Some Duas for Arafah Day (9th Dhul Hijjah) Today – India

Some DUAS for THE DAY OF ARAFAH!

This is a small dua collection. Please feel free to tweak it the way you want. Add duas to this list or delete duas from this list.

1. Ya Allah Al Wali – The Protecting Friend, protect us from hearts that are not humble, tongues that are not wise, and eyes that have forgotten how to cry.

2. Ya Allah make me and my family from amongst the sabiqoon you mention of in Surah Al Waqi’ah. Let the light of our eeman emanate from our chest and from our right hand side.

3. Ya Allah, Grant me and my loved ones a blessed death. Let me utter the shahada before I die. Grant me the intercession of Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him). Ya Raheem make my last moments the best moments of my life. Let me die a shaheed in madina with my head in sujood and with my eyes shedding tears because of the love I have for you.

4. Ya Allah grant me the companionship of Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him), his family and the Sahaba’s in Jannathul Firdous al ‘aala.

5. Ya Allah save my non Muslim friends from the Fire. Guide them to Islam and righteousness in the most beautiful of ways.

6. Ya Allah, reunite me in Jannathul Firdous with those whom I love for Your sake alone. Please make me a means of protecting and transferring my friends from hellfire into jannah because the love I have for them and because I will miss them in Jannah and would want the same for them.

7. Ya Rabb, perfect my Deen and my Worship. Save me from Faahisha and let me complete half of my Deen with someone whose heart is attached to you.

8. Ya Allah accept my good deeds and increase me in reward and Your Mercy. Wipe away my sins and pardon me completely. Shower your Mercy upon me and save me from disgrace on the Day of Reckoning.

9. Ya Allah, when I die, let my soul and my record of Deeds be with the Illiyeen. Grant me and my loved ones shade under your throne when there will be no shade but yours.

10. Ya Allah grant me, my parents, family and children guidance, steadfastness and increase in Imaan and taqwa. Keep me and my loved ones miles away from major and minor sins and from everything that earns your displeasure.

11. Ya Allah, make me of the few You love, You Pardon and You shade on a Day when there is no shade but from Your Majestic Arsh (Throne).

12. Oh my Lord, increase me in Yakeen and Tawakkul in you. Let there be no doubt in my belief in Your Oneness, Your Majesty and Power.

13. Ya Allah increase me in my love for You and Your Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him).

14. Ya Allah forgive me and increase me in Your Blessings and Provisions.

15. Ya Allah lead me to more opportunities to do good and seeking Your Pleasure. Help me expand my dawah with sincerity and ikhlas.

16. Ya Rabb, Purify my intentions for Your Sake alone and let me not show off or take false pride. Save me from arrogance, pride, showing off and reminding of favors.

17. Oh my Creator and Sustainer, do not leave me alone. Bless me with a righteous spouse and children who will be the coolness of my eyes. And please help every brother and sisters who is aiming towards the same goal. Bless us with spouses who will guide us towards your pleasure and with whom we will spend an eternity and more in Jannatul firdous al’aala.

18. Oh my Lord, make me of those who are patient and obedient to You and to my parents.

19. Save me from the Fitnah of Dajjal. And please save me from becoming a fitna for others. Save me from being the source of trail for others.

20. Save me and my loved ones from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Hell Fire.

21. Ya Allah, increase me in Sadaqa -e – Jariya. May the legacy of my good deeds be never-ending.

22. Ya Allah, bless me with good health, so I can make sajdah with ease till my final breath.

23. Ya Allah, protect me and the Muslim Ummah against wicked oppressors. Save us from Fitnah and give us ease in our times of trial. Ya Allah unite our Ummah.

24. My Lord, bless me with the best in this world, the best in the Hereafter and save me from the fire. I am indeed in need of the good You have in store for me.

25. Ya Allah increase me in gratitude towards You alone.

26. Oh my Rabb, save me from hypocrisy. Save me from cheating others, save me from giving people false promises and hopes, save me from bad language and save me from destroying someone’s trust in me when they entrust something.

27. Ya Allah, let me and my spouse be among the pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2018.

28. Ya Allah protect me against Evil Jinns and Spirits. Safeguard me from their evil incitements and plots. Save me from every evil that you have created

29. Ya Allah forgive and have Mercy upon my parents, as they looked after me when I was young. Ya Allah Al Mannan make my parents proud of me in this world and in the hereafter.

30. Ya Allah, I pray and beg of you for the guidance of the Muslim Youth and Ummah. Save us all from Kufr, Despair, Misdeeds, bidah and Shirk. Keep us away from confusion of different sects and keep us on siratul mustaqeem.

31. Ya Allah grant me the strength to battle laziness and sleep, so I may wake up for Tahajjud and Fajr daily.
32. Ya Allah grant me Ultimate Success -safety from the Fire and entry into Jannathul Firdous al alaa.

33. Ya Ghafoor make me from amongst the True slaves of Ar Rahman you mention in Surat Al Furqan who are protected from Hell fire.

34. Ya Allah help single mothers and sisters who have lost their husbands and guardians. Be their Wali and ease their hardships. Provide them with finance and help them take care of those under them.

35. Ya Allah Al Shafi cure everyone who is suffering from chronic diseases and those suffering from Cancer.

36. Ya Allah keep us away from people who want to cause us harm. Ya Allah make my enemeies my friends and make my friends my best friends. Surround me with people who remind me of your and about the akhirah.

37. Ya Allah help me become a hafidha and let me marry a hafidh of Qur’an and give tawfeeq for my entire progeny to be huffadh of Qur’an. Those who have Qur’an in their hearts and on their tongues. Men and women from my progeny who will be walking Qur’ans like our beloved Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him).

38. Ya Allah make me from amongst the best. Those who learn Qur’an and teach Qur’an.

39. Ya Allah bless my sisters in Islam with healthy pregnancies. Do not test with sisters with infertility. Grant them pious, beautiful and healthy children.

40. Ya Allah uplift the men of our Ummah. Make them men of true honour and deen. Make them our protectors and those who help us and guide us. Keep us away from men and hypocrites who might destroy us, our peace of mind and our eeman.

41. Ya Allah allow us intercession of Qur’an. Ya Allah let Surah Baraqah and Al Imran come as clouds over us on the day of judgment.

42. Ya Allah always keep us financially secure and content with what we have. Keep us away from arrogance and worldly competition.

