Sunday 30 September 2012

Congratulations to those, who have made the intention to go for Hajj



Are you going to Hajj this year?

All praise is due to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), Lord of the worlds.
May peace and blessing be upon His Messenger the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), his family and his companions?

They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways ... (Qur’an 22:27)

Here I am, Oh Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), at Your command!
Here I am at Your command!
You are without associate!
Here I am at Your command!
To You are all praise, grace and dominion!
You are without associate!
The sound of this chants here I am, Oh Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), at your command!
  (Said in Arabic) echoes over the land, as the pilgrims begin arriving in Mecca by the thousands for the sacred rites.
Some crying and then again some smiling but sound of this chant echoes over the land.
Yes! Pilgrims are saying here I am, Oh Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), at your command!

 Over 2 Million Muslims—with different backgrounds,Colour, languages, races, and juristic schools—offer hajj, facing a single qibla (the Ka`bah),
 Performing the same rituals, and wearing similar clothes.
 A pilgrim should not harm any living thing, and is not allowed to quarrel or fight with anything or anyone.
The state of ihram teaches a Muslim to be peaceful and forgiving, in spite of being inevitably pushed and shoved by some of the millions of people around him.
Hajj teaches a Muslim to live in peace with his fellow Muslim brothers and sisters irrespective of their different views or races. In his farewell hajj, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) declared a Muslim’s life, money, and honor are as inviolable. `Ikrimah reported: Ibn `Abbas said: "Allah's Messenger delivered a sermon on the Day of Nahr (`Eid Al-Adha), and said, 'O people! (Tell me) what is the day today?' The people replied, 'It is the forbidden (sacred) day.' He asked again, 'What town is this?' They replied, 'It is the forbidden (Sacred) town.' He asked, 'Which month is this?' They replied, 'It is the forbidden (Sacred) month.' He said, 'No doubt! Your blood, your properties, and your honor are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this (sacred) town (Makkah) of yours, in this month of yours.' The Prophet repeated his statement again and again. After that he raised his head and said, 'O Allah! Haven't I conveyed (Your Message) to them'. Haven't I conveyed Your Message to them?' "Ibn `Abbas added, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the following was his will (the Prophet's will) to his followers: "It is incumbent upon those who are present to convey this information to those who are absent Beware don't renegade (as) disbelievers (turn into infidels) after me, striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another.'" (Al- Bukhari).
 
  Congratulations to those, who have made the intention to go for Hajj this year!
You are embarking on a monumental and life altering journey.
Before you even go walk, walk and then walk some more - it will really help you if you are as fit as you can possibly be.
    Be prepared to go long periods on very little sleep
    Take socks with you and foot cream as walking on the marble floor is difficult. (Only use foot cream when you are not in Ihram)
    If possible take medicines from here, e.g. Paracetamol /Sudafed/Imodium/Electrolyte tablets come in handy.
For Sisters:
Menstrual Period:
If a woman who is intending to perform pilgrimage wishes to use pills to prevent menstruation, so she can perform the rites of pilgrimage to the fullest extent, she should follow the following instructions:
Consult a doctor in advance (a minimum of 7 days) before going for Hajj, to know how to use the pills as well as the appropriate dose.
 The goal of these drugs is to prevent menses, and therefore must be taken daily at the same time until the end of the Hajj period.
There are some side effects of these pills; the most important are nausea, headache, breast pain (mastalgia), mood changes and nervousness.
“Every woman has her special nature, so must consult a specialist doctor to find out what suits her”

  Pregnant woman should postpone the Hajj in the following cases:
It is preferred to postpone the pilgrimage to pregnant women for the following reasons:
 She might have some complications such as inflammation and vulnerability to infection due to low immunity and overcrowding.
(Risk of sun stroke etc).
 Risk of physical harm: as a result of walking for long distances which could lead to a lower abdominal cramps, and back pain.ü
 Riskü of physical injury: as a result of overcrowding, which may lead to complications affecting the safety of pregnancy and fetal life?
 Risk of severe dehydration: for not drinking enough fluids.ü

 Pregnant woman should postpone the Hajj in the following cases:
• History of premature deliveries.
• History of early abortion.
• If she has gestational diabetes.
• High blood pressure or kidney diseases.
• Detachment of the placenta.
• Bleeding accompanying pregnancy

Health guidelines for pregnant women:
 It is preferred to postpone the pilgrimage to pregnant women for the following reasons:
 She might have some complications such as inflammation and vulnerability to infection due to low immunity and overcrowding.
ü
 Risk of sun stroke.
ü
 Risk of physical harm: as a result of walking for long distances, which could lead to a lower abdominal cramps, and back pain.
ü
 Risk
ü of physical injury: as a result of overcrowding, In that case risk which may lead to complications affecting the safety of pregnancy and fetal life.
 Risk of severe dehydration: for not drinking enough fluids.
ü

 Pregnant woman should postpone the Hajj in the following cases:
•  History of premature deliveries.
• History of early abortion.
• If she has gestational diabetes.
• High blood pressure or kidney diseases.
• Detachment of the placenta.
• Bleeding accompanying pregnancy

