Significance of the First Ten Days of Zul Hijjah

The First Ten Days of Zul~Hijjah
By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

Significance of the First Ten Days of Zul Hijjah

1. Allah has taken oath of ten nights in Soorah Al-Fajr. According to the majority of the commentators of Qur'ãn, the nights are those of the (first) ten days of Zul Hijjah.

2. Abdullah Ibne 'Abbãs radhiallahu anhu related that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Zul Hijjah)." The Companions radhiallahu anhum inquired, "Not even Jihãd?" He replied, "Not even jihãd, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything." (Bukhãri)

3. Abdullah Ibne 'Abbãs radhiallahu anhu narrated that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "On no other days are good deeds more liked by Allah than on these ten days (i.e. The first ten days of Zul Hijjah)." The Sahãbah radhiallahu anhum asked, " O Rasoolullah ! Not even Jihãd in the Way of Allah?" Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied, "Not even Jihãd in the Way of Allah, except for that person who goes out with his life and wealth and does not return with anything." (Aboo Dãwood, Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

4. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallahu anhu related that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the (first) ten days of Zul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul Qadr." (Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

5. The mother of the believers, Hafsah radhiallahu anhaa reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam used to fast the (first) nine days of Zul Hijjah. (Nasã'ee, Ahmad, Aboo Dãwood)

6. Abdullah Ibne 'Umar radhiallahu anhu related that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "No days are as weighty with Allah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. So on these days increasingly read Subhãnallah, Lã ilãha illallãh, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar." (Musnad Ahmad)

Virtues of the Day of Arafah (9th Zul Hijjah)

1. 'Ã'ishah radhiallahu anhaa reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, " There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His Pride remarks to the angels, 'What is the desire of these (servants of mine)?" (Muslim)

2. Talhah radhiallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Apart from the day of the Battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytãn is seen to be more humiliated, more rejected, more depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafah, and indeed all this is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on the day) and Allah's forgiveness of the great sins of the servants." (Mishkãt)

3. Aboo Qatãdah Al-Ansãri radhiallahu anhu narrated that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam was asked about the fast on the day of Arafah. He said, "It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year." (Muslim, Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

Night of 'Eedul Adh'hã

The nights of both 'Eed are described in the Hadeeth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of 'Eed and perform 'ibãdah is a source of great virtue and reward.

1. Aboo Umarah radhiallahu anhu related that 'Ã'ishah radhiallahu anhaa reports that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Whosoever stays awake and performs 'ibãdah (worship) on the nights of the two 'Eed, with hope for abundant reward (from Allah), his heart will not die on the day (i.e. Qiyãmah) when all hearts will be dead." (Targheeb)

2. Mu'ãz Ibne Jabal radhiallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Jannat is wãjib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making 'ibãdah on the following nights: 8th, 9th and 10th of Zul Hijjah, the night of 'Eedul Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha'bãn." (Targheeb)

Virtues of Qurbãni

Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbãni than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart." (Tirmizi, Ibne Mãjah)

Takbirãt of Tashreeq

The Takbirãt of Tashreeq are:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
Lã ilãha illallãhu wallahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar, Walil lahil hamd.

"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praises are for Allah only."

It is wãjib for every adult Muslim to recite these Takbirãt of Tashreeq audibly once after every fardh salaah which is performed with jamã'at (congregation) from the Fajr of 9th Zul Hijjah to the 'Asr of 13th Zul Hijjah (i.e. total of 23 salãh).

Mas'alah: It is not wãjib for women and shar'ee travellers. But, if they are performing salãh behind an imãm upon whom it is wãjib, then it will become wãjib upon them too. However it is mustahab for them to recite in any case.

Mas'alah: Women should not say it loudly but softly.

Mas'alah: Takbeer should be recited immediately after concluding the fardh prayer.

[SOURCE: http://www.idauk.org/pub/leaf/islmcalen/39.html]

RADIO HAJJ - Broadcasting for the first-time in Leicester!

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah,

Alhamdulillah, the Radio Ramadhan team of Leicester are back early this year. For the first time ever they have launched a Hajj Radio station.

