Resources for Hajj 2006

May I just mention that this post is very useful and beneficial Masha'Allah. Jazakillah to Sis Mujahidah an Nafs for coming up with the idea.
This post will be useful to only potential Hajees but for future ones insha'Allah.

It's so exciting to hear that there are some of you going for Hajj, the best journey of a lifetime. I pray that everyones Hajj is accepted and I pray that Allah subhana wa ta'ala accepts all your efforts. May He سبحانه وتعالى guide us all to His path. Ameen.

Please please remember all the muslim brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering from war, famine, poverty, drought, poor health, and if you have space please keep me and my loved ones in your duaas.

Wassalam

This does not incIude the musnun duas for everyday things i.e safar, wearing cIothes, Iooking into mirror , eating, sIeeping etc etc which we shouId know or try Iearning from others whisIt in hajj.

my 1rupee opinion dat iz

A Map of Hajj..if you understand better diagramatically I recommend the Al -Rashad maps on Hajj and Ziyarah..

Wassalamu aliakum wa rahmatullah

Once one of the mureeds of Shaikh Shibli; the great saint, came to visit him after having performed haj. The Shaikh asked him some questions. The mureed continues the story:

The Shaikh asked me: "Did you make a determined niyah for haj?"

I replied: "Yes I made a firm intention for performing haj."

Shaikh: "Together with having made a firm intention for haj; did you also have a firm niyah of forever giving up doing all those things you did since you were born that are opposed to the spirit of haj?"

I replied: "No, I did not."

Shaikh: "In that case you had no niyah for haj."

Then he said: "At the time of entering into the Ihraam; did you remove your clothing?"

I replied: "Yes, I did."

Shaikh: "At that time did you pledge to remove from you everthing save Allah?"

I replied: "No I did not."

Shaikh: "In that case you did not remove your clothing. Did you cleanse yourself by means of ghusl and wudhu?"

I replied: "Yes I did clean myself in that manner."

Shaikh: "At that time did you also become cleansed from all evil and faults?"

I replied: "No, that I cannot say."

Shaikh: "In that case you did not cleanse yourself. Did you recite labbaik?"

I replied: "Yes, I did recite lab'baik."

Shaikh: "Did you at that time hear the answers of lab'baik from Allah?"

I replied: "No, I received no reply."

Shaikh: "In that case what kind of Lab'baik did you recite? Did you enter the holy Haram?" (i.e. the area around Mecca.)

I replied: "Yes, I did."

Shaikh: "Did you at that time pledge to leave aside every Haraam (prohibited) act forever?"

I replied: "No, I did not."

Shaikh: Then you did not enter the area of the Haram Sharief at all. Did you visit Mecca?"

I replied: "Yes, I did."

Shaikh: "When you did, did you also see the Hereafter?"

I replied: "No, I did not see anything."

Shaikh: "Then you did not visit Mecca. Did you enter the Holy Mosque?"

I replied: "Yes, I did."

Shaikh: "Did you then, on entering feel the nearness of Allah?"

I replied: "No, I did not."

Shaikh: "Then you never actually entered the Masjid. Were you present at the Ka'bah?"

I replied: "Yes, I was."

Shaikh: "Did you then see that entity; due to which the Ka'bah is visited?"

I replied: "No, I saw nothing."

Shaikh: "Then you never saw the Ka'bah. Did you perform ramal at the time of tawaaf around the Ka'bah?" (Ramal signifies a running motion.)

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "Did you at that time flee from this world in such a manner that you felt you were completely out of this world?"

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "In that case you did not perform ramal. Did you place your hands on the black stone and kiss it?"

I replied: "Yes, I did."

The Shaikh then became very pale and greatly frightened, so much so that a shriek passed from him and he said; "Woe unto you: Rasulullah has said: `Whoever places his hands on the black stone, is like him who actually shook hands with Allah; and whoever shakes the hand of Allah shall in every way remain safe from all things'. Did you then feel anything about that security?"

I replied: "No, I did not."

Shaikh: "Then you did not touch the black stone. Did you perform two rak'ahs at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim?"

I replied: "Yes, I did."

Shaikh: "You were at that particular time placed on a high rank by Allah; did you carry out what is due for that high rank; for which you stood there?"

I replied: "No, I did nothing."

Shaikh: "In that case you did not perform salaah at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim. Did you perform Sa'ee between Safaa and Marwa; and did you ascend the Safaa?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "And what did you do there?"

I replied: "I recited takbeer, thrice; and prayed to Allah to accept my haj."

