How to derive utmost benefit from Hajj

In one of my journeys to Makka al-Mukarrama for hajj, I and a noble companion happen to visit the late martyr Ayatullah Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim.
I can still visualize those moments. He had a sparkling face that had so much to narrate. We sought some advise from him, and the great scholar informed us of a brilliant interpretation of the tradition: ‘Min tamaam al-Hajj liqaa al-Imam’ [The completion of hajj is in meeting the Imam].
One of the possible interpretations of the tradition is that the pilgrims who come to perform hajj must know the proper way of undertaking the ritual in its different dimensions.
Therefore they should approach the leader (Imam) who has a good understanding of the same.
And the leader(s) of the contemporary era [who represent the Imam of the time] are the Muslim scholars, who should be approached [and their advise sought].
I felt enlightened. Indeed in order for one to derive utmost benefit from hajj, he should go to the different places of the ‘ulama in Makka, who are well-grounded in the laws and secrets of hajj.
By Sh. Muhammad Khalfan

Dhul-qadah opportunity

It is narrated from the Prophet (saw) that it is recommended to pray this prayer on Sunday in the month of Dhul-qadah with a great reward.
That whoever prays it, his sins will be forgiven and his repentance will be accepted and Allah (swt) will make his liabilities to others cleared and when he dies he will die with faith (Iman). And his religion will be intact. His grave will be widened and enlightened, his parents will be pleased with him and Allah (swt) will forgive his parents and children and
will give him more wealth. And the Angel of Death will be gentle with him when taking his soul. And many other great benefits for this special prayer.
Reference to this salaat: Mafateeh Al Jinan by Shiek Abbas Qummi (page 247), A'maal the month of Dhul-qadah

It is recommended to pray a 4 rakat salah on any sunday in Dhul-qadah.
In every rakat:
1.      Sura Alhamd once
2.      Ikhlass 3 times
3.      Falaq once
4.      Naas once
after salaam 70 times
astagfirullaah wa rabbee wa atoobu ilayh
then say,
la hawla wala quwata illa billa hil aliyil azeem
then say:
Yaa a'zeezu yaa ghaffaarugh-fir lee d'unobee wa
d'unooba jamee-i'l moo-mineena wal moominat
fa-innahu laa yaghfirud' d'unooba illaa anta.

What does preparation for Hajj mean?

[vital read for all especially those embarking on this sacred journey]

The true meaning of preparation must be understood so that we may be able to accomplish the purpose of this ecstatic journey.
In a brilliant tradition narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (‘a), we are told that there are three kinds of results one can anticipate from Hajj:
(1) Utter freedom from Hell Fire, (2) Forgiveness of all sins, (3) Protection of wealth and family on return [Al-Kafi, v.4, p. 253].

Placing these results in mind, we should try to aspire for the best.
Aspiration, however, is not a kind of conceptualization or inculcation; rather, it is a resolution, struggle and hardship. And these need preparation.

One of the areas we must struggle to attain is “a state of receptivity”.
We should try to widen the containers of our hearts in order to benefit from the Divine Banquet while we are the guests of One who perpetually and abundantly bestows with no expectation of any kind of return whatsoever.

Two important areas we must work hard on are
(1) Repentance (tawba) and
(2) Acquiring knowledge about the secrets of the journey.
These are factors that would enhance our receptivity and enable us accomplish a certain level of perfection.

When we speak of tawba, the most important element that we should try to achieve is “the state of no return”.
Regret should not be an emotional state that does not reap any fruit. It should rather act as a catalyst to overturn our deviant ways and change our states, so that we do not think of going back to sin.
Understanding the secrets of hajj would make the journey very meaningful and if we are fortunate to have been given the succor to attain the desired preparation and readiness, we may achieve the apex of Hajj, which is human perfection and Divine proximity.
One of the subtle meanings of the hadith of Imam al-Baqir ('a), ‘Min tamaamil Hajj liqaa’ al-Imam’ (The completion of Hajj is in meeting the Imam) is that the perfection and completeness of Hajj is in encountering the characteristics of the imam who is a perfect human being.

In other words, the completeness of hajj is to exemplify the attributes of a perfect human being in oneself.
Small wonder it is that one is able to achieve the purpose of Hajj through the ziyara of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) if one is in the state of knowledge of their sanctity and status.

by Sh. Muhammad Khalfan

An Important Rule Often Neglected 19

Islamic Laws : Obligatory acts relating to Namaz » Things on which Sajdah is allowed
Fatawa of Ayatullah al Uzama Syed Ali al-Husaini Seestani

1085. Sajdah should be performed on earth, and on those things which are not edible nor worn, and on things which grow from earth (e.g. wood and leaves of trees).
It is not permissible to perform Sajdah on things which are used as food or dress (e.g. wheat, barley and cotton etc.), or on things which are not considered to be parts of the earth (e.g. gold, silver, etc.). And in the situation of helplessness, asphalt and tar will have preference over other non-allowable things.

