Mistakes after the Concluding the Hajj

By IOL Syari’ah Researchers

The common error that occurred after the concluding of the Hajj.

1. Putting on pilgrimage attire while returning home contradicts the Sunnah, because it is something intricate for people and it is a kind of showing off.

2. It also an act of innovation what some pilgrims do by insisting that people at home should receive the pilgrims with pomp and ceremonies not in line with Islam.

3. After performing the Hajj, some pilgrims insist that people should call them Hajji (Pilgrims).

4. To act in bad manners and indulge in sins and neglect devotional acts of worship after Hajj. This, in fact, is a sign of unacceptable Hajj.

5. To swear by the Prophet SAW after visiting his tomb, such as saying: “By the Prophet, whose tomb I have touched with my hand”, because if one swears one is to swear by Allah or better keep silent.

6. Some people wrongly think that they could commit sins as much as they like, so long as they perform Hajj, with the belief that doing so will expiate all their previous sins.

®Islam Online

Mistakes Whilst Visiting Prophet’s Mosque

By IOL Syari’ah Researchers

It is recommended for Muslims to visit the Mosque of the honorable Prophet SAW. People usually visit it either before or after performing pilgrimage. During this visit, people make some of the following mistakes:

1. Some people would rub the walls and the steel plates of the Prophet’s tomb, believing that doing so will earn them blessings, whereas blessings are earned through the adherence to what Allah and His Messenger have enjoined.

2. It is completely rejected to direct supplication to Allah’s Messenger SAW and seeks his grace, because Do’a (supplication) is an act of worship and, thus, it must not be directed to anyone but Allah.

3. It is also a baseless act what some people do, climbing the Mount of Uhud and Cave Hira’, tying pieces of cloth on objects inside the cave and mountain and reiterating special supplications.

5. Directing one’s face towards the Prophet’s tomb instead of Qiblah during supplication.

6. To neglect greeting the Prophet SAW and his two Companions RA with the salutation of Islam “As-Salam-u-Alaikum”.

7. Take some dust from certain places that are thought to have the Prophet’s footprints or to take blessings there from, such as the place where the Prophet’s camel knelt down during Hijrah (Mabraq An-Naqa), and the Well of `Uthman.

8. Throwing money on visiting the graveyard of Al-Baqi' and the graveyard of Uhud’s martyrs to receive blessings from the people buried there is really a grave mistake.

9- Insisting on performing prayer in the Rawdah, the place between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit- despite the place being jam-packed with people, and the great disturbance that causes to other pilgrims.

10. Prolonged standing in front of the Prophet’s tomb, especially amidst the crowds.

11. It is also an innovated matter to send written complaints and requests with the pilgrims to the Prophet SAW.

12. Holding that it is an act of worship to take a bath before entering Madinah.

13. Some people, on beholding the walls of Madinah, say: “O Allah! This is the sanctuary of Your Messenger; make it a protection for me from the Hell-Fire, from punishment and from torture in the Hereafter.” This is none of Sunnah.

14. The same applies to saying: “In the Name of Allah, and in adherence to His Messenger’s teachings, O Allah, give me an entrance of truth and an exit of truth and give me from Yours a helping power” on entering Madinah.

15. Visiting the Prophet’s tomb before performing prayer in his mosque.

16. It is none of Sunnah to take a special position while visiting the tombs of the Prophet’s and his two Companions and reciting certain prayers. Al-Ghazali said: “A person visiting the Prophet’s tomb is to stand by the Prophet’s head, turning his back to the Qiblah, standing about few meters away from the column in the corner of the tomb’s wall. Then he is to say: ‘Peace be upon you, Allah’s Prophet, Allah’s Messenger, Allah’s most lovable person.” Then Al-Ghazali mentioned a very long supplication to be recited. He maintained that after finishing it a pilgrim is to return few meters back and greet Abu Bakar, and do the same with `Umar, saying (to both of them): “Peace be with you, the Prophet’s ministers and aides”. Then he is to return to his previous position, turning his face to Qiblah and remember Allah, thanking Him celebrating His Glory and reciting the Qur’anic verse that goes, “And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Allah and asked forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.” (An-Nisa’ 4: 64) Then he concludes the whole thing with Do’a.

17. Some people of the Madinah and others insist on performing prayer in the old mosque, and to do so they cut the rows of people who are standing to visit the tomb of `Omar and others.

18. Visiting some mosques and sites in Madinah and surrounding places after finishing the visit to the Prophet’s Mosque, believing that such visits are part of Hajj. It is recommended, however, to visit and pray in Quba’ Mosque.

19. Visiting the graveyard of Uhud’s Martyrs every Thursday.

20. Tying pieces of cloth to the windows overlooking the graveyard.

21. Washing in the lakes beside the graveyard to take blessings.

22. Raising one’s voice while concluding prayer saying: “Peace be upon you, Allah’s Messenger.”

23. Some people try to draw closer to Allah by eating a special kind of dates in the place between the Prophet’s pulpit and his tomb.

24. Some people also rub with hands two brazen palm trees built in the Prophet’s Mosque to the left of the pulpit.

25. The pilgrimage guide sometimes raises his voice with some supplications and the pilgrims repeat after them in a louder voice.

®Islam Online

Mistakes made on Entering Masjidil Haram

By IOL Syari’ah Researchers

Errors made when entering the Sacred Mosque, the Masjidil Haram.

1. Thinking that entering the Sacred Mosque is confined to a specific door is a common mistake, because it is permissible to enter there through any of its doors.

2. Reiterating special supplications upon entering the Sacred Mosque is a matter of heresy, because it is not mentioned in the Prophetic Sunnah that there are certain supplication on that occasion other than those which are usually said on entering the mosque.

