HAJJ (THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE)

"HAJJ" (THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE)

Q.1: What is Hajj?
A. The literal meaning of "Hajj" is to intend or plan for, and according to Shar'ee terminology it means to halt at 'Arafaat (the vast expense near Makkah where major Hajj rite is performed on 9th Zilhij after having adopted "Ehraam"(unstitched cloths) and to perform circumambulation of "Ka'bah" (the House of Allah). Performance of some rites, ceremonies and worships at various sacred sites in Makkah also come under Hajj.
A particular time is fixed for the observance and performance of these rites and worships. If done on time, the Hajj is valid otherwise not.

Q.2: When was Hajj made compulsory and how many times it is due in whole life?
A. Hajj was declared compulsory in 9 A.H. It is an absolutely mandatory obligation. Whoever denies its obligatory nature is out of Islamic fold. Hajj is compulsory only once in a lifetime.

Q.3: What is the significance of Hajj in Islaam?
A. The importance and significance of Hajj (the holy pilgrimage) can be guaged from the facts that:
1. It is the fifth pillar of Islam.
2. It erases the past sins of the pilgrim.
3. It is a "Jehaad" (holy crusade, supreme effort) of the weak and women.
4. It removes poverty as the blacksmith's furnace separates dross from iron.
5. The reward of Hajj (accepted by Allah Almighty) is nothing but paradise.
6. Allah Almighty forgives "Haaji" (the pilgrim) and those too for whom he prays.
7. Haaji will intercede for four hundred of his family members on the Day of Judgement.
8. "Haajis" (the pilgrims) are delegates, guests of Allah.
Allah summoned them and they presented themselves to His service. They supplicated Him and He granted them.
9. There is peace for Haaji in this world and absolution in the hereafter.
10. The one who leaves his home for Hajj and dies in the way will keep gaining the reward of every year's Hajj till the Doomsday. He will not be made to account for his doings on the Judgement Day and will be entered into heavens without reckoning.
11. Haaji (whether he performs Hajj or 'Umrah [lesser Hajj]) is in the security of Allah. If he dies in the process, he will be entered into paradise and if returns home after completion of Hajj or 'Umrah as the case may be then he will carry with him forgiveness and divine favours.
In addition to these above-mentioned significances and excellences, the Hajj:
12. is the best means to strengthen religious communication and coordination among the Mulsims of the whole world hailing from different countries with their separate nationality, race, language and colour and to collect them on a single plateform thereby making them rally round the banner of "Kalimah Tauheed" (the Code of Oneness of Allah) which is the pivot of Islaam.
13. The simple unstitched white clothing which Prophet Adam wore, is proposed for Haajis so that the Muslims who all believe in One Allah, one Messenger, one Book and one Ka'bah look alike sans any social ranking and status thereby to demonstrate outward religious harmony and cohesion too.
14. It envisages projection of the glory and truthfulness of Islaam besides earning believers the benefits and gains of the air, land and sea travels.
15. It also embraces the aims and objectives which kings and rulers achieve by holding grand courts, an association or organisation achieve by holding annual meetings and chanmber of commerce achieve by holding international fairs.
16. Hajj also satisfies the inquisition of anthropologists, archeologits, geologits, historians and geographers.
17. Most of Hajj's sites are either prominent symbols of Allah or have attachement with the Messengers and Prophets which refresh the memory of the sacred traditions and remind of the events of Divine blessings and mercy attached with these signs.
In short, the Divine Law which the Holy Prophet brought with him is so comprehensive and practical that it covers all temporal and spiritual affairs. Its each and every word abounds with wisdom and reasons which is evident from the fact that the worldly and spiritual benefits and objctives of Islamic commands and worships are before the whole world and will continue coming to the fore untill the Doomsday.
There is in a Hadees (Prophetic saying) that the one who performs Hajj for the sake of Allah avoiding carnal desires and sins, becomes as free from sins as on the day when his mother gave birth to him. Briefly, the Haaji embarks on a new phase of his life which carries temporal as well as spiritual gains and successes. So Hajj is not only a pillar of Islamic faith but it also influences every aspect and sector of moral, social, economic, political and national life of the Muslims besides being a towering symbol of the position they enjoy in the comity of nations.

