In Shaykh’s Company

The Hajar-e-Aswad

Kissing the Hajar-e-Aswad is a Sunnah of the Prophet s and a means of great reward. However it is a Sunnah and to cause other people harm is impermissible. If by going there, one fears he may cause inconvenience to others, it would be better and more rewarding not to go there. We must remember that we are not slaves to our desires and do whatever our emotions wish, but instead we are slaves to our Lord and so we should do what He wishes. Even though we may have a great desire to kiss this black stone we should control our emotions just to please Allah S. This will be, insha’allah, a means of a greater reward.

Tawaaf

Quantity

One should try to perform as many tawaaf as possible. Whilst in Makkah there is no nafl ibadah more virtuous than tawaaf. While one may perform all other ibadah in his home town, tawaaf can only be performed in Makkah. To ensure that one performs a reasonable amount of tawaaf, whilst in this blessed city, one should set a target. If one does not set a target he will notice after his stay that he has performed only a small number of tawaaf. A good target is fifty as it is mentioned in a hadeeth:

Whosoever performs fifty tawaaf he will become pure from his sins like the day his mother gave birth to him. (Tirmidhi)

Quality

Just as we pay attention to quantity we need to pay attention to quality. Whilst performing tawaaf one should walk with great humility and reverence, with one’s eyesight lowered. One should avoid looking around whilst performing tawaaf as this is makrooh (undesirable). Likewise, one should avoid zigzagging and trying to pass others who are performing tawaaf slower than oneself, as this is against the etiquettes of this great court.

Ziyarah

Many people, with great enthusiasm, attempt to climb the mountain of Thawr . Though this love and enthusiasm is something to be admired, one should keep in mind that this is neither Sunnah nor mustahab. On the other hand, salaah is compulsory; missing it is a great sin and shows ungratefulness to Allah for bringing us to this blessed city. Thus if by attempting to climb the mountain one becomes fatigued and as a result one fears he will not be able to awake for Salaah, it would be better and more blessed not to climb the mountain.

Performing Umrah

Many people immediately perform their Umrah upon arriving in Makkah. If one is doing this just to come out of ihram this is incorrect because performing Umrah is a great worship and should not be treated like a burden. It should be done with the greatest of love and enthusiasm. The best time for this would be when one is fresh and rested. However, if one, out of love and longing for the Ka’bah rushes to perform Umrah, then this would be better for him. One should also be mindful of the weather conditions as well.

First Gaze on the Ka’bah

The du‘aa that is made with the very first sighting of the Ka’bah is readily accepted. Thus, one should greatly value this opportunity. After entering the Masjid-ul-Haraam walk towards the Ka’bah with the eyes lowered out of humility until one reaches a place which is less crowded and away from the path of people, where it is possible to make du‘aa with concentration. Thereafter lift the hands and recite three times

Allahu akbar

Thereafter, recite three times

laa ilaaha illallahu (more…)

Putting On the Ihram

While reciting the talbiyyah, one should ponder upon its meaning.

Here I am at Your Service, O Lord here I am. Here I am at your service, no partner do you have, here I am. Truly the praise and favour is yours and the sovereignty, No partner do you have.

This thought should be in the mind, “I am sinful and have been disobedient to Allah all my life. I am attending the Court of Allah with total guilt, regret and belief that He will definitely forgive my shortcomings.”

by Abu Abdullah Ibn Ismail

General Advices Whilst Travelling

• It is necessary to perform all Fardh Salaah whilst on the plane. Delaying salaah until the time elapses is a great sin.
• The Talbiyyah should be recited in abundance. It is commonly noticed that people are very negligent in this regard and do not give it due importance.
• All difficulties faced during this journey should be endured with patience. Avoid criticizing or blaming anyone for any difficulties. This thought should be prevalent that one is going to the House of Allah, hence difficulties encountered en route must be borne with great love for Allah.

See all advices in this series 

by Abo Abdullah Ibn Ismail

On The Journey

Whilst making the journey, one should ensure that every moment is spent in the obedience of Allah. At no costs should disobedience to Allah  take place especially glancing at non-mahram or watching TV.

Whilst on the plane one should ensure that all actions are carried out in a very considerate and courteous manner. Many people change into the clothes of Ihraam on the plane causing great inconvenience to others. Others make wudhu in the plane leaving it very untidy. This gives a negative impression of Islam. (more…)