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Eid al-Adha

It is a road-map to success and a reminder of the standard of excellence, great devotions and triumph of high achievements. It charts the direction in the battle of life for those who does actually strive to do deeds and reach for their goal, their prize. The promised prize that no human being could imagine the joys kept hidden as reward for all that they did, await at the end of the road. The eye has seen not, nor the ear heard, nor does the heart of man ever conceive.

Abraham was certainly a model of faith for the people, obedient to Allah and upright. Allah pay back people who do good and this event is one of the proofs of Allah mercy thus indeed do doers of goods rewarded.

A great event when Abraham and his son Ishmael passed the trial successfully. We offer remembrance of Allah’s blessings, celebrate His name and offer the eid salaat to give thanks for sending us guidance and map to tread through the life’s path.

There should be no room for emotions which go against the commands and prohibitions of Allah. Eid teach us to trust that He shall not give us more than what we can bear. He will either shield us from suffering or will give us unfailing strength to bear it. Was it not said to ‘follow My Guidance, no fear shall be on them, neither shall they sorrow’ Certainly Allah knows best and was best witness when Ishmael said:

“O my father! Tie my hands and legs so that I do not struggle.

Put a blindfold over your eyes so that you do not have to see me die

And tighten your cloak so that my mother does not see my blood splattered on your clothes. Make your knife sharp so that you can do your job quickly. That way I will feel no pain.”

Peace be upon Ibrahim. Indeed this was a clear trial.

Eid al-Adha is a light that shine our way near and far,

The love of Ibrahim for Allah was true, tested by fire to stay forever.

Devotion so endless, will always light the way.

It is a light that could shine the difficult ways in times of trials. We can do more than just lament the flaws of the Muslim Ummah, for a better world to live and make the word of Allah dominant in the world. If we can all sacrifice what we love most for Love of Allah as Ibrahim did to his son Ishmael. Only then we will know the power and wisdom of Eid al-Adha and deserve what Allah has promised, to grant succession and security after fear. If we can stand strong in the middle of trials and hardships, know that surely Allah help will find way to shine through.

This event also reminds us of one of the pillar of Islam, the hajj. It manifests a unique unity, dispelling all kinds of differences. Muslims from all corners of the world, wearing the same dress, respond to the call of Hajj in one voice and language: LABBAIK ALLA HUMMA LABBAIK (Here I am here I am O lord!).

Hajj is a great congress that gives an opportunity to Muslims all over the world to meet annually. The time, venue and even the invitation has been set by the One True God when Allah, the Almighty, said to Ibrahim:

“You call, and I will convey your call.”

How To Do Eid-ul-Adha Prayer

Eid is a special occasions and one of the things which makes it so is the Eid-ul-Adha congregational prayer.

Since this prayer comes only once a year, there is often confusion about how to perform this prayer. Here is how to do it:

In general, when praying any Salah, always follow the Imam in prayer. Do not make your movements (i.e. bowing, prostrating, etc.) before he does or different from him.

Eid prayer consists of two units (Rakat in Arabic, singular is Raka). The main difference in the way this prayer and any other prayer of two Rakat is performed is the number of Takbirs that are done.

Takbirs is an the Arabic word referring to when “Allahu Akbar” is said and the hands are raised to the ears.

Step 1: Make an intention of doing two Rakat behind the Imam for Eid prayer along with six additional Takbirs.

The First Raka

Step 2: After the Imam has said “Allahu Akbar” the first time, you should raise your hands and follow. This is the first Takbir of the prayer.

Step 3: There will be 3 Takbirs before the Imam starts reciting Quran. Each time the Imam says “Allahu Akbar”, you should follow by raising your hands, then putting them on your sides.

After the third Takbir, the Imam will begin reciting the Quran. At that point, you should put your hands below the navel (or on your chest), with your right hand on top of the left.

Step 4: Listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Imam will recite Surah Al Fatiha (the first Surah of the Quran) and then another Surah.

Step 5: When the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” go into Ruku (the bowing position).

Step 6: Stand up straight when he says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), and say “Rabbana lakal Hamd” (our Lord praise be to You) in a low voice.

Step 7: When the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” go into Sujud (prostration). You will do two prostrations as in normal prayer.

