Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku walahul-hamdu wahuwa ‘ala kulli shay-in qadeer

(There is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allaah, alone, without any partners, to Him belongs the Kingdom, and all-praise is due to Him, and He is able to do all things).

Source : Hajj and Tawheed by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh ( Pg 25)

Fasting on Arafah for Different Moon Sighting Countries

As we in India are keen to fast on the day of ‘Arafah, but the Hijri date in India is different from the date in Saudi: when the date in India is the 8th of the month, it is the 9th in Saudi. Should I fast on the 8th – which is the 9th in Saudi – or should I fast according to the date in India?

Source : Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen ,Majmoo’ al-Fataawa

These are the type of question arrive every time when Ramadan comes or the day of Arafah comes Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: what if the day of ‘Arafah is different because of the moon being sighted at different times in different countries? Should we fast according to the moon sighting in the country where we are or according to the moon sighting in al-Haramayn (the two Holy Sanctuaries)?

He replied: This is based on a difference of opinion among the scholars: Is there only one moon sighting for the whole world or does it vary according to when the moon rises in different places?

The correct view is that it varies according to when the moon rises in different places. For example, if the moon is sighted in Makkah, and today is the ninth, and it is sighted elsewhere one day before Makkah, and the day of ‘Arafah in Makkah is the tenth for them, it is not permissible for them to fast on this day because it is Eid. Similarly if it so happens that they sight the moon after Makkah, and the 9th in Makkah is the 8th for them, then they should fast the day that is the 9th for them, which is the 10th in Makkah. This is the correct view, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) fast and when you see it break your fast.” Those who did not see the moon in their own location have not seen it. Just as people are unanimously agreed that the times for dawn and sunset vary according to their own location, so too the months are also worked out by location, just like the daily timings. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20.

And he (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about some people who worked in the Saudi embassy in a foreign country, who said that they were having a problem concerning the fast of Ramadaan and the fast on the day of ‘Arafah. The brothers there had split into three groups:

One group said: we will fast with Saudi and break the fast with Saudi.

Another group said: we will fast with the country where we are living and break the fast with them.

The last group said: we will fast Ramadaan with the country where we are living, but we will fast the day of ‘Arafah with Saudi.

They asked the Shaykh to provide them with a detailed answer concerning the Ramadaan fast and fasting the day of ‘Arafah, whilst noting that for the past five years, in the country where they were living neither Ramadaan nor the day of ‘Arafah had been observed on the same days as in Saudi; their Ramadaan started one or two days after it had been announced in Saudi, and sometimes three days after.

He replied:

In the name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed concerning the issue when the moon is sighted in one part of the Muslim world and not in another: do all the Muslims have to act on the basis of that, or only those who sighted it and the people who live in the same region, or only those who sighted it and the people who live under the same government? There are many different points of view.

The most correct view is that the matter should be referred to those who have knowledge of it. If the moon rises at the same point for two countries they become like one country, so if it is sighted in one of them that ruling applies to the other. But if the rising points differ, then each country has its own ruling. This is the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him); this is the apparent meaning of the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and what is implied by analogy.

In the Qur’aan it says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of
days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most
Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

What is implied by this verse is that whoever does not see it is not obliged to fast.

In the Sunnah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) then fast, and when you see it, break your fast.” What is implied by this hadeeth is that if we did not see it we are not obliged to fast or to break the fast.

With regard to analogy, the times for starting and ending the fast each day should be worked out in each country on its own, according to the local times of sunrise and sunset. This is a point on which there is scholarly consensus. So you see the people in east Asia starting their fast before the people of west Asia, and breaking their fast before them, because dawn breaks for the former before the latter, and the sun sets for the former before the latter.

Once this is established with regard to the times for starting and ending the daily fast, it also applies to the start and end of the monthly fast. There is no difference between them.

But if many regions come under the same government, and the ruler gives the command for the fast to start or end, then his command must be followed, because this is a matter of scholarly dispute but the command of the ruler dispels that dispute.

Based on the above, you should fast and break your fast along with the people of the country where you are living, whether that is in accordance with your country of origin or not. Similarly on the day of ‘Arafah you should follow the country where you are living.

by Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, 28/8/1420 AH. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 19.

The Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims make at least once in their lifetimes, began today amid heavy rains, BBC News. Pilgrims from Egypt were required to receive the H1N1 swine flu vaccine before beginning the journey, Voice of America. Complete coverage from CNN.

The Bariyapur festival, a celebration of Gadhimai, a Hindu goddess of power that is held every 5 years, has begun in Nepal. Over 200,000 animal sacrifices will be conducted during the festival. The festival has grown in recent years in Nepal because many of its neighboring countries have banned animal sacrifice, Associated Press.

The death toll from the pre-election massacre in the Philippines has risen to 57. A group was going to register file election paperwork for the office of governor of Maguindanao for  Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu. Mangudadatu’s wife and sisters were among the group as well at least 12 journalists. Mangudadatu had been warned not to file the papers himself, CNN.

U.S. President Barack Obama will give a speech on Tuesday, December 1 about U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan. Obama is expected to announce that he will send more American troops to Afghanistan, Reuters.

