For an Accepted Hajj and its Lasting Blessings

Blessings of Hajj

Free from Sins

“Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Reward of Paradise

“Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor (accepted) Hajj except Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Things to do for a "Mabroor (accepted) Hajj"

It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had traveled thousands of miles only to secure the pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrim’s acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Sacred bud. Ameen.
Nevertheless, we wish to draw the attention of the pilgrims towards certain points which are necessary and of utmost importance to observe and for which many pilgrims are seen neglectful of their significance.

First

The sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognized as a Hajji (pilgrim).

Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all is mentioned only with the intention of gaining fame. This is deceit from Satan who ruins the `ibadat (acts of worship) without the person even knowing.
It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to riyaa’ (show, insincerity). However, if the necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily.

Second

It is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with only the bad side of the journey and make it a habit of talking about nothing except the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this.

On the contrary, they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn (the sacred sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah; `Umrah, Tawaf, feeling of peace at the Prophet’s grave, salah in Masjid All-Haram and Masjid-un-Nabawi etc).

If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the good things far outweigh the bad. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.

The journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigration, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. when we travel in our country do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a motorway?

Considering the fact that 2-3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them.

We think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah (Exalted be He) upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas tile same is not tile case whilst we are on another journey.

Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category; … and would keep back (men) from the Way of Allah, and from the Sacred Mosque,… (Al-Hajj 22:25). They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.

Third

The sign of a ‘Mabroor Hajj’ or an ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline.
Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and should try his utmost to instill in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.

source:- newmuslim.net

Mother’s Day

How many times have you been reminded of the above verse? But time and again we forget ourselves and overstep the limits. Yet, parents are parents, and at the end of the day, you’ll always be their darling child. Parenting is a ginormous responsibility which Allah has blessed some people with; the number of sacrifice parents goes through to ensure their child gets the best start in life is unparalleled. Sleepless nights, tiresome days, coupled with continuous forbearance and patience is just a small part of parenthood.

Now it’s our turn to give back. Though we can never ever repay our parents for the time and effort they dedicated to us; we can show them gratitude.

It’s Mother’s Day, and many children will be encouraged to draw cards, write cute messages and purchase gifts for their beloved mothers, who will welcome them with open arms and a heart-warming smile. It seems harmless, giving your mother a gift, making her happy; right?

It’s true there is no harm in buying gifts for your mother, treating her, and bringing a smile to her face, but the issue is when we assign a particular day and turn it into a celebration.

By incorporating Mother’s Day into our lifestyle, we are only imitating the disbelievers. For Mother’s Day was originated by a certain Anna Jarvis who held a memorial day for her mother who had died, the event soon becomes a celebration and in 1914 Woodrow Wilson took it to the Calendar’s an official “day”. Later in her life, Anna Jarvis regretted that it had become a commercialized celebration.

But Mother’s Day also has more sinister origins than Anna Jarvis’ commemorations. It is in fact linked to the Christian 40 days of Lent in which they remember the events leading up to the supposedly ‘crucifixion’ of whom they call Christ the son of god, and is more correctly called ‘Mothering Sunday’. It falls on the fourth Sunday of the season of Lent, also called Laetare Sunday, on which Catholics and Anglicans would visit their ‘Mother Church.’ It was later adapted for all; Protestants and Catholics alike by Constance Smith. Today it is commercialized for all, no matter their religion.

Other origins of Mother’s Day are found in Roman and Greek tradition, mothering festivals were held in honor of their mother gods Rhea and Cybele.

Hence to engage in the celebration of Mother’s Day even with just a small card, is to participate in these Christo-pagan practices, which are in reality celebrations of associating partners with Allah. As Muslims, we do not believe Jesus to be the son of God, nor do we believe in Cybele or Rhea, so why would we participate in their celebrations?

In addition, by merging such festivals into the Muslim calendar is to blur the lines between the different religions. As Muslims, it is our duty to preserve our identity, and maintain the uniqueness and purity of Islam. Muslims have their own holidays and festivals to joyously celebrate, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

To us Muslims, every day is Mother’s Day, in the sense that every day we should strive to make our mothers happy. And every day we should honor, respect, and serve our mothers.

Abu Hurayrah reported that a person said, “Allah’s Messenger, who amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment?” He (peace be upon him) said, “Your mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness).” (Sahih Muslim)

source: saudigazette.com.sa