Q.4: What are the moral benefits of Hajj? 
A. The Muslims who gather round the "Baitul Laah" (the House of Allah) reaching there from the four corners of the earth facing and braving the toils of journey and vagaries of the seasons meet with and become aware of one another's condition and problems. This grand assembly not only infuses in them a spirit of joint cooperation and unity but also characterises them as the members of one nation, one race and one family. The Haaji is required to be the quintessence of virtue, peace, self-control and self-sacrifice during the Hajj days. He must eschew querrelling with and troubling others and even killing a louse (if it happens to find its way on one's person or Ehraam) and ant. Even games of the land are unlawful for him. The Holy Qur-aan says: "Falaa Rafasa walaa Fusooqa walaa jidalaa Fil-Hajj" (there should be no expression of carnal desires before women nor any sin nor querrelling with anyone during Hajj days). How explicit and clear-cut this command is that there should be no expression of carnal desires directly or metaphorically. In the state of "Ehraam" lawful hobbies like games of the land are forbidden let alone sins and disobedience. Argument, altercation and scuffle that generally take place on such occasions are also forbidden even rebuking one's own servant. This standard of inward and outward purification set by Islaam for worship is so lofty that it has not only impressed and won over the hearts of the believers but also the disbelievers.

16 Qualities That Allah Loves

1) Patience:
“And Allah loves as-Sâbirun (the patient).” (Surah Imran 3:146)

2) Justice and Dealing with Equity:
“O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is informed of what ye do.” (Surah Maeda 5:8)
"For Allah loves those who are fair (and just)."
[Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

3) Putting Trust in Allah:
“Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Surah Imran 3:159)

4) Kindness:
Ayesha (رضي الله عنها) narrated: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “Allah loves kindness in all matters.” (Bukhari)

5) Repentance:
“Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance.” (Surah Baqarah 2:222)

6) Piety:
“Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Surah Imran 3:76)

"For Allah loves the righteous (the pious)." [Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]
Reported by Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (رضي الله عنه :): Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said, "Allah loves a slave who is pious, free of all wants and the unnoticed.''

7) Good-doing:
“Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).” (Surah Baqarah 2:195)

8) Purification:
“And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” (Surah Tawbah 9:108)

9) Humility of the Rich:
Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas (رضي الله عنه ) said: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off.” (Muslim)

10) Magnanimity:
Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “ Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment.”

11) Virtuosity:
The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)said: “Allah loves the believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children.” (Muslim and Ahmed)

12) Love for the Sake of Allah:
Al-Tabarâni, Ibn Ya’lâ, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah’s Messenger
( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “If two individuals love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah.”

13) Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds:
Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

14) Sabr (Patience):
"And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the patient))." [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:146]

15)  Praying Salaah on time:
“The thing that Allah loves most is when his people pray salaah on time.” (Hadith- Bukhari)

16) Good Manners and Conduct:
Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.”

Love of Allah is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for his sake too. The real love of Allah is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to Following Rasulullah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)’s Sunnah. Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah and His Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ), or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah, or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah, nor does he love His Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ). Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what be loves for himself.” (Bukhari)

GOOD HEALTH IS A BLESSING TO MAN

Good health, is a great blessing of Almighty Allah to man. The only time that a person realises the importance of his health is when he becomes ill even temporarily, and his good health is taken away from him by Allah. There is no doubt that good health is something that
every individual wishes and prays for, yet we take no heed in caring for our selves and our health. We tend to neglect the importance of living healthy lives, and only decide to rectify our way of life after illness strikes, bringing us down.

Those of us who have been blessed with good health seldom thank Almighty Allah for this blessing which he has bestowed upon us. We should appreciate our good health and continuously thank the Almighty for this gift that he has blessed us with. The Prophet of Islam reminded us concerning the importance of taking care of our health. He said, “There are two such blessings of the Almighty which people do not really value (realise its value) one is good health and the other is abundance of wealth.”

We should make it a habit that when praying for good health, we should also pray for protection from deadly illnesses. The Prophet of Islam would often say the following prayer, “O Almighty Allah! I ask of You to protect me from leprosy, leucoderma, insanity and all other deadly illnesses.”