43. Ya Allah make Qur’an the light of my heart and the dispeller of my worries. Help me Increase my khushoo in Salaah.

44. Ya Fattah grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by Your generosity, O the most Generous.

45. Ya Allah strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection.Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness.

46. Ya Rabbi let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded. Make me, among those who rely on you.

47. Ya Allah make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur’an fluently and please send down tranquility upon my heart.

48. Ya Hayyum Ya Qayyum do not raise me blind on the day of judgement, let me have the honor of seeing your face and let me meet you with Qalbun Saleem.

48. Ya Allah Al Azeez keep shaytan miles away from me and my loved ones. Help me be sincere, strong, truthful. Do not let me be oppressed and do not make me an oppressor.

49. Ya Wakeel I entrust my affairs in your hands do not leave me incharge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye, please rectify for me all of my affairs. Purify my heart and clear the dark spots on sin. Bless my heart with your Noor.

50. Ya Allah to you we belong and you is our return. Have mercy on us and forgive us and guide us towards things that lead to your pleasure and keep us miles away from things that lead to your displeasure. Please accept all our duas and protect us from hardships.

Ameen ya rabbul alameen.

This is a small dua collection. Please feel free to tweak it the way you want. Add duas to this list or delete duas from this list. We cannot make enough dua during these blessed days and especially the Day of Arafah. Please make sure you sit down before breaking fast and make dua at least for half an hour.

May Allah accept all our duas and give us all more than we deserve.

#Arafah #Hajj2017 #Duas #Dualist

More Duas!

https://muhumin.wordpress.com/…/06/02/raise-your-hands-in-…/

https://muhumin.wordpress.com/2017/02/18/heartfelt-dua/

https://muhumin.wordpress.com/…/the-powerful-dua-of-a-pare…/

https://muhumin.wordpress.com/…/dua-a-gift-for-last-10-days/

Reminder for Today – 9th Dhul Hijjah (India)

As Salaam Mu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah!

A Quick reminder: the takbeer e tashreeq (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha illallaahu. Wa Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Wa lillaahil hamd)
‏الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله والله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد

are to be started after fajr Salaah today morning insha Allah – since today is Yawmul Arafah for us, i.e. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah.

Also,

The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

“The best du’aa is the du’aa on the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me said is:

‘Laa ilaaha illallaah, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-Mulku
wa lahul-hamd,  wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shayin qadeer’.”

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ ، وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ المُلكُ ، وَ لَهُ الحَمدُ ، وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيءٍ قَدِيرٌ

(There is nothing that deserves to be worshipped in truth except Allaah, He is Alone and has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is All-Powerful over all things)

Please remember my family, me and the entire ummah in your du’aas.

Wassalam

Hajj-The Journey of Lifetime Begins…

As the Hajj ritual begins and people start moving to Mina…let’s say a small dua for the hajis from every corner of the world:

May Allah Subhanataala Bless all the Hajis worldwide with Hajj Mabroor (accepted Hajj : Paradise) and make all the rituals easy for them and protect them from all evil. May they return home as a new born free of all sins – Aameen.

Make Best use of first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

Increasing Our Deeds In The First 10 Days of Zhul Hijjah

THIS IS IT…….. We are only a few days away from the greatest days of the year. This is your chance to add to your scale of good deeds on Judgment day, this is your chance to raise your status in this life and the next & this is your chance to get closer to Allah and prove just how much you want Jannah. Don’t lose the reward of these 10 days. Whether it’s a small deed or big, don’t let anything no matter how insignificant of difficult it may seem, stop you from doing it. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE, DON’T LET IT SLIP AWAY.

The Prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel (La ilaha illallah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and tahmeed (Alhamduillah) during them.” ( Ahmad)

Don’t Forget To Prepare Your Daily Checklist.

In sha Allah we want to start off these 10 days with sincere repentance . Here are a few rewarding deeds we can do in these great days :

– Fasting for the first 9 days. The Prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, then Allah will move his face away from the Hellfire by a distance of seventy years.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

– Increasing your daily Quran reading. We should strive as much as we can to recite, memorize, listen, understand & contemplate the Quran to multiply our reward. If every day we read 3 parts (ju’z) we will be able to complete the Quran on the 10th day !!

– Remembering Allah much. These days are the days of Dhirk. Increase in saying tahleel (La ilaha illallah), takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and tahmeed (Alhamduillah) as advised by the Prophet (peace & blessing be upon him) as well as the other many beautiful dhikrs such as Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), praying much on the Prophet (peace be upon him)…..

– Being extra good to parents. The reward is so vast when we show respect and love towards our parents on regular days. Imagine the reward of doing it in these most beloved 10 days to Allah.

– Praying voluntary prayers. Don’t miss out on praying as many voluntary prayers as you can. There are so much to choose from so don’t miss out !
> 12 rakats sunnah prayers (2 before Fajr, 4 before Duhr & 2
after, 2 after Maghrib & 2 after Isha).
> Night Prayers which are the best of prayer after the obligatory
prayers.
> Praying 4 before the Duhr
> Praying 4 before the Asr
> Praying 2 before the Maghrib
> Praying 2 before the Isha
> Duha Prayers
> Wudu prayers

– Making lots of Du’a (supplications) especially on the day of
Arafah

– Breaking someone’s fasting to obtain the same reward of
the fasting person.

– Maintaining family ties and visiting the sick which both hold
massive rewards.

– Giving daily charity even if it’s a small amount.

– Feeding the poor

– Offering a sacrifice on the 10th day which is one of the best
deed to do in these 10 days.

If you have any more ideas, please post them below to share in the reward !!

May Allah grant us sincerity and accept these 10 days for us.

Four Things to Do on the Blessed 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

Allah the Most High & Exalted says: “By the Dawn; By the ten nights” [Surah Al-Fajr:1-2]

This oath substantiates the greatness and sacredness of these ten nights in the eyes of Allah. This is an extraordinary oath; it is very reliable and significant and the wise men can understand that by this oath, Allah too attaches great importance and value to the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.

The Prophet has said regarding these blessed days:

“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, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

It is clear then that these 10 days possess tremendous blessings and excellence. Therefore we should spend these 10 blessed days and nights in intensive worship and virtuous acts. Therefore we cannot possibly afford to miss out on such immense rewards otherwise we will definitely be in utter regret in the Hereafter!

