The rights of orphans in Islam by Cherryl Floyd-Miller

In the Islamic faith, all children have the right to be clothed fed and protected until they are adults, to receive love and affection from their parents and to be treated as equally as their siblings.
These rights don't end when children become orphans, whose caregivers are primarily responsible for protecting orphans and instilling the values of the Qur'an and an appropriate reverence for God Almighty.


The Qur'an clearly sets a tone for the treatment of orphans in Islam: "Treat not the orphan with harshness" (Qur'an 93:9)

In the sense that the key posture toward orphans should be kindness, orphans belong to the entire community, and everyone takes responsibility for their welfare. Perhaps this can be attributed to a deep spiritual morality that demands Muslims be charitable toward less fortunate others, but the state of being an orphan takes on an even more profound meaning in the Islamic religion.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) was an orphan, and some of the earliest verses of the Qur'an are devoted to his orphaned childhood. He is said to have himself adopted a former slave and raised him with the same care as if he were his own son.This practice offers some hope of reward later in their lives.

In hadith, or sacred text that delivers oral traditions about the Prophet Muhammad (saw), those who assist orphans are promised the companionship of the Prophet Muhammad in an afterlife (Paradise).

Additionally, if an orphan is wealthy, an orphan's guardian is responsible for protecting the orphan's inheritance until the orphan is legally able to assume control of it himself. The adoptive family is not allowed to combine an orphan's property or wealth with its own: "Give orphans their property, and do not substitute bad things for good. Do not assimilate their property into your own. Doing that is a serious crime." (Surat an-Nisa': 2)

There are consequences, the Qur'an teaches, for taking an orphan's property or giving them lesser grade or quantities of property than is rightfully theirs: "People who consume the property of orphans wrongfully consume nothing in their bellies except fire. They will roast in a Searing Blaze." (Surat an-Nisa': 10)

When orphans are adopted, Islamic practices direct guardians to protect orphan identities, as well, by allowing them to keep their birth parents' names. This preserves their heritage and establishes their connections with other living family members.
It is important to note that it is rare that non-blood relatives assume the care of orphans in Islamic culture. The rules of this faith, which deeply values kinship, require even distant relatives to be called on before a child is considered completely abandoned.

This system of caregiving is an ideal one that seems to ensure the only worry orphans should have is mourning or remembering their parents. It allows continuous stability and makes room for ample nurturing. Ultimately, it also helps to grow a healthy identity.Despite common misunderstandings about the Islamic faith, one thing is certain: Muslim orphans are not ever in a position to be alone.

"I AM AN ORPHAN." he said

 Orphans at the Al-Birr orphanage assist in a charity campaign

 in Jeddah

There is never a dull moment working within a hospital environment. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy my profession thoroughly. Helping someone else in need fills the heart with inner peace and satisfaction. Each day I get to meet people from different walks of life, each one of them having their own wishes, desires, problems, basically all going through the same journey called life. Very often I would meet people who truly become an inspiration to me.One such person is a 29 year old Saudi male nurse who works in the hospital and is a good friend of a colleague of mine. Mr. M is a bright and bubbly person. A happy go lucky young man I would say always greeting everyone cheerfully whilst walking down the corridors. I never really had a chance of knowing him on a personal level. He would always come by the pharmacy to collect medications for his patients and he always came across as having a warm pleasant demeanour and personality.

A few weeks ago he came by the pharmacy to collect his own medication and we started having a conversation.He enquired about my nationality, my qualifications and my family and naturally I then decided to enquire about him. My heart melted when he said " I am an orphan. I don't have any parents nor do I have any siblings.My parents passed away in a car accident. I was only three at the time."

He then told me that his mom's sister looked after him.However, as much as she loves him and cares for him her own children will always come first. As he related his story to me I started seeing a flicker of sadness in his eyes. He went on to say that he never really had much of a childhood. He grew up really fast and tried to become independent from a young age by working part time at his uncles company.By the time he started high school he had learnt how to cook basic meals and iron his own clothes. He didn't want to be a burden to anyone in the household despite the love and affection he received from his aunt and her family.