3. The pilgrim neglects to perform the tahiyatul masjid prayer of two Raka’ahs, on entering the Sacred Mosque. It is a mistake to neglect it, more so of the merits of the Sacred Mosque. The Prophet SAW insisted that one performs Tahiyatul Masjid upon entering any mosque. All mosques are to be greeted with two Raka’at tahiyatul masjid. It is only when one intends to perform Tawaf around the Ka’abah, one is exempted from the tahiyatul masjid, because the Tawaf around Ka’abah itself is considered sufficient.

®Islam Online

Common mistakes of Tawaf Al-Wada`

By IOL Syari'ah Researchers

Common mistakes at the Tawaf Al-Wada'

Adding to the common mistakes we have mentioned before about circumambulating the Ka’abah, we’d like to draw people’s attention to some other mistakes that are committed in Farewell Circumambulation (Tawaf) around the Ka’abah:

1. Some pilgrims leave Mina on the Day of Nafr (12th or 13th of Dzul-Hijjah) to perform Tawaf Al-Wada` or Farewell Tawaf around the Ka’abah and then return back to Mina to throw the pebbles (part of Hajj rituals) and then go back home there from. Hence stoning would be the last thing pilgrims do before departing the Sacred Land, not Tawaf. So Farewell Tawaf should be the last Hajj ritual to be performed by pilgrims before leaving.

2. Some pilgrims get out of the Sacred Mosque with their faces turned towards the Ka’abah, thinking that doing so they are glorifying it. Yet this is a sheer innovative act in Islam.

3. After concluding the Farewell Tawaf, some pilgrims turn towards the Ka’abah while getting out of the doors of the Sacred Mosque reciting some prayers as if bidding farewell to it. Yet this is a baseless act in Islam.

4. Some pilgrims neglect performing Farewell Tawaf just out of laziness. However, if a woman was in her menstrual or postnatal period, and had performed Tawaf Al-Ifadah, then she is exempted from performing Farewell Tawaf.

®Islam Online

Mistakes at Sacrifice and Shaving the Head

By IOL Syari`ah Researchers

Common mistakes whilst Sacrifice and Shaving the Head

1. Giving charity to the value of the obligatory hady instead of slaughtering an animal, claiming that most of animals’ meat goes to waste.

2. Offering the obligatory sacrifice in Makkah before the Day of 'Eid.

3. The barbers starting with the left side instead of the right of the head when shaving.

4. Shaving a quarter of the head only.

5. Specifying certain do’a while the head is shaved, such as: “Alhamdu lillahi 'ala ma hadana.”

6. Conduct Tawaf around the mosques near the Pillars in place of 'Eid Prayer in Mina.

7. Some women expose their hair before non-mahram men or cut more than few centimeters from their hair.

8. Slaughtering the sacrificial animal before the due time.

®Islam Online

Mistakes at the Jamarat-Throwing the Pebbles

By IOL Syari'ah Researchers

Common mistake at the Jamarat,Throwing the Pebbles.

1. Bathing in order to perform the throwing of the pebbles.

2. Washing the stones or pebbles before the throwing act.

3. Saying "Subhanallah" or any other dzikir in place of Takbir.

3. Adhering to a particular way of throwing the pebbles: like the saying of some people: One should put the end of his right thumb upon the center of his forefinger and he should place the stone upon the back of his thumb as if he was making the number 70 with his fingers - then he should throw it. And others say: He should make a circle with his forefinger upon the joint of his thumb as if he were making the number 10.

4. Specifying the distance between the person and the place where the stones are thrown, i.e. to be more than five cubits.

5. Using slippers, woods and big stones to throw them towards the position of Satan.

6. Showering insults and filthy expressions upon Satan.

7. Throwing the stones towards any column other than the specific one, for fear of overcrowding.
8. Throwing all the stones at one time.

9. Taking the matter of throwing stones slightly, without understanding its real significance.

10. Lack of caution while one throws the pebbles, for this may cause harm to other pilgrims.

11. Throwing the stones from a very long distance, so that the stones may fall outside the basin. But if the stones fall inside the basin and then come out, it will be accepted.

12. Keenness on throwing the stones towards the column standing in the middle of the basin, although it is just a mark for the place where stones are to be thrown.

14. Throwing either less or more than seven stones on purpose is impermissible unless one doubts the number.

15. Some pilgrims think that they throw stones at Satan himself.

16. Not celebrating the day where the pilgrims throw the stones by remembering Almighty Allah and doing good deeds, such as paying charity, spreading peace among people, meeting others with a cheerful face and making them happy is something bad, because that day is `Eid Al-Adha.

17. Neglecting supplication after throwing the smaller stone (Al-Jamrah As-Sughra) and the medium stone (Al-Jamrah Al-Wusta) contradicts Sunnah and makes one miss great rewards.

18. Asking another to throw the stones on behalf of one though ones is capable to do it oneself. Appointing someone to do something on behalf of another is originally permissible when one has some legal excuse, such as illness and so on.

®Islam Online

Mistakes whilst staying the Night at Mina

By IOL Syari'ah Researchers.

Some Common mistake done whilst staying at Mina

1. Ceasing to recitind Talbiyah loudly contradicts the Prophetic Sunnah. A pilgrim is to continue reciting Talbiyah in a loud voice until he throws the pebbles of Al-'Aqabah on the Day of the Nahr (slaughtering of sacrificial animals).

2. Not spending the night preceding the Day of 'Arafah at Mina contradicts the Sunnah. However, it is not obligatory to stay there.

3. Combining Prayers at Mina is also against the Prophet’s Sunnah, as he SAW used to shorten the Prayers at Mina without combining them.

4. It is an obligation for a pilgrim to stay at Mina at the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth days of Dzul-Hijjah, unless there is a legal excuse for him not to stay there.

