Make Hajj come into LIFE in your Home with your Family

We are truly in the midst of blessed days. Zil Hajjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar year, is expected to begin next Monday December 10, 2007. Its first 10 days are considered truly blessed.

With the Doa and raza mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula(TUS) mumineen in larger numbers journey towards the sanctified House and to guide them and to oversee their welfare, both deeni and dunyavi, he sends one from his own household as Ameerul Haj who rightfully guides the adherents to perform the arkan of Haj as stipulated in our deen and also to look after their day to day needs. This year the revered and learned Shazada Huzefa Bhai Saheb DM will be the guiding light of the mumineen hujjaj.

The souls of mumineen are feeling refreshed and invigorated by the cooling breeze of affection and boon and they look forward and eagerly wait to reach the House of Allah.

Once they arrive at the holy precincts of Kaaba, the souls in unison cry aloud. We have come O Lord - to Thee and Thee alone, in total submission. The worldly self and earthly desires, our all baser elements, the senses which have hindered our ascension, have all been subdued O Lord. We have truly arrived in pure joy and rhapsody.

And when the hujjaj reach Madina Munavarra and stand before zarih mubarak of Rasulsllah (S.A.) the longings and thirst of the souls is finally quenched, the dream finally realized and offering hamd to Allah they beseech Him to say salawaat on Mohammad (S.A.) and his revered and most blessed progeny till aeons, till the time the sun continues to cast its radiance.Ameen.

Here's what the Prophet had to say about this time: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” As we watch pilgrims leave for Hajj this week and in the coming week, those of us not going on the journey of a lifetime are blessed with this beautiful opportunity to come closer to God in these coming days of Zil Hajjah. Whether it is increasing the quantity and quality of our prayers and charity, abstaining from gossip and backbiting or forgiving those who have caused us pain, let us take full advantage of this occasion.

This is the time of Hajj and Eid.

The first 10 days of Zil Hajjah are also blessed. Consider this: The Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There aren't any days greater, or any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah Most High, than these ten days. So, increase in them the saying of Kalemah tus Shahadah

Below is a sample schedule of activities you and your family can do together in these first 10 days of Zil Hajjah. Have formatted this to fit an activity per day, but since time is running out, it would be a good idea for you and your family to combine two or three activities together.

One activity to do each day is to show what people making Hajj are doing on that day on a blackboard or poster in the living room or on the refrigerator. This way, you and the family will feel connected to them, knowing what they are doing of the Hajj rituals.

DAY ONE Make Hajj come to life in your home

What can you do with a square-sized cardboard box, some black paint and a line of gold fringe material? Make a model of the Kaaba that's what!

But don't stop there. Make the Kaaba the centerpiece of your family or living room for what's left of the first 10 days of this blessed month. Discuss Hajj by describing exactly how it is performed. If possible, get some dolls or action figures to demonstrate how Hajj is made.

Also, get one of the male family members to "model" Ihram, the clothing men wear during Hajj and Umra, using two big bath towels.

In addition to talking about how Hajj is performed, you can give details about the Kaaba in terms of its construction and its reparations. 

The Kaaba: Its Size and History

This small building has been constructed and reconstructed by Prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Ismail and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). No other building has had this honor.

The small, cubed building known as the Kaaba may not rival skyscrapers in height or mansions in width, but its impact on history and human beings is unmatched.

The Kaaba is the building towards which Muslims face five times a day, everyday, in prayer. This has been the case since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) over 1400 years ago.

The current height of the Kaaba is 39 feet, 6 inches and total size comes to 627 square feet.

The inside room of the Kaaba is 13X9 meters. The Kaaba walls are one meter wide. The floor inside is 2.2 meters higher than the place where people perform Tawaf.

The ceiling and roof are two levels made out of wood. They were reconstructed with teak which is capped with stainless steel.

The walls are all made of stone. The stones inside are unpolished, while the ones outside are polished.

A door is fixed about 7 feet above ground level facing North East. A Black stone (Hajar al Aswad) was fixed into its eastern corner. In front of the building was Maqame Ibrahim, the arch shape gate known as that of Banu Shayba and the Zamzam Well. Just outside are the Hills called Safa and Merwa and the distance between the hills is about 500 yards. These days both of the hills are enclosed into the sanctuary walls with a roof over it.

The whole building is built of the layers of grey blue stone from the hills surrounding Makka. The four corners roughly face the four points of the compass. At the East is the Black stone (Rukn el Aswad), at the North is el Ruken el Iraqi, at the west al Rukne el Shami and at the south al Rukne el Yamani. The four walls are covered with a curtain (Kiswa). The kiswa is usually of black brocade with the Shahada outlined in the weave of the fabric. About 2/3rd’s of the way up runs a gold embroidered band covered with Qur'anic text.