As Mr. M took his bag of pills and left the pharmacy tears rolled down my eyes. Here was a person who went out of his way for his patients and always appears to be happy and yet deep inside there is an inner sadness.When he left, I sat on the chair with my arms folded and a hundred and one thoughts came to my mind. Whilst many of us would have our parents present at important milestones within our lives such as our first day at school, graduation ceremony or wedding ceremony,an orphan child does not experience this. I then realized how grateful and thankful I should be for still having both my grandmothers and parents in my life.They have always been my backbone and support from the cradle up until now. They held my hand when I took my first steps in life.They were present at my first day at school. They made sure I had the perfect dress with matching accessories for my matric farewell party. They stood with joy and pride the day I graduated from university.If it wasn't for them I would have never been the person that I am today. In my family's eyes I have done them proud to have achieved a lot within my 30 years of existence but to me the biggest achiever is an orphan child like Mr. M, who has attained success without the support of his parents. He has gone through the many obstacles and hardships of life himself to achieve his success. That is the true meaning and the true essence of success.There are many of us who despite having parents fail to appreciate them and yet for many orphans like Mr. M, their only wish and desire is wanting to have their parents with them....... A wish and a dream that will never be fulfilled in this life time but certainly in the hereafter God willing. As Mr. M left the pharmacy I made a silent prayer in my heart for him. May the Almighty fulfill his every wish and desire and grant him success in this world as well as in the hereafter. May he one day have a family of his own to fill the void and emptiness of his own life. Ameen!!!!!!

FORCE FEEDING IN MAURITANIA

Journalists have reported an unusual scourge among the Mauritanian nomads - the force-feeding of their girls. For to be fat is considered a sensible ideal for brides-to-be.

Mothers cross sticks around the ankles and squeeze the ends together with rope till the girls cry out in pain. That is one way of forcing daughters to swallow litres of milk and mountains of couscous for days on end until they developed wings of fat hanging from their arms and their skin was traced with silvery stretch-marks - attributes considered the height of feminine beauty in Mauritania.
'They eat and eat, and drink and drink, and when they can't eat anymore we pinch them and sometimes they vomit,' Braika, a mother said. 'When they vomit on purpose, we make them eat the vomit to teach them not to do it again.'

She did not feel guilty about force-feeding her daughter. Only when fattened up, daughters could have the pick of husbands. 'A thin girl could be blown away in the wind, people think she is a stick and she will never find a husband,' she said. Nomads seem to believe a fat girl is a healthy girl. But then the Mauritanian government seems to have realized that in reality, obesity has reached epidemic proportions among Mauritanian women. It is actually killing them. Barely into their 40s, fattened women are dying from obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart failure.

Mounina Bint Abdalla is a health consultant who worked for years with the government trying to stamp out force-feeding.But she acknowledged that government radio sketches warning women of the dangers of obesity have had little effect on a society where fatness is revered as a symbol of nobility and good breeding.Nonetheless, force-feeding and the nomadic way of life is fast disappearing, said Mounina.'The country has been hit by years of drought and we simply don't have that kind of quantity of milk now, or the time it takes,' she added.

In the market in the capital Nouakchott, Mounina pointed to all the women working in the stalls selling everything from brightly coloured veils to fake Chanel sunglasses.'Just 15 years ago, women didn't work at all but now all these women are working because life in the city is very expensive,' she said. But despite this, women are still finding ways of fattening themselves up.

A pill-seller said he could not count the number of women who buy steroids meant for cattle.'Some come and buy 20 boxes in one go,' he said. But if force-feeding creates problems for women in later life, the cattle steroids can be an instant killer. Side-effects include renal failure and heart attacks. Dr Maagouiya, the general surgeon at the main hospital in the capital city of Nouakchott, said that without autopsies - which are not permitted in Mauritania - he could not be sure how many lives the steroids had claimed but he believed the figure was high. Yet mothers still come to him to request pills for their daughters, believing that thin girls are shameful because they look 'sick'. To be 'sick' is often a euphemism for having HIV/AIDS in Africa. But the message is getting through to some Mauritanian women, like Mounina's nieces who have started exercising around the stadium as the sun goes down. But they seemed to be doing it reluctantly and said they were trying to lose weight purely for health reasons, not because it would make them more attractive.
Dr Mougiya said he encountered the same attitude when he holds seminars trying to persuade obese women to slim down. 'They tell me that if they lose weight their husbands will leave them because everyone knows that in Mauritania men prefer a fat woman.'

But one thing is finally beginning to shake up popular attitudes to fatness - the explosion of Arab satellite channels obliterating the monopoly held until recently by the state channel.

Mounina's teenage daughters, for instance, say they do not want to be fat like their cousins who are only a few years older then them. They said they want to be 'a normal size' like the Lebanese pop stars.'Now Mauritanian men are looking at Lebanese singers and starting to compare them with us,' said 19-year-old Aicha. 'The men say to their wives 'why are you fat, why aren't you like Britney Spears?'

The lifestyle in Mauritania is changing fast - donkey carts and fruit stalls in Nouakchott are giving way to fast-food restaurants. But then it is all a small beginning. Long, long way to go for the harassed Mauritanian girls.