We should always value the good things that Allah has given us before they are taken away from us. The wise have said that only a blind man knows the feeling of not being able to see, a man with no legs knows the true value of not having legs to walk on and only a person with severe breathing problems knows the true value of every breath he inhales and exhales. The Prophet of Islam said, Value five things before five:

(1) Your youth before your old age

(2) Your Good health before illness

(3) Your abundance of wealth before your poverty

(4) Your spare time before your occupied time

(5) The value of your life, before your death

One of the ways of protecting your health is to take the necessary precautions to avoid certain illnesses. We need to adhere to simple yet important things in our daily lives, like what we eat, our general hygiene and exercising our bodies. By adhering to simple rules of hygiene, one can protect- ones self from numerous germs and bacteria. The Prophet of Islam said, “Always cover your water, seal the mouths of water bottles, for illness and bad, enters water that has been left uncovered.”

The great scholars of religion and Islamic medicine have stated that the stomach is the mother of all illnesses. The stomach is a very huge vessel which holds everything that we eat and drink. One should however make sure that one does not over eat, as over eating causes the stomach to become upset and this, is the root of numerous illnesses of the body. When eating, one should try and realise that there should be three portions to the stomach:

1. One portion for food

2. One portion for water

3. One portion for air

If one keeps this in mind, then the problem of over eating can be eradicated. The other important issue concerning meals and good health is to avoid going straight to bed after having ones supper. One should try to walk at least forty brisk paces before going to bed as this helps with digestion and allows one to have a good night’s sleep, and as we all know that a good night’s sleep allows one to rise in morning feeling both healthy in body and mind. Let us all try to take care of our good health and appreciate it whilst we can.

The Problems of Finding a Marriage Partner (Billion Dollars Question???)

Finding a marriage partner can be stressful work at the best of times, but struggling to find the perfect 'Mr. Right' appears to be an elusive commodity. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half" [Shu‘ab al-Iman]. Moreover Islam advocates that since celibacy is not recommended marriage is encouraged and highly recommended. “Nikah (marriage) is my Sunnah. He who shuns my Sunnah is not of me” [al-Sahih, Muslim]. Indeed marriage is considered the fundamental cornerstone of society, the building blocks from which communities will build safe and cohesive societies. 

However finding that perfect partner has become a difficult struggle- one that many sisters in particular are facing. There are scores of sisters who are practicing conscious Muslims, adhere to the basic tenets of the faith, dress according to the Shariah and are looking for a life partner that will match their outlook on life. A partner that considers Islam as his identity, practices his faith in his actions, his

inner and outer self-reflecting these qualities as well as having the trappings of solid finances and reasonably decent to look at. (A sense of humor, kindness and compassion hoped for too!) Yet they are unable to find 'Mr. Right'. Although there are several reasons for this phenomenon, this article will discuss one aspect of this problem faced by many Muslim women. This is not an exhaustive discussion on the subject, rather focusing on one issue pertaining to it.

As mentioned earlier, there are a great deal of sisters who would make a perfect wife yet her suitors are not forthcoming. Having talked to many of these women who are actively looking for a husband, there is certainly not a shortage of eligible Muslim bachelors. Rather, those that have had many suitors say their own lack of 'beauty' was a highly probable cause for 'rejection' by the male party and its many

elements. No matter the manner of the meeting - the excruciatingly painful interview by a potential mother-in-law upraising herself of the vital bodily statistics of the sister or of a more subtle nature - meeting a potential candidate through a third party; the general consensus appears that appearances play a major factor in the decision making process, particularly amongst those from the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. The fairer, slimmer and prettier the sister the more likely she is to obtain a suitor. The darker, plumper and unconventional looking sister will get very less or virtually no offers. Indeed there are many sisters who are articulate, well-educated and practicing yet are turned downed consistently, causing disillusionment and pain. The mass media has become one of the main sources of popular culture in modern society. It not only entertains but also transfers stereotypes, beliefs and values of that society which are reproduced within the existing order of social life. It is a sad fact that its obsession with beauty and weight has infiltrated down to our Muslim societies governing our choices. Moreover although many of us will deny overt racism, covert racism exists in many forms, portrayed by a lack of cross cultural marriages. Indeed the increase in whitening creams, facial bleaches is testament to the fact that many women feel a huge pressure to conform to traditional norms of beauty. Not all of course do so for marital purposes yet the trend is still there.

