Search the Community

Assalam Alaikum, If i am performing Umrah and i am in the state of Ihram and it rains. Do you know if it is raining and I am traveling by car (covered vehicle) at night in the state of Ihram. Do I need to pay Kaffara of one goat? And can we pay kaffara later or have to pay before removing Irham? For followers of Ayatollah Sistani.

Salam all, I wanted to know what are the most reputed Hajj organizers to go this year? And have they started their packages (I noted that most Sunni places have started offering it). I am having a bit of an issue finding more information on this, if someone can help - atleast to get an idea of the prices, arrangements, dates, etc. I haven't moved to Canada yet but planning to very soon inshaAllah.. so I do not have any personal contacts there as yet... though want to try to do Hajj if possible asap as this is my only option. JazakAllah for any help.

Salaam. I am a sunni and I like a boy who is shia. Say we wanted to get married so before marriage will I need to do hajj? And do the tawaf al nisa? or is it not mandatory for me and only he will have to do it?

many of my shia friends and their families prefer going to ziarat then going to umrah or hajj i asked them why is it so and they replied as it is financially easier to go to ziarat then to umrah or hajj. Can anyone explain this thought?

The word Kaaba means cube in Arabic, and it refers to the square-like building in the holy city of Mecca, which is covered with a silk and cotton veil. It is the most sacred site for Muslims, and millions of people travel to visit that as a pilgrim each year. Many people think that Kaaba was built at the time of Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) and with the advent of Islam. However, history has a different narration about which we are going to talk in this article. 1. The First People who Built Kaaba The first person who built Kaaba was Adam ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)), and it was remained unharmed until the great flood at the time of Noah ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)) [1], which caused it to be partially damaged. Afterward, the structure of the Kaaba was reconstructed by prophet Abraham ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)) and his son, Ishmael, under the command of Allah. The Quran has narrated this story in this verse: As Abraham raised the foundations of the House with Ishmael, [they prayed]: 'Our Lord, accept it from us! Indeed, You are the All-hearing, the All-knowing. (2: 127) 2. Kaaba Between Abraham ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)) and Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) The son of prophet Abraham ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)), Ishmael ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)), and a tribe named Jorohom were the guardians of Kaaba after the demise of prophet Abraham ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)). This magnificent building stood upright until that Jarhim tribe, and then a tribe named Amaaleh rebuilt the square-shaped holy place [2]. Years after, one of the predecessors of Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) named Qusai Bin Kelab, made a wooden structure to protect the building and neighbored it with another building Called Dar-ol Nadvah, which was the governor's state. Then he asked each Quraysh tribe to locate their houses mirroring one side of the Kaaba, to build a circle around it. Some say that Kaaba was once ruined in flood before the time of Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP), but that again is not proven [3]. 3. Kaaba and Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) When Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) was chosen as the Messenger of Allah, Kaaba was considered a holy place. Some reference books say that Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) took part in the reconstruction of the Kaaba after the flood. Also, there was a fight between the Arab clans about where to locate the Black Stone, and Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) was chosen as the trustee of all clans to locate the holy stone on the eastern side's edge. (4) Kaaba was filled with idols and statues when Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) left Mecca because of the severe tortures and problems the Arab clans made for him and his followers. Even years before, Kaaba was a place to worship the idols. When Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) gathered his followers and returned to Mecca, he ruined all those idols with the help of his first follower and friend, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (عليه السلام). Kaaba became a center of performing Hajj and the Qibla of the Muslims. The Dome of Rocks (Qubbat al-Ṣakhrah ) was the first Qibla of Muslims, but Allah inspired Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) to change it toward the Cubic Kaaba. 4. Kaaba After Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) Kaaba has been reconstructed many times after the demise of Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP), but the cubic shape of the building has never been changed. Now, the Saudi Arabian Government is responsible for preserving this sanctuary, though it belongs to all Muslims and all nations. There are many different parts and holy sites around Kaaba, like the Black Stone, the Iraqi corner, the Kiswa, or the black covering, which we are going to discuss in our next articles.

