Performing Umrah at Specific Times

Umrah is a holy journey that can be performed anytime around the year unlike the event of Hajj. The greatest reward of performing Umrah is the cleansing of the soul. The more and more you worship Him, the more He SWT lightens the burden of your sins.

Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and its duration can be varied according to the pilgrim’s choice. The performance of one Umrah takes less than 8 hours, so it is very convenient for the pilgrims to perform 2 or more Umrah in a day. There is no time limitation for Umrah. Rather, there is a specific time and specific time duration as well, to perform the complete ritual of Hajj. The whole rite of Hajj takes 6 to 8 days to be performed whereas, for Umrah, the time requirement is just 8 or even less than 8 hours.

One might think about the specific times for the performance of Umrah but in actual, there is no specific time for enacting this deed. Rather. Visiting the Holy Kabah and getting higher ranks in Jannah is the utmost desire of every Muslim. And having this with more rewards and convenience is desired by every Muslim.

Here, we tell you about some specific times by choosing which, you may enhance the virtue and worth of your jaunt and attains more what a Muslim wants.

Ramadan is the holiest month in which every deed would be rewarded seven times more than that of the actual virtue. And the act like the performance of Umrah certainly makes a Muslim deserver of great benedictions and loots and ultimately of Jannah in this sacred month. Performing Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan is a prodigious act. Holy Prophet SAWW said:

“Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj”.

Ramadan could be declared as the specific time to deliver Umrah since it holds exceptional bounties and is the time when a Muslim tries his best to forbid himself from enacting any hue of misdeed. The whole month of Ramadan is a special time to make more and more so it would be rewarded here and hereafter as well. Umrah is a jaunt during which a Muslim’s focus is solely worshipping his Lord and praising Him in the best means. Performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan holds worth significance since the entire process comprises benedictions.

Umrah could also be performed right after and before Hajj. Being on a Hajj tour, a Muslim can also deliver the Umrah. If the pilgrims depart very soon before the Hajj, then the time they have before Hajj is the time when they could perform Umrah as well. Or in the other condition, that if you depart at the time close to Hajj then you would return relatively later. So, the pilgrims can perform Umrah after the performance of Hajj either. This time is also considered to be the specific time for the deliverance of Umrah when it is rather convenient for the pilgrims to offer the whole process.

Saudi government allows countries and travel agencies to open the Umrah season right after a few weeks or even months after the Hajj season. Umrah season is active all around the year but after the Hajj period, travel agencies proffer relatively cheaper flights to pilgrims for the deliverance of the lesser pilgrimage. Everyone is in search of a cheap flight that is budget friendly. A budget-friendly package is preferred by everyone. Every Muslim desire to undertake the holy act like Umrah though it is expensive or cheaper either. But if cheaper flights are offered, then it is possible for every Muslim to enact this sacred deed. Because of the low fares, this time is called the specific time to perform Umrah.

Whenever you plan to have a cruise, the very first thing you keep in mind is the weather of that site you are going to visit. So, when you are planning to make a cruise to the holiest place, also consider it as a matter of fact. Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with extreme humidity. Umrah is though not a so massive gathering like Hajj, yet it has many pilgrims at any time of the year. So, walking among many pilgrims under the burning rays of the sun is not a kids’ game. It may cause certain issues like dehydration, heatstroke and other such problems. So, it’s better to dodge hot weather for making a trip.

The weather of Saudi Arabia is quite pleasant during the months of December, January and February. December is the best month to perform Umrah since the weather is very pleasing during this time. Try to fly in December so you would have an easy journey and you could perform the rituals with utter devotion and vigour.
December is a favourable month regarding cheaper flights. Noorani Travel is a worth known travel agency that endeavours December Umrah packages at the lowest prices.

source:travelforumrah.co

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

Be familiar with the reality of Islam

Be familiar with the reality of Islam

Islam is not basically synonym of peace, but some of the follower make it as the synonym of war. Its not true, in Saudi Arabia, lots of the Non-Muslims come to the pilgrimage to visit it, by getting Hajj packages. Islam is the remotest rising religion in this complete world. What has detailed people concerned, is not so much as the growing of the faith, but the beliefs that lots of, who are waged, Islam are holding and collective forth to others. 

