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. 

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

EID MUBARAK EID SAEED EID KAREEM

Taqabbal minna wa minkum!    

Unbeknown to all worshippers gathering across the courtyards half an hour before Iftar on Thursday, this was to be the last breaking of fast for the blessed Ramadhan of 1428 here in the Kingdom.

And in this most Mubarak City of Truth and Light, the fences surrounding the courtyard of Masjid Nabawi decorated with the belongings of the thousands sitting in I’tikaf, were soon relieved of their storage duties.

An estimate of more than five million flooded the Haramain for the Khatm Al-Qur’an, SubhanAllah! This scan from Arab News reveals the awesome scene of The Blessed House totally surrounded by worshippers gathered for this momentous culmination of a month devoted to Allah Almighty Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.

Once the shock reality of no Taraweh Salat on Thursday after Esha descended, the huge crowds seemed reluctant to disperse. I felt transfixed in some wierd dimension, unable to comprehend the sudden departure of such a welcomed guest that had adorned my life for a month. A noble guest bringing noble lessons of abstinance and restraint on the one hand, contrasted with priceless jewels of such deep hues of devotion on the other. May all the blessed gifts we have been presented with throughout this Ramadhan continue to create blooms of beauty and peace, enriching the collective heart of the Ummah. May the serenity and tranquility that comes with the most loved guests remain with us until the time comes for us to fling our arms open for the next visit. Ameen.

Eventually Al-Madinah was transformed into a giant celebratory arena. These young girls took advantage of "aunties" applying henna decorations, while thousands thronged to souks opened all night, shopping for Eid outfits and presents.

Khutbah messages within the Kingdom, and other happenings!

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. 

A magnificent image from a magnificent book from a magnificent "friend" on this magnificent occasion of Eidul Fitr 1427. Alhumdulillah.

Thus as Allah Ta’ala tenderly cloaks this Eid with a velvet night exquisitely decorated with a silvery sliver, may our hearts yearn for His Divine Presence, our devotions to Him increased and our seeking nearness to His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam fortified. 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. 

And the pesky pranksters persist! The barrage of crackers exploding, a staccato of mock gun shots and multiple volleys crackle the serenity of Madinah. Insha’Allah their supplies will run dry, or their money totally burns up in this futile smoke, or they come to their senses realizing the disturbance they are causing, or the danger in this activity or the havoc to the innocent passing by as their missiles project into the neighbourhood. This is annoying play. War, aggression, hate, injustice, death, casualties, destruction, oppression are sadly real and have penetrated the lives of so many of the Ummah. As we celebrate Eid may we take time to make Dua’ for all facing such hardships. May Allah Ta’ala save us all. Ameen.

Apart from the above, a relative calm has descended upon Al-Madianh Al-Munawwarah. Cars, vans, mini buses, buses all heavily loaded with people and luggage form a constant stream exiting the blessed confines of the sacred precincts. Thousands returning to remote villages, other parts of the Kingdom and thousands to the Gulf States. Many of the common pick-up trucks have attached blankets and mats as a temporary roof to protect the dozens crammed in the back. Amusing to watch so many bodies squeeze into such a limited space, all laughing and joking as they push and pull each other to get in.

Sweet stalls now replace the Zakat rice bunkers on the footpaths, as cars stop for supplies to give to family and friends they visit. At least this trading should be honest!

A new flashy gaudily coloured screen has been mounted above one of the ablution blocks, in Arabic, instructing brothers to turn off their mobile phone, not to smoke and to take control of their children. This message is duplicated at other entrances to the men’s sections on boards attached to the pillars, but they are a simpler poster like format, whereas this new one is so much like a television screen. I find it graceless, hoping the plan is not to clutter every ablution block with a similar attachment!

The smoking issue has seen interesting developments over the past few years here. A committee has been set up outlining plans aiming at making Madinah the first smoke free city in the world! Originally they banned smoking within the confines of the courtyard fence, and prohibited all outlets, including supermarkets within the first ring road, to sell any tobacco related products. Billboards were erected on some of the major hotels discouraging smoking, as well as many smaller no smoking signs placed all around the Haram fence. The incidence of smoking within the first ring road is certainly less than a few years ago.

This is a summary of the Eid Khutbah from Makkah. Unfortunately Arab News long ago stopped publishing summaries of the Haramain Khutbahs, and the official site that used to translate the entire Khutbah from Haramain no longer functions. I cannot access Arab News online, they block it for those in the Kingdom, (along with so many other sites?) otherwise I would post the relevant paragraphs.

Eid in Madinah is mentioned in this article.  

