As-salaamu alaykum wa’rahmatullahi wa’barakatuh

Dhul-Hijjah is less than 5 days away, let us spend the remaining days to plan our ibadaah for these blessed days that are about to approach us.

Inshaa Allah, November 18 ( Next Wednesday ) will be the first day of the Hijri month of “Dhul Hijjah”

Below is a transcription of a lecture on how to benefit from the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah by Umm ‘Abdur-Rahmân. May Allâh reward the sister who transcribed the lecture, with the best in this world and next, ameen. Insha’Allah the information below will help.

“By the ten nights.” [Al-Fajr 89:2]

The “ten nights” which Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] is swearing by here, are the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. [1] Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit.

Ibn ‘Abbâs [radi Allâhu ‘anhu] narrated that Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said: “There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allâh, or greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice.” He was asked: “Not even jihâd for the sake of Allâh?” He said: “Not even jihâd for the sake of Allâh, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” [2]

So, my sisters [and brothers] take note of the following:

Have the intention to spread this important information.

It is a great chance to collect uncountable hasanât [rewards]. It is a great chance to renew your relation with Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ]. Prepare now so you can start from the first night/day of the month [i.e. as soon as Dhul-Hijjah is announced]. You don’t want to miss a moment of the best days in the sight of Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ].

Since the Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] referred to the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah as: “…no days better than these days in the sight of Allâh.” [3], the scholars have said that these are better than Ramadan. [4] Therefore, be very vigilant and don’t waste these precious moments. Ask Allâh to help you to benefit from this period of His special Grace.

Ask yourself these questions [non-rhetorical]:

Did you intend to benefit from these days?

What have you done to prepare for these 10 days?

Did you prepare a program?

What is your plan of action?

Here is a brief guide to help you to prepare for the best days of the year [inspired by a lecture by Shaykh Muhammad Hassan Yâqûb]:

Read the Qur’ân:

Plan to complete the reading of the Qur’ân within this period.

If you read three juz a day, it can be accomplished. It is not difficult. Ask Allâh to make it easy for you. We know reciting one letter is equal to ten hasanât [rewards]. If you read three juz everyday, it translates to thousands of millions of hasanât.
Subhâna’Allâh! And this calculation is just based on the 1=10 ratio. These are special days of His Grace. Therefore, don’t even think about how much Allâh can/will increase & add it for you. You cannot fathom it. He is Kareem. He knows that you have ikhlâs [sincerity]; He will not count it as 1=10. He could raise it to 1=700 or even more. And this is what you can earn every day of these special days. Keep in mind that reciting the Qur’ân is a good deed and Allâh specially loves the good deeds done in these days: “And if He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] loves the good deeds, He will love the doer of those good deeds.” [5] If Allâh loves someone, He will not punish them. Remember this concept so that the deeds you do come from your heart [don’t be like a machine]. Honour the rights of the Qur’ân when reciting it.

Increase in Nawâfil Prayers:

Increase your supererogatory prayers.
Ask yourself these questions and make sure that your heart gives you sincere answers:
Do you have an aim?
Do you really want to be closer to Allâh?
Do you live with this craving?
Do you really love Allâh and seek His closeness?
If, you want this, then know that Allâh teaches you the means to gaining His qurb [closeness].

Allâh says:

“Fall prostrate and draw near to Allâh!” [Al-Alaq 96:19]

This is the way! Prostrate in sujûd to Him [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] and you will be closer to Him. The Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said: “The closest that a person is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so say a great deal of du’â then.” [6] He [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] is commanding us to make a lot of du’â while in sujûd. Are we obeying his order? Yes? We need to do more. For he [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said to: “…make lots of du’â.” Remember, the Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] loved us and he knew that we have a lot of needs from Allâh. This is why he taught us the way to get those needs fulfilled. Therefore, if you have needs, then you cannot leave sujûd. Any sajdah without khushû’ [focus] & without du’â [like your forehead is touching the ground and your mind is in the kitchen or the office] is a big khasâra [regretful loss]. Let us not be losers from now on bi-idhnillâh.

When the Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] instructed us to do a lot of sujûd, it means to perform a lot of salâh [prayer]. “With each sajdah for Allâh, He will raise you a level with it. And cancel a sin with it.” So, the more you increase in your sujûd, the closer you are to being a winner.

Examples for increasing nawâfil salâh [voluntary prayers]:

a] Salât Dhuha: Also known as al-Awwâbeen, may be offered as 2, 4, 6 or 8 rak’ât, prayed after the sun has risen and before the time for Dhuhr approaches. [7] “Al-Awwâb’ means one who is obedient, or one who turns to obedience. Bi-idhnillâh, we want to show Allâh that we are of those who are obedient.

b] 4 rak’ât before and 4 after Dhuhr: “Whoever regularly performs four rak’ât before Dhuhr and four after it, Allâh will forbid him to the Fire.” [8]

c] 4 rak’ât before ‘Asr – The Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said: “May Allâh have mercy on those who pray four rak’ât before ‘Asr prayer.” [9] Bi-idhnillâh, you stand to gain the mercy of Allâh because of the du’â of Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]. Do you want the mercy of Allâh to reach you? Don’t leave these 4 rak’ât.

d] Tahhiyatul masjid: Greet the masjid with two rak’ât: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak’ât before sitting.” [10]

e] Salât at-Tawbah: It could be any bad deed, any sin, you hear something bad [backbiting], you see something bad, you feel your heart constricted because of something you have done and you didn’t mean it, etc, you can erase it immediately with your prayer of repentance. Make a good wudhû’ and offer two sincere rak’ât of repentance. Ask Allâh to forgive you. If it’s from your heart, then know that Allâh will cancel your sin.

f] Qiyâm al-Layl: With this prayer, we hope that Allâh will illuminate our graves; will bestow nûr on our faces; will cancel our bad deeds, bi-idhnillâh. Pray at least 2 rak’ât. If you are able to follow the Sunnah, then pray all 11 rak’ât [including witr].
Remember that in these special days and nights, Allâh is sending His special mercy. Do you think that this special mercy will reach everybody? Do you think that it will reach the one who is in front of the TV watching a movie? Or listening to music? Or do you think it will reach the one who is making sujûd, rukû’, tilâwah, making istighfâr, etc.?

