Man charged with spitting at Muslim woman as she walked through Bristol’s Cabot Circus

Police have charged a 26-year-old man with spitting at a Muslim woman as she walked through Cabot Circus.

As previously reported, Hasina Khan was on her way to work when she was allegedly attacked at about 9am on July 21. Ms Khan said she had was spat on and verbally abused by a stranger who approached her as she walked through the shopping centre.

Avon and Somerset police arrested Jack Hughes, of Upton Road, Southville. He has now been charged with racially- or religiously-aggravated common assault and is due to appear before Bristol magistrates on November 13.

Any witnesses to the incident who have not yet come forward should call PC Hannah King on 101, quoting crime reference number 74214/14.

A Muslim woman was left shocked and in tears when she was verbally abused and spat at by a stranger ranting about the Middle East.

Hasina Khan, who was born in Bristol, was on her way to work when she was attacked by a man in Cabot Circus at about 9am on Monday. Saliva ended up on her hijab and her left hand.

The 36-year-old, who lives in Horfield, said: “I’ve experienced hostility and racism many times, from being called Paki in the street to having alcohol thrown at me.

“I remember during the 1990 Iraq invasion being pushed by a boy at school followed by ‘haha we are bombing you’, to more recent years when the world turned to topple Libya and I experienced yet again a rise in racism. In fact, every time there is aggression towards Muslims outside of the UK, I experience aggression from within the UK.

“However, nothing could prepare me for what happened on Monday. Because of Israel’s bombardment of the mainly-Muslim population of Gaza, was I again being targeted?

“I had just past Pret A Manger and a man came charging towards me with such aggression I thought he was going to punch me in the face. He was ranting and he spat in my face. I felt it fall onto my left hand.

“I was in shock at what was happening. I asked him what his problem was, but he continued to rant and said something along the lines of ‘your people are killing’ and something about ‘Middle East’ and ‘killing Christians’. He spat at me again. It was terrifying. I thought he was going to attack me at any second.

“Then my defence mechanism just kicked in and I started to shout at him. What a coward – he then started to back away. He tried to say something else, but I continued to shout at him until he left Cabot Circus. I’ve read so many reports that hate crime towards Muslim women is increasing in the UK, but nothing really prepares you for what to do if it happens and how humiliating, terrifying and dirty it makes you feel.

“I hope he is caught so he cannot terrorise and traumatise other women.”

The attacker was white, with short-brown hair and a short beard, a dark-green T-shirt with a white pattern or writing on the front, and he had two silver necklaces with silver coin-shaped pendants.

When Hasina arrived at work near Temple Meads she found her hijab covered in spit. She washed it off, but was later told by police saliva can be used for DNA, so wants to warn others in case something similar happens to them. She said she hoped the city council, police and Muslim community could work together as much as possible to reduce religious and racial hate crimes.

Hasina was disappointed a call was turned down for a minute’s silence for the people of Palestine to be held at a Bristol City Council meeting this week.

Giving advice to other Muslim women, Hasina said: “Perhaps Muslim women should carry a spare scarf so they can have a clean one, should they be attacked. I would also suggest, if possible, Muslim women do not travel alone, even in the daylight, as these cowardly men seem to prey on what they perceive to be vulnerable looking young women.”

When she arrived at work, her colleagues rallied around her.

Heather Hatch said: “Thankfully, Hasina was not physically injured but mentally she was shocked, upset, shaking and tearful from the unprovoked attack.”

Carolyn Parker added: “When I saw Hasina rinsing clothing on Monday morning, I had assumed spilt coffee or similar, so was shocked when I realised that she was shaking and very upset. Asking if she was OK, I was even more shocked at her response which included expletives that I had never heard her utter before. When she told me that no one had tried to help, or even asked afterwards whether she was ok, I was truly sickened by the public’s lack of action towards her.”

