ALMISKEENAH

 

 

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

Taqabbal minna wa minkum!    

Alhumdulillah, we made a speedy trip to Makkah yesterday for Umrah; wanting to experience how it is on the Day of Arafat when the Kiswa is changed and the Hujjaj assembled on the plain of Arafat in deep dedication to Allah Ta’ala. 

It was amazing to see so many Hujjaj still performing their Umrah up until Asr, obviously in no hurry to get to Arafat early. Some were travelling in private vehicles piled high with all their tents and cooking gear for the next few days, while many of the antique buses from the Russian states were lined up ready to depart. And many were seen hooked to tow trucks! They were having a field day with any vehicle parked on the streets in the immediate vicinity of Haram. On the roads leading to Arafat local drivers with vans and the larger 4x4 vehicles were calling to take passengers to Arafat after Asr.

I managed to ‘discreetly’ take the following photos. Funny….while trying to be ‘invisible’, (there were so many police and security men about), I noticed another sister taking shot after shot beside me with her phone camera. She then turned to me in shock and asked if I was using a CAMERA!

The new gold thread bands were truly glistening in the mid day sun. 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking from the new Masa’i over towards the birth place of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, a detail below.  The work on the extension of the Sa’i is incomplete, but Alhumdulillah enough for one level to be available for these days of maximum numbers. Parallel to the second floor Sa’i is the new section, with each side having independent lanes from Safa to Marwa and return. The ground floor and basement are not open as yet.

 

The red barriers just visible to the right lead to the tunnel where many of the millions of Hujjaj will be walking back and forth from Mina to Makkah for their Tawaf. News a few moments ago was that the Haram is the most crowded it has been since the beginning of Hajj, SubhanAllah.  

A reminder that Arab News provides many articles on the Hajj, today and yesterday. Unfortunately they do not post the numerous pages of photos that appear in the print edition, but enough to relay much of the spirit, Alhumdulillah. Check the next few days for more. 

And by the grace and mercy of Allah Ta’ala we were back in this Radiant City to attend Salatul Eid in Masjid Nabawi this morning with thousands of locals, and visitors from neighbouring Gulf States, spilling over from the courtyards into the ajoining streets. The Haramain alive with a Ummah united. Masha’Allah.  

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

Taqabbal minna wa minkum!    

 
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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428

The last khutbah by our Blessed Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Delivered in the Gregorian year of 632, the 9th day of Dhul al Hijjah, 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.

Time to read and reread this majestic khutbah from our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam….

’listen well to my words’…

a timeless message while mounted on his faithful camel Qaswa….may we all listen well, and more than that indelibly etch all that this sermon embodies onto the scroll of our heart and be determined to individually apply all that was said on this momentous day. As we read the following may we turn our attention to the representatives of the Ummah standing and imploring on the behalf of us all in this very place our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam entreated us with all that is good and all that will guarantee our superiority as the best of nations.

 

 

After praising, and thanking Allah, he said: "O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to Abbas ibnAbd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al Harith ibnAbd al Muttalib.

O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the Shaytan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste…

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation (zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

 Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR MESSENGER WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I am leaving you with the the QUR’AN and my SUNNAH, if you follow them you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.

 

 

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.

May we all understand these profound words….and diligently act upon them, bearing witness that we have been delivered Allah Ta’ala’s message by His Last Chosen Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, 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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428

 

Hard work for our brothers loading and offloading the tons and tons of luggage that seems to be the ‘must have’ for the Hujjaj…..so every opportunity to rest is taken…. 

 

…the majority of hotels now use fork lift trucks, but the luggage still has to be lifted in and out of these crates….

…the home away from home kitchen, recessed into the side of the semi trailer of two Egyptian truckies, transporting dairy products across the Kingdom. They were proudly saying they cook many dishes as well as pointing to a recessed refrigerator to the right of their kitchen….

 

…Madinah is almost deserted now…the last of the buses preparing to leave for Makkah and Mina…. 

 

…opposite thousands of pigeons gather where they are fed by those purchasing wheat from children. There is a bird flu scare in and around Riyadh with the authorities saying that if it appears to spread to other parts of the Kingdom they will cull the infected pigeons only. When thousands gather in one small area like this one wonders how they would select the infected ones from the dense flock….(an article in Arabic on this topic)

….the progress on the underground carpark and courtyard extension to the east of Masjid Nabawi….   