®Islam Online

Common Mistakes in Muzdalifah

IOL Syari’ah Researchers

There were many errors of rituals done by certain quarters of the Hujjaj which do not conform to the Sunnah and rules of Hajj and it should be avoided.

The common mistakes in Muzdalifah:

1. Moving hurriedly at the time of leaving ‘Arafah for Muzdalifah.

2. Bathing to spend the night at Muzdalifah.

3. Regarding it to be desirable for one riding to get down and enter Muzdalifah on foot out of respect for the Sacred Area (Haram).

4. Specifying special Do’a for Muzdalifah and repeating such as saying upon reaching Muzdalifah saying: “O Allah this is Muzdalifah, many languages have come together here...”

5. Leaving off after praying Maghrib prayer as soon as Muzdalifah is reached and instead looking for small stones.

6. Praying the sunnah Prayers of Maghrib between the two prayers or combining them with the sunnah Prayers of `Isya’ and after the two Fardhu (obligatory) Prayers

7. To stay awake at night.

8. Stopping at Muzdalifah without spending the night there.

®Islam Online

Common Mistakes at ‘Arafah

IOL Syari’ah Researchers

There were many errors of rituals done by certain quarters of the Hujjaj which do not conform to the Sunnah and rules of Hajj and it should be avoided.

Error done at the ‘Arafah.

1. Standing upon the Mount of ‘Arafah on the Eighth Day for a time out of fear that the moon may was wrongly sighted.

2. The lighting of many candles on the night of ‘Arafah at Mina.

3. Saying the Do’a on the night of ‘Arafah with ten phrases - saying them a thousand times: "Glory be to Him Whose Throne is above the sky... "

4. Going direct from Makkah to ‘Arafah on the eight day.

5. Traveling to ‘Arafah from Mina at night.

6. Lighting fires and candles upon the Mount of ‘Arafah on the night of ‘Arafah.

7. Bathing for the day of ‘Arafah.

8. Saying when nearing ‘Arafah and upon seeing the Mount of Mercy (Jabal Rahmah): Subhanallah walhamdulillah ...

9. Saying Tahlil 100 times upon ‘Arafah, then reading Surah Al-Ikhlas, then sending blessings upon the Prophet 100 times and then saying “and upon us”.

10. Remaining silent upon ‘Arafah and leaving Do’a.

11. Exerting huge effort to climb upon the Mount of Mercy (Jabal Rahmah) and exposing oneself to dangers while doing so.

12. Entering the Dome upon the Mount of Mercy which they call "The Dome of Adam" and praying in it, and conduct Tawaf of it.

13. Believing that Allah, Almighty, descends in the night of ‘Arafah upon the Dark Green Mountain and shakes hands with the riders and embraces those who are walking.

14. The imams saying to the people of Makkah after finishing the prayer in ‘Arafah: "Complete your prayers for we are travelers."

15. Praying Naafil prayers between Zuhur and ‘Asar in ‘Arafah.

16. Specifying a certain Do’a or Dzikir for ‘Arafah, like the Do’a of Al-Khidir (peace be upon him) which is mentioned in "Ihya 'Uloom ud-Deen" and begins "O Him Who is not diverted from something by another..." and other Do’a - some of them in pages.

17. Leaving ‘Arafah before sunset.

18. What has become common upon the tongues of the people that the standing in ‘Arafah on Friday is equivalent to 72 pilgrimages.

19. Gathering on the evening of ‘Arafah in congregational mosques or in places outside towns and cities - saying Do’a and Dzikir and raising their voices very much, in addition to reciting sermons and poetry, in order to imitate the people in ‘Arafah.

®Islam Online

Mistakes at the Performance of Sa’ie

IOL Syari`ah Researchers

There were many errors of rituals done by certain quarters of the Hujjaj which do not conform to the Sunnah and rules of Hajj and it should be avoided.

The error done at the Performance of the Sa’ie between Safa and Marwah.

1. Took wudu’ in order to walk between Safa and Marwah which they claim that who does so would has 70,000 ranks or status written for those every step they takes.

2. Specifying special Do`a for certain places and rituals, such as:

· Saying Do’a’ when descending from Safa, saying: O Allah! Make me act according to the Sunnah of Your Prophet, and cause me to die upon his religion, and protect me from the misleading trials, by Your Mercy, O Most Merciful One.

· Saying while making Sa’ie: O Allah! Forgive and have mercy and pass over what You Know...etc

2. Perform Sa’ie repetitively in Hajj or `Umrah.

3. Perform Solat two Raka’ahs after completing Sa’ie.

5. Proceed to perform the Sa’ie between Safa and Marwah after the Iqamah has been said for prayer - so much so that they miss the prayer in congregation.

6. Consider going from Safa to Marwah and coming back as one round (shawt), and thus performing Sa’ie fourteen times instead of seven.

7. Hastening throughout Sa’ie, while it is enjoined to run between the two green flags only and to walk normally during the rest of the distance.

8. Performing Sa’ie alone, i.e. doing it neither in Hajj nor in `Umrah. There is no evidence on this from the Prophetic Sunnah.

9. Climbing the mounts of Safa and Marwah, turning towards Qiblah (the direction of the Ka’abah), raising hands and saying “Allah is the Greatest” like as if starting Solat. This is wrong, because the Prophet SAW used to raise his hands only for supplication; he praised Allah, celebrated His Greatness, and asked Allah for what he willed while facing Qiblah.

10. Uttering certain words declaring one’s intention at the beginning of Sa’ie

11. Specifying supplications for each round of Sa’ie, as there is no evidence on this in the Sunnah. Rather a pilgrim is to supplicate Allah and ask Him whatever he desires.

12. Commencing the Sa’ie from Mount Marwah which contradicts the Sunnah and nullifies the first round (which started from Marwah).

®Islamonline

Common Error during the Hajj

IOL Syari'ah Researchers

There were many errors of rituals done by certain quarters of the Hujjaj which do not conform to the Sunnah and rules of Hajj and it should be avoided.

