Assalamu-Alaikum and welcome to Ramadan 4 You!

The Muslim Jesus

2011-12-25T21:30:00.000Z

The Muslim Jesus
TV Documentary - shown on Sunday 19 August 2007 on ITV1, UK

Islam and Christianity have been portrayed as mortal enemies for 1400 years. Locked in combat until the end of time when finally on the day of judgement God will announce the winner. This so called 'clash of civilisations' has defined Christian and Muslim relations from the wars of the crusades to the current 'war on terror'.

But there is another story. It’s a story that revolves around one man. The man whom a billion Muslims and 1.2 billion Christians call the Messiah but who is seen by both in very different ways – Jesus.

The Muslim Jesus uses the Quran and other Islamic texts to explore the differing ways in which Christian and Muslim faiths both acknowledge Jesus. Scholars, teachers, parents, rappers, poets and historians come together for the one hour special narrated by Melvin Bragg. Full text - Click here

Watch the documentary:

Google Video

or on youtube as below:
Part 1/5

Part 2/5

Part 3/5

Part 4/5

Part 5/5

The Story of Jesus, Son of Mary

2011-12-25T00:07:00.000Z

The Story of Jesus, Son of Mary

Taken from islamonline.net
By Marwa Elnaggar

In relating the story of Jesus, the Qur’an describes how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was approached by an angel from God, bringing her tidings she had never imagined: that she will give birth to a son, a Messiah, who will be of the righteous and will be a prophet of God, calling the Children of Israel (the Israelites) to the straight path of God.

[(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).

He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.] (Aal `Imran 3:45-46)

Naturally, for Mary, this news was both strange and seemingly impossible.

[She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.

And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel.] (Aal `Imran 3:47-48)

The very nature of Jesus is so special, that God compares the uniqueness of his creation to that of the first man and prophet, Adam.

[Lo! The likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.] (Aal `Imran 3:59)

Jesus and His Miracles

Jesus became one of the greatest prophets of God, and was sent to the Children of Israel in order to confirm the teachings of his predecessor, the Prophet Moses. His birth was a miracle, and, like all prophets of God, he was granted several miracles. He approached his people, telling them:

[Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.

And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.

Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.] (Aal `Imran 3:49-51)

Jesus’s Followers

The Qur’an continues the story of Jesus by relating several incidents of his life and his disciples.

[But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).

Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enroll us among those who witness (to the truth).] (Aal `Imran 3:52-53)

In another incident, after which an entire surah of the Qur’an is named, the disciples of Jesus asked him for another miracle.

[Behold! the disciples, said: “O Jesus the son of Mary! can thy Lord send down to us a table set (with viands) from heaven?” Jesus said: “Fear Allah, if ye have faith.”

They said: “We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that thou hast indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”

Jesus the son of Mary said: “O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be for us—for the first and the last of us—a solemn festival and a sign from thee; and provide for our sustenance, for thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs).”] (Al-Ma’idah 5:112-114)

God sent them the table they had asked for, but not without a warning.

[Allah said: “I will send it down unto you: But if any of you after that resisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.”] (Al-Ma’idah 5:115)

The End of the Story?

The story of Jesus never really ends in the Qur’an, as we are told that Jesus was not killed, but that rather, God raised his beloved prophet up to him.

[Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.

As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.”

As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong.] (Aal `Imran 3:53-55)

The Qur’an also points out that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified. Speaking of the Children of Israel, Allah faults their accusations against Mary as well as their claim that they killed Jesus.

[That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;

And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! Those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.

Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:156-158)

The Qur’an confirms that Jesus was raised up by God, and the Prophet Muhammad reassured us that Jesus will be sent down to earth once again before the Day of Judgment. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad said: “By the One in Whose hand is my self, definitely the son of Maryam will soon descend among you as a just judge, and he will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah (tribute), and wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it, until a single prostration will be better than the world and everything in it.” (Al-Bukhari)

The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison

2011-12-24T17:26:00.001Z

The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison
Taken from soundvision.com

The person of Jesus or Isa in Arabic (peace be upon him) is of great significance in both Islam and Christianity. However, there are differences in terms of beliefs about the nature and life occurrences of this noble Messenger.

Source of information about Jesus in Islam
Most of the Islamic information about Jesus is actually found in the Quran.

The Quran was revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and memorized and written down in his lifetime. Today, anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim believes in the complete authenticity of the Quran as the original revealed guidance from God.

Source of information about Jesus in Christianity
Christians take their information about Jesus from the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments.

These contain four biblical narratives covering the life and death of Jesus. They have been written, according to tradition, respectively by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are placed at the beginning of the New Testament and comprise close to half of it.