Health guidelines for pregnant women:
 Consult a specialist doctor, so that you know the possibility of traveling for Hajj without any health complications.
 Ensure that all essential drugs are sufficient for the duration of Hajj.
 Make sure to wear appropriate and comfortable clothing and shoes.
Drink enough fluids.
 Walk for a few distances every hour or two hours to avoid venous clots in the legs.
 Avoid crowds and choose appropriate times to perform the rites.
 If you have bleeding, abdominal cramps, severe headache or high fever you should go to the nearest health center or hospital.
 Avoid any extra physical exertion and use of a wheelchair during the Tawaf and the Sayie when you feel tired.
 Make sure to consult your doctor about the possibility of taking the vaccination against meningitis and influenza at least ten days before Hajj.
There is a British clinic with English speaking doctors in both cities Mecca & Medina if you fall ill.
 Can get masks at the Pharmacies in Mecca; highly recommend them, especially in Mecca before the Hajj.
You will not be able to wear them when you are in Ihram.
    Leave a photocopy of your passport and ticket at home. Also, keep one copy with you, as the Muallim will be in possession of it during your stay there.
    Take sunglasses with you; the white marble flooring in the Haram can cause considerable glare.
     
 (82) Narrated Ibn 'Umar radi Allahu anhu: During the last Hajj (Hajj-al-Wada') of Allah's Apostle he performed 'Umra and Hajj. He drove a Hady along with him from Dhul-Hulaifa. Allah's Apostle started by assuming Ihram for 'Umra and Hajj. And the people, too, performed the 'Umra and Hajj along with the Prophet. Some of them brought the Hady and drove it along with them, while the others did not. So, when the Prophet arrived at Mecca. He said to the people, "Whoever among you has driven the Hady should not finish his Ihram till he completes his Hajj. And whoever among you has not (driven) the Hady with him, should perform Tawaf of the Ka'ba and the Tawaf between Safa and Marwa, then cut short his hair and finish his Ihram, and should later assume Ihram for Hajj; but he must offer a Hady (sacrifice); and if anyone cannot afford a Hady, he should fast for three days during the Hajj and seven days when he returns home. The Prophet performed Tawaf of the Ka'ba on his arrival (at Mecca); he touched the (Black Stone) corner first of all and then did Ramal (fast walking with moving of the shoulders) during the first three rounds round the Ka'ba, and during the last four rounds he walked. After finishing Tawaf of the Ka'ba, he offered a two Rak’at prayer at Maqaam Ibrahim, and after finishing the prayer he went to Safa and Marwa and performed seven rounds of Tawaf between them and did not do any deed forbidden because of Ihram, till he finished all the ceremonies of his Hajj and sacrificed his Hady on the day of Nahr (10th day of Dhul-Hijja). He then hastened onwards (to Mecca) and performed Tawaf of the Ka'ba and then everything that was forbidden because of Ihram became permissible. Those who took and drove the Hady with them did the same as Allah's Apostle did.  (Book #26, Hadith #750)

Do you KNOW how to perform HAJJ?
There are three types of ihram and they are as follows:

Tamattu`: At or before reaching the miqat (the place where one must enter ihram), the person enters into ihram for `Umra only.
He performs `Umra first, then goes out of ihram until 8 Dhul- Hijjah, when he or she enters into ihram again for Hajj.
This is the most common type for people from outside of Saudi Arabia.

Qiran: The person enters into ihram for both `Umra and Hajj, and does not go out of ihram until the Day of Sacrifice (`Eid Al-Adha) at Mina.
In this type of Hajj, the pilgrim has to stick to the restrictions of ihram for a longer period of time.

Ifrad: The person enters into ihram only for the Hajj and takes it off only on the Day of Sacrifice.

If a person puts on ihram with the intention of performing whatever Allah has prescribed for him without specifying any of the three kinds due to lack of knowledge, his ihram is considered to be lawful and valid.
Scholars have said: "If such a person utters Talbiyah like others with the intention of performing the rituals (of Hajj), but says nothing verbally, nor forms an intention in his heart, nor specifies whether it is tamattu', ifrad, or qiran Hajj that he intends, his pilgrimage would still be valid, and he will be reckoned to have made one of the three kinds of Hajj.

Mentally my friend BE PREPARED TO HAVE TO WAIT: (Being patient, just as in the saying: Patience is like its name – bitter in taste, yet its outcomes are sweeter than honey.
    At Jeddah airport:
    Going in and out of the Haram; there will be very large crowds of people moving slowly, have Patience, Repel Evil with Goodness

    “Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!” (Qur’an 41:34)
PLEASE DO NOT PUSH. (Hajj teaches a Muslim to live in peace with his fellow Muslim brothers and sisters irrespective of their different views or races)
  
 At food outlets and shops .QUE AND MORE QUES:.
   Queue for toilets....MORE QUES (imagine when there are over 2 million people using that toilet during Hajj, toilet is the most horrible place to queue and it’s a long queue) It is one of the test from Allah to test how patience/Sabr and Iman. And again remember this: “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
 QUES EVERYWHERE!!

 The Holy city of Mecca...
    Make sure you have a card of the hotel that you are staying at with you at all times (in case you get lost).
 Also, make your children and elders traveling with you carry them too.
Always keep your ID bracelet and ID card on you at all times.
    All gates to the Haram look the same, Remember the door number or door name that you enter from.
Remember the route to/from your hotel to the Haram yourself, don’t rely on other people.
    Always appoint a place where you will meet up after prayers, it can take a long time to find someone again if you get separated. (Mobile phones are handy, can get SIM cards from there). Wearing a distinctive headscarf is another way of making yourself be seen quicker in a large crowd.
    If you are taking a mobile phone, you will need a three pin to two pin converter. You can buy these from there or take them from here.
    Keep a small notebook and pen with you. You can note down Salah times, names of places, directions etc.