The annual season of Hajj is now under way. Every Muslim who is financially capable is required by the Koran – the Muslim holy scripture – to make the pilgrimage at least once is his lifetime…. From VOA. Full story

This site may contain information about: recession special. The blog is also related to: current recession.

Heavy rainstorms have hampered the start of the annual Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj, in the Saudi city of Mecca…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: populated city. The blog is also related to: cities mayors.

As salaamu ‘alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh ikhwaan,

Plz. check this out before Eid ul Adha to get a fair idea about this topic:

http://alifta.com/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Tree&NodeID=126&PageNo=1&BookID=10

http://fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=sc&sc=15&c=2

http://alifta.com/Fatawa/FatawaDetails.aspx?View=Page&PageID=3753&PageNo=1&BookID=7 – click the "next" link on the bottom to go through all the fataawa on this topic. If you click on the section "Ud-hiyah" in the above link, you will NOT be able to see all the fataawa.

Hajj Akbar & Yaum-ul-Hajjil-Akbar

alifta.com

Q 1: what is the meaning of the “Day of the Greatest Hajj” and the “Greatest Hajj”? Are they synonymous? Or, do they differ in meaning? Are they both in the Glorious Qur’an and authentic Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet)?

The greatest day of Hajj is the Day of Sacrifice, which is the tenth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Abu Dawood narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up on the day of Sacrifice during the Hajj that he performed and said: “What day is this?” They said, “the Day of Sacrifice.” He said, “This is the greatest day of Hajj.” Sunan Abi Dawood, 1945; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1700.

Al-Bukhaari (369) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) sent me amongst the announcers to proclaim in Mina on the Day of Sacrifice, “After this year no mushrik is allowed to perform Hajj or to circumambulate the House naked.”

The Day of Sacrifice is called the greatest day of Hajj because during that night there is the standing at ‘Arafah and staying overnight in al-Mash’ar al-Haraam, and during that day there is the stoning of the Jamrah, offering the sacrifice, shaving the head, tawaaf and saa’i, which are all actions of Hajj. The day of Hajj refers to the time and the description of greatest refers to the actions done at that time. The greatest day of Hajj is mentioned in the Qur’aan where Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And a declaration from Allaah and His Messenger to mankind on the greatest day (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah — the 12th month of Islamic calendar)”

[al-Tawbah 9:3]

And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta’, 11/221

PS: If Arafat is on a Friday, then many describe it as Hajj Akbar (Big Hajj). There is no big or small Hajj. There is only one Hajj. Every year is Hajj Akbar. The 10th day of Dhul Hijja is described in The Qur’an as Yaum-ul-Hajjil-Akbar.

Check the related Fatwa :

The Day of ‘Arafah (9 Dhul-Hijjah) falling on a Friday

From SalafiTalk.net:

The Major Hajj (al-Hajjul-Akbar)

Aboo Daawood reported a hadeeth (no.1945) from Ibn ‘Umar- radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa- that Allaah’s Messenger- sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam- stood, on the Day of Sacrifice, between the stoning places- during the Hajj which he performed, and he said :

<< This is the day of the Major Hajj (al-Hajjul-Akbar).>>

Shaikh al-Albaanee said: ”Saheeh  ..Reported by al-Bukhaaree in discontinuous form.”

Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim said, commenting upon Aayah 3 of Soorah Baraa.ah (Sooratut-Tawbah):

”The Qur.aan has clearly stated that the announcement occurred on the Day of the Major Hajj, and there is no disagreement about the fact that the announcement took place on the day of sacrifice in Minaa. So this is a decisive proof that the day of the major Hajj is the Day of Sacrifice…” ['`Awnul Ma'bood':5/420].

As for the Day of ‘Arafah falling upon the day of Jumu’ah, then that is when two ‘Eids combine- as happened during the Hajj of the Prophet- sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam- , and as was indicated in the famous statement of ‘Umar radiyallaahu ‘anhu- to the Jew, concerning the sending down of Aayah 3 of Sooratul-Maa.idah.

By Aboo Talhah Daawood ibn Ronald Burbank

http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=5761

CNN’s Isha Sesay explains why millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to the Hajj each year.

By Daniela Deane, CNN

London, England (CNN) — Forget stampedes, fires and terrorist attacks. The big fear this year concerning the Hajj, the annual millions-strong pilgrimage to Mecca, is swine flu.

Swine flu has already killed four pilgrims this year, Saudi Arabia’s health ministry announced Saturday, almost a week before the pilgrimage’s peak.

Three of the victims — a woman from Morocco and men from Sudan and India — were in their seventies. The fourth was a 17-year-old girl from Nigeria.

The Health Ministry said none had been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus — despite their recommendations — and all had underlying health problems, including cancer and respiratory illness. A ministry spokesman said more than two dozen other cases had been detected among arriving pilgrims.

Latest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) show the virus has killed 6,750 people worldwide.

Skittish health officials in Saudi Arabia have worked hard to quell fears that the pilgrimage — the biggest yearly congregation of people in the world — will contribute to the global spread of the virus, inviting international health experts to make recommendations and screening pilgrims as they arrive.