In the Eastern corner about 5 feet above ground the Hajar el Aswad (the blackstone) is fixed into the wall. Its real nature is difficult to determine, its visible shape is worn smooth by hand touching and kissing. Its diameter is around 12 inches. Opposite the North West wall but not connected with it, is a semi circular wall of white marble. It is 3 feet high and about 5 feet thick. This semi circular space enjoys an especial consideration and pilgrims wait in queue to find a place to pray there. The graves of Ismael and his mother Hajera are within this semi circular wall. Between the archway and the facade (N.E.) is a little building with a small dome, the Maqame Ibrahim. Inside it is kept a stone bearing the prints of two human feet. Prophet Ibrahim is said to have stood on this stone when building the Kaaba and marks of his feet are miraculously preserved.

On the outskirts of the building to the North East is the ‘Zamzam Well’ (this is now put under ground).

The Making of Present Day Kiswa

The present cost of making the Kiswa amounts to SR 17 million ($ 4,640,000) and is considered one of the most exquisite works of Islamic art. The cover is 658 sq. meters long and is made of 670 kgs of pure silk and 150 kg of gold and silver. For embroidery 15 kilos of gold threads are used. It consists of 47 pieces of cloth and each piece is 14 Meters. long and 101 cms broad. The kiswa is wrapped around the Kaaba and fixed to the ground with copper rings.

Traditionally the pattern of kiswa has not changed. The material is made up of silk and a gold embroidered band is sewn about three fourth the distance from the bottom. The part covering the door, which stands 2.13 metres above the ground on the north-east side wall, is covered separately with richly embroidered Quranic verses, leaving an opening for the black stone. The colour of Kiswa kept changing during the reigns of different Caliphs and rulers. Silver and golden threads are used for embroidery. Embroidery threads are now made locally in Saudi Arabia, by the same goldsmith who made the door of Kaaba. Finished pieces under-go strict quality control tests in the laboratory before being stitched together. Engraved with verses from the Holy Qurâan, the Kiswa is intricately woven with gold and silver threads. The Kiswa is made in many stages. After the cover is designed by well-known artists, it is colored. Intricate work includes the design of decorations, the embroidered inscriptions on the belt and the Kaaba door curtain, and the decorations on Jacquard cloth for the outer and inner cover. Next come the printing and dyeing stages. The Kiswa is later woven and embroidered. Manual weaving is done by experienced craftsmen and mechanical weaving on modern looms. The unique embroidery is achieved in several stages. First by sewing cotton thread, on the inscriptions and decorations printed on the cloth. Then comes the embroidery threads of yellow cotton. The embroidery is then covered with gold plated silver threads which protrude two centimeters above the cloth. It is manufactured at the factory of Kiswa at Ummal-Joud, a suburb of Makkah. More than 240 employees, work in the factory. Skilled craftsmen use a combination of the latest technology, ancient looms and artistic calligraphy to produce a work of exotic beauty. Usually the new cloth is to be ready two months before Hajj. Before placing the new dress, the old Kiswa is cut into pieces and presented to leaders of Muslim countries, diplomats and major institutions around the world. One such piece was presented to the United Nations.

Yet, not very much is known about the details of this small but significant building.

Did you know that the Kaaba has been subjected to danger by natural disasters like flooding, as well as human attacks?

This photo was taken after a heavy rain storm in Mecca, Saudi Arabia sometime in the 1960s and shows a flooded Great Mosque and Kaaba (the large black structure in the middle).

DAY TWO Invite a Haji, dim the lights and.....

What better way to learn about Hajj from a personal perspective than to hear it from someone who's been there and done it?

If you have a Haji (a person who has performed Hajj) in your home great! Otherwise invite one over.

Dim the lights and ask people to close their eyes. Then the Haji should recount the story from A to Z, from when he or she first thought about Hajj to how the whole journey took place. At the end of this activity, everyone should make Dua (supplication) to Allah to be blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj or do it again if they have performed this pillar of Islam already.

 

DAY THREE The road to Makkah

Do you think going for Hajj is as simple as booking a plane ticket and flying to the Middle East?

You're wrong! Flying to Saudi Arabia is a luxury most Muslims worldwide still can't afford. This is why you and the family have to discuss HOW people of today and the past got to the Kaaba for their Hajj.

Talk to your kids on the modes of transport currently used to reach Saudia, is it car, plane, ship or train fan, use this to your advantage. Use toys to show how so many people use different means of transportation to get to the Kaaba, and how long it takes to get to Makkah using these various methods. Transport is a key point because Hajj becomes compulsory on an adult Muslim if the means of transportation are available.

 

 DAY FOUR

Tell it like it is: the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)

Is there a storyteller in the family? If not, is there someone who loves to read aloud?

