Oasis of Hajj

Prev.

Print

Next

Virtues of Dhul - Hijjah

Ruling of Hajj

Virtues of Hajj

The Prophet’s Hajj

How to Perform Hajj

Helpful Advice

General Fatawa

Fatawa for Women

Common Errors

Visiting Madinah

Etiquette of Eid

Sacrifice of Al-Adha

Related Topics

Main Page

Islamweb

Paper Cup

By: Lynn Jefferies

Her bright face reached me from across the waves of restlessly sleeping women. Muffled by the storm of air coolers streaming out from the roof of the tent, her eyes met mine.

Quickly lifting up the orange and white thick paper cup she tilted it my way. Rushes of anxiety filled my body, my lips silently mouthed, "Oh no," as the hard realization hit me, my paper cup had been thrown out while I was sleeping last night.

Surveying the crevasses between my royal blue backpack and my small brown and cream colored mat, it was simple, the paper cup was nowhere to be found. In a silent fury I ripped open the sides of my back pack in a desperate search for anything that may resemble a cup.

I quickly glanced across the some fifty-five women sleeping to my old roommate from the hotel, thank Allah, she was still pinning her scarf on. Looking around me helplessly I knew that I was running out of time…Looking at my precious "slumber" buddies around me, a small smile slipped over my face.

Each one was so special: a bubbly Indian convert that radiated joy and happiness to everyone, oozing with faith. I only needed to see her bright eyes and I felt a love for Allah leap into my heart.

Another was an Indonesian nurse whose Qatari sponsor had flown her mother and father to join her on an all-expense-paid trip to Hajj and Madina. Her mother's petit little face shown as she slept peacefully with her pink prayer top held firmly by ruffled cream elastic. Her daughter the strong one, the one who made it to Qatar to earn a living for her mother and father, put all her sisters and brothers through school.

Prev.

Print

Next

Allah said: “Perform the pilgrimage and the visit (to Mecca) for Allah. And if ye are prevented, then send such gifts as can be obtained with ease.” (Qur’an 2:195)

Allah said: “The pilgrimage is (in) the well known months, and whoever is minded to perform the pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation on the pilgrimage.” (Qur’an 2:196)

Allah said: “And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither.” (Qur’an 3:96)

Allah said: “Allah hath appointed the Ka'bah, the Sacred House, a standard for mankind, and the Sacred Month and the offerings and the garlands.” (Qur’an 5:96)

Allah said: “And proclaim unto mankind the Pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine.” (Qur’an 22:26)

The Prophet was asked, "Which is the best deed?" He said, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle." He was then asked, "Which is the next (in goodness)?" He said, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." He was then asked, "Which is the next?" He said, "To perform Hajj-Mabrur." (Bukhari)

The Prophet said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew." (Bukhari)

Allah's Apostle said, "(The performance of) 'Umra is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise." (Bukhari)