During the climax of the pilgrimage, crowds can reach a density of up to seven people every 10 square feet — the perfect storm of flu transmission.

The kingdom, though, stopped short of imposing any travel bans to Saudi Arabia, which earns billions of dollars a year from the pilgrimage.

“Hajj is a major responsibility [for us],” Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, security spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of the Interior, told CNN. “We are prepared for everything.”

Performing the Hajj by traveling to Mecca and Medina is an obligation for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it at least once during their lifetime. Al-Turki said up to three million are expected this year.

The Hajj season — dates vary depending on the sighting of the new moon — peaks between Wednesday and Saturday this year, just as the winter flu season gets underway in the Northern hemisphere.

Dr. Ziad Memish, deputy Saudi Health Minister, told CNN the kingdom invited 25 international experts, including specialists from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and the WHO, to advise them on how to deal with the pandemic. He said the team inspected airports, seaports, and other facilities and strategies Saudi Arabia had set up to deal with any outbreak.

Memish said the CDC recommended setting up a mobile alert system used in the Hurricane Katrina disaster in the U.S. where mobile devices will document any suspected flu cases via GPS to a command center at the Ministry of Health.

He said the experts also recommended the country continue using thermal screening at arrival points to test pilgrims for fevers. If a pilgrim exhibits symptoms, they will be quarantined until the symptoms disappear.

Memish told CNN a team from the CDC will be staying throughout the Hajj to help the government deal with any problems.

Saudi health authorities ordered 11 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine, giving priority to government workers working at the Hajj. They recommended pilgrims be vaccinated before coming — although clearly, many have not complied.

Hundreds of people have died in recent years in stampedes, fires and demonstrations. The biggest stampede killed 1,426 people in 1990 in a tunnel leading to a holy site.

Political extremism has also claimed lives.

In 1979, 151 people were killed and more than 500 wounded after Saudi security forces stormed the Grand Mosque in Mecca to free pilgrims held hostage by Islamist militants. In 1987, 402 people were killed, according to Saudi official figures, when security forces tried to break up an anti-U.S. demonstration by Iranian pilgrims.

During the Hajj, pilgrims throw stones at pillars representing the devil. They circle a black holy stone in Mecca’s Grand Mosque seven times. They ready themselves by abstaining from sex, hunting, killing or arguing.

The stoning has proved the most dangerous of the rituals. But bridges have been built at four levels at the site to help prevent a recurrence of fatal stampedes, Al-Turki told CNN.

Al-Turki said the Saudis depend on “a lot of technology” to monitor the crowds, including CCTV cameras and an early warning system that constantly measures the density of crowds in different locations.

He said U.S.-made Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, introduced last year, monitor the crowd situation from above, sending pictures back to command and control centers.

He said new fire-resistant tents have drastically cut down the number of fires.

This year, though, the Saudis are more worried about flu than anything else.

In a bid to stem any outbreak, Deputy Health Minister Memish said a religious Fatwa has been issued saying face masks are acceptable this Hajj, as are alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Usually, stitched clothes are prohibited on the body as is all contact with alcohol.

Not all pilgrims have gotten the news though.

“You can’t wear something to cover your face for the women,” said pilgrim Lateefa Khan, traveling to Mecca from the U.S. “The face has to be shown.”

Despite the flu fears, Khan said she’s thrilled to be going.

“I am leaving my kids behind so I can concentrate fully on doing Hajj,” she told CNN. “I’m looking forward to focusing all my time on worshipping.”

Amir Ahmed contributed to this report.

The intent of this document is to bring to the attention of the readers of this blog the great spiritual benefits of the blessed nights and days of the Sacred month of Dhul Hijjah.  One is encouraged to derive benefit from  practicing the prescribed acts of worship.

Virtues of the Sacred Month of Dhul Hijjah

Source: www.IECRCna.org

Muslims from all over the world are now performing the pilgrimage of Hajj, the journey that every Muslim hopes to achieve at least once during his or her lifetime.  During Hajj global Muslims will perform the rites of Hajj in the Holy Cities of both Makkah and Medina.  Among the vast millions of global pilgrims will also be Israeli muslims.  Although Saudi Arabia and Israel do not sustain diplomatic relations, in the case of Hajj there is no discrimination based on ones nationality.

In addition to the highlighted article written by Rachel Kliger of Media Line, the following short video clip also explains how Israel’s muslims are able to perform this significant pillar of Islam:

Just prior to posting I received an update from Rachel with statistics on the number of Israeli Muslims performing Hajj this year.   Ahmad Juma provided the following link, from an Israeli-Arab newspaper:

The link list of all the names of people doing the Hajj this year, and where they are from in Israel.

According to figures from two organizations that help arrange the Hajj (Salam Association for the Hajj and Umra, and the Association for Israeli Arab and Muslim Hajj Pilgrims), there will be around 4,500 Israeli Muslims carrying out the Hajj this year, and many of them already departed for Saudi Arabia a week ago.

Thanks again to Rachel for bringing this topic to my attention and acquring current statistics.

