The Role of Mosque in Islam

Most religions have places for their worships, in religion Islam, there is a Mosque for worship. A mosque is a place where Muslims worship and pray to Allah Almighty. In Arabic Mosque is called a Masjid or Jami. The mosque is a kind of any house or open area where Muslims offer Salah (Nimaz) in the congregation. Some mosques are also used as places where Muslims get together and discuss things or where religious education takes place. It is not only a place for praying, but it’s also the center of the community and where many wonderful pieces of Islamic art have been created.

It is required for all Muslim men to attend mosque on Friday for Jummah prayer. Muslims also offer five times prayer in Mosque also come and learn about the Islamic faith, about the teachings of the Holy Quran with learning how to read and pronounce it from Ulama. Muslims are required to give money to charity they often donate it at mosques.

There are many rules that worshippers must obey when they are in a mosque. In most mosques, a religious leader called Imam is in charge of praying. Muslims must clean themselves before they enter into a mosque. There are washing areas where they can make wudu before entering the prayer hall. The floors of such a hall are normally covered with a carpet. It is not allowed to step on it with shoes as Muslims offer Salah on it. Loud talking is forbidden in mosques. It is also disrespectful to walk in front of Muslims who are praying.

The first mosques were modeled on the place of worship of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) the courtyard of his house at Medina. Those were simply plots of ground marked out as sacred. Though the mosque as such has undergone many architectural changes, the building remains essentially an open space, generally roofed over, containing a Mihrab and a Minbar. A common feature of many mosques is a minaret, a tall thin tower that is usually located at one of the corners. From the minaret, a muezzin or Imam proclaims call to worship (Adhan) five times each day.

The prayer hall of Masjid normally does not have any benches or chairs. Worshippers pray in rows facing Holy Kaaba which is center towards which Muslims around the world face and offer prayer. There are no pictures on the walls of Mosques. Some mosques show verses of the Quran on the walls to assist worshippers. Every mosque has a Mihrab, a niche in the wall that points to the Holy Kaaba. From Minbar the imam delivers his speech.

Prayers in mosques with congregation are considered the best way of offering prayers to Allah Almighty. Most of the Muslims prefer to offer prayer in congregation and avoid individual prayers for fear of using wrong ways. We all should try to offer prayers with the congregation in mosques for getting greater rewards in the best manner.

source: quranreading.com/blog

Umrah in Rabi Ul Awal

Umrah in Rabi Ul Awal

Mostly pilgrims prefer to perform Umrah in Ramadan and afterward the majority of Muslims from all around the world wants to perform Umrah in Rabi ul Awal. After the Hajj, Umrah is the most preferable Ibadah among Muslims for seeking Allah’s blessings and His attention. As all the Islamic months are blessed and full of Baraka but among them, some months are more blessed because of related historic or Islamic event. Umrah is Ibadah of 12 months, likewise hajj there are not identified and particular days in which you have to perform Umrah.

Muslim‘s desires to perform Umrah in Rabi ul Awal, because it is said that on 12th of Rabi ul Awal our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) came to this world. They loved to spend that particular day at the Prophet’s Mosque i.e. (Masjid e Nabvi) in Medina. Since many years, the practice of many devoted pilgrims is that they reach out the tomb of prophet’s Mosque on that day of Rabi ul Awal and recite Durood o Salaam and pay the tribute to Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Noorani Travel provides you with the opportunity to spend that blessed day in Medina. Through our different Umrah packages, you can reach out there. Noorani Travel arranges the Holy journey of Umrah in Rabi ul Awal for the highly esteemed guests of Allah. Our Rabi ul Awal Umrah packages comprise many facilities which will help out the Pilgrims to focus on their Ibadah. Five star and four-star hotels like Movenpick, Hilton hotel, Zam Zam Towers or similar hotels (according to package) also included in our Umrah Packages.

Other services in our Rabi ul Awal Umrah packages include the meet and assist services, transportation, and handling, best accommodation, Wi-Fi facility (subject to hotel policy), Ziaraat (according to package). Noorani Travel aim is to provide the complete peace of mind and tension and burdenless journey to the invitees of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

Invest your precious time in the blessed birth month of Holy Prophet in Medina and perform Umrah in Rabi ul Awal with Noorani Travel‘s best Rabi ul Awal Umrah packages as we provide the best and exclusive services and facilities around the town to the pilgrims.

source: http://www.al-khair.org/blog/umrah-in-rabi-ul-awal/

Tawaf And Types Of Tawaf

Tawaf is circumambulating the Holy Ka’abah seven times, which starts from Hajr-e-Aswad (the black stone around one corner of Ka’abah) in a counterclockwise direction. Each circumambulation gets to completion when a person returns back to Hajr-e-Aswad. If possible, a person should approach to touch or kiss Hajr-e-Aswad, if not, he can just point towards it with his right hand.

