Historically Hazrat Ibrahim Alaihis Salam was ordered to leave his wife Hazrat Hajirah Alaihis Salam and child Hazrat Ishmael Alaihis Salam in a valley without any vegetation or water at the site of his sacred house before the building of the Kabah promising to provide for them. As Hazrat Ishmael Alaihis Salam cried in thirst Hadhrath-e-Hazrat Hajirah Alaihis Salam ran from a small rise to another (safa and marwah) in the hope that a mirage of water was real. Allah then broke forth a spring at the feet of the crying baby now know as the well of Zamzam (The Holy Water).
Umrah, Hajj, Madina al-Munawwarah, Makkah al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia, Islam, Muslim
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Hospitals and Health Care in Makkah al-Mukarramah
In مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah Health care is provided by the Saudi government for free of cost to all pilgrims. There are five( 5) major hospitals in Makkah & those are:
1) Ajyad Hospital (مستشفى أجياد)
2) King Abdul Aziz Hospital (مستشفى الملك عبدالعزيز)
3) Al Noor Hospital (مستشفى النور )
4) Sheesha Hospital ( مستشفى الششة )
5) Hira Hospital (مستشفى حراء )
Apart from these there are also many walk-in clinics available for residents of Makkah and Hajj or Umrah pilgrims.
1) Ajyad Hospital (مستشفى أجياد)
2) King Abdul Aziz Hospital (مستشفى الملك عبدالعزيز)
3) Al Noor Hospital (مستشفى النور )
4) Sheesha Hospital ( مستشفى الششة )
5) Hira Hospital (مستشفى حراء )
Apart from these there are also many walk-in clinics available for residents of Makkah and Hajj or Umrah pilgrims.
Hajj Pilgrims Path
Hajj Pilgrims Route
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| Hajj-Pilgrims-Root |
The Hajj involves pilgrims visiting the Masjid al-Haram and camping plus spending time in the area of Mina, Muzdalifa & Arafat.
Makkah al-Mukarramah
Makkah al-Mukarramah (Mecca or مكة Makkah or مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah)
Being the destination of all Muslims, the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah is the most revered place of worship for Muslims around the world. At the center of the Holy Mosque lays the Kaaba (the small black cube-shaped building), the ‘first House of worship established for mankind’ as Allah the Almighty describes it in the Holy Qur’an, “Indeed, the first House of worship established for mankind was that at مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds” (3:96). The phrase “the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah” has four meanings in the Holy Qur’an. It could mean the Kaaba itself; the Kaaba and its surroundings; the whole city of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah; or both مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Holy Mosque in مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah.
The boundaries of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah distinguish between the sanctuary and the area outside of the sanctuary. Under Archangel Gabriel’s guidance, Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, defined the sacred boundaries of the Holy Mosque. Following the victory at the Battle of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah, Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, asked Tamim bin Asad Al-Khuza’ee to go to مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah and redefine the same sacred area of the Holy Mosque. Caliphs and Emirs followed suit. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri that Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “O Lord! Abraham made مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah into a sanctuary and I do the same for Madinah.”
Allah the Almighty has made special rulings which pertain to the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah. Inside the Holy Mosque, a Muslim is not allowed to fight, hunt birds or animals, cut off grown plants and flowers, or pick up something not his/hers unless he/she can ascertain the ownership of the object. One of the greatest merits of praying in the Holy Mosque is that a Muslim will have his/her reward multiplied. Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “One prayer in my mosque (the Mosque of Madinah) equals 1000 prayers elsewhere except the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah; one prayer in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah equals 100 prayers in the Mosque of Madinah.” That is to say, one prayer in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah equals 100,000 prayers, and its reward is 100 times greater than if performed in the Mosque of Madinah.
Muslim scholars disagreed on whether the multiplied reward for prayer includes prayer performed in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah or only the space surrounding the Kaaba. According to most authentic proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Prophet’s sayings, the multiplied reward also includes praying in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah, a matter which most Muslim scholars unanimously agree on. For example, His Eminence the late Sheik Abdulaziz bin Baz concurred with the above, “Most Muslim scholars agree that the multiplied reward includes any prayer performed in the area surrounding the Kaaba.” Although considered the third Holiest Mosque in Islam, Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) does not have the same status in terms of multiplied reward for prayer.
