بِسًــــــم اللهِ الرّحمَن الرَّحيم Connoisseur.Rarefy.Neologism
Memberships: Singapore Institute of Management University,Singapore Polytechnic,Temasek Polytechnic,PERGAS,Muslim Writers Society,One Ummah Network,Freelance Writing Organization International,Muslimah Writers Alliance & Jamiyah SingaporeArchive for Documentary
Breaking NEWS: The Healing World Cries for you. Micheal Jackson bid farewell forever.
MICHEAL JACKSON LIVED AND RESTED IN PEACE AS AN ORIGINAL AND AS A MUSLIM.
May his soul be placed together with the righteous souls and be blessed with rahmah and sakina.
Bismillahirahmanirahim. Al-Fatihah.
6 Major Projects Development Around The Haram Mosque In Makkah
Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard launched six major development projects worth SR35 billion around the Haram Mosque in Makkah.
The projects, including expansion of the mosque’s northern courtyard and construction of residential towers, are aimed at providing more housing and prayer facilities for pilgrims.
The projects include the SR12 billion Jabal Omar residential towers, one of the largest ventures aimed at developing areas surrounding the Holy Haram. Spread over an area of 230,000 square meters, the project includes five-star hotels, commercial centers and prayer facilities for 200,000 worshippers.
Other projects dedicated by the Crown Prince were: Development of Ajyad General Hospital, which is located close to the mosque, and construction of another road to Haram parallel to the existing road from the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway. The new five-km road, to be named after King Abdul-Aziz, is designed to benefit pilgrims.
Crown Prince Abdullah earlier inspected the development plans set out by the Makkah Development Authority including those for the development of Shamiya, Jabal Khandama and Jabal Al-Kaaba areas around the Haram.
The new projects come as part of the government’s efforts to enhance housing and prayer facilities for the millions of pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah from all over the world.
The projects are also aimed at developing areas in the central region of the holy city after removing old and dilapidated buildings. They will also provide secure transport systems and reduce traffic congestions in the city.
The total area to be developed is estimated at 587,250 square meters, with 90 percent being old buildings. The expansion of the mosque’s northern courtyard itself will cover an area of 1.2 million square meters between the mosque and the second ring road to the north, Masjid Al-Haram Street to the east and Jabal Al-Kaaba Street to the west.
Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, Chairman of Makkah Construction Company, said the Jabal Omar project would provide more than 25,000 jobs for Saudis. Jabal Omar offers residential facilities for 100,000 people, air-conditioned prayer facilities for 100,000 and open prayer space for 120,000, he added.
Efforts are under way to establish a joint stock firm named Jabal Omar Development Company to implement the project.
The company will have a capital of SR3.5 billion including SR1.1 billion as shares of real estate owners in the area. Part of its shares worth SR850 million will be floated for public subscription. The value of real estate to be acquired for the project is estimated at SR4.3 billion.
Referring to the construction of a new road parallel to the road linking the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway with Haram, Faqeeh said it would start from the end of the first ring road behind the Makkah Construction Company’s residential-cum-commercial complex, pass through Jabal Omar to reach the road parallel to Um Al-Qura Road to join the expressway.
The new road will have a 1,000-meter-long tunnel and will pass by Mawarika, Tandbawe, Jabal Ghurab, Rusaifa and Zahareen.
Crown Prince Abdullah launched the projects worth SR30 billion in Makkah, including expansion of the Haram Mosque’s courtyard, development of Ajyad Hospital and construction of new residential towers in Jabal Omar and Shamiya.
Crown Prince Abdullah inspected the 50-year development plan for Makkah prepared by the Makkah Development Authority and laid the foundation stone for the SR12 billion Jabal Omar project.
He launched new residential and commercial projects in Jabal Khandama and Jabal Kaaba. Work has already been started on some of these projects while the remaining will be carried out within a timeframe, Al-Riyadh Arabic daily said quoting informed sources.
The new projects come as part of the government’s efforts to enhance facilities for the welfare and security of millions of pilgrims who come for Hajj and Umrah from all over the world.
(source: www.darul-ishaat.co.uk)
Location: Saudi Arabia
LATEST CONTINUATION UPDATE from our previous article : A Journey to Hajj (Pilgrimage) Part III: Past, Present and now… The Future. 21st Century Mecca?
