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As Hajj Approaches, Ummah Gets United

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a passionate and soul-stirring sermon during his first and only Haj on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah – the day of Arafah. The sermon, which is popularly known as the Farewell Sermon, is recorded in several authentic books of Ahadith, including Sahih Al-Bukhari and Musnad Ahmad. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not live till next year’s Haj and this was his farewell address to the tens of thousands of Muslims who did the pilgrimage with him.

“O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.”

The Prophet also exhorted the Muslims to fear Allah regarding women and to keep their hands off each other’s wealth and property. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is sacred even for those Muslims who are not performing Haj. Its fast is an expiation for sins committed in the previous year and the next. (Sahih Muslim, no. 1162)

The sight of hundreds of thousands of Muslims embarking on their journey of Haj, proclaiming the talbiyah, telecast all around the world calls us to think about the time when Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) built the Ka’bah with his son Isma’il in the scorching, arid, and barren valley of Makkah thousands of years ago. He found it incredible that people would one day throng this Sacred House, in this uninhabited land, to answer their Lord’s call for Haj. He therefore prayed for Makkah to be blessed with fruit and provision from all around, and for people’s hearts to be inclined towards its people.

“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.” (Qur’an, 14:37)

He then proceeded, in submission to Allah’s command, to make the call for Haj to all mankind. Allah responded by declaring that a day would come, when this Sacred House would bring forth pilgrims from every distant valley, and on every riding beast available to them; they would come, responding to Allah’s call for Haj.

“And proclaim to mankind the Haj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Haj).” (Qur’an, 22:27)

The blessing is apparent. The Muslim Ummah, though divided today by sects, groups, and international borders, unites into one nation. Yes, we all unite during Haj, Alhamdulillah. We put everything aside to respond to Allah’s call. All pilgrims gather together on a single stretch of land – the plain of Arafah. Away from their comfortable homes, dressed in a pair of unstitched cloths, their faces covered with dust, their heads unprotected from the sun, their bellies half-empty, and their hearts humbled, they stand in remembrance of their Lord, turning to Him in repentance and submission. The most diehard of sinners can, on this day, transform into a humble, penitent servant with the mercy of Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more of His slaves from the Fire than the day of Arafah. He draws close then He praised them before the angels and says, ‘What do these people want?’” (Sahih Muslim, no. 1348)

After returning from Arafah, however, some unfortunate Muslims fall into the trap of Satan and fall into petty disputes about petty matters! They forget the essence of Haj, which teaches valuable lessons of mutual harmony and forbearance, as the Prophet advised in his last sermon.

Nothing rings true as much as the part of his sincere speech quoted below, the message of which, if Muslims were to take back home with them after Haj, would change their attitudes for good: “Know that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim, unless it is given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, be unjust to yourselves.” (Al-Bukhari, no. 1623; and Muslim, no. 98)

Learning Hajj Contemplations For Spirituality

1. This is a journey that was under taken by Prophets and Messengers before you. Those who take the path of the Prophets affirm the Tawheed of Allah. Some come to perform Haj with their hearts attached to other than Allah. They invoke the dead and the righteous, whether present or absent. Such actions are the opposite of Tawheed (which means to worship Allah alone). They are Shirk no matter what people may term them because those deeds amount to setting up partners with Allah. So, free your intention from any devotion to other than Allah. Repent and come with a sincere heart submitting to Allah (alone) remembering what Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma’il (peace be upon him) said when they were raising the foundations of Allah’s House, the Ka’ba:

“Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Haj and Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 2:128)

2. You are set to depart and you may or may not return to your home. Make this journey to Allah’s House as Allah wants it. Think of the next journey that is surely coming, the one that leads to the meeting with Allah, Most High. This raises questions like: What did I prepare for that Day? Am I following Allah’s Commands? Am I a follower of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Do I really know Allah?

