When you pray in Masjid al-Haraam in Mecca, your salaah is multiplied by 100,000 times. Just imagine, if you’re there for about two weeks (14 days), and you pray all five prayers in the masjid, that’s equivalent in reward to praying more then 3800 years! Subhaan Allaah!

When you get to Mina, busy your self with making dua, dhikr, reading Qur’aan, etc. Your stay here is only a few precious days. You can’t waste it by talking, relaxing, doing nothing, as some people do.

And once in Arafah, this is THE day you were waiting for. This is what Hajj is all about.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Hajj IS Arafah.” (Abu Dawud)

Put in all you got during the day of Arafah. Take advantage of each hour, minute and second. Do not waste even a single moment. Make a dua list and do lots and lots of dua, for this is the day to make dua.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“The best of du’a is du’a on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me said is Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah (There is no god but Allaah alone with no partner or associate). (al-Tirmidhi, hasan by Albaani)

6. Hajj is not your annual vacation trip. It’s an act of Ibaadah

Some people forget that they are going for Hajj….they expect Mina to be a five star hotel and the whole journey about relaxation and luxury. So they complain about the food, they complain about the weather, they complain about the crowds, the bus, the beds, the bathrooms, the tents, the A/C in Mina, you name it. They complain about everything under the sun.

Remember this is Hajj…not a cruise or a vacation. Remember when not so long ago people traveled for months through dangerous terrain and rough weather to get to Hajj, not to mention the heat, diseases, thugs and other hardships of travel. They had to draw water from a well and walk to the bushes to relieve themselves. Look around you, what is there to complain?

Alhamdulillaah, you have flowing water from a tap and running bathrooms. And even if they are not as clean as they should be, at least they are there!  And you have hot food and air conditioned tents, a place to sleep and transportation from one place to another. So be patient and thank Allaah.

7. Don’t just say it…. mean it

When you recite the Talbiyah, don’t just say it like a parrot, without knowing what it means and what it implies. Think about the greatness of these words and an even greater Greatness of the One you are saying these words to. You are saying Labbaik, Allaahumma Labbaik….

What do these words imply?

Oh Allaah I am here….here to serve You, here to obey You, here to submit my life, my wants, my desires only to You. I am ready for change. Oh Allaah, I love you and I worship no one but you. So forgive me and guide me.

This is the implication behind these words. So say these words from the heart….mean what you say…and let a tear roll from your eyes when you say it.

And that goes for all the duas that you will recite.

8. Be nice

Obviously, everybody wants their Hajj To be ‘Mabroor’ (accepted)…because the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“…There is no reward for Hajj mabroor except Paradise.” (Al-Bukhaari)

They said: “What makes Hajj mabroor, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Providing food to people and spreading (the greeting of) salaam.” (Fath al-Bari, 4/446)

Thus we see that being kind to the people, being generous and considerate, serving and helping them is the KEY to having your Hajj accepted.

*       So go ahead and help that old lady with her luggage,

*       and the older brother across the street.

*       Move over to make room in the ’saff’ for your fellow Muslim so that they too can find a place to pray.

*       Distribute candy among the children,

*       pass out glasses of Zam Zam,

*       smile at everyone and say salaam to those you know and those you don’t.

In other words, just keep you eyes and ears open for every opportunity to do good and jump at any chance you get to spread khair, all this for the sake of pleasing Allaah Alone and Insha Allaah your Hajj will be mabroor.

May Allah accept all the Hajj of all the brothers and sisters, and teach the coming Hujjaj how to best prepare and earn a Hajj Mabroor. Ameen.

MY NOTE: Please give sadaqa before and after each prayer. You can give this to the workers at the Haram or the hotel cleaning crew or street cleaning crew ( They do not make much money and some just work in the Haram for the honor of washing the haram)  or you can give to people on the street who are needy. But Do Give!

The Direction……….

H

He has afflicted you from every direction

in order to pull you back to the Directionless.

Rumi

has afflicted you from every direction in order to pull you back to the DirecHe has afflicted you from every direction in order to pull you back to the Directionless. tionless.

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT I AM GOING BACK……..