الدعاء لاهل غزة – Pray for the People of GAZA – الشيخ خالد الراشد – Holocaust of Life Destruction – In support of MAS Freedom –
Zionist terrorism against children and women in Gaza. With our Prayers for the people of Gaza, insha’Allah Justice will Prevail.
جرائم الصهاينة في غزة مع دعاء الشيخ خالد الراشد
This video shows how the children in Gaza are dying for no reason while the armies in Israel are having fun in writing their names on the rockets sent to Gaza. What did the children of Gaza ever do to the Jews to deserve to die!! Don’t they deserve to live life and feel secure, instead of fearing that they will die any second!?
Astaghfirullahala’zim.
Israel ‘admits’ using white Phosphorus munitions – It is a chemical which is banned from using in Wars.
JERUSALEM – Human Rights Watch said Sunday that Israel’s military has fired artillery shells with the incendiary agent white phosphorus into Gaza and a doctor there said the chemical was suspected in the case of 10 burn victims who had skin peeling off their faces and bodies.
Researchers in Israel from the rights group witnessed hours of artillery bombardments that sent trails of burning smoke indicating white phosphorus over the Jebaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza. But they could not confirm injuries on the ground because they have been barred from entering the territory.
The Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reported that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had privately admitted using phosphorus bombs and that the Judge Advocate General’s Office and Southern Command were investigating.
The Times first accused Israeli forces of using white phosphorus on January 5, but the IDF has denied the charge repeatedly. Phosphorus bombs can be used to create smoke screens, but their use as weapons of war in civilian areas is banned by the Geneva Conventions.
Yesterday reports emerged from Gaza about the killing of five members of the Halima family, when a single white phosphorus shell dropped on their house in the town of Atatra on January 3. Two others were in a coma and three were seriously wounded, according to doctors and survivors.
Nafiz Abu Shahbah, a doctor who trained in Britain and America, said he was sure white phosphorus was responsible. Her wounds at first appeared superficial “but it eats at the flesh, it digs deeper and gets to the bone…The whole body becomes toxic,” he said.
VIEW VIDEO AND THANK JON STEWARD HERE http://www.thankyoujonstewart.com/
On The Daily Show’s January 5 “Strip Maul” segment, Jon Stewart did what few American television personalities have dared to do: he criticized Israel’s campaign against Gaza, making it clear that bombing will not bring peace for Israelis or Palestinians. He mocked the one-sided response of U.S. politicians by calling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the “Mobius strip of issues because there’s only one side!” He’s sure to get thousands of complaints, so send Jon a letter of appreciation and then ask all your friends to watch this segment.Mahdi Bray – Muslim American Society, Pro Gaza Rally in Washington DC Jan 10, 2009
“WE all seek for World Peace”
Word History: Totality of destruction has been central to the meaning of holocaust since it first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century, used in reference to the biblical sacrifice in which a male animal was wholly burnt on the altar in worship of God. Holocaust comes from Greek holokauston (“that which is completely burnt”), which was a translation of Hebrew ‘ōlâ (literally “that which goes up,” that is, in smoke). In this sense of “burnt sacrifice,” holocaust is still used in some versions of the Bible. In the 17th century the meaning of holocaust broadened to “something totally consumed by fire,” and the word eventually was applied to fires of extreme destructiveness. In the 20th century holocaust has taken on a variety of figurative meanings, summarizing the effects of war, rioting, storms, epidemic diseases, and even economic failures. Most of these usages arose after World War II, but it is unclear whether they permitted or resulted from the use of holocaust in reference to the mass murder of European Jews and others by the Nazis. This application of the word occurred as early as 1942, but the phrase the Holocaust did not become established until the late 1950s. Here it parallels and may have been influenced by another Hebrew word, šô’â (“catastrophe,” in English, Shoah). In the Bible šô’â has a range of meanings including “personal ruin or devastation” and “a wasteland or desert.” Šô’â was first used to refer to the Nazi slaughter of Jews in 1939, but the phrase haš-šô’â (“the catastrophe”) became established only after World War II. Holocaust has also been used to translate ḥurbān (“destruction”), another Hebrew word used to summarize the genocide of Jews by the Nazis.