….the section closest to the Oberoi Hotel now has reached ground level. There was an unfortunate accident on the site yesterday…. 

an iron bridge that is part of a Prophet’s Mosque parking expansion project collapsed yesterday, killing two workers. Eleven other workers were injured in the accident, which occurred around 2 p.m.

Firefighters managed to rescue some of the injured workers who became pinned in the rubble when a 22-meter section of the bridge came down. No information was provided regarding the identities and nationalities of the workers. (Arab News. See several other Hajj related articles in this same issue) Insha’Allah please make Du’a for these workers…they all sacrifice so much for such a small wage on all of these construction sites. May Allah Ta’ala reward them with the best of His promises as they journey back to Him. And may their families be blessed with an abundance of Sabr, Ameen.

 

The recently completed Health Centre…directly opposite Bab Jebreel. The area it occupies, under the viewing corridor of Jannatul Baqi’, was previously many trinket shops converted to clinics for brothers to the right and for sisters to the left. It was almost empty this afternoon compared to the crowds lining up over the past few weeks…..

….as was the courtyard directly opposite…SubhanAllah, the changes in such a short space of time are amazing…and in another few days the crowds will return, Insha’Allah. 

 

 

O Messenger of Allah! May salutations be upon you.

O Messenger of Allah! May salutations be upon you.

O the Most exalted by Allah! May salutations be upon you.

O the Best of all the creations of Allah! May salutations be upon you.

O the Beloved of Allah! May salutations be upon you.

O the Leader of all Messengers! May salutations be upon you.

O the Last of all the Messengers! May salutations be upon you.

O the Messenger of the Lord of All the worlds! May salutations be upon you.

O the Leader of the persons having enlightened faces and hands (on the Day of Judgement)! May salutations be upon you.

O the Harbinger of good tidings! May salutations be upon you.

O the Warner! May salutations be upon you.

O the Messenger , May salutations be upon you, and upon your chaste and pious family members.

O the Messenger, May salutations be upon you, and upon your chaste wives who are the mothers of the believers.

O the Messenger, May salutations be upon you and your Companions.

O the Messenger! May salutations be upon you and upon all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah; and upon all the righteous servants of Allah.

O Messenger of Allah! May Allah give you the best reward on your behalf, such reward which was never given to any messenger on behalf of his people. May Allah shower His Blessings upon you whenever people may talk about you and even when negligent people neglect your remembrance. May Allah shower His Blessings upon you among all the ancient people and among all the modern people; such choicest, perfect and pure blessings which never before were showered by Allah upon any of His servants. May Allah shower blessings upon you in the similar way as He guided us from the wrong path and removed our blindness because of your auspicious station.

I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that you are His servant and Messenger, trustworthy and the Best of all His creation. I bear witness that you have conveyed the message of Allah and discharged the duty of the trust; and advised the Ummah and struggled in the path of Allah with right endeavor.

O Allah! Bestow Thy choicest Blessings upon our Beloved Last Messenger beyond the expectations of those who ask of You.

O Allah! bless the Hujajj, the families of the Hujjaj, and the Ummah of Your Chosen Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. 

It is related in Tawthiq ‘Ura al-Ayman, "It is known that someone who stays behind because of a valid excuse shares with those who go since the Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wasallm, said when he returned from the expedition to Tabuk that there were people in Madinah who had not travelled at all nor crossed a desert, but they had been with them. A valid excuse had kept them behind. A poet said:

"O travellers to the Ancient House,
     you have travelled in body while we have travelled in spirit!

We stayed behind with valid excuse while they travelled.
     Whoever stays behind with a valid excuse has travelled."

 

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428

 

The Light

the light is ethereal

drowning

drown the dross

illuminate all that is made to glisten

a diffusing convergence

a rarefaction of the temporal

with the Divine

 

LIGHT fills hearts emptied of nothing but

LA ILLAH ILLA ALLAH

Light from the LIGHT SUPREME Subhanahu wa Ta’ala

Lovers of the beauty of Light SallAllahu alaihi wasallam

congregate

yearning to be pierced

 

a glow of radiant eternity

an invitation

take it

open it 

reply

as the frenzied locusts

unabashed with passion do

 

and the last of the Hujjaj

seek a final dance in this intoxicating swirl

before Labbaik

and the LIGHT

of the House of Light.