Shaikh: "Did the angels also recite the takbeer with you, and did you have any knowledge of the significance of your own takbeers?"

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "Then you actually did not recite the takbeer. Did you descend from Safa?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "When you descended; did you feel all evil and every weakness departing from you, and inner cleanliness entering yourself?"

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "Then you never ascended Safa nor descended from it. Did you run between Safa and Marwa?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "At that time of running, did you feel yourself running away from everything else; besides Allah; and reaching Him?" (Referring to the Qur'aanic verse; Surah Shu'ra;

Translation: `And I fled from you when I feared You', and Allah in another place also says:

Translation: `And flee towards Allah'.)

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "Then you never ran. Did you ascend Marwa?"

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "In that case you never reached Muzdalifah. Did you perform Qurbani at Mina?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "Did you then sacrifice your own self?"

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "Then you performed no Qurbani. Did you perform Rami?" (Pelting the Shaytaan).

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "With every stone that you threw, did you feel yourself shaking off you every form of ignorance and feel your knowledge increasing?"

I replied: "No." Shaikh: "Then you did not actually perform Rami. Did you perform the Tawaaf-uz-Ziyaarah?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "Did you experience any spiritual enlightenment at that time, and from Allah did honour and respect descend upon you? for Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said: `One who performs haj, or one who performs umrah is Allah's guest; and when a visitor visits someone it is only correct that he should be honoured'."

I replied: "No, I experienced nothing."

Shaikh: "Then you never actually performed Tawaaf-uz-Ziyaarah. Did you then release yourself from ihraam?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "Did you at that time promise to adhere to strictly Halaal earnings at all times?"

I replied: "No." Shaikh: "In that case you did not become Halaal (released from ihraam). Did you perform the farewell tawaaf?"

I replied: "Yes."

Shaikh: "Did you then say a complete farewell to your whole self, your desires and passions?"

I replied: "No."

Shaikh: "Then you did not perform Tawaaful Widaa. Go back and perform haj again; and perform it in the manner which I have described to you."

I have related this lengthy conversation from fazaiIEhajj to illustrate what type of Hajj the saintly ones do perform. May Allah Ta'ala in His infinite grace and mercy grant us all that type of hajj.

HAJJ AS A PICTURE OF DEATH

Let us see how haj depicts death and the hereafter. A haaji leaves his home, bids farewell to all his dear ones and relatives; and departs from them just before he sets off alone. From there he proceeds to another country (as if into another world) leaving behind all those things to which he had been attached and with which he occupied most of his time; his house, his family, his farm, his orchards and the company of his friends. Death is the same. Therefore, when a person dies he leaves behind all this, his home, family, friends, country and everything that he loves. Such should the haajis thoughts be when leaving for the house of Allah, that in the same way as he is now leaving all worldly things behind for a short period of time, that time shall soon come when without a choice he shall have to leave them forever.

After that, the haaji mounts his camel, his horse, or boards the train, which begins to move him further and further away from his house and dear ones. So will his dear ones, relatives and friends lift his Janazah. Having lifted it to their shoulders they will begin to move him further and further away from everything that he loved. So he departs like the Janazah being carried to the grave.

Some would come to bid farewell at home, some will go as far as the station and the real faithful ones may even go further; up to the boat. The position of the deceased and his friends is similar to that. Some may come only to the house to have a last look at him. Others will go a short way for the Janazah prayers. The real friends will go as far as the grave, to place him inside and fill the grave with soil. The latter are like those faithful ones who will bid farewell at the docks or airport.

However on the boat (as well as in the grave) only those will accompany him, who could have been of assistance to him in this life only, whether that be a friend, a relative or wealth. With regard to the journey, some companions are such that at all times they will see to his comfort and happiness, thereby making the journey a happy and pleasant one. Others will be so ill-tempered and quarrelsome that at every step they will make his journey a most unpleasant ordeal. Exactly so are the circumstances of the deceased one. With him will remain his deeds which will abide with him till the end. His good deeds will indeed cause him great comfort and pleasure on the journey to the hereafter, (Aakhirah), and his evil deeds will indeed cause him severe pain and suffering. The good deeds will remain with us in the grave in the form of a most handsome person, while evil deeds will remain with us in the grave in the form of an exeedingly ugly and fearsome person.

