ALMISKEENAH

 

THE HAJJ SEASON 1428.. 

….is still so vibrant, filling this Luminous City with love, hope and longing.

Everywhere you look, there is the face of Allah. (2:115)

 

…treading the dust on the path to Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam….feet rhythmically patter towards the sprawling Masjid attached to the refined Abode for Asr Salat.

Everywhere you look, there is the face of Allah. (2:115)

 

During prayer I am accustomed to turn to God like this

and recall the meaning of the words of the Tradition,

“the delight felt in the ritual prayer.”*

The window of my soul opens,

and from the purity of the unseen world,

the book of God comes to me straight.

The book, the rain of divine grace, and the light

are falling into my house through a window

from my real and original source.

The house without a window is hell;

to make a window is the essence of true religion.

Don’t thrust your ax upon every thicket;

come, use your ax to cut open a window.

*The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said Prayer is one of the three things he loved best in the world.

  

Essence is emptiness.

Everything else, accidental.

Emptiness brings peace to your loving.

Everything else, disease.

In this world of trickery emptiness

is what your soul wants.

 

Since You are the one who takes life

It is the sweetest of all things to die.

Life is sweet

But merging with You is far sweeter.

Come into the garden!

Join the Friend of the Truth!

In his garden you’ll drink the Water of Life,

though it seems like fire to die.

In one moment someone dies,

In the next moment someone is born.

There is a lot of coming and going

no one really dies

nor will I ever die.

Forget the body, become pure spirit.

Dance from here to the other world.

Don’t stop. Don’t try to escape,

even if you are afraid to die.

I swear were it not for His pure nature

The wheel of heaven would turn to dust.

Merge with Him now,

And you’ll be sweeter than halva

when it comes time to die.

 

Why hold on to this life?–

True living comes by giving up this life.

Why cling to one piece of gold?–

it is a mine of gold to die.

Escape from this cage

and breathe the scented air of His garden.

Break this hard shell–

It’s like a shining pearl to die.

When God calls and pulls you close,

Going is like paradise–

It’s like a heavenly river to die.

Death is only a mirror

And your true nature is reflected there.

See what the mirror is saying–

it’s quite a sight to die!

If you are kind and faithful

Your death will also be that way.

If you are cruel and faithless,

that is the way you will die.

If you are like Joseph,

full of goodness,

That’s how your mirror will be.

If not, you will see

only fear and torment

when it comes time to die.

These words are sweet,

but they always fade.

Sh . . . The eternal Khezr

and the Water of Life

have no idea what it means to die.

 

What is the soul? A joy

when kindness comes, a weeping

at injury, a growing consciousness.

The more awareness one has

the closer to God he or she is.

 

Dearly I hold

This longing in my heart,

For I know it is only found

in sacred places.

 This longing,

too large for heaven and earth,

fits easily in my heart,

smaller than the eye of a needle.

 

To You belong mercy and intercession for the sin of

disbelief;

For me, You’re still Lord of the hard-hearted.

If an unlimited bounty should offer kingdoms,

If a buried treasure should grant me gems,

I would bow my soul low, lay my face in the dust

And plead, ‘Grant me instead the Love of God!’

 

To fly towards Heaven, this is Love,

Every instant, to hear a hundred veils.

The first moment is to renounce life;

To travel without feet the final step.

Look upon the world as invisible,

Doubt what is visible to oneself.

 

Here and there a world: I sit on the threshold.

Those who sit there remain mute with silence;

It’s enough to imitate this; hold your tongue, say no

more.

 

Toward the gardens,

Toward the orchards,

I am going.

If you want to stay here,

Stay here–

I am going!

My day is dark without His Face,

Toward that bright flame

I am going.

My soul is racing ahead of me.

It says, The body is too slow for me–

I am going.

The smell of apples arises

from the orchard of my soul.

One whiff and I am gone–

Toward a feast of apples

I am going.

A sudden wind won’t blow me over.

Toward Him, like a mountain of iron,

I am going.

My shirt is ripped open

with the pain of loss.

Searching for a new life,

with my head held high,

I am going.

I am fire, though I seem like oil–

Seeking to be fuel of His fire,

I am going.

I appear as a steady mountain

Yet bit by bit,

Toward that tiny opening

I am going.