I am going back…………..I can’t believe I am going back. I don’t even want to analyze why there is a spring in my heart. I am going back to innocence, unsullied by the crowds, in the bazaar, untouched by time.

I am going back, to lay my head down on the cool marble, walk till the tiles narrow telling me that I have completed my circle. My heart facing His house, I walk, slow, I walk fast, the timelessness in the circle only interrupted by the adhaan, calling the tawafees to prayer…………..

This is a package deal, thus I am going back to the storyteller, who comes each evening after the maghrib prayer and weaves a web of unreality and you find yourself drawn into it, bit by bit sipping the sweet mint tea, knowing from some remote part of your brain that this will soon be lost, some first world country will bomb it and blow all history to smithereens…………and with another sip of the mint tea you lay down your fears and submit………….

Submit to Him around whose House I am circambulating, has he admitted me in? Not yet I know, there is a lot to be cleansed around my heart, and with every circle a little more crud falls off my heart.

I am walking the uneven cobbled streets………….I am back, the history of the street pulls at me, the innocence of it roots me there, I am free, I am safe, I am protected and I am loved, how strange………..a foreign city where I only know few souls, and yet I feel I have been here and I want to belong here.

I am going back and entering the coolness of the Roza, there is no peace here. Women are wrestling to pray on the carpet that signifies the Riaz al Jannah………how we women sometimes take things literally: RasoolAllah pbuh has said, and I paraphrase: the space between my home and my minbar is a piece of jannah………..what did he mean? I and a million other women take it literally, we find ourselves feverishly wrestling for our little spot in Riaz al Jannah………

I rationalize to my self that he pbuh meant that He or she who prays behind me or where I prayed will get a piece of the action in Jannah.

No matter what rationalization I put on these words of RasoolAllah pbuh, they flee my mind as my steps hurry towards the Roza, seeking the piece of earth between his house and His minbar to pray.

I dive into the sea of women, some 7 ft tall from Somalia some 4 feet tall from India and then women of all manner and sizes in between are like an ocean of bodies wrestling for a small rectangle.

I often think in retrospect that it truly represents us in the Akirah where we will be struggling to get our book of deeds in our right hand………..and no one will care about another……….I am pulled to the spot like a magnet, and despite all the rationalization and that I should be acting with Rasool Allah’s Ikhlaaq, it draws me with a gnawing desire to in some way find a shortcut to jannah and propels me into this crowd of bodies.

Swimming feverishly trying to make my two rakats of succor for my ticket to jannah.  I find myself moving forward with a determination unparrelleled to anything I have ever done before, towards the rectangle between his house and his minbar with the sole purpose of making two rakat on it………and nothing can stop me at that time.

I am walking the streets, of the souk and one turn and I enter the domed building where Saladin lies buried and I pause, how often and with what anguish Muslims have called upon Allah Subhanawataala to send us a Saladin, a Saladin that will wrest Jerusalem from the killing fields and with his generous spirit of Ehsaan seed the olive trees that have been wrenched out of the ground by caterpillar tractors and rejuvenate the spirit of justice, mercy and ehsaan.

………And yet as I see his grave covered with a green cloth with the verse of the throne written on it, I wonder, even he with all his glory and magnificence lies in the same amount of space that I would take to lie in. He an amazing person and a brave warrior, and I just Jane Doe.

I am going back………….. What will I do there I do not know yet…………but it really does not matter for I feel the music start in my soul and my spirit is on its journey upwards and towards His House………..

I am on the caravan from Shaam to Mecca, like all the pilgrims in history.

SLAY THE IDOLATERS WHEREVER YE FIND THEM…………9:4-6

BACKGROUND:
Surah Tawbah lays the groundwork of the ethics of battle and treaties and the steps to follow if the enemy breaks the treaty. It empowers Muslims who were very weak and in the minority at that time to abide by the guidelines of the Quran when dealing with the enemy, while reminding them of their duties towards Allah Subhanwataa’la.

The guidelines of the Quran for battle are very different from usual and customary and are based on justice rather than vengeance.  These guidelines if followed also reign in the Lesser Self and ego -based oppression of the vanquished. These energizing the Muslim warrior against a strong enemy in doing what is right by Allah Subhanawataa’la.