We are in the midst of the first 10 days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Doing good deeds in them is better than in any of the other days of the year. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The companions asked: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything” (Narrated by Bukhari).
 
It is highly recommended that we all increase in doing good deeds and extra voluntary acts of worship during these 10 blessed days so we can make the best out of them and gain Allah’s reward.
 
These 10 days are so important and blessed that Allah swore by them in the Quran in the beginning of Surah Al-Fajr. It is in these 10 days that all the pillars of Islam are being performed, because it is the time of the year for Hajj, along with the other pillars like Salah, Fasting, and Zakah also being performed. So insha’Allah, we should strive to start that month with sincere repentance to Allah and exert ourselves in doing as much good deeds as we can.
 
Here are a few of the possible good deeds that one can do, along with a few other things to keep in mind:

1) Fasting:
We should try to fast as much of the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah as possible, since fasting is a virtuous deed, and even more so during these days. As prophet Muhammad peace be upon him says: “Allah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.’” (Narrated by Bukhari).
It was the Sunnah of the prophet to increase in fasting during these blessed days. However, fasting all of the first 9 days is not compulsory, nor was it a constant sunnah that the prophet peace be upon him never dropped. But insha’Allah, increase in your fasting during these first 9days because the reward and virtues of fasting are numerous, such as the du’a or supplication of the fasting person is accepted, fasting is a means of attaining Taqwah, and it also is a protection from Hell-fire, as prophet Muhammad peace be upon him says: “Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will keep his face seventy years’ distance away from the Fire because of it.”(Narrated by Muslim).
 
2) The Day of ‘Arafah:
The day of ‘Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (which will be on Thursday, November 26),and it is the day when the pilgrims (performing Hajj) stand in worship on the mountain of ‘Arafah.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’” (Narrated by Muslim).
Whether you decide to fast most of the first 9 days, or you decide to just fast only one day out of the nine, make sure that you fast on the day of ‘Arafah which is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (which will be on Thursday, November 26), because when prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, he said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” (Narrated by Muslim). Therefore, it is highly recommended to fast on the day of ‘Arafah for those who are not going on Hajj. 
The day after ‘Arafah, the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, is the day of Eid Al-Adha which is also called the day of Nahr (slaughtering), and the next three days after Eid (the 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul Hijjah) are called the days of Tashreeq. The day of Eid and the three days of Tashreeq after it are days of celebration and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) forbade fasting on these days and said: “Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” (Narrated by Ahmad; Classed as Saheeh by Sheikh Albani).

3) The Udhiyah (Sacrifice):
One of the righteous deeds that brings one closer to Allah is slaughtering an animal for the sake of Allah, and this is highly recommended sunnah for those who can afford it (some scholars even said it is mandatory to offer the sacrifice for those who are able to afford it), because the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to offer a sacrifice every year for the 10 years while he was in Medina, as narrated by the companion Abdullah ibn Omar may Allah be pleased with them both. The time for slaughtering the animal begins after the Eid Prayer on the day of Eid and lasts until the end of the three days of Tashreeq after Eid.
For those who plan to sacrifice (usually, the head of the household), then they are prohibited to cut their hair or nails from the 1st day of Dhul Hijjah until they offer the sacrifice. This is only for the one who plans on performing the sacrifice and not for his entire family, and it applies the same to both men and women. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Once the tendays start, for those of you who have the intention to sacrifice, let them not cut any of their hair or nails (until they sacrifice).” (Narrated by Muslim).
[Note: If you have the habit of biting your nails, this might be the perfect way to help you break that habit during these great 10 days!] 
If you plan on performing the sacrifice, also make sure to pick a mature and healthy animal that is free from any flaws that you will slaughter. When slaughtering the animal, it is sunnah to say: “Bismillah, wa Allahu akbar” (which means “In the name of Allah, Allah is most great).

4) Other Deeds:
Some other good deeds that we can do during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are:
*Increase in Dhikr and remembering Allah frequently, like saying the Takbeer at any time throughout the day. One of the forms of the Takbeer is “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi’l-hamd” (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise).  Keep in mind that the Takbeer should be done out loud but on an individual basis and without saying it in unision as a group as this is not from the sunnah.
*Doing Istighfaar and repenting sincerely to Allah from all our sins, and staying away from committing any more sins during these 10 days.
*Increase in giving charity.
*Do more of the voluntary acts of worship like extra prayers throughout the day and at night.
*Pray the 5 obligatory daily prayers early on time and with tranquility, and if you are able to then pray them in congregation at the Masjid.
*Any other good deed that you can think of !!
*Remember to attend the Eid prayer on the day of Eid (the 10th day of Dhul Hijja), as the prophet ordered everyone, men, women, and kids, to attend the Eid prayer.

How Much Do You Know About the Hajj?