 

I WILL NEVER LEAVE THIS HOUSE OF LIGHT, I WILL NEVER LEAVE THIS BLESSED TOWN. FOR HERE - I HAVE FOUND MY LOVE - AND HERE I WILL STAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. IF THIS WORLD TURNED INTO A SEA OF TROUBLE - I WILL BRAVE THE WAVES AND STEER THE SHIP OF MY MIND ONTO THE SAFE SHORE OF LOVE.

IF YOU ARE A SEEKER LOOKING FOR PROFIT - KEEP GOING, AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU. BUT - I AM NOT WILLING TO EXCHANGE MY TRUTH. I HAVE FOUND THE HEART AND WILL NEVER LEAVE THIS HOUSE OF LIGHT.

 

This is love–to fly upward

toward the endless heavens.

To rend a hundred veils at every moment.

At the first breath, to give up life;

At the final step, to go without feet.

To see the world as a dream

and not as it appears.

I said, O heart

What a blessing it is

To join the circle of lovers,

To see beyond sight,

To know the secrets within every breast.

I said, O soul

From where comes your life

And the power of your spirit?

Tell me, speak in the language of birds,

And I will understand.

My soul said to me:

They brought me to God’s workshop

Where all things take form–and I flew.

Before this form of mine

Was even shaped–I flew and I flew.

And when I could fly no longer

They dragged me into this form,

and locked me into this house

of water and clay.

 

O lovers, lovers, it’s time to abandon the world;

From Heaven, the drum of departure pounds on my

spirit’s ear.

Behold, the driver has risen, made ready each line of camels,

Begging us not to blame him; why, O pilgrims, are you

still asleep?

At front and behind there’s din of departure and the

sound of camel-bells;

At every moment a soul and spirit is setting off into the

Void.

 From the sky’s blue awning and candle-lit stars

Have emerged people of wonder, mysteries revealed.

 A deep sleep fell upon you from the orbiting planets:

Beware of the easy life, the unawakened doze!

 O soul, find the Beloved, O friend, find the Friend,

O watchman, remain awake: it does no good for you to

fall asleep.

 On every side hubbub and chaos, in every street candles

and torches,

Tonight the world teems, giving birth to a new and

everlasting order.

 Once dust you’re now spirit, once ignorant now wise;

He who has led you so far will guide you further.

 How pleasant are the pains he makes you suffer, while

drawing you gently to himself!

His flames are like water: their wetness won’t burn.

 Inhabiting the soul is his task, breaking vows of penitence

also;

His artifice causes every atom to tremble at its core.

 *

Everywhere you look, there is the face of Allah. (2:115)

All verse from Rumi.

All photos from yesterday between Asr and Maghrib. 

And 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 

Reflections from a new HAJJAH!!! 

The Hajj experience…

by Sidra Mushtaq from the UK.

The journey begins from home

The much anticipated day arrived, the day we were leaving everything behind to depart to the blessed lands to perform Hajj- the journey of a lifetime. The thought of being chosen and invited by the Almighty Allah to perform the pilgrimage at such a young age was quite overwhelming. By the grace of Allah Ta’ala, I was fortunate enough to attend the Deen Intensive Rihla in Madinah and Makkah last year, where I also had the opportunity to perform my first Umrah, therefore I was confident that I would still be familiar with the Umrah rituals, and surrounding areas in Madinah and Makkah. However, I decided to erase my Rihla and Umrah experience from my mind temporarily, as I knew Hajj was going to be a totally different experience. I wanted to embark on my journey with no expectations whatsoever, and to avoid making comparisons between both experiences.

Although I didn’t have much time to prepare for my Hajj trip, I managed to study the Hajj course on SunniPath with Shaykh Sohail Hanif. The course did prepare me to a certain extent of what Hajj will involve, and the rituals that we must perform in order to fulfil the obligations of Hajj. However, I knew I wasn’t going to fully know what Hajj is all about until I practically experienced it myself.

My heart was feeling really heavy for some reason and I couldn’t decipher why. I embraced my mother and father tightly, and was really sad to leave them, because I knew that they were going through a very tough time. We (my brother, his wife and I) then met up with the rest of the group at Aylesbury Mosque, and we all made our way to Heathrow Airport.

The waiting around at Heathrow airport enabled us to bond with fellow pilgrims. Although I knew some of the people from our group like Mas’ud bhai & family, some fellow companions I met for the first time in my life, which resulted in interesting introductions! By this time, my excitement for Hajj was increasing, I just could not wait to get on board and start my pilgrimage! Furthermore, I was really looking forward to seeing and meeting my beloved Aunty Noor in Madinah again. 