The Magical Nigella Sativa 1001 Cures Except Death
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
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ll praise is for Allah, the Exalted. May Allah’s peace and blessings be on Muhammad, on his family, and on his Companions. Through years of undying research works of my Dearest Mother, who is a firm true believer that “for every sickness has its right cure. One has to find the roots of the illness in order to cure it. You have to believe and leave the rest to Allah SWT . A true practitioner of organic traditional remedies. This article is a summary of one of her research work. Dedicating this to my air and soul in life. You inspire me. I love you. Kupersembahahkan artikel ini juga kepada meraka yang menerangi sarwajagat ini dengan ilmu dan nur Tuhannya. - Noraini Haripen -
The Magical Nigella Sativa 1001 Cures Except Death
Hidden Secrets of the Organic Nigella Sativa Oil
Hadis – Hadis sahih no. 857, Imam Ahmad, Ibnu Majah, Al-Bukhari & Muslim reported that 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammed SAW (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said:
“Take this al-Habbah al-Sawda’ (black seed) for verily in it is a cure for every disease except ‘al-Sam’. Al-Sam is death”
Knowing Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’
With reference from the Dictionary “ al-Mu’jam al-Wasit”, Al-Habbah al-Sawda’ has several names as it comes from different regions of the globe. Here is some of their name: al-Habbah al-Mubarakah in Mesir , al-Habbah al-Barakah in Syam, al-Syuniz in Iran, Sanuj in Algeria, BasBas in Morocco, Majsatoh in Yaman, Graine Cumin Noire/ Nigella Cultivee Noire in France, Black Nigella, Cumin in English and Jintan Hitam in Malaya.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ which is in the category of Ramun Culaceae herbs, Habbatul Sawda’, Black Seed, Black Cumin or scientifically known as Nigella Sativa.
Tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length, Black Seed originates from the common fennel flower plant (Nigella Sativa) of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. Nigella Sativa is sometimes mistakenly confused with the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare).The plant reproduces with itself and black seed forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds). According to Ustaz Dr. Jamaluddin Husain Mahran, a Medicinal Specialist (apoteker) from Universiti Cairo, stated in his book, “al-Habbah al-Sawda’” pg 217, – it is a kind of creepers with colourful flowers and leaves that split in between, grows near the white middle sea. The black seeds have a sweet fragrance and taste good.
Black cumin is grown through out Indian subcontinent and Arabia. It has many healing benefits. Traditionally consumed as a herbal life. This medicinal herb is mentioned in the Bible as well as in the words of the Prophet Mohammed.
PROVEN RESEARCH WORKS
Some of the famous remarkably proven and tested research works of Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ done by:
1) Doctor Abu Ali al-Husain Bin Abdullah bin Sina – ‘Ibn Sina’, Father of Medicine
2) Ustaz Doctor Rabi’ al- Zawahiri, medical specialist at University ‘Ain Syams
3) Ustaz Doctor al-Dokhokhiniy, medical specialist at University Iskandariyah
4) Ustaz Doctor Mahfuzh, medical specialist at University Iskandariyah
Besides a proven 100% remedy for asthma, the first major study of Nigella Sativa in cancer prevention was performed by scientists at Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They concluded that a healthy immune system will detect and destroy cancer cells before the cancer endangers the patient. The immune system does this by supporting increased production of immune cells, bone marrow cells, and B-cells that produce antibodies. Black cumin stimulates neutrophil activity. These are the short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone marrow but mobilized into action when there is a bacterial infection.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; Black seed provides nutritional support for the body’s defense system. In 1959, the active ingredient in black seed, crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of black seed in promoting health and wellness.
The most pertinent point to be made about is that it should be regarded as part of an overall holistic approach to health and ideally should be incorporated into one’s everyday lifestyle. In this way, the many nutritional and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body’s immune system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness.
USING Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ as a daily health supplement
Most medicines work best when given a chance to run their full course, and this too, is the case with black seed. In cognizance of its substantial nutritional components, as well as its specific medicinal properties, the body’s ability to maintain health and promote healing of a lasting nature is best increased through regular use of Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ as an energy source
Doctor Abu Ali al-Husain Bin Abdullah bin Sina – ‘Ibn Sina’ (980-1037), in describing the black seed as that which “stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue or dispiritedness,” still holds true for Tibb (Islamic Medicine) health practitioners today. The rich nutritional value contained in black seed as outlined by scientific analysis of black seed, also points to it as a great source of energy.