Being the destination of all Muslims, the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah is the most revered place of worship for Muslims around the world. At the center of the Holy Mosque lays the Kaaba (the small black cube-shaped building), the ‘first House of worship established for mankind’ as Allah the Almighty describes it in the Holy Qur’an, “Indeed, the first House of worship established for mankind was that at مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds” (3:96). The phrase “the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah” has four meanings in the Holy Qur’an. It could mean the Kaaba itself; the Kaaba and its surroundings; the whole city of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah; or both مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Holy Mosque in مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah.
The boundaries of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah distinguish between the sanctuary and the area outside of the sanctuary. Under Archangel Gabriel’s guidance, Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, defined the sacred boundaries of the Holy Mosque. Following the victory at the Battle of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah, Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, asked Tamim bin Asad Al-Khuza’ee to go to مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah and redefine the same sacred area of the Holy Mosque. Caliphs and Emirs followed suit. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri that Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “O Lord! Abraham made مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah into a sanctuary and I do the same for Madinah.”
Allah the Almighty has made special rulings which pertain to the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah. Inside the Holy Mosque, a Muslim is not allowed to fight, hunt birds or animals, cut off grown plants and flowers, or pick up something not his/hers unless he/she can ascertain the ownership of the object. One of the greatest merits of praying in the Holy Mosque is that a Muslim will have his/her reward multiplied. Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “One prayer in my mosque (the Mosque of Madinah) equals 1000 prayers elsewhere except the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah; one prayer in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah equals 100 prayers in the Mosque of Madinah.” That is to say, one prayer in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah equals 100,000 prayers, and its reward is 100 times greater than if performed in the Mosque of Madinah.
Muslim scholars disagreed on whether the multiplied reward for prayer includes prayer performed in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah or only the space surrounding the Kaaba. According to most authentic proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Prophet’s sayings, the multiplied reward also includes praying in the Holy Mosque of مكة المكرمة Makkah al-Mukarramah, a matter which most Muslim scholars unanimously agree on. For example, His Eminence the late Sheik Abdulaziz bin Baz concurred with the above, “Most Muslim scholars agree that the multiplied reward includes any prayer performed in the area surrounding the Kaaba.” Although considered the third Holiest Mosque in Islam, Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) does not have the same status in terms of multiplied reward for prayer.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Madina al-Munawwarah 100 Years Old Pictures (B&W)
Over a Century (100 Years) old B&W (Black & White) Photos
PICTURES OF THE CITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H ) (MADINA MUNAWARA)
PICTURES OF THE CITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H ) (MADINA MUNAWARA)
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| Door of Mdina al-Munawwarah |
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Top 10 (Ten) Umrah Countries 2009
Umrah is one of the important rituals in Islam and has been performed from its inception. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Accumulated sins are expiated with each Umrah".
Top Umrah Countries 2009 with number of pilgrims from each country:
Top Umrah Countries 2009 with number of pilgrims from each country:
- Iran = 866,147
- Egypt = 563,000
- Pakistan = 272,000
- Jordan = 268,000
- Syria = 241,000
- Turkey = 211,000
- Iraq = 173,000
- Algeria = 137,000
- UAE = 120,000
- Indonesia = 108,000
Rituals of Umrah
IHRAM: When performing Umrah, before entering the Holy City of Makkah, you should be in Ihram.
Enter the Holy Sanctuary (al Masjid al Haram), preferably right foot first through the Bab as-Salam gate, reciting the Talbiyah:
'Here I am O Allah, (in response to Your call), here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.'
You may then say: "In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion over the accursed Satan."
When you first see the Holy Kaaba, keep your eyes fixed on this the holiest of all structures in Islam. Standing to one side, proclaim:
"Allahu Akbar" three times
"La ilaha illa'Llah" three times
Then proclaim a blessing (Salawat) on the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and, in all humility, make your prayers to Allah. This is an especially propitious time to offer prayers to the Almighty.
You may recite some other similar holy verses if you so desire.
After this, while uttering Talbiyah once more and repeatedly, move forward to prepare for the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf).
To prepare for the Tawaf, the pilgrim must ensure ablutions have been performed. The pilgrim should pass the upper garment of the Ihram (the rida') under the right arm and over the left shoulder, thus leaving the right shoulder bare. This procedure is called iddtibaa'.
When you reach the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), you have arrived at the starting point for the circumambulation (Tawaf), and you may cease reciting the Talbiyah.