After completing the circumambulation seven times, a person should continue to move in a counterclockwise direction until he reaches his exit point.

Types of Tawaf:

There are seven types of Tawaf;

• Tawaf-ul-Qudoom:

It is performed when a person arrived at Makkah whether for Hajj, Umrah, Business or a visit. It is also called a welcome Tawaf. It is sunnah for Aafaaqi (who lives outside Makkah) who performs Hajj Ifraad or hajj Qiraan and it is not a Sunnah for those who are performing Hajj al_Tammatu or Umrah even if they are an Aafaqi.

Aisha said, “The first thing the Prophet (ﷺ) did on reaching Mecca, was the ablution and then he performed Tawaf of the Ka`ba and that was not `Umra (alone), (but Hajj-al-Qiran).” http://www.gowister.com/hadith/bukhari/1582/

• Tawaf-ul-Ziarah:

It is also called Tawaf-ul-Rukn or Tawaf-ul-Hajj. It is performed by all pilgrims who are undertaking the Hajj. This Tawaf is mandatory. Hajj would be invalid if it is not performed. It can be performed from the dawn of 10th Zil haj to 12th Zil Haj.

• Tawaf-ul-Wada (Tawaf-e-Sadr):

It is a farewell Tawaf and performed as a final ritual of Hajj when a pilgrim leaving Makkah. It is wajib. Prophet ﷺ said: “Let none of you leave Makkah before making a Tawaf around the Ka’abah, as the last of Hajj rites”.

• Tawaf-ul-Nafl:

Tawaf-ul-Nafl is an optional tawaf but it is better than performing a Nafl salaat. It can be performed at any time and as desired. Perform Tawaf as much as you can, when you are in Makkah because this privilege cannot be gained anywhere in the world.

• Tawaf-ul-Umrah:

Tawaf-ul-Umrah is a part of Umrah and performed as a ritual of Umrah. It is obligatory for the one who performs Umrah.

• Tawaf-ul-Nazr:

If a person pledged that he will perform Tawaf if his desire is fulfilled by Allah. Then, he must have to perform this Tawaf if Allah fulfills that desire.

• Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah:

It is performed when a person enters in Haram. Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah is Mustahib.

After Tawaf, the person has to offer two units behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim (if possible, otherwise they may offer that two units prayer anywhere in the mosque).

source: http://www.al-khair.org/blog

Importance of Hajj in Islam

Importance of Hajj in Islam

Hajj is the most divine and sacred journey to the house of ALLAH. All Muslims willingly visit this sacred place because ALLAH has given this place a priority over any other place in the world. Hajj is the most important religious practice in Islam.

ALLAH makes it mandatory on all his believers (male and female) who are physically, mentally and financially able to do it, at least once in a lifetime. Muslims from different cultural identities gather at one single platform to perform Hajj and emphasize the same basic concept that there is only one God i.e. “ALLAH”.

In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty Says: “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-‘Alamin (the mankind and jinns). In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision, and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).”

Hajj encompasses of all the worships, for example, believe in ALLAH, prayer, fasting, zakat, charity, spending money for a good cause, patience, good manners, Jihad. In fact, it purifies the soul and heart of a person who performed it and then a Muslim boards on a new stage of life which leads him to spiritual and temporal gains. So, it is clear that Hajj is not just a pillar of Islam, it influences the social, moral, national and economic life of a Muslim too.

Importance of Hajj:

From the time Prophet Ibrahim A.S build holy Kaaba and performed Hajj, the first time in the history of Islam, to obey the command of ALLAH. Muslims from all over the world move to Makkah, in the month of Zilhajj, to fulfill their obligations and compliance towards ALLAH.

Hajj purifies the sins:

ALLAH forgives the sins of a person who performs Hajj. It is the greatest and beautiful gift of ALLAH, because, every Muslim prays and hopes for the forgiveness of sins and to be in Jannah in Akhirat is what every Muslim wish for.