A. The errors upon performing of Tawaf :

1. Bathing for Tawaf.

2. Wearing socks or similar footwear in order not to step upon bird excrement and covering one’s hands so as not to touch a woman.

3.Uttering the intention by saying, such as, "I intend to perform Tawaf by making seven rounds (ashawt)."

4. Raising up the hands when touching the Black Stone as they are raised at the beginning of prayer.

5. Crowding in order to kiss the Black Stone, and finishing the Prayer before the imam in order to kiss the Black Stone.

6. Standing for a long time while facing the Black Stone, which causes overcrowding and disturbing other people.

7. Insisting on performing the tow Raka’ahs of Tawaf near the Station of Ibrahim while people are performing Tawaf which hinders the smooth movement of those performing Tawaf.

8. Saying when touching the Black Stone: "O Allah! Out of belief in You and attesting to Your Book."

9. Saying when touching the Black Stone: "O Allah! I seek Your refuge from pride and poverty and grade of disgrace in this world and the Hereafter."

10. Placing the right hand upon the left while making Tawaf.

11. Saying in front of the door of the Ka’abah: "O Allah! The House is Your House and the Sacred Area is Your Sacred Area, and the Safety is Your Safety". Then pointing towards the Station of Ibrahim, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "And this is the place of the one who seeks Your refuge from the Fire."

12. Designating special Do`a’s for special places and rituals, such as:

- Making Do’a at the Iraqi corner saying: "O Allah! I seek Your refuge from doubt and syirik, and from hostility and hypocrisy, and had manners, and loss in money and family and children."

- Making Do’a beneath the water-spout saying: "O Allah! Shade me under Your shade on the Day that there is no shade except Your shade."

- Making Do’a while doing Ramal, saying: "O Allah! Make it an accepted Hajj, and forgiven sin, and a praiseworthy Sa’ie, and a work that does not lead to nothing, O Mighty One, O Forgiving One."

- Saying on the last four rounds of Tawaf: "O Allah! Forgive and have mercy and forgive what You know, verily You are the Most Mighty, the Most Generous."

13. Kissing the Yemeni corner.

14. Kissing the two Shami corners and touching them.

15. Wiping the walls of the Ka’abah and the Station of Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him).

16. Seeking blessing from what they call ‘Al-'Urwat Al-Wuthqa’ which is a high place jutting out from the wall of the Ka’abah opposite to the Door, the common people claiming that one who touches it with his hand has clung on to ‘the Most Trustworthy Hand-Hold.’

17. Seeking to perform Tawaf while it is raining claiming that one who does so has all of his previous sins forgiven.

18. Seeking blessing from the rainwater which descends from the Water-spout of Mercy on the Ka’abah.

19. Tipping what remains of the drink of Zamzam into the Well and saying. "O Allah! I ask You for a plenteous provision, and beneficial knowledge, and a cure from every disease...".

20. Bathing in Zamzam.

21. Being careful to drench their bears in Zamzam, and also their money and clothes in order to bless them.

22. Drinking Zamzam in many gulps, each time looking up at the Ka’abah as mentioned in some books of Fiqh

The Virtuous Days of Dzulhijjah

The Virtuous First Ten Days of Dzulhijjah

‘Abdul Rahman As-Sudais

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.

By His wisdom, Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala gave preference to some places and times over others. For Muslims, Friday is the best day of the week, Ramadhān is the best month of the year, “Laylat al-Qadar” is the best night in Ramadhan, and the day of “Arafah” is the best day of the year. Likewise the first ten days of the month of “Dzul-Hijjah” are the blessed days for Muslims.

Allah says:”By the daybreak, by the ten nights, by the even and the odd, by the passing night – is this oath strong enough for a rational person?” [Al-Fajr 89:1-5] Scholars differed on what is meant by the “ten nights” but most of them agreed that the ten nights refer to the first ten days of Dzul-Hijjah. In another verse Allah says: “… to attain benefits and mention God’s name, on specified days.” [Al-Hajj 22:28] Most of the Quran commentators view that the specific days are the ten days of Dzul-Hijjah. 

On the merits of the first ten days, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) told the Ummah that the best days in this life are the (first) ten days of Dzulhijjah who 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." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmidzi]

The first ten days of Dzulhijjah that includes The Day Of ‘Arafah, about which the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is no day in which Allah Frees more of His slaves from The Fire than the day of ‘Arafah” (Muslim). These ten days are concluded by the day of An-Nahr (sacrifice); then follows the day of Al-Qarr.

The Days of An-Nahr and Al-Qarr

The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “The greatest days in the scale of Allah are the days of An-Nahr and Al-Qarr” (Abu Dawud). The day of An-Nahr is the major day of Hajj and the day of ‘Eid; the day of Al-Qarr is the following day.

Virtuous deeds are magnified

Virtuous deeds have a magnified during these days. Allah promised the season with great virtues and an opportunity to gain greater rewards than that of Jihad. It represents a wonderful opportunity for those who want to compete in gaining rewards and a miserable loss for the idle, who shun such opportunities.

In what follows are suggested ideas on how to make the best use of the first ten days of Dzul-Hijjah:

Seek for Allah’s forgiveness and paradise

Make a sincere repentance to Allah and promise Him that you will not do bad deeds again. This may be your last chance. You are not sure if you will live till next year. One need to seek For Allah forgiveness and paradise which is as wide as the heavens and earth and do not slacken and be unhurried, because the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)  said: “Being laid-back is best in every matter except for good deeds” (Abu Dawud ; Al-Hakim).

One must compete and march forward when it comes to working for the hereafter as Allah says as: “… So for this let the competitors compete” (Al-Mutaffifin: 26) and also, “…So race to (all that is) good…” (Al-Baqarah: 148).