Islam is Fascist in that it overwhelms any other technique of thought, as well as other mystical beliefs and often does so with fears of violence. Those, who contend against Islam can be exposed to murder in some of the countries, even in the western conditions, where there is a mutual belief that all trusts are welcome to be skilful. While in the West, churches, temples and mosques are built to provide accommodations all religious beliefs, in this country, even the practice of Christianity or other faiths is not only forbidden, but actually illegal by death.

In other countries, meaning of Islam:

The Non-Muslims reflect Islam as it is not very lenient of every other religion. In durable Islamic states, such as Saudi Arabia, there are no other beliefs or religion is permissible to be accomplished other than Islam. This is seen as an insult to the Islamic religion. It is permitted for the non-muslim public to checked out the packages of Umrah packages from UK.

Islam is convicted so bitterly by non-Muslims:

Everything that is understood, as an affront to Islam is condemned so bitterly by those zealots in the Islamic world that people related to the western states, who have shaped lots of films or even drawn cartoons and written books, have been obvious for death. People are scared of illustrative something negative about Islam, for the reason that they are scared of getting a Fatwa issued in incongruity of them, which is good-looking much like an old obligatory dead or active poster that used to inspire plenty hunters to track down and kill criminals. The single variation is that with a fatwa, the person is compulsory dead, not alive. 

Author Salmon Rushdie was a requisite man after he issued his book The Satanic Verses and had to go into beating for the reason, that of his picture of Islam. In fascist states, art procedures such as books and films are often the first to go - Hitler got ongoing burning books that were compared to his way of thinking as well. In fascist states, there is, but one way of balanced and any individualism from this sort of rational is unlawful by care at best, death at worst. This is seen as an extra of a threat than horror bouts by many in the west, who like independence of trust as well as other basic autonomies that they have had all of their lives. They do not want to submit to Islam, even though, most of those in the western states do not care if others request to practice this faith.

source: cheapumrahpackage2014.blogspot.com

Journey to Islam

Journey to Islam

Mark Shaffer, an American attorney, and millionaire has declared his Islam in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 17th October 2009. Mark was at that time on a holiday in Saudi Arabia to visit some famous cities like Riyadh, Abha, and Jeddah for 10 days.

Mark is a well-known millionaire and also a practiced lawyer in Los Angeles, specializing in cases of civil laws. The last big case he handled was the case of the famous American pop singer, Michael Jackson, a week before he passed away.

A tourist guide who accompanied Mark for 10 days in Saudi Arabia, Dhawi Ben Nashir said, “Since he set foot for the first time in Saudi Arabia, Mark already started to ask questions about Islam and the prayer. As soon as he arrived in Saudi Arabia, Mark stayed in Riyadh for two days. While in Riyadh, Mark was very interested in Islam. After moving to Najran, we went to Abha and Al-Ula. There, his fascination for Islam grew more obvious, especially the time when we ventured out into the desert.”

“Mark was amazed to see three Saudi youths who were in our group in Al-Ula, performing the prayer in the expanse of the very wide desert; a very fantastic panorama indeed.”

“After two days in Al-Ula, we went to Al-Juf. As soon as we arrived in Al-Juf, Mark asked if I could get him some books on Islam. I then obtained some books on Islam for him. Mark read all those books. The next morning, he asked me to teach him how to perform the prayer. I then taught him how to pray and make wudhu (ablution). Then, he joined me and performed the prayer beside me.”

“After prayer, Mark told me that he felt peace in his soul. On Thursday afternoon, we left Al-Ula heading for Jeddah. He looked very serious throughout the journey reading those books about Islam. On Friday morning, we visited the old town of Jeddah. Before the time for the Friday prayer approached, we went back to the hotel and I excused myself to go for the Friday prayer.”

Mark said to his companion, “I would like to join you for the Friday prayer so that I can witness myself how the Friday prayer is like.”

