Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
La ilaha ill-Allah
WAllahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
Wa lilLahil Hamd,
pierces the silence of The City beaming with a glowing happiness. This blessed home of the sublime ascent, the supreme exemplar, the cherished of the cherished envoys to mankind SallAllahu alaihi sallam shifts from fasting mode to a celebratory festival shared by representatives from across the Islamic world.
Crackers (bombs, fireworks, patanga, if my limited forgotten Urdu is correct) vie with the Takbeeratul-Eid from the small local mosque for ones aural attention. Throughout Ramadhan the whistling sound preceding the explosion of these mini "peace-busters" has been prevalent throughout the night. It seems the lads have boosted their supply and are expressing their joy by releasing these "devices", along with the traditional Saudi rhythmic clapping, and the distant beat of the duff.
Many buildings around Haram and palm trees twinkle with fancy fairy light decorations as crowds are in the full swing of the finale night of shopping! Dense clusters of abaya-clad women and girls congregate around the popular shoe, handbag, and imitation perfume outlets; the latest fashion dress purchase having been made earlier.
Men descend on the headdress and Oud shops, actually also popular with the women purchasing Eid gifts for their loved ones, while families tend to fill the sweet shops with their enticing glittery wrapped toffees and chocolates, and smaller children tugging their parents to the wonder world of toy shops!
All this a mere few meters from our place, and likely to continue all night until Fajr for the locals.
Meanwhile the ambience immediately around Haram is more relaxed with gatherings of pilgrims sitting enjoying each others company, some already wrapped in their make-shift bedding for the night, their possessions bundled in bulky plastic bags tied on any available window grate or fence. There are hundreds who have been "camped" around the toilet blocks during the past ten days. Undisturbed by the usual authorities who in normal times get them to vacate inside the fenced courtyard. And I guess the traders all around the Haram are engaged in brisk business as many pilgrims do their shopping for family and friends back home.
Insha’Allah our hearts joyously engage in Takbir until Salatul Eid, pay Zakat before the Salat, dress in our best clean clothes, wish every one the joy of Eid, “Taqabal Allahu Minna wa Minkum” (May Allah accept it from us and you), visit one another and exchange gifts. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Exchange gifts in order to foster love". Be charitable as best as you can, and finally make lots of istighfar, praying that Allah accept our fast, prayers and devotion, and may He grant the Ummah glory and success. Ameen.
May you have a happy and blessed Eidul Fitr. May we implore Allah, Most High, to make Eidul Fitr a moment of blessing for every Muslim. May it bring you and yours the joy of spiritual fulfillment. Ameen.
The following are a few articles that have appeared in the local news over the past few days for those who may wish to read them. In addition, a women in the Grand Mosque went into labour near Marwah while offering her Sa’i, later giving birth to a baby girl whom she called Marwah, Masha’Allah. While a man died after being struck by lightning as he was climbing Jabal Rahmah at Arafat during the storm yesterday. Inna ilLahi wa inna ilaihi rajeoon. Allah the Best of Planners decides everything for His creation, SubhanAllahu. May He bless the entire Ummah to patiently accept ans submit to all the conditions He plans. Ameen.
Various Iftar offerings:
How the locals living close to Haram in Makkah are affected with the crowds:
Organization of firemen in Makkah:
Two articles on the massive Jabal Omar project in Makkah:
Possible ban on food in Ka’aba
The incredible amount of daily garbage in Ka’aba
Possibility of air conditioning the entire Ka’aba:
http://arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=88325&d=17&m=10&y=2006
The lost practice of men calling the faithful to Suhoor:
http://arabnews.com/?page=21§ion=0&article=88086&d=16&m=10&y=2006
The overcrowded Kingdom
Once again I repeat; Jazakillahu to dear little Asiyah for her colourful contribution to this Eid message with her creative depiction of the Blessed Dome of Peace. May Allah Ta’ala soon bring her and her family to visit the Mubarak Sacred Cities. Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.
Assalamualaikum,
EID MUBARAK!!!!!!!!!!
Subhanallah it’s very amazing that the OUD perfume takes three hundred years to mature,we read this on one of the links you gave.Inshallah my family and I can come to the Prophets S.A.W soon.
Jazakallahu Khairan,
Wassalamu Alaikum from Asiyah
DarulKhair Homeschool Student
Comment by Asiyah — October 23, 2006 @ 6:34 am
Assalamu alaikum Dear Asiyah,
Ameen that you all will soon be here, so you can be in this City of Light and Illumination, and make lots of drwaings from all you see. SubhanAllah, how everything in Allah Ta’ala’s creation is amazing constantly providing signs displaying His Greatness, Insha’Allah you save up for some OUD!!!!
Wassalamu alaikum
almiskeenah
Comment by administrator — October 23, 2006 @ 10:52 pm