Source:
http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/news/forcefeeding-in-mauritania

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/6591835.stm

DHAB- THE DESERT LIZARD

Article written by Muhammad al Sulami
Hunting lizards is a popular hobby for many young Saudi hunters who enjoy looking for the “exceptionally delicious” reptile in desert areas that they then slaughter and eat.

Hunters use many methods to catch the reptiles. They either use rifles to shoot them or chase them until catching them with their hands. Some pour water down their holes or use pipes to push car exhaust fumes inside to force them out.

Although lizard meat is considered a specialty in the Kingdom, doctors warn against eating too much as the meat is high in cholesterol and rich in protein. The nutritious value of the meat depends on the time of the year. If the lizard is caught after its winter hibernation, its meat will be full of fat, which becomes low in spring and at the beginning of summer.

“Hunting lizards is a hobby that we have inherited from our ancestors,” said Adil Al-Otaibi, a young Saudi lizard hunter. He explained that the best time to hunt lizards is during the summer, especially toward the end of August after numbers have soared following the mating season which begins in May and ends at the end of August.

Al-Otaibi is saddened by the hunting methods of some hunters, which he said is threatening the reptiles into extinction. “With the rising demand for lizard meat, some hunters hunt huge numbers,” he said, adding that many people think lizard meat is beneficial to their sex life.

Massad Al-Mitairi recalls several funny incidents when hunting lizards. He said once he and a group of friends caught a number of lizards and that one of the friends threw the lizards into hot water to cook before slaughtering them.

“The lizards immediately jumped out of the pot and ran off. My friend became scared and also started running. He’s never come with us since,” he said.

To preserve the lizards and save them from extinction, the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) has issued strict rules and stipulated fixed times of the year when they can be hunted. Anyone who violates these rules will be handed prison sentences, fines or both.

They are many types of lizards including the Egyptian Spiny-Tailed lizard, the Dabb lizard, the Yemeni Spiny-Tailed lizard, the Bent’s Mastigure lizard and others.

So many of you may wonder if Muslims are allowed to eat Dhab. Well, the Prophet (saw) may have personally disliked dhab himself but he did allow his companions to partake in it as reported by an authentic hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA):" I and Khalid b. Walid went to the apartment of Maimuna along with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him), and there was presented to him a roasted lizard. Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) stretched his hand towards It, whereupon some of the women who had been in the house of Maimuna said: Inform Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) what he intends to eat. Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) lifted his hand. I said: Messenger of Allah, Is it forbidden? He said: No. It is not found in the land of my people, and I feel that I have no liking for it. Khalid said: I then chewed and ate it, while, Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) was looking (at me).

I have put some pictures below of what the lizard looks like and some “tasty” ways in which it is usually prepared.

Has anyone ever tasted it??

I should add here that I haven’t tried it personally, and I don’t think I ever will.

Source:

http://www2.arabnews.com/node/352384

Pictures courtesy of Saud Al Yahya

SPEED AND ALCOHOL KILLS!!!!!

The above two pictures were taken at the scene of a gruesome accident that occurred on the Main Durban- Johannesburg N3 highway in South Africa on Sunday November 4th at around 17h00. Driving pass the accident scene with my family, we witnessed a Black Corsa van split in half with the occupant of the vehicle, a young white man, dead. The occupants of the other vehicle, a Ford Fortuna 4x4 was a family of five. A mother, father and three kids. The kids and the mother came out without much injury. However, the driver of the vehicle despite talking, was bleeding profusely from his head and arms. His legs were stuck and it was possible that he had sustained a serious leg injury. He needed to be removed from the vehicle with the 'Jaws of Life". Dad usually doesn't stop at an accident scene. However, the families belongings were strewn across the road and dad felt that he needed to pick up their belongings and hand it over safely to the relatives. Now in South Africa what usually happens at the scene of an accident is theft. You would find people living in the surrounding areas along the road side would come to the accident scene and instead of helping the victims they would choose to steal their belongings? In a separate incident that occurred about a month ago in South Africa, a truck that was carrying meat products was involved in an accident in the Mpumalanga region. The African people from the town nearby came to the accident scene and virtually stole the entire truck load of meat.
The cause of the accident we witnessed was unknown to the police. However, they strongly point the unfortunate incident to alcohol. The man driving the Corsa van was possibly under the influence of alcohol as his breath and body were reeking of alcohol. There was also many small bottles of coke in his car.He was probably drinking the coke to shoot up his caffeine and concentration levels.
The shocking bit about the whole accident scene was that our national government ambulance service was not well equipped in dealing with this kind of trauma. The ambulance failed to have many life saving drips and drugs. The doctor on duty was forced to borrow and utilize medical equipment from the NETCARE ambulance that had arrived on the scene.
If you could ever find a group of dumb policemen the dumbest of them all were present at the scene of the accident. They did not know how to use the 'Jaws of Life" which resembles a giant pliers. With members of the public pitching in to help, finally they managed to use the device and free the driver who was trapped underneath the vehicle. With the nearest hospital 86km away in Bethlehem, it makes you wonder why doesn't the national emergency services have an airlifting service in transporting a patient quickly and efficiently especially in life threatening situations.With millions of rands squandered and stolen each day through corruption in seems to me that South Africa is slowly but surely regressing into a fully fledged third world country. It is simply a matter of time.Whilst President Jacob Zuma enjoys his life with his many wives and 20 or so kids many of whom are illegitimate, his nation and his citizens are suffering.My heart bleeds for South Africa. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has the best weather, the scenery is remarkable and the people are warm and kind. Africa should have been the superpower of the world. But then again because of greed which African president has ever succeeded in raising his nation to new heights??? Sadly folks the answer is NONE!!