Abu Hurairah stated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “He who performs Hajj for ALLAH’s pleasure and avoids all lewdness and sins will return after Hajj free from all sins as he was the day his mother gave birth to him.”

The reward of Hajj is Paradise:

Abu Hurairah says that the Prophet ﷺ said: “From one ‘Umrah to another is the expiation for what is between them and Hajj Mabrur has no reward except Paradise.”

From the above-mentioned hadith, it is clear that the reward for Hajj is Paradise. Hajj Mabrur is a hajj which is performed without any fault and with a pure heart. ALLAH has promised Paradise for Hajj Mabrur due to the righteous deeds.

Pilgrims are guests of ALLAH:

The journey of Hajj is the easiest way to attain satisfaction of ALLAH as the pilgrims are considered to be guests of ALLAH.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Pilgrims and those performing Umrah are ALLAH’s guests; their prayers are answered and their supplications for forgiveness are granted.”

Muslims also learn the history of Islam through Hajj. They visit sacred places from where Islam initiated. They get to know about the adversities that our Prophet ﷺ and his companions encountered during that time. Hajj also gives a strong message of Brotherhood and Unity.

“May Allah guide us all and give us an opportunity to perform Hajj.”

Noorani Travels Ltd is one of the leading Hajj and Umrah Travel agency company in the UK. We have specially designed Hajj Packages with all-inclusive facilities for UK citizens. Shifting and Non-Shifting Hajj Packages with luxury hotels and flights. Call Us for details: 0208 819 3505

source: http://www.al-khair.org/blog

A step-by-step guide to perform Hajj

A step-by-step guide to Hajj

How Muslims perform the rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Millions of Muslims from around the world gather annually in Mecca in anticipation of Hajj - the Muslim pilgrimage, which follows the actions of the Prophet Muhammad 1,377 years ago.

Taking part in the pilgrimage at least once in one's lifetime is a major obligation for all able-bodied Muslims of financial means, and between two and three million people participate in the six-day ritual every year.

Hajj occurs in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, called Dhul-Hijjah, between the eighth and 13th days of the month.

While the specific rituals carried out by Muslims today date back to the Prophet Muhammad's "farewell pilgrimage" in 632 AD, traveling to Mecca was a sacred annual rite for Arabian tribes centuries before the advent of Islam.

According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba - a black silk-clad stone structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca - was built by the Prophet Abraham in biblical times.

Hajj is, put simply, complex. There are several different ways of performing it, and numerous schools of Islamic thought, between which lie many scholarly differences. Here is a breakdown of the steps included in performing Hajj.

Day 1 -

Enter ihram (the sacred state) 

The very first rite of Hajj is entering ihram - a pilgrim's sacred state - when crossing the outer boundaries of Mecca, called Miqat.
Head to Mina, a sprawling tent city


On the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims enter ihram, which entails wearing plain garments - two unstitched clothes for men, or loose-fitting clothing for women - as well as following certain rules, such as not giving in to anger or engaging in sexual activity.

Head to Mina, a sprawling tent city

The pilgrims then set out en masse from Mecca to the sprawling tent-city of Mina, whether by foot along pilgrim paths or by buses and cars. It is an 8 km journey.

The pilgrims will spend the day in Mina, only setting out the next morning at dawn. Most of the time in Mina is spent in prayer and remembering Allah.

Day 2 -
Spend the day at Arafat

The Day of Arafat is considered one of the most important days, not just of Hajj, but of the Islamic calendar. Mount Mercy at Arafat was the scene of the Prophet Muhammad's final sermon. After making the 14.4 km journey from Mina, pilgrims spend the day here in reverent prayer.

Elsewhere in the world, many Muslims choose to fast on this day.

Collect pebbles at Muzdalifah

After sunset, its time to move again, this time to Muzdalifah - a 9 km trip - where they spend the night under the stars. Many will also begin collecting pebbles here for tomorrow's rites, departing again just before sunrise.

 

Day 3 -
Throw stones at the pillars

For those performing Hajj, the day is known as yawm-ul hajj al-akbar (The big hajj day) and is probably the longest day of the pilgrimage, and the most dangerous. The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is Eid al-Adha, a day celebrated by Muslims around the world as the greater of the two Muslim holidays.

Pilgrims start the day in Muzdalifah and begin heading back to Mina before dawn. Once in Mina, they perform the first rami, throwing seven pebbles at the largest of three columns known as Jamarat.