We had a rather long routed flight: Heathrow, Cairo, Sanaa (Yemen), Jeddah and then Madinah.  The view from the aeroplane when we were flying into Sanaa airport was quite interesting; all we could see were high mountains, which were very dry. We stayed at Sanaa airport for approximately 3 hours. I remember saying to Mas’ud bhai that it would be brilliant if we see any of the Haba’ib Shayukh at the airport. We knew they would be going on Hajj as well, so there could have been a possibility. But sadly, the dream didn’t come true.

When we got to Jeddah airport, we had prepared ourselves mentally to be stuck at immigration for a few hours at least, but by the grace of Allah Ta’ala, we all cleared within an hour. However, there was a change of plan; we were initially supposed to fly from Jeddah to Madinah but due to some complications, we had to go via bus.

Madinah

 

So after nearly three days of travelling, we reached Madinah, the city of our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Alhumdulilah, we felt like true pilgrims. I reflected on how in the olden days, people would set off for Hajj weeks and months in advance, and the trials they had to face during their travels. Despite the exhaustion, I was really eager to see the green dome of felicity, pray inside the mosque, and visit the Rawdah of our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. However, I didn’t want to meet our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, looking really tired and messy! I felt it was really bad adab to go in such a state, so thought it was necessary to look afresh and tidy. I also arranged to meet Aunty Noor shortly after; I just couldn’t wait any longer!

As I walked through the courtyard of our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s mosque, my heart was dancing with joy and I still couldn’t believe where I had finally arrived. The place was overcrowded with people from all different nations and cultures. The view was quite extraordinary; I had never in my life seen so many different people, different in their physique and attire, but the fact that we all worshipped the same God, we are visiting the same Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the fact that we are all the same in the eyes of the Almighty Allah, it was a powerful thought and feeling indeed.

I felt really emotional as soon as I stepped inside the mosque, but prayed my 2 rakats and then engaged in Du’a. I really wanted to visit the Rawdah of our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, but it wasn’t open for the women at the time. Soon after I met up with Aunty Noor and we spent hours together. The Rawdah was normally open for women after Isha prayers, so Aunty Noor agreed to take me to the Rawdah the same evening after 9pm. When we got to the Rawdah, it was just congested with women, and in order to get inside, we had to go with a group. The groups were allocated according to the country you came from, or language you spoke. There was a lot of pushing going on, and we decided not to proceed further, as we didn’t want to dishonour our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, by pushing and hurting fellow Muslims. Aunty Noor and I went and sat outside the Green Dome of Felicity instead, and made Du’as for everyone. It was really beautiful sitting there; feeling the breeze of Madinah, and knowing how physically close you are to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s, grave, it was all quite overwhelming.

I was unsuccessful in getting into the Rawdah on a couple of occasions, mainly because it was flooded with women, and I did not want to be pushed, or push any one. On one occasion, the female guards refused to let me go with the Pakistani group! They insisted on me to go with the Iraqi group, and would not listen to me when I affirmed I’m Pakistani! I even tried conversing in Urdu with them so they would believe I was Pakistani, but still they were convinced I was of Iraqi origin! I didn’t want to cause any further argumentation, so went to the back of the queue, and sat there. I started conveying my Salams to our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, from where I was sat. I thought that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is already aware of who is here and who is not, who is at the Rawdah, and who cannot get inside the Rawdah, no doubt he sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, will hear my Salams.  Shortly after, they allowed the Pakistani group of women to enter the Rawdah. I thought to myself that there is no harm in trying again; the worst that will happen is that they will refuse to let me go in, but I was prepared for that. By the grace of Allah, and the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s, invitation, I somehow managed to walk pass the security guards without being questioned or stopped! As soon as I got onto the green carpet, I started praying my 2 rakats, but I was pushed from women behind me, and from both sides. They continued to do this until I was right at the front! Alhumdulilah I thought, but equally I was sad to have had to broken my prayer because of being pushed. I started reading my two rakats again, without being pushed this time. We were given about 15-20 minutes inside the Rawdah, all of the guards were telling women off for making supplications and saying how it was a ‘bida’ to say Salams to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, but everyone ignored their pleas! Tears were flowing everywhere, the women were conveying their Salams, and showing their love to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Leaving the Rawdah was heart-breaking, I just wanted to spend more time there talking to our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and making lots of Du’as.