No Loopholes on Coral

The backlash from the change in the ownership of the former Coral Hotel - the first "dry hotel" of its kind in Cape Town - to the latest "halaal friendly" hotel in the Hilton chain, has spread throughout the Bokaap community, leaving many fuming.Thumbs up to the muslim community of the Bo Kaap region for standing up to the management of CII (Channel Islam International) who instead of selling the hotel decided to lease out the hotel to the Hilton group thereby turning the hotel from completely halaal to " halaal friendly" as the hotel will now be serving alcohol at certain designated areas at the hotel.In response to the whole fiasco that made headlines in the Sunday times, Mufti A.K.Hoosain of Channel Islam was emphatically clear about the presence of alcohol on the premises. "If the ownership has changed and it is now the Hilton, it is no more halaal. We should not be looking for loopholes and shortcuts. We must be clear - once alcohol is served and all that, we can no more say it is halaal. Nabi (SAW) said whoever believes in Allah and the last day, you cannot frequent a place where alcohol is being served."

Asked about the change from halaal to "halaal friendly", the alim said: "They are using skullduggery and loopholes when they say (the place is) halaal friendly. We, as Muslims, in the Cape and South Africa, masha Allah, we have so many (fully) halaal outlets. So why should we frequent such places? We must not be deceived by these type of terminology. It is not permissible for us to frequent such places. The best is that a person stays away totally."
Asked it if was acceptable to lease out your property to a place that sells something that is not Islamically permissible like alcohol, once again, the alim was clear. "We Muslims should not just look at the money. We should also look at the harm it will cause the public. Imagine alcohol - the Quran Kareem says it is impure, it is the handywork of the Shaitan, so abstain from it."
He continued: "How can we Muslims now be renting out our premises and say 'no, these are non-Muslims that are selling it, so therefore, it is fine'? But we are receiving the money. So we are becoming a menace to society because we are allowing this on our premises." He added that it was not even permissible for Muslims to allow the advertisement of things like alcohol on premises they owned "Always remember the rule Islam gives us - that we should not be party - either directly or indirectly - to others who are commiting a sin."He further added that if a muslim business owner leased out a property to a second party who in turn leased it out to a third or forth party and on that property alcohol is sold, all revenue derived from that property by the primary muslim owner is haraam.

In a hadith related by the prophet (saw) it is mentioned that when the day of judgement comes near the muslim ummah will be divided into 73 different sects and it will be the religious scholars themselves who will be leading the people astray into the fire of jahannam.The ruling in Islam with regards to alcohol is a clear cut straight forward one and recently many religious clerics have tried to go around the issue of alcohol trying to brand it as permissable when in reality it is completely prohibited in Islam.There has also been numerous incidences recently of muslim families hosting diplomatic functions and parties whilst allowing a cash bar to be present at these functions. What kind of an example are these people setting for others? How can a person stoop so low by selling his faith and religion to simply please the whims and fancies of his non muslim atheistic counterparts to simply acquire wealth, fame and status? The South African muslim community is quick to condemn the muslim communities in other parts of the world. We are quick to condemn and brand Saudis as salafis.We look down at the Malaysian and Indonesian way of Islam as well and yet the wrong that is occurring within our own muslim communities is quite atrocious..

Source:

http://www.vocfm.co.za/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=405:2011-09-30-08-55-06&Itemid=134 

Saudi Arabia's Khuroof Najdi ( Najd Sheep)

When one thinks of Saudi Arabia and what it is known for the usual things that come to mind are probably oil and gold. Saudi also has its exquisite Arabian horses as well camels. And among other things, Saudi is known for the Khuroof Najdi. Khuroof meaning sheep and Najdi, indicating the sheep originated from the Naj’d region. The Khuroof Najdi is unique in its appearance where unlike other sheep from Australia, South Africa or the United States for example, they are a very tall breed, averaging 76-86 centimeters (30-34 inches) in height at the withers.They have long, Roman nosed faces with drooping ears. Ewes are polled and rams may be either polled or have scurs. They are generally black with white faces and white on the legs and tail.