If even this isn't there, take the initiative and for this one night, be the storyteller of the family so you can share the incredible story of Prophet Ibrahim.

If families are able to sit together and passively watch television why can't they do something more interactive like sharing and discussing a great true story.

What was it like when this great Prophet was thrown into the fire? What was it like when he built the Kaaba with his son Ismail?

At the end of sharing his story, ask everyone to think of all the Jewish and Christian people they know at school, work and in the neighborhood and pray for them mentioning their name. Everyone should pray aloud, asking Allah to help them understand what Prophet Ibrahim brought to humanity, the correct belief in One God. End Dua by saying Ameen.

 

DAY FIVE Talk about Our Prophet Mohammed (SAW) & Madina

Birth 

Mohammad (PBUH) (Blessings and Peace be upon him) was born in Makkah, Arabia, on Monday, 12 Rabi' Al-Awwal (2 August C.E). His mother, Aminah was the daughter of Wahb bin Abd Al-Manaf of the Zahrah family. His father, Abdullah, was the son of Abd Al-Muttalib. His genealogy has been traced to the noble house of Isma'il, the son of Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (May Peace be upon him) in about the fortieth descent. Mohammad's father had died before his birth and his mother died when he was about six years old making him an orphan. In accordance with the tradition of noble families of Makkah, he was taken by a foster mother, Halimah, to her village where he lived for a few years. During these years he was taken to Makkah several times to visit his mother. After the death of his mother, he was placed under the custody of his grandfather, Abd Al-Muttalib. When the grandfather died, he was under the care of his uncle, Abu Talib. By this time he used to look after sheep around Makkah and used to accompany his uncle on trade journeys to Syria. Youth In his youth he believed firmly in the Oneness of Allah (God)(SWT). He lived a very simple life and hated vanity and pride. He was compassionate to the poor, widows and orphans and shared their sufferings by helping them. He avoided all vices, which were commonly practiced among young people such as gambling, drinking wine, vulgarity and others. He was well-known as As-Sadiq (the truthful) and Al-Amin (the trustworthy). He was always trusted as a mediator between two conflicting parties in his homeland, Makkah. Marriage When he was about 25 years old, his uncle urged him to work with the caravan which belonged to a wealthy widow named Khadijah. He accepted and undertook the journey to Syria. He conducted business with such prudence and sense of duty that he returned with larger profit than usual. Khadijah was so impressed by the honest and attractive personality of Mohammad (PBUH) that she offered to marry him who Mohammad (PBUH) accepted. This marriage was a happy one. They had children. Khadijah was so far his only wife until she died at the age of 51.

Prophethood Mohammad (PBUH) was born amidst a polytheistic (unbeliever) society. He was saddened and sick of the corrupt society around him. He often went to Hira cave in the mountain near Makkah, later known as Jabal An-nur (the mountain of Light) where he meditated and pondered over the prevailing darkness. There he often remained deep in thought in communion with the unseen yet All-Pervading God of the Universe. One night, while he was meditating in the Hira cave, the Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to him. The Angel aroused him and his mighty voice reverberated in his ears. He was perplexed and did not know what to do. He was asked to read. He replied: "I cannot read!" The Angel repeated three times asking Mohammad (PBUH) to read, but he replied the same answer. Finally the Angel asked: [Read in the name of your Lord, who created man from a clot. Read in the name of your God, the Most Bountiful, who taught by means of the pen, and taught man what he did not know.] (Qur'an 96: 1-5) This was the first revelation received by Muhammad (PBUH). He was 40 years old at that time. The revelation continued to come to him from time to time in a period of 23 years. These series of revelation were arranged according to the divine guidance given to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and later collected in the form of a book the Qur'an (Reading). Most of its verses have clear meaning. Some verses are interpreted in conjunction with other verses and some others were interpreted by the Prophet (PBUH) himself through his words, actions and agreements which are known as his Sunnah (Traditions). The Qur'an and the Sunnah together constitute the guidance and way of life for those who submit their life to Allah (God) (SWT). People who follow this guidance and way of life are guaranteed by Allah (SWT) to be saved in this world and the Hereafter.