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Islam/Quiz/How-Much-Do-You-Know-About-the-Hajj.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=14&ppc=&utm_campaign=Muslim&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter

On Saturday, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid Al-Adha also called Eid Al-Kbir, some translate it as Festival of the Sacrifice, and others call it the Sheep Feast.  Either I haven’t gotten out much lately, or the signs of one of the biggest Muslim holidays (you know, one of two) haven’t been apparent until recently.  I’m comparing to last year when at least a month before you couldn’t miss that it was coming.  We finally saw the makeshift tents selling barbeques and straw, and watched as little white trucks hauled single and double sheep from one place to another.  We can hear the baaah’s of the sheep around the neighborhood and see them being carted and pulled into homes.  The skewers for brochettes, grilling baskets, and long sharp knives are lining the souks, and plenty of new clothes are being bought and sold for the occasion as well. 

Eid Al-Adha celebrates the sacrifice that Ibrahim was willing to make of his own son Ismael when he was commanded to show his commitment to Allah as a test of his true faith. At Allah’s direction, the angel Gabriel substituted a lamb for Ismael, after Allah was convinced that Ibrahim would indeed sacrifice Ishmael to prove his faith. The Bible and Torah recount this story, except that they say that Ibrahim’s other son was the one to be sacrificed. The sheep is sacrificed, in the same way that Ibrahim sacrificed a lamb. One-third of the meat is given to the poor, and the rest goes to the holiday feast, and to family and friends. Children get gifts to commemorate the holiday, and special prayers are said in congregation before the sacrifices are made. Eid Al-Adha takes place on the 10th and last day of the Hajj, the celebration of holy pilgrimage to Mecca, in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Celebrating Eid in a Muslim country takes on a whole new meaning because there aren’t laws prohibiting keeping animals in yards or on rooftops (here in the city) or slaughtering animals in the home.  A family member, usually male, performs the sacrifice in the manner prescribed by Allah in the most humane way while also making it lawful for the Muslim to eat by saying B’smillah (in the name of Allah) before it’s done.  (I’ve never heard of a female doing this.) Many people have butchers come to their homes the day the sacrifice is made to take care of preparing the innards and meat for eating as well as expertly skinning the sheep so that it’s coat can be used for making mats.  However, in some homes the family members take care of all of this themselves.  On the first day, the heart and liver is eaten as it is considered the best, and brochettes are often prepared as well.  On the second day, the head is prepared and presented for eating and some people absolutely love this part of the animal.  Not a single part of the animal goes to waste as it is all eaten and shared with others over the course of the following days and weeks until all the meat has been consumed.  Some consider the eyes, brain and other parts a delicacy.  The layer of fat around the stomach of the sheep is cut into strips and wrapped around organs and meat to make a crispy coating on brochettes. The animal coats are giving to crafters who clean and tan them so that they may be used as mats for sleeping or sitting upon.

As you can imagine, Eid Al-Adha celebrations vary all over the world based on culture and permissibility of performing animal sacrifices in particular countries.  Some people offer goats instead of sheep.  In America and other non-Muslim countries, people often have to pass the day working or doing other regular activities, and it is harder to make this holiday and important part of life.  However, in the Washington D.C. area, there is a farm that sells and keeps sheep for families who wish to make the sacrifice.  On Eid day, all the families go to the farm for making their sacrifice and help with preparing the meat to take home with them.  There is a picnic and everything for families to participate in to make a wonderful day for the local ummah.  Perhaps other Muslim communities around the United States and in other Muslim countries do the same as well. 

It may take more of an effort to  build excitement and make a proper celebration around this holiday in non-Muslim countries.  However, not to be forgotten, Eid Al-Adha is also a day to spend in worship of Allah by offering additional prayers and giving to people who are in need.  Often, this is a portion of 1/3 of the animal to help feed them.  Part of the meat is also shared with family and friends whether it be with small gatherings in homes or by sending fresh meat to share with neighbors. 

Stay tuned tomorrow when I’ll share excerpts of last year’s Eid Al-Adha celebration from my personal blog.  In the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts and reflections about Eid experiences- whether you are Muslim or not.

Friday Khutbah (Sermons) : Lessons from the Farewell Pilgrimage
- by Imam Al-Haramain ‘Abdul-Bari ibn ‘Awad ath-Thubayti
from the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Dhul-Qa‘dah 18, 1422 (February 2, 2002)

The Transcript:

All praise is due to Allah. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Each time the month of Dhul-Hijjah approaches, a page in Islamic History glitters and a stance of the Messenger of Allah comes to limelight.

Among the major landmarks of Hajj are those comprehensive principles that the Prophet Muhammad announced in his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. The Prophet proclaimed these concepts that were far from mere slogans but formed part of his call right from the onset of his mission and it was never change nor altered by any circumstances. He impressed these principles in the hearts of his companions in order that they could convey them to the mankind, and those principles were made to survive many generations because of their veracity and efficiency.