The Second Raka

Step 8: The Imam will first recite from the Holy Quran (first Surah Al Fatiha and another Surah.

Step 9: After the recitation, before going into Ruku, there will be 3 Takbirs. Follow the Imam. Raise your hands after each “Allahu Akbar”. After the third Takbir, go into Ruku (the bowing position).

Step 10: Stand up straight when the Imam says Sami Allah huliman Hamidah, and say “Rabbana lakal Hamd” in a low voice.

Step 11: When the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” go into Sujud. You will do two prostrations.

Step 12: After this, you sit for the complete Tashshahud.

Step 13: After the Imam ends the prayer by turning to his face to the right first and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah” and then to his left and doing the same, you should follow.

Step 14: Do not get up right away. The Imam will give a short Khutbah (speech). Please stay still and listen. It is recommended to do so.

The Manner Of Giving Greetings Of Peace

In order of best, second best, and third best, these are the ways of extending greetings of peace:

1) “Assalaamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuhu”: Peace as well as the mercy and blessings of Allah upon you.

2) “Asslaamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullah” : Peace and the mercy of Allah (swt) upon you

3) “Assalamu ‘Alaikum”: Peace upon you.

This order is proven by the narration of Abu Hurairah (RA), in which a man passed by the Messenger of Allah (saas) – who was seated in a gathering – and said, “Assalaamu ‘ Alaikum.” The Prophet (saas) said, “Ten good deeds (are Written for him).” Another man passed by and said, “Asslaamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullha,” and the Prophet (saas) said, “ Twenty good deeds.” Then another man passed by and said, “Assalaamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuhu,” and the Prophet (saas) said, Thirty good Deeds (Related by Al-Tirmidhee (2689), who said, “the Hadeeth is Hasan Saheeh)

Allah (swt) said in Quran:

“When you are greeted with agreeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally” (Qur’an 4:86)

It’s a Humble request Brothers to spread Greeting as it is to get Reward from Allah (swt) (without making shortcuts)

Jazak Allah Khair

Practical Tips For A Fine Hajj

Haj is the ‘ultimate’ journey, the journey of a lifetime. Yet I’ve seen so many people, brothers and sisters, confused, angry, frustrated or just simply ignorant during Haj. So here is a piece of sincere advice for all of my brothers and sisters going for Haj this year.

Educate yourself before you go
This is the most important point. They say “Knowledge is Power,” and it is. I’ve seen people confused, not knowing what to do, looking left and right, bewildered during Haj. In the end, they just follow what the rest of the crowd is doing without knowing if what they are doing is from the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or not. Indeed, I know people who have gone and come back from Haj, and they didn’t know what kind of Haj they performed, how many days one was required to stay in Mina, and so on. In fact, some didn’t know it takes seven rounds around the Ka’ba to make one Tawaf!

Going to Haj without knowing the basics of how to perform Haj and Umrah is like placing someone who doesn’t know how to offer Salah in the middle of a congregation. He may follow the movements in Ruku’ and Sujood, but does he really know how to pray? Does such a prayer even count?

So, study the rituals of Haj before you go. Learn how to perform this magnificent journey in a manner that is closest to the Sunnah. Because the closer it is to the Sunnah, the more acceptable it will be to Allah. Learn about the common mistakes pilgrims do, so you can avoid them.

Go with a prepared heart
Every year at Haj, you see only two kinds of people. The first kind will be sitting calm and patient, even when they are stuck for five hours in traffic, wisely utilizing the time making Dhikr of Allah or reading the Qur’an. The other kind will be grumbling and complaining, fidgeting restlessly in his seat, cussing at the bus driver and wasting his whole time fighting with whoever is sitting next to him.

Why is that? Because the first kind of people come with prepared hearts and the second type don’t.

Haj is not a mere physical journey, it is a spiritual journey of the heart and soul. And just as it is important to learn the rituals of Haj, it is equally important to condition yourself spiritually. Remember, Haj is an act of worship, the fifth pillar of our Religion. So, have Khushoo’ in it.

Trust Allah and have complete faith in Him. Be sure that He will take care of you. Be kind to others and have patience and forbearance.