During the process of teaching the Muslims via RasoolAllah (PBUH), Allah Subhanawataala in His revelations gives leeway for those people who may have a seed of emaan in their hearts or even an inclination to listen to Allah’s words which are for their own good.

The Muslims who were few and awed by the power of the Quraish are also encouraged and empowered in this Surah to fight for what is right and for the oppressed Muslims of Mecca and once again (as when Abraham built it) make the Kaaba a sanctuary of the pure and pious.

Several ayahs from this surah have been googled and quoted in isolation, by ignorant people. Ignorant by circumstance not choice.

It behooves the Muslims to read, review, understand and reflect on the Quran as a whole and this surah in particular so that they can explain its meaning in true essence and context to the ignoramus without being patronizing and to the best of their ability.

It is also important as mentioned elsewhere in the Quran that it is important not to be angered if the other person does not “buy” it our job is to give the message of Allah Subhanawataala, and it is in Allah’s hands and it is his will whom He chooses to guide.

These ayahs also outline what to do if the enemy asks for protection, in the heat of the battle.  The Muslim is behooved to explain, recite and make dua to allow this enemy to hear the Quran. How many of us can recite the Quran and explain its meaning in a language other than Arabic?

My personal take would be to make dua, recite Kalima shahada and then explain so that whatever comes out of our mouth as Muslims is an accurate reflection of Allah Subhanwataala’s message.

TAFSEER(FH)
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE AYAHS OF SURAH TAWBAH
These ayahs of surah Tauba (1-37) these ayahs cancel all previous pacts between Muslim and disbelievers and put the munafiqueen on notice.

PUTTING THE DISBELIEVERS & HYPOCRITES ON NOTICE
The Surah begins as:
This is a Baraa’et, which is a word that comes from: Al Burr ohu, which means “ to release oneself from a makkrooh act”.

This ayah proclaims that all relationships, pacts and treaties with the disbelievers are hereby invalided and this is a proclamation from Allah and His Rasool (PBUH) for those people whom Muslims made pacts with, now these pacts are invalidated publicly.

THE PROCLAMATION MADE AT HAJJ (9TH HIJRI) COMMANDED IN SURAH TAWBAH
Ali RA was asked later, “ What were you sent to announce?” He said I was asked to make four announcements:

1.    No person will do tawaf in the state of nakedness
2.    The Kafir with whom Rasool Allah PBUH made a pact of peace and those Kafirs have not broken their pact this pact stands for the period.
3.    For those with whom Muslims have no pact they have four months to either take Shahada, become Muslims and go to jannah or leave Mecca.
4.    After this year Muslims and Mushriks (disbelievers) will not be allowed to gather together in Mecca for Hajj as Arabia will be purified for the believers and thus no disbelievers will be allowed in Mecca.

GRACE PERIOD AND RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE TO ALLAH
Here the disbelievers are being addressed: You can walk around and visit everywhere in Arabia peacefully for four months (announced on 10 Zilhij) expires on 10 Rabi us Sani) this period is for you to reflect. You are being warned that you should know that you are not able to weaken Allah, or the Muslims and Allah SWT is going to openly punish the disbelievers.  This period of grace is not because Muslims are weak, but to give you time to reflect and change your behavior.  And Allah is capable of debasing disbelievers.

GRACE PERIOD GIVEN AND COMPARED TO THE OUTCOME OF PAST NATIONS
The past nations who were severely punished for their disobediences, Allah SWT dishonored them in dunya and destroyed them eventually.
After this reminder Allah Subhanawataala, the Arabs of Mecca were given four months to straighten up and accept and submit to the Unity and power of Allah.

Hajj Akbar is the actual Hajj, and Hajj Asghar is Ummrah.

PROCLAMATION FOR CHANGE
Ali RA announced this on Zilhij 10 in Mina near the Jamaraat” Allah SWT is tired of the mushriqeen and His Rasool (PBUH) is also tired of the mushriqeen, but if you repent (do tauba) return to Allah, then that is best for you and if you turn away then be warned that you cannot  overcome Allah. And give the message to those who do Kuffar that there is a severe torment awaiting them.