(http://www.acacialand.com/food.html - picture)

 The Khuroof Najdi sheep were a predominant part of the Bedouin lifestyle.In fact, the bedus would make their traditional tents (sedu) from the Khuroof Najdi wool often referring to these tents as the “hair house.” However, over the years and in modern times, they are popular throughout the Kingdom and GCC for breeding due to their elegant style and appearance. The Khuroof Najdi continue to also be used for milk and meat but their popularity has skyrocketed with the introduction of “The Khuroof Najdi beauty pageants"

A Khuroof Najdi beauty pageant was held just outside of Riyadh in October 2008. More than 4000 men showed up for this event. "The pageant was organized to encourage Saudis to breed their sheep for quality. And it also offered an opportunity for breeders to do business and a rare outlet for entertainment in a country where the few recreational activities that exist are conducted under the strict glare of the religious police."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najdi_(sheep) - picture)

According to the event’s organizer, Faisal Al-Saadoun, “Just like humans, sheep should n’t have fat in unwanted places,” “They should also be tall.”

The female sheep (ewes) will sell for between 20,000 to 30,000 Saudi riyals (equivalent to US$5,300 – 8,000). A Ram or male sheep is more expensive because it can produce up to 100 sheep per year to ones flock whereas the ewe will usually give birth to two per year. As a result, a male Khuroof Najdi may be sold for hundreds of thousands of riyals.

Source:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,445807,00.html

http://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2008/11/beauty-contest-with-difference.html

http://www2b.abc.net.au/science/k2/stn/newposts/3866/topic3865791.shtm

"Neither their flesh reaches Allah nor their blood; it is your piety that reaches HIM. He has subjected these animals that you may magnify Allah for the guidance He has bestowed upon you. Give glad tidings to those who do good."     Surah Al Hajj- Ayah 37

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family Eid Mubarak. May the Almighty accept our humble sacrifices and reward us all abundantly. May He bless and protect us and grant us all good health, success and prosperity, Insha Allah!!!!!!

Udhiya (Qurbani)

What is Udhiya?

‘Udhiya’ is an Arabic word meaning "blood sacrifice", and ‘Qurbani’ is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word "Qurban" which literally means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. It is technically used for the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah.

The sacrifice of an animal has always been a recognised form of worship in many religions, but in the ‘Shariah’ (Islamic sacred law) of our beloved Noble Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him)  the sacrifice of an animal has been recognised as a form of worship during the three days of the month Zul Hijjah, namely the 10th, 11th, and 12th .

This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Sayyidna Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in pursuance to a command of Allah Ta’ala conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Sayyidna Isma'il, Alayhi Salam, and actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim."

On who is it obligatory? 

Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) on every Muslim who is

• Of sound mind - mature (has  reached the age of puberty),
• Muqeem (i.e. he is not a Shari traveller)
• Possesses the amount of 612,36 grams of silver or wealth equivalent to that value which is in excess of   one's basic needs and debts on any of the three days of Qurbani. It is not necessary that this amount be in one's possession for a complete lunar year.

What the Quran and Hadith says:

Allah Ta'ala, The Most Wise says:

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allâh, it is your piety that reaches Him. Indeed He has subjected them (animals) to you so that you may glorify Allah for guiding you, and give glad tidings  to those who excel in good." (Quran-22:37)

The Noble Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

"For every hair that is on the sacrificial animal, one reward is recorded for the person making the Qurbâni."

"There is nothing dearer to Allâh during the days of Qurbâni than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Qiyamah with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed inreward). The sacrifice is accepted by Allâh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart."

"Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Hadith-Ibn Majah).

Source:

http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2012/10/udhiya-qurbani.html

Hajj 1953-Around Jeddah

Here is the final set of photographs from the July 1953 edition of the National Geographic magazine, showing areas of Jeddah during the Hajj.