Another colleague, Leanne Fletcher said: “I am so shocked by what happened to Hasina and can only imagine how terrified she would of felt when this man assaulted her in Cabot circus on her way to work. I can only hope that this will not make her afraid to walk around the city she was born in. This was a disgusting act and a violation to her.”

Avon and Somerset police spokesman Martin Dunscombe said: “Officers are investigating these allegations and taking them very seriously. We know there were other people in Cabot Circus at the time and we would appeal for anyone who witnessed what happened, or has any information that might help the investigation, to contact us on 101, quoting 74214/14.”

Victims of hate crimes can call Tell MAMA on 08004561226.

Bristol Post, 24 July 2014

For an earlier attack on a Muslim woman in Bristol, see “Muslim girl spat at and racially abused in Bristol city centre – and no one came to help”, Bristol Post, 17 July 2014

Update:  See “Muslim spitting incident: police release CCTV images of suspect”, Bristol Post, 28 July 2014

Update 2:  “Muslim woman who was spat on in Bristol speaks out”, BBC News, 30 July 2014

Update 3:  See “Arrest over racial spitting incident in Cabot Circus, Bristol”, Bristol Post, 31 July 2014

VIDEO: Wendell Phillips's extraordinary #Yemen quest

VIDEO: Wendell Phillips's extraordinary #Yemen quest

Wendell Phillips is often described as America's Lawrence of Arabia.

In 1949 he put together the largest archaeological expedition to Yemen, hoping to find the ancient cities of Timna and Marib - legendary home of the Queen of Sheba.

What Phillips discovered and his trail blazing adventures are the subject of a new exhibition, Unearthing Arabia, at the Freer and Sackler Galleries in Washington.

The BBC's Jane O'Brien went to see how a dashing young explorer made history on one of the last frontiers of archaeology.

The Day of Arafat During Hajj, 2014

Hajj explained: your simple guide to Islam’s annual pilgrimage

Millions of Muslims this week flock to Islam’s holiest city of Makkah to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage.

Being the fifth pillar of Islam, hajj or the act of making a pilgrimage is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims.

Adult Muslims are required to perform hajj at least once in lifetime if they have the physical and financial ability.

In it, pilgrims follow the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and his family, said Ridwan al-Sayed, professor of Islamic studies at the Lebanese University in Beirut.

“Prophet Ibrahim preached the oneness of allha  , a message that was later revived and renewed by the last of all Prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him),” 

“Ibrahim, along with his son Ismail built the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. And accordingly, this pillar reflects the notion of complete submission to Allah and the Abrahamic faith.”

For many pilgrims, hajj is perceived to be a journey of the body and the soul at the same time.

The first day of hajj is 8 Zil Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The holy journey requires the pilgrim to perform ten rituals before and during hajj.

Here are the basic steps you may want to know about hajj:

State of Ihram: This is considered the first step for any pilgrim wishing to perform hajj. To enter the state of Ihram, a pilgrim has to recite an intention to perform hajj called the Talabiya. This is when a pilgrim prepares one’s soul, mind and body for journey to the Almighty God. Entering the stage begins from the Miqat, or a place that is outside the pilgrimage area.

Men and women going on hajj adhere to a specific dress code which is aimed at showing modesty and shedding all signs of wealth. Men don unstitched white garments, while women wear normal stitched clothes and a headscarf. Women are forbidden however from wearing the burqa or niqab.

In fact, the word Ihram originates from the Arabic term Tahreem, which means prohibited. Because the state is believed to have a special essence of spiritual purity, there are certain acts that are not allowed for pilgrims. Among them are using perfumes, cutting hair or nails, and slaughtering animals.

Makkah: The Saudi Arabian city is considered Islam’s holiest site, as it holds al-Masjid al-Haram or the Grand Mosque that surrounds the Kaaba, a cuboid shaped building which Muslims believe has been put up together by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail almost 4, 000 years ago.