Radio Ramadhan Leicester is renowned all over the world for the beneficial and enjoyable programmes they offer. So, we are truly blessed to have them broadcasting for the Hajj period.

For all those fortunate to reside in Leicester, tune in on: 87.7 FM.

For the rest of us, listen live online: http://www.radiohajj.com

RadioHajj.com - bringing you the best moments of Hajj to your homes.

Tune in and listen to your favourite presenters and spread the word.

Wassalam.

HAJJ: A Guide For Intending Pilgrims

HAJJ A Guide For Intending Pilgrims

By Islamic Dawah Academy, Leicester. U.K.

NIYYAH
1. The person who intends to perform Hajj must do so with the express niyyah of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and to fulfil one’s fardh, and also to diligently carry out the Commands of Allah and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The rewards for deeds depend greatly on the niyyah that is formed. Sincerity is extremely important.

2. The ‘ibaadah of Hajj has the exclusive status of being fardh only once a lifetime, for those who can afford it. It is therefore important that the sincerity of intention must be given due regard. In other ‘ibaadaat and devotions it is possible to gradually develop ikhlaas, whereas the time available for Hajj is usually limited. The need for ikhlaas is vital because a fardh Hajj can never be repeated. During your journey to Hajj a concerted effort towards developing this all important sincerity must be made.

3. It is important that Hajj should be kept free of ulterior and worldly motives. Joining worldly objectives with religious aims is like adding water to milk. There are three types of adulteration which are possible in the performance of Hajj;

To ruin the Hajj even before departing from home by having a desire to be called a haji, and using haraam or doubtful earnings for this ‘ibaadah.

To engage in improper acts while performing Hajj e.g. to commit sins during the time that one is engaged in the performance of Hajj, to have arguments, not to make tawbah (repentance).

To complete the Hajj and then to indulge in such deeds that defile the Hajj, e.g. to neglect the fardh salaat, to indulge in sin etc.

Perform the Hajj with all its aadaab and requisites, for anything done in keeping with this is well accomplished.

4. While in Hajj do not do things to display to others. Do not announce your Hajj to all and sundry. (To avoid riyaa which is to show off and act to gain fame). On returning from Hajj do not emphasize the difficulties which may have been endured, instead turn your attention towards the eternal benefits and rewards you will receive. One must understand that the difficulties endured during this sacred journey are insignificant compared to the high position one will receive in jannah.


TAWBAH

5. Before beginning one’s journey repent sincerely. Perform two rakaats nafl with the niyyah of tawbah. The effect of sincerely repenting and then proceeding for hajj will be, that one will be favoured by Allah Ta‘ala and blessed with the strength to continually do good deeds.

6. Develop a relationship with the pious person for guidance. This will assist you in making a true and sincere tawbah.


FULFILMENT OF DEBT

7. If you have monetary debt or are responsible for any moral transgression, then fulfil your debt or have it waived, and have your moral violations forgiven. It is important that one settles all outstanding matters and transactions, and has his faults and shortcomings forgiven.
8. All amaanaat (trusts) and anything borrowed must be returned. A detailed and final will must be made regarding all important matters.


EDUCATION

9. It is compulsory for a person who wishes to perform Hajj to learn the necessary masaail well before the time of Hajj. When a firm intention is made then first learn the necessary masaail, or acquire these from a reliable and recognized aalim (scholar).


DEPARTURE

10. Depart with happiness from home. A Hajj which is performed with a feeling of love and keenness is conducive to religious upliftment. Inconvenience during travel should not hamper this love and keenness.

11. Perform two rakaats nafl before departing. Take care that this salaat is not performed during the makrooh times. Give some sadaqah to the poor before leaving home and also after commencing your journey.

12. Ask your near and dear ones, neighbours and friends to overlook and forgive your shortcomings. Make a request for their du‘aa. Make musafahah (shake hands) using both hands when leaving. Do not make musafahah with non-mahrams (those of the opposite sex whom you can marry).

13. Be at your best behaviour amongst your companions. Assist them in their needs. The person who helps his companions on this journey will be regarded as a mujaahid (one who strives to uplift Islaam).