We have to show Allâh that we want this special mercy. We need to make ourselves eligible for it.

Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] swears by the night [Sûrah Fajr]. Therefore, take care of the nights. Don’t be among the losers. Write this in bold and make it your motivational factor for the special days: “We won’t be among the losers!” Remember: “Our Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, comes down to the lowest heaven every night when the last third of the night is left, and He says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will ask Me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’.” [11] And, now that it is winter, we get really long nights. So it’s a good chance to maximise our hasanât. Don’t forget while you are praying qiyâm that Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] Loves this deed. Therefore, He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] loves the doer of this deed also.

If we were lazy before, we will be active and good from now on bi-idhnillâh. We will not be among the losers. If these days and nights are a king who is distributing gifts of gold while announcing: “Come take these gold nuggets”, wAllâhi, you will find people standing in long queues and hordes to collect them. Subhâna’Allâh, Allâh is spreading [special] mercy during these days. He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] is accepting supplications. He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] is offering unimaginably wonderful blessings that we don’t even know of. So will we not work to get in those lines to gather Allâh’s gifts?

Makes lots of Dhikr:

Do a lot of dhikr, especially in these days.

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allâh…” [12]

So what did the Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] tell us to do in these days? That, we need to make the dhikr of tahlîl, tahmîd & takbîr. [13] As soon as the announcement of Dhul-Hijjah is made, start your dhikr:

“Allâhu Akbâr, Allâhu Akbâr, lâ ilâha ill-Allâh, Wallâhu Akbâr. Walilâhilhamd.”

Many people mistakenly believe that you chant this only on the day of ‘Îd. But, it is meant to be recited from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah. Bukhârî related that Ibn ‘Umar & Abu Hurayrah said that they used to go out in the streets making loud takbîr. They did not think that this was riyâ [showing off]. They were busy with declaring the [signs of Allâh. This practice has now become a forgotten Sunnah. Why do people feel shy to follow this Sunnah? These are the days of takbîr, tahlîl & tahmîd with raised voices.

Therefore revive this Sunnah by doing audible tasbîh during all of the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

For women, when you are in your homes, raise your voices. You will remind your children, husbands, brothers, etc. Make it like a habit so that you will find yourself doing dhikr automatically. While walking, reclining, working, eating, just keep doing dhikr.
Send a lot of blessings and salâm upon the Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] consistently. Just one hadîth should be enough for the believer who loves Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]. It is enough honour that when you send your salâm to Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam], Allâh returns his soul to him in order to answer you: “There is no one who sends salâm upon me but Allâh will restore to me my soul so that I may return his salâm.” [14] Therefore, send your darûd & salâm from your heart. Feel that special honour in doing that deed.

Istighfâr:

All kinds of dhikr will make your relation with Allâh stronger and stronger. How many Muslim’s are there today? 1.5 billion? In one minute it is possible to gain 1.5 billion hasanât. Allâhu Akbâr! How generous is Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ]. No one will give you like Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] gives. So how can you gain 1.5 million hasanât? By making istighfâr [seeking forgiveness] for all Muslim’s. The Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] is reported to have said that when a person seeks forgiveness for all believers, Allâh will write for him a hasanât for every one of those believers. [15] Just say ‘Astaghfirullâh’ for yourself and for all the believers, from your heart. Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] is forgiving & generous.

On the Day of Judgement, when you will see your book, you will find the record of your sins in it & you will feel regret. But, Subhâna’Allâh, you will find between these sins, Astaghfirullâh, Astaghfirullâh, Astaghfirullâh. Bi-idhnillâh, Allâh, the Karîm will cancel those sins that have istighfâr beside them, around them, after them.

Luqmân taught his sons to make istighfâr. He said: “Oh my sons, istighfirullâha qâidun, istighfirullâh qâimum, istghfirullâha râqibun [make istighfâr when you are standing, sitting, reclining]. For the mercy of Allâh is descending.”

Indeed, rahamât are falling down like rain. So try to be under those rahamât. Look at it this way – there are seasons of mercy during which Allâh sends down abundant mercy [like during Ramadân, like the days of Dhul-Hijjah, etc.]. Allâh is always generous because that is one of His [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] Attributes, but He says that He gives more during certain periods. Allâh is Rahîm always, but He says He has more mercy during a certain period. These days are like those special-rate promotions or sale season. Therefore, don’t leave or ignore this sale. Go and ask for more. Keep saying ‘astaghfirullâh’, ‘astaghfirullâh’, astaghfirullâh’, keep insisting on it till Allâh forgives you. Start from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah.

