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The Camel And It’s Load

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) concluded the Al-Hudaybiyah peace treaty with the people of Makkah, who were still determinedly opposed to Islam, the treaty stipulated that the Prophet and his companions would not be allowed to enter Makkah that year, even though they intended nothing other than to worship there. Instead, they were to return to Madinah, but they would be allowed entry the following year, provided that they would stay only three days in Makkah.

This duly took place and the Prophet entered the city peacefully with his companions, where they performed their Umrah. Those who were perceptive in Makkah realized that Islam was continuing its surge, winning new hearts every day. They felt that every time a Muslim raised his voice declaring God’s oneness, a blow was leveled at idolatry. The end of that falsehood was soon coming. Therefore, the elders of Makkah wanted the Prophet and the Muslims to leave as soon as possible.

Yet something totally different was taking place. Al-Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle who was still residing in Makkah, keeping an eye on developments there, spoke to the Prophet about his own sister-in-Law, Barrah bint Al-Harith. Her husband had died recently. He suggested that the Prophet should marry her. The Prophet agreed. Someone rushed to break the news to the prospective bride. She was riding a camel. She jumped off it when she heard the news, and said: “The camel and its load belong to God’s messenger.”

It all happened very quickly, yet preparations were put in hand for the unplanned wedding. By the evening of the third day of the Prophet’s entry in Makkah, two figures from the Quraysh came over to him. They put up a serious and threatening attitude, and said: “The time you have been allowed here is up. Will you and your followers now depart?” The Prophet mentioned that he was about to marry and suggested to them: “Would you not consider an alternative? If you would let me have my wedding here, we will throw a party for you and serve you with a good dinner.” They said: “We do not need your food. You better leave us now.” The Prophet did not argue the matter further. He ordered his companions to depart, fulfilling the condition of staying only three days in Makkah. The marriage took place at some distance from Makkah.

It is not surprising that the people of Makkah should take such an uncompromising attitude. They felt that if Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a chance to have his wedding in their own grounds and to talk to the people in the friendly atmosphere of a wedding and a banquet, their cause would lose its grip on the hearts of those very Makkan people. They realized that their own religion could not stand up to the logic of Islam. People were bound to be favorably influenced by the Prophet’s personality and the strength of his argument. The barriers which they erected to prevent people from going over to him would thus start to collapse. They realized that Muhammad’s visit to Makkah was changing the atmosphere which had prevailed between the two camps, but they could not realize that many of the people of Makkah had already softened to the cause of Islam.

The Prophet changed the name of his new wife, calling her Maymoonah, which means “a woman who brings goodness.” He hoped that his trip to Makkah would be instrumental in bringing its people to listen to the voice of Islam and to look at it without prejudice. Maymoonah was very devout. Ayesha said of her: “By God, she was one of the most God-fearing and the kindest to relatives among us.”

-By Adil Salahi

Learning Hajj

Hajj is one of the best forms of worship and one of the most sublime deeds because it’s one of the pillars of Islam. A Muslim’s religion is incomplete without it. (Any) worship is only acceptable when the following is true:

One devotes it to Allah alone, with a desire for the Hereafter. It cannot be done with the intention of being seen among people or for worldly gain.

One follows the Prophet’s example, in words and deeds. This cannot be accomplished except by gaining knowledge of the Sunnah.

The three types of Hajj:
Tamattu: A pilgrim wears Ihram for Umrah only during the months of Hajj, which means when a pilgrim reaches Makkah, he/she makes Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah. Then shaves or clips the hair. On the day of Tarwiya, which is the eighth of Dhul Hijja, the pilgrim puts on his Ihram for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements.

Ifrad: A pilgrim wears Ihram for Hajj only. When he reaches Makkah, he performs Tawaf for his arrival and Sa’i for Hajj. He doesn’t shave or clip his hair as he doesn’t disengage from Ihram. Instead, he remains in Ihram till after he stones Jamrah Al-Aqaba on the Eid day. It is permissible for him to postpone his Sa’i for Hajj until after his Tawaf for Hajj.

Qiran: A pilgrim wears Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj or he wears Ihram first for Umrah, then makes intentions for Hajj before his Tawaf for Hajj. The obligations on one performing Ifrad are the same as those on one performing Qiran, except that the latter must slaughter whereas the former is not obligated to do so.