* 

 

O Allah shower Thy Blessings upon our Beloved Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who is light, actual light and the mystery amongst the mysteries and the leader of excellents.

ALLAH HUMMA SALLE ALA SAI-YAE-DAE-NA MUHAMMADIN NOO-RIL AN VA RAE VA SIRIL AS-RA-RAE VA SAI-YAE-DIL AB-RA-RAE. AMEEN (Durood Nur)

Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas RadhiAllanu anhu has related that he heard the Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wasallam while going for Salatul Fajr reciting the following Du’a:

O Allah,

 Pour Nur in my heart,

Nur in my seeing,

Nur in my hearing,

Nur on my right,

Nur on my left,

Nur behind me,

Nur in front of me,

Nur above me,

Nur below me,

O Allah bestow me with Nur,

Make me Nur,

Nur in my nerves,

Nur in my flesh,

Nur in my blood,

Nur in my hair,

Nur in my skin,

Nur in my tongue,

Make my whole being Nur.

Grant me profuse Nur,

Make me Nur.

AMEEN. 

* 

O Allah, make all the Hujjaj transmitters of Your Nur, Ameen.

Two articles from Arab News today, one about Madinah, the other Makkah during these auspicious days preceding the ebullient Hajj. Arab News usually provide a good coverage of Hajj stories, Insha’Allah check their site for updates.

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

looking back….. 

 

…to the House of Allah, the pivotal magnet for all Muslims, and more so during these days as the Hujjuj pour into this circular swell, wave upon wave of a human ocean….as seen through the eyes of Safouh Naamani, a photographer, film maker in 1954. Images 1-3 and 5 are scanned from this fascinating article.

 

 

 

Jamarat, an image from a previous post and here of the National Geographic picture essay covering the Hajj in 1953 …and one year later…

 

Jamarat 1954 

 

and 2006….this massive elliptical monolith. Ultimately soaring to be five levels high with pilgrims able to pelt it from each level. This imposing wall, symbolic of the Shaytan rises from the basement where a massive collection area for the zillions of peas sized pebbles has been incorporated in the design….front end loaders scooping them up into trucks ready to transport them back to Muzdalifah ready for the next Hajj!

The Makkawis recall Haj from yesteryears.

Haj, an Indian Experience through the Ages.

 

Mina 1907, scanned from the above article. Masjid Khaif in the background. 

And the notorious account from the deceitful Richard Burton, feigning to be a Muslim performing Hajj in 1853. JazakumuLlahu khairan to dear Irving Darvish for this link. 

And more previous accounts of the Hajj from One Thousand Roads to Mecca. 

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

Images from a special time with one of the millions of special Hujjaj, Alhumdulillah. May Allah Ta’ala’s special mercy embrace them all, may He grant them all an accepted pilgrimage to Him, and bless them all with Sabr in whatever circumstances He deems necessary for their journey of renewal and rebirth, Ameen.

The view from the 10th floor of their hotel, with blessed Jabal Uhud peeping over the jungle of concrete and steel….

 ….a closer look at the ongoing race to fill every space with more concrete and steel….

….windows become clothes lines as the facilities for accommodating the pilgrims do not provide the basics for drying clothes, bathrooms tend to be very compact and small and usually shared by five or six in the better hotels….

 

…directly below is the fenced off area ready for another building to be constructed…we have been told that there are at least another 200 plots of land available for more hotels within the central Haram ring road!  

 …another detail…another enclosed construction site…and the stream of pilgrims snaking their way to Masjid Nabawi is a group of Iranians who normally move en masse….

…..the view to the right….the Haram just visible in the background between the two buildings…. 

….detail of the above…suspended workmen in a cage….

….a clearer impression of Masjid Nabawi….one minaret vying for attention…. 

 

….joining the throngs for Maghrib… 

 

….passing one of the many ‘miswak alleys’ along the way….Bab Salam and the Abode of Peace in the distance…. 