5 days of Hajj
Mina
  Check with your tour operator whether they will be providing food. Good idea to take some dry food with you, as food is not always easily available in Mina
    Take a good quality sleeping bag (instead of carrying heavy blankets). It can get cold in the tents if the air conditioning units are switched on. It can get cold in Muzdalifa in the evening too, especially at this time of year.
    Ladies can take extra layers of clothing, such as cardigans, socks, just in case.
    Queues for toilets are long, not always very hygienic. Remember to show patience at all times
    IT IS VERY EASY TO GET LOST. Take a small notebook with you and write down the block number that you are in, write down the names of other groups that are near you and get a good sense of whereabouts your tents are. Look for distinct buildings (e.g. slaughterhouses) to assist you.
Everything looks the same, and you will get lost.

Arafat...This is the BIG DAY...
   Again check with tour operator if they will be providing food in Arafat. Take some dry food with you just in case.
    Spend time in supplication and prayer.
    If you are praying in your own tents (& not at the mosque), pray your Zuhr and ASR at the allotted times; do not combine them. (You may pray them shortened if you have been in Mecca less than 14 days before the hajj)
    Leave Arafat after sunset, without reading Maghrib salah. You will perform this in Muzdalifa.

Muzdalifa
   Take a small pouch to collect your pebbles in. Make sure the pebbles are not too big and not too small. No bigger than a date stone.
    Collect extra in case you or anyone in your group loses theirs
    Read Maghrib & Isha combined. You will need to offer the prayers in the following order:
    Pray 3 rak’ats Farz of Maghrib salah
    Pray 4 rak’ats Farz of Isha salah (Note this will be 2 Rak’ats Farz for travelers)
    Pray 2 rak’ats Sunnat of Maghrib salah
    Pray 2 rak’ats Sunnat of Isha salah
    Pray 3 rak’ats Witr of Isha salah
    Pray any remaining nafals.

Jamarrat
     It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he would stone al-Jamrah al-Dunya (the Jamrah near the Khayf mosque) with seven pebbles, saying takbir after every throw. Then he would go ahead until he reached the level ground where he would stand facing the qibla, and he stood for a long time, offering dua’s’ and raising his hands. Then he would stone the middle pillar, then he would move to the left towards the middle ground, where he would stand facing the qibla. He would remain there for a long time offering dua’s’ and raising his hands. Then he would stone Jamarrat al-‘Aqabah from the middle of the valley, but he did not stand beside it. Then he would leave and say: This is how I saw the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) doing it.
Narrated by al-Bukhari (1751).

Here you have to Stay Calm. (As numerous pilgrims flock to the Jamarrat site to stone the devil, numerous pilgrims have died over the years due to overcrowding).
    Stay close to your group
    Don’t start stoning from far away as it won’t count and it may hit other pilgrims on the head.
    Do not throw anything other than the stones.
    If you drop anything, or if your shoes come off, DON’T BEND OVER TO PICK THEM UP. 
This is how the crushes can start.  Walk carefully as there will be things that have been dropped in the way
    If you don’t feel confident in doing the stoning yourself, get someone else to do it on your behalf.
    On the Last day of stoning at Jamarrat: do not go straight away at the end of zawal time.
This is the busiest time and when most crushes occur. It is better to go a little later, even if that means you spend an extra night in Mina.
    On the last day of stoning, do not take your luggage with you to the jamarrat.
Abu Haamid al-Ghazzali (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
As for the stoning of the Jamarrat, the purpose behind it is to follow the command and manifest submission and servitude to Allah, and show complete obedience without rational thought or the ego having any part in it. The aim is also to imitate Ibrahim (peace be upon him), when Ibles (Satan) (may Allah curse him) appeared to him in that place to instill confusion in his mind or tempt him to sin, and Allah commanded him to throw stones at him so as to drive him away and dash his hopes. If you ever think that the Shaitan (Satan) appeared to him and he saw him and that is why he stoned him, but as for me, the Shaitan (Satan) did not appear to me, it should be noted that this thought is from the Shaitan (Satan) and that he is the one who is putting it into your mind, so as to slow you down when you are throwing and you will imagine that it is an action in which there is nothing good and that it is like playing, so why should you bother with it? Expel him from your mind with a serious attitude and determination to throw the pebbles despite the Shaitan (Satan). Remember that you are outwardly throwing pebbles at al-‘Aqabah, but in fact you are throwing them in the face of the Shaitan (Satan) and you are breaking his back with them, because nothing annoys him except your obeying the command of Allah out of veneration for Him, simply because of His command, and the soul and mind have nothing to do with it. ( ‘Uloom al-Deen, 1/270).
The Jamarrat are not Devils, and Shaitan is not tied up for the stoning of himself  Hajjis that hold this misconception end up cursing, swearing, throwing sandals, etc. It is a commandment from Allah to glorify Allah by saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ with each pebble. You do not have to wash your stones. Do not throw sandals or wood or big rocks. This is all against the Sunnah. Do not hurt/shove when at the Jamarrat. Say Allahu Akbar with each pebble. Do not say Bismillah. Throw the pebbles separately. After throwing stones at the first and second Jamarrat: Make Dua’. Do not throw the Jamarrat before it is time. Throw the Jamarrat from small to medium to large. Not the other way. If someone is throwing on your behalf, you must be unable to throw yourself. If someone is throwing on your behalf, you do not have to collect the stones yourself and hand the stones to that thrower. Throw seven pebbles, not more or less.
Medina
    Medina can get cold, so take some jumpers with you.
    There are two set times when women can go for Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) tomb
    Remember manners, there is a lot of pushing and shoving. Please be patient.