We were in Madinah for only 5 days, we begged our Hajj tour operator to extend our stay in Madinah, but due to logistical reasons, they were unable to. Everyone was quite emotional to leave Madinah, but equally grateful to have visited the Beloved sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, before performing Hajj.
Now it was time to move onto the next stage in our journey: Makkah to perform Umrah and then Hajj after a few days.

Makkah

We got to Makkah slightly before Fajir, but were faced with some unexpected inconveniences which outraged everyone in the group. I was as equally disappointed and annoyed with the situation, but felt that nothing was going to be resolved any time soon, so decided to go and perform my Umrah in the interim.
I managed to perform the Umrah with ease, although I decided to do Tawaf on the 2^nd floor to avoid the crowds, and concentrate on my supplications. When I saw the Kaaba for the first time on this trip, my feelings and emotions were somewhat different than seeing the Kaaba the very first time in my previous trip. In fact, there was a different feeling each time I laid my eyes on the Kaaba, something which is beyond words; a very deep and personal connection which I simply cannot express and share. Its intensity is something which an individual has to experience themselves in order to really know what it feels like, but the feeling should most definitely be treasured.
We had 6 days in Makkah before we were to depart to Mina for the actual days of Hajj. During the 6 days, we were advised to do as many Tawafs as we can around the Kaaba, but at the same time try not to over do it, as we needed a lot of energy and strength during the actual days of Hajj. I found doing Tawaf round the Kaaba downstairs really difficult because it was just overcrowded with people. Also I felt that I couldn’t actually concentrate on my supplications because I would constantly be in fear of being pushed and squashed by people. This got worse as the days of Hajj drew closer; crowds were getting larger and larger, day by day.  In order to avoid the crowds, I did most of my Tawafs on the 3^rd floor, the roof of Masjid Haram. Initially I thought it would take me twice as long, but in effect it’s the same distance as doing Tawaf on the second floor. I felt doing the Tawaf on the 3^rd floor more beautiful because it was less crowded, and the view was just spectacular. I was able to see pilgrims from the top performing Tawaf round the Kaaba downstairs, and at times I couldn’t even spot an empty space! SubhanAllah, you could really feel the intensity of being at such a place.

Just like in Madinah, there were people from all different nations and cultures in Makkah as well. The Malaysians and Indonesians looked really cute as they all dressed the same, according to their respective groups, but no matter what happened, they would not let go of each others hands! This proved to be quite dangerous for the poor souls who were actually trying to get through, but I guess it’s the way they had been trained. I also noticed how they were really calm in their conduct towards others, and displayed good adab, along with the Turkish people. If they accidentally stepped on you, they would come back and kiss your hand (I’m talking about the women kissing hands of other women!). I found this gesture really beautiful, and it showed their compassion for other fellow Muslims. On the other hand, I would bump into people who were really rude and aggressive in their conduct, and I witnessed a lot of selfishness, which was really sad. But then I realised that this is the true state of our Ummah; in the real world, it’s all about me, me and me! Getting through these crowds required a lot of patience. We were taught that no matter what happens, we must not retaliate or show any aggression. This for me was a great lesson in enduring patience, and improving ones character and relations towards others.  

I also witnessed people who were not in a good form physically, but I was moved to see their struggle, determination and commitment to Almighty Allah. They were all working as hard as they could, despite not being physically fit/well, just to please the Almighty Allah. It really did make me realise of the blessings Allah Ta’ala has bestowed upon me, and how I realised that there is more to life than just the outward form. I know our Shayukh have always taught us this, but to accept it was quite difficult, especially since the culture and society we come from, pays so much attention to the necessity of the outward form being beautiful/attractive.

I was happy to have met up with one of my really close friends, “F” in the Kaaba. She lives miles away from me, and I never get to see her so it was a great blessing from Allah Ta’ala that we happened to be on Hajj the same year and in Makkah at the same time.
I was really disturbed to see all those sky scrapers just outside the Kaaba. I had read articles in the past regarding them, but wasn’t really sure what people were debating about until I witnessed it all myself. For some reason, I was really missing Madinah even in Makkah. The only thing I loved in Makkah was the Kaaba itself. I felt at peace when I was inside Masjid Haram and around the Kaaba. It was really sad to see such commercialism just outside the blessed sanctuary; it kind of makes you lose that spiritual connection you build yourself up to feeling.