“And invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshiped but He). Everything will perish save His Face. His is the Decision, and to Him you (all) shall be returned.” (Qur’an, 28:88)

3. When you reach the Meeqat, remind yourself that there is another Meeqat that is still to come. It is the Meeqat (appointed meeting) on the Day of Resurrection:

“Say (O Muhammad, peace be upon him): ‘(Yes) verily, those of old, and those of later times. All will surely be gathered together for appointed Meeting of a known Day.’” (Qur’an, 56:49-50)

4. When you start the Talbiyah remember the Command of Allah to Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him):

“And proclaim to mankind the Haj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Haj).” (Qur’an, 22:27)

The Talbiyah you make is in response to Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) proclamation to visit Allah’s house of worship.

5. Upon entering Makkah remember that you are in the Secure Sanctuary:

“Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of them know not.” (Qur’an, 28:57)

Let one devote himself to seeking repentance, having a good view of Allah, hoping that Allah will grant him security from His Punishment.

6. You will enter one of the gates of Al-Masjid Al-Haraam. Then there you are before the magnificent House of Allah, Most High, the Ka’bah. Now you see what you hoped to see for a long time. Thank Allah for making this possible and hope that He will grant you the greatest reward of seeing His Majestic Face on the Day of Resurrection. This thankfulness is not just in saying Alhamdulillah, but by obeying Allah while on Haj and for the rest of your life.

7. You start your Tawaf knowing that it is a great time for glorifying Allah. Remember Him by His Names, Attributes and Actions. Also while in Tawaf try to reflect upon the time when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was prevented from doing the same thing you are doing today.

Then think about what he did in clearing out the site from the symbols that were worshiped besides Allah. All idols were demolished. Make lots of du’a. Ask Allah to guide you to hold on to the correct belief till your death. Ask Allah to save you from all forms of Shirk and Bid’ah.

Benefits Of Reciting Quran

“When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. While the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased. When after the burial, the people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer(names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, “He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise”.

Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, “I am the Qur’an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry. After the interrogation of Munkar and Nakeer, you will have no grief.” When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from Al-Mala’ul A’laa (the angels in Heaven) silk bedding filled with musk.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe Wa-aalihi wasallam) said:

“On the Day of Judgment, before Allah, no other intercessor will have a greater status than the Qur’an, neither a Prophet nor an angel.”

Our position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur’an we memorize in this life! ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunya! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” [Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmithee, saheeh]

There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur’an. As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.

The benefits of memorizing Quran are infinite…. Alhamdulilah!

The Prophet (May peach be upon him) said, “Whoever takes a path seeking knowledge by it, Allah will facilitate for him a path to Paradise because of it. And indeed the angels lower their wings for the student of knowledge, pleased because of what he is seeking (knowledge). And verily those who are in the heavens and the earth, even the fish in the water, seek forgiveness for the scholar .” (Ahmad )

A Lost Sunnah, How The Prophet Behaved In His Home

Since childhood we men see our mothers and sisters working in the kitchen , doing the daily routine household chores of our home.

After we grow up , we behave in the same way and like the “King who enters in his house” (and does nothing) , we start commanding thing and start getting it done by the wife or the servant.

We only remember the ayat from the Quran “wherin men are allowed to have 4 wives…” but easily forget how the Prophet behaved when he was in his home.

So what did Prophet do when he would spend time in his home. ?
Order everyone to clean the house ?? NO
Lie down on the bed and leave as it is ?? NO
Order nicest dishes to be prepared ?? NO
Eat and Sleep ?? NO

So what did Prophet do when he would spend time in his home. ?

The Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) occupied himself at his home like a common man.

As Aishah relates, he used to clean his clothes, milk the sheep and himself do his odd jobs. She also says that he would mend his clothes, repair his shoes and do similar other works.

When asked how the Prophet occupied himself at home, she replied, “He used to keep himself busy in  household chores and went out when the time for prayer came.”

In another report related on her authority, she is reported to have said, “The Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to repair his shoes, mend his clothes and occupied himself at home even as any of you occupy yourself.”