What Is the Difference between Fidyah and Hady in Hajj?
There is a difference between fidyah and hady in Hajj.
Fidyah is a kind of expiation made in case there is a violation of the restrictions of ihram, i.e., doing some act that is prohibited during the state of ihram. It is mentioned in the Quranic verse that reads: “And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice.” (Al-Baqarah: 196)

The place where fidyah is to be made, according to Imam Malik, is in Makkah or any other country, even a pilgrim’s own country if he wills.
 This applies in all kinds of fidyah: fasting, charity or offering. Imam Malik maintains that a pilgrim can make fidyah when he returns home,
And there is no need to authorize someone to make it for him in Makkah.
However, it is permissible for him in this case to authorize another to make fidyah on his behalf in Al-Haram (the sacred precinct) in the case of charity or offering.
The hady, on the other hand, is a sacrificial animal immolated in the name of Allah by the pilgrim.
 It is to be slaughtered in Al-Haram and distributed among the poor and the needy.
The hady is offered in certain cases, among which are the following:
1. If something occurred and prevented the pilgrim from completing the rituals of Hajj or `Umra, such as illness or enemy attack. In this concern, Almighty Allah says: “And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find” (Al-Baqarah: 196). The hady cannot be anything other than a sacrificial animal. It has no other forms. If the pilgrim has no capacity to offer it, he cannot substitute anything else for it, nor should he offer it when he has the capacity.
2. In the case of tamattu` Hajj (in which the pilgrim performs `Umra, gets out of the state of ihram, and then enters ihram again for Hajj). This is indicated in the Quranic verse in which Allah Almighty says: “If any one wishes to continue the `Umra on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford” (Al-Baqarah: 196).
If the pilgrim cannot afford the hady, then he can do what Allah Almighty has mentioned in the same verse, when He Almighty says:
 “But if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all.” (Al-Baqarah: 196)
Imam Malik legalizes slaughtering the hady outside Makkah, exactly like the fidyah.
3. in case a pilgrim hunts inside Al-Haram, although it is impermissible to do so, as Allah Almighty says: “O ye who believe! Kill no wild game while ye are on the pilgrimage. Whoso of you killeth it of set purpose he shall pay its forfeit in the equivalent of that which he hath killed, of domestic animals, the judge to be two men among you known for justice, (the forfeit) to be brought as an offering to the Ka’ba; or, for expiation, he shall feed poor persons, or the equivalent thereof in fasting.” (Al-Maida: 95)
It is, moreover, possible for a pilgrim in this case to authorize another person to slaughter the hady in Al-Haram on his behalf if he does not want to fast.”

Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu reported:
 The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was asked about the best of deeds.
 He (the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: Belief in Allah.
He (the inquirer) said: What next? He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah. He (the inquirer) again said: What next? He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: Hajj Mabrour (an accepted pilgrimage)." [Bukhari: - Chapter of Hajj].

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhul-Hijja. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim is obligated to perform Hajj once in their lifetime if they have the financial means to do so.
Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) says in the Holy Qur’an:

"And Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) to the House (Ka’ba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses." [Q 3:97]
"And perform properly the Hajj and Umra for Allah." [Q 2:196]
"And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (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 Hajj)." [Q 22:27]

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
"Islam is that you testify that there is none worthy of worship (in truth) but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, you establish the prayer, you pay the Zakat, you fast in Ramadan, and you perform pilgrimage to the House (of Allah) if you have the capability." [Muslim]

"Islam is built upon five; to testify that there is none worthy of worship (in truth) but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and to establish the prayer, to pay Zakat, to make pilgrimage and fast in Ramadan." [Muslim]
HAJJ IS WORSHIP

In Arabic the word Ibadah  worship is a noun composed of all which pleases Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) whether the deeds are ones intentions (action of the heart), sayings (action of the tongue) or actions (bodily actions). Unfortunately, Hajj is also one of the ritual acts where many people involve themselves in shirk (polytheism) and Bid’ah (innovation). Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "What a noise in hajj, but very few are performing hajj" and that was in the time of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) where people were supposed to be closer to the Wahi (revelation)!