WHO IS BEING ADDRESSED?
These announcements addressed two groups:
1.    This one was for those who had broken the pacts
2.    For the general public

The Arabs would make pacts between tribes to help each other out this was called becoming Haleefs comes from “Halaf” which mean taking an oath. This was essential for the survival of the tribes. However by embracing Islam one crossed all the borders of tribes, familial ties and nations

This announcement was to warn all to collect under one flag that of Islam.

ALL TREATIES DISSOLVED WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS
Translation 9:4: Excepting those of the idolaters with whom ye (Muslims) have a treaty, and who have since abated nothing of your right nor have supported anyone against you. (As for these), fulfill their treaty to them till their term. Lo! Allah loveth those who keep their duty (unto Him).

Those who have abided by their pacts and have not made pacts behind your back against you. Complete the time of the pact and Allah loves those who are mutaqeen, here mutaqeen is one who abides by their pact.

9:3 all people were addressed.
9:4 those specific people were selected out of the above.

FOR ALL OTHERS A GRACE PERIOD: AFTER THE PERIOD OF GRACE IF THE WARNING IS NOT HEEDED THEN….
فَإِذَا ٱنسَلَخَ لأَشہُرُ لحُرُمُ فَٱقتُلُواْ ٱلمُشرِكِينَ حَيثُ وَجَدتُّمُوهُم وَخُذُوهُم وَٱحصُرُوهُم وَٱقعُدُواْ لَهُم لَّ مَرصَدٍ فَإِن تَابُواْ وَأَقَامُواْ ٱلصَّلَوةَ وَءَاتَوُاْ ٱلزَّوةَ فَخَلُّواْ سَبِيلَهُم إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (5)

Then those months (Haraam months: those months of grace period) pass, once this time passes then kill them wherever you find them, in the field (a) exception of in the Haram, b) unless they fight you in the Haram (two opinions from scholars)

Pursue them, lay siege on them and wait for them, to get them, then if they repent, and stand for prayers (salaat) and pay zakat i.e. they accept the submission to Allah by demonstrating it in their actions of salaat and giving charity out of their earnings, then leave them and open their path, Allah is Ghafoor ur Raheem.

PROTECTION AND EDUCATION IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE
وَإِن أَحَدٌ مِّنَ ٱلمُشرِكِينَ ٱستَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرهُ حَتَّى يَسمَعَ كَلَـمَ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبلِغهُ مَأمَنَهُ  ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّہُم قَومٌ لَّا يَعلَمُونَ (٦)
And if anyone of the idolaters seeketh thy protection (O Muhammad), then protect him so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and afterward convey him to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who know not. (6)

Then if one of the mushriqs in the heat of the battle when they are subdued, ask for protection during the battle then give them protection until they have listened to the words of Allah, and then take him to the place of peace (his home)
This is because they are ignorant and they do not have knowledge of Allah’s words.
The message of Allah has to be given to everyone, even in the heat of the battle
End Tafseer

MY TAKE & SUMMARY:
Surah tawbah was revealed after 23years of struggle with the disbelievers.  Even with the success of Islam, there were some ignorant people who continued to carry on in their merry way, dancing naked around the Kaaba and making and breaking pacts and overall being a thorn on the side of the believers. These people did not have the upright ethics of the Muslims, yet they continued to take undue advantage of the ethical behavior of the Muslims

This surah is when Allah Subhanawataala say “That’s it!” and yet unlike the treatment of the past nations He in his infinite mercy does not turn the nations of the Arabs upside down and does not crush them into the earth like the nation of Lot nor the nations of Ad and Thamud. However the idolaters of Arabia have been given 23 years of change and they continue to defy Allah Subhanawataala’s commands by breaking treaties, and going back on their word.

He (SWT) sends firm instructions to Prophet Muhammad PBUH that it is now time to make Mecca the centre of Purity for the believers.