“…nor will He punish them while they seek (Allâh’s) forgiveness.” [Al-Anfâl 8:33]

We are informed that there is no punishment from Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ a] on the yastaghfirûn [i.e. those who seek forgiveness]. Allâh relieves all problems with istighfâr. Those who are persistent in istighfâr in their lives, disasters and calamities will be repelled from them. Mercy is like a cloud on the head of the mustaghfirîn [those who consistently seek forgiveness]. How do we know this?

“Why seek you not the forgiveness of Allâh, that you may receive mercy?” [An-Naml 27:46]
Allâh is telling us to make istighfâr to gain His mercy. Let your istighfâr ascend to Him and His mercy will descend upon you.

Fasting:

Fast as much as you can during these blessed days. If you can fast all of these days, then do so. Even in any regular day, Allâh has promised a great reward for the one who fasts: “Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allâh, Allâh will keep his face seventy years distance away from the Fire because of it.” [16] So what about these special days for which it is said: “There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allâh, or greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” Allâh loves the good deeds in these days. Allâh loves siyâm. Put these two beloved things together. You are the doer of the things Allâh loves. He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] will Love you, bi-idhnillâh.

Any ‘ibâdah, be it salâh, dhikr, Qur’ân, that is done during some periods of time and with them, are also periods of non action. Can you do any of them from Fajr till Maghrib continuously? Which ‘ibâdah will you be able to do non-stop? Siyâm! From Fajr till Maghrib during the best days, you will be able to be in a continuous state of worship. So please my sisters [& brothers], grab this chance eagerly. Also don’t forget you have if Allâh wills, at least one du’â guaranteed with each siyâm – at the time of breaking the fast. So that is nine opportune moments during this period.

Regarding fasting on the day of ‘Arâfah, the Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafâh, I hope, will expiate the sins of the year before it and the year to come…” [17] So how does this happen? Does this mean that we can fast on that day and for the rest of the year we can do whatever we want of bad deeds? No! It implies that Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] will help us to abstain from sins. And, if you commit a sin by mistake, He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] will cancel it due to His promise.

Charity:

Spending for the sake of Allâh!
Only Allâh knows how many trials & calamities have been pushed away from us, our family and loved ones as a result of our sadaqâh. Allâh knows how many times relief and ease has come to us due to the sadaqâh we gave. Therefore, give in the way of Allâh, as much as you can. Don’t leave any raised hands return empty. Show Allâh that you love Him by spending from that which you love. Show Allâh [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] that all these things mean nothing besides gaining His ridha [pleasure].
Don’t look and remind yourself of what you have already spent in the past. If Allâh wills, He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] has accepted and written it for you. Now, think of how you can outdo that sadaqâh during these days. Spend from what you love and Allâh will love you.

Preserve the Ties of Kinship:

Preserve the ties of kinship for: “No one who severs the ties of kinship will enter Paradise.” [18] If it is difficult for you to call or meet every relative, then send them a message. But write with your heart and with the right intention. There is a man who connects with all of his near and far relatives. It is almost like a mission for him for the sake of Allâh. He [subhâna wa ta’âlâ] loves this ‘ibâdah. Even those who are far away, he calls and connects them to the rest of the family and brings them all together. And subhâna’Allaah, Allâh has given him a lot of wealth and with such ease and has made his life easy, and as a result of his deeds. The Prophet [sall-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam] promised this reward for the one who connects and maintains kinship: “Whoever would like his rizq [provision] to be increased and his life to be extended, should uphold the ties of kinship.” [19]
These were just a few of the wonderful things we can do during the forthcoming best days of Dhul-Hijjah. Therefore, if we want Allâh’s help with these deeds and our schedule for them, we need to do a lot of tawbah. The Salaf as-Sâlih used to say that they would feel prevented from qiyâm al-layl due to their sins. They knew that when they want to do ‘ibâdah and they are unable to do it, it is due sins. So, what do we need to do? A lot of istighfâr with tawbah, real Tawbah! Ask Allâh for help.

Make the du’â:
“O Allâh, help me to remember You, to give You thanks, and to perform Your worship in the best manner.” [20]

Footnotes:
[1] Ibn ‘Abbâs, Ibn az-Zubayr, Mujâhid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathîr said: “This is the correct opinion.” [Tafsîr ibn Kathîr, 8/413]
[2] Al-Bukhârî, 2/457
[3] Ahmad, 7/224 – Ahmad Shâkir stated that it is sahîh
[4] The verses [Al-Fajr 89:1-2] and various hadîth indicate that these 10 days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadân. But the last ten nights of Ramadân are better, because they include Layl al-Qadr [“the Night of Power”], which is better than a thousand months. Thus the various reports may be reconciled. [See: Tafsîr ibn Kathîr, 5/412]
[5] Shaykh Muhammad bin Sâlih al-‘Uthaymîn
[6] Muslim, 482
[7] Muslim, 1238
[8] At-Tirmidhî, 428 – classed as sahîh by al-Albânî in Sahîh al-Nasâ’î
[9] At-Tirmidhî, 395 – classed as hasan by al-Albânî in Sahîh al-Jâmi 3493
[10] Al-Bukhârî & Muslim
[11] Al-Bukhârî, 1094 and Muslim, 758
[12] Ahmad, 7/224
[13] Tahlîl [“Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh”], Tahmîd [“Alhamdulillâh”] and Takbîr ["Allâhu Akbâr"]. See: Ahmad, 7/224
[14] Abû Dâwûd, 2041 – classed as hasan by al-Albânî
[15] Classed as hasan by al Albânî
[16] Muslim, 2/808
[17] Muslim, 1976
[18] Sahîh Muslim
[19] Al-Bukhârî, 5986 and Muslim, 2557
[20] Sahîh Abû Dâwûd, 1/284

*Click here – To learn about Hajj & Tawheed*

ARE YOU READY FOR HAJJ?