Funeral prayer
Hardly any obligatory prayer in the Haram is not followed by a funeral prayer. I’ve noticed several brothers and sisters sitting there and not participating in this great act of worship, just because they don’t know how to. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever attends the Janazah until he offers the prayer will have one Qirat (of reward), and whoever attends until (the deceased) is buried will have two Qirats.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, what are the two Qirats?” He said, “Like two great mountains,” meaning, of reward. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Don’t get overwhelmed
When you look at the large number of people there for Haj, don’t get overwhelmed or disturbed. Instead, raise up your head high, feel proud and thank Allah. After all, all those people are none, but your own brothers and sisters in Islam. This is the Ummah of your beloved Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). They belong to you and you belong to 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 Allah, the One God. So, love them, show mercy to them and make Du’a for them.

Time is precious
Utilize your time to its maximum while in Makkah and Madina. Do all your prayers in the mosque. When you pray in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the reward is multiplied by 100,000 times.

When you get to Mina, busy yourself with making Du’a, Dhikr, reading the Qur’an, etc. Your stay here is only a few precious days. You can’t waste it by talking, relaxing, and doing nothing, as some people do.

And when you are in Arafah, know that that’s the day you were waiting for. That’s what Haj is all about. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Haj is Arafah.” (Abu Dawood)

Put in all you have got on the Day of Arafah. Take advantage of every second. Do not waste even a single moment. Make a Du’a list and do lots and lots of Du’a. The Prophet (peace 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, ‘La ilaha ill-Allah Wahdahu la Shareeka lah (There is no god worthy of worship but Allah alone with no partner or associate).’” (Al-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani)

Not on vacation
Some people forget that they are going on Haj. They expect Mina to be a five star hotel. So they complain about food, weather, crowds, and just about everything.

Remember this is Haj, not a vacation. Remember, not so long ago people traveled for months through dangerous terrain and rough weather to perform Haj. If we think about that, then is there anything left to complain about?

Don’t just say 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 the Magnificence of the One you are saying these words to.

Haj Mabroor
Obviously, everybody wants their Haj to be ‘Mabroor’ (accepted) because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no reward for Haj Mabroor except Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari)

They asked, “What makes Haj Mabroor, Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Providing food to people and spreading (the greeting of) Salam (peace).” (Fath Al-Bari, 4/446)

Thus we see that being kind to people and serving and helping them leads to a Haj Mabroor.

So go ahead and help that old lady with her luggage and help someone else cross the street. Move over to make room in the row for your fellow Muslim so that he/she too can find a place to pray. Distribute candy among children, pass out glasses of Zamzam water, smile at everyone, and say Salam to those you know and those you don’t.

Keep you eyes and ears open for every opportunity to do good and jump at any chance you get to spread Khair – all for the sake of Allah alone – and Insha Allah your Haj will be one of Mabroor.

– Muslimmatters

Hajj, The Journey Of Hearts

DURING Haj in Arafah, 10 years after the Hijrah, a man was thrown from his camel. The camel stomped him and the man’s neck was snapped. He was dead. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Bathe his body with water and sidr and bury him with both garments. Do not cover his head, nor touch him with camphor … for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the Day of Resurrection in the state of Talbiyah.” – (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said about Haj, “And there is no reward for an accepted Haj … except Jannah!” This is the ultimate reward.

The first verses of Surah Al-Haj does not speak of Arafah or the rituals, it simply says:

“O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allah.” (Qur’an, 22:1-2)

Haj is not a journey like a vacation to a tourist destination, it is a journey of the soul and heart. When one pays careful attention to the verses speaking of Haj, he will find that almost all verses conclude with a commandment of being conscious of Allah’s presence, or a reminder of Allah’s bounteous favor upon us, or a link between Haj and the Last Day.

The destination
In the olden days, whenever a journey was to be undertaken, proper provisions had to be prepared. The deserts were long, hot, harsh, and unmerciful. There were no gas stations to fill up with chips and refreshments, or rest stops to slurp water from a fountain. In fact, there was not a human in sight for miles upon miles of barren sand dunes, and losing the way meant losing your life. Thus, you had to have the provisions with you before you made the journey – enough food, enough water, enough everything to carry you to your destination.

In the verses that speak of Haj, Allah speaks about the provisions one should take. While everyone is focused on their journey to the Ka’ba and the material provisions, Allah turns the attention of His slaves to another journey, journey of the Hereafter, and a different kind of provision, the provision of Taqwa.