In doing so He (SWT) instructs the Muslims:

He (SWT) erases all previous pacts and commands the following:
1.    Muslims are to abide by the pacts that they have in place with the disbelievers and which the disbelievers have not been broken.
2.    To give four months notice to the idolaters to either submit to Allah or leave Mecca
3.    After the period of notice is over, if the idolaters persist with adversity then to kill the ones who fight the Muslims, and those who violently disobey the above mentioned commands BUT there is a caveat of mercy: if they repent, establish salaat and pay zakat then let them go because Allah is forgiving and merciful
4.    In the heat of the battle, Muslims should hold their swords from killing if any idolater asks for protection, and to give them protection till they (the idolater) have heard the words of Allah, and then if they set up salaat, and zakaat then take them to the place of peace (their home). Their lack in faith is thus from their ignorance.

Allah knows best.

If there I made any mistakes they are from me and from my lesser Self and the whisperings of the Shaitan, if I wrote anything correct or rightly guided, it is from Allah Subhanawataala.

Dua: May Allah Subhanawataala forgive me my mistakes and guide me, such that my brain and pen only think and write what He has deemed as just and right.

PILGRIMAGE AND THE STATION OF IBRAHIM 3:96-97

Surah Al Imran 003.096
YUSUFALI: The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:

003.097
YUSUFALI: In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.

Commentary: A formal pilgrimage to His (Subhanawataa’la’s) House is both a personal and social step towards realizing Allah’s presence both in this world and beyond. All worship is acts of yearning and dedication to the One Lord.

Excerpted from The Quranic Prescription for Life

AFTER TARAWEH………….

After Taraweh………I would flow out of the Haram with all the other worshippers in search of food and shower, or just food. Going up the escalator to find food, I look down at the crowd milling in the “sehen” of the Haram.

I am hundreds of miles away this Ramadan but even now as I close my eyes I feel the empowering energy in my veins that I felt after Taraweh in the Haram, with Sheikh Jouhanis, resonant but soulful voice calling……..”ya ayohan naas……..” resounding in my memory again and again and again……….calling me!

Ya Allah invite me again……soon!

His soulful voice warning us with Surah Haqq and yet the hope in his voice has undertones that Allah Subhanawataala will forgive all those who stand in front of Him today as they will not dare to disobey Him after standing in His house and repeating His words, such that they resound off the remote hills and come back to embed into our hearts and souls forever…………….

And then comes your private moment with the Dua Qunut………the words and tears flow from Sheikh Sudais, but the words rise from you to Him………….

SALADIN’S CASTLE AND THE SISTERS OF NAUMAAN CALL TO ME……..

The Shaqaiq al Nauman (sisters of Nauman) are waving at me. I stop to stare at them. In this wilderness of ruins of a powerful castle I feel they want to tell me the story of Saladin, I know enough, which is what brings me here.

Saladin’s castle on top of a mountain flanked by two ravines, entered by the south gate by ascending 144 steps. It is approached by traveling up the mountain on hairpin bends and looking down at the possibility of sure death with the slightest miscalculation of the road edge.
I think of Salahudin ……and his family, emigrating on the night of his birth from Mosul to Aleppo, the reasons are hidden between the lines, he spends his first sixteen years being educated in Islam by the Sufis……………….suddenly all the stories of Ehsaan that I have heard about him come to life. I see a young boy learning to forgive, to give more than is being asked, to take only what is needed and to give away the rest Fi sabeelallah.

A little boy who grows up to be a powerful strong soldier and Sultan that spares the Crusaders when he conquers Jerusalem. Those very Crusaders who on conquering Jerusalem had massacred every muslim and Jew in the city, such that it is recorded in history books that their horses waded in blood up to their knees. ……. and yet when he (Salahudin) enters Jerusalem as a conqueror……..and has those very Crusaders at his mercy, he lets them go………..

Ehsaan had entered his very being. He is the epitome of a true muslim, Ehsaan exuding from every cell of his heart.

Why was he a soldier then? The thought occurs to me as I walk the paths in Saladin’s castle. Every shaqaiq e Naumaan as the red poppies of the desert are called affectionately waves to me gently in the breeze reminding me of their frailty and their temporary stay this spring in this stronghold of the Muslims….

Why was he a soldier? Being a soldier entails killing, which is opposite of the Sufi teachings of overcoming your nafs and purifying your heart with the Name and worship of Allah and Allah alone.

I look around; the scene is breathtaking; the breeze blows laden with memories of the past glory of muslims.