IBAADAH
Salaat, Du‘aa, Tawaaf and Tilaawat

14. Take great care and be punctual in the performance of all salaat with jama‘at whilst visiting the sacred places. Do not delay any salaat at all.

15. After every salaat beseech from Allah ta‘aalaa that He grant you a mabroor Hajj (one that is accepted and free from sin). A Hajj which is full of Allah ta‘aalaa’s Blessings and Favours.

16. A haji is fortunate in being present at the various sacred places where du‘aa are assured acceptance. Therefore repeatedly ask Allah ta‘aalaa for your needs of this world and the Hereafter. Your du‘aa must be appropriate and made with respect and humbleness. Do not ask for meaningless and unrighteous things.

17. There are three persons whose du‘aa are assured acceptance; the oppressed, the traveller and the father’s du‘aa for his son, (meaning children).

18. The qadhaa (fulfilment in arrears) of ‘ibaadaat which are owing to Allah ta‘aalaa should be correctly fulfilled or compensated.

19. The reward for one salaat in the Masjidul Haraam (Makkah) is 100,000 fold (with jama‘at 2,700,000). The reward for salaat in the Masjidun Nabawi (Madeenah) is 50,000 fold. Each good deed done in Makkah is equivalent in reward to 100,000 good deeds done elsewhere.

20. Whenever entering either of the two masjid or any other masjid, form a niyyah for nafl i‘tikaaf.

21. Your stay in the Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi must be with utmost dignity and honour.
22. Perform as many tawaaf, umrah and nafl salaat as you can and make du‘aa that the thawaab (reward) of this be presented to Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

23. Complete the Qur’aan at least once in each of the two Holy Masjid, i.e. Makkah and Madeenah.

24. Perform nafl salaat with the niyyah of expressing one’s gratitude to Allah ta‘aalaa.


MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH

25. During your stay in Makkah abundantly increase your recital of the Kalimah Tayyibah: Laa’ilaha il lal’lahu·, and istighfar: ‘Astaghfirullah·.

26. If you desire, give an excellent gift to your near dear ones, friends who are living, and especially those who have passed away. The gift of the rewards of tawaaf and umrah will please their souls very much. There will be no reduction from your own reward for these acts.

27. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said that the water of Zamzam will have the desired effect of whatever intention is made at the time of drinking Zamzam. Zamzam should be drunk with the intention of quenching the thirst of the Day of Qiyaamah (resurrection). It should also be taken with the intention of shifaa (cure) from spiritual and physical ailments. It is commendable to drink Zamzam with the niyyah of being granted the tawfeeq of conforming to the sunnah of our beloved Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH

28. It is stated in hadeeth:
(i) “Whoever comes with the sole intention of visiting my grave, my intercession will become incumbent for that person”.
(ii) “Whoever visits my grave after my death is like the one who has visited me during my lifetime”.

29. Recite durood (salutations) in abundance on Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, on beginning your journey to and from Madeenah Munawwarah, and during your stay there.

30. To hurt or cause inconvenience to any Muslim and especially the people of Madeenah Munawwarah is a great sin.


GENERAL

31. Choose an able pious companion who will assist you in times of need, and it is better if this companion is a reliable recognized aalim (scholar).

32. Regard the time in Hajj as a blessing. One never knows when one may be favoured with this good fortune again.

33. Since your stay there is a short one, you should value every moment there. Do not waste your time roaming in the bazaars and do not indulge in meaningless things and idle talk.

34. Do not allow your attention to drift towards the decoration and splendour of the buildings, nor indulge in humour and ridicule.

35. One must be extremely cautious with regard to the etiquette of these sacred places. Any disrespect in this regard will be a cause for retribution.

36. Do not criticize the conditions and people there. After all, the local residents are human and are prone to faults just as we are. When noticing the shortcomings of others, special attention must immediately be drawn to one’s own faults and weak points.

37. One must make a concentrated effort to avoid sin, especially casting passionate glances at female who are present at Hajj. One must keep one’s gaze lowered when women gather for tawaaf and salaat-u-salaam.

38. Hadhrat ‘Umar radhiyallahu anhu said, “For me to commit a sin in Makkah is worse than committing seventy sins outside Makkah”. Just as the rewards of good deeds are multiplied in Makkah, so too is the retribution of misconduct multiplied.