From the Tibb health perspective, the black seed has an ability to maintain and restore body heat. Our Western diet, predominantly made up of cold foods — ice in our drinks, yogurt, pizza, cheese — all deplete the innate heat our body requires in order to optimally function. Tibb holds the view that a reduced metabolic rate (innate heat) is the cause of most illnesses. The body, in losing energy, also loses its ability to fight off toxins, resulting in a greater chance of contracting illness.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ and other medication
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; Black seed may be used in conjunction with conventional or other forms of natural medicine. It is not recommended that black seed be used exclusively in the treatment of serious medical complaints which may require more immediate action. For example, conditions like bronchitis sometimes require conventional antibiotics to prevent the condition from becoming more severe. However, black seed may be used as a therapeutic aid together with this and other forms of treatment to help counteract any side effects experienced from the use of antibiotics or other potent, chemically based medicines. It is great for ladies as it works for slimming, removing of pimples and moles, excess air in the body, and many more.
Pregnancy and lactation
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; The black seed is not recommended during pregnancy, however during lactation. It is an excellent form of added nutrition for both mother and the growing child while its immune system boosting properties serve as a natural, safe way to build resistance against illness. In addition, as studies have shown, black seed helps increase milk production during breastfeeding.
Initial trials have shown that black seed may have an ability to increase the male sperm count.
Babies and toddlers
In addition to its many nutritional components, black seed contains carotene, which is essential for infant growth. During the toddler years, black seed provides children with all the energy they require for this active stage of life. Regular usage of black seed, which increases its immune system strengthening effect on the body, will decrease the length and severity of natural childhood illnesses, particularly during winter when children are most susceptible to contracting colds and flu.
Black seed for the elderly person
Which its rich nutritional, energy-giving value, in combination with immune system strengthening properties, black seed is an ideal health supplement for the elderly person. It helps to cleanse the stomach, helps to run a smooth bladder system, open up breathing passageways and many more.
HOW DOES Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ BENEFIT ?
The majority of our health problems have the same causes- infection by micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When using clinical (allopathic medicines) each symptom is treated individually and usually with synthetic chemically manufactured medicines that contain alcohol and other harmful ingredients.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ is effective at treating the body as a whole and fights the actual cause of the symptoms.
Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’; Black seed regulates too weak or too strong reactions of the immune system, is excellent for treating chronic, allergic and hormonal diseases, black seed support metabolism, improve digestion, helps to lowers blood sugar levels. It is used to dispel worms and parasites from intestinal track. It is useful in soothing bronchitis and coughs, increase body tone, stimulates menstrual periods, increases the flow of breast milk, provides quick energy, increases sperm count, calms the nervous system, encourages hair growth and retards hair fall out, and prevents skin wrinkling.
HABBATUL SAWDA’ MAIN CHARACTERICTICS
Habbatul Sawda’ is rich in glucose monosaccharide, xylos sdb. unsaturated essential fatty acids (EFA). EFA could not be produced by our body. The main source for it, comes from essential amino acids which produce the carotene protein i.e. Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Sodium and Potassium.
Habbatul Sawda’ contains eight of the nine essential amino acids, which is high in carotene, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium which our body needs. It is also rich in linoleic and linolenic acid, anti-pyretic, a tonic and anti-bacterial.
IMMUNIZATION FACTOR
A number of studies in Saudi Arabia have shown Habbatul Sawda’ to increase the ratio between helper and suppressor T-cells and to increase the functionality of NK cell activity. Habbatul Sawda’ contains 67 active ingredients that helps to cure most regular and chronic diseases.
References: Based on Hadis. References from Doctor Abdullah Abdurraziq Mas’ud Al-Sa’id. Translated in Malay/Bahasa Indonesia by Mohd Sofwan Amrullah & Mohd Roihan Hasbullah
” The Last Lecture “- An Inspirational, Poignantly Moving Speech by Dr Randy Pausch
GREAT FOR EDUCATORS, PARENTS, STUDENTS, PATIENTS, DREAMERS & ANYONE WHO ALWAYS THINK WITH THEIR CHILDHOOD DREAMS…
Bismillahirahmanirahim.
May Peace be Upon you.
Let us together offer our prayers for
Professor Dr Randy Pausch.
Al-Fatihah.