His friend, Dhawi Ben Nashir, welcomed the idea.

Dhawi Ben Nashir said, “We then went to a masjid which was not far from the hotel where we stayed in Jeddah. Since we were quite late, I and many others had to pray outside, as the number of worshippers was overflowing. I could see Mark observing the people in the congregation, especially after the Friday prayer was completed when everybody was shaking hands and embracing each other with radiant and happy faces. Mark was very impressed with what he saw.”

“When we returned to the hotel, Mark suddenly told me that he wanted to become a Muslim. So I said to him, ‘Please take a shower first.’ After Mark took the shower, I guided him in saying the shahadah (declaration of faith) and then he prayed two rakaah. Later on, Mark expressed his desire to visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah and perform prayers there before leaving Saudi Arabia.”

“In order to fulfill his wish, we went to the Da’wah Center in Jeddah to obtain a formal proof of his conversion to Islam, so that he would be allowed to enter the city of Makkah and the Grand Mosque. Mark was given a temporary certificate of his conversion to Islam, and he visited the holy city of Makkah.”

After Mark declared his Islamic faith, he had the chance to express his experience to Al-Riyadh Newspaper, saying, “I could not express my feelings at this time but I am being reborn and my life has just started. I am very happy. This happiness that I am feeling could not be expressed in words, especially when I visited the Grand Mosque and noble Ka’bah.”

Regarding his next step after his conversion to Islam, Mark explained that he wants to learn more about Islam, delve deeper into the religion of Allah (Islam), and come back to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj.

As to what impelled him into converting to Islam, Mark explained, “I already had information about Islam, but it was very limited. When I visited Saudi Arabia and personally witnessed the Muslims there, and saw how they performed the prayer, I felt a very strong drive to know more about Islam. When I read true information about Islam, I became confident that Islam is a religion of Haq (truth).”

Sunday morning, 18th October 2009, Mark left the Airport of King Abdul Aziz Jeddah heading for America. When filling in the immigration form before leaving Jeddah, Mark wrote ISLAM as his religion. — Courtesy of Discovering Islam.

source: saudigazette.com.sa/

The importance of the city of Jerusalem in Islam

The importance of the city of Jerusalem in Islam

Jerusalem is perhaps the only city in the world that is considered historically and spiritually significant to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The city of Jerusalem is known in Arabic as Al-Quds or Baitul-Maqdis (“The Noble, Sacred Place”), and the importance of the city to Muslims comes as a surprise to some Christians and Jews.

CENTER OF

MONOTHEISM

It should be remembered that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all spring from a common source.

All are religions of monotheism—the belief that there is one God, and one God only. All three religions share a reverence for many of the same prophets responsible for first teaching the Oneness of God in the area around Jerusalem, including Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus—peace be upon them all. The reverence these religions share for Jerusalem is evidence of this shared background.

FIRST QIBLAH

FOR MUSLIMS

For Muslims, Jerusalem was the first Qibla—the place toward which they turn in prayer. It was many years into the Islamic mission (16 months after the Hijrah), that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was instructed to change the Qibla from Jerusalem to Mecca (Quran 2:142-144). It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “There are only three mosques to which you should embark on a journey: the sacred mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), this mosque of mine (Madinah, Saudi Arabia), and the mosque of Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).”

Thus, Jerusalem is one of the three holiest places on earth for Muslims.

Site of the Night Journey and Ascension

It is Jerusalem that Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited during his night journey and ascension (called Isra’ and Mi’raj). In one evening, legend tells us that the angel Gabriel miraculously took the Prophet from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca to the Furthest Mosque (Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem.

He was then taken up to the heavens to be shown the signs of God. After the Prophet met with previous prophets and led them in prayer, he was then taken back to Mecca. The whole experience (which many Muslim commentators take literally and most Muslims believe as a miracle) lasted a few hours. The event of Isra’ and Mi’raj is mentioned in the Quran, in the first verse of Chapter 17, entitled “The Children of Israel.”