Those embarking upon Hajj are embarking upon a Journey of life time – a Journey like none other! They must prepare mentally, physically, emotionally and most importantly spiritually. Allah says:

“And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.).

So fear Me, O men of understanding!” (Quran 2:197)

So what ever you do don’t leave this behind!

Below a list has been compiled for preparation before leaving for Hajj:

• Islamic things to learn
• Islamic things to do
  
• General things to do
• Issues and Questions to ask our Travel Agent
• Things to take/buy
  

Islamic things to learn

• What is Hajj, its history
  
• Why are we going to perform Hajj
• What are the rewards of Hajj
  
• How to perform Hajj – its pillars, obligatory and sunnah actions (books, audio, videos, seminars) - the Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Take yor hajj rites from me”
  
• Learn the Hajj dua’s
  
• What violates the state of Ihram
• Review our Namaz (Salah)
  • Ensure it is being performed as the Prophet Muhammad (S) instructed us to
    
  • What are the Pillars, obligatory and Sunnah actions of Salah
  • Sujood of forgetfulness (if we miss out an obligatory action)
    
• Review our Wuzu (Wudu)
  • A man was making wudu all his life, and at the age of 40 learnt how to do it and realised he was doing it wrong all his life! knowledge is the key to success
    
  • What are the pillars, obligatory and Sunnah actions of Wudu
• Ettiquettes of Duaa
• Wiping over our socks instead of washing your feet for wudu (know its rulings)
  
• Tayammum – when one does not have access to water (know its rulings)
  
• Janaza Salah
• Learn how to perform Witr prayer
• Learn how to pray in congregation
• Learn the rulings to the Travellers prayer
  

Islamic things to do

• Update/Make an Islamic Will
• Build on and improve on our ibadah (worship)
  • 5 daily prayers on time
  • Build our relationship with Allah, seeking alot of forgiveness and making alot of dua (especially asking Allah to grant us an Hajj Mabrur (accepted Hajj)
    
  • Purify our hearts from any bad habits or any action displeasing to Allah
  • Purify our tongues – by speaking good, reduce idle talk and increase in dhikr
  • Try and fast (e.g. Mon & Thu / middle 3 days of month / every other day)
    
  • Try and pray Tahajjud (the night prayer)
    
• Build on your Taqwaa
  • Learn what is Taqwaa:
  • • Being conscious of Allah that He is watching us /Fearing Allah /Staying away from all that He has forbidden, etc.
  • Learn how to attain it:
    • Reciting the Quran and reflecting upon its meaning and implementing them /Learn about Jannah and Jahannum, etc.
      
• Increase our Emaan (faith)
  • constantly renew your intentions to why you are going for Hajj – it is a duty we owe to Allah, we are going to please Allah alone
  • The 5 pillars of Islam and 6 articles of Faith
  • Who is Allah and what rights does He have over us
    
• Build on being patient
  • maintain a positive attitude
  • say Alhamdulillah for the good and bad
  • think of those in worse situations
  • make dhikr and istighfar when in difficult situation
• Increase on your love for Allah and His Nabi (S) by studying:
  • Seerah: The life of the Prophet Muhammad (S) – book/audio/videos
    
  • The history of Makkah and Medina
  • The stories of the Sahaba and how they sacrificed their everything for Islam (their wealth, health, status, time and even lives)

General Things to do

• Pay off any outstanding debts (if possible)
• Make peace with those we have had a misunderstanding, dispute or fallen out with, or are not on speaking terms etc.
  
• Ask forgiveness from those whom we have wronged (remember a Muslim should not let 3 days go by without giving salaam to their fellow Muslim)
  
• Finish all important jobs and tasks that need doing before leaving for Hajj
• Book with a Travel agent
• Photographs for VISA
• Process and obtain VISA
• Vaccinations, Meningitis Jab, Flue Jab etc – and obtain certificates for them
  

Questions and Issues to ask our Travel Agent

• Get references from others for the travel agents
• Flight dates / journey
• What’s the itinary / program
• How many bathrooms per room?
• On which floor is our room?
• Do the rooms have air conditioning, fridge?
• Do the receptionists speak English?
• During the Hajj days, what type of food will be provided to us?
• Hotel names
• When will we move to Azziyah?
• What which day will our group go to Makkah to perform Tawaf Ifadah? Is transport provided
• How far is our Hotel from Masjid al haram and Masjid an nabawi?
• What are the arrangements for our Animal Sacrifice (Hady)?
• Does anyone in our group speak English, who will translate the hajj khutbah to us?
• What airline are we flying on?

There are many more questions one can ask, please refer to the book “Getting the best out of Al Hajj” – written by Ustadh Ismail Davids (publisher company – Darrusalaam)

Things to take / buy

Below are just suggestions of things to take with you to Hajj. They are not all necesary items – individually pick and choose what you feel is best suitable. Don’t forget to pack bags of  Taqwaa, Patience and your best of manners/behaviour! You will soon be a guest of Allah at His House!

Hand Luggage – Essentials to take (Max 5kg, Dimensions: H 56cm x W 45cm x D 25cm)

Advise – Everybody has black suitcases, so try and take one that is not black OR have a fluorescent tape /tag /ribbon attached so its easily recognisable.

