The Sacrifice Prayer

clipped from www.eiduladha.com The Sacrifice Prayer nnee waj-jahtu wajhiya lilladhee fataras-samaawaati wal-arda haneefan wa maa ana minal-mushrikeen Inna salaatee wa nusukee wa mahyaaya wa mamaatee lillaahi rabbil-‘aalameen • Laa shareeka lahu wa bi dhalika umirtu wa ana aw-walul-muslimeen. Allaahumma minka wa laka Bismillaahi Allaahu akbar (Verily I divert my attention to the Lord Who has created the heavens and the earth: (I do so) as one by nature upright, and I am not of the idolaters. Truly my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah the Lord of the Worlds He has no partner and thus am I commanded and I am the first of those who surrender to Him. Oh Allah! (This sacrifice is) from You and for You; In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest!)

Eid Ul Adha Prayer

clipped from www.eiduladha.com Eid Ul Adha Prayer Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah).

What Is Eid UL Adha?

clipped from www.eiduladha.com What Is Eid Ul Adha? This very important Muslim holiday is celebrated at the end of Hajj, which is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ is followed by a ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, which pays homage to the Prophet Abraham’s(PBUH) unselfish act of sacrificing his son, Ishmael, to God. In turn, God spared the boy’s life and instead substituted a sheep. Now in remembrance, people sacrifice a lamb, goat, or other animal, and give the meat to family, friends, relatives, and most importantly, the poor. Eid-Ul-Adha is a four-day holiday and celebration. It commences on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah and is celebrated in a manner similar to Eid-Ul-Fitr. It starts with a special holiday prayer, performed in congregation in the Masjid (Mosque) or other suitable place. It is a time of celebration, of visiting family and friends and of thanking ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta'ala), for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Fasting is prohibited during these days.

Unsewn Clothes, Why?

clipped from www.islamonline.net Unsewn Clothes, Why? The Divine Legislator has commanded us not to wear sewn clothes and not to cover our heads so that one shows utter humbleness and surrender to Allah. Wearing these two pieces of cloth, man says to his Lord: “I have no control over my own affairs nor over any other thing in this world. It is You Who has control over everything. Here I am, bare of everything save for two pieces of cloth that cover my `Awrah (private parts).” It has another great significance that it makes the person like a newborn wrapped in a piece of cloth. This in fact is a sign of being in a dire need to Allah’s help and His guidance in every matter. A third secret is that wearing these two pieces, a pilgrim remembers the state of people on the Day of Judgment when all people will stand naked and barefooted to be reckoned by Allah and either punished or rewarded.

The Excellence of the Sacred Mosque

The wisdom behind the excellence of the Sacred Mosque is its being the first mosque established for people to head to from high and low to exalt the rituals of their religion and glorify their Lord. Almighty Allah says; "Lo! The first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Mecca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples. Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe." ( Al ' Imran : 96 ) Even birds in their nests, are safe while being in that Sacred place.

clipped from www.islamonline.net The Excellence of the Sacred Mosque Some Arabs used to commit murder and then hurry to enter that Sacred Mosque and put some wool around their necks as a reminder to any avenger that they are in the Sacred Mosque, and thus were never harmed. Many were the tyrants who tried to demolish this Sacred Mosque but none of them succeeded; rather, they never had a safe returning. The Owners of the Elephant were the best example of this, for Allah sent against them swarms of flying birds. Which pelted them with stones of baked clay. And made them like green crops devoured (by cattle).

Prescribing Hajj in This Time of the Year

clipped from www.islamonline.net Prescribing Hajj in This Time of the Year One should know that Allah, the Almighty, has the full right to prescribe and assign any time for the revelation of His mercy upon His faithful servants. In this way, Allah (Glorified be He) assigned Friday, the Night of Divine Decree and other times when Du`a’ (invocation) is to be answerable. The Hajj comes during the sacred months of the lunar calendar in which many blessings and sorts of mercy are being showered on the believers everywhere all over the globe. Thus, the possibility of obtaining these blessings and favors in Hajj during these months is duplicated. Indeed, Allah has never prescribed any hardship for His faithful believers. On the contrary, He made all and everything of great benefit for them.

Safa and Marwah: An Old History

clipped from www.islamonline.net Safa and Marwah: An Old History Safa and Marwah are the names of two mountain-hills where one of the most important rituals of Hajj is performed. A pilgrim goes between both of them as if searching for something that he lost. In the past, when she ran out of water, Hajar, wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, peace and blessings be upon him, went here and there between the two mountain-hills searching for water. Almighty Allah says: “Lo! (the mountains) Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the indications of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House (of God) or visiteth it, to go around them (as the pagan custom is). And he who doeth good of his own accord (for him), Lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware.” (Al-Baqara: 158) Also, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, says: “Go between Safa and Marwah, for Allah has obliged you to do so.”