39. One must show consideration and take care that one does not trouble or inconvenience those who are present for Hajj and ziyaarah.

40. One must not deceive or trick others in buying or selling. To swindle or cheat the residents of Makkah or Madeenah would result in one’s own destruction. One must be extremely cautious in this regard. Transactions must be carried out with honesty.


Source: http://www.idauk.org/pub/leaf/hajj/3.html

SAWM (Fasting) by Shaykh Muhammed Saleem Dhorat

SAWM (Fasting)
by Shaykh Muhammed Saleem Dhorat

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you,
as it was prescribed to those before you,
that you may (learn) self-restraint
(Holy Qur'aan 2 : 183)


Sawm (fasting) means to refrain from eating, drinking and cohabiting from subha sadiq (early dawn) to sunset with a niyyah (intention) of observing fast.

Fasting in the month of Ramadhaan is one of the five pillars of Islaam and is fardh (compulsory) upon every muslim who is sane and mature. Fasting has many physical, moral, and social benefits. However, Allah has made fasting compulsory so that we become pious and God-fearing.

Fasting will not be valid without niyyah. It is not necessary to express the niyyah in words. However it is preferable to recite Allahumma asoomu laka ghadan (O Allah tomorrow I shall be fasting for you only). In the case of Ramadhaan, it is better to make niyyah in the night. However, should a person fail to do so, then it is permitted to make the niyyah during the day before zawaal (midday).


MUSTAHAB (DESIRABLE) ACTS IN FASTING

1. To eat sehri (the meal before subha sadiq).
2. To delay the sehri up to a little before subha sadiq (early dawn).
3. To break the fast immediately after sunset.
4. To break the fast with dates. If dates are not available then with water.
5. To recite this du'a at the time of breaking the fast :-
Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ala rizqika aftartu
O Allah! I fasted for You and in You do I believe and with Your provision (food) do I break my fast.


THINGS MAKROOH (DETESTABLE) WHILE FASTING

1. To chew items such as rubber, plastic etc.
2. To taste food or drink and spit it out.
3. To collect one's saliva in the mouth and then swallow it.
4. To clean teeth or mouth with tooth powder or toothpaste.
5. To complain of hunger or thirst.
6. To quarrel, argue with filthy words.


THINGS THAT BREAK THE FAST

1. To eat, drink or indulge in cohabitation intentionally.
2. To burn agarbatti (incense) and inhale its smoke.
3. If water goes down the throat while gargling.
4. To vomit mouthful intentionally.
5. To swallow vomit intentionally.
6. To swallow something edible, equal to or bigger than a grain of gram, which was stuck between the teeth. However, if it is first taken out of the mouth and then swallowed, it will break the fast whether it is smaller or bigger than the size of the grain.
7. To drop oil or medicine into ear or nose.
8. To swallow the blood from gums with saliva. However, if the blood is less than the saliva and its taste is not felt then the fast will not break.
9. Snuffing.
10. To eat and drink forgetting one is fasting and thereafter, thinking that the fast is broken to eat and drink again
11. Smoking.
12. To apply medicine to the anus.
13. For women to apply medicine to the urinary organs.
14. To swallow intentionally a pebble, piece of paper or any item that is not used as food or medicine.

In all the above circumstances, only a single fast will become qadha except in the case of number one (1), where qadha and kaffarah both will become obligatory. (Consult an aalim regarding the rules of kaffarah).


THINGS THAT DO NOT BREAK THE FAST

1. To eat, drink or indulge in cohabitation in forgetfulness.
2. To vomit without intention.
3. To vomit intentionally less than mouthful.
4. To have a wet dream.
5. To oil the hair.
6. To use surma (collyrium) in the eyes.
7. To drop water or medicine in the eyes.
8. To clean teeth with wet or dry miswaak (a stick used for cleaning teeth).
9. To apply or smell attar (perfume).
10. To swallow a fly, mosquito, smoke or dust unintentionally.
11. To swallow one's saliva or phlegm.
12. Water entering the ears.
13. To take an injection.