Encyclopedia Britannica notes that none of the sources of his life and work can be traced to Jesus himself; he did not leave a single known written word. Also, there are no contemporary accounts written of his life and death. What can be established about the historical Jesus depends almost without exception on Christian traditions, especially on the material used in the composition of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which reflect the outlook of the later church and its faith in Jesus.

Below are the views of Islam and Christianity based on primary source texts and core beliefs.

ISLAM

1. Do Muslims believe he was a Messenger of One God? YES
Belief in all of the Prophets and Messengers of God is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Thus, believing in Prophets Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them) is a requirement for anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim. A person claiming to be a Muslim who, for instance, denies the Messengership of Jesus, is not considered a Muslim.

The Quran says in reference to the status of Jesus as a Messenger:

"The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:75).

2. Do Muslims believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YESLike Christians, Muslims believe Mary, Maria in Spanish, or Maryam as she is called in Arabic, was a chaste, virgin woman, who miraculously gave birth to Jesus.

"Relate in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family, to a place in the East. She screened herself from them; then We sent to her Our spirit (angel Gabriel) and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: I seek refuge from you in God Most Gracious (come not near) if you do fear God. He said: Nay, I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a pure son. She said: How shall I have a son, when no man has ever touched me, and I am not unchaste? He said: So it will be, your Lord says: ‘That is easy for Me; and We wish to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': It was a matter so decreed" (Quran 19:16-21).

3. Do Muslims believe Jesus had a miraculous birth? YESThe Quran says: "She (Mary) said: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.' He (God) said: ‘So (it will be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: ‘Be!'- and it is" (3:47).

It should also be noted about his birth that: "Verily, the likeness of Jesus in God's Sight is the likeness of Adam. He (God) created him from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!'-and he was" (Quran 3:59).

4. Do Muslims believe Jesus spoke in the cradle? YES"Then she (Mary) pointed to him. They said: ‘How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' He (Jesus) said: ‘Verily! I am a slave of God, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; " (19:29-30).

5. Do Muslims believe he performed miracles? YESMuslims, like Christians believe Jesus performed miracles. But these were performed by the will and permission of God, Who has power and control over all things.

"Then will God say: ‘O Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (the angel Gabriel) so that you did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold: you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers by My leave. And behold! you bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the children of Israel from (violence to you) when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic' (5:110).

6. Do Muslims believe in the Trinity? NOMuslims believe in the Absolute Oneness of God, Who is a Supreme Being free of human limitations, needs and wants. He has no partners in His Divinity. He is the Creator of everything and is completely separate from His creation.

God says in the Quran regarding the Trinity: "People of the Book (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, and attribute to God nothing except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His command that He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and in His Messengers, and do not say: ‘God is a Trinity.' Give up this assertion; it would be better for you. God is indeed just One God. Far be it from His glory that He should have a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. God is sufficient for a guardian" (Quran 4:171).

7. Do Muslims believe that Jesus was the son of God? NO
"Say: "God is Unique! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him!" (Quran 112:1-4).

The Quran also states: "Such was Jesus, the son of Mary; it is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of God, that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be' and it is" (Quran 19:34-35).

8. Do Muslims believe Jesus was killed on the cross then resurrected? NO
"“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but they thought they did.” (Quran 4:156) “God lifted him up to His presence. God is Almighty, All-Wise” (Quran 4:157) .

CHRISTIANITY

1. Do Christians believe Jesus was a human being and Messenger of God? YES & NO
With the exception of Unitarian Christians, who like all the early followers of Jesus, still do not believe in the Trinity, most Christians now believe in the Divinity of Jesus, which is connected to the belief in Trinity. They say he is the second member of the Triune God, the Son of the first part of the Triune God, and at the same time "fully" God in every respect.

2. Do Christians believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES
A chaste and pious human woman who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Trinity, the Son of God, and at the same time "fully" God Almighty in every respect.

Christians believe however, that while she was a virgin, she was married to a man named Joseph (Bible: Matthew:1:18). According to Matthew 1:25, Joseph "kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus".

3. Do Christians believe he had a miraculous birth? YES"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit" (Bible: Matthew 1:18)

4. Do Christians believe he performed miracles? YES
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretches out thy hand to heal, and sign and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus (Bible: Acts 4:30).

Christians believe that Jesus performed these miracles because he was the Son of God as well as the incarnation of God.

5. Do Christians believe in the Trinity? YES
With the exception of the Unitarian Christians, who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ, the Trinity, according to the Catholic encyclopedia, is the term used for the central doctrine of the Christian religion. The belief is that in the unity of the Godhead there are Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three Persons or beings are distinct from each another, while being similar in character: uncreated and omnipotent.