On Way to the Holy Lands

clipped from www.islamonline.net On Way to the Holy Lands When a pilgrim leaves home, he realizes that he has left his whole family and property and migrated to Allah in a journey that differs from all other journeys. He should always remember his aim, his goal and his purpose. He is migrating to Allah, the Owner of the whole Universe and visiting Him in His Sacred House. This is a step towards the Hereafter when he will see His Lord, and be accepted by Him. No conceitedness or showing off should be there. It is just trust in Allah and complete surrender to Him. If it happens that he dies during the journey, how happy will he be in the Hereafter and how great will be his reward. Allah says: “Whoso migrateth for the cause of Allah will find much refuge and abundance in the earth, and whoso forsaketh his home, a fugitive unto Allah and His messenger, and death overtaketh him, his reward is then incumbent on Allah. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” (An-Nisa’: 100)

Kissing the Black Stone

The sun and the moon, though being mere inanimate things, represent many Devine secrets that the whole human life depends on them. This wisdom being represented by the sun and the moon is the same that exists in case of the Black Stone.

clipped from www.islamonline.net Kissing the Black Stone The Black Stone is one of the most important things related to the Sacred Mosque. Concerning it, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The Black Stone is the Right Hand of Allah in the land with which He shakes hands with His servants as a man shakes hands with his brothers.” `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is reported to kiss the Black Stone and say: “I know that you are just a stone that can neither harm nor benefit. Had it not been that I saw the Messenger of Allah kissing you, I would not have done so.” Then, he shed tears. Now, you have understood the wisdom behind kissing the Black Stone. Someone may say: “It is just a stone, where is the significance then?” We say: “Almighty Allah chooses some of His creatures to be the deposit of the secrets of His Wisdom and the sign of His Power.”

Ihram and Talbiyah from the Miqat

clipped from www.islamonline.net Ihram and Talbiyah from the Miqat When a pilgrim reaches the Miqat and embarks on uttering Talbiyah, he feels himself answering the call of the Almighty and fulfilling His obligation. There is a mixed feeling of hope and fear in his heart. There is also a feeling of utter surrender and dependence on Allah. Sufyan Ibn `Uyaynah said: “Ali Ibn Al-Husain, may Allah be pleased with both of them, performed Hajj. When he made Ihram and then rode his mount, he became pale and shivered and could not make Talbiyah. When asked about this, he said: ‘I fear that it is not accepted from me.’” Raising his voice with Talbiyah, a pilgrim remembers that he answers the call of the Almighty and that there will be another call on the Last Day, when people will be either accepted or refused, punished or rewarded, elevated or debased.

Hajj, Why?

clipped from www.islamonline.net Hajj, why? A person may say that Hajj has existed before Islam and goes back to the days of the Prophet Ibrahim, then we say that Hajj that existed before Islam was totally different from that introduced by Islam. Moreover, pagan Arabs added things to the rituals of Hajj that had never been there during the days of Ibrahim. It is also noteworthy that Muslims are the real heirs of Ibrahim and Islam is the true religion of Ibrahim, peace and blessings be upon him. Allah the Almighty says: “A right religion, the community of Abraham, the upright, who was no idolater.” (Al-An`am: 161) In addition to this spiritual benefit, there are many worldly benefits such as knowing the wealth of one another’s country and make industrial and agricultural projects together for the benefit of the whole Muslim Ummah. Furthermore, if there is any oppressed group of Muslims in any country, their Muslim brothers will be able to know their condition and help removing this oppression and saving this group.

Why Do Pilgrims Cling to the Ka ' bah Curtains?

clipped from www.islamonline.net Why Do Pilgrims Cling to the Ka`bah Curtains? The part of the Ka`bah between its door and Hajar ul Aswad (the Black Stone) is called Al-Mulatazam. This is a specially sacred part of the Ka`bah. It is recommended that, if possible, the pilgrim should touch the Ka`bah at Multazam and offer supplications to Allah. However, this is not a part of the official rites of Hajj. It is the habit of pilgrims to cling to the Ka`bah curtains and attach themselves to the Multazam in a way that show passion and love for the Sacred House and its Lord, Allah the Almighty. Through doing this, they seek Allah’s Blessing and Protection against Hell-fire that it might approach any part of their bodies. Thus, when anyone is honored with visiting the Ka`bah, he should cling to its curtains, seek Allah’s forgiveness and safety from Hell-fire and he should show complete submission to the Will of Allah the Almighty, the only One Who can give protection, safety, provision and forgiveness.