Eid Greetings For Friends And Family: 14 Messages For Eid Al-Adha 2014

Eid al-Adha 2014 falls on the first weekend of October this year. The second Eid festival of the year begins on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 4 and ends on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 5. Also known as the Fest of the Sacrifice, the BBC explains that the holiday honors Abraham's sacrifice of his son, Ishmael, to obey the commands of Allah.

While a vast majority of Latinos are Catholic -- with a new study finding that many are opting for atheism -- there is still a significant portion of the Latino population that practices Islam. Current estimates suggest that one-fourth of the world's population is Muslim (roughly 2.6 billion) and new reports have found that many Hispanics are converting to the faith. Consider this: the BBC reports that the U.S. Census finds that Latino Muslims number between 100,000 and 200,000. What's more, CNN reports that a 2011 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Lifefound that 2.75 million Muslims live in the United States and in 2008, four percent of America's Muslims identified themselves as Latinos.

Here are 14 Eid greetings to share with your friends, family and peers this Eid al-Adha:

1. "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!" -- ("May every year find you in good health!")

2. "Eid Mubarak!" -- ("Blessed Eid!")

3. "Eid Saeed!" -- ("Happy Eid!")

4. "Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum." -- ("May Allah accept from us, and from you.")

5. Hope Love & Laughter, warmth & wishes joy and a Bouquet of Eid Wishes, Especially for you!!! jublications become a past of your eid and your life....! EID MUBARAK

6. Sending u warm wishes on "EID-UL-Fitr" and wishing that, it brings your way ever joys and happiness. Remember me in ur prayers.

7. May you be guided by your faith in Allah & shine in his divine blessings! Eid Mubarak

8. Its more than just an Eid wish, more than a message too.   For it comes with warm and loving thoughts because it's meant for you.

9. May the choicest blessing of Allah fill your life with joy and prosperity. EID MUBARAK

10. May the day delight and the moments measure all the special joys for all of you to treasure. May the year ahead be fruitful too, for your home and family and specially for you. EID MUBARAK

11. Hold to forgiveness, command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant." [7:199]

12. He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise. [59:24]

13. "Have patience with what they say, and leaves them with noble (dignity)." [73:10]

14. "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto: but if a person forgets and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah." [62:40]

#Muslim woman attacked on Vienna train

A 37-year-old Muslim woman from Vienna has complained to police after being attacked by a woman whilst travelling on Vienna’s metro.

Zeliha Cicek

She believes that the woman, who hit her in the face, did so because she was wearing a headscarf. Police said they believed the attacker was “disturbed”.

Zeliha Cicek is the third Muslim to have been assaulted in Vienna in the last month.

Cicek, a school teacher and mother of three children, is ethnically Turkish. She said she was talking to her sister on an U3 underground train on her mobile phone when the woman started shouting at her in English. “I calmly told her she could speak to me in German and suddenly she stood up and slapped me in the face. I dropped my phone and it broke, I was so shocked,” she said.

An English man came to Cicek’s aid but the angry woman scratched his face. She got out of the train at Stephansplatz – and despite Cicek screaming that she had attacked her the woman was able to flee without being stopped.

Cicek told the Kurier newspaper that she didn’t believe that the woman was drunk or mad. “The English man also thought that she had a problem with me wearing the headscarf,” she said.

In August two elderly Muslim ladies wearing headscarves were attacked in Favoritenstraße. Police were reportedly slow to respond to this incident, and only began questioning suspects days after.

Austria’s Islamic Religious Community Association said that Muslims often experience discrimination in Austria but that “it is not well documented”. Spokeswoman Carla Amina Baghajati said that the association plans to start collecting data on all religiously motivated incidents. However, she said she did not believe that the police lacked sensitivity to the issue.

Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner again warned against the “spread of hatred and incitement by populists. They become complicit when it comes to attacks on innocent people.”

Egyptian actor #KhaledSaleh dies at 50 #Egypt

Renowned television and movie star Khaled Saleh has died following complications from an open heart surgery.