So who is to blame? Although I am sure there are many brothers who will argue they are not so shallow and will consider factors other than attractiveness when selecting a marriage partner, they appear to be in the minority. It would also be naive to solely blame brothers for this and it is not the purpose of this article to have a good 'rant' against them. Although some brothers do need to re-asses their criteria for a marital partner, family pressure plays a pivotal role. More importantly

some of us sisters are part of the problem. We make up those families who perpetuate these values. Often, when we are helping parents search for suitable partners for the male members of our family we too look at material factors - is the sister tall enough, fair enough and pretty enough to qualify consideration? We will sit down and analyze photographs in detail, pointing out particular features and 

discussing in length the pros and cons of her face. In short how many of us try to persuade our parents and relatives to follow the advice of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he stated: "A man marries a woman for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character). So marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper" [al-Sahih, al-Bukhari].

Although the first three reasons have not been ruled out of consideration, a sisters commitment to the deen and character are given precedence. If she fears Allah Almighty and does her best to be the best possible person at all times, when problems arise she will look to the Qur'an and Sunnah for a resolution and be less inclined to be swayed purely by emotion. She will also be aware of her duties as a

wife and mother, her responsibilities to the family and extended family and how to cope when problems arise. Piety and taqwa have been stressed manifold times. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "If Allah grants a Muslim a righteous wife, this helps him preserve half of his religion (faith). He should, therefore, fear Allah as regards the other half." [al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihain] He further stated: "Four things bring one joy: a righteous wife, a spacious house, a pious neighbor and a comfortable riding animal." [al-Sahih, Ibn Hibban] Take for instance the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his wife, Sayyidina Khadjia (rad). It is well documented that she was not only 15 years his senior but a widow with children from her previous marriage; an astute businesswoman with character and strength. The entire life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), from his birth to his demise serves as a lesson for us all, even in this day and age. 

A message perhaps to brothers that youth, beauty and a slim figure should not take precedence over character and personality. That we should step away from the stereotypes of the media and look beyond physical attributes and delve deeper to see what defines the personality of the sister.Does she love Islam and posses taqwa? Is she aware of her accountability to Allah Almighty in the hereafter? These are fundamental factors that influence behavior. Often, no matter how perfect a couple may appear on paper, every marriage can go through a bad patch - where disagreements and heartache occur. However a sister who truly believes that her every act will be made to account, every word spoken made to be justified, will often be the one who will make the first step to reconcile and compromise, even if she believes she was in the right and her partner was wrong. A sister who is aware of her nafs, and the battle that rages between the soul and the ego will try and placate the soul through compassion and understanding as opposed to anger and rage. 

So brothers, it is important to remember when the chips are down, especially during uncertain economic conditions, will your wife still demand her Swarovski studded abaya and matching clutch bag or remember Sayyidina Khadija's (rad) sacrifices when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his family were banished in the valley of Bani Shayba.Despite being forced to endure hunger, extreme poverty and other hardships she still supported her husband both financially and emotionally.

If you are both blessed with children will she allow them to sit endlessly playing with their Wi-Fi games while she surfs e-bay whilst gossiping with her friends? Or will she remind them again and again to do their wudu, pray their salat, doge the rush hour traffic and take them to the best mosque with the best tajweed classes

and then tuck them up at night re-telling them stories of Imam Hassan and Hussain's (rz) playful antics with the Holy Propjet (peace and blessings be upon him). When your mother comes to stay and fuss over your food and clothes, commenting that your shirts do not appear to be ironed to her perfection, will your wife huff and puff wishing the big bad wolf come and blow your mother away - or worse do it herself? Or will she grit her teeth, smile pleasantly with patience whilst serving tea, samosa's and baklava whilst being watched over with eagle eyes, remembering like a mantra that paradise lies at the mothers feet.

Remember brothers, when you marry, you are in it for the long haul. It is a lifelong commitment, full of hard work and compromise with good times and tough times. What is important though, with the right partner, that struggle can turn out beautifully. Choosing a sister who understands her responsibilities as a wife, partner and lifelong friend - one who strives to be the best Muslim in this life surely outweighs more material considerations of outer beauty. As the Holy Prophet

(peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "The whole world is pleasure, and the best pleasure of the world is the righteous woman.” [al-Sahih, Muslim]

'Maulud within Maulud' in old Mekah

FOR centuries, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, upon him blessings and peace, was celebrated in and around the actual house in Mekah where he was born. Since the Arabic words for "birthday" and "birthplace" are one and the same, it was literally a "Maulud within Maulud".