Mina

On the 8^th Dhul Hijjah, all pilgrims proceeded towards Mina. Half of our group went to Mina the night before on the bus as they had children with them, or were physically unable to walk. I decided to walk with the other half of our group. We left after Fajir, and it took us 2 hours to reach Mina by foot. I really did feel like a pilgrim walking to Mina, whilst reciting the Talbiyya! I reflected on how our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, walked to Mina, and it’s an honour for us to even be following his footsteps. We prayed 5 Salats in our tents in Mina, before proceeding to Arafat the following day. We then returned to Mina on the 10^th Dhul Hijjah and stayed in the tents until the 12^th. Although I got along with everyone in our Hajj group, I had spent little time with them as I wanted to do my rituals and Ibadah alone; i.e I would go to the Kaaba or Masjid Nabi by myself, where as other women in the group would go in small groups together. Therefore, in Mina I had the opportunity to spend time and bond with the women from our Hajj group. Everyone got on really well, Alhumdulilah and there were no arguments or fights! Mas’ud bhai’s little daughter and I bonded really well. Masha’Allah she had been a brave and patient little soul throughout the journey, but was missing her brothers a lot. She would often sing songs saying their names. Whenever she would spot me, she would come and sit on my lap and play with me, however she couldn’t say my name so decided to name me Maryam! J And what a beautiful name she chose indeed, Alhumdulilah.   

Arafat

The actual day of Hajj finally arrived. It was manic trying to get onto the bus and get to Arafat, but Alhumdulilah we managed to get there before midday. We went straight into our respective tents as soon as we got to Arafat. A lot of people wanted to go to Jabal Rahma, but we were advised not to go there because it was going to be too crowded, and could prove to be dangerous. The weather was quite hot on the day of Arafat, but nonetheless, we were not going to waste a minute complaining, as it was the most important day. Our Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said that “Hajj is Arafat”. I remember Shaykh Sohail Hanif advising us to find a quiet spot and just engage in making Du’a. I found myself a nice spot underneath a tree just outside our tent, and spent the day supplicating to Allah Ta’ala; it was just me and my Lord, and I was supplication to Him. I made my supplications with convictions that they will be answered. It was the most beautiful and special day. Everyone was just immersed in making Du’as, and seeking forgiveness. Just before Magrib, we had a short speech by an Imam and then he made a Du’a, which really moved us. The Imam then congratulated everyone on becoming “Hajjis”, and asked everyone to embrace and congratulate their fellow pilgrims. Everyone was really emotional, and it was a very touching moment I think in every pilgrim life.

We then moved onto the next stage: spending the night at Muzdalifah.

Muzdalifah

It took us about 20 minutes to get to Muzdalifah from Arafat. Since our group left Arafat quite late, the view as we entered Muzdalifah was quite amazing. You could just see the flow of pilgrims, where the majority were dressed in white. As soon as we got to our spot in Muzdalifah, we prayed Magrib and Isha in Jamaat with our group Imam, and then the search for pebbles to hit the Satan with began. Collecting the pebbles is a form of Ibadah, as taught by our teachers so it’s something which I did enjoy. After collecting 70 pebbles (you only need 49, but to be on the safe side, it’s better to have extra) we slept underneath the stars. It was a very humbling experience, but the best sleep I ever had, even though I only slept for 2 hours.

Some groups left before Fajir, but I was grateful to be at Muzdalifah after Fajir because I remembered Shaykh Sohail teaching us that we must make a special supplication to Allah Ta’ala after Fajir and before Sunrise. The supplication was to ask Allah Ta’ala to take care of the rights that we owe to fellow men. It is said that Allah Ta’ala will not forgive us until the people we have hurt or offended have forgiven us, but Shaykh Sohail said that, on Hajj at Muzdalifah after Fajir and before sunrise, it is the only time that Allah Ta’ala will accept this supplication and forgive you. Allahu Ta’ala Alim.  

After sunrise, half of our group decided to walk to the Jamarat, where as the other half decided to wait for the bus to come.