• Men – Ihram & correct footwear, to change into before the Meeqat
  
• mobile phone
  
• face towel
• Passport, Tickets
• Photocopy of Passport and emergency contact numbers.
• sunglasses
• Pocket Qur’an, Dua book, Hajj/Islamic books
• Pen, pencil (with rubber) and notebook
• MP3 Player/iPhone
• Suitable Footwear (slippers) to change into if feet begin to ache during our travels
  
• Money in money pouch

Money Tips – Budget how much you will need to take

• Damm/Fidya Azza – for missing any wajibaat actions or any other violations
• Sadaqah / Udhiya (Qurbani)
• People you want to buy a present for (make a list of their names prior to going)
• Spending money – for general items, food etc
  

Main Luggage – (Max 23kg, Dimensions: H 90cm x W 75cm x D 43cm)

Clothing

• Linen Jilbabs/underslip
• Linen Trousers
• Under shameez
• Light weight cardigan
• Hijab – similar colour as group
• Hijab caps
• Pull over Hijab (i.e. no need for pins)
  
• Underwear / socks
• slippers, trainers
• Extra Ihram for men
• Ihram – big safety pin
• Money belt
  

Bathroom/Toiletres Bag

• Nail clipper
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, toothpicks
• Toilet rolls / Tissue packets
• Small scissors
• Vaseline
• Small mirror
• Hair brush
• Razors
• Tweezer
  
• Towels (1 medium and afew small)
• hair bobbles
• mini soap holder
• black seed oil
  

Simple Range (no perfume)

• All in one – Shower gel and shampoo
• Suncream
• Moisteriser cream
  
• Face wash
• Diodrant
• Soap (cut in half for hajj days)
  

Misc

• Sleeping bag, sheet, inflatable pillow/neck pillow
• Small stringed bags (for shoes, for sleeping bag etc.)
• Small pouch – for Jamarat stones
• umbrella
• small flash light
• Travel alarm clock
• Extra set of batteries
  
• Laundary detergent / soap
• black bin liners, carrier bags
• Universal adapter
• Mobile Phone (with and without camera) – buy Saudi sim from there
• Phone charger
  
• Measuring tape
• Industrial & clear sellotape
• Perm Marker Pen
• String
• air freshener
  
• hangers
• Spray bottle – can be used for wudu and if feeling hot
• Radio to hear khutbah in Arafat (Nokia ex prem radio+torch) / portable TV to watch the khutbah live!
  
• Plastic zippered sandwich bags – to keep items secure and dry, e.g. food stuff, duaa books, first aid – instead of everything thrown into bottom of your bag
• Flip Flops for hotel for bathroom
• Small pocket knife
• Foldable stick and chair – for the elders
• Flattened cardboard boxes/ Pre-printed Address Labels – if going to Medina first, you can buy your dates/books etc, box it up and cargo it back to your country
• Spare Luggage tags
• Padlocks & Keys
• Ear plugs/buds – to help if people in your group snore
• Straw mat – you can buy from Saudi
• Blow up matress
  

1st Aid/Medicine

• Throat lozenges
• Pain killers – Paracetamol 500mg and Ibuprofen 400mg
• Antibiotics – Amoxycilin/erythromycin for sore throats, ciproxin for chest infections (buy in Saudi)
• Loperamide Caps for diarrhoea
• Clotrimazole Cream 1% (especially handy for men after Ihram, skin irratations on thighs are common)
• Travel Sickness Tablets such as Stugeron or Kwells
• Aches & Pains/Muscle cramp/Pain relieving creams e.g. Deep heat (scented) or Ibuleve gel (non-scented)
• Cream/balm eg E45 – for cracked skin on heels
• Plasters, bandages, Safety Pins
• Cough medicine – Pholcodine for dry coug, Glycerin & Blackcurrent Linctus
• Headache/Migraine Tablets (Migraleave)

Food/Snacks/Drink

• Energy drink – powder to put into water e.g. Lucozade
• Energy tablets – Lucozade, Berocca, Dextro Energy or Glucotabs
• Snacks e.g. snack bars, dark chocolate, nuts, biscuits etc
• Sweetner for tea (for diabetics)
• Mints / Chewing gum
• Vitamin tablets – take daily (Vitamin C)
• Teabags and small kettle (if you prefer to make your own tea, this is for outside the days of Hajj!)
• Disposable spoons, plates etc.

Islamic Resources

• Mini Hajj guide
• Dua list – personal
• Dua list – other pple
• Duas from the Hadith and Quran
• Hajj reminders – for when in Mina/Arafat,etc. – to keep us focussed on why we are here
  
• Light weight Prayer Mat
• Contact Cards – to give to your fellow Hajji you met and want to stay in touch
• Wudu Mate (bottle for istinja)
  
• Qibla Compass
  

Bag/Rucksack – (for Hajj days – Mina, Arafat, Muzdelifah)

Essential items to put in it and not to forget:

• sleeping bag,sheet,pillow
• underwear,socks
• snacks
• flask for water
• extra clothing
• toiletrees – cream,towel,water spray bottle
• radio
• stones bag
• carriar bags
  
• small scissors
• pocket quran,dua book

Everyday Bag – (from hotel to masjid, Mina to Jamarat)
To carry items such as – money, water bottle, pocket Quran and duaa book, etc.

DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

DUTY WE OWE TO ALLAH

Asalaamualaykum,

Here is just a glimpse of what the Pilgrims who go for Hajj will be doing, during their 4-6 days of Hajj

“… And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj, then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alâmin (mankind and jinn).” (Qur’an 3:97)

REWARDS FOR HAJJ

“He who came to this House (the Ka’bah) (with the intention in performing Hajj) without speaking or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him.”  (Muslim, 2/3129)

“The reward for a Hajj Mabrûr has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Hajj Mabrûr means a Hajj that is accepted by Allah, and for this it must be performed perfectly according to the Prophet’s Sunnah, with halal money, by avoiding sinful and evil deeds during Hajj – and done for seeking the Pleasure of Allah alone.

HAJJ SUMMARY

Day 1         Mina

Day 2         Arafat, Muzdalifah

Day 3         Mina, Makkah, Mina

Day 4-5      Mina

There are 3 types of Hajj, below is the outline of Hajj Tammatu.

Day 1 (approx. 25^th of November 2009)

8^th of Dhul Hijjah

This is the first day of Hajj.

2-3 million pilgrims will all make their Niyyah for Hajj

Labbaik Allaahumma ‘Hajjan

(Here I am O Allah making Hajj)

And by doing so they have entered into the state of “Ihram” – “Ihram” is not just wearing special clothing, but it is a way of behaviour and the pilgrims are now to abide by strict rules and regulations, remaining patient, and avoiding all sins and idle talk.

They now make their way to Mina – reciting the Talbiyah all the way!

The Talbiyah is recited for the next 3 days – declaring their strong belief in Allah and that He is One without Partners!

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal hamda wan ni’mata laka wal mulk, laa shareeka lak

(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partner!

The pilgrims will get to Mina before Dhuhr time to their designated tents.

They will pray the following 4 daily prayers: Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Ishaa – shortened but not combined.

The pilgrims will spend their time in the remembrance of Allah, making duaa, reading Quran and asking for Allahs Forgiveness. And preparing for the great days to follow.

The Prophet (s) said: “Pilgrims and those performing ‘Umrah are Allah’s guests; their prayers are answered and their supplications for forgiveness are granted.”

They will stay here over night until the sun rises.

Day 2

9^th of Dhul Hijjah – The day of Arafat

When the sun rises, the pilgrims will all make their way to Arafat - reciting the Talbiyah all the way!

It is at Arafat where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, gave his famous Farewell Sermon.

The Prophet Muhammad (S) said: “Hajj is Arafat!!” – emphasizing the importance of this ritual, that being the “standing” on the day of Arafat. It is one of the pillars of Hajj (without this, the hajj is not complete).

The below picture shows the boundary of Arafat – that the pilgrims must stay inside of.

In Arafat the pilgrims will also have designated tents. They will pray Dhuhr and Asr (at the time of Dhuhr) – if possible in Masjid Namirah.

This leaves the pilgrim with a lot of time after the prayer to devote themselves in standing, making dhikr and du’aa’ and beseeching Allaah, raising their hands and facing the qiblah.

It is this day Allah will free pilgrims from the Hellfire!

“…There is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of Arafah. On this day Allah, the Almighty and the Exalted One, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth, and says to those in heaven, “Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair dishevelled and faces covered with dust, to seek My Mercy, even though they have not seen my chastisement. Far more people are freed from the Hellfire on the Day of Arafah than on any other day.”

The pilgrims will stay here until after Sunset and after sunset will proceed to Muzdalifah in the masses reciting the Talbiyah all the way!

Once they reach there, they will pray Maghrib and Ishaa (combined); unless they do not reach there before midnight they are to stop where ever are and pray it.

The pilgrims will also start collecting the pebbles for the stoning for the next 3-4 days to come (there is no specific place the pebbles must be collected from)

Here the pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah and rest/sleep – here they will have no designated tents!!

The pilgrims will be amongst their fellow 2-3 million pilgrims under the 1000’s of stars!! Mashaa Allah a 1^st class service!

Day 3

10^th of Dhul Hijjah – Eid Al Adha (no Eid for the Pilgrims though!)

This is the busiest day of Hajj – while the rest of the Muslim Ummah around the world would be preparing for the day of Eid the pilgrims during Hajj will be doing the following….

Before Dawn

The pilgrims will pray Fajr and after turn to the qiblah and make lots of dhikr and dua untill sunrise.

Before sunrise, the pilgrims will leave Muzdalifah and go back to Mina chanting the Talbiyah!

In Mina, the pilgrims:

• Will proceed to stone the Big Jamarat (Jamrat-Ul ‘Aqaba) with 7 pebbles – it is here where the Talibiyah will stop and the Takbir will be said.

• Will shave/cut their hair, and are out of the state of “Ihram” (the Ihram restrictions are lifted and the men can change into their normal clothes, the only restriction that remains is that husband and wife are not allowed to have intercourse.)

• Will have their animal sacrificed

The pilgrims will now make their way to Makkah

In Makkah, the pilgrims:

Will Peform Tawaf Ifaadah (Tawaf Ziyarah) – making 7 rounds around the Kabah.

Perform 2 Rakaats outside Marqee Ibrahim

Will Perform the Sai for Hajj – walking back and forth from Mount Safa to Mount Marwa

The pilgrims will now return back to Mina and stay there overnight for the next 2-3 days.

Day 4

11^th of Dhul Hijjah – Days of Tashreeq, 1

The next 3 days rituals are the same.

After noon, the pilgrims will go to stone the 3 different Jamaraat (in order of small, medium and large jamarah), each one is to be stoned with 7 pebbles by saying Allahu Akbar with each throw.