Aishah relates, “Allahs Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was very softhearted, the kindliest of all. He laughed often and smiled much.”

Anas says that “he had not seen a man who was more clement and nice to his household members than the Apostle of Allah.”

It is related on the authority of Aishah that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of you is one who is most nice to his wife and children and I am the nicest among you.”

Abu Huraira said that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) never expressed disapproval of any food, if he desired he ate it, and if he disliked he left it alone.”

The Gatherings And Conversations Of The People Of Paradise

The people of Paradise will visit one another, in delightful gatherings where they will remember their lives in this world and how Allah (swt) has blessed them by admitting them to Paradise. Allah (swt) described the gatherings of the people of Paradise:

“And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury, [they will be like] brothers, [joyfully] facing each other on thrones [of dignity].” [15:47]

Allah (swt) has also described some of the kinds of conversation that will take place in their gatherings:

“And some of them draw near to others, questioning, saying, “A fore time we were afraid with our families [of the punishment of Allah], but Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. Verily, we used to invoke Him [Alone and none else] before. Verily He is Al-Barr, the All-Merciful.” [52:25-28]

Prophet Muhammad – Marriage: The Right Course For Humanity

Islam encourages marriage making it the way to build a solid and well-knit society. It is the only legitimate way to satisfy the sexual desire which Islam accepts as natural and healthy. It does not approve of relations outside marriage. Marriage is the proper way to build a family, which is the basic unit of society. It urges people to choose good marriage partners, seeking God’s help in doing so. When the choice is made and the official steps have been taken, marital life should start with the remembrance of God.

It is recommended that when the bridegroom meets his bride for the first time after the wedding ceremony, he should place his hand on her forehead and say: “In the name of God. May God bless each of us for his and her partner.” The bridegroom should then say: “My Lord, grant me the best in her and the best that you placed in her nature. I appeal to You to protect me against her worst and the worst that you placed in her nature.” She should say the same prayer. No one should wonder at such a prayer at such a time. Every one of us has weaknesses that are better kept unexposed. Anyone who claims to be perfect suffers from great delusion. Even when the married couple are very close, the continuity of their love and happiness requires them to focus on their partners and to pray God to help them maintain their piety.

A unique feature of Islam is that it surrounds man’s natural needs and his satisfaction with remembering and glorifying God. When we eat or drink, we begin by mentioning God’s name. Likewise, when a married couple have sex, they should mention God’s name. The Prophet says: “When any of you is about to have sex with his wife, he should say: ‘Our Lord, protect us from Satan and protect what you grant us from him. Should a child be the result on this occasion, that child will not be harmed by Satan.”

While sex is a pleasurable pursuit, it is right that it must be kept within marriage so as to bring about a family, which requires steady striving. Such are the pleasures of this life: They are always attended by hard struggle. In this case it starts with the woman as she struggles through her pregnancy. She then endures the pains of childbirth and the burden of breast-feeding. The father has then to strive hard in order to provide for his family and bring up his children. Hence, it is important to always seek God’s help to relieve our pain and to facilitate our purpose. The Prophet taught us numerous prayers and supplications to ensure that. Let us quote a few: “My Lord, I seek Your grace. Do not leave me to my own devices for even a twinkle of an eye; and set all my affairs on the right course. There is no deity other than You.”

“My Lord, You are the Ever-Living, the Eternal Master of all. I urgently appeal to You to bestow Your mercy on me”.

“My Lord, there is no deity other than You. All glory be to You. I have been a wrongdoer.”

By making marriage the rule of life and the legitimate way to satisfy the sexual desire, Islam steers a middle way between religions that shun the sexual desire and urge their followers to suppress it, and permissiveness that makes everything acceptable. To suggest that suppression of the sexual desire is a mark of true piety is wrong and has no foundation. Likewise, permissiveness ushers numerous problems. It is only through a mutually caring relationship of marriage that man finds a happy middle way. Hence, this is the way approved by Islam.

-By SHEIKH MUHAMMAD AL-GHAZALI