Insha’Allah this message finds you in the best of Health and Imaan. Amin. In remembrance and dedicating this specially to Mama and Papa who had persevere all their beautiful lives in Educating and Education for their children and themselves. Inspiringly loving couples who always have strong faith and principles. Yes, they NEVER had the word ‘give up’ in their life dictionary in home,work or play, hence, this very moving seminar had quickly prompt us to contribute and share with all of you dear Educators, Lovely Parents, Future Parents, Students, Patients, Dreamers and anyone who wants to achieve something in life for themselves and also, helping others to achieve their dreams. Trust me, after this, you will treat flu or cough as peanuts. You will feel the rush of fresh new air that aspire you to cherish every minute of your life.
Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (October 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals. For more, visit http://www.cmu.edu/randyslecture
Professor Dr. Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
We want to say a big thank you and jazakallahu khayran to everyone who is viewing this video to share their duas for this admirable professor,
His emphasize were on:
· The POWER of ENTHUSIASM, PERSEVERANCE, EARNEST and FOCUS about what you want out of life from the time you were a kid. Quoted from Dr Randy –“When something that sticks to you from young, will always be apart of you even when you grow old.”
· Something Dr Randy Pausch had said for you to ponder upon: “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.”
· “When you are angry at someone, you are just not giving them enough time…” – Let us ponder on Level of Patience, Analyzing and Tolerance
Inspirational Speech by Dr. Randy Pausch on the Oprah Winfrey Show:
The Last Lecture by Dr. Pausch Passed Away On July 25, 2008
Book by Randy Pausch – “The Last Lecture”
Randy Pausch, a terminally-ill Carnegie Mellon computer science professor, became a national celebrity last year after he delivered a celebrated lecture on how to live your life, which was viewed by millions on YouTube, and wrote “The Last Lecture,” which became a runaway bestseller.
‘We cannot change the cards we are dealt with,
just how we play the hand.’
He said you have to play the cards you are dealt in life. How you play those cards is your only choice. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because “time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think”). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.
In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humour, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come.
References:
http://www.newsweek.com/related.aspx?subject=YouTube+LLC
University SIM Student Portal
Carnegie Mellon University
http://youtube.com
http://www.cmu.edu/randyslecture
*The Last Lecture has been at the top of Life!’s non-fiction bestsellers’ list since May.*
May Allah place you in Heaven with all the beautiful souls in the World. Ameen.
( Professor Dr Randy Pausch 23 October 1960 – 25 July 2008 )
A Journey to Hajj (Pilgrimage) Part III: Past, Present and now… The Future. 21st Century Mecca?
Curious to know how our Kaabah in Holy Mecca looks like in our near future ?
May all the great efforts be successful and may all the ‘charity’ from the people who helped to make these holy architectural possible be blessed with great health, wealth and barakahs in their life. Amin.
Sayings of Muhammad (S.A.W.)
The following sayings are taken from A Brief History of the Fourteen Infallibles, Ansariyan Publications: Iran.
Charity
A man giving in alms one piece of silver in his lifetime is better for him than giving one hundred when about to die.
To meet friends cheerfully and invite them to a feast are charitable acts.
To extend consideration towards neighbors and send them presents are charitable acts.
_________________________________________________________________________
On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said: The messenger of Allah said :“Each person’s every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up : to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoistingd up his belongings onto it is a charity: a good word is a charity, every step you take to prayers is a charity and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.”
related by Bukhari and Muslim.
A Journey to Hajj (Pilgrimage) Part II: Hajj 100 years Ago
Have you ever thought of how Pilgrimage to Mecca looks like 100 years ago?
[Pictorials of Hajj 100 Years Ago]
1. Bab – e – Safa in Haram Makki
2. Jeddah Port
3. Kabba Shareef in 1320H
4. Friday Prayer in Hram Makki (1320H)
5. Kabba During Prayer Time in Hajj Days
6. Janat ul Moallah in 1320H
7. Layout of Prophet’s House & Birth Place in Makkah
8. Layout of Haram Makki in 1320H
9. Hajis in Arafat During Hajj 1320H
10. View of Jabal – e – Arafat During Hajj 1320H
11. Hajjis are coming Back to Muna from Arafat
12. Rammi Jamarat During Hajj 1320H
13. General View of Madina Munawara
14. Bab Anbaria in Madina Munawara
15. Bab Salam in Madina Shareef
16. West Side of Masjid Nabwi
17. View of Green Tomb from Masjid Nabwi
18. Layout of Masjid Nabwi
19. Layout of Prophet Tomb & Syeda Ayesha House
20. Janat Al Baqeh
21. Madina During Hajj
22. Currency in 1327H
A Journey to Hajj (Pilgrimage) Part I: Dedicating this to my Dearest Mother and to my Beloved Auntie, Family members & ALL Brothers Sisters in the World
A History of Hajj (Pilgrimage
Bismillahirahmanirahim.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatuallahi Wa Barakatuhu,
Insha’Allah this message finds you in the best of Health and Imaan. Amin.
