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
 Riskü 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...........

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         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.