In that historical sermon, the Messenger of Allah warned against associating any partner to Allah in worship which is a disease that has almost destroyed the humanity, nearly severed man’s relationship with the source of his good and his very existence and dragged him into the abyss of whimsical desires. So, the fundamental meaning upon which the rules of Hajj as well as the rules of acts of worship revolve is Oneness of Allah. Islam is a religion of Monotheism and the House of Allah was specifically built for the purpose of worshipping Allah alone. He says in His Glorious Book,

“And (remember) when We showed Ibrahim the site of the (Sacred) House (the Kaaba at Makkah, saying): ‘Associate not anything in worship with Me and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it and those who stand up for (prayers) and those who bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allah) and make prostration (in prayer).” (Surah Al Hajj, 22:26)

Hajj is but a manifestation of Oneness of Allah in its brightest form and the Muslim nation has never been in need of re-establishing the essentials of faith as they are during Hajj. There are some people among the Muslims who have bargained the pure faith of Islam with erroneous ideologies, there are some who spread the poison of atheism with their pens; there are some who have conferred some Divine attributes on their leaders who claim to know the hidden things and receive revelations from heaven and there are some who have introduced the idolization of individuals, exempted some people from religious obligations and taken men as intermediaries between themselves and Allah; not to mention those who worship saints, build domes on graves, circumambulate round them, invoke their owners and slaughter for them, thereby causing proliferation of mausoleums and sects.

In the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Messenger of Allah said,

“It is unlawful for you to shed the blood of one another, to take unlawfully the properties of one another or to violate the honour of one another. They are as unlawful as shedding blood on such a day as today, in such a month as this and in such a sanctified city as this (Makkah).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

These are everlasting basics for fundamental human rights which are unequalled by any man-made system or statute. In protecting human life, Allah says,

“And there is in Law of Equality in punishment, a (saving of) life for you.” (Surah Al Ma’idah, 5:38) In order to preserve people’s honour, He says, “The female and male fornicator, flog each of them with a hundred stripes.” (Surah Al Nur, 24:2)

This punishment is for unmarried man or woman. As for the married, his or her punishment is stoning to death. There should therefore, be no regard for falsehood or immunity for anarchy.

Islam highly respects man’s right to live. It respects the pure and righteous life, not a life of obscenity and crisis nor that of injustice and aggression.

There is no value in the respect for man’s right to live if that respect is not accompanied by a just law and regulation for that life. Islam takes care of man’s right to protect his life in order to make it an honoured one, rich in security, stability and tranquillity.

Islam builds security in the minds of the Muslims then in his life, in order that he may establish justice – based on the Law of Allah – between people, establish power and authority with which the Law of Allah can be consolidated in the earth, promote good relationship between people under the banner of Islamic brotherhood and strengthen the ties of the kith and kin for the sake of Allah.

Among the fundamental human rights in Islam is that, no man should harm another nor backbite him either with word or deed. It is on account of this that Islam prohibits slandering, calumny, ridiculing others and insulting them. The following story illustrates how this principle was applied during the time of the Messenger of Allah, a man was penalised repeatedly for his continuous alcoholic drinking. On an occasion, he was brought before the Messenger of Allah and flogged. A man among those present said,

“May Allah curse him! How many times has he been brought for this same offence!” Upon hearing that, the Messenger of Allah got angry and said, “Do not curse him. By Allah, I know that he loves Allah and His Messenger.” (Al-Bukhari)

Islam not only protects and honours man during his life, it also guarantees honour for him after his death by commanding that he be bathed, shrouded and prayed for after his death. It also prohibits braking of his bones or assaulting his dead body.

As for the present material civilization, it only proclaims ineffective and lame fundamental human rights in the sense that it is influenced and controlled by disgusting racialism as it also has no faith or correct belief. That is why human rights are being violated in the so-called most developed countries.

Where are fundamental human rights where the Quds is being continuously desecrated, when its lands are being wrongfully occupied and the blood of its rightful owners being shed with impunity?! Where are the claimed fundamental human rights when man’s moral values are being systematically destroyed and his humanity being dishonoured?! The Messenger of Allah in his Farewell Pilgrimage said,

“All matters of the time of ignorance have been put under my feet.” (Muslim)

During the time of ignorance (pre-Islamic period), Human life was very cheap, murder becomes widespread and wars and bloodshed were order of the day. This was because those people had no faith that could protect them from their filthy behaviours. Then, Islam came to change this unenviable situation and established basics for the respect of human life and declared unwarranted and illegal killings as crime. Allah says,

“If anyone kills a person – unless it be in retaliation for murder or (by way of punishment) for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed the whole mankind.” (Surah Al Ma’idah, 5:32)

Before the advent of the Prophet, tribalism was deeply rooted but the Messenger uprooted it. He (SAW) said,

“You are all from Aadam and Aadam was created from clay. The most honourable of you is the most pious. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, or for a non-Arab over an Arab, neither is there any superiority for a red-skinned over a white-skinned or for a white-skinned over a red-skinned except by piety.”

It is by this golden statement that Islam cancelled all human differences. Islam makes it meaningless to evaluate man with the colour of his skin, his lineage, wealth or worldly position, for all this is conferred by Allah upon His slaves with no choice of theirs. There is only one criterion for evaluating man that Allah explains in this verse,

“Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is (that believer) who has piety.” (Surah Al Hujurat, 49:13)

So the strongest in faith and best in deeds is the most honourable. When the strange seed was nearly sowed among the pure Muslim society during the Battle of Banee Al-Mustaliq, the Messenger of Allah quickly nipped it in the bud with his famous saying,

“Are you raising the slogans of the time of ignorance while I am still in your midst?”