Medina's importance as a religious site derives from the presence of the 'Tomb of Prophet Muhammad' inside 'Masjid-e-Nabawi' or 'The Mosque of The Prophet'. The Mosque was built on a site adjacent to Prophet Muhammad's home, and as Muslims believe that prophets must be buried at the very same place they die, Prophet Muhammad was thus buried in his house. The tomb later became part of the mosque. The first mosque of Islam is also located in Medina and is known as Masjid Quba, (the Quba Mosque). It was destroyed by lightning, probably about 850 C.E., and the graves were almost forgotten. In 892 the place was cleared up, the tombs located and a fine mosque built which was destroyed by fire in 1257 C.E. and almost immediately rebuilt. Like Mecca, the city of Medina only permits Muslims to enter, although the haram (area closed to non-Muslims) of Medina is much smaller than that of Mecca, with the result that many facilities on the outskirts of Medina are open to non-Muslims, whereas in Mecca the area closed to non-Muslims extends well beyond the limits of the built-up area. Both cities' numerous mosques are the destination for large numbers of Muslims on their Hajj (annual pilgrimage). Hundreds of thousands of Muslims come to Medina annually to visit the 'Tomb of Prophet' and to worship at mosques in a unified celebration. Muslims believe that praying once in the Mosque of the Prophet is equal to praying at least 1000 times in any other mosque.

 

DAY SIX Share what you know-do a school presentation

What would happen if we let all this great knowledge we now have of Hajj, Prophet Ibrahim and Eid just sit in our brains? We would forget!

This is why sharing your knowledge via school presentations on this topic will not only make a great tool for inviting others to Islam but also help you check your own knowledge and remind yourself of the facts.

Presentations can actually be done even after Hajj and Eid, although if it can be arranged beforehand, that would be better, since it would be more timely.

 

 

 

 

 

DAY SEVEN Engage your tongue in the remembrance of Allah

What's a great way to use our tongues these next few days?

Every person, individually, should regularly remember Allah by saying La ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is great), and Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah).

And don't forget to make Dua for all those who are suffering Muslim and non-Muslim. Ask for Guidance, and ask Allah to guide humanity.

DAY EIGHT Planning for the big day

Did your youngest child wear different colored socks to Eid prayers last Eid? Did Daddy forget to bring change for parking at the Mosque where prayers took place? Was the main dish for that special Eid dinner burnt last time because of the rush to get it done in time?

Planning and Dua are the keys to ensure that disasters like those mentioned above don't happen. Eid can be stressful and rushed as it is. Reduce this by planning properly. Call a family meeting and discuss logistics, menu, where the family will go or who it will invite for Eid, for instance.

DAY NINE Fast & read aloud the Last Sermon of the Prophet

Did you think fasting ended with Ramadan? If so, you're mistaken.

It is recommended to fast on this day. Prophet (SAW)said: Fasting on the Day of Arafa (the ninth day of Zil Hajjah) will be credited with Allah by forgiving one's sins of the previous year and the following year.

As well, we should sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness for mistakes on this day as the Prophet (SAW) said: Allah sets more people free from Hell on the Day of Arafa than on any other day.

Have a big family Iftar. The 9th of Zil Hajjah is going to be on a weekday, so everyone should try to get home from work or school early, if possible, to enjoy Iftar together.

Also, read the Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him)'s last Sermon that day, since it was on the 9th of Zil Hajjah that it was delivered. There are so many lessons in the Prophet's Last Sermon (Khutba). This is a great time to read it as a family together.

On this day of Arafa our beloved AQA MOULA does bayaan and Haji in the HUD of Arafa, in the tent listen to the Waaz relayed Live and do Aqa Hussein Maatam as it’s because of;

“AQA HUSSEIN’S DUA IN ROZE ASHURA, OUR HAJJ IS ACCEPTED BY ALLAH “

On this day of arafa don’t forget to send Tehniyaat message in Darbare Nooraniyah, Aqa Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Moula Hazrat for Iltemas Ud Dua.

For those of us who have made Hajj, nothing beats being in the heartland of Islam during Eid-ul-Adha. For us, the celebration is not about sitting with our families and eating good food. While we do miss those things, knowing that we have completed the most important journey of our lifetime, despite the physical, mental, emotional and health-related difficulties involved leaves us longing to go back despite these challenges. Coming back can be a bit of a downer, to say the least. And our first Eid-ul-Adha after Hajj may make us wistful for those beautiful days and nights we spent leaving our worldly cares behind to connect to God on a higher spiritual level. That's why reviving even a little of that joy is important every Eid-ul-Adha. Making Eid special for our kids with gifts, new clothes, a decorated house; emailing or snail mailing cards to family and friends as well as those we made Hajj with; following news about this year's Hajj on various news sites; reviving our pledge to lead a sincere, God-conscious life filled with piety and justice are just some ways we can bring back some of that "Hajj high" we got being in Makkah.

This is my very humble attempt to put into focus the spiritual aspect of Hajj, and I am fully aware of my shortcomings. Do forgive me, if I have not been able to do full justice to the subject. As the hujjaj journey towards Baitullah al Haram, let us all join in offering Hamd to Allah and offer prayers, that may Allah bless our Moula (TUS) with a long and healthy life, till mumineen continue journey towards Baitullah saying Labaik. Ameen.