….just before Adhan for Maghrib…traces of a plane adding to the gentle colours of dusk… 

 

….the faithful awaiting Esha Adhan, looking towards Bab Salam….

* 

By the dawn; by the ten nights … ( 89:1-2)

Allah swears by these days, indicating the esteem He placed in the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

Our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing. [Sahih Bukhari].

And if one is not performing the Hajj, these Mubarak ten days of Dhul Hijjah reap countless rewards if the intention is to increase one’s inner reflection, to seek forgiveness along with abundant repenting, and fasting, especially on Yaumul Arafat:

Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one’s sins of the previous year and the following year. [Muslim]

Insha’Allah it is not too late to make the intention for the heart and soul to turn to our Rabb Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, and be immersed in excessive Dhikr and Salawaat:

And mention the name of Allah on the appointed days…(12:28)

Insha’Allah it is time to be more mindful of performing good deeds as such deeds are multiplied during these days. And if one is able, to offer a sacrificial animal on the Day of Nahr or the following Days of Tashriq, Insha’Allah.

May Allah Ta’ala give us all Tawfiq in our efforts to draw closer to Him and His Commands and be blessed with a renewed nearness to His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen Ameen 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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

 

Sitting here last night with two sisters who had never been here before. What words can one scribble when hearts melt into that of the Noble Resident SallAllahu alaihi wasallam of this sublime Dome of Felicity. Breathing between each other becomes synchronized with the ambience of the essence of tranquility. Stories have been related of previous accounts where our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam reached his hand out to give Salam to certain chosen Walis. We ghasp in awe and the heart misses a beat. But also while in attendance a mere few meters from the Mercy to Mankind, to the Best of Creation, Habibul Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam the feeling is as if we are being embraced and caressed by his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam Mubarak presence. This pinnacle of gentleless is shared with all who pass by, all who are magnetized to this most blessed piece of earth from the aggregate of all that Alah Ta’ala has willed. And in the pristine silence accompanying raised hands, lowered heads, cheeks smeared from weeping, it seems that mankind becomes one.  

 

At times I feel how many more photos can be taken of this Residence. This inanimate structure, symbolic of a love that brings the Ummah to tears. Tears stained and tainted with every conceivable iniquity, tears of repentance and remorse mingle with those of sheer passion and the disbelief that one has truly been brought so close, where each and every breath is that of the Universe pulsing to the vibration of Divine Light. So no two images are ever the same nor ever will be the same. One night ago the number of Salawaat recited upon the Prince of Radiance SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would have been millions less than this very moment…and the next few seconds changes the dynamic yet again…and tomorrow presents the same constancy in the changing conditions. Clouds form and disperse, winds hymn, Angelic hosts chant, dust swirls, feet patter, lips praise, hearts sigh and cry, voices rejoice, rays dance, souls resist moving away. No two moments are ever the same. The wonderment will never lull, the zeal and yearning never cease.

 

O Allah! bless him and his family in every utterance, in every movement of every creation, of every particle in every space, of every glance upon his Mubarak Home, of every letter ever read, of every syllable ever sounded, of every step that ever advanced towards Your Habib, of every eyelid that ever blinked, of every heartbeat of every creature, of every sunrise and every sunset, of every phase in every journey of the moon, of every twinkling star, of every blazing comet, of every crying babe, of every sound, of every thread in every Ihram of every pilgrim from the beginning of time till the end of time, by the weight of Your Dominion a thousand times over and over and over to infinity, 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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

LABBAIK ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK

Allah commands us to go for Hajj if we have the means, and when we are ready to go for Hajj, we say Labbaik, meaning, I am ready to obey Your orders, O Allah.

Allah also commands us in the Holy Qur’an to send blessings and salutations on the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam and what a pleasant surprise it is to find a salaat in Part 1 of Dalaail u’l Khairaat with the relevant verse (33:56) and the response of Labbaik as follows:

Surely, Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet.

O you who believe! Send blessings on him

and salute him with a worthy salutation. (33:56)

I am here and ready to obey You O Allah, my Sustainer.