In this season, the path leading to goodness is numerous, so do not miss out on any of them. The intelligent ones are those who exhaust themselves during this season to gain abundantly; you see many of them joining their days with their nights, continuously doing righteous deeds and hardly sleeping in order to get the most out of this season. On the other hand, you see those who put all their efforts into the attainment of worldly gains. The sad fact is that the result of all this effort would be, at most, the doubling of their capital - if indeed they do not actually lose it. As for the wise believers, nothing is dearer to them than increasing their efforts and righteous deeds that please the Lord, get them closer to Him and elevate their ranks; Allah told us what pleases Him in His Book and through His messenger; Allah will guide those who truly wish for goodness (if He Wills).

Pray at the Mosque

Try to perform the five daily prayers in the mosque. If you have time after Fajr prayer, try to sit in the mosque, read a juz' (part) of the Quran, make dua’, or recite some Adhkar (remembrance of Allah). Then offer two raka’ahs before you go home. If you do so, you are reviving a tradition that Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to do, a tradition which these days has been neglected by many Muslims.

Maintain your Family Relations

Visit your relatives even for a few minutes. If they live far away, give them a call. Do not forget your parents. Be kind to them, visit them, and attend to their needs. Some new Muslims think that after their conversion, they should cut off their family members. God orders Muslims to be kind to their parents even if they are non-Muslims. This occasion might be a good opportunity to talk about Islam to your non-Muslim parents.

Give out Charity

Make it a daily habit to help the needy. Look for humanitarian organizations in your neighborhood and help them in any way you can.

Allah says: “And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskeen (the poor), the orphan, and the captive” [Al-Insan, 76:8]

Jabir ibn ‘Abdallah (radiallahu`anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Every good deed is a charity.” [Al-Bukhari] Ibn Battāl said: “This hadīth indicates that every good thing that a person does or says is recorded for him as an act of charity”. Al-Nawawi said: The Prophet’s words “Every good deed is a charity” means that it is like charity in offering reward.

Solāh

Solāh will lead to goodness and something that Allah loves.  The slave must be keen to perform it in congregation as Allah says: “…And bow (in ruku’) with those who bow” (Al-Baqarah: 43), and the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)  said, “He who hears the Adzan (call for Solah) and does not respond, his Solah is not accepted, except with the congregation, unless he has a (valid) excuse” (Ibn Majah) The excuse is either fear, sickness or rain.

A servant of Allah who is guided would perform more Optional Solah in these ten days, because it is a path to goodness which that Allah loves.

Abu Hurairah (radiallāhu`anhu) narrated that the Prophet that (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Solah is the best thing that one can do, so perform as many as you possibly can” (At-Tabarani) and he (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)   also said: “Two light raka’ahs which you may think as insignificant to add to you deeds, is better for you than possessing the whole world” (Ibn Al-Mubarak)

Abu Hurairah (radiallāhu`anhu) narrated Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)  also said,  “The son of Adam could not do anything more beneficial for himself than Solāh, reconciliation (between Muslims) and being well mannered” (Al-Baihaqi and others).

These were three examples of good deeds that lead to righteousness is examples of good deeds that lead to righteousness. Solāh, reconciliation and being well mannered which are better than anything else that the son of Adam can do, yet we see some people slight the performance of obligatory Solāh, let alone optional Solāh; you see them instigating disputes between people; and you see ill-mannered people who have lost out on the great reward for having a good character. So let us repent to Allah from our sins, reform our situation and improve our manners.

A woman was praised in the presence of the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) for her Solāh, fasting and other good deeds; her only flaw was that she harmed her neighbours. Upon hearing the praise, the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “She is from the people of the Fire” (Ahmad).

The virtues of Optional Solāh

Many hadiths mentioned the virtues of optional Solāh.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: “Prostrate as much as you can, because whenever you prostrate, Allah elevates your rank by a degree and wipes out a sin from your record” (Muslim). In another narration: “Whenever a servant prostrates to Allah, Allah writes a reward for him, wipes out one of his sins and elevates his rank by one degree; so prostrate as much as you can” (Ibn Majah).

Sunnat Al-Rawatib

Umm Habibah (radiallāhu `anha) narrated on the virtues of Sunnat Al-Rawatib that The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever is regular with twelve Rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer, Allāh will build a house in Paradise:  (as follows): 4 Raka'ahs before and 2 after the Dzuhur (Midday) Prayer, 2 after the Maghrib (Sunset Prayer), 2 after the ‘Ishā’ (Evening) Prayer and 2 before the Fajar (Dawn) Prayer."  (Narrated by at-Tirmidzi No. 415 (Sahih) and by others.)

The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)   described the way to perform Solāh: “The night Solah is done two (rak’ahs) at a time” (Al-Bukhari) and in another narration: “The optional Solāh at night and during the day is done two Raka’ahs at a time” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah and others).

Allah promised a great reward for offering extra acts of worship. The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My refuge) and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him."  [Al-Bukhari]

Observe Tahajjud

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)   said: “The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer (Tahajjud).” [Muslim] On the other hand, Abu Hurayrah (radiallāhu`anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) has said: “The best of prayers, after the prescribed prayers, is prayer in the depths of the night (Tahajjud), and the best of fasting after the month of Ramadhān is fasting the month of Allāh, Muharram.” [Muslim]

‘Abdallah Ibn ‘Amr (radiallāhu`anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)   said: “The most beloved of prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawud (‘alaihissalam), and the most beloved of fasts to Allah is the fast of Dawud (‘alaihissalam). He used to sleep for half of the night, then get up and pray for a third of the night, then sleep for a sixth of the night, and he used to fast every other day.” [Al-Bukhari, Muslim]

Salman al-Farsi (radiallāhu`anhu) reported the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) as saying: "Observe the night prayer, it was the practice of the righteous before you and it brings you closer to your Lord and it is penance for evil deeds and erases the sins and repels disease from the body."  [Narrated by, at-Tirmidzi, an-Nasa'ie and ibn Majah: Sahih]

Reciting the Qur’an.