My Experience with Hajj by Danish Vaiyani

A young Muslim narrates his journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Walking toward the horizon, my pulse began to quicken. All of a sudden, the marble floors, the intricately decorated pillars, and the gold lighting fixtures seemed to melt away, and the only thing present in the world was the black structure in the distance that attracted me as a magnet attracts bits of iron. After two days of travel, the object of my journey was before me. My eyes gazed upon the black building and tears of repentance streamed down my face. I was finally standing before the Kaaba, the house of Allah. My Hajj had just begun.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and it is required that a Muslim perform it at least once in his or her lifetime.
My Hajj began in Dubai, where I put on the ihram, an outfit comprised of two white sheets worn by all men during Hajj. One sheet is tied around the waist, and the other is wrapped around the shoulders. A belt is then placed around the waist for the sake of security. Footwear consists of sandals, and these must expose the bone in the upper part of the foot and the ankles. Although, at first, I had some trouble wearing the ihram and covering myself properly, I soon overcame these troubles. Once I got the hang of it, I came to love the ihram, because it was simple yet elegant. The ihram makes all Muslims--rich and poor--alike, equal in terms of exterior appearance, by eliminating what often is a gauge of an individual’s wealth. When a man dons the ihram, he is equal to all around him; this external equality is representative of the Day of Judgment, when the rich and the poor will all look alike. It is required that one starts wearing the ihram and recites his or her intention to perform Hajj before reaching Makkah.
When the pilgrim is in the state of ihram, many things are forbidden to him. For example, he is forbidden to cut his nails and hair (since they are part of a living body), to uproot a plant and to kill animals. The idea is to teach self-restraint, and that your body doesn’t belong to you. You are forced to respect your body for the first three days of Hajj. The point is that if you can respect your body for three days, you can certainly do it for the rest of your life. This is just one of the many changes that Hajj imparts upon a pilgrim.
Upon arriving in Makkah, I performed the Umrah, which is a required part of Hajj. The Umrah consists of performing tawaaf (walking around the Kaaba seven times); praying two rakaahs; making du’a (supplication); drinking water that comes from the Zam Zam spring; and performing the sai’y, which consists of walking between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah seven times. It was right before I began the Umrah that I first saw the Kaaba, and because of this, that Umrah was one of the most special moments of my life.
After spending a few nights in Makkah, I went to Madinah to see Masjid-un-Nabi. I honestly thought that this was the most beautiful mosque I had ever seen, even moreso than Masjid al-Haram in Makkah! Masjid-un-Nabi has many beautiful features. For instance, it is decorated very lavishly, with intricate gold and marble everywhere. The one thing I was impressed by most was the level of detail of the decorations in everything in the mosque. You can literally sit inside of Masjid-un-Nabi for an hour and just look around, and at the end of the hour, you will still be noticing things that you had not seen when you first walked in.
Masjid-un-Nabi also contains the grave of the Prophet (saws), which I was able to see, as well as the graves of Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat Umar (ra), both of whom are buried next to the Prophet (saws). Yet another feature of the mosque is the Jannat-ul-Rawdah. There is a hadith (narration) that states that the area between the pulpit of Masjid-un-Nabi and the living quarters of the Prophet (saws) is a garden of Paradise and that prayers offered in the Rawdah are equal to 100,000 prayers. In the daytime there is always a crowd of people trying to reach the Rawdah to pray two rakaat.
I also was able to visit the al-Baqi cemetery, which is right next to Masjid-un-Nabi. Hadrat Uthman (ra) is buried here, as are many other Sahabah (companions of the Prophet). The Prophet (saws) would often visit this cemetery. The nice part about the cemetery is that is has been kept as it was 1400 years ago. The graves have not been covered with marble; it is still a large area of soil that comprises the burial ground. Also, the original headstones have not been replaced. The headstones of the Prophet’s time were just large rocks. Just being there makes you feel as though you were in another time, and it is also a strong reminder of death and man’s own mortality.
After visiting Madinah, I went to Mina to begin Hajj. During the first couple days of Hajj, you stay at Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar), spend the afternoon of the 9th at Arafat, going to Muzdalifah for the eve of the 10th where you collect pebbles to throw at the Jamaarat.
Mina is one of the most crowded places you’ll ever see. You sleep in tents, and for the most part you live simply and spend most of your time in prayer. Because of the big crowds, you rarely venture out into the streets on the first day.
Arafat was probably the highlight of my Hajj. It is one of the most peaceful places I have ever been in. The roads, which are right next to the camp, are full of buses, and yet in the tent you feel nothing but inner peace. There is a hadith that states “Hajj is halting at Arafat,” and this is where your du’a is most likely to be accepted. Most of the people here stand outside in the sun and pray for forgiveness and make any du’a that they have.