May the blessings of Allah, the Righteous, the Merciful,

and the angels who are close to You (O Allah)

and the Prophets, the Truthful, the martyrs and the pious

and those of Your creation that praise You O Lord of the Worlds,

(may the blessings of all of them)

be on Sayyidina Muhammad ibn ‘Abdillah

the Seal of the Prophets, the leader of the Messengers of Allah

and the leader of those who are in reverential awe of Allah,

and a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds,

a witness who brought glad tidings and who calls people to You

O Allah with Your permission,

who is a shining light,

and many salutations to him as well.

(From here, and some links to the Dala’il Khairat 1,2,3,4,5,6 and Sheikh Nuh Ha Min Kellar’s stunning edition.)

Above photo, Hujjaj gathering at Babul Salam after Asr….. 

 

…while others are fascinated by the continuing work on the courtyard…the metal barriers provide storage space, as all the previous pay lockers have been dismantled for many months. And the industrious cleaner attending to changing the bin liner….their diligence never ceases, SubhanAllah…

….the workmen provide ‘interval entertainment’ in between Salat and Ziyarah….the past few days have seen some spectacular cloud formations with stunning sunsets…sorry no photos as I am usually in the sisters section ready for Maghrib where it is impossible to take photos….

….so close to our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam….. 

 

…..the skyline resembles an invasion of insect-like aliens…. 

 

…as concrete trucks line up, and labourers at the ready to spread the mix over a thick rubber lining…

 

….pouring load after load throughout the night…..the few unfinished sections appear to be close to completion, especially the way the labourers so energetically embrace the tasks at hand.

And Alhumdulillah, the third phase of the Jamarat Bridge is complete, 50,000 signs in 10 languages have been erected, and more than 9,000 doctors and nurses will be in attendance.

And if you are wanting to do your Hajj in style, for a mere SR130,000 for the few days you will have access to Satellite TV, 10 telephone lines, high speed internet connection, private suites in Mina, Arafat and Musdalifa, 24 hour open buffets and driven in stretch limousines!!!

And such is the dichotomy ….those who cannot afford the expensive permits and their ‘unacceptable’ efforts to perform Hajj, or the rich being so extravagant?

May our collective pleading be answered by Allah Ta’ala, flooding us all with His Mercy, and may our salutations upon our Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in turn, flood the heavens, Ameen.

 LABBAIK ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK

 Surely, Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet.

O you who believe! Send blessings on him

and salute him with a worthy salutation. (33:56)

I am here and ready to obey You O Allah, my Sustainer.

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

DELICIOUS….like a richly balanced dessert….every individually selected ingredient added to perfection, creating a richly textured, rainbow coloured delight. Sprinkle this with a topping of Taqwa, Iman, Ikram, Ikhlas, Sabr, Shukr and other connoisseur secrets, known only to the Grand Master Subhanahu wa Ta’ala of the Hajj recipe.

Such is the delectable mix from every facet of humanity and from every corner of the globe….the sight is DELICIOUS, the feeling is DELICIOUS, the atmosphere is DELICIOUS, the bustling air of expectation is DELICIOUS.

 

210,000 pilgrims are from Indonesia, making it the largest country to send pilgrims. The second largest is Pakistan with 167,588 pilgrims; the third; India with 157,000 pilgrims; and the fourth Iran with 102,000 pilgrims. There would hardly be a country in the world without representation in this huge DELICIOUS mixture, with ages from the tiniest of babes to many well over one hundred, and the scope of variations in mobility, vision, agility, ability and educational levels, is just as diverse. Such is this huge annual mixing bowl, stirred into one homogenous mass by an inner passion to fulfill the fifth obligation of our Deen. This is a sampling of Sayyiduna Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s Ummah.

Lumps and bumps decreed by the Master Planner Subhanahu wa Ta’ala are always an integral part of the mix. External rules and regulations, the outer forms of one being part of this mix, become more and more stringent each year. The powers that be have increased the number of checkpoints leading into Makkah to include the barren desert tracks that many try to navigate to be part of this delicious experience. Rumour has it that there will be additional checks leading into Arafat for the first time this year. If one is turned back from Arafat then the Hajj is void. All internal permits must be complete with an ID photo as a new measure for checking the validity of the pilgrim.