                     GOOD BYE Khaled ;(

Khaled saleh @ wikipedia

The popular actor passed away at the Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre in Aswan following a heart surgery. According to a representative, the star’s funeral will be held on Friday.

Born on January 23, 1964 in Cairo, Khaled Saleh graduated from Cairo University’s Faculty of Law before becoming a performance artist at Al-Hanager Theatre and the Cairo Opera House.

Mr Saleh commenced acting behind the silver screen in the year 2000 and starred in the internationally acclaimed The Yacoubian Building (2006) and other films such asHeya Fawda ‘This is Chaos’ (2007) and Alrayes Omar Harb (2008).

last VM Form Khaled Saleh

#RIPKhaledSaleh Tweets #KhaledSaleh Tweets

#Hajj history 1938 and La Mecque 1930 #ksa #saudiarbia

old makkah 1930

Hajj  1900

form 1930 to 2014 

old azzan in makkah 

History of  Makkah &  madeenah

Secret of  Makkah

Every Muslim dreams definitely go to Makkah to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. City of Makkah is a holy land for Muslims there stands a great building the Kaaba is a qibla for all Muslims around the world. This is 15 things about the Kaaba from a scientific angle that not many people know:
1. Makkah is the area that has the most stable gravity.
2. High gravitational pressure, and that's where the voices berpusatnya
     construct that can not be heard by the ear.
3. Gravity high pressure direct impact on the immune system
     as the defense of any disease.4. high gravity = electron negative ions gathered in situ high. Negative ions are
     ions that are beneficial to the human body.
5. What is intended in the liver is an echo that can not be heard but can
     detected frequency. Effect of electron causes internal power back
     high, full of the spirit to worship, no desperate nature, willing
     continue to live, complete submission to God.
6. Radio waves can not detect the position of the Kaaba.
7. Even satellite technology could not see through what is inside
    Kaaba. Radio frequency may not be able to read what is on the inside
    Kaaba
    because of high gravitational pressure.
8. The most high-pressure gravity, has a salt content and
     river flows in underground lot. Because if it was the prayer in
     Mosque although in the open without a roof still cold.
9. Kaaba is not just a building but a black rectangle magical place
    because there centralized energy, gravity, magnetism zone zero and place
    most blessed.
10. Sleep with the position facing the Ka'bah will automatically midbrain
       aroused very active up to the spine and produce blood cells.11. Movement around the Kaaba toward the opponent at providing energy for life
      nature of the universe. everything in nature moves according opponent hour,
      God has determined the legal way.
12. Circulatory or anything in the human body against the direction of the clock. Precisely
      with surrounding Ka against clockwise direction, meaning the blood circulation in the
      increased body and certainly will add to the energy. That is why people who
      Mecca is always vigorous, healthy and long life.
13. Number seven is a symbol to many terhinggaan not. The number seven means
       not limited or too much. By doing seven rounds
       we actually got worship that are unlimited.
14. Bans wearing hats, skull cap or cover their heads in hair and fur
       roma (man) is like an antenna to receive a good wave
       emitted directly from the Kaaba. Because it was after our pilgrimage
       such as the reborn as a new person because bad things have
       withdrawn and replaced with the new nur or light.
15. After completion of all the new or Tahalul was shaved. The goal is to
       break away from the restrictions and prohibitions of Ihram. But the secret in
       Behind it all is to clean up our antennas or receptors of all
       dirtiness that only a good wave will only be accepted by the body.

Subhaan Allah.. see u soon al-haram... in shaa Allah

Makkah TV Live Online 24/7 | MakkahLive.Net

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

Sketch of the Ka’bah and Sections Related tothe Hajji

Inside the Kaaba

1. The Black Stone

Start and finish your Tawaf at the Black Stone. The Holy Prophet says that he who does Tawaf of the House at noon with his head bare, bare‑foot, making his steps short, closing his eyes (overlooking, disregarding others) and touching the Black Stone in every round he makes, without hurting anyone nor cutting short his praise and glorifying of Allah, will be rewarded for each step he makes with seventy thousand good deeds. Seventy thousand of his evils will be wiped off; his rank will be increased by seventy thousand grades; he will be given the reward as if seventy thousand slaves, each whose price is ten thousand dirhams were freed on his behalf; seventy of his family members would be cured of any sickness, and seventy thousand of his needs would be granted ‑sooner or later.