Glory to Allah, Who did take His servant for a journey by night, from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless—in order that We might show him some of Our signs. For He is the One who hears and knows all things. (Quran 17:1)

This night journey further reinforced the link between Mecca and Jerusalem as holy cities and serves as an example of every Muslim’s deep devotion and spiritual connection with Jerusalem. Most Muslims harbor a deep hope that Jerusalem and the rest of the Holy Land will be restored to a land of peace where all religious believers can exist in harmony. — Courtesy of saudigazette

How to get Wisdom through holy Quran

How to get Wisdom through holy Quran

Most of the Muslims wrongly believe that only by keeping and learning to read Holy Quran, they can fulfil their religious responsibilities and duties. The basic theme of The Holy Quran is embedded in recognizing and acting upon its Ayats (verses) in an appropriate manner. How can a person complete its faith by just believing in Islamic lessons and teachings, but using them in the wrong manner? It means that a person has not completely interpreted the meaning of wordings of Quran, e.g. those Muslims who are joining so called Islamic forces like Talibans etc. in the name of Jihad, and who actually kill innocents and acting as tyrants, that only shows that they do not have a complete knowledge of Islam.

Now, talking about Holy Quran, and its life changing Ayats (verses), common belief is that the a person who learns it by heart will enter Jannah (paradise) along with its parents, while the exact meaning of it this Hadith is that the Hafiz (learner) of Holy Quran should act upon its lessons. ALLAH Almighty has blessed Muslims with golden pearls in the form of Holy Quran’s verses, so that we could get enlightenment and guidance from them, and transform our lives according to Islamic teaching in the best way. Following are few of the many messages of the Holy Quran, through which we can seek wisdom and understanding.

Avoiding unclear matters

“A little knowledge is hazardous” is a famous expression that compels a person not to indulge in things and acts which it has insufficient understanding of, because sooner or later, the condition would turn dangerous for that person. Islam also forbids Muslims from such issues that are not clear to us. The Gracious ALLAH has warned us about this matter in the verse 17:36 of Holy Quran

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.”

This is what we must keep in mind before discussing about matters in our Deen (religion), before totally understanding about them. On a general note, we ought to also avoid going towards unsure affairs like Gambling that is prohibited in Islam.

Reflecting on one’s existence

The non Muslims, especially, Atheists, who even deny the existence of ALLAH Almighty, they do not think about how we come in to this life. ALLAH clearly says in Holy Quran, verse 20:55

“From the earth, We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it, We will extract you another time.”

Science has also proved that body of human consists of many elements found in the earth soil, and as The Quran says that we are made from earth.

Praying for ALLAH’S consistent guidance

No matter how much abilities and knowledge one possesses, there comes a time when things begin to get tougher, and then it looks for someone’s help in this regard. Same applies to Muslim’s life, which believes in ALLAH, but often gets distracted by satanic thoughts. That is the reason why Holy Quran has repeatedly emphasized on looking for The ALLAH Almighty supervision to remain on the correct pathway.

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Over 2m flock to Mina as Hajj begins

arabnews.com

Over 2m flock to Mina as Hajj begins 

MINA: More than 2 million Muslims from around the world arrived in Mina to spend the day of Tarwiyah and follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Pilgrims will then head to Mount Arafat on Thursday.

Thousands of security men accompanied the flows of pilgrims along Mina’s wide roads, bridges and tunnels. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) mission at the holy sites monitored the pilgrims heading from Makkah to Mina. Their journey went smoothly despite the huge number of vehicles and pedestrians. Traffic patrols were assisted by security forces in their efforts to organize the traffic, guide pilgrims and maintain security.

The Ministry of Health is offering medical and health care services to pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season by providing thousands of doctors, nurses and specialists appointed to serve pilgrims. These members work at hospitals near the holy sites and Makkah. The ministry assists the relevant authorities in carrying out the general emergency plan and dealing with emergencies that might arise during the pilgrims’ stop in Mina and Jamaarat bridge.

Along with the ministry, medical service departments of the National Guard Ministry, and the Defense Ministry and its hospitals appointed hundreds of their members to offer medical and treatment services to pilgrims at the holy sites.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) is providing its services through thousands of members appointed to serve Hajjis. The organization designated a fleet of 100 ambulances spread throughout the holy sites.