This act is a symbolic stoning of the devil, based on historical tradition. God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, the story goes, as proof of faith. It is believed that at this spot in Mina, the devil appeared and tried to dissuade Abraham from heeding the command. Abraham responded by throwing stones to scare him off.

Millions of pilgrims converge at the Jamarat Bridge, which houses the three columns representing the devil, in order to re-enact the story. 

The bridge has been the sight of deadly stampedes in the past, with around 350 people being crushed to death in 2006.

But in recent years, the event has taken place without major incident.

After casting their stones, pilgrims must perform the sacrifice. Completing the story, when Abraham went to sacrifice his son, he found God had placed a ram there to be slaughtered instead.

Pilgrims thus must slaughter a sheep, goat, cow or camel - or more likely, pay for it to be done in their names.

At this point, pilgrims trim or shave (men only) their hair and remove their ihram clothes. Many will then proceed to Mecca to perform tawaf and sa'ee, first circling the Kaaba seven times, then walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

When all is finally done, they return to their campsite in Mina.

Final days in Mina:

On each day, they will again symbolically stone the devil - this time throwing seven pebbles at each of the three pillars. With the hardest part behind them, pilgrims will now spend the next two or three days in Mina.

When their time in Mina is finished, the pilgrims return to Mecca to perform the final circulation of the Kaaba, a "farewell" tawaf.

Before heading home, many also go to Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried along with his closest companions. Visiting Medina, however, is not part of the pilgrimage.

Umrah For Women

This blog is to provide the readers with a clear understanding of the rules ordained by Islam for Women when they are planning on performing Umrah. The blog articles discuss the clothing requirements, visa requirements, Islamic requirements and the physical requirements that need to be met to successfully perform Umrah. All females irrespective of the age bracket that is planning on moving forward to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah needs to know the basic steps and procedures to perform Umrah correctly. Little girls are certainly excluded since they are innocent. One of our recommendations is to abide by the men that the women are going with. Basically, the majority of the steps are the same for man and woman. However, there are certain areas where there is a difference.

Guide for Women

Our humble attempt to provide the ultimate Umrah guide for women. A clear step to step guide on the Umrah process for women.

In Islam, Women to visit the house of Allah and enjoy the blessings of Umrah. Women have the same right to the blessings and the grace of Allah. The main difference in their security and their dressings. Women are an important pillar of Islamic value and family. It is the duty of the males to take care of their women and enable them to perform Umrah.

Let us update you of the main exceptions:

• Ihram for Men is a stipulated method. however, for women, it is not the case. Women to cover properly the body.
• Women who are having their menstrual cycles need to abstain from performing Umrah.
• After the completion of Sa’yi, males have to shave off their heads. This is not the same case for women. Women are only told to cut their hair the length of a fingernail. This is to ensure that the women have also participated in that ritual.
• Al-Idhtebaa’ and Al-Raml- which are for men only.
• Talbeeyah- said loudly by men and in a low voice by women pilgrims.

These are the main differences in terms of the approach and method. However, the main activities and performing Umrah remains the same.

What Should Women Wear for Umrah

Ihram basically means covering the main organs. While you are performing the Umrah, it is obligatory to have a sanity and community sense. Hence, the women to wear decent clothes. The women are allowed to enter the state of Ihram by washing themselves and ensuring that they stay pure and holy during the entire Umrah activity. Any activity that makes the women unclean or impure is not recommended. Any practice like that will break the Umrah for the woman. During Umrah, women cannot wear any type of veil and gloves. These are not permissible under any means. Ihram for women during Umrah is more symbolic. This symbolism identifies the importance of cleanliness and holiness.

• There is no special acceptance of Ihram. Women can even wear regular clothing.
• Very unlike men, women can wear stitched clothing.
• Women not to wear silk during Umrah.
• Jewelry is not permissible during the performance of Umrah.
• Women do not need to cover her face for Umrah.
• No Thin clothing.
• Clothing is of any color.
• Wear something that covers face and hands.

In fact, many of the latest Umrah packages from the UK and other parts of the Muslim countries now offer real-time and even virtual classes for the women prior to taking up the journey to Mecca and Medinah.