In his book Akhbar Makka the third-century historian of the Mother of Cities, al-Azraqi, mentions as one of the many places in Mekah in which the performance of salat is desirable the house where the Prophet was born (mawlid al-Nabi). The noble house (located in what became known as Suq al-Layl, Shuaab Bani Amir, Shuaab Ali and Shuaab al-Mawlid, present-day Qashshashiyya Street in Mekah), belonged to his father Abd Allah by inheritance from his father Abd al-Muttalib, then passed on to the Prophet himself. It is said that the Prophet passed it on to his cousin Aqil ibn Abi Talib in whose hand it remained even after the conquest of Mekah.

Aqil's son sold it to Muhammad ibn Yusuf the brother of al-Hajjaj. He expanded it and the house became known as al-Bayda' and Dar Ibn Yusuf. When al-Khayzaran the mother of the caliphs Musa al-Hadi and Harun al-Rashid performed pilgrimage, she brought out Ibn Yusuf from the house and turned it into a mosque, after which the house became known as Zuqaq al-Mawlid.

The Quranic scholar al-Naqqash (266-351) mentions this Birthplace Mosque as a place where doa by noon on Yawm al-Ithnayn (Mondays) is answered.

Ibn Jubayr (540-614) in his Rihla ("Travels") states: "This blessed place (the Birthplace Mosque of the Prophet) is opened, and all men enter it to derive blessing from it (mutabarrikin bih) on every Monday of the month of Rabi al-Awwal, for on that day and in that month was born the Prophet."

The 7th-century historians Abu al-Abbas al-Azafi and his son Abu al-Qasim al-Azafi wrote in their Kitab al-Durr al-Munazzam: "Pious pilgrims and prominent travellers testified that, on the day of the mawlid in Mecca, no activities are undertaken, and nothing is sold or bought, except by the people who are busy visiting his noble birthplace, and rush to it. On this day the Kaabah is opened and visited."

The famous eighth-century historian Ibn Battuta relates in his Rihla that on every Jumua after the salat and also on the birthday of the Prophet, the door of the Kaabah is opened by the head of the Banu Shayba the doorkeepers of the Kaabah while on the Maulud, the Shafii head judge of Mekah, Najm al-Din Muhammad ibn al-Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Tabari, distributed food to the descendants of the Prophet and to the people of Mekah.

The house is described in full by the ninth-century historian Taqi al-Din al-Fasi in his book Shifa' al-Gharam bi-Akhbar al-Balad al-Haram.

The following description consolidates eyewitness accounts by three 10th-century authorities: the historian Ibn Zahira from his Jami al-Latif fi Fadli Makkata wa-Ahliha; al-Haytami from his book al-Mawlid al-Sharif al-Muazzam; and the historian al-Nahrawali from al-Ilmam bi-Alam Bayt Allah al-Haram:

Each year on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal, after salat Maghrib, the four qadis of Mekah (representing the Four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the jurists and notables of Mekah, Shaykhs, zawiya teachers and students, magistrates and scholars, leave the Mosque and set out collectively for a visit to the birthplace of the Prophet, shouting out zikir and tahlil (a statement that there is no god but Allah).

The houses on the route are illuminated with numerous lanterns and large candles, and a great many people are out and about. They all wear special clothes and they take their children with them.

Inside the birthplace, a special sermon for the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet is delivered. Hereafter the doa for the (Ottoman) Sultan, the Emir of Mekah, and the Shafii qadi is performed and all pray humbly.

Shortly before the Isyak prayer, the whole party returns to the Great Mosque, which is almost overcrowded, and sit down in rows at the foot of Maqam Ibrahim. In the mosque, a preacher first mentions the tahmid (a statement that all praise only be to Allah) and tahlil. Once again the doa for the Sultan, the Emir, and the Shafii qadi is performed, followed by the Isyak prayer.

A similar description is given by al-Diyarbakri (d 960) in his great Sirah entitled Ta'rikh al-Khamis fi Akhbari Anfasi Nafis.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami al-Makki (909- 974) in the beginning of his commentary on al-Busiri's Hamziyya poem mentions "the present well-known mosque that was the house where the Prophet, upon him blessings and peace, was born."

Muhammad Labib al-Battanuni in the year 1327/1909 in his book al-Rihlat al-Hijaziyya described the house in similar detail as others before him and the fact that "al-Khayzaran turned it into a mosque and it remains thus to our present day".