The First Vatican Council has explained the meaning to be attributed to the term mystery in theology. It lays down that a mystery is a truth which we are not merely incapable of discovering apart from Divine Revelation, but which, even when revealed, remains "hidden by the veil of faith and enveloped, so to speak, by a kind of darkness" (Const., "De fide. cath.", iv).

The First Vatican Council further defined that the Christian Faith contains mysteries strictly so called (can. 4). All theologians admit that the doctrine of the Trinity is of the number of these.

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that of all revealed truths, this is the most impenetrable to reason.

6. Do Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God? YES
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (Bible: John 3:16).

However, it is interesting to note that the term "son of God" is used in other parts of the Bible to refer to Adam (Bible: Luke 3:38), Israel (Bible: Exodus 4:22) and David (Bible: Psalms 2:7) as well. The creatures of God are usually referred to in the Bible as children of God.

The role of Paul of Tarsus in shaping this belief and the belief in Trinity
The notion of Jesus as son of God is something that was established under the influence of Paul of Tarsus (originally named Saul), who had been an enemy of Jesus, but later changed course and joined the disciples after the departure of Jesus.

Later, however, he initiated a number of changes into early Christian teachings, in contradiction, for instance, to disciples like Barnabas, who believed in the Oneness of God and who had actually lived and met with Jesus.

Paul is considered by a number of Christian scholars to be the father of Christianity due to his additions of the following ideas:
that Jesus is the son of God,
the concept of Atonement,
the renunciation of the Law of the Torah.

Paul did these things in hopes of winning over the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). His letters are another of the primary sources of information on Jesus according to the Christian tradition.

The original followers of Prophet Jesus opposed these blatant misrepresentations of the message of Jesus. They struggled to reject the notion of the Divinity of Jesus for close to 200 years.

One person who was an original follower of Jesus was Barnabas. He was a Jew born in Cyrus and a successful preacher of the teachings of Jesus. Because of his closeness to Jesus, he was an important member of the small group of disciples in Jerusalem who had had gathered together following the disappearance of Jesus.

The question of Jesus's nature, origin and relationship with God was not raised amongst Barnabas and the small group of disciples. Jesus was considered a man miraculously endowed by God. Nothing in the words of Jesus or the events in his life led them to modify this view.

The Gospel of Barnabas was accepted as a Canonical Gospel in the Churches of Alexandria till 325 CE Iranaeus (130-200) wrote in support of pure monotheism and opposed Paul for injecting into Christianity doctrines of the pagan Roman religion and Platonic philosophy. He quoted extensively from the Gospel of Barnabas in support of his views. This indicates that the Gospel of Barnabas was in circulation in the first and second centuries of Christianity.

In 325 (CE), a council of Christian leaders met at Nicaea and made Paul's beliefs officially part of Christian doctrine. It also ordered that all original Gospels in Hebrew script which contradicted Paul's beliefs should be destroyed. An edict was issued that anyone in possession of these Gospels would be put to death.

The Gospel of Barnabas has miraculously survived though.

7. Do Christians believe he was killed on the cross? YES
This is a core Christian belief and it relates to the concept of atonement. According to this belief, Jesus died to save mankind from sin. However, this is not stated explicitly in the four gospels which form the primary source texts of Christianity. It is found, however, in Romans 6:8,9.

Christians believe Jesus was spat on, cut, humiliated, kicked, striped and finally hung up on the cross to endure a slow and painful death.

According, to Christian belief, the original sin of Adam and Eve of eating from the forbidden tree was so great that God could not forgive it by simply willing it, rather it was necessary to erase it with the blood of a sinless, innocent Jesus.

Resurrection
The four Gospels and the Epistles of St. Paul are the main sources of Christianity which discuss the Resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. According to St. Matthew, Jesus appeared to the holy women, and again on a mountain in Galilee. Mark's Gospel tells a different story: Jesus was seen by Mary Magdalene, by the two disciples at Emmaus, and the Eleven before his Ascension into heaven.

Luke's Gospel says Jesus walked with the disciples to Emmaus, appeared to Peter and to the assembled disciples in Jerusalem. In John's Gospel, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the ten Apostles on Easter Sunday, to the Eleven a week later, and to seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.

Another account of the resurrection by St. Paul is found in Bible: Corinthians 15: 3-8.

According to Christian belief, Resurrection is a manifestation of God's justice, Who exalted Christ to a life of glory, as Christ had humbled himself unto death (Phil., 2: 8-9). This event also completes the mystery of Christian salvation and redemption. The death of Jesus frees believers from sin, and with his resurrection, he restores to them the most important privileges lost by sin (Bible: Romans 4:25).