He was never pleased to see signs of racialism or tribalism among his companions even in utterances. Abu Dharr once insulted a man and called him, “You son of a black woman!” The Messenger of Allah angrily told him,

“Are you insulting him on account of the origin of his mother? You are indeed a man on whom there is a trait of the time of ignorance.”

He also said in another occasion,

“He is not of us, the one who calls to nationalism, fights for nationalism and dies for nationalism.” (Abu Dawood)

It is therefore disappointing to find some Arabs these days calling to nationalism and being proud of that in total disregard for the saying of the Messenger of Allah,

“Keep away from that (racialism), for it is stinking.” (Muslim)

In the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet said,

“The first usury to be cancelled is our own usury: that of ‘Abbaas son of Abdul Muttalib. All of it is cancelled.” (Muslim)

Allah prohibits usury because of its grievous harm. It destroys the conscience, ruins human life with covetousness, greed and selfishness. It kills collective spirit, causes enmity and sows hatred among people. Allah declares war on its practitioners in this life through economic crises and psychological disturbances, and in the Hereafter with a painful torment. He says,

“Those who eat usury will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Satan leading him to insanity.” (Surah Al Baqarah, 1:275)

The usury-based economic system is responsible for many financial crisis and woes that confront individuals, societies and nations.

In the Farewell pilgrimage, the Messenger of Allah said,

“Fear Allah as regards women, for you married them on a covenant from Allah.”

This saying highlights the protection and the respect that Islam has for woman’s rights either in her capacity as a mother, wife or daughter. It takes care of her rights from the beginning till the end of her life. It makes her body forbidden to the glances of strangers and gives her the right to inherit and acquire knowledge. It also makes no distinction between her and man in reward and religious obligations. Allah says,

“Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer, verily to him We will give a good life and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they do.” (Surah Al Nahl, 16:97)

In Islam, we do not talk of rights of woman through empty theories and useless conferences. But we invite every body to read the history of the past women believers like Khadijah, Sumayyah, Asmaa’, A’ishah, Hafsah and Al-Hansaa’. We are opening for the humanity the shining pages from the history of the Muslim women so that they can see the living example of their feats. We invite the mankind to understand how Islam elevates woman, purifies her feelings, refines her character and takes her to the high aims and aspirations. The human history has recorded for them glowing and everlasting achievements that testify to their nobility and excellence.

As for those who appointed themselves as reformers and claim that they are leading women to the right path, they accuse others who admonish women to maintain their modesty and chastity with stupidity and backwardness. But when you look deeply into what they proclaim, you will find that their thoughts and behaviours are abnormal, that they have naturally perverted and have become captives to their lusts. These people have been surrounded by insinuations, so their aim is to deprive the Muslim nation of its values, deprive the free women their glory and the chaste her chastity.

In the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Messenger of Allah said,

“I have left for you that which if you hold fast unto it you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Muslim)

It is the Creator of man who knows best what is of benefit for man and makes him achieve happiness; and that is holding fast unto the Rope of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. Allah says,

“Verily, this Quran guides to that which is most just and right.” (Surah Al Isra’, 17:9)

That means it guides man to that which is just in matters of interactions, law, politics, finance, economics, science, education and morals. Allah says,

“He has neglected nothing in the Book.” (Surah Al An’am, 6:38)

Further, whoever wants glory and honour, he can only found that in the guidance of the Quran,

“Whoever desires honour, (power and glory let him know that) to Allah belong all honour power and glory.” (Surah Fatir, 35:10)

Whoever is seeking for security and peace, let him seek for that in the Quran,

“It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) and confuse not their belief with wrong (by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.” (Surah Al An’am, 6:82)

Whoever desires economic prosperity should look for that in the guidance of the Quran,

“And if the people of the towns had believed and had the piety, certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth.” (Surah Al A’raf, 7:96)

Also, let those who want power follow the Quranic injunction on the means of power,

“And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy.” (Surah Al Anfal, 8:60)

As regards the foundations of human honour and fundamental human rights, Allah says,

“And indeed We have honoured the children of Aadam, and We have carried them on land and sea and have provided them with lawful good things and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment.” (Surah Al Isra’, 17:70)

There is also in the Quran a promise of prosperity in this world and everlasting bliss in the Hereafter for those who do good deeds.

Since the first generations of Muslims and the righteous predecessors followed the teachings of the Quran, they became leaders who guided mankind by the will of Allah and established a compassionate Islamic state. But when the later generations of Muslims abandoned these pure teachings, they became divided into factions and sects that killed one another and cursed one another. And this is an act that the Messenger of Allah strongly warned against when he said,

“Do not turn back after me into disbelievers, striking the necks of one another.”

It therefore, becomes clear that it is the abandonment of this noble directive that caused what the Muslims are suffering from in our contemporary time.