Knowledge and upkeep of the hallowed birthplace of the Prophet is mass-transmitted. From Abbasid times the Muslims upkept the Birthplace Mosque for centuries, each king and prince of Egypt, Yemen, Syria and the Ottoman Sultans buttressing it and lavishing upon it gifts and precious ornaments from East and West until the Hijaz was overrun by zealots 200 years ago, at which time the Mosque was destroyed and its endowments dispersed.

This act was committed in ignorance of the explicit hadith, "Do not raze the vestiges of the past for they are the adornment of Madina", as narrated from Ibn Umar by al-Tahawi in Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar.

Dr Muhammad Said al-Buti wrote in his preface to Sayyid Yusuf al-Rifai's book Advice to our brothers the scholars of Najd:

"I truly do not know if the Islamic World ever concurred in its indignation over a single matter in its entire history the way it does today over what is being perpetrated by the brethren who are in charge of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and by its scholars in the evisceration of Makka and Madina and their vicinities of all the historical remnants connected with the life of the Messenger of God, upon him blessings and peace, both as a private person and as a Prophet, and, subsequently, their perpetrating deeds that violate Islamic Law and violate the method which the pious Predecessors used to follow."

Years later, King Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud gave the vacant land to the Amin al-Asima at that time, Shaykh Abbas ibn Yusuf al-Qattan, who built upon it the library known as Maktabat Makkat al-Mukarrama. The library still stands at the time these lines are written.

The Brunei Times
Ref: http://www.bt.com.bn/focus/2008/03/20/maulud_within_maulud_in_old_mekah

Safar 2nd Islamic month

Incorrect beliefs regarding the blessed month of Safar:

Safar al-Muzaffar is the second month of the Islamic calendar. Literal meaning of Safar is empty. During this month the houses used to be empty and deserted because the ban on going to war in the month of Muharram came to an end, thus everyone proceeded towards the battlefield.

Many people have improper beliefs regarding this month i.e. it is a month of misfortune and calamities. The teachings of Allah Ta'ala and His Most Beloved Rasool SallAllahu Alaihi wasallam give us clear guidelines on such incorrect beliefs. Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'an:

"No misfortune befalls except by Allah’s command..." [Surah Tagabun, Verse 11]

These beliefs have also been condemned in the several Ahadith:

"There is no superstitious owl, bird, no star-promising rain, no bad omen in the month of Safar". (Sahih Bukhari)

"There is no bad omen in the month of Safar and no Ghouls (evil spirits)". (Sahih Muslim)

"The descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue." [Sahih Muslim]

These incorrect beliefs flow from the pre-Islamic period of Jahiliyyah [Days of Ignorance]. With the advent of Islam and the teachings of Sayyadina Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), all evil and incorrect beliefs common in pre-Islamic times were discarded.

Unfortunately today too, there are some Muslims who hold incorrect beliefs regarding the month of Safar:

1. A nikah performed in this month would not be successful.

2. This month is full of misfortune and calamities.

3. To commence any important task during this month will bring bad luck.

4. The first to the thirteenth of Safar is ill-fortune and evil, etc

5. The person who distributes food or money on the 13th of Safar will be saved from its ill-fortune.

6. To celebrate the last Wednesday of Safar and regard it as a holiday.

As true Muslims, we must stop all types of incorrect beliefs regarding the blessed month of Safar. We must understand that all conditions which fall on us, good or bad, are from Allah Ta'ala, (as a result of our actions). May Allah Ta'ala increase our understanding of our Deen and keep us on the straight path. Aameen

The Qadiri Treasures

The Qadiri Treasures, Explained
by Huzoor Mufassire Azam Hind Ibrahim Raza Khan Rahmatullahalaih

Huzur Ghawth al Azam Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al Jilani RadiAllahuanhu has commanded his Mureedeen to recite the five treasures of the Qadiri Order after each Salah 100 times. By adding the Blessed name of Allah Almighty it completes its astounding benefits; 

1.YAA AZEEZU YAA ALLAH (O All Mighty, O Allah) after Fajr Salah

2.YAA KAREEMU YAA ALLAH (O Ever Generous, O Allah ) after Zuhr Salah

3.YAA JABBAARU YAA ALLAH (O All Compelling, O Allah ) after Asr Salah

4.YAA SATTAARU YAA ALLAH (O Coverer of faults, O Allah ) after Maghrib Salah

5.YAA GHAFFAARU YAA ALLAH (O All Forgiving, O Allah ) after Isha Salah.