The greatest comfort a haaji enjoys in haj comes from the money and provisions which are acquired by him before his departure. Likewise, the greatest comfort one enjoys in the life after death is that which comes from the good deeds performed before his death. Sometimes, in haj a person urgently requires more money; and you can imagine how happy one becomes if that which he needs urgently is sent to him by some near relative or friend. How thankful is one at that time? Similarly, how thankful will the deceased be if after his demise his relatives, his friends or his children give charity, or recite the Qur'aan etc; and pray for the rewards and blessings of that to be conveyed to him. These will surely reach him; because that is what our Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said. [In the next stage the haaji then has to pass through many perilous and unpleasant things. Thieves may rob him, ill-tempered government officials will search his luggage, query his documents, etc. All these experiences remind us of various scenes of the grave as when Munkar and Nakeer will come to question us; our Imaan will be tested; snakes and scorpions and various insects will be in the grave to punish us. In addition to this each one will have the book of his deeds with him.]

The Qur'aan says: "Every man's fate we have fastened on his own neck." (Surah Bani Isra'eel 13)

Certainly, many a well-to-do haaji; instead of having to go through all these bitter and unpleasant experiences goes through the normal passport, immigration and customs formalities unharassed; and experiencing no inconvenience reaches Hijaaz (his destination) in a short time. Likewise, those who toiled in this world and successfully accumulated many good deeds will not even feel the ordeal of being put to test by the questioning of Munkar and Nakeer; nor will they suffer other punishments of the grave on the journey to their destination - the Aakhirah, which he will similarly reach in a short time. Then until Qiyaamah he will rest in great comfort like a bride on her first night delighted and happy: completely unaware of the hardships surrounding her. [Then again for the haaji in the next stage the two white cloths worn by him as ih'raam should always bring to mind the kafn he is to wear one day.] When Labbaik (I am at Thy service; I am present) is being uttered aloud by him, he, the haaji, should remember the day of Qiyaamah when all people will be called by the angel who will blow the horn, to assemble before Allah for reckoning.

Entering Mecca is entrance into that realm where Allah's mercy is sought and assured. Yet, on account of our misdeeds we should be uneasy and overcome with grief; that we do not find peace even in a place of peace; but Mecca is a place of peace and security. Therefore, throughout the stay in Mecca we are reminded constantly of the fact that this place that offers peace to us is wholly due to the mercy and favours of Allah Ta'aala. Looking at the Ka'bah should again bring to mind the sighting of the Master of the Ka'bah on the day of Qiyaamah. For this reason, looking at the Ka'bah should be done with great fear and respect, as in the case of watching a great king at the time of entering his court. Tawaaf of the Ka'bah brings to mind those angels who continuously make tawaaf around Allah's throne at all times and will continue doing so. When the haaji holds the drapery of the Ka'bah with tears flowing down his cheeks, throwing himself against the Multazam, it calls to mind the picture of a sinner having sinned against a most kind, noble and generous Master. He now comes to that Master, holding onto His clothes, throwing himself down before Him, and tearfully begs for mercy and forgiveness. This brings to mind how one will weep for one's sins on the day of Qiyaamah.

When a haaji runs to and fro between the Safa and Marwa, it calls to mind those who will go running from place to place on the plain of Hash'r (assembly) on the day of Qiyaamah.

Translation: "They will come forth - their eyes humbled -from their graves; like locusts scattered abroad." (Surah al Qamar- 7.)

In my opinion this is what the Saee signifies. The story is told in full detail in the hadith, that on the day of Qiyaamah, when all people will be greatly perplexed and worried as a result of unbearable and intensive hardships, and sufferings, they will decide to run to the prophets, for them to intercede on their behalf because of being the near ones of Allah, having no blemishes, being pure of sin and transgression.

They will go first to Aadam AS. and say: "You are our father. Allah created you with His own hands. He caused the angels to perform sajda before you, and taught you the names of all the things... ; Please intercede to Allah on our behalf." He will say: "No I cannot, for what shall I answer when asked about eating of the forbidden tree?" Go to Nooh AS.

More worried now than ever, people will then run to Nooh AS.; and he too shall reply: "I cannot intercede on your behalf because at the time of the storm (deluge) I asked an unwarranted question to save my son. Go to Ibrahim AS."

He too will excuse himself saying: "Go to Moosa AS." Moosa AS. too will excuse himself, saying: "Go to Eisa AS." Verily he also will ask to be excused; and he will refer them to Muhammad [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] then he, our Holy Prophet [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] will open the doors of intercession (Shafaa'ah). The hadith is long, but I only wish to illustrate the happening on that day, when people greatly worried, will run from one to the other. What a trying day it will be!