The Holy Prophet (s) said: “Touch the corner (in which the Black Stone rests) for it is the right hand of Allah amongst his creation with which he greets His servants a greeting of a slave (or man). It will be witness to the loyal. “

It is recommended to kiss it, if not possible touch it; and if not possible then to point at it (make a gesture).

2. Maqam Ibrahim

Allah says: “Appoint for yourselves a place for prayer on the standing place of Ibrahim. “ It is enough to note that the preference of this place is symbolized by bearing the name of this great Prophet. His rank is one of the most perfect due to the fact that he spent the whole of his life, his family's and the whole of his wealth for the sake of Tawhid and keeping firm Allah's signs by building the Ka'bah at the centre of His House.

3. Hijr Isma’il

This is his (Isma`il's) house. He and his mother were buried in there. Halabi narrates from Imam as‑Sadiq (as) saying: ` I asked him concerning Hijr Isma`il and said: You call it the smashed (smasher) but it was for Isma `il's sheep (and goats). His mother was buried in there and denied access to anyone, for he did not like it to be walked on. “ Other Prophets are buried in this place also.

Imam al‑Baqir (as) said: “The place (around) between the Rukn (corner) and the Maqam is full of graves of Prophets” Imam Sadiq (as) says that seventy prophets were buried between Rukn al­ Aimani and Hajar al‑Aswad. As such, when at this place, you should perform the Ziyarat of Isma'il , his mother and the prophets

It is recommended to put on Ihram of Hajj at‑Tamattu` at the Hijr facing Mizab al‑Rahmah which is a place of supplication and asking for Allah's Mercy.

4. Mizab ar‑Rahmah

It is recommended to face the Mizab and supplicate as narrated by `Ayyub from Imam Musa ibn Ja'far (as) which can be found in the various books of supplication related to the Hajj.

5. Shadharwan

This is the remaining part at the foundation of the House's wall.

6. Mustajar

The place which is opposite the Ka'bah is called Mustajar, Mutawwadh or Multazam. There are many traditions in preference of the place. Imam 'Ali (as) says: “Confess in recognition of the sins you recall at Multazam.”

It is narrated that he who does this and repents for all his sins, Allah will definitely forgive him. In one of the books, it is said that at Multazam, Imam Sadiq (as) used to tell his companions to give him time that he could confess and disclose his “sins” to his Lord saying that the place was of a very high spiritual preference.

In another tradition it is said that when Prophet Adam (as) was at this place, the Angel Jibra'il told him to disclose his “sins” to the Lord. Prophet Adam (as) did so and his “sins” were forgiven. Prophet Adam (as) then asked Him to forgive his son(s) (or his descendants) for their sins. Allah answered back saying that He could only forgive those who went and repented at that spot.

It is recommended for one in his seventh round or after Tawaf to spread out his hands, touch, and let his body and cheek touch the House and recite the supplications that Imam Sadiq (as) used to recite in this place.

7. Hatwim

This is the place between the door of the Holy Ka'bah and Hajar al­-Aswad. It is one of the holy places and it is upon one to ask for forgiveness at this place. He should pray, supplicate and cling to the curtains of the Ka'bah for at this place, great and major sins are completely destroyed and smashed. This is the reason of calling the place by this name smasher. In other traditions it is said that it is the place where Adam (as) was forgiven of his sins.