On the 10th, while Muslims all around the world are celebrating Eid-al-Adha, pilgrims in Makkah go through the toughest day of Hajj, the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. On this day, pilgrims must throw seven pebbles at the biggest of the three Jamaarat, and then travel to Makkah to perform tawaaf and sai’y.
Many Muslims die every year while trying to throw the Jamaarat, simply because of the huge number of people trying to throw the pebbles.
After throwing the pebbles, tawaaf is performed at Masjid al-Haram, and this is another highlight of the Hajj, because the Kaaba is washed (ghusl) on the day of Arafat. It’s covering is also changed, and so on the 10th the Kaaba looks extra-special. Sai’y is also performed at Masjid al-Haram. Afterwards, pilgrims shave their hair, and are now permitted to take off the ihram and wear normal clothes. The final three days are spent at Mina, and these are usually days of prayer and rest. The final part of Hajj is that before leaving Makkah, the pilgrim must perform the Farewell tawaaf. This should also be the final action of the pilgrim before he leaves Makkah.
Hajj was an incredible experience for me and I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it. There is simply no replacement for the happiness and peacefulness you feel. Hajj is meant to change a Muslim’s life, and for him to change his bad ways and become a better Muslim. The reward for Hajj is forgiveness for all of one’s sins and thus Hajj provides a “clean slate” with which a Muslim can literally start over, and live a good life unmarred by bad deeds and habits. May Allah accept the Hajj of those who have performed it and give all Muslims the opportunity to perform Hajj. Ameen. ̹

The History of Haj

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a ritual and an act of worship  that has to be performed at least once during one’s lifetime. An individual is exempted from performing Hajj due to sickness, physical difficulties or financial hardships. Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet Abraham and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka'bah in Makka.

Hajj allows us to become closer to our Creator, God Almighty and affords us with an opportunity for a spiritual rebirth. We are united through submission to the will and communal worship of our beloved Creator. Prophet Ibraheem (as) came to Makka to perform Hajj every year once the Ka'bah was built to completion. After his demise, his son Ismaeel (as) followed in his fathers footsteps and continued this practice. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. During that year, the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique ( The first khalifa of Islam) to Makkaa to perform the Hajj.

By the following year, 10th Hijra, the messenger of God Almighty announced that he would be performing Hajj in that year.This Hajj is known as Hajj al Widaa’ or Farewell Hajj because it was the last Hajj Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) performed.He led thousands of Muslims to Hajj and explained to them how to perform the rites.

Source:

http://www.go-makkah.com

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1864624,00.html

HAJJ 1953- PRAYING

Again, more images from the National Geographic magazine published in 1953. This time the photos show images of pilgrims praying in Makkah.

THE RED CROSS RACKET by Ken Adachi (editor and investigative journalist)

The American Red Cross or the International Red Cross, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank, is an Illuminati-controlled front organization whose true purpose is completely opposite from their stated purpose. The IMF tells the world that they are there to "help" counties recover from economic difficulties (which the IMF and World Bank helped to create in the first place), but in reality, the IMF breaks counties and ruins their economies. The same could be said of the Red Cross.

The moment a 'natural' disaster like Hurricane Katrina roars through the southeast, radio and TV spots flood the airwaves seeking monetary donations to be sent to the Red Cross. With heart string music playing in the background, the radio announcer tells us that the Red Cross is "always  there in time of need" and now that the "poor victims of Hurricane Katrina are suffering" with this terrible tragedy, "won't you open your heart" and make a" generous" donation?

Oh Brother, these guys have the science of bilking people down to a fine art! I can't take the time to get into a long essay about the Dark  Side of the Red Cross, but just try to recall what happened after 9-11:

The dust from the World Trade Center collapses hadn't even settled before the call went out immediately from the Red Cross to give blood  and money to help the victims and the families of the 'terrorist' attack. Thousands of people gave blood and even more gave millions upon millions of dollars to the Red Cross. The first question that occurred to me when the Red Cross started asking for blood was: "Blood for whom?". Everyone was dead! We knew everyone was dead from the very beginning, so why is the Red Cross asking for blood donations day and night for about a week or more?

The answer is reflective of the true purpose of the the Red Cross: the Red Cross is a disaster racket which is in the business of making money from disasters-especially from engineered disasters. They sell the blood, of course, but they apparently also use the blood for other things which the public is generally not privy to.

And what do they do with the money? For the most part, they keep it for themselves! Recall how the families of the victims of 911 had to badger, harass, and threaten the Red Cross in an attempt to get some 11 million dollars that they would not release to the families-even a year later?  And that's what we were told in the media, but how much money did the Red Cross really rake in from 9-11?

The CEO of the Red Cross and other corporate celebrities receive obscene salaries and other big buck perks, while other charities operate on much leaner budgets for use by the charity itself. As I type this short article, I now check my e-mail and find 4 or 5 articles devoted to precisely the same topic written by other well known journalists from around the world. I guess I'm not the only one who smells a rat!!!! 

SO YOU THINK AL JAZEERA IS PROPAGANDA FREE---THINK AGAIN!