Unity between Muslims is considered as a crucial matter in Islam. Thus, the Qur'an compares discordance and disunity among Muslims to “a pit of the Fire”: "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided...And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it." (3:103). Looking at the former nations, we find them honored and glorious when they were united, but disgraced and vulnerable when they fell apart [3]. Hajj, as one of the obligatory rituals in Islam, is one of the ways which encourages unity among Muslim nations. Let’s see how. Every Muslim is Welcomed to Hajj, No Exception! There is no other ritual, social, or political program in Islam greater than Hajj, where every Muslim from any corner of the world finds the chance to approach others and communicate with them freely. Besides, it provides the opportunity to strengthen the emotional, social, and religious bonds with other Muslims. Hajj is a social kind of worship that represents the glorious Islamic unity through its numerous participants of various nationalities, skin colors, languages, and sects who are like brothers (49:10). They have left behind the religious conflicts, and follow the same intention, perform the same actions, and wear the same outfit. Hajj Brings Muslims Power In Surah Ma’idah, it is stated that coming together around Ka’aba makes Muslims powerful (5:97). In other words, the aim of Hajj for Muslims is not just performing some physical actions. It is to bring Muslims of different races and origins together to get acquainted, communicate with each other, initiate political, economic and cultural relations, and find themselves closer to each other despite their many differences. Besides, Islam calls “every” Muslim to Hajj, which means that everyone, regardless of origin and skin color, is invited to the land of Allah. It reminds us of what the Qur'an says; that there is no superiority except rightfulness and the most righteous, is the noblest in the sight of Allah (49:13). This is an important message, especially for the less powerful Islamic nations, causing them to feel more confident and encouraging them to communicate with other Muslims, which ultimately results in a more united Muslim society. Muslims Are Like the Hands which Help Each other In a discourse that Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) has given during one of his Hajj pilgrimages, he described Muslims as brothers, and like a single hand (a united community) when facing the enemies [2]. Emphasizing brotherhood among Muslims during Hajj shows that this ritual was a good representation of unity. Thus, Muslims are expected to support each other and be close to each other as they are during Hajj. Two Axes of Solidarity in Hajj During Hajj, Muslims learn and practice solidarity in two main areas: 1. Ideology and Principles During Hajj, Muslims can exchange ideas with Muslims of other sects. In the early years of Islam when non-Muslims also went to Mecca for their religious rituals, Prophet Muhammad ((صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)&HP) took this opportunity to introduce Islam to them and exchange ideas with them to spread his message and find followers in other cities, too. In Hajj, many misunderstandings and ideological conflicts can be discussed among Muslims, and the real beliefs of different sects about the others can be clarified. Hence, the wrong prejudgments and hostilities can be rectified. According to Imam Sadiq (عليه السلام), Hajj is a means to gather all Muslims from east to west to let them get acquainted with each other and achieve consensus [3]. 2. Social and Political Matters Through the communications that Muslims have during Hajj, they find out the social achievements and national advances in other Muslim nations and might decide to follow their path. They also learn about the social problems and deficiencies of others and might find solutions by further cooperation. Moreover, they become aware of the real political situations of other Muslim countries, especially the difficulties that sometimes other countries impose on them. For instance, one of the goals of Hajj is to announce the support of Muslims for Palestinians and those oppressed in the world. This helps Muslims to become more united against common enemies of Islam. To summarize, Hajj is a time that a Muslim finds him/herself in the accompaniment of millions of others who wear as simple as him/her and who repeat the same words as him/her as they move around Ka’aba. This is where “one” is transformed into the totality of ‘people’, establishing the universality of the Islamic community with the goal of approaching Allah. References:

Question: Is what Islamqa talk about for real? They say this- 'walking, kissing or touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner, or pointing to the Black Stone – all come under the heading of remembering Allah, may He be exalted, because they are all acts of worship, and all acts of worship are remembrance of Allah, may He be exalted, in general terms. As for the words that he utters of takbeer, dhikr and du‘aa’, they obviously come under the heading of remembering Allah, may He be exalted. As for kissing the Black Stone, it is an act of worship in which a person kisses a stone to which he has no connection except worshipping Allah, may He be exalted, by venerating it and following the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) by doing that, as it is proven that the Ameer al-Mu’mineen ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, when he kissed the Black Stone: I know that you are a stone and have no power to harm or benefit; were it not that I saw the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) kissing you, I would not have kissed you.' How on Earth do they think kissing a stone is an act of worship and every form of worship is a remembrance of Allah? That's daft. Besides you cannot both have no connection to something and take it as an act of worship, why is it that we have a connection to every single form of remembering Allah except conveniently enough the one form of 'worship' that looks suspicious?

The Muslim World League chief has criticised Imam Khamenei for politicising Hajj, in light of what Ayatollah Khamenei has said and in light of the MWL's response, what are your thoughts on the current state of Hajj? http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2019/07/10/Muslim-World-League-chief-denounces-attempts-of-politicizing-Hajj.html#

https://www.alaraby.co.United Kingdom/english/news/2019/8/7/Saudi-Islam-minister-apologises-for-kissing-woman-in-public For anyone unable to open the link basically a Saudi minister holds around the elder lady's shoulder and kisses her on the top of the head to console her. I remember a discussion on here about kissing non-mahrams on the hand, in that instance it was Sistani I believe? So depending on opinion, had this minister not gone in to embrace the lady, was what he did wrong? I also don't buy this idea that Saudi Arabia is trying to modernise and reform either. Certainly not with the intent of benefitting its own citizens.