8. Al‑Rukn al‑Aimani

The place opposite the Black stone behind the House is the one is called al‑Rukn al‑Aimani (the right‑hand side corner). There are many traditions that have been narrated in preference of this place to an extent that perplexes and boggles the mind. The Holy Prophet said: “Whenever I come to at this point I find that Jibra'il is already there before me. “

Imam Ja'far (as) said: “The Rukn al‑Aimana is our gate to paradise. “

He also said: “In this place, is one of the doors of paradise that has never been closed since it was opened. There is a river from paradise in which deeds of the servants are dropped. “ He continued by saying: “There is an angel who has been stationed at this point since the creation of the heavens and the earth whose duty is nothing other than to take care of your supplications. As such one must be careful with what he is saying. One should make use of his presence at this holy place as Possible and should not waste time doing things that are of less importance.”

9. Al‑Rukn al‑Iraf

This corner is named as such since it faces towards Iraq ‑ south east.

10. Al‑Rukn al‑Shamh

It is recommended to touch all the corners according to the narration from Jamil bin Salih that he saw Imam Sadiq (as) touching them all.

All the same, it is stressed to touch Rukn al‑Aimani and the corner where the Black Stone rests. It is understood from traditions that the Holy Prophet; used to touch them all. Of course, all this depends on the fact that you don't disturb other people around you otherwise the recommended act loses authenticity and if anything it could even be haram (forbidden).

The Rukn al‑Sharqi (Eastern Corner) is where the Black stone rests while Rukn ash‑Shimali (Northern Corner) is the one which comes after the Holy Ka'bah's door before reaching Hijr Isma'il. It is well known as Rukn al‑Iraqi (it is also called Rukn ash‑Shami).

Rukn al‑Gharbi (Western Corner) is the one that comes after Hijr Isma'il (also called Rukn ash‑Shami). Rukn al‑Junubi (Southern Corner) is the one that comes before the Black Stone corner (also known as Rukn al‑Aimani).

Sketch of Jannatul Baqi and the Graves of the members of the Ahl al-Bayt

The First Stage of the Hajj

In the first stage, above all other things, that which is the most important is repentance (tawbah) and to be vigilant. The meaning of repentance is to shun all devils and all forms of despotism, and turn back towards Allah . It means to disregard one's wishes, low desires and the lower soul (al‑Nafs al‑Ammarah) and proceed towards spirituality and the (higher) qualities (of a human being).

Completing all that was performed in the past such that there is no responsibility or obligation between Allah and His creations on the person's shoulders, the person leaves his city in such a state that not a single person is upset with him ‑ except of course the Devil (Shaitan).

The meaning of being vigilant is that one focuses his attention on the grandeur and majesty of the House of Allah .

He focuses on the fact that it is the Creator and Maintainer of the Universe that has given him this opportunity (to perform the Hajj). He focuses on the fact that on this journey, he must not allow anyone or anything to aggravate him. He focuses on the fact that if he performs a Hajj that is accepted, then without doubt, he has reached to that level which mankind was created to reach to (the level of meeting Allah and the level of true worship). He focuses on the importance of performing all those things, which are obligatory to perform, such as the Salat, etc...

A woman performing the Hajj safeguards her modesty and her Islamic attire(hijab). She focuses on the importance of refraining from all sins, and she knows and understands that Allah does not accept the deeds of those who commit sins. The acceptance of all actions is connected to one's piety(taqwa). Thus, Allah does not accept the Hajj from those people who commit sins:

إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِينَ

“Verily Allah only accepts from those who guard (against evil).” 1

The person must keep in mind the importance of performing the recommended (mustahab) acts, most importantly of which is serving the creations of Allah, which is one of the ways that the obligatory (wajib) acts are accepted.

The person must keep in mind that especially during this journey, wherever he may be and in whatever state he is, he is constantly in the presence of Allah , the Noble Prophet (s) and the Pure A'immah (as) (such as we are told in the Qur'an):

وَقُلِ اعْمَلُوا فَسَيَرَى اللَّهُ عَمَلَكُمْ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ

“Say‑ Work! Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers...” 2

The person must keep in mind that using any forbidden (haram) wealth or property on this trip ‑ rather in any act of worship, will not lead to anything except the accumulation of sins, transgression and misfortune in this world and in the next life.