The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best amongst you are those who learn the Qur’an and then teach it” (Bukhari).

Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) also said: “He who recites a letter from the Book of Allah will get a reward and each of these rewards will be multiplied ten times. I do not mean ‘Alif Lam Mm’ is one letter, but rather ‘Alif” is a letter, ‘Lam is a letter and ‘Mim’ is a letter” (At-Tirmidzi).

Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam)   also said: “If one of goes to the masjid and learns a verse or reads two verses from the Book of Allah, is better for him than owning two she-camels, (reading) three are better than (owning) three, (reading) four are better than (owning) four and so on” (Muslim) and also, “Let him who wants to attain love for Allah and His messenger read from The Book of Allah”.

Observe Fasting in the First Nine Days

Fasting is a good deed that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam encouraged the ummah to observe, “Fast on Mondays and Thursdays” (Ahmad; Nasa’i) and “Fast the day of ‘Arafah: it expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year."” (Muslim) also: “Fast like the Prophet Dawud (who fasted every other day)” (Bukhari; Muslim).

One should still fast during these days because of the general texts encouraging good deeds during these ten days. The Prophet, (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "…I hope Allāh that fasting the day of ‘Arafah expiates sins of the past year as well as the next year…." [Muslim] Fasting during that day is prescribed only for those who are not pilgrims, as it is not permitted for pilgrims to observe fasting on that day. Controlling one's bodily organs from doing prohibited matters is asserted on that day.

Abu Sa`id al-Khudri (radiallahu`anhu) said: I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) saying: "Indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's Pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years." [Muslim]

Do not observe fasting on the tenth day because it is an `Eid day and it is prohibited to fast that day.

Good deeds are rewarded abundantly in these first ten days; and as fasting is a good deed, it is recommended to fast these nine days.

Fasting the Day of Arafah

On the day of Arafah, non-pilgrims are highly recommended to maintain fasting. It is reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, whereupon he (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year." [Muslim]He also said: "There is no day in which Allah frees a greater number of His slaves from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah." [Muslim]

The importance of The Day of Arafah is related to the amount of forgiveness and mercy bestowed by God on His pilgrims. The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) spent the day at Arafah until almost sunset. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

"O Bilal! Ask the people to be quiet and listen to me." Bilal (radiallahu`anhu) stood up and asked the people to be quiet and listen to the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   . When they were quiet, the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   said: "O People! A little while ago Gabriel (`alaihissalam) came to me, gave me salutations from Allah, and informed me that Allah has forgiven those who spend the Day at Arafah…"  At this, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (radiallahu`anhu) stood up and asked:  "O Allah's Messenger is this for us only?"  The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)   said:  "This is for you and for all those who will come after you, until the Day of Judgment…" Umar (radiallahu`anhu) exclaimed: "How plentiful and blissful Allah's bounties are!"

[At-Targhib wat-Tarhib]

The Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam)   also said:  "Allah frees far more people from Hellfire on the Day of Arafah than on any other day. Allah comes closer this day and proudly says to the angels: ‘What do these people want and seek?!'" [Muslim]

Reciting the Takbir

It is an act of Sunnah to say “Takbir” (Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest) in the first ten days. The “Takbir” should be pronounced everywhere; in the mosque, at home, in the streets, etc. It is reported that:

 “Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dzul-Hijjah, reciting Takbir, and the people would recite Takbir when they heard them.”  [Al-Bukhari]

There are many forms of Takbir, but the most common one is: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la illaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi al-Hamd.

In another version of the Hadith mentioned above on the merits of the ten days, there is this addition: "… so increase saying Tahlil (saying Lā-illāh illa Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), and Tahmid (saying Al-Hamdulillah)" [Ahmad] 

Therefore, these kinds of “dzikir” should be recited day and night.

Make Supplications on the Day of Arafah

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "The best supplication is that of the Day of `Arafah, and the best thing that I and other Prophets before me said, is: ‘La ilaha illa allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa `ala kulli shai'in qadeer ‘(There is no god but Allah alone. He has no partners. To Him belong the sovereignty and all praise. He has power over all things.) [Al-Tirmidzi]

Wallāhu’alam

[Via Islamway].

Hajj: Requires Discipline and good Traits.

Faisal Ibn ‘Ali Al-Ba’dani.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that every Muslim is supposed to perform it at least once in his or her life. It is an act of obedience that disciplines oneself and acquires good traits and noble qualities.

1. Decency and Chastity.

Allah says: “For Hajj are the months well known. If anyone undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no rafth (obscenity)” (Al-Baqarah 2:197). Rafath is sexual intercourse or sayings or actions that lead to it.

2. Suppression of Anger, No Arguments and Disputes.

Allah Most High says: “...and no jidal (disputing) during Hajj” (Al-Baqarah 2:197). `Ataa’ said, “Jidal is that you dispute with your companion until you anger him and he angers you.”

3. Gentleness, Softness and Calmness.

It was reported that the Prophet SAW heard strong rebuking, hitting, and shouting at a camel while moving from Muzdalifah, and he said, “O people, you must be calm, for rushing and hurrying are not righteousness.” (Ahmad)

4. Concern for Others.

During Hajj, the servant is concerned not only about himself or herself, but he or she mixes with the pilgrim brothers and sisters and shares with them the recitation of Talbiyah, transportation, and acts.

5. Responsibility for One’s Mistakes.

This becomes evident in the case of obligatory atonement for one who makes an intentional mistake that violates the state of ihram.

