‏إظهار الرسائل ذات التسميات muslim. إظهار كافة الرسائل
‏إظهار الرسائل ذات التسميات muslim. إظهار كافة الرسائل

6/17/2015

#Ramadan Kareem 2015


And 
how to have good Ramadan ISA






For every important event in our life it is useful to plan ahead and make needed preparations so that this occasion becomes an unforgettable event.
Days are passing quickly as we are fast approaching the month of Ramadan.
If you ask most Muslims about last Ramadan, they would tell you it feels very close, like only a few weeks or months ago.
Are you waiting for Ramadan and looking forward to its start?
Are you happy that Ramadan is nearly here, or are you worried about fasting in the summer?
Have you prepared yet your plan and program for the best month of the year?
A Gift From Allah


The month of Ramadan is one of those important occasions that we witness once a year. It is a gift from God. It is a golden opportunity for Muslims to get closer to God by increasing good deeds.
Ramadan is the month in which Muslims observe the obligatory fast which has been prescribed by God on those who believe in Him as it was prescribed on previous nations.
{O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain piety.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)
The above verse explains the main purpose of fasting. It is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness) which means that every Muslim must be watchful of everything. He must watch out every word he utters and every action he does.

The literal manifestation of fasting is to abstain from food, drink and intimate relations from dawn to sunset. But the real meaning of fasting goes far beyond that. It is about avoiding gossip, backbiting, evil and idle talks, arrogance, lying, breaking promises, dishonesty, severing social ties, etc. 

Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:
"Whoever fails to leave off ruinous speech, and acting on it [during Ramadan], God does not need him to leave off eating and drinking." (Al-Bukhari)


Fasting is an excellent training opportunity on self-restraint as the fast teaches patience and perseverance. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

The Prophet describes the month of fasting as the month of patience because fasting teaches how to control one's inner self and its desires.
Every Muslim should do his best to make the coming month of Ramadan a landmark event this year. Put a target for yourself, like for example having all your sins forgiven by Allah and that you will be saved from Hellfire.
Ask yourself are you pleased with what you did last Ramadan? 

Will this Ramadan be the same as last year? 

Let this Ramadan be the beginning of real change. 

Make this Ramadan different from previous ones. 

Start to practice an act of worship that you never did before, or increase the acts of worship that you used to do before.

If you used to read the Quran once during the month of Ramadan, this year read it twice.

 If you used to do Tarawih (Night prayers) alone, this year perform it in congregation. 

If you did not give charity, this year make it a daily habit to give to the needy what you can afford, even if it is a small amount.

If you did not observe any voluntary fasting since last Ramadan, train yourself to observe fasting during the month of Sha`ban as the Prophet used to do.

I would like to also warn of negative preparations for Ramadan which some people do by storing too much food and drink, as if Ramadan is the month for eating not a month for abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.

Fasting was prescribed two months before the obligation to fight to gain the rights of the oppressed. 
Those who are able to control their inner selves and their desires become stronger in the face of those who wrong them until they get back their rights.

Early Muslims used to read the Quran a lot in Sha`ban in preparation for Ramadan. 
They also used to give out in charity in Sha`ban to help the poor and the needy observe fasting during Ramadan. They also used to pray to God to bless the months of Rajab, Sha`ban, and Ramadan.
This means that every Muslim should make du`a a strong tool in making the best of Ramadan. Du`a should be recited before Ramadan that you witness this month, during Ramadan that God will accept your du`a for yourself and for others, and after Ramadan that God will accept your fasting and reward you abundantly for it.

Suggestions and Useful Tips For Ramadan

It is said that: “Rajab is the month of planting seeds, Sha`ban is the month of watering the seeds, and Ramadan is the harvest season”. Therefore, think of what you want to harvest in Ramadan and start planting it and taking care of it in Rajab and Sha`ban.
A famous du`a of Prophet Muhammad:

"Oh Allah give us the blessings of the month of Rajab and Sha`ban and allow us to reach Ramadan." (Ahmad)
During Sha`ban remind yourself and your family of the virtues of fasting.
 Have at least a weekly session with your wife/husband and kids to talk about the significance of fasting. 

Get a booklet on fasting and read it with your children to make them love fasting. 

Focus on the virtues of Ramadan, that it is the month during which the Quran was revealed and that this month has the Night of Power which is better than a thousand months.