Today Muslims may perform Hajj according to their own interpretation; this is not allowed as the ritual act has a form which must be in accordance with what the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) brought us. There is ample evidence for this that include the following:
 The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)) said:

"Take (learn) your ritual acts from me." [Ahmed]
 The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) also said:
"He who does an act which our matter [Islam] is not [in agreement] with will have it rejected." [Muslim]
We have been ordered by Allah (the Glorified and Exalted) to follow the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)
Say: "If you (really) love Allah then follow me (the Messenger) , Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Q 3:31]
"And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." [Q 59:7]

"Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example." [Q 33:21]

 The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) explicitly warned us from innovating in Islam.
He said, "And the worst of all affairs are newly-invented matters and every innovation is a misguidance, and every misguidance is in the fire of Hell." [Abu Dawud] [Tirmidhi]

If you are prevented from completing your HAJJ,
Al-Baqarah Verse No: 196
002:196 Yusuf áli:      
And complete the Hajj or 'Umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'Umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
           
82) Narrated Ibn 'Umar radi Allahu anhu: During the last Hajj (Hajj-al-Wada') of Allah's Apostle he performed 'Umra and Hajj. He drove a Hady along with him from Dhul-Hulaifa. Allah's Apostle started by assuming Ihram for 'Umra and Hajj. And the people, too, performed the 'Umra and Hajj along with the Prophet. Some of them brought the Hady and drove it along with them, while the others did not. So, when the Prophet arrived at Mecca. he said to the people, "Whoever among you has driven the Hady, should not finish his Ihram till he completes his Hajj. And whoever among you has not (driven) the Hady with him, should perform Tawaf of the Ka'ba and the Tawaf between Safa and Marwa, then cut short his hair and finish his Ihram, and should later assume Ihram for Hajj; but he must offer a Hady (sacrifice); and if anyone cannot afford a Hady, he should fast for three days during the Hajj and seven days when he returns home. The Prophet performed Tawaf of the Ka'ba on his arrival (at Mecca); he touched the (Black Stone) corner first of all and then did Ramal (fast walking with moving of the shoulders) during the first three rounds round the Ka'ba, and during the last four rounds he walked. After finishing Tawaf of the Ka'ba, he offered a two Rak’at prayer at Maqaam Ibrahim, and after finishing the prayer he went to Safa and Marwa and performed seven rounds of Tawaf between them and did not do any deed forbidden because of Ihram, till he finished all the ceremonies of his Hajj and sacrificed his Hady on the day of Nahr (10th day of Dhul-Hijja). He then hastened onwards (to Mecca) and performed Tawaf of the Ka'ba and then everything that was forbidden because of Ihram became permissible. Those who took and drove the Hady with them did the same as Allah's Apostle did.  (Book #26, Hadith #750)

The best slaughter animal in relation to kind:
The camel – if it is slaughtered whole (i.e. by one person)
The cow – if it is slaughtered whole (i.e. by one person)
The Sheep
The goat
A seventh of a camel (i.e. a camel shared by seven as opposed to the first camel that is not shared.)
A seventh of a cow.

The best type in relation to characteristics:
The Fattest
The meatiest
The most physically fit
The one with the best appearance.

In a Hadith collected by al Bukhari on the authority of Anas ibn Malik – radi Allahu anhu:
"The Messenger of Allah - the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) - used to slaughter two large, fleshy black and white Sheep with large horns."
On the authority of Abu Sa’id al Khudri radi Allahu anhu:
"The Prophet slaughtered a large Fuhl ram with black eyes, a black mouth and black limbs."
On the authority of Abu Raafi':
"When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) - used to slaughter, he would buy two fleshy/fat rams." In another narration: "Two Mawjoo rams."
Collected by al Imam Ahmad ra...

A Mawjoo is better in terms of meat.
A Fuhl is better in terms of appearance.
This is what is best, in terms of kind and characteristics.

The hady is of two kinds; Wãjib and mustahabb.
The mustahabb sacrifice is the one mentioned in the following verse of the Qur'an:  `So pray unto the Lord and sacrifice' (108:2), which is interpreted as a commandment to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to sacrifice after the `Id day prayer. A tradition relates that the Prophet (s) sacrificed two rams, one white and the other black.

 According to the Malikis and the Hanafis, the sacrifice is obligatory for every family once every year; it is, they say, similar to the Zakat al Fitr:

When the pilgrim performs the Hajj, he is filled with awe, for he feels he is leaving his own world and entering that of the Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD.
 He feels so close to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD, standing there at Arafat on the very spot where the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) delivered his last message to humanity. Now he is touching the Lord, revolving around Him, running towards Him, journeying on His behalf, making sacrifices in His name, throwing pebbles at His enemies, praying to the Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD and having his prayers answered. Indeed, to go on Hajj is to meet one’s Creator Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD.
The pilgrims go back home with that same feeling of awe, but also with a great sense of peace.
 And if they now have that great sense of peace, it is because, having shed their sins on that plain,
They have been relieved of their brothers in Islam.
 In them has been born the spirit of caring for others and a sense of wonder at all the marvelous things the past has given them.

By now you should have learnt this lesson:
“No Arab has any superiority over a non Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man or the black man any superiority over the white man.”
  Faith requires action. Excel in goodness.  Enjoin what is right.  Forbid what is wrong. Be educated, seek knowledge. Have integrity, be honest and sincere. Be modest, humble and pious.
Mankind is one family, if one person suffers, everyone suffers. All life is sacred All human rights should be protected
    Love one another. Show moderation in everything. Love for others what you love for yourself.
    Take care of orphans, widows & the needy
    Defend the weak
    Free the oppressed
    Fulfill your trusts, commitments & promises
    Be just
As pilgrims of different races, speaking different languages, return to their homes, they carry with them wonderful memories of the prophets and other great men of the past. They will always remember that great coming together, where rich and poor, black and white, young and old, met as equals.
They go back, radiant with hope and joy, for they have fulfilled Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (God’s command, made to mankind in ancient times, to go on the pilgrimage. Above all, they return with a prayer on their lips: May it pleases Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD.
, they pray, to find their Hajj acceptable. Lets all pray for Hajj Mabrour (an accepted pilgrimage)."
      If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),
      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know
         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.