1092. Turbatul Husayn is the best thing for performing Sajdah. After it, there are earth, stone and grass, in order of priority.

How to get closer to the Imam of the time

An important lesson from Sheikh Hassan Ali Isfahani

The Sheikh had engaged himself right from his youth with his worships and Islamic devotion, and endured a lot of inconveniences in order to attain some spiritual ranks. He wrote up a compilation that comprised of mysteries and which he did not expose or divulge to the general public.

My late father Muazzam (may Allah raise his position) told me about this write-up of Sheikh:
'Verily Sheikh Hassan Ali Isfahani towards the end of his life has given this book to late Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Ridawi.'

Our reason for reporting this issue was the important point mentioned by Sheikh Hassan Ali Isfahani at the end of his book, which is incumbent for those who wanted to pass through the spiritual stages to benefit from it, as follows:

'I wish all I would have done in my readings, litanies and so on, for the purpose of reaching spiritual ranks, should have been done for the purpose of nearness to my master, the leader of the time (may Allah hasten his reappearance).'

Take note of the speech of this religious and divine man who was well known among the Sunni and Shiah, how he has shown his regret for all the good jobs he has put forward hoping to have done that for the purpose of nearness to the Imam of the time.

There is no doubt that Sheikh Hassan Ali Isfahani was possessing spiritual strength and it is hard to get these type of states; with all this he is still having the notion that all he has done throughout his life was just for the nearness to the chief of this world of existence.
The great example for anyone (in any field he belongs to) is to copy from the experience of the great men of that field and to benefit from their struggles throughout their life and from what they have achieved most specially to focus on the last period of their life.

Be very careful of this point: to benefit from the important experience of the great men increases the spiritual value in ones life.

Try in your deeds what Sheikh Hassan Ali Isfahani has experienced which he has written in his book.
Offer your prayers, supplications and other aspect of your worship in nearness to Allah (swt) so that you can be closer to his caretaker, our master, the Imam of the time (aj) and cast off little ambition. This is a reality which will benefit you a great deal.

Sahifah al-Mahdiya
Sayed Murtada Mujtahidi Sistani

'How can anyone stop dealing with such a Generous One and become indifferent even for a twinkling of an eye?!'

A 2-minute thought-provoking word from
Sh. Husain Ibn Ali Ibn Sadiq al-Bahrani
that will escalate our love and perception of Allah (swt)

A believer who tries to follow in the footsteps of Ahlulbayt (as) must accustom himself to thinking well of his Lord, expecting Allah to reward him with plenty for the little that he does. He (swt) is the Only One Who gives plenty for little. Whatever good things you expect of Him, and whatever you think of the norms of His generosity, He is more than what you think: you mental scope is limited while His generosity has no limit.

He (swt) has already informed you that He is according to your good thoughts of Him. Our master, the Commander of the Faithful (as), has said, 'Whoever thinks well of you, you should prove him right' (Bihar al Anwar vol 74 p 212)

One who thinks well of something, Allah will prove him right as this is linked to thinking well of Allah, since the source of everything good is Allah, therefore Allah actualizes such a notion, proving its accuracy.

One particular hadith clearly stated that if anyone thinks well even of a stone, Allah will place a lot of goodness in it. The person who transmitted this tradition, thereupon, asked the Imam (as), '...a stone!?' The Imam (as) said, 'Dont you see the black stone (hajar-e-aswad)?'

Our master, Al Rida (as), is quoted as having said, ''Allah revealed to Nabi Dawud (as) saying, 'A servant of mine may come to Me with one good deed whereby I grant Him paradise. He was asked, 'Lord, what is this good deed?' He said, 'He removes the worry of a believer even with half a date.' Dawud (as) said, Anyone who trule gets to know You can never loose hope [of receiving Your mercy]''' (Al Jawahir Al Saniyya p 76)

So if the most Exalted One and the most Great grants this paradise, the width of which is like that of the heavens and the earth, in exchange for half a date [given by way of charity], I plead to you in the name of Allah to answer me: How can anyone stop dealing with such a Generous One and become indifferent to such a dealing even for a twinkling of an eye?!

