Justify the words
“Whenever you wish to say or write something, think to yourself that I need to present these words in court. If you are able to justify the words, then say them – otherwise, remain silent.”
Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani
Humility and Forgiveness
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a wise and kind-hearted old man named Hasan. He was known throughout the village for his gentle nature and his unwavering faith in Allah.
One hot summer day, a group of young children gathered around Hasan, eager to hear one of his insightful stories. Smiling, Hasan obliged and began to narrate a tale.
“There was once a small sparrow named Malik,” Hasan began. “Malik lived in a beautiful garden filled with lush trees and blooming flowers. He had a melodious voice and loved singing praises to Allah. Each morning, Malik would perch on a tree branch and greet the dawn with his enchanting melodies.”
“One day, as Malik sang his heart out, a proud peacock named Zafar passed by. Zafar was known for his magnificent feathers and believed himself to be the most beautiful bird in the garden. He couldn’t stand the idea of Malik’s sweet songs overshadowing his own beauty.”
“Filled with envy, Zafar approached Malik and said, ‘How dare you sing so joyfully? Your voice is nothing compared to my majestic presence! Stop singing at once!'”
“Malik, taken aback by Zafar’s words, replied humbly, ‘Brother Zafar, I sing not to outshine anyone, but to express my gratitude to Allah for the gift of life. My purpose is to bring joy and peace to the hearts of those who listen.'”
“Zafar scoffed and flew away, leaving Malik disheartened. Despite the encounter, Malik continued to sing his melodious songs each day, undeterred by the peacock’s criticism.”
“One evening, a heavy storm approached the village. The rain poured down relentlessly, and strong winds swept across the garden. The trees swayed dangerously, their branches ready to snap. In the midst of this chaos, Malik, seeking shelter, noticed Zafar perched on a precarious branch that was about to break.”
“Without hesitation, Malik fluttered towards Zafar and urged him to find a safer place. ‘Quickly, brother Zafar! This branch won’t hold much longer,’ Malik warned.”
“But Zafar, filled with regret for his past behavior, trembled in fear. ‘I was arrogant and foolish,’ Zafar confessed. ‘I judged you based on appearance and failed to recognize your true worth. Now, I am trapped because of my own pride.'”
“Understanding Zafar’s predicament, Malik called upon Allah for help. With a final burst of strength, Malik pecked at the branch, causing it to break and sending Zafar tumbling into safety.”
“Grateful and humbled, Zafar realized the error of his ways. ‘Malik, I apologize for my jealousy and arrogance. Your selflessness has saved me, despite my unkindness towards you. From this day forward, I vow to appreciate the beauty in others and treat all creatures with kindness.'”
Hasan paused, looking at the captivated faces of the children. “You see, my dear children, this story teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing the inherent value in every living being. Allah has bestowed unique talents and qualities upon each of us, and it is not for us to judge or belittle others. True beauty lies in the purity of the heart and the goodness of one’s character.”
The children nodded, absorbing the moral lesson conveyed by Hasan’s story. They left Hasan’s side with newfound understanding and a determination to be kind and humble in their own lives, just as Malik and Zafar had learned to be.
Importance of Durood
Benefits of Reciting Durood
In the sacred land of Makkah
In the sacred land where dreams ascend,
Where pilgrims embark, their souls to mend,
In the realm of Hajj, where hearts unite,
A journey divine, in the realm of light.
From distant corners, they gather as one,
A multitude diverse, under the blazing sun,
Leaving behind the mundane and mundane,
To seek redemption, in Allah’s domain.
With ihram draped, a white cloak so pure,
They walk together, in steps secure,
Through the desert’s heat and arid sand,
In pursuit of blessings, they faithfully stand.
Makkah, the sanctuary, a sight divine,
The Kaaba stands tall, a beacon to align,
Circling the House, their spirits soar,
Tawaf, a rite and prayer, they forever adore.
Oh, Hajj, a sacred voyage of the soul,
Where unity and devotion make us whole,
In this holy land, a tapestry unfurls,
A symphony of hearts, where Allah’s love swirls.
Oh, blessed journey, a sacred embrace,
A spiritual homecoming, a divine chase,
Hajj, the pilgrimage of love and grace,
May its blessings shine, on every face.
Dua for Returning Haji
Say the following words when meeting the Haji after their return from the blessed journey
قَبِلَ اللهُ حَجَّكَ وَ غَفَرَ ذَنْبَكَ وَ اَخْلَفَ نَفَقَتَكَ
May Allah accept your Hajj, forgive your sins and recompense your expenses.
(at-Tabrani)
Source: at Tazkiyah
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Value Ilm
There are two ways of recognizing how to value and appreciate ilm,
(1) Become a seeker of knowledge (taalibe ilm).
(2) Do not restrict this knowledge to knowing only.
Mufti Mohammed Shafi (r.a.)
After Hajj
How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)
“Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor Hajj except Jannah.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)
It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had traveled thousands of miles only to secure the Pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Sacred bud. Aameen.
Nevertheless, we wish to draw the attention of the pilgrims towards certain points which are necessary and of utmost importance to observe and for which many pilgrims are seen neglectful of their significance.
1, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognized as a Haajee.
Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all is mentioned only with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ibaadat without the person even knowing. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to ‘Riyaa’ (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily.
2, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with only the bad side of the journey and make it a habit of talking about nothing except the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn – Umrah, Tawaaf, Salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Masjid-ul-Haraam and Masjid-un-Nabawi etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the good things far outweighs the bad. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.
The journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. when we travel in our country do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway? Considering the fact that 2 – 3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them. We think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah Ta’aala upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case whilst we are on another journey.
Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category … and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, … mentioned in Surah Hajj in the Qur’aan. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.
3, the sign of a ‘Mabroor Hajj’ or an ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah Ta’aala. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and should try his utmost to instill in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.
Source: Sunnah Organisation
Love for the Prophet
Day 5 of Hajj
5th day: 12th Zul Hijjah
Make Ramee, i.e. pelt all three Shaytaans after Zawaal. The Hajjees may now proceed to MAKKAH MU’AZZAM. Those who wish to remain in Mina on the l3th Zul Hijjah should pelt the 3 Shaytaans before proceeding to Makkah Mukarramah. The pelting on this day is permissible throughout the day (including the period before Zawaal).