There is an underlying assurance of impermanence of life, power and even ehsaan.

All things must end, good or bad with the final judgment, punishment and reward meted out by Allah SWT on The Day.

The final day of Judgment whence everything and every part of us will give witness to our past actions and there will be no shade for the sinner.

Nowhere else is one more acutely aware of this than in Saladin’s powerful castle now in ruins.

Something turned him into what he became: The knight for the defense of the defenseless.

As we roll back the pages of history, we realize that Power changed hands when one of the Christian kings decided that he could attack Mecca and Medina the holiest of places for muslims and massacred a ship full of pilgrims

What arose in Saladin’s fair and just heart at this news broke the walls of tolerance. He rose to mete justice and punish the perpetrators for the attack planned for the holiest of places……….and in doing so kept going until he had conquered not only Jerusalem but also a large part of Palestine and what is today Syria and Lebanon.

Balian…….A Lord treated like a King in Jerusalem wrote to Saladin after the masacre of the pilgrims and before saladin conquered Jerusalem:
**“…………If we see death as inevitable, then, By God we will kill our own women and children burn all we possess………then we shall destroy the sacred rock, Al Aqsa mosque, and many other sites; we will kill the five thousand Muslim prisoners we hold and will exterminate the mounts and beasts……..” and on and on.
Any one with a strong ego as most rulers and leaders do would have punished Balian and the Franjs of Jerusalem with a vengeance, but not Saladin, his earlier training of reining in the nafs with prayer and fasting stood him in good faith.
“He entered Jerusalem on Friday October 2, 1187 or Rajab 27 583 by the Muslim calendar, the very day on which Muslim celebrate the Prophet’s (PBUH) nocturnal Journey to Jerusalem (Isra wal mairaaj). His emirs and soldiers had strict orders: No Christian whether Frankish or Oriental was to be touched. And indeed there was neither massacre nor plunder.

The fact that the Christian shrines and churches still stand today in Jerusalem bear witness to Salahudin’s level of ehsaan when entering Jerusalem as the Conqueror of Jerusalem.

Ehsaan: an integral part of Islam, transmitted by Gabriel (AS) to Prophet Muhammad PBUH, a mercy to mankind, so difficult to imbue in ones actions when one is victorious and has the power to hurt or desecrate.

Excerpt**:

“Most of the Franj (Frankish Crusaders) remained in the city after Salahudin conquered it. He (Salahudin) surrounded by a mass of companions, went from sanctuary to sanctuary weeping. praying and prostrating himself. He allowed the rich to sell their property to Orthodox Christians and Jews who planned to continue to stay on”

His extreme level of ehsaan and fulfilling his pact with the vanquished patriarch of Jerusalem was demonstrated when the Patriarch of Jerusalem drove out of city accompanied by numerous chariots filled with gold, carpets and all sorts of precious goods. Imad al Din Asfahani was scandalized and the treasurers of the muslim state became angry:

“ I said to the Sultan (Salahudin): The patriarch is carrying off riches worth at least two hundred thousand dinars. We gave them permission to take their personal property with them but not the treasures of the churches and convents. You must not let them do it” but Salahudin answered: we must apply the letter of the accords we have signed, so that no one will be able to accuse the believers of having violated their treaties. On the contrary Christians everywhere will remember the kindness we have bestowed upon them.” **

The red poppies swaying in the wind, smile at me baring their chest to show me the black covering their heart. Is the black cover on the heart waiting to be polished by the Mujahida of the Momins of the muslim world? Perhaps from someone like Salahudin. Their petals are deep red with the blood of muslims soaking the earth all over.
I detect no sadness in their demeanor, as they sway with the breeze, their delicate petals red with the central black covering on their hearts.

They seem to say, as they gently wave to me ……..Powers greater than those who are now bent on destruction of muslim homes and countries have perished in the past…………………………….do not grieve, this too shall pass!