The following are recommended acts to do during the blessed 10 days and nights of Dhul Hijjah.

1. Fasting the 9 days of Dhul Hijjah

It is recommended to fast on the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on the 9th which is the blessed day of Arafah. Allah’s Messenger encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah; and indeed fasting is one of the best of deeds.

Almighty Allah says, “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Note: The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Eid ul Adha and it is prohibited to fast on this day.

Forgiveness for 2 years of sins (minor sins) for fasting on the day of Arafah:

Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari narrated, “The Messenger of Allah was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah (the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah). He replied, “Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” He was also asked about fasting on the day of Ashura (the 10th of the month of Muharram). He replied, “Fasting on the day of Ashura is an expiation for the preceding year.” The Messenger of Allah was also asked about fasting on Monday, and he replied, “This is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was sent (with the Message of Islam) and the day on which I received revelation.” [Muslim]

Therefore we should try our utmost to fast all the blessed 9 days of Dhul Hijjah – particularly the 9th of Dhul Hijjah which is the day of Arafah. If not then we should at least fast as many as we can possibly can as we may not get this opportunity again next year as life is uncertain and we should never procrastinate on doing good actions.

Tip: Eat light and hydrate well. If you will be staying up until Fajr, then the more you eat, the harder it will be for you to stay up and the less productive you will be! Keep some water with you at all times during the night. This will help you stay up, feel energised and refreshed and have a clearer mind. Also encourage your family and friends to join in!

2. Reciting tasbeeh, tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer abundantly

It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These words should be recited abundantly in the masajid, homes, streets and in every place where it is permissible to remember and glorify Allah.

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (reward of Hajj in the Hereafter and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).” [Surah Al-Haj:28]

Reciting the Takbeeraat-e-Tashreeq from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah: 

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd.

Translation: “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only.”

Men can recite the above after every fardh salaat from Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah audibly. Women should recite it silently.

Tip: Remember and glorify Allah no matter what you are doing: This is particularly easy as one can remember Allah anywhere and at any time whether it is during work or any daily activity.

3. Offering the Qurbani (sacrifice of a livestock animal)

The qurbani (also known as udh’hiya) is the sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid ul-Adha. It is the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim . It is a means of getting closer to Allah . It is obligatory upon every sane adult who is not a traveller and can afford it (wealth equal to or more than nisab). It is performed on the days of sacrifice which is the 10th, 11th or 12th of Dhul Hijjah. One may sacrifice a thousand animals on days other than these, but it will never be regarded or considered as udh’hiya. Therefore the qurbani is a sacred act which can only be done during the three days of Dhul Hijjah as specified. Regarding the qurbani, Allah says in the Qur’an:

“It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches Allah, It is their piety that reaches Allah.” [Surah Al-Haj:37]

Tip: It is best to go about the sacrifice the traditional way and offering it in your locality so that you obtain the lesson from the sacrifice and remind yourself of the emotions and test that Prophet Ibrahim himself endured. However, where you face logistical issues, nowadays it is much easier for us to fulfil this sacred act by the mere click of a button over the Internet where we can buy an animal to be sacrificed on the various established Muslim charity websites.

4. Doing more good deeds than usual

The Prophet said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah).” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Therefore we should increase the amount of good deeds we do in order to take advantage of this blessed time where good deeds are increased significantly.

Tip: Complete as many worldly tasks as possible beforehand and do not waste this precious time: Make arrangements to clear as many of your pending tasks as possible or make a plan for tackling them later. This way, one is free to worship during the 10 days and nights without being distracted by worldly tasks. We must make a firm intention that during these blessed 10 days that we will not take part in idle talk, watch TV, play computer games or spend time on the social media. There are many more days in the year for all that – if you really cannot resist. This is just 10 days! Consider the utter loss and regret for those who waste these blessed 10 days.

The following 7 deeds are amongst the best actions we can do during these blessed 10 days:

• Reciting the Qur’an abundantly:

“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi] So if one letter of the Qur’an is equivalent to ten good deeds then imagine how much reward there is for reading each letter during these blessed 10 days which are said to be the best days of the year! Subhanallah!Abu Darda’ reported Allah’s Apostle as saying: Is any one of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’an in a night? They (the Companions) asked: How could one recite a third of the Qur’an (in a night)? Upon this he (the Prophet) said:” He is Allah, One” is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an. [Sahih Muslim] Therefore let us recite as much of the Qur’an as we can during these 10 days and nights and aim to recite it from cover to cover if we can. After that we should continue reciting the Qur’an throughout the rest of the year, for it is one of the excellent forms of worship!Tip: Increase your recitation by adding a few minutes or pages to your usual recitation routine. If you don’t have a routine yet, maybe this is the time for you start forming the habit. Begin by committing to recite at least one or two pages (or for 10 minutes, if you are a slow reciter) and then work to increase on this. Carry a small pocket mus’haf with you or install a reliable Qur’an app on a mobile device so that Shaytan cannot discourage you when you are out and about! Note: It is also very relevant to read the story of Prophet Ibrahim which will give one a deeper understanding of the rituals of Hajj and the qurbani.

• Showing exemplary character:

The Prophet Muhammad said, “Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.” [At- Tirmidhi] So we must aim to be the best in character during these blessed days and nights and continue to do so for the rest of the year. We must not argue, swear, backbite, slander or gossip.Tip: Make an extra effort to be good to your friends, family, and neighbours, and especially those of other faiths.

• Giving much in charity:

As the rewards of doing good deeds during these days are increased significantly then we should also give as much as we can in charity.Allah promised forgiveness of our sins if we give in charity and give to the poor and needy. He honoured our charity and described it as a “ beautiful loan to Allah “ to emphasise that we are doing something good that He loves, and that He himself will pay our loan back to us doubled:”If ye loan to Allah a beautiful loan, He will double it to your (credit), and He will grant you Forgiveness: for Allah is Most Ready to appreciate (service), Most Forbearing.” [Surah At-Taghabun:17] Tip: Have some change with you at all times to hand out when the opportunity arises. If you don’t have the opportunity to give out money in public, go online and resolve to donate a fixed amount every morning! If you don’t have money, remember that even a smile is considered charity – so go on and spread some good cheer!