The best of the three forms is Tamattu. It is the form that the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to perform. Even if a pilgrim makes his intention to perform Qiran or Ifrad he is allowed to change his intention to Tamattu. He can do this even after he has performed Tawaf and Sa’i.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Tawaf and Sa’i during the year of the Farewell Hajj with his Companions, he ordered all those who hadn’t brought sacrificial animals to change their intention for Hajj into intention for Umrah. cut their hair, and disengage from Ihram till Hajj. He said, “If I hadn’t brought the sacrificial animal, I would have done what I have ordered you to do.”

– By Sheikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen
– Excerpt from the book How to Perform the Rituals of Hajj and Umrah

An Honest Businessman

Hassan bin Ziyaad (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “Imaam Abu Haneefa (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) bought a consignment of fabric which had a defect in it. He sent the consignment to his partner to sell it off and instructed him to clearly inform the customers of the defect. It happened that the partner sold off the entire consignment but totally forgot to inform the customers. He also could not recall who the customers were. When Imaam Abu Haneefa (Rahmatullahi Alaihi ) learnt of this he was extremely disappointed. He then gave away all the money from that sale, the profits as well as the capital, as sadaqah. The total amount came to thirty thousand dirhams (which will presently be equivalent to several hundred thousand Rands). (Jawaahir Pare vol 2)

Hadhrat Abu Zar (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Three types of people Allah Ta’ala will not speak to on the day of Qiyamah, nor will he look at them with the sight of mercy nor purify and cleanse them of their sins, and a severe punishment awaits them.” Hadrat Abu Zar (Radhiallahu Anhu) exclaimed: “Certainly such people are great losers and are doomed. O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), inform us who are these people?” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “The one who lets his garment flow beneath his ankles, the one who (after doing a favor to people), reminds them of his favors, and the one who takes false oaths when marketing and advertising his merchandise (i.e. he lies about the quality of the merchandise etc. to people with false oaths).

Hadhrat Abu Saeed (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: The businessman who deals with honesty and trustworthiness will be in the company of the Ambiyaa, the siddeeqeen, and the shuhadaa (martyrs).

Hadhrat Hakeem ibn Hizaam (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “If the purchaser and seller deal with honesty and disclose the faults of the merchandise, Allah Ta’ala will grant them barkat (blessing) in their business transaction. However, if they transact with dishonesty, thereby concealing the faults of the merchandise and speaking lies to each other, the blessing of the transaction will be taken away.

Prophet Musa: An Excellent Role Model

If you study the Glorious Qur’an with in-depth reflection, you’ll be struck by how often Allah mentions Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) in the Book, in one context or other. From his infancy to adulthood, to his family and communal life, Allah mentions him a total of 169 times in the Qur’an!

Let’s look at the qualities this Prophet of Allah had that endeared him so much to Allah that He chose him, spoke to him (in fact had conversations with him), and made him a mighty messenger.

“And mention in the Book (this Qur’an), Musa; Verily! He was chosen and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.” (Qur’an, 19:51)

Hastening to obey Allah
When Allah called Musa to a meeting on Mount Tur, he arrived earlier than the appointed time. The reason: to please Allah!

“…I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased.” (Qur’an, 20:84)

Quick in turning to Allah
Once a man from the slave-tribe of Bani Israel called out for help as a Coptic (Pharaoh’s tribesman) wrangled with him in the street. Musa (peace be upon him) rushed to defend him, accidentally killing the oppressive Coptic with an unintentional hard blow to the chest. As soon as he saw what he’d done, Musa repented, sought forgiveness and vowed future good conduct:

“He said: ‘My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.’

Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

He said: ‘My Lord! For that with which You have favored me, I will never more be a helper for the Mujrimun (criminals)!’” (Qur’an, 28:16-17)

Upon receiving the news of his eventual persecution by the Copts for this murder, he once again turned to Allah in earnest supplication, appealing for Divine deliverance and guidance, as he prepared to flee the town in secret.

“So he escaped from there; fearful, vigilant. He said: ‘My Lord! Save me from the people who are wrong-doers!’

And when he went towards (the land of) Midian, he said: ‘Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the Right Way.’” (Qur’an, 28:21-22)

Helping the weak
Prophet Musa’s shining quality to help the weak again comes forth when he enters a new town, escaping Pharaoh’s men, and spotting two girls in a plight:

“And when he arrived at the water of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: ‘What is the matter with you?’ They said: ‘We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man.’

So he watered (their flock) for them….” (Qur’an, 28:23-24)

Full trust in Allah
Homeless, jobless, and alone in a strange town, he helped two women chivalrously without expecting any favors in return, because he turned to his friend and patron Allah for assistance. He withdrew under a tree to sincerely call to His Lord for help.