Always remember that in Ramadan rewards are multiplied, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are shut, and sins are forgiven.

 Be sure of God’s mercy on Muslims who observe fasting faithfully and avoid committing sins completely.

To make Ramadan the best month of the year, remember the following:

Strengthen your faith during this month by confirming your belief in the unity of Allah.

Have the intention of pleasing Allah with all your acts of worship.

Keep away from the things that nullify your faith.

Follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad.

Feed the poor and the needy. Feel the gift of giving in Ramadan.

Before going out for `Eid prayer, make sure to pay Zakat al-Fitr.

Perform the daily prayers at their fixed times and in congregation as much as you can.

Attend theTarawih prayers constantly and perform extra prayers. 

Rediscover the power of prayer in Ramadan and concentrate much while praying.

 Leave this worldly life behind your back once you raise your hands and sayAllahu Akbar (God is the greatest).

Visit your family members and relatives.

Observe i`tikaf (retreat in the mosque) during the last ten days of Ramadan, if you can.

Make the Quran your companion in Ramadan and have the intention to finish reading it at least once.

Have the intention to offer sincere repentance to Allah.

Have the intention to refine your manners and the way you treat others.

Make any dawah effort during Ramadan if you can, like distributing Ramadan-related dawah materials (CDs, booklets, videos, PDF files, etc.).

If you have the financial means, make iftar for new Muslims in your community to help them integrate with their fellow Muslims. You can also invite non-Muslims to such events to get to know them and introduce Islam to them through fasting.

Make iftar meals and gifts for orphans and marginalized children to make Ramadan a happy occasion for them.

Prepare your du`a (supplication) list. Write down the du`a (supplication) that you want to recite throughout the month. 
You can ask Allah for anything and everything.

 Choose the proper times and occasions of offering the du`a. 
The best supplication is during prostration, while offering the late night prayer, in the last days of Ramadan, and during Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power).

Prioritize your list of supplications. Observe the etiquette of making supplication. 

Start your supplication with praising Allah and sending peace and blessings to the Prophet Muhammad. Face the qiblah (direction) and raise your hands.

 Be sure that Allah will never let your hands empty when you pray to Him. Do not forget the oppressed people, the people of Syria, and Muslims in Burma (Myanmar).

We pray to Allah to allow us to live till next Ramadan, and make it the best Ramadan ever.

10 great goals to set for this Ramadan

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-the-Most-out-of-Ramadhan

1/20/2015

Saint Samaan #Church #Christian #Jew #Islam #egypt #Coptic





Saint Samaan #Church  #Christian #Jew #Islam #egypt #Coptic 












In the MoKattam, every Thursday evening mass and public exorcisms take place in one of the cave churches. Dive into an area where miracles are often, and the people extraordinary.
In the Mokattam, every Thursday evening mass and public exorcisms take place in one of the cave churches. Dive into an area where miracles are often, and the people extraordinary.
By Louise Sarant, Community Times
Mansheyet Nasser is mostly a Coptic area situated on the lowest slope of the Mokattam hill. This is the residence of the Zabaleen, or slum dwellers, who cart away the rubbish of Cairo metropolis. Apart from a dozen houses inhabited by Muslims and a small “masged” (mosque) among the dusty roads deprived of asphalt of the neighbourhood, mostly Copts are installed there.
The main road of Mansheyet Nasser, lined with cram-full garbage bags that reach impressive heights, bakeries, butcheries and other religious shops, climbs steeply to what the residents call “el dir”, the monastery, even though no monastery is to be seen. However, five amazing churches are established in this secluded and final area of the neighbourhood. A curvy paved road leads to a wide area back by the impressive raw, colored rock of the Mokattam, carved with holy images of the Christ carried out by Marcos, a polish sculptor.
Partly because of the round cafeteria packed with youngsters, who seem to enjoy this moment of rare freedom, and also the huge cave church know as “Saint Samaan Church” excavated in the rock that can host 20,000 people, the common sense of proportion starts to diminish. Thursday evenings sermons of Abouna Samaan, the priest of Mansheyet Nasser, attract thousands of people each week, some from the Mokattam, others from Cairo.
Microbuses also bring faithful Christians through the narrow and smelly streets of this tiny village. The contrast between the pristine and no-smoking area of “el dir” and the smelly streets of Mansheyet Nasser is startling, and gives an impression of sudden serenity and harmony.