Eid Saeed to those still celebrating. Taqabbal minna wa minkum!    

And yet again, 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. 

Eid Saeed!

With more than half an hour until the Adhan for Tahajjud on the first day of Eid here, the small back streets were alive with activity. I pass at least four Saaloons, (with a Sad alif, not as in the cowboy movies!) barber shops. Saaloons here are prolific, an indication of the importance so many men here place on appearance. The modern Saaloons situated in the larger shopping centres and ritzy malls are the ultimate in sophisticated décor, while these older back street ones still maintain an old naïve appearance. I find them "quirkily quaint" with entire walls papered to appear as a tropical beach scene, or a European forest, with the old style barber chairs and brightly lit mirrors. Walking by is like being drawn into the theatrics of the whole pampering, as the shop front is completely open with no attention or worry about privacy. So this morning as I passed about four of them, prospective clients were lounging on the battered sofas waiting their turn; all this at about 3.30am!

The many adjacent laundries were just as busy, the huge steam presses filling the surrounding air with hissing and that smell of freshly steamed fabric. Other small businesses were bustling too, as well as the lady vendors with their trolleys, predominantly displaying prayer mats, knowing that thousands will be outside for the Eid Salat. And some had gaudy, fluorescent coloured satin dresses in the hope of last minute sales for dressing up the little girls. I am intrigued by these lady vendors, they always seemed so clued to the market needs with their merchandize! Not to mention the strategic positions they occupy.

I cross that busy road mentioned a few posts back, where on the Haram side is a small triangular grassed area divided into four sections, each bordered by a low growing spikey hedge, with a reasonable sized tree in the middle of each section. This has become an opened air Funduq! SubhanAllah! There was no longer any grass due to the "residents" using this as their bed and their kitchen! Rubbish was strewn all about. And the trees not only providing shade in the hot sun, but also being the perfect hanging place for clothes and possessions. Already the huge vacant area which had recently been old buildings was full with cars and buses, and all spaces along the road side taken as cars cruised by searching for places to park. On previous Eids this street, along with all around Haram becomes impassable, the entire road choked with vehicles leaving no room for any to get through.  

As I continuing on my way to Haram I pass the first of hundreds of the street cleaners in their orange overalls. I cry as I silently wish that I had millions to give them. This is their day, along with so many of the hard working low paid "guests" of receiving Zakat and Sadaqah. Alhumdulillah, throughout the morning many are seen quietly slipping money into the hands of many of the workers. May Allah Ta’ala reward their sacrifices.

Armies of Paratroopers, police and the National Guard were dispersed throughout the gathering worshippers, along with children dressed as butteflies, fairies, policemen, soldiers, princesses, spider man, brides and of course the small boys in their traditional Saudi thobes, mishlahs, the light overcoat decorated with the gold or silver, and the head scarf with the Uqal holding it in place. They all look so cute. Even tiny babies are dressed for the occasion, as young as three months in the full outfit, down to the tiny ring on the finger! Masha’Allah.

Brothers in their newly purchased gowns of so many styles. Some with folded creases obvious as the garment was straight out of the box for many who are visitors. Others in their personal tailor made variations on a theme. All pure white with white scarf, and cream with cream scarf, and the traditional red patterned scarf matched with white or cream, some embroidered colours, lapels, some cuffed, some not….apparently this is as much a fashion statement for the Saudi men as it is for the ladies and their creations!

The air was heady with the perfumes of the men as one walked by, as well as inside the mosque being scented with Bukhour throughout the morning.  

Frills, flounces, feathers, beads, sequins, ribbons, bows, sparkles adorn the amazing creations worn by the young girls, all matched with the coordinated hair decorations and jewellery and handbags! As I sit inside Masjid Nabawi for these several hours I was sometimes musing to myself that it was akin to a fashion parade. Alhumdulillah, after Salatul Fajr most of these young girls began distributing dates and sweets in copious quantity. Some are offered in the plastic container while others were presented in fancy gold trays and I even saw wooden caskets being passed around! The aroma of the green Saudi coffee filled the air as the older ladies sipped and chatted over this.

One sister was constantly involved in the Khidmah of filling a container with Zamzam and negotiating between the densely packed sisters offering drinks to many who would find it difficult to go to the barrels due to the squash. SubhanAllah.

There was a large group of Turkish sisters distinguished by their white Hijab with a rose bud "blooming" from the top! A garden of swaying roses bobbing this way and that in the middle of Haram!