What would be ones alternative? If one lost a moment wherein he did not pay his full attention to Allah, what can his compensation for his loss be? Never! He has surely missed something for which there is no compensation and has cheated himself irreparably.

p.s.
The Prophet (saw) used to always love to be optimistic and to hate pessimism (Bihar al Anwar Vol 92 p.2)

Pessimism is according to what a pessimist envisions: If he sees it as severe, so will it be, and if he sees it as light, so will it be, too. And if he does not pay any attention to it, it will be as though it was never there. (Rawdat al Kafi, p.197)

An Important Rule Often Neglected 18

Code of practice for Muslims in the West: Dealing with laws in non-Muslim countries » Questions and Answers
Fatawa of Ayatullah al Uzama Syed Ali al-Husaini Seestani


Question: Is it permissible to tamper with electric or water or gas meters, in non-Muslim countries?
Answer: This also is not permissible.

230. Question: Is it permissible to cheat insurance companies in non-Muslim countries when one is confident that it would not tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims?

Answer: It is not permissible.

...a step higher in the journey‏ Sajdah - The ultimate position!

Following are some helpful pointers and a step higher in our journey to the Only Ultimate, the Only Beloved!


Certain things that are Mustahab in Sajdah - one of the positions dearest to Allah swt:
- It is Mustahab to say Takbir before going to Sajdah. A person who prays standing, will do so after having stood up from Ruku, and a person who prays sitting will do so after having sat properly.
- While going into Sajdah, a man should first place his hands on the ground, and woman should first place her knees on the ground.
- The person offering prayers should place his nose on a mohr, or on any other thing on which Sajdah is allowed.
- While performing Sajdah, fingers should be kept close to each other, parallel to the ears, with their tips towards Qibla.
- While in Sajdah one should pray to Allah, and express his wishes, and should recite this supplication: Ya Khayral Mas'ulin wa Ya Khayral Mu'tin, Urzuqni warzuq 'Ayali Min Fazlika Fa Innaka Zulfazlil 'Azim - O You Who are the best from whom people seek their needs, and O You, Who are the best bestower of gifts! Give me and the members of my family sustenance with Your grace. Undoubtedly You possess the greatest grace).
- After performing Sajdah, one should sit on his left thigh, placing the instep of the right foot on the sole of the left foot.
- After every Sajdah, when a person has sat down and his body is composed, one should say takbir.
- When his body is steady after the first Sajdah, he should say:"Astaghfirullaha Rabbi wa Atubu Ilayhi".
- He should say Allahu Akbar for going into second Sajdah, when his body is steady.
- It is Mustahab to prolong the Sajdah, and when sitting after the Sajdah, to place one's hands on the thighs.
- He should recite Salawat while in prostrations.
- At the time of rising, he should raise his hands from the ground, after raising his knees.
- Men should not make their elbows and stomach touch the ground; they should keep their arms separated from their sides. And women should place their elbows and stomachs on the ground, and should join their limbs with one another.
- It is Makrooh to recite the holy Qur'an in Sajdah. It is also Makrooh to blow off the dust from the place of Sajdah, and if, by so doing, one utters anything intentionally, the prayers will be, as a precaution, void. Besides these, there are other Makrooh acts, which are given in detailed books.


Fatawa of Ayatullah al Uzama Syed Ali al-Husaini Seestani
Islamic Laws : Obligatory acts relating to Namaz » The Mustahab and Makrooh things in Sajdah    http://www.sistani.org/local.php?modules=nav&nid=2&bid=59&pid=2956

says it all...

Weak of heart, sound in mind,
The soul naturally pulling towards its source.


The body an earthly vessel,
Natural inclination towards this worldly aspiration.


A balanced creation sent on this earth
The caging of the soul within the earthly vessel.


A munificient Creator aware of the earthly pull,
Balances the forces in man's spiritual favour.


Through guidance divine, living, breathing examples,
Guides and guide books alike sent down in succession.


Hold on! There is also Satan's constant chatter,
Confusing the otherwise well balanced human soul.


Divine light sends down constant guidance,
A divine whispering right into the heart.


Man misguided, ungrateful too? Certainly not!
Deaf, dumb and blind as man shuts off the divine light.


The soul's whisperings guidance towards aright,
Supressed by the vessel's desires for this worldly delights.


Thus strive to open the soul to divine light,
Seek to hear, see and speak through divine guidance.


The secret to success is not to be found without,
From within must come the true guidance to right.