Dear Brethren, Farewell Pilgrimage is a reawakening call to the entire Muslims on the occasion of the Hajj in order to achieve the desired self-examination, staying upright on the true guidance in response to the call of the leader of the Messengers – peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all.

Question:

[There are] some ignorant pilgrims (Hujjaaj) who come to Maktabah Makkah[1] and they rub and touch its walls, and they seek blessings (Barakah) from it citing as proof that it is the birthplace of the Prophet (sallAllaahu ýalayhi wa sallam). So what is the ruling upon their action? And what is our duty regarding them?

Answer:

This is from the general principle and [known] from the general and the specific evidences: that it is not allowed to seek blessings (at-Tabarruk) from buildings, stones, trees, houses and other than that. But rather al-Barakah (blessing) is only sought from Allaah the Majestic and the Most High. For indeed blessing is from Him and He is the One Who bestows the blessing and therefore al-Barakah is requested from Him alone and sought from Him the Most Perfect and the Most High.

He the Most Perfect and the Most High did not place al-Barakah in a place named Daar al-Mawlid! Who said this? Did the Messenger (sallAllaahu ýalayhi wa sallam) go to this house or did the Sahabah go to this house? Did the Salaf as-Saalih and the Scholars up until the contemporary times go to it? Rather this house was never even mentioned and it only became known recently…and even if it was confirmed that it is the house where the Messenger of Allaah was born; then it is like any other house and does not possess any unique excellence except when supported by evidence from the Book and the Sunnah.

1 [Translators Note] – Maktabah Makkah is a small library situated next to the Masjid al-Haram near Mount Marwa in Ghazzah, Makkah.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan

‘Aqeedatul-Haaj Fee dawil-Kitaab was-Sunnah, p26. Translated by Abu ‘Abdillaah al-Kashmiree

Source: http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=fd&ID=939

Related Links:

• The Understanding of Tabarruk with Ahl us Sunnah
  Salih bin `Abdul-`Aziz bin Muhammad Aal ash-Shaikh : Source: Hadhihi Mafahimuna
• Tawassul (Intermediation) and Taburrak

About 2.5 million Muslims are converging on Mecca this week to take part in the annual Hajj. This year many pilgrims are adding extra step to their preparations for the ritual – getting the H1N1 vaccine…. From VOA. Full story

This site may contain information about: virus. For a different topic see recipes for cabbage. The blog is also related to: virus.

Je ne sais même pas par où commencer tant le concept est dingue. Parce que jusqu’à présent, Dieu régnait partout sauf sur Internet, Islam Online propose un pèlerinage numérique à tous ceux qui redoutent la grippe A, qui n’ont pas réussi à obtenir leur droit d’entrée sur cette Terre Sainte ou qui lisent le Coran sur leur netbook. Pèlerinage réalisé via Second Life, univers virtuel en 3D, et exemple même du buzz mort né et de la fausse révolution qui a affolé les publicitaires et les médias pendant une demie journée (en bref, le pendant technologique de la Tecktonik).

Il est donc désormais possible d’accomplir l’un des 5 piliers de l’Islam tout en restant confortablement assis devant son ordinateur (l’écran tourné vers l’Est quand même, faut pas abuser), le tout au rythme de “Just Be“, morceau techno de DJ Tiesto. De la djelabbah au bonnet blanc, en passant par le tapis de prière pixélisé, tout est fourni au pèlerin 2.0 pour son Hajj virtuel. En attendant de donner un numéro de carte bleue pour accomplir l’aumône, et de débrancher sa connexion pendant le mois de Ramadan.

Via

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have warned people not to stage protests at the Hajj, as more than 2.5 million Muslims prepare for the pilgrimage.

The interior ministry official in charge of security, Gen Mansour al-Turki, said he did not expect trouble, but stressed that protests were banned.

“We will not allow any actions that might disturb any other pilgrims, or affect their safety,” he told AFP.

In 1987, 402 people died when troops broke up a protest by Shia pilgrims.

Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, warned last month that it would take “appropriate measures” if its citizens faced restrictions.

The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, meanwhile said Shia should show they were addressing challenges to their unity.

Saudi officials and clerics responded by warning Tehran not to abuse the Hajj for political purposes.

This year is also the 30th anniversary of the seizure by Sunni extremists of the Great Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest shrine.

Saudi soldiers, assisted by French paratroopers, took nearly two weeks to regain control of the complex. More than 250 people died in the siege, among them 127 Saudi troops. Sixty-seven militants were later executed for the uprising.

“We are taking all the countermeasures to make sure nothing like that could happen again,” Gen Turki told AFP, adding that more than 100,000 security personnel were being deployed.

They have already thwarted several attempted attacks by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which is based in neighbouring Yemen.

The authorities are also hoping to avoid a repeat of the deadly stampedes which have in the past afflicted the Hajj. The last, in 2006, left 364 people dead.

Builders have just completed the rebuilding of the Jamarat Bridge at Mina, where pilgrims hurl stones at three pillars representing the spot where the devil is said to have appeared to Abraham.

Officials say the 950m (3,135ft) long, 80m (260ft) wide five-storey pedestrian walkway, which cost $1.2bn, will prevent overcrowding.