More importantly, the belief in the resurrection of Jesus indicates Christian acknowledgment of Christ as the immortal God, the cause of believers' own resurrection (Bible: I Corinthians 4: 21; Phil., 3:20-21), as well as the model and the support of a new life of grace (Bible: Romans 4: 4-6; 9-11).

Further Reading:

(1) John the Baptist: A Prophet of Islam (Soundvision.com)

(2) Christ In Islam - By Ahmed Deedat (Islam101.com)

(3) The Pagan Origins of Christmas and the mixture of Pagan ideas into Christianity (turntoislam.com)

Fasting the Day of `Ashura’

2011-12-04T22:09:00.001Z

Various sightings from members of Moonsighting.com UK have stated that the month of Muharram 1433 AH started from Sunday 27 November 2011 (i.e. sunset of the previous day), which means Ashura (10 Muharram) will be on Tuesday 6 December 2011), Insha-Allah. Saudi Arabia have also announced this date.

The Ninth and Tenth day of Muharram… a Blessed Fast
Taken from islamonline.net

Q: What is so important about 9th and 10th of Muharram, known to be Tasu`ah and `Ashura'? Why do Muslims fast on these days?

Answered by Shahul Hameed
Thank you for your question.

Muharram is the first month in the Muslim lunar calendar, known as the Hijrah calendar. This month is marked by the fasting recommended for Muslims on the 9th (Tasu`ah) and 10th (`Ashura').

These fasts are not obligatory like the fast of Ramadan. Yet, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has laid great emphasis on them, as his hadith shows.

For example, upon his arrival in Madinah, he found the Jews observing fast on the day of `Ashura' When asked about this, they said:

"On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa [Moses] fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah."

Prophet Muhammad responded:
"We have more right and closer connection with Musa (peace be upon him) than you have." So, God’s messenger observed fast on the day of `Ashura' and taught us to observe it. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet also said:
"If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram [as well].” (Reported by Muslim.)

As it is evident from the above hadiths, the two days are important to us. This is because we Muslims are the real inheritors of the tradition of Moses, a great prophet of Islam. In fact, the Qur'an narrates the story in details, as to how Allah delivered Prophet Moses and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of the Pharaoh and his hordes.

Moses is one of five great prophets known to be Ulul-`Azm (The Resolute Ones). These are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all), as mentioned in the Qur'an. So there is no wonder that the day of `Ashura' that commemorates the liberation of the Children of Israel, is important for the followers of the final Prophet too.

Thus, fasting on the day of `Ashura' is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. A believer who follows the Prophet (peace be upon him) in this regard gets a great reward, as in following him in other aspects of sunnah. Fasting day of `Ashura', expiates for the sins of the past year.

The Prophet said,
"Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year" (Muslim).

It is noteworthy in this connection that there are some unfounded ideas about `Ashura', prevailing among some Muslims. For example, this is like the belief that the Judgment Day will take place on the Day of `Ashura'. Such fanciful beliefs have no basis in authentic Islamic sources.

There is also the idea that the importance of `Ashura' is due to the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson Al-Husain (may Allah be pleased with him) at Karbala. This was a real tragic episode in the history of Islam.

Yet, to attribute the sanctity of `Ashura' to the martyrdom of Al-Husain is wrong. This, as it was the Prophet himself who established its significance for Muslims, long before the birth of his grandson.

The same idea is associated also with the belief that the month of Muharram is an unlucky month! So, some people avoid holding marriage ceremonies throughout this month. This is definitely a superstition opposed to the teachings of Islam.

We may notice on these days, people organizing elaborate lamentation and mourning ceremonies in memory of the martyrdom at Karbala. There is no doubt that the martyrdom of Karbala was one of the most tragic events in our history, as mentioned before. Yet, the processions and pageants held in that connection are far from Islamic; rather they are redolent of the jahiliyya (mental ignorance of truth) customs.

The Qur'an and Prophetic Sunnah teach us that in the event of a person’s death, we should be patiently forbearing and say: *{to Allah we belong and to Him is our return).}* (Al Baqarah 2:156).

So, there is no question of “celebrating” such an occasion. In fact, it is a practice that crept into the community after the time of Prophet Muhammad and has no basis in the Qur'an and Sunnah.

We as Muslims are enjoined to follow the explicit commands and prohibitions of the Qur'an and Sunnah in our life. Let us pray to Allah Almighty to help us all and guide us to be His sincerely obedient servants.

Further reading:
http://islamqa.com/en/ref/books/80

Eid Mubarak!