What else can Arafaat signify other than the Mah'shar - the plain where the reckoning shall take place? There at Arafaat we see them all on one plain, with the sun shining from above. We see them begging for mercy, fearful of their sinful acts. Qiyaamah will also be similar, only that it will be much more frightening and horrifying. In my humble opinion the thing that one should especially ponder over is the treaty made with Allah, before time itself was created by Him.

Long before the creation of mankind, Allah took an oath from the souls of all human beings ever to appear on earth. In the words of the Qur'aan Allah inquired from them: "Am I not your Sustainer?"; they replied: "Yes."

In Mishkaat we find a hadith related from Musnad Ahmad that Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said: "This oath was taken at Arafaat." In my personal opinion the day of Arafaat should remind us of that covenant. The greatest though should be given to this at Arafaat. What pledge was taken from us; and to what extent did we fulfill the promise.

From Arafaat the journey is towards Muzdalifah and Mina. Imaam Ghazaali RA states that this vast crowd moving in their thousands, pleading in their different languages, behind their own Imaams, each busy in his own activities brings to mind the picture of Qiyaamah even more vividly. There too we shall see them greatly perplexed, worried and in their great fear and anxiety we shall see them also behind their own prophets, moving from place to place. Hence the haaji should adopt the greatest humbleness and humility at these stations.

That is how haj appears as a picture of Qiyaamah. A symbolic representation of what is to come to each of us. When we look at haj in this light numerous details of it become clear and understandable.

1. Make sure you have enough money

2. Valid Passport and Visa. The Saudi Government requires that visas be obtained from countries of origin. If you are born in the UK or other non-Muslim country, you should have a certificate showing that you are a Muslim, especially if the passport does not show a Muslim name.

3. Buy your Ihram and learn how to put it on and be comfortable doing it so as to avoid any embarrassing

4. Make sure you have vaccinations in time and that your air ticket is a round trip one.

5. Muslim females must have a Mahram to travel with. A Mahram is a male member of your immediate family: a father, a husband, a son or a brother and because he will have to go to Makkah and Madina, he should also be a Muslim.

6. Do not plan to go alone. Find a local or national group. It is better if such a group included a learned person and people who have made Hajj before.

7. Learn how to make Hajj. Read and educate yourself. Try to attend a workshop by a local community center to understand the rules and regulations about the day-to-day activities of Hajj. Talk to people who have experienced Hajj. Buy Hajj guide books and take them with you. Make sure you get answers to anything you don't understand.

8. Get some safety pockets and a safety belt to keep your money and documents with you. It is good to always keep them with you.

9. Do not worry about finding food or having to cook. In Makkah you can find all types of food. So, do not take any with you.

10. If you are sick or need certain medication, take it with you. Medicine, however, is plenty over there. You can find it in hospitals and you can buy it from pharmacies. Most medicine can be obtained without physician prescriptions.

11. Remember that your goal is to have your Hajj accepted and to be forgiven for all of your sins. To do that, you have to busy yourself in Ibadah. Don't worry about what you see wrong from other Muslims. Worry about what you do and whether Allah will accept your Hajj performance or not.

12. Be patient as much as you can. Makkah and Madinah are going to be over crowded. More so, in Ka'abah during Tawaf, and in Sa'i. Remember that more than a million Muslim are going to be there at the same place doing the same rites. So, whenever you have see someone who is ignorant or does not respect others, take it easy and move to a different spot.

13. Avoid heavy crowds as much as you can. Serious accidents can happen. You may get hurt. And to keep your Hajj in good standing you should not be in a position in which you cause harm to others.

14. In Mina and Arafat, you will be living in tents. Try to identify the number and the direction of tents so that you can make it back without a lot of trouble. This is very important to do because tents and streets look identical and people can easily get confused and be lost.

just want to say, wow!! (alhamdolillah), you muftisays users have some powerful duas. my agent is back today, insha'allah.
and apparently with more seats than asked for!!

so jazakallah to all that did remember him in you humble duas.
insha'allah, i will remember all of you guys in my duas while in both of the blessed lands.

I love that Story with Sheikh and mureed one I advise to take with you to hajj and reflex over when there.

does anyone know why this page has gone wide??

sorry, quick question to anyone,

virtues of hajj - is the author Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya Khan?

coz when someone earlier said it was by sheikh Zakarriyah, i assumed it was another one, not the above mentioned sheikh.

please let me know soon as i am on the verge of purchasing this book.

Yes, please refer to Azhar Website. The book is part of the whole Fazaaile Amal Series used by Tabligh Jamaat.

www.azharacademy.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=340