.Arab News reports that 88,000 Iranian pilgrims have arrived for Hajj and received a high standard of service. May Allah grant the brothers and sisters of Iran, young and old, a safe pilgrimage and accept all of their good deeds and supplications. Perhaps if anybody would like to post their Hajj stories below, or if, like me, you are yet to go, post the things you look forward to.

Salam. What is the Kafarra of entering the state of Ehram, and then not being able to complete Umrah due to unavoidable reasons.

I've read that you write your own certificate and have it notarized to allow you to preform Hajj or get married. What information must be included to go to mecca and would a name change make so I don't need a certificate. My legal first name means one who worships Jesus and is supposed to be changed anyway. Would taking an Arabic last and first name mean that I wouldn't need a certificate. I want one for my personal records just to commemorate my conversion and don't intend to visit mecca anytime soon so I'm considering leaving the passport number off until I can get a passport witch takes about three months but longer for me because my legal name is going to change it may take a 6 to 8 months before I'll be able to get one. I want the certificate now. should I get one and just replace with an updated version later?

Across the globe, millions of Muslims prepare to embark on the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj. Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, hence holding immense significance in the lives of all Muslim believers. Muslims who are physically fit and financially stable are required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. This holy journey for Muslims requires planning from before and the utmost preparation. Let’s take a look at the following tips and advice that can help turn your Hajj experience into a memorable and rewarding journey. 1.Ask Allah Before you start planning for Hajj, say Bismillah (In the name of Allah) and supplicate to Allah. This will allow you to ask Allah for the time, strength and ability to gather resources for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage this year. It is only HE that can make anything possible in this universe. 2.Start inquiring about any legal documentation In order to perform Hajj, a number of legal documents are required. This includes a Visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, valid passport, and any paperwork regarding residency in your country. Legal documentation requires time so it’s best to begin planning early. This can all be done by contacting the Saudi Embassy in your locality or simply by discussing the matter with any travel agent dealing in privagte hajj packages. 3.Read about how to perform Hajj It’s essential to know about Hajj before embarking on this spiritual journey. Various guidebooks, pamphlets, online materials are available for Muslims to read and gain thorough knowledge on how to perform Hajj. This includes knowing about the different rituals, how and when they are performed, as well as things to avoid and things that are recommended for Hajj. Other than this, a handbook of various Duaas (supplications) that are to be read during Hajj should be kept safely to read when required. 4.Keep physically fit Hajj is a physically demanding journey. Believers are required to walk long distances in heated conditions, as well as run up and down Safaa to Marwa. These are just few examples of the rituals required for Hajj. All Muslims should prepare for Hajj by starting to eat healthy and walk for a minimum of 30 mins each day. A medical checkup should also be performed. 5.Stay in touch with those who have performed Hajj It’s always great to stay in contact and converse with family and friends who have been on Hajj. Sharing their experiences with you can give you an overview of the journey; rituals performed and added tips for a successful Hajj pilgrimage. 6.Make an important checklist for things to carry The following items are great to have with you at all times: •Money in your own currency as well as Saudi Riyals •Mobile phone •Extra pair of rubber slippers •Gloves •Small water bottle •Scissors and nail clipper •Sleeping bag/mat •Address and contact number of the hotel/ Kafila you are residing in. Emergency contact names and numbers should also be with you at all times. •Your identification card/ information •Appropriate clothing for men(Ehram) and women •Small cloth bag for collecting stones for the ritual of Hajj Hajj is a beautiful passage that requires careful thought and planning from before. Muslim believers should gain as much knowledge and information about Hajj so they can make the best out of this divine journey.