After repentance and being vigilant, the person must also reach to a stage of emptiness and annihilation, such that if he can not reach to the level where he is able to remove all the detestable characteristics such as jealousy, miserliness, pride, greatness, worship of the world, etc... then he should at least try to acquire the praiseworthy characteristics such as mercy, generosity, humility, asceticism, and freeing the soul from all that it is attached to within himself.

A person should try to at least control those detestable attributes that he possesses and not allow them to take power over him.

Similarly, one must try to allow justice, equity and the fear of Allah to rule over himself such that unknowingly and on its own, the soul gains control in a way that all the obligatory (wajib) actions are performed and all sins are refrained from. This should be accomplished at least to the extent that these (positive traits) take control over one's al‑Nafs al‑Ammarah and over one's own wishes and desires, and do not drag the person towards sin.

Once this has been accomplished, then one, through the pleasures of the religion (Salat, fasting, recitation of Qur'an, supplication, humility and humbleness while in the presence of Allah , pleasing the creations of Allah , etc ...) and through seeking help by way of Tawassul to the Ahl al‑Bait (as) (it is better to go to Madinah after performing the Hajj, if one is able to), especially seeking help from Imam Wali al‑ Asr (may Allah hasten his noble return and may my soul and the souls of all of those of the universe be sacrificed for the dirt under his feet) and by the continuous recitation ofZiyarat Jami`ah al‑Kabirah which is one of the best forms of Tawassul to the 12th Imam, one will reach to the level of glory and praise ‑ meaning that our soul will become illuminated by the light (Nur) of Allah .

وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ

“And we placed for him, a light (Nur) by which he walks amongst the people..” 3

In this blessed journey, while in the security of the Truth, one should be able to reach to a level of true servitude, where one can distinguish between good and bad, friend and enemy, and what Allah (swt) wants, from what one's own evil soul wants...

إِنْ تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ فُرْقَانًا

“If you are careful of (your duty to) Allah, then He will grant you a distinction.” 4

What is more important than which has been mentioned is at this stage, one must attain sincerity (khulus). This means that in one's heart and thoughts during this journey, nothing should remain except Allah and the performance of the Hajj exactly as the way Prophet Ibrahim (as) performed it.

وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Surely I have turned myself, being upright, wholly to Him Who originated the heavens and the earth, and I am not of the polytheists.” 5

The person should not perform Hajj simply for people to congratulate him; or, may Allah protect us, to make other people work hard and go through troubles, meaning his Hajj is not simply to use other people. In fact, his Hajj should not even be for Allah to bestow upon him, both in this world and in the next, blessings and bounties. Rather, all of his attention and focus on this journey must be for Allah , the goal of reaching to Him and to the true worship, such that no one else or anything will be in his sight except the pleasure of Allah .

وَمَا لِأَحَدٍ عِنْدَهُ مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ تُجْزَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ الْأَعْلَى

`And no one has with him any blessing for which he should be rewarded, except the seeking of the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High.`6

In summary, at this stage, one's intention must be sincere and there must not be anything of the worldly pleasure, in fact not even the pleasures of the next life should be in his sight. Just as the Qur'an mentions, the best colour is thecolour of Allah

صِبْغَةَ اللَّهِ وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ مِنَ اللَّهِ صِبْغَةً

“(Receive) the colour of Allah, and who is better than Allah in colouring?” 7

The worst of colours is the colour of conceit, and it is clear that if Allah forbid, through one's actions, speech, or if in one's heart or soul this trait is already there, then he has reached to the stage of disbelief (kufr):

فَوَيْلٌ لِلْمُصَلِّينَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنْ صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ يُرَاءُونَ وَيَمْنَعُونَ الْمَاعُونَ

“So woe to the praying ones, those who are unmindful of their prayers, Who do (good) to be seen, And withhold the necessities of life.”8

Makkha in 2050