• Respecting and honouring our parents:

Islam teaches us that of the most beloved deeds to Allah, having respect for one’s parents is second only to that of prayer and is greater than that of fighting in His cause.It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas’ood , who observed: “I asked Allah’s Messenger which deed was the best.” He (the Prophet ) replied: ‘The Prayer at its appointed hour.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: ‘Kindness to the parents.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He replied: ‘Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.’ I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. [Sahih Muslim] Tip: Make an extra effort to spend time with them during these blessed days. Recite Qur’an with them, read a book together, discuss a lecture you heard, share your plans for the future and seek their input. Drive your father to the masjid if he is unable to walk there and earn reward for doing so, or call them a few more times in the day if they live far away.

• Doing many nawafil (superogatory) prayers:

Rabi’ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet said:”Ask (anything).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise. ” The Prophet said: “Or anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers).” [Abu Dawud]

The following are sunnah and nawafil prayers to pray during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah:-

Pray 12 raka’ahs of sunnah daily along with the fardh prayers. Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan narrated she heard the Prophet saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” [Muslim] Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer & four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” [Sunan An-Nasai]

Salaatul Duhaa: The Prophet is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Sunan An-Nasai]

Two raka’ahs sunnah after entering the masjid: Abu Qatadah narrated the Prophet as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” [Abi Dawud]

Tahiyyatul wudhu: – 2 raka’ahs sunnah after performing wudhu (ablution). Abu Hurayrah reported the Prophet saying to Bilal : “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Tahajjud prayer: The most virtuous nawafil (voluntary) prayer is the Tahajjud prayer as it enables one to get closer to Allah . The best recitation of the Qur’an is done during Tahajjud prayer. You should recite as much of the Qur’an as you have memorised. In the long prostrations, beg Allah for forgiveness and mercy and surely He will never turn away his slaves who beg of him during this prayer.

Note: During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night. If not then we should pray it in as many nights as we possibly can. When fasting during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah one should awaken a little earlier for Suhur, make wudhu and pray Tahajjud. The last third portion of the night is the most blessed part of the night in which duas are more readily accepted during this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah and to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past and present and to beg, cry and ask of Allah for whatever we want.

Tip: Before you go to bed each night, use the Productive Muslim Taskinator to block out time for these additional acts of worship. You are more likely to get something done if you allocate time for it. As the saying goes – what gets scheduled, gets done!

• Increase in glorification & remembrance of Allah: 

As His creations we should all remember and glorify our creator as much as we possibly can, but even more so during these blessed days. The following are some easy and very beneficial dhikr and glorification we can do throughout these blessed days and nights.
– Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd
– Subhanallah
– Alhamdulillah
– Allahu Akbar
– Laa ilaha ilallah
– La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
– Asthaghfirullah
– SubhanAllahil azeem wa bihamdihi
– Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm
– Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr or the shortened version Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeerOne can also recite the durood that one recites towards the end of one’s salaah or the shortest durood: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim.Tip: Have something in your environment or on your person as a reminder for dhikr. It could be a special ring that you wear or a sticker placed on your desk or car wind shield.

• Making much dua: 

Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an, “When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” [Suratul Baqarah:186] We should busy ourselves in Dua during these 10 blessed days and nights particularly on the night and day of Arafat which is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Duas are also readily accepted during fasting, especially just before Suhur ends and just before breaking the fast.

• Making life changes:

We should make the necessary changes to improve ourselves as Muslims and what better time to make such changes than during these blessed 10 days where we can change our lives forever? We must internalise these changes and make a firm commitment to Allah , and maybe that he will wipe off our sins until we become newborn babies, In sha Allah.Therefore let us make the best of these blessed days and make the necessary changes so that we may live a life devoted to Allah. We should aim to rectify our condition and live for the Hereafter rather than living for this world which can end at any second for any one of us. Allah tells us In the Qur’an to enter fully into our deen (way of life) and not partly:

“O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy….” [Surah Al-Baqarah:208-210]

So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don’t grab it now and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY! Surely there is no logic in putting all of our efforts into a short, temporary life which can end at any second and neglect that which will last forever. Knowing this then why do we put everything into this life and neglect the Hereafter? Time is passing us by and we are blinded by the deception of this life. Time is not on our side. This life is very short indeed. It is like a quick passing phase. It is a short stopover in our journey to the eternal Afterlife. 

This short life is our only one opportunity to build our Hereafter. In the Hereafter we will want to be taken back to this life in order to live it again so that we can worship Allah. But we will not be able to. So let us prepare for the Hereafter and our inevitable death before preparations are made for our funerals.

May Allah enable us to make the best of these blessed days and nights and make it a means of our success in this world and in the Hereafter. Ameen.

Source : http://productivemuslim.com

Through Sacrifice Comes Reward…Eid ul Adha Mubarak!!!

May Allah accept all your good deeds, forgive your transgressions & ease the suffering of all the people around the world.

May This Eid be a Source of Immense Blessing along with joy and happiness for you and your family!!

Eid Mubarak!

Fasting on the Day of Arafah when the moon sighting differs in countries!

Praise be to Allaah.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: what if the day of ‘Arafah is different because of the moon being sighted at different times in different countries? Should we fast according to the moon sighting in the country where we are or according to the moon sighting in al-Haramayn (the two Holy Sanctuaries)?

He replied: This is based on a difference of opinion among the scholars: Is there only one moon sighting for the whole world or does it vary according to when the moon rises in different places?

The correct view is that it varies according to when the moon rises in different places. For example, if the moon is sighted in Makkah, and today is the ninth, and it is sighted elsewhere one day before Makkah, and the day of ‘Arafah in Makkah is the tenth for them, it is not permissible for them to fast on this day because it is Eid. Similarly if it so happens that they sight the moon after Makkah, and the 9^th in Makkah is the 8^th for them, then they should fast the day that is the 9^th for them, which is the 10^th in Makkah. This is the correct view, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) fast and when you see it break your fast.” Those who did not see the moon in their own location have not seen it. Just as people are unanimously agreed that the times for dawn and sunset vary according to their own location, so too the months are also worked out by location, just like the daily timings.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20.

And he (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about some people who worked in the Saudi embassy in a foreign country, who said that they were having a problem concerning the fast of Ramadaan and the fast on the day of ‘Arafah. The brothers there had split into three groups:

One group said: we will fast with Saudi and break the fast with Saudi.