 

Some will experience illness, while death is decreed for many, and many other hardships will test ones resolve. Already hundreds of over stayers from Ramadhan have been deported and countless cheats fined and jailed. Many will be the victims of the scurrilous scams or of the notorious thieves who arrive in gangs in Ihram tainting the mixture. It is said that the degree to which one seeks a nearness to Allah Ta’ala, the ugly Shayateen and his formidable army will endevour to match that. Be alert, be awake, be attentive, be in Ibadah, in Dhikr, recitation of Qur’an, hands raised repenting, pleading, crying, assisting your fellow companions on this intrepid and yet spiritually enriching journey. Do not rush, push, yell, backbite; they hold the potential of costing you your Hajj.

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was once asked: “Which action is the best of all?” He said: “To believe in Allah and His Messengers.” He was further asked: “And what next?” He said: “Jihad, striving, in the cause of Allah.” He was asked again: “And what after that?” He answered: “The Pilgrimage, free from vices and defects.”

 

….that they may witness things that are of benefit to them….(22:28)

Hadith: "The sign of acceptance of Hajj is that the person’s condition after Hajj should be BETTER than before Hajj". May the condition of all Hujjaj be elevated, and their sincerity throughout their Hajj be the means of Allah Ta’ala’s descending mercy along with increasing the collective Iman of the Ummah, Ameen.

And may we all, whether embarking on this sacred journey this year or not, echo these words: 

I am present, O Allah, I am present. I am present, O one who calls towards Heaven. I am present; I am present O Forgiver of sins. I am present; I am present O One who owns my presence. I am present; I am present O Mighty and Generous. I am present, I am present O You who first created and to whom all will return. I am present, I am present O One who is free from want and to whom all turn for their needs. I am present, I am present O who is feared and to whom there is inclination. I am present I am present, O true God. I am present O the One with Grace, Excellence, Goodness and Beauty. I am present O one who averts major calamities. I am present, I am present Your servant and the son of Your servant. I am present I am present O Generous, I am present.

I am present seeking closeness to You through Muhammad and his progeny. I am present, I am present for Hajj. May peace be with you, O Prophet and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be on you. In the name of Allah and by Allah and by His wish. Peace be with you! With the Prophets of Allah and His Messengers. Peace be with you! With the Messenger of Allah. Peace be with you! With Ibrahim, the friend of Allah and all praise is to Allah, the Sustainer of the Universes.

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

 

The Ottoman designed lights at the front of Masjid Ghamama, one of the four masaajid comprising the area known as Al-Musalla, where it is aid that our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the three subsequent Caliphs RadhiAllahu anhum offered Eid Salats. Masjid Ghamama, the cloud masjid is so names as according to many narrations Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam prayed for rain at the request of a Beduoin farmer, and before the two raka’ts were completed a cloud appeared showering the area with so much rain that the following week the request came for Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to make Du’a for the rains to abate, SubhanAllah.

The Ottoman influence is in evidence throughout the Hijaz, with some of the most beautiful filigree in the lacy iron worked designs of light fittings, door decorations and the magnificent painted glass lamps  inside Masjid Nabawi and the Haram Makkah. I wish it was possible to take photos of these as I often sit staring at the intricate patterns. 

 

A view showing the how close Masjid Ghamama is in relation to our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Abode of Peace. During these pre-Hajj days countless groups come for Ziyarah to these close-by sites. The Turkish pilgrims are proudly taking photos of the architectural features that originated from their culture. The front of the Masjid has been secured with the steel grill seen in the first photo. 

 

The Mihrab and the wooden door with filigree brass features, detail below. Insha’Allah one time I would like to focus on the details with a better camera.

 

 

One of the many Red Crescent converted golf buggies stationed around the courtyard in the event of an emergency. Two medicos are on duty with each one, the yellow frame is a removable stretcher.  

 

In between Asr and Maghrib, taken from the first floor walkway connecting the two Taiba buildings. A favourite place for the pavement vendors….until the ‘authorites’ appear and they seem to magically vanish into thin air! Today there was one who was stationed to be on the look out..he suddenly began to whistle in a shrill sound, with many gathering their sheets or trolleys and scampering off. Entertainment is never far away during the peak seasons! The saff for maghrib filled the courtyard space and spilled into this walkway, SubhanAllah. And then about fifteen minutes after Salat it was business as usual.