Source: arabnews.com

Haj: A sight to behold

Haj: A sight to behold

Haj is on (the day after tomorrow) and there is no more beautiful sight than the sight of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims coming from all entry points, dressed in white and with one mission, to perform their once in a lifetime duty in peace and security. We as, the government of Saudi Arabia and its people, take full pride in welcoming the guests of Allah and embrace them with open arms.

Saudi Arabia has mobilized all its resources, like it does every year, to ensure that pilgrims will perform their pilgrimage in peace and comfort. All sectors — government departments, passport, security, Haj, health and many other ancillary divisions — are on full alert. And they are ready to work in concerted unison to implement the Haj plan that usually is in the making as soon as the last Haj ends. The seamless cooperation is evident in the growing numbers of Muslims lauding the plan and thanking the Kingdom for the great effort in making their once in a lifetime journey comfortable.

The government, at the same time, while extending the hand of hospitality, too displays its iron fist. The government has also made it clear to all that an iron fist is strong and ready to crush anything that targets the safety of pilgrims and to ensure a smooth and comfortable Haj for the guests of Allah.

The sight of pilgrims eagerly arriving to the two holy cities is really touching and endearing. It really warms the cockles of the heart to see many pictures of pilgrims in tears of joy and happiness on their faces on landing in the holy land. Some of them have been waiting for many years in queue in their countries to be able to perform Haj. Some have labored and saved all their money over the years and some have sold all their valuables to be able to cover the expenses to perform Haj.

It is said in the Holy Qur’an, “And Haj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kabaa) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)”. Although it is not obligatory for Muslims, who are not able financially, to perform Haj but in order to do so, many people will go to extreme measures to ensure that they are able to do it, even if they were financially unable.

This brings me back to my main point I hope to highlight — poor people performing Haj. I wish that businessmen in all Muslim countries come up with a way to fulfill the wishes of making the impossible dream of poor pilgrims performing Haj come true by covering the costs of pilgrims. To be fair and from what I know, there are businessmen in Saudi Arabia who donate money secretly and without revealing their identity to cover the costs of many poor pilgrims.

I am sure that some similar good Samaritans exist in other Muslim countries, but this form of giving should be intensified to cover as many number as possible of the financially underprivileged. The biggest reward they get is in this lifetime itself when they see the bloom of pure happiness on the faces of those who get to do the once in lifetime journey to the two Holy Mosques and the Holy Sites.

In a previous article, I had written, “I call on the authorities to come up with a way to make Haj affordable for middle- and low-income people. It is a fact that Haj campaigns are overpriced for many, especially people with large number of family members. Given how life is expensive in some countries in Europe and even in America, or how low salaries are in some Muslim and poor countries, many of them find it almost impossible to fulfill the lifetime duty of Haj because of financial reasons.

“What if the authorities and some philanthropists came together to sponsor those who are facing difficulties in saving up for Haj? This could go a long way in embellishing the Kingdom’s image as a humane nation. Haj package providers should know that it is an honor to serve pilgrims and they should have a package that charges for the basic cost and not such that it earns an enormous profit for them.”

It is also good to see that the level of awareness of the domestic pilgrims is increasing and that the number of pilgrims without permits is on the decline. In the past, pilgrims without permits squatted around the Holy Sites and in main roads creating all sorts of problems. The level of organization by the security authorities and other government departments working in Haj is improving and tackling these issues.

With the sustained and planned expansion program at the Two Holy Mosques, the Kingdom is already alleviating the pressures of the numbers. This year it has increased the number of pilgrims for all countries and with future expansion Saudi Arabia will be ready to welcome more pilgrims. With all the systems and people in place, I am confident of a successful Haj this year and pray to God for a safe and peaceful Haj for all pilgrims.

Blurb: I wish that businessmen in all Muslim countries come up with a way to fulfill the wishes of making the impossible dream of poor pilgrims performing Haj come true by covering the costs of pilgrims.

source: saudigazette.com.sa