SUNNAHS IN THE MONTH OF RAMADHAAN

1. To observe taraweeh.
2. To increase the recitation of the Holy Qur'aan.
3. To observe i'atikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.


Sawm (Fasting)

Sawm is a shield, as long as he (the fasting person) does not tear it up. (Nasa'ee)
Note: Fasting is a protection from Shaytãn or from Allah's punishment in the Hereafter. One who indulges in sins whilst fasting such as lying, backbiting etc., they become the cause of the fast becoming wasted.
All good deeds are for the one who renders them, but Fasting. Fasting is exclusively for me (Allah). (Bukhãri)
Fasting is a shield and a powerful fortress. (Ahmad, Bayhaqi)
I swear by that being in whose possession is the life of Muhammad! The odour of the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. (Bukhãri)
Fasting is exclusively for Allah, the reward of it (being limitless) no one knows besides Allah. (Tabrãni)

Suhoor
Verily, Allah and His angels send mercy upon those who eat suhoor. (Tabrãni)
Eat suhoor because in suhoor lies barakah. (Mishkãt)

Iftãr
Whosoever gives something to a fasting person in order to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness for his sins and emancipation from the fire of Jahannam; and for him (the one who gives) shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed), without that person's (the one who was fed) reward being diminished in the least. (Ibne Khuzaymah, Bayhaqi)
Whoever gave a person, who fasted, water to drink, Allah shall give him a drink from my fountain where after he shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah. (Ibne Khuzaymah)
The fasting person experiences two (ocassions) of delight: at the time of iftãr and at the time he will meet his Rabb. (Bukhãri)
Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is rejected. (Ibne Mãjah)


[SOURCE: http://www.idauk.org/pub/leaf/ramadhn/2.html]

Article on Voting by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

Three Electoral Commitments Every Muslim Should Make by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah

(http://www.idauk.org)



Like the rest of the country, the UK’s Muslim community is gearing up to vote on May 5th. The political parties have been campaigning in earnest for some time, outlining their policies and stressing their commitments to the nation. With less than a week left before polling day, Britain’s Muslims should be asking themselves what commitments they have made when it comes to casting their votes.

There follows a summary of speech delivered by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah, containing valuable advice for the Muslim voter.


The Secret of Success

Allah ta’aalaa has placed the desire for progress, and the spirit of mutual competitiveness that accompanies it, into the very nature of man. It is natural for individuals and communities to strive to better themselves and achieve progress. As Muslims, we should open the pages of history and discover and adopt those factors which make a nation prosperous, as long as they fall within the bounds of the Sharee‘ah, so that we too can reap the Deeni and worldly benefits of progress.

Our study should commence with trying to ascertain the secret behind the success of the noble Sahaabah radhiyallaahu anhum, for they are ideal role models of a community that attracted success in its every endeavour. A thoughtful investigation will reveal three prominent qualities which can be attributed to their success. In this election season every Muslim, no matter what his preferred party, should commit him/herself to observing these three principles in order to secure success and achievement, both on a personal and a communal level.

The First Commitment - Taqwaa
The Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum hated all disobedience to Allah ta‘aalaa, they neither had a habit of sinning nor were they fond of any sins. Abstention from sins is the essence of taqwaa, and through it Allah ta‘aalaa has promised relief from every difficulty.

In dealing with the election issue, we must not say or do anything that displeases Allah ta‘aalaa. Of all the sins to beware of, backbiting and slander are major sins which are a particular threat at such times. One inclined towards a particular party should not backbite or slander a supporter of another party, for in doing so the requirements of taqwaa will be compromised; and Divine assistance and blessings can not be expected in the absence of taqwaa.

The Second Commitment - Ikhlaas
Every decision taken by the Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum was for the Pleasure of Allah ta‘aalaa, keeping in mind the life hereafter and the good of the Muslim community. They would be ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah ta‘aalaa. Whether standing for election, supporting a party or voting, a Muslim must be pure in his intentions. This intention should be to elect the candidate who will best serve the Muslim community in common and humanity in general. If a Muslim has sincerity then his vote will go to the right candidate, for he will consider that he is voting to please Allah ta‘aalaa and therefore he will expend his energies in finding out who the best candidate is.