Hajj 2018 This is an enquiry on doing Hajj with a sunni group South East Asians (no shia group goes from where I reside) Is there any advice on things like where to do sajdah can we join them n do on carpet if need be. basically how to get around the sajdah part? can we pull out tissue and use? What to do? anything in particular to note about tawaaf or anything else as this is coming from someone who has never even done umrah or ziyarat etc n come from a mix of sunni shia family. is it also alright to use borrowed white clothes from others to be used in state of ihram where I do not know the status of the khums payment on it. any references to free pdf books on this or sharing your personal experience on this would be greatly appreciated. The QnA section of the sistani website in relation to hajj has very few QnAs. Many thanks.

salam dear brothers and sisters I am a mother of a Sayyed under 1 year. This is also so sudden dor me but I am very lucky to be called to do hajj this year. I will take off in this week. The confirmation is about two weeks before going/take off. (quite sudden, isnt it) I pumped and expressed my breastmilk everyday but I am sure it won't be enough for my 40 day trip for hajj. I looked for breastfeeding mom to give my baby milk indirectly from bottle so that they won't be considered mahram in the future. I got 2 moms. One of them is a shia, I thought that she is very good person. The other is a sunni. But later I knew that my shia friend's husband is a son of zina. (the father of my friend's baby is a son of zina) My question: will her breastmilk affected by her husband? Or can a sunni mother give breastmilk to my baby? I am now in a deep doubt about this. Again, my baby is a Sayyed. I want to give the better choice of milk from a good background. I also heard that for temporary replacement of breastmilk, goat milk is a good choice. which one will be a better choice? Thank you for your help.

Salam, if one has performed umrah, and then in Mekkah he wishes to perform umrah again, can he put on the ihram in the hotel room or does he have to leave the city once again? also how is umrah performed.

Asalam Aleikom, Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I couldn't find a better one. Someone I know passed away and it was his intention to do hajj but could not afford it. Does anybody know of a group or people who could do this hajj on behalf of the deceased? I once was surfing the web and found a foundation that has a section that offered these services where you pay a small sum to needy people who could in turn do these services. I have since forgotten the website address. If anyone knows any entity that does these services for people please let me know. I would prefer a country with a less developed economy since I plan on helping the deceased's family by paying for it but I have limited funds and obviously it would be cheaper to hire someone in, say, Iraq than U.K. A shia would have to do the Hajj. Thanks. wa salam. TLH

Asalam Aleikom, Someone I know passed away and it was his intention to do hajj but could not afford it. Does anybody know of a group or people who could do this hajj on behalf of the deceased? I once was surfing the web and found a foundation that has a section that offered these services where you pay a small sum to needy people who could in turn do these services. I have since forgotten the website address. If anyone knows any entity that does these services for people please let me know. I would prefer a country with a less developed economy since I plan on helping the deceased's family by paying for it but I have limited funds and obviously it would be cheaper to hire someone in, say, Iraq than U.K. A shia would have to do the Hajj. Thanks. wa salam. TLH

Salam Alikom to all. We are aware that the government of Saudi Arabia has launched a war on the people of Yemen while also supporting and financing terrorist activities in some parts of the middle east. In such case, is it permissible that we go to Hajj, when we know that some of the money that we spend for the Hajj Pilgrimage, may be used by the Saudi government to finance it's wars and other terrorist activities? If we do go, doesn't this mean that indirectly we are financing the killing of innocent people in Yemen, Syria etc? Ma' Sallam.

Aslaamu-alaikum to all the readers. I have a question that I was asked by a friend recently but got stuck for an answer. His question started with, in the Shia Fiqh, is The act of Hajj (pilgrimage) obligatory (Wajib) on females? To which I replied that Hajj is wajib on every Muslim, from my common sense. HOWEVER, he further asked me to prove if any females in prophets household (more so referring to Lady Khatijah sa, Lady Fatima sa, Lady Zainab sa) performed hajj and asked for prove. I have tried to research but couldn't find any obvious answers or hadees in regards. Has any one got more information to enlighten me about this? Many thanks, Jazakallah

Salam all, I had posted on the Community forum but I guess it seems to be the wrong place to post since there are no responses. Can anyone please advise urgently on Hajj groups from Canada?Or anyone I can call who organizes this? I haven't been able to find any Shia kafilas going from Canada - am currently outside the country but need to organize this at the earliest possible. I have noted that all the Sunni travel agents etc, have posted their packages, but no idea of Shia packages as yet? JazakAllah

I am looking for different travel packages/groups for Hajj pilgrimage iA. Please post any options you are aware of with details about the logistics, groups, sect, etc.