6. Humbleness.

This becomes evident in the unity between all pilgrims in rituals and feelings, and in the negation of traces of material differences between them, such as language, nationality, wealth, etc. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said during his last farewell Hajj, “O people! Verily, your Lord is one, and your father (Adam) is one; verily the Arab is not superior to the non-Arab, nor the non-Arab to the Arab, nor the red to the black, nor the black to the red, except by taqwa (piety, fearful awareness of Allah).”

7. Patience.

The servant restrains himself or herself from desires by leaving acts that are prohibited while in the state of ihram, and also by leaving some permissible acts while not in the state of ihram. He or she exposes himself or herself to hardship and fatigue in fulfilling the orders of Allah by performing the rituals so that this is a motive for leaving sins, doing righteous acts, and bearing inconveniences after Hajj.

8. Generosity and Open handedness.

This is clear in the bearing the expenditures for Hajj.

® islaam.com

The Ethics and Significance of Hajj

Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi

There is wisdom behind Hajj that Almighty Allah prepares man to have the perfect form of servitude to Him. There are many acts of Hajj whose significance man cannot conceive by his limited intellectual powers. However, Muslims are taught to accept these acts and fulfills them out of his obedience and surrender to Almighty Allah.

During the period of the time of deciding for Hajj, to the time of returning home we can judge what great effects are produced in the heart and mind of man. There are questions which may arise, such as are we required to do the Tawaf, the Circumbulation around Ka’abah? Why should it be in 7 rounds, not 3 or 5? What is the significance of throwing pebbles at the Jammarat? And why 7 pebbles in particular? Why staying at or standing on ‘Arafah? And many more! All these endless questions may intrigue one’s mind, but the clear fact is that their answers are beyond man’s limited faculty, and only what he is required to say is: I hear and obey Your Command, O Allah! Yours is to order and mine is to obey!”

The process entails sacrifice of time, sacrifice of money, sacrifice of comfort, sacrifice of several worldly affairs as well as sacrifice of many carnal desires and pleasures; and all this is simply for the sake of Allah, with no selfish end. Then, together with piety and virtuousness, the incessant remembrance of Allah and the longing and love of Him pervade the mind of the pilgrim, leaving a firm impression on him which lasts for years to come.

On reaching the sacred land the pilgrim should witnesses at every step the relics of those who sacrificed everything they owned in servitude and obedience to Allah. They fought against the disbelievers, suffered torture, were forced to migrate from their land, went through unbearable hardship and tribulations, but ultimately elevated the Word of Allah and did not rest content till they subdued every false power that wanted man to become subservient to entities other than Allah.

Hajj is the sign of the universality of this Divine message. Islam emphasis on the very principle of equality between all people. All people come from all parts of the globe celebrating the praises of the One true God, no colors, races, regional borders. All barriers are removed and all pilgrims are molten in one brotherhood that gathers their hearts and strengthens their bonds and sense of belonging to one religion. It makes it clear that people are as equal as the comb teeth.

The Prophet SAW said: “O people! Your Lord is one, your father is one. You are all sons of Adam and Adam is created from dust”.

In Solah or prayer, a person may wear his own traditional costumes and thus may be distinguished. In Hajj, all people put on two pieces of white cloth called ihram that resembles a shroud. This is the highest form of equality. In Hajj, man enters into a state of total sanctity that prevents him from violating the life or the safety of any human being.

Hajj is, above all, a revolution against all usual matters. A person who travels for Hajj may be traveling out of his country for the first time. Moreover, he experiences a life that is simple but happy. All these are among the benefits of Hajj about which we are told in the Qur’an. In the Hereafter, the benefit is greater; it is Paradise.

The Prophet SAW said: “He who performs Hajj and avoids sin and vice in it, will return as sin free as the day his mother bore him.”The Prophet SAW also said: “An accepted Hajj is rewarded with nothing more than Paradise.”

Shedding more light on the ethics and significance of Hajj, Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi says in his book Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidin: One who intends to perform Hajj should first seek Tawbah [repentance] to Allah, settle his debts, prepare sufficient provision for his journey and for his family until his return, give back trusts to their rightful owners, and meet his expenses by lawful means. He is recommended to accompany righteous men to help each other in their journey. If there is a group of people going out for Hajj, they should choose one of them to be their leader during their journey so as to set their affairs in order.

The pilgrim should stick to the Islamic good manners in all aspects, ask righteous people to cite the Do’a, supplications to Allah for him, and say the authentic Prophetic supplications that the Prophet SAW is reported to have said on his journey and making Hajj. One should get well-acquainted with the fact that there is no way of drawing to Allah SWT except by divesting oneself of desires, abstaining from pleasures, confining oneself to necessities and devoting oneself exclusively to Allah, in every moment and rest.

Allah says: “For Hajj are the months well-known. If anyone undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj and whatever good ye do, [be sure] Allah knoweth it. And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O ye that are wise!” [Al-Baqarah 2:197]

It was for this reason that the ascetics of previous religions used to isolate themselves from the people, retiring to mountain caves and preferring solitude to the company of others, in quest of intimacy with Allah SWT.

Hajj is decreed by Allah to be the ascetic act of the Muslim Ummah. The pilgrim is recommended to free his minds from all businesses except the obedience of Allah, Most High. He should be shabbily dressed, and disheveled, keeping away from adornment or inclining to things that excite vainglory and rivalry.

Jabir narrated that the Prophet SAW said: "Allah SWT, says before the angels about the pilgrims, saying, 'Look at My servants; they came to Me, disheveled and dusty, from every deep ravine. I make you witness that I have forgiven them.'" (Ibn Khuzaimah)

Allah has honored His House, sanctified it, and made it a visiting-place. Every action and pillar pertinent to Hajj comprises a lesson or an admonition to people of sound mind. When the pilgrim feels himself impelled to take a lot, seeking enough provision to last him the whole journey without spoiling or going bad before he reaches his destination, the journey to the Hereafter is much longer and that the provision for it is true piety.