“…then he turned back to shade, and said: ‘My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!’” (Qur’an, 28:24)

At such a sincere display of pure trust, his Lord responded to his prayer immediately:

“Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: ‘Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.’ So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: ‘Fear not! You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.’

One of the two women said: ‘O my father! Hire him! For the best (man) that you can hire is the strong, the trustworthy.’

He said: ‘I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete 10 years, it will be (a favor) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah will, you will find me one of the righteous.’” (Qur’an, 28:25-27)

In response to his earnest prayers, Allah gave him a long-lasting job, a considerate employer, accommodation, a chaste wife, and compassionate in-laws – all within the same day!

Prophet Musa’s conduct is a far cry from the attitudes of most Muslims today, who put their trust first in their contacts, references and networking tools to get jobs or marriage proposals. Only when all other tangible avenues are exhausted do we weak-hearted believers turn to Allah in prayer. We ask others for help, shelter, food or money before turning to Him, the Creator, Sustainer, and the Source of all provision.

Religion In A Nutshell: The ABC of Islam

Islam is an Arabic word which connotes submission, surrender and obedience. Islam is complete submission to Allah (God), Alone. Islam is a true religion given by Allah to mankind and the religion of all the Prophets sent by Allah, and Islam is the religion of all Muslims.

Who is a Muslim?
A Muslim is one who believes in the Oneness of Allah and he submits to the Will of Allah, Alone, without associating any partners with the Creator. The one who practices Islam is a true Muslim.

Where does the name Muslim come from?
From Allah. He has given this name. It is mentioned in the Final Revelation of Allah to mankind: “It is He Who named you Muslims both before and in this (Revelation).” (Qur’an, 22:78)

Why should we be Muslims?
Because Islam is Allah’s religion and the only that is acceptable to Him. The Qur’an says: “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he shall be among the losers.” (Qur’an, 3:85)

Submission is of two types:
1. Compulsory: Such as that of the sun, the moon, the stars, the oceans, plants, animals, etc. Even one’s blood pressure or biological system have no choice but to obey the Law of Allah.

2. Voluntary: To do or not to do something in obedience to the Commands of Allah. So we can say that Islam is the natural way of life, the natural religion.

What are the Pillars of Islam?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Islam is built upon five (pillars):

1. To testify that none is worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah;

2. To establish prayer;

3. To pay Zakat (obligatory charity upon the rich to the poor);

4. To fast the month of Ramadan;

5. And to perform Haj to the House of Allah for whomsoever has the means.” (Al-Bukhari)

What are the Pillars of Faith?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Faith is to believe in:

1. Allah (that He is the One and Only Lord and Creator, Who Alone has the right to be worshiped and that He has Names and Attributes that are not shared by any of His creatures);

2. His angels (created by Allah from light, they perform certain duties assigned to them and they are totally obedient to Allah).

3. His Books (the Torah, the Injeel, the Zaboor and the Qur’an, which confirms and fulfills the previous Revelations).

4. His Messengers (the bearers of Revelation sent to mankind).

5. The Final Day (the Day of Resurrection, when man will be judged).

6. And to believe in Qadr (Allah’s Divine Decree) both good and bad (i.e. to be content with whatever Allah has decreed for us, while taking the precautions and lawful causes that lead to the desired result).” (Sahih Muslim)

Why has Allah created us?
Allah has created us to worship Him: He says: “And I created not the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Qur’an, 51:56)

What is worship?
Worship is a comprehensive term which includes all actions and deeds which are loved and ordained by Allah, such as du’a (supplication), prayer, reciting the Qur’an, giving charity etc.

How do we worship?
We worship Him in the way that He and His Messenger commanded us. Allah says: “O, you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and render not vain your deeds.” (Qur’an, 47:33)

Why did Allah send prophets?
He sent them to call mankind to the worship of one God – Allah, and to reject the association of partners with Him. He says: “And verily, We sent among every nation a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allah (Alone) and avoid the Taghoot (false gods).’” (Qur’an, 16:36)

The Fruits of Hajj – II

Hajj allows Muslims to exchange benefits and experience in general. Scholars and decision-makers from around the world can meet and study the situation and needs of the Muslims, and the importance of cooperating with them.

Muslims achieve true submission to Allah by standing in the holy places in Al-Masjid Al-Haram and Arafat.

In Hajj, the Muslims find forgiveness of sins because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not use any obscene words or commit any sin will go back cleansed of sin as on the day he/she was born.”