The month of the Beloved...‏

“Rajab is the name of a river in Paradise whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Those who fast one day of (the month of) Rajab, Allah will satisfy them from that river.” Imam Kadhem (a.s)


We have just entered the sacred month of Rajab of the Islamic calendar, which along with the two following months (Sha’ban and Ramadan) signify the most important months of the year. The merits of these months are numerous and the recommended rites in them are in abundance.
Rajab is the month of multiplied savings for our abode in the Hereafter.


It is narrated from the holy Prophet Muhammad (P) to have said: “Behold! Those who fast one day of Rajab they deserve the Great Pleasure of Allah and will be destined from His Wrath, and will close one of the Gates of Hell.” It is also narrated from the holy Prophet (P): “Rajab is the month of repentance for my Community, so repent to Allah much.”


This month is also blessed by the birthday anniversary of Imam Baqir (a.s) on the 1st day (according to some narrations) and specially the birthday of Imam Ali (a.s) on the 13th of this month and the Mab’ath of the holy Prophet of Islam (P) on the 27th of this month.


Remember, however, this is a sacred month which means in as much as the rewards for good deeds in it are in abundance; the punishment of sinning is also more severe.


The following are just some of the main worshipping acts that are recommended in this sacred month.


1. Fasting:
Salem says: I met Imam Sadiq (a.s) in the month of Rajab, whilst there were only a few days left of it. When he saw me he asked: O Salem! Have you fasted at all in this month? I replied: No, by Allah, O son of the Prophet! The Imam said: “Verily, you have missed so much reward that only the All-Knowing Allah knows its amount… I said: O son of the Prophet! If I fast the remaining days of this month would I gain any reward? The Imam replied: O Salem! Those who fast the last day of Rajab that (fasting) will be a security for them from the agony of death….”
Fasting of the first day of Rajab destines the faster one year away from the Hell.
Fasting of three continuous days (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) of Rajab has the reward of 900 years of worshipping (out of Rajab).
Fasting of the 13th, 14th and 15th of Rajab has rewards in abundance! (Pray to God to bless you for it)
Fasting of the last three days of Rajab (or at least the last day of it) will avail (Inshallah) from the agony of death, the fear of death and the punishment of the grave.
Note: If you have any Qada (lapsed or owing) fasting, make an intention for Qada and you will also enjoy the promised rewards of fasting in Rajab.


2. Salaat
Salaat is the means of nearness to God for every pious believer.
Every night of the month after the Isha Prayer, offer to two Rak’at Prayers. In every Rak’at, recite Surah al-Hamd and Surah al-Kafiroon once and 3 times: Surah Ikhlaas
On the first Thursday evening of Rajab (10 July this year) there is a special Salaat called ‘Salaat Laylatul-Ragha’eb’. Refer to the books of Du’a for its performance.
Note: Those who have Qada prayers, still they can offer the above Salaats although they do not suffice for their obligatory Qada Salaat.


3. Supplication
There are numerous recommended supplications for the month of Rajab. Some of them are as follows:
Astaghferullah Wa As’aluho Tauba (I seek Allah’s forgiveness and ask Him for repentance)
After every Daily Prayer recite:
“Ya Man Arjooho Lekolle Khayr, Wa Aamano Sakhatahou Enda Kolle Shar. Ya Man Yo’tel-Katheera Bel-Qaleel. Ya Man Yo’tee Man Sa’alah. Ya Man Yo’tee Man Lam Yas’alhu Wa Man Lam Ya’refhu Tahannunan Menhu Wa Rahma. A’teni Be Mas’alati Eyyak Jami’a Khayre-Donya Wa Jami’a Khayrel-Akhera. Wasref Be Mas’alati Eyyak Jami’a Sharre-Donya Wa Sharrel-Akhera. Fa’ennahu Ghayro Manqosen Ma A’tayt Wa Zedni Men Fadhleka Ya Kareem.”  Then say: “Ya Zaljalale Wal-Ekram. Ya Zal-Na’ma’e Wal-Jood. Ya Zal-Manne WaTaul, Harrem Shaybati Ala-Nar.”
Also on the 15th of Rajab, there is a special Du’a called Du’a Omme Dawood. Refer to the books of Du’a for the details of this Du’a.


4. Visitation (Ziyarat)
The first and foremost important Ziyarat in this month is Ziyarat of Imam Husain (a.s).
Visiting Imam Redha (a.s) also is very rewarding in this month.
Pilgrimage for Umrah is also very rewarding in this month.


May The Almighty Allah bless us all to respect this sacred month and accept our worshipping.