http://www.islamquest.net/en/archive/question/fa14068

Muslims believe that Quran is the Book of Allah uncovered to PBUH (Prophet Muhammad) that will proceed positively till fulfillment of the world to guide and direct the entire humanity, independent of country, land mass, nation, era, and region. It is not simply a wellspring of identification and direction for the follower additionally benevolence changing. This conviction requested that Muslims should create a dynamic association with it, consider over its verses, interpret it, got the light of its preaching, a conclusion it genuinely and ought to have satisfied the obligations set on them through this book. However, the instance of Muslims is unusual. They don’t even feel the need of perusing this book with perception. They are pleased only by reading it and trusting in. In the result, their connection with Quran has truly been laid up. The focal region of crucial should have been holding by this book and the Sunnah (customs) of the prophet for Muslims is carried by various identities and their books or that they have actually wound up being free to take after their own choice. This situation is not such that we could basically ignore it. Briefly, yet there is a need to analyze, the reason and dispose of the inabilities to think straight concerning this. Generally, individuals believe that the Quran is in Arabic and they don’t know Arabic, it is not required for them to understand the sense and meaning of the Quran. This reason would have been satisfactory if there were no resources available for comprehension its definition and message. Though, what does this reason describe when each kind of asset to appreciate its importance and message is promptly accessible? In modern times guidance is normal and the new routines for printing have really given enormous assets to distribution and diffusion of learning, thus far, as the Quran is concerned its interpretation is quickly accessible in loads of, and discourse in a very couple of, dialects of the world. At that point, what stays away from us to exploit them? Nowadays everybody must do an effort to make up a great career and future; a college peruses a number of books, studies them inside and out and commits a worthy piece of his life for receiving information. How extreme is his undertaking! Everyone is ready to face these issue for common advantages, yet, to deal the upsides of the hereafter none deals with the exploration of the Quran. By taking in the jargon of Quran or its explanation, the ability to comprehend the Book of Allah can be created and when Quran is presented in the Salat, its implications can be observed and its sweet taste can enhance the worship. When a person receives a letter from his dear ones in a language not known to him, makes another person read it keeping in mind the purpose to appreciate it. Likewise, he couldn’t care less to understand the message conveyed by the Allah for his slaves. So, surely you will go to perform Hajj and Umrah right? Yes, we are here to help out by offering affordable umrah packages usa to make your spiritual journey memorized.

The blessed event of the year has come once again when Muslims gather in the largest gathering to perform Hajj. The holy festival of Islam and a pillar of faith that is compulsory on every Muslim to perform at least once in their lifetime. These Hajj rituals are a binding rope of unity that immerses Mecca in a sheet of white as millions of Muslims gather yearly to follow in the footsteps of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). The Haji Guide to Hajj Essentials With every year, there is a swift change as to how Hajis plan their pilgrimage. Knowing that the journey is anything but easy used to hinder people at first; now, with the unlimited comforting resources set by Saudi Arabia, it has become the biggest assembly of the Muslim community. Still, everyone requires a certain amount of Hajj info that will help them to pass this process in a smooth manner. Here are some of the basic essentials that can prove useful in performing Hajj. Hajj Item1: Holy Quran & Hadiths There is no thinking of laying eyes on the holy place Mecca without the book that acts as guidance towards the religion of Islam, the Holy Quran. This will definitely lighten the spirituality of Hajj and showcases the fundamentals in the bearer of such a pure book. The Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) are a wondrous treasure as well since they provide with a detailed depth of Hajj info that is invaluable to Muslims. Note: The Urdu translations by Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza and Per Karam Shah Al Azhari have truly captured the essence of the Quran. Hajj Item2: Ihraam & Abayas Muslims who have been graced by Almighty God to take part in such prestigious Hajj requires the right type of clothing that exactly matches the religious scriptures. Men are required to wear two unstitched pieces of white clothing that is known as Ihram while women cover themselves in the Abaya. In case you haven’t received them as part of the travel Hajj packages, then they are easily available in lush premium quality at CheapUmrahPackage.US . Both clothing are incredibly soft and comfortable making the Hajj calm and cool event to uphold in the name of God. Hajj Item3: Ittar & Perfumes Ittars are those little pocket perfumes that smell of fresh roses and are hugely popular during the Hajj. This year is no different as the beautiful ittar perfumes are lining up the stores and are up for grabs. They normally come in little Cheap Hajj package and boxes that are a source of tranquility for the mind that is sorely needed when performing the Hajj rituals. The fragrance and divine musk are source of enlightenment during the Islamic path to purifying the soul. Hajj Item4: Tasbihs & Time Watches These little accessories may not sound that important but they are!! Based on the hadiths and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him), continuous reciting of Allahu Akbar and other Surahs of the Quran is a sure way to get to Jannat (Heaven). During Hajj, that chance is greatly increased for which people usually buy tasbihs to keep a count of recitations. While they are praying, they can tell the time with the Hajj watches with rubber strings for simple wrist wear. Hajj Essentials for the Future Even though we have listed a great amount of Hajj essentials, there are still some that are going to remove the slightest of hardships while performing Hajj. Safety bracelets and GPS tracking umbrellas are in development phase which have taken technology as the main hub to provide a complete Hajj package that every Muslim can pass with flying colors.