THE STORY OF SAMAAN, THE SHOEMAKER

In order to understand why the father of the neighbourhood, whose name is Farahat, has chosen to baptize himself, as well as the church, Abouna Samaan, it is necessary to go back in time, while keeping in mind the legendary aspect of this tale.
A thousand years ago in Egypt, a rather tolerant Caliph encouraged Muslim, Christian and Jewish teachers to debate controversial issues without anger. A battle of wits started between a Jew and a Christian upon religious matters, and the Jewish teacher, in order to force the Coptic patriarch Abraham to the wall, quoted an excerpt of the Bible that says: “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to the mountain move from here to there, and it will move”.
The Caliph was thrilled because through the accomplishment of this miracle, the Christian faith would be validated and there would be a way of expanding the city eastwards, blocked by the mountain. In case of failure, the future of the whole Christian community would be doomed.
The patriarch was granted three days to achieve this miracle, and started by warning the whole community of the imminent threat upon them, inviting them to pray and feast through the day. On the third day, the patriarch, hopeless, had a vision of the Virgin Mary that unveiled the identity of the man who will accomplish the miracle: Samaan, the shoemaker. Indeed, at sunset on the same day, the mountain rose up three times, and while it rose for the last time, the sun was seen under the mountain. The history, or legend, of the miracle that saved the whole Christian community from an assured extinction is still vivid today, which explains the name both of Farahat and the church.
Many miracles happen in those churches of the Mokattam, which also justify the use of the shoemaker’s name.

THE EXORCISM PROCESS

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On Thursday evenings, the first hour and a half is devoted to praying in the massive church of Saint Samaan and listening to the sermon of Abouna Samaan.
Around 9 pm, the huge assembly parts in two, those who go back to their homes and those who will follow the mass exorcism that is to take place right after the sermon in Mar Girgis Church. This church is considerably smaller than the previous one; still around 2000 people can be seated without a feeling of claustrophobia.
Originally, this church was a cavern filled with 140,000 tons of rocks. The auditorium-like shape of the cave is filled with rows of quite uncomfortable folding seats. In the middle stands a stage where the acts of exorcism are performed, and on both sides of the central stage, two neat queues (one for women and one for the men) are forming. Dressed in black with a bushy grey beard and a wooden cross in the right hand, Abouna Samaan radiates an impression of solemnity and wisdom that is quite striking to the audience.
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A tiny orchestra, led by a dynamic choir and a few instruments is lightening the atmosphere by playing a whole repertoire of songs glorifying Jesus while the exorcisms take place. The lyrics can be easily followed on a big screen that is hung on the wall of the cavern, scrolling on images of happy people. A woman is on stage, standing in front of the priest. Her body is shivering while he firmly presses his wooden cross on her forehead while whispering a prayer. In an instant, she is lying on the stage floor, almost unconscious.
A khadeema immediately covers her body with a white sheet and Abouna Samaan crouches close to the distressed women. Her body is struck by spasms, and her high-pitched screams fill the whole cave. The attention of the audience is total. After hitting her many times with his wooden cross so that her body calms down, he grabs the microphone and asks to the evil spirits inside her: “How many of you are there?” She screams louder, the audience stiffens.
“Six”, she answers.
The priest starts praying for her in the name of Christ and in the name of the cross, then orders her to lift her left leg. “Irfa!” he yells, while the leg of the young woman begins rising under the sheets, thus creating a very unnatural shape. “Put it back down!” yells the priest, and she obeys promptly. On the third time she lifts her leg, he addresses the devil and tells him that now is time to leave this body, and that he will let go of her when her leg touches the floor for the last time.
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At that moment, one of the numerous khadeemas on the stage pours “Baraka” water (from a real Baraka bottle) into the priest’s palm. As soon as the poor woman’s leg is back on the floor, Abouna Samaan sharply splashes her face with the holy water, prompting the immediate release from the evil spirit that inhabited her. She is helped to stand on her two feet again, and is invited by the priest to stomp her feet in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. She then readjusts the veil that has been crumpled in the exorcism process, and leaves the cave.
It could sound unconventional, but many Muslim men and women come to Abouna Samaan for an exorcism. It also happens in the Mar Girgis Cathedral in Ramses, where Abouna Makary Younane proceeds with exorcisms every Friday evenings.

10/04/2014

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.























10/03/2014

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]

9/25/2014

#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.



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.”

9/23/2014

#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












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