Another group said: we will fast with the country where we are living and break the fast with them.

The last group said: we will fast Ramadaan with the country where we are living, but we will fast the day of ‘Arafah with Saudi.

They asked the Shaykh to provide them with a detailed answer concerning the Ramadaan fast and fasting the day of ‘Arafah, whilst noting that for the past five years, in the country where they were living neither Ramadaan nor the day of ‘Arafah had been observed on the same days as in Saudi; their Ramadaan started one or two days after it had been announced in Saudi, and sometimes three days after.

He replied:

In the name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed concerning the issue when the moon is sighted in one part of the Muslim world and not in another: do all the Muslims have to act on the basis of that, or only those who sighted it and the people who live in the same region, or only those who sighted it and the people who live under the same government? There are many different points of view.

The most correct view is that the matter should be referred to those who have knowledge of it. If the moon rises at the same point for two countries they become like one country, so if it is sighted in one of them that ruling applies to the other. But if the rising points differ, then each country has its own ruling. This is the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him); this is the apparent meaning of the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and what is implied by analogy.

In the Qur’aan it says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

What is implied by this verse is that whoever does not see it is not obliged to fast.

In the Sunnah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you see it (the new moon) then fast, and when you see it, break your fast.” What is implied by this hadeeth is that if we did not see it we are not obliged to fast or to break the fast.

With regard to analogy, the times for starting and ending the fast each day should be worked out in each country on its own, according to the local times of sunrise and sunset. This is a point on which there is scholarly consensus. So you see the people in east Asia starting their fast before the people of west Asia, and breaking their fast before them, because dawn breaks for the former before the latter, and the sun sets for the former before the latter.

Once this is established with regard to the times for starting and ending the daily fast, it also applies to the start and end of the monthly fast. There is no difference between them.

But if many regions come under the same government, and the ruler gives the command for the fast to start or end, then his command must be followed, because this is a matter of scholarly dispute but the command of the ruler dispels that dispute.

Based on the above, you should fast and break your fast along with the people of the country where you are living, whether that is in accordance with your country of origin or not. Similarly on the day of ‘Arafah you should follow the country where you are living.

Written by Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, 28/8/1420 AH.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 19.

Doing more good deeds than usual on these Blessed Days!!

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah).” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Therefore we should increase the amount of good deeds we do in order to take advantage of this blessed time where good deeds are increased significantly.

Tip: Complete as many worldly tasks as possible beforehand and do not waste this precious time: Make arrangements to clear as many of your pending tasks as possible or make a plan for tackling them later. This way, one is free to worship during the 10 days and nights without being distracted by worldly tasks. We must make a firm intention that during these blessed 10 days that we will not take part in idle talk, watch TV, play computer games or spend time on the social media. There are many more days in the year for all that – if you really cannot resist. This is just 10 days! Consider the utter loss and regret for those who waste these blessed 10 days.

The following 7 deeds are amongst the best actions we can do during these blessed 10 days:

• Reciting the Qur’an abundantly: ”Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi]So if one letter of the Qur’an is equivalent to ten good deeds then imagine how much reward there is for reading each letter during these blessed 10 days which are said to be the best days of the year! Subhanallah!Abu Darda’ reported Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) as saying: Is any one of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’an in a night? They (the Companions) asked: How could one recite a third of the Qur’an (in a night)? Upon this he (the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)) said:” He is Allah, One” is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an. [Sahih Muslim]

  Therefore let us recite as much of the Qur’an as we can during these 10 days and nights and aim to recite it from cover to cover if we can. After that we should continue reciting the Qur’an throughout the rest of the year, for it is one of the excellent forms of worship!

  Tip: Increase your recitation by adding a few minutes or pages to your usual recitation routine. If you don’t have a routine yet, maybe this is the time for you start forming the habit. Begin by committing to recite at least one or two pages (or for 10 minutes, if you are a slow reciter) and then work to increase on this. Carry a small pocket mus’haf with you or install a reliable Qur’an app on a mobile device so that Shaytan cannot discourage you when you are out and about!

  Note: It is also very relevant to read the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) which will give one a deeper understanding of the rituals of Hajj and the qurbani.

• Showing exemplary character: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said, “Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.” [At- Tirmidhi].So we must aim to be the best in character during these blessed days and nights and continue to do so for the rest of the year. We must not argue, swear, backbite, slander or gossip.Tip: Make an extra effort to be good to your friends, family, and neighbours, and especially those of other faiths.
• Giving much in charity: As the rewards of doing good deeds during these days are increased significantly then we should also give as much as we can in charity.Allah promised forgiveness of our sins if we give in charity and give to the poor and needy. He honoured our charity and described it as a “ beautiful loan to Allah “ to emphasise that we are doing something good that He loves, and that He himself will pay our loan back to us doubled:“If ye loan to Allah a beautiful loan, He will double it to your (credit), and He will grant you Forgiveness: for Allah is Most Ready to appreciate (service), Most Forbearing.” [Surah At-Taghabun:17]

  Tip: Have some change with you at all times to hand out when the opportunity arises. If you don’t have the opportunity to give out money in public, go online and resolve to donate a fixed amount every morning! If you don’t have money, remember that even a smile is considered charity – so go on and spread some good cheer!

• Respecting and honouring our parents: Islam teaches us that of the most beloved deeds to Allah, having respect for one’s parents is second only to that of prayer and is greater than that of fighting in His cause.It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas’ood (may Allāh be pleased with him), who observed: “I asked Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) which deed was the best.” He (the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)) replied: ‘The Prayer at its appointed hour.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: ‘Kindness to the parents.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He replied: ‘Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.’ I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. [Sahih Muslim]Tip: Make an extra effort to spend time with them during these blessed days. Recite Qur’an with them, read a book together, discuss a lecture you heard, share your plans for the future and seek their input. Drive your father to the masjid if he is unable to walk there and earn reward for doing so, or call them a few more times in the day if they live far away.
• Doing many nawafil (superogatory) prayers: Rabi’ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:”Ask (anything).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: “Or anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers).” [Abu Dawud]The following are sunnah and nawafil prayers to pray during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah:
  – Pray 12 raka’ahs of sunnah daily along with the fardh prayers. Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” [Muslim] 

  Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer & four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” [Sunan An-Nasai]

  – Salaatul Duhaa: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Sunan An-Nasai]

  – Two raka’ahs sunnah after entering the masjid: Abu Qatadah (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” [Abi Dawud]

  – Tahiyyatul wudhu: – 2 raka’ahs sunnah after performing wudhu (ablution). Abu Hurayrah (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported the Prophet (may Allāh be pleased with him) saying to Bilal (may Allāh be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allāh be pleased with him)replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

  – Tahajjud prayer: The most virtuous nawafil (voluntary) prayer is the Tahajjud prayer as it enables one to get closer to Allah (glorified and exalted be He). The best recitation of the Qur’an is done during Tahajjud prayer. You should recite as much of the Qur’an as you have memorised. In the long prostrations, beg Allah (glorified and exalted be He) for forgiveness and mercy and surely He will never turn away his slaves who beg of him during this prayer.