NIYYAH: You are now ready to perform Niyyah (i.e. express your intention to perform Umrah):
"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
ISTILAM: Now, moving right, if space permits, stand before the Black Stone and kiss it. If you are unable to move close enough to kiss the Black Stone, you may touch it with by hand. If you are unable to kiss or touch the Black Stone, place your hands at your ears, palms facing outwards, and say:
"Bismi'Llah Allahu akbar wa li'Lah al-hamad"
This alternative is perfectly acceptable so there is no need for pushing or shoving which may harm yourself or others if you are not able to reach the Black Stone.
This act, whether you kiss the Black Stone, touch it by hand or utter a prayer while pointing by the palm of your hands towards the Black Stone is called Istilam.
TAWAF: You may now begin your seven circumambulations, moving to the right so that you keep the Kaaba to your left, counter-clockwise, around the Kaaba.
When performing the first three circumambulations, men may uncover their right arm and move with quick, short steps. (This procedure is called Ramal.) The remaining four circumambulations should be performed at a normal walking pace.
PRAYERS DURING TAWAF: While performing Tawaf, there are no prescribed prayers but there are a number of supplications which are recommended. You may also use the prayers that form part of your daily prayer sessions and pray to Allah in your own way in your own language.
HATEEM: Hateem is a semi-circular section which originally formed part of the Kaaba but was not incorporated into the Kaaba when the Kaaba was rebuilt. You should include the Hateem in your circumambulations.
When you reach the fourth corner of the Kaaba (Rukn Yamani), touch it with your right hand or both hands and, as you walk between Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone, you may pray:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar".
When you reach the Black Stone, perform Istilam again, to mark the start of your second circumambulation.
Continue in the same way, until you have completed the seven circumambulations, including Istilam at the end of each circuit.
Enter the Holy Sanctuary (al Masjid al Haram), preferably right foot first through the Bab as-Salam gate, reciting the Talbiyah:
'Here I am O Allah, (in response to Your call), here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.'
You may then say: "In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion over the accursed Satan."
When you first see the Holy Kaaba, keep your eyes fixed on this the holiest of all structures in Islam. Standing to one side, proclaim:
"Allahu Akbar" three times
"La ilaha illa'Llah" three times
Then proclaim a blessing (Salawat) on the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and, in all humility, make your prayers to Allah. This is an especially propitious time to offer prayers to the Almighty.
You may recite some other similar holy verses if you so desire.
After this, while uttering Talbiyah once more and repeatedly, move forward to prepare for the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf).
To prepare for the Tawaf, the pilgrim must ensure ablutions have been performed. The pilgrim should pass the upper garment of the Ihram (the rida') under the right arm and over the left shoulder, thus leaving the right shoulder bare. This procedure is called iddtibaa'.
When you reach the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), you have arrived at the starting point for the circumambulation (Tawaf), and you may cease reciting the Talbiyah.
NIYYAH: You are now ready to perform Niyyah (i.e. express your intention to perform Umrah):
"O Allah, I perform Tawaf of Umrah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me."
ISTILAM: Now, moving right, if space permits, stand before the Black Stone and kiss it. If you are unable to move close enough to kiss the Black Stone, you may touch it with by hand. If you are unable to kiss or touch the Black Stone, place your hands at your ears, palms facing outwards, and say:
"Bismi'Llah Allahu akbar wa li'Lah al-hamad"
This alternative is perfectly acceptable so there is no need for pushing or shoving which may harm yourself or others if you are not able to reach the Black Stone.
This act, whether you kiss the Black Stone, touch it by hand or utter a prayer while pointing by the palm of your hands towards the Black Stone is called Istilam.
TAWAF: You may now begin your seven circumambulations, moving to the right so that you keep the Kaaba to your left, counter-clockwise, around the Kaaba.
When performing the first three circumambulations, men may uncover their right arm and move with quick, short steps. (This procedure is called Ramal.) The remaining four circumambulations should be performed at a normal walking pace.
PRAYERS DURING TAWAF: While performing Tawaf, there are no prescribed prayers but there are a number of supplications which are recommended. You may also use the prayers that form part of your daily prayer sessions and pray to Allah in your own way in your own language.
HATEEM: Hateem is a semi-circular section which originally formed part of the Kaaba but was not incorporated into the Kaaba when the Kaaba was rebuilt. You should include the Hateem in your circumambulations.
When you reach the fourth corner of the Kaaba (Rukn Yamani), touch it with your right hand or both hands and, as you walk between Rukn Yamani and the Black Stone, you may pray:
"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin-nar".
When you reach the Black Stone, perform Istilam again, to mark the start of your second circumambulation.
Continue in the same way, until you have completed the seven circumambulations, including Istilam at the end of each circuit.
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