Jamarat, Sacrifice, and Day of Eid

There were 15 of us walking together from Muzdalifah to the Jamarat, and it was quite a long walk indeed. It took us 2 hours to walk to the Jamarat, where as it took the other half of our group, 2 hours to get on the bus and back to Mina. Walking to the Jamarat was the first time in Hajj I saw and felt the intensity of the crowd, and the fact that I was amongst 3 million people! I knew how many people were on Hajj, but didn’t witness the crowds until the Jamarat because everyone was in their respective tents in Mina and Arafat. The Jamarat was the only thing on Hajj I had some apprehension in my heart for. The Jamarat is notorious for being the place where so many people meet their death, although dying on Hajj would have been such an honourable death*, but the thought still did scare me. As we were walking up the Jamarat, my heartbeat was getting faster and faster. We walked passed the small Jamarat, then the middle one, and then we approached the big Jamarat, which was the only one we had to stone the first day. By the grace of Allah, I managed to get to the front with ease and stone the Jamarat. As soon as I finished, I just wanted to get out. The stoning was quite an experience, but what I was really shocked to see was people throwing the stones from such a distance where they were not even hitting the wall, rather hitting the pilgrims.  After the stoning, we decided to treat ourselves to some lovely Al-Baik chicken, which out of convenience was located right opposite the Jamarat. After indulging on yummy chicken, and having regained our energy from all the walking and stoning, we proceeded back to our hotel in Makkah. Once our sacrifices were done, we exited out of Ihram and went to perform the Fard Tawaf.  Some people had to do the Saee (walk between Safa and Marwa) as well after the Tawaf. I managed to do my Saee the night before departing for Mina so I would avoid the crowds of people.

It was also the day of Eid for the majority of Muslims around the world, but for the pilgrims it honestly did not feel like Eid at all because we were just so busy trying to complete all the Hajj rituals.

After everyone had performed their Tawaf and Saee, we all made our way back to Mina, which ended up being quite an expedition indeed.

Most of the Hajj rituals were completed by now for most pilgrims. The only thing left was the Jamarat on 11^th and 12^th Dhul Hijjah. On these two days, we had to stone all three pillars which proved to be really testing, especially on the third day when it was terribly overcrowded with pilgrims. In order to stone all three pillars, you really have to be quick and fast. It’s like playing tennis but your speed has to be 5 times faster! I was amazed to see how the old and disabled people managed to do it; my heart really did go out to them and their struggle, but Allah is the one who gives courage and makes it easy. There was an occasion where I felt people would fall on top of each other and I will trip and die with them! Seriously, that’s how intense and difficult it was. After the stoning was finished, I was really relieved, Alhumdulilah. I was so grateful that Allah Ta’ala gave me the opportunity to perform Hajj, especially the Jamarat when they had made the stoning really easy for pilgrims. I really did wonder, and commend the people who did it when the Jamarat didn’t have the one way traffic system.

By the 12^th of Dhul Hijjah, everyone was exhausted, and the walk back to Makkah proved to be quite taxing. Fortunately the Saudi authorities have made one way systems for all pedestrian, so in essence it was safe to walk, where as in the past there used to be so many deaths due to the walking traffic coming from both sides.

Farewell Tawaf

Since we were leaving Makkah to come back home two days after Hajj was over, it was important for us to get our Farewell Tawaf done as soon as possible. The Farewell Tawaf was quite poignant for me because the realisation of having completed Hajj, and actually going back home really struck me then. I prayed Allah accepted mine and all the Hujjaj’s Hajj as Hajj Mabroor- A righteous Hajj, and that we would be blessed and honoured to visit the holy sanctuaries again and again.

Masud bhai, Bhabhi (Mas’ud bhai’s wife), their daughter and I were invited for dinner by our friends Cheikhna and Habeeba in Jeddah, where we were also blessed to meet and give Salams to Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah. It was wonderful to see Shaykh, and he was looking really well despite his accident a few months ago. (May Allah Ta’ala preserve and protect him). So it was a perfect ending to a very fascinating Hajj trip. All praise is due to Allah Ta’ala.

The journey back home

The journey back home was slightly easier than the journey there, well I think it was. Then again, I just remember dozing off as soon as the aircraft lifted off in Jeddah, and I woke up a little while before it landed in Heathrow!

Overall, the Hajj is a journey of a lifetime and I pray everyone gets invited, especially when they are young and have their health. Throughout the days leading up to and during Hajj, I was unable to think and reflect on my experience. Everything is just so busy out there and you seriously do not get the time to reflect deeply on what you have accomplished. However, I was told by friends who had performed Hajj that the true realisations and lessons you pick up from Hajj do not actually strike you until you are back home, and have recovered from your tiredness. Allahu Ta’ala Alim.