All us here from Singapore want to send our prayers, blessings and we wish to say a big thank you. Jazakallahu khayran to each of my dear family members who had made their sincere and loveable overseas calls before their blessful journey to Tanah Suci (Holy Land) Mecca. Every tear, each of you had shed from across the borders will be a doa for you, all of us here and your loved ones. May you have a safe and peaceful trip in Mecca. As one of my favourite Auntie had landed in Jeddah safely today at 4.30pm, our hearts cheer for your 45 days fulfiling completion of Hajj. May you achieve Haji Mabrur inshaAllah. We love you!
- Noraini Haripen -
Hajj literally means ‘to set out for a place’. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allaah in the time of the Prophet lbraaheem [Abraham] (AS) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka’ba – the House of Allaah – along with his son Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allaah described the Ka’ba and its building as follows:
“And remember when We showed Ibraaheem the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worshipi with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.].”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22:26]
After building the Ka’ba, Ibraaheem (AS) would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Ka’ba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Ka’ba.
During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Ka’ba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Ka’ba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allaah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allaah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbeeyah [1] was distorted by them with the following additions: ‘No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses’.
Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Ka’ba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Ka’ba, in the belief that Allaah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.
Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendour of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.
Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Ibraaheem (AS). The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allaah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Ibraaheem to be answered:
“Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the ‘Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise].”
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]
Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullaah (SAWS) was born in the very city that Ibraaheem (AS) had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] – the same message that Ibraaheem and alI the other Prophets came with – and established the law of Allaah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allaah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Ka’ba which once again became the universal centre for the worshippers of the one True God.
Not only did the Prophet rid the Ka’ba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allaah’s Permission, in the time of Ibraaheem (AS). Specific injunctions in the Qur’aan were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allaah’s statement:
“There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]
Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen’s’ achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allaah told them:
“And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]
Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done in the time of Ibraaheem (AS) but Allaah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allaah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:
“So mention the name of Allaah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks.”
[Surah al-Hajj 22:36]
As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Ka’ba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allaah clearly informed them that:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allaah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him.”
[Surah al-Hajj 22:37]
The Prophet (SAWS) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Ka’ba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allaah’s question:
“Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allaah which He has produced for His Slaves?”
[Surah al-A'raaf 7:32]
Another custom which was prohibited through the Qur’aan was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allaah) would travel to perform Hajj begging food the whole journey. They considered this form of behaviour a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allaah. However Allaah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:
“And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety).”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]
In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based in ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allaah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reached the Ka’ba, they no longer found the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there was the remembrance of Allaah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (SAWS) said: “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise.” [2]
May Allaah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Aameen.
Footnotes
1 Labbaik Allaahumma labbaik… (Here I am present, O’ Allaah, I am present…) This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are going around the Ka’ba.
2 Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. Vol. 3 p. 1 no 1)
“ When the ocean of Mercy begins to foam,
even stones drink the water of life.
The face of earth becomes lush green,
the dead wood springs to life,
the lamb and the wolf together play,
the despairing becomes valiant and strong. “
From “The Bounty of Allah,” translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999. All rights reserved. Used with permission of The Crossroad Publishing Company, New York.
-Rumi, “Mathnawi”
Truth Over Fear: Propaganda or Reality? The Counter of Islamophobia in America
Truth Over Fear: Countering Islamophobia
A short video about the crisis of Islamophobia in America. A Must See Video.
What are your views? Is this just a propaganda? Or is this the truth on what is actually happening across the world? Is this one of the signs of armageddon? ['Qiyamah'- (Kiamat)] like what is stated in the Quran.
Something for you to ponder. You be the judge.