  Note: During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night. If not then we should pray it in as many nights as we possibly can. When fasting during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah one should awaken a little earlier for Suhur, make wudhu and pray Tahajjud. The last third portion of the night is the most blessed part of the night in which duas are more readily accepted during this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah and to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past and present and to beg, cry and ask of Allah for whatever we want.

  Tip: Before you go to bed each night, use the Productive Muslim Taskinator to block out time for these additional acts of worship. You are more likely to get something done if you allocate time for it. As the saying goes – what gets scheduled, gets done!

• Increase in glorification & remembrance of Allah: As His creations we should all remember and glorify our creator as much as we possibly can, but even more so during these blessed days. The following are some easy and very beneficial dhikr and glorification we can do throughout these blessed days and nights.- Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd
  – Subhanallah
  – Alhamdulillah
  – Allahu Akbar
  – Laa ilaha ilallah
  – La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah
  – Asthaghfirullah
  – SubhanAllahil azeem wa bihamdihi
  – Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm
  – Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr or the shortened version Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer 

  One can also recite the durood that one recites towards the end of one’s salaah or the shortest durood: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim.

  Tip: Have something in your environment or on your person as a reminder for dhikr. It could be a special ring that you wear or a sticker placed on your desk or car wind shield.

• Making much dua: Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an, ”When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” [Suratul Baqarah:186]We should busy ourselves in Dua during these 10 blessed days and nights particularly on the night and day of Arafat which is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Duas are also readily accepted during fasting, especially just before Suhur ends and just before breaking the fast.
• Making life changes: We should make the necessary changes to improve ourselves as Muslims and what better time to make such changes than during these blessed 10 days where we can change our lives forever? We must internalise these changes and make a firm commitment to Allah (glorified and exalted be He), and maybe that he will wipe off our sins until we become newborn babies, In sha Allah.Therefore let us make the best of these blessed days and make the necessary changes so that we may live a life devoted to Allah. We should aim to rectify our condition and live for the Hereafter rather than living for this world which can end at any second for any one of us. Allah tells us In the Qur’an to enter fully into our deen (way of life) and not partly:

“O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy….” [Surah Al-Baqarah:208-210]

So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don’t grab it now and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY! Surely there is no logic in putting all of our efforts into a short, temporary life which can end at any second and neglect that which will last forever. Knowing this then why do we put everything into this life and neglect the Hereafter? Time is passing us by and we are blinded by the deception of this life. Time is not on our side. This life is very short indeed. It is like a quick passing phase. It is a short stopover in our journey to the eternal Afterlife. 

This short life is our only one opportunity to build our Hereafter. In the Hereafter we will want to be taken back to this life in order to live it again so that we can worship Allah. But we will not be able to. So let us prepare for the Hereafter and our inevitable death before preparations are made for our funerals.

May Allah enable us to make the best of these blessed days and nights and make it a means of our success in this world and in the Hereafter. Ameen.

Source:ProductiveMuslim

[Hajj Tips Series – Part 3] The Days of Hajj

Source: Productive Muslim

106 Tips for a Productive Hajj!

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

1. Photocopy of all your official documents. Make extra copies of passports and photos.
2. Keep both your national currency as well as Saudi Riyals in your wallet.
3. Have your agent check in for all the bookings, hotels, foods, agreements beforehand.
4. Ensure to pay all your dues. Also, pre-pay your monthly bills so you don’t fall behind simply because you’ll be out of the country.

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND REMAIN WITH THE LEARNED

1. Have the right mentality, otherwise you would find it very difficult to cope. Take one thing at a time, have the intention to please your Lord in the best way possible, and go with an open mind.
2. Gain complete and authentic knowledge about each and every aspect of Hajj.
3. Re-learn the basics of Islam: Those going for Hajj should make sure that they are performing Wudhu and Salah and perfectly.
4. Familiarize yourself with the Hajj plan; don’t depend on the Imam to guide you on every little dua to recite or prayer to pray.
5. Study the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) and Prophet Ibrahim [as] before you go.
6. Read the book “Getting the Best Out Of Hajj” by Abu Muneer Ismail Davids. He guides very well along every step – both before and during Hajj.
7. Be careful not to be involved with shirk or incorrect practices.
8. Remain with ‘ulama (scholars) who can explain the rituals correctly. Find a group that organizes daily motivational reminders & guidelines on how to practically perform the various rituals.
9. In spite of the previous tip, know your do’s and dont’s: The crowds are massive and time is tight, so even though you are with a group, you sometimes need to do things on your own or take your own initiative. The groups try their best to streamline things for the people but certain things are beyond their control. At such times, one’s own study and knowledge comes in handy and instead of going with the group; one can do a few things independently.
10. Learn common Arabic vocabulary and phrases needed during Hajj so that it eases communication. The sign-boards there are also in Arabic and it becomes difficult to understand them.

TIPS FOR PRODUCTIVE HAJJ GEAR

What to Wear:

1. Wear comfortable, durable sandals or shoes.
2. Keep in mind that you will put your slippers in a bag when you go to Masjid al-Haram. The floor of the haram is granite and may be hard on sensitive feet. Take a pair of home slippers or anything that has some padding to ease the hardness of the floor and pain on the feet.
3. Keep a spare Ihram while in Mina in case it gets dirty.
4. Place a damp hand towel under your cap; it will keep you fresh and energized, inshaAllah!