Mahram in Islam for Women

Men can perform Umrah on their own. However, this is not the case for women. And there are significant rules and laws that stipulate and provide evidence as to why women should not perform Umrah alone

For your convenience, the following is a list of mahram for women:

•  Father, mother, grandparents, and great-grandparents
• Brothers and sisters
• Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
• Uncles, aunts, great-uncles, and great-aunts
• Nephews, nieces, grandnephews, Grand nieces, great-grandnephews, and great-grand-nieces
• Parent-in-laws
• Son-in-law and daughter-in-law
• Stepfathers and Step-mothers
• Stepchildren
• Rada – Also known as “milk-suckling mahram”

However, there are strict rules for men as well in terms of accompanying their women in Umrah. In Islam, Men are the guardians of women. So, during Umrah, the women need to make sure that they are close to their male counterparts and ensure that they are aware of the surroundings. In many of the cases where men take their respected elderly, we highly recommend that the five start services are rendered since the services provide a certain level of ease and comfort.

Importance of Mahram

The principle of mahram is important since it regulates everyday human interaction and clearly demarcates the boundaries of permissible human interaction and social activities. Umrah has millions of people from all across the world. And hence, there is a large stamped of people and activities going on at the same time. Hence, with the current influx of people and communities, it is highly recommended for women to carry along with their respective Mahram. Additionally, a single woman in any place is highly likely to be harassed by men. It is common human interaction. And with that comes Shaitan and all the evils.

That is why it is always safe to be with a man that can provide and decrease the chances of any impurity or lawlessness. Honor and chastity of women are also safe with the respective men that are leading them. Umrah is a family event. Families to enjoy Umrah as an activity and a form of veneration to Allah.

Mosque Taneem

Jump to navigationJump to search

Mosque Taneem is a mosque in the Al-Hil area about 5 miles away from the Holy Kaaba, in Taneem, which is near Mecca, it is the boundary of Haram, therefore, pilgrims can put on Ihram. Kindly note that it is not Miqat so it is not compulsory to wear Ihram. This mosque is also known as Masjid -e- Ayesha since Muhammad's wife Ayesha had put her Ihram (restriction on Pilgrimage) from this place once.

This was allowed by the prophet as a special case when Ayesha could not complete her umrah on account of being in an impure state due to the menstrual period. It is also to be noted that Ayesha's brother who accompanied her to Taneem and back did not perform another Umrah along with his sister, understanding that it was a special allowance made for Ayesha or any woman who happens to become impure due to her menstrual period. Nowadays both men and women misuse this allowance made by the prophet and do scores of umrah during their Hajj/ Umra visits to Makkah.

This is quite a big mosque with facilities for baths, ablution and changing, available for pilgrims and those who come to offer regular prayers.

7 Nights 3 Star Umrah Packages from UK

Inclusions :

Flight is included in this 7 Nights 3 Star Umrah Packages.
Direct & In-Direct flights can be arranged on special request.
4 Nights in Makkah 3 Star Hotel
3 Nights in Madina 3 Star Hotel
Umrah visa
All Umrah packages are based on 4 people sharing.
Ground transfers can be arranged at extra cost.

From: £630/PP

For Booking Call Now 0208-819-3505

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACCOMMODATION FEATURES

Dar Al Eiman Al Khalil (MAKKAH)

For a Mecca hotel to suit your budget and needs, Dar Al Eiman Al Khalil Hotel is worth a look. From this comfortable base, you can enjoy some of the city’s popular sights, which is 0.6 km from the hotel.

Room amenities include Air conditioning. Each guestroom’s en-suite bathroom has Complimentary toiletries for convenience. Flat-screen TV and Telephone add to the comfort of the guestrooms during your stay. So Sitting area and Wardrobe/Closet are part of the comfortable guestroom décor that guests can enjoy during their stay.
Mecca has a public transport system and Mina Transit Station is the closest station to the hotel just 1.3 km away.

AL EIMAN AL Ohud (Madinah)

Al Masjid Al Nabawi, Al Eiman Ohud Hotel offers warmly decorated accommodations with tiled floors. All rooms at Al Eiman Ohud Hotel come with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, and a minibar. 

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Free private parking is available on site and subject to availability. This is our guests’ favorite part of Al Madinah, according to independent reviews. We speak your language! Al Eiman Ohud Hotel has been welcoming guests since 23 Feb 2013.

Why choose Noorani Travel Ltd?

Noorani Travel Ltd is the largest, affordable and most trusted Hajj and Umrah travel agent in the United Kingdom. We have our footprints in major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. We have successfully served hundreds of our Muslims brothers with our on-demand Umrah packages and deals. You could be the one this season. Hurry up and get your order confirmed with us right now.