Thursday 20 September 2012

Shaitan an ability to cause devilish insinuations in human mind



All praise is due to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD),, Lord of the worlds.
May peace and blessing be upon His Messenger the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), his family and his companions?

Building a strong foundation requires taking that extra step towards your Lord.
 In a famous Hadith Qudsi, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), says,
"Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me,
 I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him,
And My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him.
 When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks.
 Was he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge,
I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of my faithful servant: he hates death
 And I hate hurting him."
Draw nearer to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), Most High with voluntary acts of worship such as nafl prayers, extra fasting, or increased charity.
Another way to increase one's love for Allah is by increasing in love for His Messenger the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam).

Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), asks believers to take help from sabr (patience) and salah (prayer),
So when you feel totally at shaitan's hands offer nafl (voluntary prayers) and seek Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)'s help,
 When you feel anxious due to the whispers of Shaitan, be patient and do not start ritualizing your compulsions
 (The acts you do to minimize anxiety e.g. washing hands again and again, checking and cleaning your clothes time and again etc).
Qur’an describes itself as Shifa (cure) for those who believe,
So when you feel yourself trapped into satanic whispers, ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to guide you and heal you through the Qur'an.
Some people may get waswaas like: I didn't pronounce the word of Qur’an correctly,
Or I did not use the correct articulation point etc.: to avoid such wasaawis one can try different methods e.g. recite in louder voice,
Ask someone to listen to you so that if you pronounce something wrong they may correct you,
Or record your recitation and listen to it later on but one should not leave recitation due to these waswaas ا
Verily Allah truly says: Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah?
 Little do you remember? (Sura An-Naml [verse 62])

  Dear Brothers/Sisters! Fear Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) in public and private, seek for the pleasure of the Last Day and do not follow the path of the mischief-makers.
Know that every thing has its beginning and end.
Be also aware that you are now in the abode of trails and that your final destination is either Paradise of Hell.
The Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD),, has made Islam the only way that leads to Paradise and He says,
 “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” (Aal-’Imran: 85).
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) ordains under the shade of Islam, good deeds than can save man from destruction and protect him from evils.
 He, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), created inhabitants for Paradise who will do righteous deeds, and those who call unto it such as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam).and their followers.
They are those that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has favored, given the highest ranks and made them successful in the race towards good deeds.
Allah says, “And whosoever obeys Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and His Messenger, then they will being in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, Of the Prophets, the Siddique (those followers of the Prophets, who were first and foremost to believe in them, Like Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq) the martyrs and the righteous.
And how excellent these companions are! Such is the Bounty from Allah and Allah is Sufficient as All-Knower.” (An-Nisa: 69-70).
Their conduct is excellent, their private is clean and their deeds are pure.
 Their reward then was happiness in this world and the next, crowned with everlasting dwelling in Paradise.
 Equally, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) Created inhabitants for the Hell-Fire and destined that they shall not do but deeds that will lead them there.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) explains the way that leads to Hell and warns against treading that path.
He says, “And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the Hell-Fire, he shall dwell therein forever.” (Al-Jinn: 23).
Further, this abode in which Allah created different kinds of everlasting torment has those who call unto it. Allah says,
“And we made them leader inviting to the Fire; and to the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped.
And We make a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among those
Who are prevented from receiving Allah’s Mercy or any good; despised or destroyed.” (Al-Qasas: 41-42).
Brothers/Sisters ! Callers to Hell encourage man to disobey Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and call him to commit destructive sins.
The most wicked and vicious one in this respect evil is Satan, the accursed.
Allah has put people to test by him that He might know the obedient and disobedient ones among His slaves
And give the reward or punishment accordingly. He says, “And indeed Satan did prove his thought about them;
And they followed him all except a group of true believers.
And he (Shaitan) had no authority over them, except that We might test him who believes in the hereafter from him who is in doubt about it
 And your Lord is Watchful over everything.” (Saba’: 20-21).
This extremely malicious creature who calls to every abominable act has been given only a limited power which he can never exceed.
 Also, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has given the true believer a weapon by which he can drive away his evil.
He gave Shaitan an ability to cause devilish insinuations in human mind, so that man may think of committing sin,
 Then have the intention to commit it and finally commit of that sin.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) also gave him an ability to present a sin to man in a favorable light.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says,
“And Satan made fair-seeming to them, that which they used to do.” (Al-Anam: 43).
However, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) did not give Satan an ability to create the love of something in man’s mind,
For that exclusively belongs to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) He says:
 “And know that there is the Messenger of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) among you.
If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble.
But Allah has endeared the faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness And disobedience (to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and His Messenger) hateful to you. Such are they who are the rightly guided.” (Al-Hujuraat: 7).
Also, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) gave this vicious Satan an ability to instigate the disbelievers to commit sins as He gave him ability to drive man into rage and cause him to have devilish thoughts.  Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says,
 “See you not that We have sent the devils against the disbelievers to push them to do evil.” (Miriam: 83).
All these devilish tricks of Satan that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) informed us about are but weak tricks that get weakened and eliminated by Imaan And seeking the protection of Allah. He says, “Ever feeble indeed is the plan of Satan.” (An-Nisa’: 76).
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) also says of him, “Verily! He has no power over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord (Allah).
His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Satan) and those who join partner with Him (Allah)” (An-Nahl: 99-100).
He indeed has no power over the believers who put their trust in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
This enemy, whom we believe in his existence, whose impacts we feel
And the result of whose evil deeds we know has laid in wait for men in ways that lead to good deeds in order to prevent them from doing it.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, “(Satan) said: Because you have sent me astray, surely. I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path.
Then I will come to them from their front and rear, their right and left, and you will not find most of them as thankful ones.” (Al-Araf: 16-17).
Brothers/Sisters! We cannot prevent the evils of Satan,
or render his plans ineffective or escape from his traps except by seeking Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)’s protection.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, “And whoever holds firm to Allah (i.e. follows Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)’s religion and obeys all that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has ordered practically),
 Then He is indeed guided to the right path.” (Aal-’Imran: 101).
Brothers/Sisters in Islam! Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has explained to us that this avowed enemy leads man to sin and destructive acts and then abandons him.
He has made Shirk (associating partners to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) in acts of worship) fair seeming to the peoples of Noah A.S.,
‘Aad, Thamood; made sodomy fair seeming to the people of Prophet Loot A.S. and made different kinds of sins fair-seeming to many others,
But when the repercussions of their evil deeds came upon them, he disowned and abandoned them.

Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, “(Their allies deceived them) like Satan, when he says to man: ‘Disbelieve in Allah!’ But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Satan says:
 ‘I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of all the worlds’. So the end of both will be that, they will be in the Fire abiding therein.
Such is the recompense of the wrong-doers” (Al-Hashr: 16-17).
As for the Day of the Resurrection, Satan will stand on a mountain of fire and deliver a speech to his followers as Allah informs:
“Verily, Allah promised you a truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you and you responded to me.
So blame me not but blame yourselves. I cannot help you nor can you help me.
I deny your former act in associating me as a partner with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) (by obeying me in the life of the world).
’ Verily, there is a painful torment to the wrong-doers.” (Ibrahim: 22).
After this speech, nothing more will be heard except sighing in a high and low tone, regret, crying and wailing.
Then Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will say:
“Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me.” (Al-Mu’minon: 108).
Dear brothers/Sisters! Evil of Satan can also be averted by seeking refuge with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) from him.
 Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, “And if an evil whisper from Satan tries to turn you away (from doing well), then seek refuge in Allah.
 Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (Fussilat: 36).

 In the Hadith, it is reported that two men abused each other in the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)
And the face of one of them turned red (out of severe rage).
 The Messenger of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
‘I know a word that if this man says it, his anger will go away.
It is, ‘A’udhu Billaahi Minash-Shaytaanir-Rajeem.” (I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed”.
One can also prevent the evil plan of Satan by observing the prayers in congregation. Allah says,
“Verily, As-Salaah (prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha (i.e. great sins and every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse)
And Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed)” (Al-Ankabut: 45).
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) also said: “whoever observes Fajr prayer in congregation shall remain under Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)’s protection until evening,
so, do not let Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) found you wanting in fulfilling His rights upon you”.
Evils of Satan can also be prevented by reading Ayat il- Kursi (Qur’an 2:255), Suratul-Ikhlas (Chapter 112)   Al-Mu’awwidhatayn (Chapters 113 and 114) and Suratul- Ghaafir (Chapter 40) at the end of each prayer.
 One should also be reciting the Qur’an frequently, for, the more he recites; the more he protects himself from Satan.
Likewise is paying Zakat, making voluntary charity and spending in the good cause.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Charity erases sins as water blows out fire.
” When a Muslim is cleansed of all his sins, he is then saves from a great evil.

 One can also drive away evil plans of Satan by constantly remembering Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) by saying
 “Subhaan Allah” (glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to Allah) “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest)
 “Laa Illah ILA Allah” (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah) etc.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Whoever says, “La Ilaaha Illa Allah Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahoo, Lahul-Mulk, Walahul-Hamdu Wa Huwa Alá Kulli Shay’in Qadeer,
” (meaning: There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is one without any partner.
To Him belongs sovereignty and praise and He has power over all things) hundred times a day,
 That will be enough for him as a protection from Satan for the whole day.
It is also as if he has freed a slave and one hundred good deeds will be recorded for him.”
Making Jihad in the way of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), attending gatherings of knowledge and where good deeds are done,
Keeping away from gatherings of play which Satan attends and in which he causes enmity, hatred and misery also protect from the evil plans of Satan.
Further, foremost of the things that protect one from the devilish plans of Satan is Tawheed (belief in Islamic monotheism), putting one’s trust in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and being sincere in worshipping Him.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, “Certainly, you (Satan) shall have no authority over my slaves except those who follow you
And those who go astray (the criminals, polytheisms and evil-doers).” (Al-Hijr: 42).
Therefore, dear Muslims, beware of Satan’s footsteps and evil plans.
 Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, “O you who believe!
Enter perfectly in Islam and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Verily, he is to you a plain enemy.
Then if you slide back after the clear signs have come to you, and then know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (Al-Baqarah: 208-209).