On putting off his normal clothes and wearing the clothes of Ihram, he should recall the shroud in which he will be wrapped for burial.

As the pilgrim utters the words of Talbiyah, he should bear in mind that this signifies a response to the summons of Allah, SWT, as it is stated in the Qur'an: “And proclaim the pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways” [Al-Hajj 21: 27].

On entering the Haram (the Sacred Precinct), he should be filled with hope of being spared the Punishment of Allah, and on beholding the Ka'abah, the pilgrim should be conscious in his heart of the majesty of the House, venerating it with such intensity that he seems to anticipate beholding the Lord of the House. He, further, should express his gratitude to Allah, for bringing him to this high degree, and for including him in the company of those who draw near to Him.

A lesson in courage and determination, which a devotee of Allah can draw from these clear signs and sacred relics, can hardly be available from any other source. Through the Tawaf, the rehearsal of a Mujahid's life consisting of the rituals of Hajj, which are combined with Solah or Prayer, fasting and Zakah, you will realize that these processes constitute a training or some big task which Islam wants Muslims to execute. For this reason, Hajj has been made compulsory for those who have paid all their debts and are capable of undertaking the journey to the Ka'abah so that, as far as possible, Muslims in the largest possible number remain equipped at every period after having fully gone through this training.

One should not suppose that the purpose of it is the physical circumbulation of the House. It is not a body rotating around another physical body. The true purpose is the circling of the heart around remembrance of the Lord of the House, making Allah (God) the center of his life. The heart should reach a point when consciousness begins with Allah alone and ends with Him alone, just as the circumbulation starts from a point around the House and ends at that same point. On touching the Black Stone, the pilgrim should believe that he is pledging allegiance to Allah, and vowing obedience to Him. He, also, has to make his resolve to be loyal to his oath, for the wrath of Allah is the traitor's due.

In front of the Al-Multazam, the pilgrim’s intention should be to draw close in love and yearning to the House and the Lord of the House, seeking grace through the contact and hoping for immunity from the Hell-Fire. At the same time, his intention should be earnestly to seek forgiveness and to beg for mercy, just as one who has sinned against another will cling to his clothes while imploring his pardon, demonstrating that he has no refuge or recourse except to his forgiveness.

Going between Safa and Marwah, the pilgrim should recall how he will oscillate between the two scales of the Balance at the site of Resurrection. Also, he demonstrates devotion to duty and hopes to be viewed with compassion, just like who enters the presence of a king and leaves without knowing whether the sovereign has decided to accept or to reject him. He keeps going back across the courtyard time after time, hoping to receive mercy the second time if not the first.

On standing at ‘Arafah, the pilgrim should - when he beholds the thronging crowds, hears the loud voices speaking in many tongues, and sees the various groups following their Imams through the ritual observances - recall the site of Resurrection, the gathering of the communities with their Prophets and leaders, each community following its Prophet, aspiring after the intercession, all wavering with equal uncertainty between rejection and acceptance.

As for Jamrah, throwing the pebbles, the pilgrim's purpose in this should be obedience to the Divine command, to demonstrate submissiveness and servitude and readiness to comply without any obvious rational of psychological justification.

When the pilgrim's eyes behold the wall of Madinah, he should remember that this is the town which Allah, Most High, chose for His Prophet SAW that he made it the goal of his migration, that this was his home. He should further envisage the footprints of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, as he went about the city and recall how he used to go about its streets, picturing to yourself his humility and his graceful gait.

On visiting Allah's Messenger, the pilgrim should feel in his heart his tremendous dignity and realize that he is aware of his presence, of his visit, and that he is receiving his greeting. The pilgrim, also, should imagine the noble form of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. All the aforementioned points serve as ethics to which every pilgrim should pay attention on embarking on this noble and lifetime journey.

The Reward of Hajj.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet SAW said:"The performance of one 'Umrah and another expiates and blots out all the sins committed in between, and Hajj Mabrur (Hajj performed typically according to the rules of the Qur'an and Sunnah) has no reward but Paradise." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

Ibn Juraij reports on the authority of Jabir that the Prophet SAW said:"This House of Allah, the Ka'abah is the pillar of Islam; so whosoever heads for it with the intention of performing Hajj or 'Umrah is under Allah's Protection. If he should die, during this journey, he will be admitted to Paradise, and if he should return home safely, he will return with reward and gain."

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet SAW said:"Whoever performs Hajj solely for Allah's Sake and, in the course of it, abstains from obscenity and disobedience, returns after Hajj as immaculate as a child just born." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

‘Amr Ibn Al-'Aas narrated: "When Allah guided me to Islam, I went to the Prophet SAW and said to him:

'O Messenger of Allah! Stretch out your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.' The Prophet SAW stretched out his hand to me, but I withdrew my hand, The Prophet asked, 'O ‘Amr! What is the matter with you?' I said: 'I would like to stipulate a condition!' The Prophet asked, 'What is that condition you want to stipulate?' 'It is that all my past sins be forgiven,' I said. The Prophet SAW said:'O ‘Amr! Do you not know that embracing Islam removes all the sins committed before it; that Hijrah (migration in Allah's Cause) wipes off all sins; and that performing Hajj blots out all one's past sins!"' (Muslim)

Ibn ‘Abdullah narrates that the Prophet SAW said:"Alternate between Hajj and 'Umrah, for these two remove poverty and obliterate sins just as the blacksmith's bellows removes all impurities from metals like iron, gold and silver. The reward for Hajj Mabrur (Hajj performed typically according to the rules of the Qur'an and Sunnah) is nothing short of Paradise." (An-Nasa’i & Tirmidzi)

Excerpted with modification, from Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidin, by Dar Al-Manarah for Translation, Egypt, 2001.

®Islamonline