“…And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.)” (Qur’an, 2:197)

On the day Buhaym Al-‘Ajlee set out with his companion for Haj, he looked toward the endless desert awaiting them both and wept, his chest soaking from the tears. “This is something,” said Buhaym, “that has made me understand the most certain journey I must one day take to Allah!”

Blessings on us
There is debate over whether someone who performs Haj should be called a Haji. The title is not something found in the Sunnah, but it has an interesting background in our cultural history. In ancient days, when someone decided to perform the journey for Haj, it was synonymous with bidding farewell to life on earth. This was due to the treacherous obstacles of traveling in the desert – trials such as sickness, starvation, and the struggles involved in the journey. An entire village might gather to bid those people farewell.

When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, he would dedicate his life to the worship and obedience of Allah. Gone was the cheating, lying, or missing Salah – he was now a “Haji.”

Today, with the jumbo jets, ocean liners, and Mercedes buses, the facilitation of performing Haj has taken away the luster of the title “Haji.” Some might complain that there are no queen-size mattress beds in Mina, or that the air conditioning motor is a tad too loud. But dear brothers and sisters, who is it that provided us with all the blessings that we are living in?

The slave of Allah can only understand the favor of Allah upon him when it is taken away.

Alhamdulillaah. Indeed the greatest blessing that Allah has favored us with is Islam, and it alone suffices as favor.

Allah knows we are going to get dusty during Haj, Allah knows it. So don’t be surprised when that dust blows, instead turn to Allah and hit back with patience and a whisper of gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever performs Haj and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Haj), then he returns from Haj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Getting the heart in shape
Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, “My! Look at the number of Hujjaj!” A wise man replied, “Nay, the travelers are many, but the Hujjaj are few.”

In Haj, I have seen people who are patient and seek the reward of Allah during trying moments. What is the difference between them and those who spend their breath in criticism, argumentation and fights?

Some people come to Haj prepared financially, others come with a prepared heart. That is what’s essential – a prepared heart. How can we get that heart in shape for Haj? First, attend lectures and workshops dealing with Haj. Haj is one of the pillars upon which Islam is built. When someone intends to perform this rite, it is a must upon him that he learns it well. Seeking knowledge is a must on every Muslim.

Imam Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, “Knowledge comes before statements and actions.” He then quotes the verse of Allah:

“So know that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin…” (Qur’an, 47:19)

Secondly, establish prayers and pray Tahajjud (the late night prayers). When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this Deen, Allah ordered him to prepare by praying Tahajjud.

Allah said:
“O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little.” (Qur’an, 73:1-2)

A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad’s house. Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him. At the time of Fajr, he found the vessel still full of water and realized the student had not woken up during the night. He was shocked and remarked, “How can a person be a student of knowledge and not stand for the night prayers!”

Some people said to Ibn Mas`ood (may Allah be pleased with him), “We are unable to wake up to perform Tahajjud.”

He told them, “You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins.” And lastly, repent to Allah and make lots of Du’a.

Easy Actions Equal In Reward To Hajj

Muslim reported that the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “?Hasn’t Allah made for you Salat Al-`Ishaa’ in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to `Umrah.”

“Whoever walks to an obligatory prayer in congregation, it is like Hajj, and whoever walks to a voluntary prayer, it is like a voluntary `Umrah.” (Saheeh Al Jaami`, 6432)

“Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the Sun rises, then prays two units of prayer, he will receive the reward of Hajj, and `Umrah – complete, complete, complete.” (Saheeh Al Jaami`, 6222)

It is authentically reported that people said, “O Messenger of Allah! The rich took the reward of akhirah, they do Hajj and we do not; they engage in jihaad, and we do not. So the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Shall I not guide you to something that, if you stick to it, you will come with what is better than what one of them will come with: that you say Allahu Akbar 34 times, and Subhan Allah 33 times, and Alhamdulillah 33 times, at the end of every prayer.”

“When one prays for one’s brother, the angel says: ‘Amin, and for you the same.'” (Saheeh Al Jaami`, 2143) So pray for your brother pilgrim that Allah accepts his Hajj and gives him its reward.