 

Looking from the other side of the connecting bridge with more of the same street vendors. There is hardly a pathway within the first ring road area where they are not present. One has to admire their dilgence and persistence! But during the very crowded times they add to the congestion and can be a hazard.

The buses lined both sides of the street, pilgrims waiting inside while final adjustments were being made to secure the luggage on the roof. Sometimes the wait can be for hours. My heart feels for all departing the Mubarak sacred confines of this Radiant City. May Allah Ta’ala return them all again and again, Ameen.

This connecting bridge has panels of coloured lead light as a feature, the reflection of these is seen in the above photo.  

Insha’Allah more tomorrow.

I meant to comment earlier about the Fourth Annual Brass Crescent Awards currently open for voting ‘for the best writers and thinkers of the emerging Muslim blogosphere’. This humble space has mysteriously been nominated in the multimedia category! Alhumdulillah. But we all can see that this humble speck can barely organize categories on the blog (I’ve been waiting for help to materialize from the stream of visitors for as long as this blog has been fumbling along, Khair, hint hint hint) let alone branch out into anything ‘multi’!! LOL! Insha’Allah may all nominees be given a well deserved boost for sharing such a variety of styles, topics, views and encompassing a diverse array of reflections within the Islamsphere. And a ‘giggly’ shukr to all

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428 

‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas RadhiAllahu anhu narrates, “When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and said, ‘Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.’ The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam spread his hand, but I withdrew mine. He said, ‘What is wrong ‘Amr?’ I said, ‘I want to make a condition.’ ‘And what is that?’ he said. I said, ‘That Allah will forgive me.’ Then the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, ‘Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it and that Hajj wipes out what came before it!”

And in another narration Rasulullah Sallahu alaihi wasallam said: “There is no reward for an accepted Hajj … except Jannah!”

Insha’Allah for the millions gathering, or still preparing for this blessed journey to our Rabb Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala; a journey to a rebirth, a journey that is rich in opportunities to renew commitments, a journey that promises Jannah, a journey to a deeper realization of one’s place within the creation, a journey to the One, may it be an accepted wayfaring for each and every soul flowing into the Sacred Lands these days, Ameen.

They will come to you on foot and on every kind of swift mount, emerging from every deep mountain pass.   (22:28)

Unlike any other journey, this is an odyssey of the soul and heart, taking one closer to being conscious of Allah Ta’ala’s presence and being reminded of His bounteous favor upon us.  The means of the journey have drastically changed over the centuries, but the destinations and the goals remain the same; the outward and the inner merge as the pilgrim wends his way towards the King of kings. The mountains hug the same valleys; the same rituals define the Hajj, the same yearning, the same resolve, the same separation from loved ones, hazards, maybe death is written, all reminders of the ultimate journey we all will when the appointed Angel appears.  

(Imam Ghazali Rahmatullah alaihi writes extensivley in THE BOOK ON THE SECRETS OF PILGRIMAGE, KITAB ‘ASRAR AL-HAJJ, especially the third chapter concerning the exact proprieties, the hidden mysteries and the inner (batina) acts of Hajj, as well as an emotional section on visiting the Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in the Luminous Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah.)

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah wrote the following Qasidah about this journey of the hearts:

By Him whose House the loving pilgrims visit,

Responding with ihram at the appointed limit,

Uncovering their heads in total humility

Before One to Whom faces bow in servility.

They exclaim in the valleys, "We have responded to You -

All Praise is Yours, and Kingdom too!"

He invited and they answered, with love and pleasure;

When they called upon Him, nearer came the Divine treasure.

You see them on their mounts, hair dusty and dishevelled,

Yet never more content, never happier have they felt;

Leaving homelands and families due to holy yearning,

Unmoved are they by temptations of returning.

Through plains and valleys, from near and far,

Walking and riding, in submission to Allah.

 

At the Ka’bah

When they see His House - that magnificent sight

For which the hearts of all creatures are set alight -

It seems they’ve never felt tired before,

For their discomfort and hardship is no more.