In the Qur’an, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) tells us that Shaitan is our enemy approximately over 700 times.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says:
“Then the Shaitan (Satan) made them slip there from (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. We said:
‘Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time.’” (Al-Baqarah, 2:36)
The philosophy of life is: don’t eat from the tree.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) said eat and enjoy, but don’t come near the tree.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) said, didn’t I tell you not to eat from it?
So Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) sent man to earth with Ibles and He said you are enemies to each other.
So now we have to work hard in order to go back to Jannah.
Today there are many trees, the tree of fornicating, the tree of shirk, the tree of stealing, etc.
We should avoid all these trees and not go near them.
So the Ayah above says that there will be enmity between you and Shaitan on earth, and you will stay there for a short time.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) wants us to remember the animosity between
Ahl ul-Haq (the people of the truth) and Ahl ul-Baatil (the people of falsehood), or the Shaitan and his parties.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) declared enmity towards anyone who is enemy to His Deen, the Messengers and angels.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says:
“Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibril (Gabriel) and Mikhail (Michael), and then verily, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:98)
Furthermore, Allah (SWT) tells us not to follow the footsteps of Shaitan:

 “O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:168)

Brothers/Sisters! Fear Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) as He should be feared and know that Satan calls man to all evil things and prevents him from doing any good deed. The first thing that Satan calls to is disbelief in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
 If one responds to him, he has surrendered his affairs to him;
Satan will then lead him to all evil and destructive things in this world and the Hereafter.
 But if man does not respond to him when he invites him to disbelief, he calls him to Bid’ah (innovations in matters of religion),
 For a person who indulges in Bid’ah does not generally repent from it, because he regards that as part of his religion,
And this gladdens Shaitan. If Shaitan is unable to make him indulge in Bid’ah, he invites him to committing major sins, then to minor ones.
If he does not succeed in doing that, he distracts him from doing recommendable deeds with indulgence in lawful things and engages him with matters that are of no concern to him.
Satan by his nature, searches man’s mind and looks for his preferences in order to approach him through that
And make him commit sins through what he has inclinations to. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says,
 “O mankind! Verily! The promise of Allah is true.
So let not this present life deceives you and let not the chief deceiver [Satan] deceive you about Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
Surely, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy.
He only invites his followers that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Faatir: 6-7).
Furthermore, Satan is pleased by sins that man regards as insignificant, therefore beware of him.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
 “Satan has lost hope that people would worship him in the Arabian Peninsula, but he is pleased to sow discard among you.

Here read this by Imam Ghazzali (ra)....
There was a pious man among the Banu Israel who always remained busy in the worship of Allah.
A group of people came to him and told him that a tribe living nearby worshipped a tree.
The news upset him, and with an axe on his shoulder he went to cut down that tree.
On the way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going.
He said he was going to cut a particular tree. Satan said,
"You have nothing to be concerned with this tree; you better mind your worship
And do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you."
"This is also worship," retorted the worshipper. Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree,
And there followed a fight between the two, in which the worshipper overpowered the Satan.
 Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when the worshipper released him,
He again said, "Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you.
You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If its cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Prophets
." The worshipper insisted on cutting the tree.
There was again a fight between the two and again the worshipper overpowered the Satan.
 "Well listen," Said Satan, "I propose a settlement that will be to your advantage."
The worshipper agreed, and Satan said, "You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you stay away from this act,
I will pay you three gold coins everyday. You will daily find them lying under your pillow.
By this money you can fulfill your own needs, can oblige your relative, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things.
Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree.
“This proposal appealed to the worshipper, and he accepted it.
 He found the money on two successive days, but on the third day there was nothing. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. Satan as an old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going.
"To cut the tree," shouted the worshipper. "I will not let you do it," said Satan.
A fight took place between the two again but this time Satan had the upper hand and overpowered the worshipper.
The latter was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the former the cause of his success. Satan replied,
"At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me,
 but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold coins and therefore you lost."
Source: From the book "Ihyaa-ul Uloom Ud Deen" by Imam Ghazzali (ra)

   Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says:
“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:208)
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) tells us to enter into Islam completely.
Therefore, you cannot just call for some parts of the Deen.
You must call to all parts of it. Allah then says, “Shaitan is a clear enemy to you.
” So there should be enmity between you and Shaitan, as well as his allies who are the Kuffaar, Murtads (apostates) and Munafeqeen (hypocrites). Verily, they are those who stand with him.
You cannot say that he is an enemy yet you treat him as friend.
Even if you have covenant with them (the allies of Shaitan) you must still hate them.
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says:
"Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy.
He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Faatir, 35:6)

May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following TEN STEPS to purification of the mind?
    1.) Clean their mind, their heart and their soul real good.
    2.) Clear away all the prejudices and biases
    3.) Read a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Qur’an in a language that they can understand best.
    4.) Take some time.
    5.) Read and reflect.
    6.) Think and pray.
    7.) And keep on asking the One who created you in the first place, to guide you to the truth.
    8.) Keep this up for a few months. And be regular in it.
    9.) Above all, do not let others who are poisoned in their thinking influence you while you are in this state of "rebirth of the soul." 
     10) Follow the SUNNA Of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam).

The rest is between you and the Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) Lord of the Universe.
If you truly love Him, then He already knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.
   Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has All Knowledge.
Any good is from Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) & the mistakes were from me.
Please pray for me and ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to forgive me.
May Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) guide all of us to His Truth?
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know
         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.