I personally think everyone is at different stages in their lives and in their faith when they set off to perform Hajj, therefore the realisation and after effects of Hajj is different for everyone. Some managed to determine what directions to take in life whilst they were out there, where as some needed to come back, settle into the daily routines of life before realising the changes Hajj had made for them, and what else they wanted to achieve.

I just pray that the Hajj experience brings good changes within us, and we maintain the spirit of our Ibadah that we had during Hajj in our lives over here as well. May Allah Ta’ala continue to invite us all again and again to the blessed lands, and may all the Hujjaj’s Hajj, Du’as, Ibadah be accepted. May we all be united in Paradise without reckoning, where we will be granted the company of our Beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, the Awliya, the Righteous, all our loved ones, and with closeness to Allah Ta’ala.

Amin ya Rabbil ‘alameen!

~*~~*~

Ameen Ameen Ameen to Sidra’s final Du’a.

 

*More than 800 Hujjaj were called back to Allah Ta’ala during the Hajj. Inna liLlahi wa Inna ilaihi rajioun. More statistics; the local journalists love this style of reporting!

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 Hajj is over for this year but the season continues for another few weeks as pilgrims continue to arrive and depart from this City of Light and Delight. The crowds are not as dense as before Hajj, but the thrill of being able to visit our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam adds to the permanent air of joy and smiles. Winter has finally arrived, such a contrast for the Hujjaj from the heat of Hajj. The scene now is one of Hujjaj wrapped in thick shawls, or newly acquired jackets that are being snapped up from the street vendors and shops.

 

One local brother has set up a makeshift cafe, tempting passers by with hot drinks from the large urn sending puffs of steam into the crisp air.

I have often uploaded photos of this overpass with the minarets of Masjid Nabawi just visible in the background and the building being constructed behind the bridge. The last time this building was just peeking over the bridge, now several floors have rapidly appeared. Soon the time will be when the minarets will no longer be seen from here. The pathway leading all the way to Haram from here is lined with temporary stalls and the ‘trolley sisters’, all hoping that rizq is written for them from this Hajj Season. 

 

The couryard between Jannatul Baqi on the right and Masjid Nabawi to the left becomes a bustling bazaar in the warmth of the after Asr sun. Sounds of so many languages bargaining fill the space with an excited resonance….

 

 ….. Jabal Uhud sends calming vibes from the north, its warm glow adding to the mellow tones…

 

….while love and light embrace and are embraced.

 

The view from a room of a sister I was visiting…also overlooking Jabal Uhud, but also soon this will be blocked by the addition of yet more hotels….the ring road is seen here, delineating the dense inner central district surrounding Haram.   

 

zooming in…beyond the ring road the typical suburban landscape. 

 

Looking down from the seventh floor at the loading of a truck with luggage…..some companies send the luggage separate from the bus… 

 

….the foundations for the next building on the opposite side of the street to where I was…

….a detail of the excavation….

 

….a sister with her trolley of fabric and clothing….they spend hours every day selling and then walking miles to their home pushing heavy loads….

 

….the view to the other direction…a line of hotels leading to Jabal Sala’ in the background. Traffic is constantly heavy in this central area.

Insha’Allah I will be back into a more regular blogging routine soon….am still enjoying the company of many visiting Hujjaj….just quickly sharing the above for the moment. May Allah Ta’ala’s bounteous blessings be surrounding you all, 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

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

 

 THE HAJJ SEASON 1428

It is related that Maulana Jāmi, rahimahu Allah, having composed the following Qaseedah decided to proceed for Hajj. His further intention was to stand before the Rowdha Mubarak and then to recite his poem to Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.

When he intended to leave for Medina Munawwarah after performing Hajj, Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alhi wa sallam, appeared in a dream to the Governor of Makka and told him, "Do not allow Mulla Jāmi to enter Medina Munawwarah"

The Governor prohibited him from leaving for Medina Munawwarah. However, his love and longing for Rasul, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was such that in spite of the order, he secretly set off for Medina Munawwarah. Once again the Governor saw a dream with Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, telling him, "O Ameer of Makka that man is coming. Do not allow him to come here". This time the Governor sent some men after him, to bring him back. They caught up with him, treated him most harshly as they arrested him and then cast him into jail.

For a third time Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, appeared to the Governor scolding and reprimanding him, "He is no criminal. All that he is guilty of is that out of his love for me he had written some lines of poetry that he intended to recite in my presence. If he does that, my hand would have to protrude from the grave in order to shake his hand. Such a thing would cause great confusion. It is for this reason I have asked that you stop him from reaching here.”