THE VIRTUES OF MUHARRAM

An adaptation of :The Virtues of the Month of Muharram and Ashoora
by Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid

Opening Salutation:
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Chief of the Messengers, and upon all his family and companions.
The Months of Allah
Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months.
Etiquette of the Muslim during the four sacred months
Allah SWT says:
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islâmic calendar).
That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the
Oneness of Allâh) collectively), as they fight against you collectively. But know that Allâh is with those who are Al-Muttaqûn ” (At-Tawbah 9:36)
Explanation of: “… so wrong not yourselves therein”
It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said that this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.
What does an Islamic year look like?
12 months that comprise the Islamic year are:

1. Muharram 7. Rajab
2. Safar 8. Sha’ban
3. Rabi’ al-awwal (Rabi’ I) 9. Ramadan
4. Rabi’ al-thani (Rabi’ II) 10. Shawwal
5. Jumada al-awwal (Jumada I) 11. Dhu al-Qi’dah
6. Jumada al-thani (Jumada II) 12. Dhu al-Hijjah
http://webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar-islamic.html

The four Sacred months
Narrated by Abu Bakr (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said. “(The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earths. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa’ da, Dhul-Hijja and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumadi-ath-Thaniyah and Sha ban.” Muharram is so called because it is a sacred (muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity.” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Number 419]
The Sunnahs of Muharram
1. Increase naafil fasts during Muharram.
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God’s month al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.” [Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2611]
2. Fasting on Ashoora
The historical significance of Aashooraa
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: When the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: “This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah.” The Prophet said, “I am closer to Moses than they.” So, he (PBUH) observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4,Book 55, Number 609]
“Moosa fasted on this day” – a report narrated by Muslim adds: “… in thanksgiving to Allah, so we fast on this day.” According to a report narrated by al-Bukhaari: “… so we fast on this day to venerate it.”

A version narrated by Imam Ahmad ads: “This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Joodi, so Noah fasted this day in thanksgiving.”

It was also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast on ‘Aashooraa’ in Makkah, before he migrated to Madeenah. When he migrated to Madeenah, he found the Jews celebrating this day, so he asked them why, and they replied as described in the hadeeth quoted above. He commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival, as was reported in the hadeeth of Abu Moosa (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “The Jews used to take the day of ‘Aashooraa’ as a festival [according to a report narrated by Muslim: the day of ‘Aashooraa’ was venerated by the Jews, who took it as a festival.
The virtues of fasting ‘Aashooraa’
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: “I never saw the Prophet seeking to fast on a day more (preferable to him) than this day, the day of 'Ashura', or this month, i.e. the month of Ramadan.” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 224]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “…For fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” [Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2602]. This is from the bounty of Allah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.
Which day is ‘Aashooraa’?
Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Our companions said:
‘Aashooraa’ is the tenth day of Muharram and Taasoo’aa’ is the ninth day. This is our opinion, and that of the majority of scholars (al-Majmoo’)
3. It is mustahabb (encouraged) to fast on the ninth and the tenth, Taasoo’aa’ with ‘Aashooraa’. This is what Ahmad said, and it is the opinion of Ishaaq.”
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that when the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded that it should he observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: Messenger of Allah, it is a day, which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When the next year comes, God willing, we would observe fast on the 9th But the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) died before the advent of the next year. [Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2528]
Why do muslims fast on ‘Aashooraa’ ?
Imaam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins.” Then he said (may Allah have mercy on him):
“Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for two years, and the day of ‘Aashooraa’ expiates for one year.
When a person says ‘Aameen’ it coincides with the ‘Aameen’ of the angels, he will be forgiven all his previous sins…
Each one of the things that we have mentioned will bring expiation. (al-Majmoo’ Sharhal-Muhadhdhab, part 6, Sawm Yawm ‘Arafaah).
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Tahaarah, salaah, and fasting in Ramadaan, on the day of ‘Arafaah and on ‘Aashooraa’ expiate for minor sins only.” (al-Fataawa al-Kubra,part 5).
Dua/Supplication:
We ask Allah to make us followers of the Sunnah of His Noble Prophet, to make us live in Islam and die in a state of faith. May He help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him. We ask Him to help us to remember Him and be thankful to Him, to worship Him properly and to accept our good deeds. May He make us of those who are pious and fear Him. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions.

I WANT TO BE WITH THEM AGAIN!

It is Hajj of 2006 and it is one hour before fajr salaat. We get ready to go to the Haram. We look out of the window and lo and behold…..