What to Carry:

1. Stay light. Keep your baggage to the essentials.
2. Take empty plastic bottles with you when going to Masjid al-Haram so you can fill up Zamzam to take back to the hotel.
3. Keep a light backpack for essential belongings you need to carry around: cash for the day, passport, small dua book, small Qur’an, packet of tissue paper, etc.
4. Keep a lightweight prayer mat with you. It can be placed on your head to protect you from the heat and also shared with others whenever you have to pray in an area without rugs. (Note: For those with weak joints or bones, carry a padded prayer mat.)
5. Carry a lightweight umbrella to shelter from the sun.
6. Take a handheld fan.
7. Take sunglasses.
8. Pack some medical face masks.
9. Take Vaseline to stop your legs from rubbing as there’ll be a lot of walking.
10. Have some basic medicines on hand for cuts and bruises (which you may develop due to much walking.)
11. Wet wipes are the life savior!
12. Women, please bring a pair of scissors so that it is easy to cut your hair at the end of Hajj.
13. Get yourself a mini Qur’an (you can also carry an Amazon Kindle for easy access to a Qur’an), a pocket-size Hajj guide, and a mini supplications book. Have your mp3 well sorted with Quran/duas/lectures; the journeys are long!
14. Keep phones which have longer battery life; you may not find place to charge your smart phone in Arafah and Muzdalifah.

Washroom-Related Gear:

1. There are mainly only squat/floor toilets at the Hajj sites. Rather than causing yourself undue hardshi p, wasting time, and risk ending up with unclean clothing for prayer, it is best for women to wear light cotton long dresses (or jelabiyyas are perfect) underneath their outer garments. These can be easily lifted for bathroom visits and will be far more comfortable.
2. Keep elastic bands for holding your pants and sleeves up when making Wudhu to prevent them from getting wet.
3. Keep an emergency kit of plastic bags, small bottle (preferably squeezy, like a plastic ketchup bottle) of water for washing oneself and Wudhu, toilet paper, and even a small bucket or container if needed. This can be used for emergency bathroom needs and making Wudhu rather than standing for hours. Regardless of the number of toilet stations available, there are long queues at all of them and sometimes it is hours between leaving Arafah and arriving at Muzdalifah.
4. Take (perfume-free) liquid soap rather than a bar which becomes difficult to re-package once wet.

TIPS FOR SPIRITUAL PRODUCTIVITY

Duas:

1. Learn relevant duas to be recited when doing Hajj.
2. Do not just read from books but do dua from heart.
3. Have a dua diary: keep a notebook or a diary with all the names of the people and their duas which they would like you to make for them. It is also a great idea to pen down one’s own duas in the notebook. Start before you leave and write down your dua list for Arafat.
4. Plan ahead the conversation you will be having with your Lord! You will be prepared to converse and spill out what is in your heart to your Lord and weep to your heart’s content.
5. Pray for the people that are working during Hajj for your safety: police, doctors, cleaners and guides. Make dua for the oppressed, including Muslims in Syria, Palestine, and Burma.

Focus:

1. Stay unplugged! Only keep a cell for emergency use, but stay AS FAR AWAY from your life back home as you can; no email, no phone. Immerse yourself in the experience so that you can focus solely on your purpose: to do this act for the sake of Allah alone. You are among the select few whom Allah chose to visit His masjid.
2. Do not get too distracted with all the shopping there as it is easy to do so and concentrate on the real reason you are there.
3. Dear Hajji, don’t worry about your money, children, spouse, parents, brothers & sisters because you will be away. Just forget everything and do your Hajj faithfully and sincerely and Allah surely will keep them all safe. Feel your Hajj as it’s the first and last Hajj you will be able to do in your life because, generally, it’s not too easy to go to Hajj again.
4. Simply submit yourself to Allah as the journey begins. That switch must be flipped instantly! That is the only way the physical challenges become unimportant and one can accept every challenge as food for the soul. Otherwise the entire journey is likely to be spent in fretting over meaningless daily hassles that can spoil such a great opportunity!
5. Take Hajj as a journey. So travel light (open-minded and clean heart) and stay focused on your destination.
6. Make talbiyah (reciting labbaik) throughout and keep in mind your purpose here: you are working for the Akhirah.
7. Refrain from all and every kind of ‘bad talk’ (anger, hurtful words, slander, lies, etc.) from the moment that you have the intent to go on Hajj, from the days leading up to it till the day you leave, and every single day thereafter during Hajj.
8. Because of the long periods of time without bathroom access and on buses, eat less. Nothing is more distracting to ‘ibaadah and prayer than urgency to go to the bathroom. So minimize your eating; it’s the Sunnah!
9. Say bismillah whenever you begin to do something and always make dua.

Time:

1. Use the time in the mosque to complete the recitation and the meaning of the Qur’an.
2. Carry an mp3 player/Islamic books/Kindle with you. You get lots of time to spare during the three Mina nights. Don’t waste time in idle talks. You may be too tired to read or do other ‘ibaadah; best option is to listen to something that will help your Eman.
3. Ensure you maximize your time productively as much as you can in Arafat. If possible, try to get a space on a hill and keep to yourself in prayers as much as you can.
4. Don’t waste time collecting pebbles in Arafah because it’s the most important day of the Hajj. Pebbles can be collected after reaching Muzdalifah.
5. Take cereal bars and breakfast biscuits. Don’t bother with the fast food outlets in the malls. You will waste your time queuing and lose precious time you could use for ‘ibaadah.
6. Don’t sleep between Ishraq and Zawaal. Make use of the time to pray Salat-ud-Duha.

Patience:

1. Take one bag of provisions and 10 bags of PATIENCE!
2. Hajj is a test: not so much a physical one, but a test of patience, Taqwa, and Emaan. From the time you make the intention to perform it, different aspects of the test will arise. Learn and use these two phrases when anything testing comes up: “Al hamdul’Illah ‘ala kully haal” (all praises to Allah in every situation) and “Qadr Allahi wa maa shaa fa’al” (it is Allah’s Qadr and He does as He wills).
3. Remind yourself this is a once in a lifetime opportunity so try to make the most of it. For example, you may be stuck in unforeseen situations like waiting for a bus for three hours, so try to do dua and dhikr rather than becoming irritable and frustrated. Keep your emotions in check and hearts clean, not only for yourself but for those around you for a smooth and memorable journey, inshaAllah.
4. Ask Allah to give you strength, sabr, and ease throughout the entire journey, not just the five days of Hajj!
5. Have tawakkul in Allaah. Any time you face a hardship during you travels or throughout the journey (like if you get lost, or left behind, or weak and sick), don’t panic! Breath, renew your intention and know that Allah will get you through!
6. Make sure to leave your ego or temper at home before you travel to Hajj. Since there are always thousands of people wherever you go, there will be many incidents that may provoke you. Do not let any of those things get to you or else your Hajj will turn from spirituality and productivity into simply watching who or what next is going to provoke you and your rising temper will blind you from enjoying and living Hajj.