Duaa is to be made after stoning the first two, while facing the Qiblah!

Day 5

11^th of Dhul Hijjah – Days of Tashreeq, 2

Same as day 4, if pilgrims want to complete they hajj they can do but are to hasten and leave Mina by sunset.

Day 6

11^th of Dhul Hijjah – Days of Tashreeq, 3

Those who decided to stay for the full 3 days of Tashreeq – do they same as day 4 and leave Mina at any time.

Allahu Akbar! The struggle of Hajj is now over and the rites of Hajj are now complete! Life will never be the same! Hajj is the beginning of many great things to come.. may Allah accept the Hajj of all those who go to perform it. Ameen

The Pilgrims are required before they leave back to their home country to perform Tawaf Al Widaa (the farewell Tawaf)

^ these are the streets and courtyard of Makkah during prayer time!

>> My Ramadan Time Table.pdf <<

I was talking to my dear friend – and we started to discuss Laylatul Qadr – and I come to know that I had misunderstood something about that night for many years. I had always thought that it was the night in which the first revelation was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S)… but this is not correct! Allah informs us that He sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Al-Qadr in its entirety and it is a blessed night that occurs every year during the month of Ramadan:

“We sent it (The Qur’an) down on a blessed night.” [44:3]

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.” [2:185]

But wasn’t it revealed gradually over 23 years?

Ibn Abbas explains this ayat by saying:

“Allah sent the Qur’an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.” [Taken from Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

I have made note of this correction on the document above, may Allah forgive me!

(( updated 19th September 2009 ))

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Ramadan Mubarak! – From AlQamarDesigns

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Masha’allah, a week has already passed! Subhaanallah, time is just flying by too fast.

A few days before Ramadan I wanted to make myself a Ramadan timetable, just something to try and organise my time – so that I can strive hard not to waste my days in this blessed month.

I had gathered together information from many audio lectures and books on Ramadan – put them into categories and source referenced all the evidences from the Quran and aHadith into one document – most of the information was gained from the Ramadan Classes attended on www.sunnahfollowers.net taught by my teacher Sister Laila Nasheeba.

I wanted to share this document with you, I hope it will serve beneficial to you (the same way it is doing for me.) Still another 3 weeks to go! Enjoy the rest of your Ramadan. May Allah accept from us and you, ameen.

Dated: Ramadan 2006

Finally, Ramadan is here, so now what? Do you have a plan?

DateDrive of Ramadan 1430/Sept 2009

Alhamdulillah, this is the 2nd Ramadan for HalfDate. Last year, HalfDaters helped to raise over $20,000 and have completed several projects, see this article. This year, we will have a productivity race among supporters of different projects, because Ramadan is a month of productivity, not laziness.

So, this drive will include:

1. A productivity training for you, click here
2. Volunteer for this drive, just pick the days you want to volunteer, click here
3. A productivity race among non-profit projects (each week only those projects that met certain goals will be advanced to the next round, the finalists will get special prize, inshaAllah)

GET INVOLVED: http://halfdate.com/2009/08/17/my-pro…

Pregnant / Breastfeeding Women during Ramadan

The below has been taken from www.islamqa.com. The scholars differed concerning the ruling on pregnant woman and breastfeeding mothers if they do not fast. In brief there are several opinions:

a – That they have to make up the fasts only

This is the view of Imam Abu Haneefah (may Allah have mercy on him). Among the Sahaabah, it was the view of ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him).

Those who said that they only have to make up the fasts quoted the following as evidence:

1 – The report narrated by al-Nasaa’i (2274) from Anas, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has waived half of the prayer for the traveler, and fasting, and for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stated that the ruling on pregnant and breastfeeding women is like the ruling on the traveler. The traveler may not fast and has to make it up later, and this also applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women. See Ahkaam al-Qur’aan by al-Jassaas.

2 – Analogy to the sick. Just as the sick are allowed not to fast and have to make it up later, the same applies to those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. See al-Mughni, 3/37; al-Majmoo’, 6/273.

This view was favoured by a number of scholars.

b – That if they fear for themselves, they have to make up the fast only, and if they fear for their children then they have to make up the fasts and feed one poor person for each day

This is the view of Imam al-Shaafa’i and Imam Ahmad. Al-Jassaas also narrated this from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

c – That they have to feed the poor only, and do not have to make up the fasts

Among the Sahabah, this was the view of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him). Ibn Qudaamah also narrated this in al-Mughni (3/37) from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

Abu Dawood (2318) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas and ‘Ali that this phrase – “those who can fast with difficulty” [al-Baqarah 2:184] was a concession granted to old men and old women who find it difficult to fast, allowing them not to fast and to feed one poor person for each day instead, and the same for pregnant and breastfeeding women if they are afraid. Abu Dawood said: i.e., for their children – they may not fast and may feed (the poor) instead. Al-Nawawi said: its isnaad is hasan.

This was also narrated by al-Bazzaar who added at the end: Ibn ‘Abbaas used to say to a concubine of his who was pregnant: “You are like one who cannot fast, so you have to pay the fidyah but you do not have to make up the fasts.” Al-Daaraqutni classed its isnaad as saheeh, as stated by al-Haafiz in al-Talkhees.