Men of extreme spiritual wisdom know very well, the secrets these particular supplications hold and what benefits the timing of these supplications hold.
My habit is one of summarising so I will present a brief summary below;

1.YAA AZEEZU has been commanded to us, to read after the Fajr prayer, this is due to the commencing of the day, one is preoccupied in fulfilling his worldly chores and will come into contact with friends and enemies. 

Ya Azeez means O. Almighty, The Strong, Dignified and Powerful.
By reciting this attribute one will overcome all problems and will gain honour, dignity and respect, especially when faced with difficult situations.
Without doubt one who remembers Allah Almighty is honourable and overcomes his adversaries .

2.YAA KAREEMU has been commanded to us to read, after the Zuhr Salah. The rule is that flowers open their buds in the evening and spread their fragrance throughout the night and wither in the afternoon, therefore to recite this attribute at this time, one has great hope of increasing ones sustenance.

3.YAA JABBAARU is to be read after the Asr Salah, it is from the Asmaae Jalaaliyyah (very powerful). The time of Asr is when iblees calls a meeting on the surface of the ocean with great pride and show, where all the shayaateen gather to discuss ways in which to deceive and destroy mankind. Every Human has an individual shaytaan who attends this meeting and it is here, where it is decided between the shayateen, that you will do this, and I will do that.
Therefore this is the time to remember Allah Almighty with this name so that his wrath be on these shayateen and his protection be on us from their mischief.

4.YAA SATTAARU is to be read after Maghrib Salah, once the sun has set, and darkness sets. This is the time when animals of prey, snakes, thieves, robbers and other harms are out and about. Calamities and catastrophes swirl around in the darkness, hence the meaning of reciting this supplication is to call on the Almighty to protect and safeguard us from all these dangers. Furthermore mankind tends to commit more sins during the night, which is why one should seek his protection at the beginning of the night so that we are veiled from this and we remain steadfast . 

5. YAA GHAFAARU is to be read after Isha Salah, the sins committed by mankind during the day for which he is punishable, The Mercy of Allah Almighty prevents the Kiraaman Kaatibeen ( Honourable recorders ) from recording these until one goes to sleep without repenting and asking for forgiveness.
If one asks for forgiveness and repents for his sins before sleeping i.e by reciting Yaa Ghafaaru Allah Almighty will erase these from his book of bad deeds.

This is also one of the reasons we have been instructed to avoid worldly conversation after the Isha Prayer, and also to delay Isha for a part of the night is better so that one can sleep immediately after performing Isha Salah.

The benefits of repenting cannot be described. It is stated in a Hadith Shareef the one who repents after sinning, it is like he has not committed that sin at all. ( Sunan ibn Maajah ,Sunan albayhaqi alkubra )
In another Hadith Shareef it is stated, glad tidings be for one who finds plenty of istighfaar in his book of deeds .(Ibn Maaajah ,baabul istighfaar )

In Surah Nooh
“I therefore told them, ‘Seek forgiveness from your Lord; He is indeed Most Forgiving.

‘He will send down abundant rain for you from the sky.’

‘And will aid you with wealth and sons, and will create gardens for you and cause rivers to flow for you.’
[Verse;10,11 & 12]

Sayyiduna Huzaifa RadiAllahuanhu once presented his ailment of his tongue, in the Blessed court of the Most Beloved ﷺ which wasn't being cured by medicines, to which The Most Belovedﷺ prescribed Istighfaar.

Imaam Ul Aarifeen Sayyiduna Hassan Basri RadiAllahuanhu was approached by a group of people at the time of famine, to which the great Imam prescribed Repentance in abundance, one complained of difficulty with finances and daily life, to which he again prescribed repentance with abundance. Another complained regarding his crops withering and dying and his orchards drying up to which he was also given the wazifa of repentance. After this, the final questioner asked regarding him not having any children he also was given the wazifa of repenting and begging for forgiveness, due to istighfar all these people were successful in their needs.

Taken from Fadaaile Durood Shareef by The blessed Grandson of Alahadrat Azeemul Barakat Imam Ahmed Rida Khan Rahmatullahalaih
Huzur Mufassire Azam Hind
Hazrat Ibrahim Rida Khan Rahmatullahalaih.