Now the eye of the Lover drowns in its streams,

It sees through its tears the goal of its dreams;

Now for Allah, how many tears are issued,

Each one being followed by a multitude?

When the eye perceives the House, its darkness clears,

And from the sorrowful heart, pain disappears;

Vision cannot encompass this beautiful sight:

Each glance returns with greater delight!

No wonder at this, for when the Merciful preferred

The House for Himself, it became most honoured.

He clothed it in Majesty, a magnificent garment;

Embroidered it with Beauty, a wonderful ornament!

The hearts all love the House therefore,

Awed and humbled, in respect and honour.

 

‘Arafat

Now to ‘Arafat, hoping for Mercy and Forgiveness

From the One overflowing with Generosity and Kindness;

Now for Allah is that Magnificent Standing

Like, though lesser than, the Day of Reckoning.

The Irresistible draws near, His Majesty manifest,

Boasting to His angels, for He is the Mightiest,

"My slaves have come to Me so lovingly,

I’ll be Generous and Merciful, willingly.

I have forgiven their sins, – to this you are witness –

Fulfilled their hopes, and showered them with goodness."

So joyous news! O people of that standing,

When sins are forgiven and Mercy is spreading;

How many slaves are set completely free?

Whilst others seek a cure, and heal will He.

Now Satan is never known to lose such face:

He’s blameworthy, rejected, in utter disgrace.

For he sees a matter that enrage him must:

He flees, slaps his face and covers it in dust!

Such Forgiveness he never did see

As granted by the Lord, and such Mercy!

He built his edifice from every temptation available

Till he thought it was complete, unassailable;

Then Allah struck his building at its very foundation,

So it fell upon him, tumbling in devastation;

What worth has his structure, this evil ploy,

That he does build, and the Lord does destroy?

 

Muzdalifah & Mina

Now to Muzdalifah, to spend the night

In the Sacred Area, then Prayer at first light;

Now on to the Great Pillar, which they need

To stone at the time of the Prayer of ‘Id;

Now to their tents for the sacrifice prepared,

Reviving the tradition of a Father revered.

If sacrificing themselves were Allah’s demand,

They would respond, submitting to the command;

Just as they’d expose their necks in Jihad

To Allah’s enemies, till these stream with blood;

They discipline themselves, presenting the head for a shave:

Bringing humility and happiness to the obedient slave.

 

The Tawaf of Ifadah/Ziyarah

So when they’ve removed those natural growths,

Completed their rites, and fulfilled their oaths,

He invites them again to visit His House:

What honour and welcome this visit allows!

By Allah, they visit it in so much splendour,

Receiving their rewards and plenty of honour;

There Allah bestows Grace, Favour and Kindness,

Showing Generosity, Mercy and Forgiveness.

 

Mina

Then they return to Mina, each to his tent,

Every minute wish is granted, and they are content;

They stay there a day, then another, then a third,

They’re allowed to depart early, but to stay is preferred;

They stone the pillars daily after the sun’s decline,

With a slogan of Takbir in the presence of the Divine!

If only you could see their standing there:

Palms outstretched, hoping for Mercy’s share!

"O Lord! O Lord! Knowing as You do

That we hope for no-one, only You!

Then grant our wish, O You All-Knowing,

We pray for Your Mercy overflowing."

 

The Farewell Tawaf

When they’ve achieved at Mina all their gains,

Once more they fill the valleys and plains:

To the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, by the end of the day,

To circle it seven times, and then to Pray.

When departure nears and they are certain

That the bond of proximity is about to loosen,

There’s only a last stand for a final farewell:

Now for Allah are the eyes that swell,

And for Allah are the heavy hearts that turn

Into cauldrons of desire where fire does burn;

And the passionate sighs whose heat so vigorous

Nearly melts the Lover, ecstatic, rapturous!

Now you see those bewildered, perplexed in the throng,

Whilst others chant their sorrowful song:

"I depart, but there remains for You my yearning,

My fire of grief is raging and burning;

I bid farewell, but longing pulls my reins -

My heart is encamped in Your eternal plains!"

No blame today for saying what you feel:

No blame for expressing what you used to conceal!

 

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen. 

 

 

 

 

mmm