*

Bestow your generous attention, O, seal of the prophets, for greatly bereaved is the world since your demise, O Rasul of Allah, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.

You who are indeed last of the messengers and their seal. How can you ignore us when drowned in wretchedness and ill of fortune we are?

Through your evergreen freshness, O dearest one, grace now this world, and from your restful sleep awake, to fill us with guiding light.

Lift now your countenance from within your Yemeni shroud, for your blessed face is the very life and light of day.

Turn for us the darkness of our sorrowful night into blessed light of day, and crown for us our day with successful accomplishments.

And now do don your fragrant smelling garments, and on your head the white turban do place.

Let your dark and precious locks of hair hang down, that their shade fall upon your blessed feet.

Wrap your feet in your shoes from mountainous Ta’if and make their straps bind our souls to you.

This entire universe desires to be spread out for your feet, and sincerity wishes for the honour that you tread upon her.

Come forth from your sepulchre into the Nabawi Mosque, that we may kiss and lay our heads on the dust under your feet where you do tread.

O Rasul, sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, grant refuge and help for the needy and console the hearts of those filled with love for you.

Sinners are we, drowned in the sea of our iniquity. Yet great is the thirst of our endeavour to follow your way.

You are the rain cloud of mercy and your generosity demands that succour be granted to the thirsty seeker in search of you.

How wonderful would be that day when to your abode I shall come and blacken my eyes with the dust of Medina, (May the Lord hasten that day of my arrival in Medina, to refresh my eyes with the dust of Medina).

How wonderful would be that day, when after prayers of thanks and prostration of thanks, my soul I shall fly midst the Holy Sepulchre?

When in loving madness, cheering heart and overflowing yearning, I shall walk around your grave and the Green Dome.

How glorious that day when from the clouds of my eyes, raindrops of tears shall sprinkle upon the threshold of your Haram and your grave.

When in joyful bliss I shall feel blessed to sweep away the dust of your Haram. And in ecstasy to remove all dust from around you.

Though dust be hurtful to the eyes, yet will your dust be a light and cure for me, and though litter be of no benefit to wounds, to me the litter of Medina shall be a perfect cure for the ills of my heart.

To your honoured mimbar shall I go and rubbing thereon my face, gone pale of love for you, that golden it shall become.

Then to your Musallah and the niche to stand in prayer fulfilling my hearts desires, and standing where you did stand, wash your footsteps in streams of my blood.

Then to every pillar of your Mosque to stand in utmost humbleness. Begging of Allah the faith and rank of the Siddiq.

Indeed will the great hopes and desires of my heart, in extreme pleasure cause every candle on earth to glow most brightly.

And though now my body does not appear in your presence yet, grateful I am to Allah, that my soul is there for me.

O Prophet of Allah, sallallahu ‘alahi wa sallam, frustrated have I become, dejected of my selfishness. Help you this helpless soul and turn to him your look of favour.

If your loving kindness be not showered upon us, paralysis would overtake us and vanquished shall we be.

Our ill-fate has turned us from Allah’s path of righteousness. Pray you to Him on our behalf for complete guidance.

(This du’ā was then said), O Allah, firstly grant us true faith in a goodly, fruitful life. And guide us, Allah, to a steadfast following in the Deen.

And, that, when the terrors of Qiyāmat we meet, the Lord of the day of Reckoning shall save us there from in honour and dignity.

And that in spite of our numerous heinous sins, Allah shall grant Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alahi wa sallam, to intercede for us, for without it we are lost.

And that you shall arrive on the plain of reckoning, while we encircled by our sins, look on as you shall bend your head in prayer, calling out, "Forgive my people, Allah forgive them."

And may through your glorious efforts and the blessings of the holy ones, this Jāmi also be included amongst the accepted and pardoned ones. Āmīn

Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi, Virtues of Salaat ‘Alan Nabi

Episode 13 from this site tells of much earlier time, (555 A.H, while Jaami’s dates were 1414-1492) when our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam did extend his hand. I related this in a previous post on the etiquettes of Ziyarah, noting that the esteemed Sheikh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani Rahmatullah alaihi, was a witness to this.

Insha’Allah all Hujjaj are blessed throughout their journey to Haramain, Ameen. 

JazakumuLlahu khairan for sharing this ‘dear reader’. 

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.