Hajj proclaims that Islam is the religion of organization because during Hajj the ritual times are organized, with every action done in a set place and at a time defined for it. Hajj also trains Muslims to spend in charity and to avoid miserliness.

Hajj increases piety and makes the heart fit to honor the Symbols of Allah . ” … and whosoever honors the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts.” (22:32)

Hajj trains the rich to give up their distinct clothing and accommodation and makes them equal with the poor in clothing and in the rituals of Tawaf, Sa’i, and throwing the pebbles. This teaches the rich to be humble and to realize the insignificance of this worldly life.

The pilgrim persists in worshiping and remembering Allah during the days of Hajj. This is a kind of intensive training in worship and remembrance of Allah.

Hajj develops good characteristics, such as forbearance and putting up with annoying people, because the pilgrim will inevitably be exposed to crowding and arguments, etc. Allah says: “The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.” (2:197)

Hajj trains the pilgrims to share, be patient and to put up with difficulties such as heat, long distances, being apart from their families, going back and forth between the holy sites and the crowded conditions in them.

Hajj teaches the pilgrims not to despair of the mercy of Allah, no matter how great their worries and distress maybe, for the way out is in Allah’s hand.

The mother of Isma’il thought her son was about to die, and she started to run from one mountain to the other, looking for a solution. It came to her from a source she could never imagine when the angel came down and struck the ground, and out came the water of Zamzam with its healing for diseases of the heart and body.

The pilgrims remember that in doing these rituals, they are the guests of the Most Merciful. The gathering of Hajj is not at the invitation of any government or organization or king or president; rather it is at the invitation of the Lord of the Worlds Who has made it an occasion on which the Muslims meet on a footing of equality in which no one is superior to anyone else.

An-Nasa’i reported that Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “The guests of Allah are three: the warrior for the sake of Allah, the pilgrim performing Hajj and the pilgrim performing Umrah.”

The Fruits of Hajj

THERE is no doubt that Hajj has a great sublime effect on Muslims. During Hajj, more than two million Muslims stand in one place and share one aim, call upon One Lord, and follow one Prophet. It connects those millions with all prophets from Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Isma’il (peace be upon them all) until Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hajj also links people with the Hereafter with the full hope of their sins be forgiven and go back to their homes with clean slate.

Hajj creates a sense of connection with all of the prophets (peace be upon them) from our forefather Ibrahim who built the Ka’bah to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who respected the sanctity of Makkah. When pilgrims visit the sacred places and perform the rituals, they remember the visits of those noble prophets to this sacred place.

The whiteness of (male) pilgrims’ clothes is a sign of inward purity, cleanness of heart, and the purity of the message. This means that pilgrims should put aside all adornment and should show humility, and their clothes are a reminder of death when the deceased is shrouded in similar clothes. So it is as if pilgrims were preparing to meet Allah.

Assuming ihram at the miqat is a physical expression of worship and enslavement to Allah and of submission to His commands and laws. No pilgrim can pass it without entering ihram because it is a command from Allah and a law that He has prescribed. This confirms the unity of the Ummah.

Hajj is the symbol of tawheed (Oneness of God) and takes on meaning from the first moment the pilgrim enters ihram. Jabir ibn Abd Allah described the Hajj of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Then he started to say the words of tawheed : “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk …. (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner). (Muslim)

When all the people come together at Arafat and elsewhere, with no differentiation between them, this is a reminder of the Hereafter. All of them are equal in this place and no one is better than anyone else.

Hajj is a symbol of unity, because Hajj makes all people alike in their deeds, rituals, direction of prayer, and the places they visit, and the men are also the same in their clothing. So none are better than others, be they kings or servants, rich or poor. All are the same.

There is unity of feelings, unity of rituals; unity in purpose, unity in action, unity in words. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said , “O mankind, there is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, or for a non-Arab over an Arab, or for a white over a black, or for a black over a white. All of you are descended from Adam and Adam has been created from dust of the ground.” (Ahmad)

During the Hajj, more than two million Muslims all stand in one place, the men wearing the same type of clothes.

All the pilgrims share one aim, call upon one Lord, and follow one Prophet. What unity can be greater than this?

Hajj trains Muslims to be content with simple clothing and accommodation.

Hajj illustrates the importance of Muslims coming together and establishing harmony.
While we usually see people traveling by themselves, during Hajj we see people coming in groups. It also helps people get to know the situation of the Muslims from around the world.

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