Throwing the Pebbles

For this, throwing the pebbles to stone Satan is a sign of following the act of Prophet Abraham, peace and blessing be upon him, and a way to degrade and humiliate Satan and show him that he is unable to misguide the pilgrim or drag him into the hole of sinning.
No doubt, all these are great pieces of wisdom meant for people who have sound understanding.

clipped from www.islamonline.net Throwing the Pebbles Throwing the pebbles is meant for stoning Satan, may Allah curse him. The pilgrims return to Mina on the 10th, and throw seven pebbles at a stone pillar that represents the devil. This symbolizes Ibrahim’s (Abraham) throwing stones at Satan when he tried to dissuade him from sacrificing his son, Isma`il. Then the pilgrims sacrifice a sheep, reminiscing the story of Ibrahim, who, in place of his son, sacrificed a sheep that Allah had provided as a substitute. The devil is a real malicious enemy to mankind in general and Muslims in particular; he wants to fetter and chain them with sins and disobedience and to do what may invalidate their pilgrimage through whispering to them as he tried to whisper to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim), peace and blessing be upon him. Satan does this only out of his anger and dissatisfaction of the mercies being showered on the pilgrims on that solemn occasion.

Spending the Night in Muzdalifah

clipped from www.islamonline.net Spending the Night in Muzdalifah The pilgrim spends the whole day walking towards Mina. In order for him to have some rest and to relieve himself, the Divine Legislator (Allah the Almighty) prescribed for him spend the night in Muzdalifah as a sign of mercy and pity for his labor all day long. It is a fact that Islam is the religion of mercy and easiness; Allah the Almighty never burdens a person with that which it cannot endure or carry out.

Standing in Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram

clipped from www.islamonline.net Standing in Al-Mash`ar Al-Haram Al-Mash`ar Al-Haram is the Valley between Muzdalifah and Mina, where pilgrims should make a Du`a’ after they have slept in Muzdalifah while they are going to Makkah to throw Jamrat Al-`Aqabah on the morning of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. The rationale behind this is that the Arabs during the Pre-Islamic period used to gather together in that arena to carry out literary competitions and discussions regarding lineage and dignity and other material values of this present life. However, with the advent of Islam, Allah the Almighty prescribed for Muslims standing in the same place but to do something better. That’s to stand in that very place to remember and glorify Allah the Almighty, the only and One Creator. In this way, they show their dignity and elevated status over the polytheists and to send them a clear message indicating that there is neither honor, nor dignity, nor glory save in Islam; in fact, this is a great piece of wisdom.

Complete Shaving of the Head

clipped from www.islamonline.net Complete Shaving of the Head Halq means the complete shaving of the head by the male pilgrim on the 10th of Zul Hijjah. This is the last thing he does before dissolving or getting out of the state of Ihram. For female pilgrims, the requirements of Halq and Taqseer (shortening one’s hair) are satisfied if they trim their hair by approximately half an inch. The rationale behind shaving the head is that before leaving the sacred places, the pilgrim should pay farewell for the Sacred House. Because of the solemnity of the Sacred House and its unlimited honor, one should pay it farewell while he is totally clean and completely far from filth and impurity. When a servant intends to pay farewell to his master, he is asked to do this while he is in the best of all forms. So, what about the one who intends to pay farewell to Allah the Almighty!

Arafah and the Day of Resurrection

clipped from www.islamonline.net `Arafah and the Day of Resurrection One should know that this place was always trodden by Allah’s Prophets, peace and blessing be upon them all, who used to adorn and worship Allah there. This act of worship was inherited by all Muslims all over the world in a way to follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Prophets, peace and blessing be upon them all, which is so essential in the religion of Islam. Also, the standing of Muslims on this mount chanting “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk,” which means “Here I am at Your service, O God, Here I am!” and asking Him for forgiveness is liable to make their Du`a’ (invocation) answerable in these times when they left their families and properties heading for answering Allah’s Call that was raised by Ibrahim, peace and blessings be upon him.

Significance of Pilgrimage ( Hajj )

clipped from www.islamonline.net Significance of Pilgrimage (Hajj) Submission to the One and Only God The Bond of Faith The diversity of the pilgrims reflects the diversity of all humankind Observing Ihram The pilgrim’s heart should be filled with reverence, fear, hope and love Supplication at the Mount of Arafat Visiting the City of God’s Messenger Muslims regard Prophet Muhammad to be the moral example and chosen guide for mankind. He is the last prophet who received the last Testament to complete the revelation of the Old and New Testaments that were revealed to the Prophets Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus). Visiting his tomb at Madinah is not an essential obligation to make Hajj valid or complete. Honoring him remains a matter of the heart, and a Muslim proves his love towards the Prophet by following his path of Islam. Pilgrimage is a journey of intensified devotion and a course of humanitarian interests