Purification & Reflection:

1. Prepare your heart before you leave for Hajj. There is nothing worse than a hard heart!
2. Exercise humility. Just because you are on a VIP package doesn’t make you VIP.  Hajj means we are all the same – equal.  Treat everyone with respect; we are all brothers and sisters.
3. Make istighfaar and reflect on how weak you are, how insignificant you are, and how supreme Allah’s mercy is.
4. If you have nothing good to say, then don’t say it. Here’s what really helped me: Just don’t say anything that is not required.
5. Take a journal along and keep a record of your Hajj trip, experiences, new friends, duas, resolutions, etc.

Goals:

1. Set your own spiritual targets, i.e., daily Qur’an recitation, Tafseer, Qiyam, etc.
2. Plan ahead; except for the five daily prayers, what will be the other extra ‘ibaadat you can do in Hajj?
3. While at Hajj, define your purpose in life. Set goals and a direction. You will have enough time to think.

TIPS FOR PHYSICAL PRODUCTIVITY

Fitness:

1. Be as fit as possible before you go. You will often find yourselves without transport for long stretches at a time, and it’s useful to get in a habit of walking a few months before you leave. You’ll find yourself less tired that way and have more energy for ‘ibaadah.

Nutrition:

1. Drink lots of water.
2. Keep some healthy snacks because one can end up waiting several hours at the airport.
3. Eat food that is nourishing and revitalizing. Take energy-filled granola bars with you on your trip. Always keep dates with you; best source of energy and nutrition.
4. Do not waste food. Eat what will keep your back straight and do not over-indulge.
5. Carry medicines and multi-vitamins in case someone falls ill.

Sleep:

1. Get good sleep right from the beginning to keep your energy level up till the end.
2. Get used to sleeping early and waking up early for night prayers a few months before Hajj.

TIPS FOR SOCIAL PRODUCTIVITY

1. Sympathize with fellow Hajjis. Never say no to (help) a fellow Hajji, and never criticize them for things they do.
2. Put the next person above yourself. Put their rights before yours. Your Creator won’t ask what the next person did to you, but He will ask you what you did for the next person.
3. Decide to do at least four new good deeds daily that you didn’t used to do, e.g., help the needy, buy someone a meal, distribute glasses/bottles of Zamzam to others, support an elder when doing Tawaf, smile, forgive the one that hurts/angers you, etc.
4. Keep small change nearby so that you can give to the poor and get reward from Allah (glorified and exalted be He).
5. Bring small inexpensive gifts from your hometown to be given to new friends you meet in the mosque, or the needy. For example, bring extra medicine like medicated oil in small packages, small du’a books, or little pouch bags and give to the person next to you in Salah. That’s a great ice breaker and Sadaqah too.
6. Distribute little books of adhkar or audio CDs of Islamic talks. You might find people from Africa where it’s hard for them to get access such information.
7. Arrange a bag of candies for kids you may meet. Take some money to gift it to kids at Eid time.
8. If you are given money by relatives and friends as a token prior to the Hajj trip, donate the money in Mecca/Madinah to the needy instead of buying gifts for them. This way, both you and your relatives will get the reward of Sadaqah.
9. Try to greet Muslim brothers/sisters from other countries as much as you can. Hajj is the largest meeting for the Ummah.
10. When it is time to collect stones at Muzdalifah, try to collect extra. There are many you’d come across who would need them. Also some of the elders need help with collecting stones as well.

BE ORGANIZED

In Masjid al-Haram:

1. If you see a lot of people making rows for prayer outside the masjid, do go further and try to get inside as there would normally still be space inside. Some Hajjis like to pray outside.
2. When going for Salah, make sure to go a minimum of 1.5 hour before Salah time in order to secure your spot for prayer.
3. Get to Jumuah prayer early – around 8 – 9 a.m.
4. There are Zamzam reserves everywhere; no need to fight for the Zamzam straight after Tawaf. Look around for others.
5. The Sa’ee has several floors; it may be best to perform it in the basement where it’s usually empty and cool.

In Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah:

1. Avoid the rush and save your time by scheduling bathroom trips in Makkah, Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah between 1.5 to 2 hours before the prayer.  These are the quietest times and you will be in and out in no time.
2. When you reach Mina and settle down, just take a few friends with you out of the tent and get familiarized with the high rise/popular landmarks around and try to reach your tent from those points.
3. Leave early morning towards Arafah on the day of Arafah; better walk than take a bus.
4. Don’t leave Arafah before Maghrib athan. After the athan, leave Arafah and offer Salah of Maghrib and Isha in Muzdalifah.
5. Don’t rush for collecting ‘pelting stones’ in Arafah; there are many in Muzdalifah.
6. Jamarah (pelting stones) after Dhuhr is optimum as it’s not crowded.
7. Do not go alone; always be in pairs or a small group.
8. Avoid the ground floor in Jamarah; it’s very crowded and stampedes can occur.
9. Choose who you are going to do your Hajj sacrifice with and then just be done with it.

In Group Situations:

1. Stick together as a group. Make sure you have a fixed meeting place which everyone knows in case someone gets lost.
2. Do not wait for the group for all your activities. There is a very fine balance between being a team player and keeping the spirit of the “jama’ah”, and between wasting your time waiting for people to do things so you can take action.  One is often caught in a situation where some people want to go left and others want to go right, and both directions are right. You must proactively have a set plan and mechanism of how to decide rather than putting yourself in risk of unplanned choice under pressure.
3. Make a list of activities which must be shared with the group (e.g., moving in planes, cars, & buses) and a list of activities which must be done alone (e.g., night prayers, reading Qur’an, etc.), and always be ready to take a corner once you feel the group is wasting your very precious time of alone activities.
4. Be clean, tidy, don’t litter, and reflect the true image of Islam. This is crucial given the issue of littering and terrible hygiene is faced every single year.

Source : Compilation from all the readers on Productive Muslim