(click on the picture to expand)

THE DAY BEFORE ARAFAH

I am homesick for Hajj, and yet I am not there this year so I close my eyes………..and I am there.
I am in Mina the tent city outside Mecca. It is night and we are packing to go to Arafat. My companions and I have been told to leave every ‘non-essential” behind. I do not know what is essential for others, but I pocket my dua book of istighfaar, a toothbrush and toothpaste, (I want the prayers to come out of a clean & fresh mouth) some dry cookies, a bar of chocolate for Shireen & me and my sleeping bag. It is amazing how little one needs in actuality.
I step out of my tent to refresh my wudu before travel. The camp is ablaze with lights and a suppressed feeling of excitement. We are going to Arafat! Everyone wants to know which bus will we be on and what time it will leave.
We stand in a fakely lit environment. As I turn right from my tent, suddenly the sounds and lights of the camp recede. Faraway I see the torchlights dotting the hills marking the locations of the tents, which are barely visible. Maghrib is fading and the night of the desert has taken a velvety tranquil hold.
Once upon a time, out there somewhere in one of the tents on the hillside was Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings upon him with his uncle. As night fell and the pilgrims from Mecca, Medina and far away places fell asleep, few young men from medina steal into the night, to a meeting place with Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
They are going to ask him (PBUH) to migrate to Medina and give him (PBUH) their pledge of protection the same pledge that they give their family members. The pledge to die protecting his (PBUH) life, property and honor.
In the tent Prophet Muhammad looks at the young faces, none of them is a day older than twenty-five. His uncle who has accompanied him (PBUH) fears for his nephew and thinks that this is young blood making a pledge in the heat of youth, which might be squelched by the elders.
The meeting continues, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) agreeing to migrate and the young men from Medina offering to take him with them now. He says if he goes with them now, there will be resistance from the tribes of Mecca and perhaps bloodshed. The young men from Medina, their faces idealistic, and stern with the resolve of protecting the Prophet (PBUH) pull out their swords and promise to kill every and anyone who stands to harm him (PBUH).
Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings upon him) reply answers my query as to why he has been sent as a mercy not just for Muslims but also as a mercy to mankind.
He says ‘we have not been commanded by Allah SWT to do so’ (i.e.) be the oppressor. They accept his decision and then ask him “if you migrate and we give you our loyalty and protection, when things get better in Mecca will you leave us and return to Mecca?”
He (PBUH) gives them his word………and thus after his Hijra, though he loved and longed for Mecca he never went back to live there permanently, ever! He could have done so after the victory of Mecca. The young men return to their tents and wait patiently for the right time and his signal.
My reverie is broken by my mahram and the need to get in line for the bus to Arafat.
I am on the bus, the dark cloak of night has fallen around me, I peer out of the window trying to see where I am going, looking for signs, I see none.
Slowly as the bus progresses towards its destination I look out of the window and see the road filled with cars, trucks, and vans packed to the gills with men, women and children. Some sitting on the roofs of buses and trucks. Some walking in the dark, all going in one direction. Towards Arafat…to make their final plea before Allah subhanawataala, telling him all that is bad within them and asking Him (SWT) to wash it off and give them another chance. I am overcome with the enormity of the task that lies ahead. From here on it is “every person for himself….. before Allah!”
I am trying not to think of what I am going to say when I get there. The promise of the beneficence of Allah that he will expatiate all my past sins is dependant on how much I can bare my soul and if I can be honest and sincere in my repentance.
I will have to stand at Arafat, and bare myself to Him, become soul naked, stripped to the inner self with everything and all exposed to Him (SWT) before I can repent.
I can feel my reservations and denial setting up barricades to the baring of the soul. I am not such a bad person, my nafs whispers to me. My method of dealing with this for now is that I try not to think of what I have to do. I sort of doze off, pulling myself into a twilight zone. I am neither awake nor asleep, neither thinking nor resting.
The bus travels for eons I feel, hurtling towards my final destination. I no longer have control over my destiny, there is no past, no future and in the state I am in, no present……….my last conscious thought is that I will think about it when I get there.

Continued in……………. TODAY IS ARAFAH