A mother with her toddler was nearby, the little girl so happily playing with her mother’s niqab for hours, looking so sweet as she placed this huge niqab on her cupid face, enjoying the attention from all around her as her black eyes sparkled from the eyes holes. I couldn’t help mulling over all the controversy sadly surrounding this piece of gossamer some sisters choose to wear.

The array of styles of abayas has become an amazing industry. Designers letting their imaginations really soar with the decorative touches adding so many variations to this basic black!

Takbeerul Eid was amplified in between Fajr and Salatul Eid, adding a sound layer to the gentle buzz from the thousands in this section, the majority being there for more than four hours by the time the Du’a was complete. Many began leaving at the beginning of the Khutbah.

I waited for a long while before moving thinking that all would be clear once I got outside! I had a shock to find it almost impossible to weave around the crowds still in the ladies section, let alone the general courtyard. So I found a spot sitting by the marble wall of the outer fence savouring this incredible special time. Nearby was a group of ladies, of African origin, with face markings indicating a traditional ceremony where they slash the cheeks when they are young girls as a mark of beauty. But what I had not noticed before with these sisters was that the bottom lip had been dyed green! So many cultural distinctions within the Ummah, emphasizing the depth and spread of Islam, SubhanAllah!  

Reflecting on a Ramadhan sadly over, fluctuating between hope and fear of how I had spent this precious gift. May Allah Ta’ala accept our feeble efforts.

The Ummah around me was a jewel of such diversity, the facets so incredibly intricate and contrasting and yet united, all holding La illha illAllah Muhammadu Rasulullah in our hearts. How would Eid have been during the time of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam? What was he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam wearing, what were our Blessed Mothers, and the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum wearing, how did they spend their Eid?

I wandered my way though my brothers and sisters towards the Musalla area, taking the opposite way home to the way I came. Masjid Ghamama was where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam prayed the first Eid in his new City of Radiance. This morning it was adorned with the early morning sunlight attempting to sneak through a light clouded sky, with a soft haze caressing the million or so of the Ummah. Looking back towards Bab-Salam the Green Dome looked pale in this light, but the energy surrounding the entire space was vibrant and so oozing with love!

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. 

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:

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=86961&d=22&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

How the locals living close to Haram in Makkah are affected with the crowds:

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=88384&d=18&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

Organization of firemen in Makkah:

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=88393&d=18&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

Two articles on the massive Jabal Omar project in Makkah:

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=88388&d=18&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=84155&d=20&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

Possible ban on food in Ka’aba

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=84146&d=20&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

The incredible amount of daily garbage in Ka’aba

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=88391&d=18&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

Possibility of air conditioning the entire Ka’aba:

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=88325&d=17&m=10&y=2006

The lost practice of men calling the faithful to Suhoor:

http://arabnews.com/?page=21&section=0&article=88086&d=16&m=10&y=2006

The overcrowded Kingdom

http://arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=88324&d=17&m=10&y=2006&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=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. 

EID MUBARAK!

A section from a lengthy Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu, where he heard our Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam say,

…and then the night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah, The Night of Prize Giving, comes along. On the morning of Eid Allah Ta’ala sends down the Malaa’ikah to all the lands of the earth where they take positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and Jinn,

‘O Ummah of Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, come forth from your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the major sins.’

When they proceed towards the places for their Eid Salat, Allah says to the Malaa’ikah: "What indeed is the reward of that employee who has renedered his services?" The Malaa;ikah replies, "O Lord and Master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full for his services". Allah then says: "I call you to witness, O My Malaa’ikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and by My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you; and whatsoever you shall ask for worldly needs, I shall look at you favourably. By My honour I swear, as long as you shall obey My commands. I shall cover your faults. By My honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you among the evil-doing ones and disbelievers. Depart now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you."

The Malaa’ikah on seeing this great reward bestowed upon the Ummah of Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy. (As reported in Targheeb)

O Allah, make us also of those fortunate ones, Ameen.

May Allah change our conditions from bad to good, from weak to strong, from animosity to love, from enmity to brotherhood, changing all that needs to be changed in us for His Sake. May we be good servants, obedient servants, beloved servants, respected servants, praised servants. Insha’Allah attending humbly to worship on this night as our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam directed us.

Insha’Allah Eid will be Monday in the Kingdom, but I have posted the above so we may all profit from the Night of Prize Giving. Ameen.

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.

There was a wild storm in Makkah this afternoon (Saturday) dropping heavy rains of Mercy and hail! This seems to be a common blessing during the last ten days in Makkah, SubhanAllah. And a steady stream of buses are bringing pilgrims to this City of Radiance and Truth, where the city expands to record attendance during these days of festivity. Allahu Akbar.

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.