 So just how independent is Al Jazeera news when it comes to reporting the truth at ground level? I know many muslim viewers out there believe that everything spewed out by the news readers on Al Jazeera is the whole truth. So is it really the gospel truth or is Al Jazeera television simply another facade, another tool in the New World Order game. Recent news coming out of Qatar  suggests that the director of Al Jazeera Wadah Khanfar was pressurised many times by the USA as well as the Qatari government when it came to reporting issues regarding the USA. He was asked on one occasion to remove an inflammatory slide show on the Al Jazeera website that would portray the USA in a bad light. On one occasion he was asked to remove pictures on the website that portrayed kids that were in hospital covered in blood and receiving treatment after being bombed by the USA army.Many have suggested that Al Jazeera is simply a facade with the master minds behind the television station being none other than the ZIONIST JEWS....Makes you wonder that once upon a time the USA government hated the Al Jazeera televison station. Colin Powell, George Bush, Barack Obama and Hilary Clonton just a few years ago were up in arms about the television station calling it evil and biased against the American regime.Bush even jokingly suggested bombing the television station down. Now suddenly there is a change of heart and both Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama are encouraging the public to watch Al Jazeera TV. "The emir of Qatar came by the oval office today, and he owns Al Jazeera basically," Obama said in remarks recorded by CBS NEWS"S Mark Knoller. "Pretty influential guy. He is a big booster, big promoter of democracy all throughout the Middle East. Reform, Reform, Reform. You're seeing it on Al Jazeera.Today when he visits the White House, officials will tell him they watch Al Jazeera English to monitor the protests and at the State Department, when  you go down the hallway, you see it on virtually every TV and computer."

I guess the bottom line is, Nothing you see on television is the truth. The television itself is a weapon of mass destruction aimed at distorting the views and mindset of the masses. The people owning our global television stations are the very same people in power and hence they would naturally be showing the world images that would promote their cause and that would further strengthen their position of power. Nothing on television is the truth today. In fact many have suggested that more truth has actually come forth from ordinary people on the street taking video clips with their mobile phones. Many people prefer reading blogs rather than a mainstream newspaper as both television media as well as journalism through a newspaper has been dogged with false propagandist stories to promote a certain cause that is definitely not in the favour of the people or the masses but rather in the interest of a higher government authority.Come to think of it Steve Jobs didn't ban his kids from watching television for no reason. He was a wise man who simply didn't want his kids entrapped into the media lies that almost half the world has fallen victim to. Wake up people. The New world Order is here in front of our eyes and unless we start standing up to the atrocities that NATO and the super powers of the world continue to carry out against innocent civilians of poor and impoverished nations they will just continue in their quest for world domination. They have destroyed Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Bosnia and Afghanistan. Today Libya has crumbled. Tomorrow it could be your country too!!!!!

 Interesting links:

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Al-Jazeera-director-resigns-US/2011/09/21/id/411855

http://www.conspiracyplanet.com/channel.cfm?channelid=97&contentid=3154&page=2

http://narcosphere.narconews.com/notebook/brenda-norrell/2011/10/wikileaks-us-obsession-controlling-al-jazeera

British museum to stage Hajj exhibition

The world's largest exhibition on the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is to be staged at the British Museum early in 2012, it has announced.

Manuscripts, diaries, historic photographs and contemporary art will be displayed to mark the annual ritual, undertaken by Muslims across the world.The museum's director, Neil MacGregor, said the Hajj was a cultural phenomenon "that needs to be better understood".

Hajj: Journey To The Heart Of Islam will run from 26 January to 15 April.

Pilgrim's journey

Every adult Muslim is meant to undertake the Hajj at least once in their life if they can afford the journey to Saudi Arabia and are physically able.Many Muslims save for years in order to perform the pilgrimage. Circling the kaaba in the great mosque in Mecca is

part of the ritual.Once they arrive, they must brave vast crowds and the fierce heat of the desert as they perform the Hajj rituals.

The exhibition will examine the pilgrim's journey, the rituals and the destination to Mecca.

It will also feature the work of contemporary Saudi artists such as Ahmed Mater and Shadia Alem.

The idea is simple and, like its central element, forcefully attractive. Ahmed Mater gives a twist to a magnet and sets in motion tens of thousands of particles of iron, a multitude of tiny satellites that forms a single swirling nimbus. Even if we have not taken part in it, we have all seen images of the Hajj, the great annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca. Ahmed's black cuboid magnet is a small simulacrum of the black-draped Ka'bah, the 'Cube', that central element of the Meccan rites. His circumambulating whirl of metallic filings mirrors in miniature the concentric tawaf of the pilgrims, their sevenfold circling of the Ka'bah.

Mr MacGregor described the Hajj as a "supreme spiritual moment for Muslims" which "shapes the notion of the Islamic community worldwide".He added: "Very beautiful things, supreme works of art, have been made to be sent to Mecca to accompany people.

"We'll be looking at some of those objects and they are supreme."

Source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14214855