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The most correct opinion – according to the below Shayookh

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/220, after mentioning the difference of scholarly opinions about the ruling on this matter, expressed his preference for the first view that she only has to make up the missed fasts – because at most they are like one who is sick or travelling, who only have to make up missed fasts.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 15/227: The correct view concerning this matter is that pregnant and breastfeeding women have to make up the fasts, and what was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ibn ‘Umar, that pregnant and breastfeeding women have to feed the poor instead, is a weak view that goes against the shar’i evidence. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days” [al-Baqarah 2:184]. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are likened to those who are sick, and do not come under the ruling on old men who are unable to fast. Rather they come under the ruling on those who are sick, so they should make up the fasts when they become able to do so, even if that is delayed.

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Women who did not make up the fasts missed from Ramadan until next Ramadan – due to a valid excuse

Q: A woman did not fast during Ramadaan because of nifaas (postpartum bleeding), and she was not able to make up the fasts before the next Ramadaan came because of breastfeeding. What should she do?

This woman should fast and make up the days that she missed, even if that comes after the second Ramadaan, because she was unable to make up the fasts between the first and second Ramadaans for legitimate reasons. But if it is not difficult for her to make up the fasts during the winter, even if she does it day after day, then she has to do that, even if she is breastfeeding. She should strive to do whatever she can to make up the missed Ramadaan fasts before the next Ramadaan comes. If she cannot manage to do that then there is no sin on her if she delays it until the next Ramadaan. (Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 19/ question no. 360.)

Pregnant and breastfeeding women come under the same ruling as those who are sick. If it is too difficult for them to fast then it is prescribed for them not to fast, but they have to make up the fasts when they are able to do so, like those who are sick. (Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 15/225)

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Women who did not make up the fasts missed from Ramadan until next Ramadan – due to a no legitimate excuse

Allaah has given the one who missed some fasts because of a legitimate excuse until the following Ramadaan to make up those fasts, but the Muslim should not use this as an excuse to delay making them up, because he may be faced with some need or changes that make it too hard for him to make them up or prevent him from doing so, especially women who may become pregnant, or be faced with menstruation and nifaas (postpartum bleeding).

Whoever delays making up the fast with no legitimate excuse until there is very little time left, then Sha’ban ends and he has not made up the fasts he owes, is sinning and has to make up those fasts after the second Ramadaan. Some scholars stated that he also has to feed one poor person for each day. If he is able to do that then that is on the safe side, otherwise making up the missed fasts is sufficient.

In Summary –

As she has delayed making up the fasts with no excuse, she has sinned and needs to:

• Repent to Allaah and resolve not to repeat this mistake in the future
• Make up these fasts as soon as possible
• Feed a poor person 1 meal for each day missed – if she is able to do this, then that is on the safe side

Benefit for today

Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in his Fatawa:

Every person must have a deed that is done daily – that is secret between him and Allah alone. This is required because we do not know whether the deeds we do in front of mankind have ikhlas or not nor can we say that we do with any level of certainty. So ask yourself – what deed do you have that is completely secret between you and Allah alone – not even your wife, children – absolutely no one at all knows about it except you and Allah. It could be charity that you give secretly, or a prayer that you pray in the depths of the night whilst your family is asleep, or even a tear that you shed from the fear of Allah the Great. This is the deed that is beloved to Allah and will perhaps be the cause to bring on Allah’s forgiveness on the day of Judgement.

~Tawfique Chowdhury

Ramadhan Mubarak, the Month of Quran and feeding the fasting has returned!

Assalamu Alaikum waRahmatullahi waBarakatuh

InshaAllah you are well.

http://www.justgiving.com/feedthefasting/

Ramadhaan has a special relationship with the Quran, as Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “The month of Ramadhaan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” [Quran 2:185)

The word 'so' in this ayah leads to the following paraphrase of one aspect of its meaning: "Fast this month because it is the one in which the Quran was sent down".

Ibn 'Abbaas narrates "that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadhaan because Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Quran with him." [Al-Bukhaari]

This hadeeth contains the following recommendations that we can take heed from:

• Studying the Quran in Ramadhaan

• Coming together for this purpose

• Checking (one’s memory/knowledge of) the Quran with someone who has preserved it better

• Increasing recitation of the Quran in Ramadhaan and

• That the night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as in Soorah al-Muzzammil [73:6].

Further, Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, narrated from her father the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam,  who told her: Jibreel would rehearse the Quran with him (in Ramadhaan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death. [Al-Bukhaari]

About the situation of the Salaf (our righteous predecessors) during Ramadhaan,  Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said:

“… Some of the Salaf would complete reciting the whole Quran during the night prayer of Ramadhaan every 3 days; others every 7 days (e.g. Qataadah) and others in 10 days (e.g. Abu Rajaa’ al-Atardi).The Salaf would recite Quran in Ramadhaan in Prayer as well as outside it.

Al-Zuhri would say when Ramadhaan began, ‘It is recitation of the Quran and feeding of people.’

Then Ramadhaan began, Imam Maalik would stop narrating Hadeeth and sitting with the people of knowledge, and stick to reciting the Quran from its pages, while Sufyaan al-Thawri would leave other acts of worship and stick to reciting the Quran.

‘Aishah would recite from the pages of the Quran at the beginning of the day in Ramadhaan (i.e. after Dawn), until when the sun had risen, then she would sleep.

Zayd al-Yaami would bring copies of the Quran when Ramadhaan began and gather his companions around him. …”

“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’aan, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that which is in your hearts” [Yoonus 10:57]

Allahuma Balighna Ramadan (Oh Allah, Grant us Ramadan)

Jazak Allahu Khair

Abu Affan

Credits: islamweb.net

Email from www.Islamictube.net