The Third Commitment - Unity
Unity is a key factor for the success of any nation; a truly united community can withstand any competition. Individuals should have the courtesy of mutual respect despite their political rivalries. Sadly, the Muslim community is a divided one. Every individual has the right to his own opinion and his own preference, within Shar'ee boundaries, but our mutual differences transform into malice and enmity towards each other. Not even our masaajid are free from our feuding. We can only hang our heads in shame when matters reach a head and TV and press reports announce that political wrangling amongst Muslims has spilled over into fights outside a masjid after Friday prayers.

We go to the extremes; if we like something in a particular person, we praise him to the extreme, whereas if we disagree with someone on one issue, we become blind to all the good qualities he possesses. Our dealings are but a faint shadow of the Islamic concept of brotherhood our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam taught. True brotherhood demands that whatever our political stripe, we should be able to sit at a table and sacrifice our political allegiances for the sake of†Allah and agree to support the candidate who is best for the Muslims in common and the country in general. We should be willing to marginalize our differences in order to progress in a common direction.

In fact, if the Muslims of a particular constituency were to unite on a single platform and form a committee, responsible for recommending the best candidate to Muslim voters, every party would turn to the committee and accede to its demands on behalf of the Muslim community. They would realise the importance of securing the Muslim vote. All that is needed to achieve unity is a little sacrifice and the willingness to swallow one's pride. May Allah ta‘aalaa grant us all the longing to strive for taqwaa, ikhlaas and unity. Aameen.


Using Your Vote


·1 The vote is very important. It is a means of electing the person most beneficial for the Muslim community and our country.

·2 Voting is a big responsibility.†Not voting or voting incorrectly will bring power to the wrong person.

·3 The best candidate deserves our vote.

·4 We should become politically aware.

·5 We should read every party’s manifesto.

·6 We should study party policies via the internet, radio, newspapers and knowledgeable people in our communities, who possess political acumen.

·7 We should find out which party offers us the best in all spheres of life; education, housing, health, social issues, international policy etc. Deciding on a party by just looking at one issue does not constitute farsightedness.

·8 We should think rationally, not make judgements based on emotions.

·9 Finally, we should make du’aa to Allah ta‘aalaa, asking Him to enable us to make the right choice and that may He grant success to those who will serve the country and its citizens without any prejudice or wrong.


[Please forward this message to a friend.]


Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah, of Islamic Dawah Academy, Leicester, UK - http://www.idauk.org

Darul Uloom Deoband Launches Ifta Website!

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah,

Alhamdulillah, Darul Uloom Deoband have launched an online ifta website. Check out the website:

http://www.darulifta-deoband.org

You can also submit your questions in English.

Alhamdulillah.

Wassalam.

Bayan by Shaykh Saleem Dhorat Hafizahullah

After Hajj - Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

AFTER HAJJ
By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

Once again more than two million believers were honoured to become the ‘Guests of Allah’ and through Divine Guidance have completed the rituals of Hajj with great love and enthusiasm. How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam:

Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.
Bukhaari, Muslim

Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor Hajj except Jannah.
Bukhaari, Muslim

It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had travelled thousands of miles only to secure the Pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Sacred Land. Aameen.

Nevertheless, I wish to draw the attention of the pilgrims towards certain points which are necessary and of utmost importance to observe about which many pilgrims seem to attach no importance.

Firstly, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognised as a Haajji. Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the Way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all this is mentioned with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ‘ibaadat of the person who is unaware of it. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to riyaa (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily.

Secondly, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with nothing but the sad memories to reflect upon and this darkness filters through their tongues to the extent that they talk only about the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary, they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn ö Umrah, Tawaaf, Salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the spiritual benefits far outweighs the physical hardships. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.

The journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our country, do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway? Considering the fact that 2-3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them, I think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah ta‘aalaa upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case whilst we undertake other journeys.

Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category

.... and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, ...

mentioned in Soorah Hajj in the Qur’aan. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.

Thirdly, the sign of a ‘Mabroor Hajj’ or ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the Commands of Allah ta‘aalaa. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and conversations and should try his utmost to instil in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should endeavour to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.


[Source: Islamic Daw'ah Academy, Leicester]