2011-11-06T11:37:00.001Z

Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah

2011-11-04T11:53:00.000Z

Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah
By Tajuddin B. Shu'aib
Da`awah Enterprises International, LA, California. USA
Taken from sunnahonline.com

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar) is the day of 'Arafah. It is the day when pilgrims stand on the plain of 'Arafah to pray. On this day, Muslims all over the world who do not witness the annual hajj should spend the day in fasting, in preparation for the three days festivity following 'Eid ul-Adha (the celebration marking the end of the hajj commemorating the Prophet Ibrâhîm's willingness of sacrifice).

Abû Hafsah, may Allâh be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:
"Fasting on the day of 'Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year, and fasting on 'ashûra, (the tenth day of Muharram) atones for the sins of previous years." [Reported by all except al-Bukhârî and Tirmidhî]

In another saying the Prophet's wife Hafsah, may Allâh be pleased with her, said:
"Four things the Messenger of Allâh never neglected: Observing fast on the day of 'ashûra, 'Arafat, three days every month, and offering fajr sunnah prayers early in the morning." [Muslim]

These statements are proof that fasting on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the day before 'Eid ul-Adha was a lifelong practice of the Prophet, peace be upon him, as his wife reported.

There are some reports that fasting is prohibited on the day of 'Arafah. However, it must be understood that this refers to a person performing the hajj. If a person is on the hajj, there is no fast for him or her on the day of 'Arafah. That is undoubtedly a blessing for him because of the hardships of the pilgrimage. In a saying reported by Umm al-Fadl, may Allâh be pleased with her, she said:

"The companions doubted whether the Prophet was fasting on 'Arafah or not. She decided to prove to them that he was not, so she said, 'I sent to him milk, which he drank while he was delivering the khutbah (sermon) on 'Arafah.' " [Recorded by al-Bukhârî]

Prohibiting the pilgrims from fasting on these days is a great mercy for them, for fasting will exert undue hardship on the person performing the hajj, while they are primarily concerned with their pilgrimage. Above all, the pilgrim would not be fasting anyway because he is travelling.

What is Qurbani?

2011-11-02T20:52:00.002Z

Eid-ul-Adha is almost here and if you have not done this already then it's is time to start preparing for Quarbani......

What is Qurbani?

Taken from Hidaya Foundation, USA

Qurbani during Eid-ul Adha is an act to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice as mentioned in the Quraan.

And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!" He said: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha' Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)." Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead. And We called out to him: "O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!" Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers).Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. (Sura Saffat, verses 102-108.)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught Muslims the way of remembering the act of Ibrahim. He stayed 10 years in Madina and performed sacrifice at Eid-ul-Adha. (Tirmidhi)

Qurbani in Islamic terms means the slaughtering of an animal with the intention of getting close to Allah (SWT) by giving some or all of the meat to the poor and destitute. Animals that can be sacrificed are goats, cows and camels. They are sacrificed on the day of Eid-ul-Adha and also on the three days after (the 11, 12 and 13th of Dhulhijjah).

Benefits of Qurbani
Doing charity to the poor by contributing and distributing the meat to them and the destitute. These acts would spread happiness and cheers amongst them especially during the festival of Eid-ul-Adha where Muslims are in the spirit of festivities.

Who should give Qurbani
Person who possesses Nisab (zakatable asset) should give Qurbani. It is not obligatory (fard) but is highly recommended (wajib)*, according to the Hanafi school of thought. However, Qurbani is a Sunnah act according to the Shafi, Hanbali, Maliki, and Jafari schools of thought.

Requirements of Qurbani
The animals to be slaughtered must be a goat, sheep, cattle (cow, ox, water buffalo), or camel. Goats and sheep have to be at least one year old.For cows the age must be at least two years old. Camels must be at least five years old. Goats and sheep count as one share per animal. Cattle and camels count as seven shares per animal.

They must be free from any form of handicap such as blind, sick, limp and undernourished. It also must be free of any defects such as a cut-off ear, tail, broken teeth,or broken horn. However, the goat/sheep can be used if only a few teeth are broken and most teeth are still intact. In addition, if its horn is broken midway and not from the root, it is persmissible to use such an animal. Injuries sustained during the qurbani do not invalidate the qurbani.

The animals must be slaughtered in the appropriate humane ways. It has to be done by a Muslim adhering to the Islamic way of slaughtering the animal.

Time of Qurbani
The time for Qurbani starts from sunrise after the performance of the Eidul Adha prayers which falls on the 10th of Zhulhijjah till the sunsets on the 12th of Zhulhijjah. The best time is to perform the acts of Qurbani immediately after the completion of the Eid-ul-Adha prayers.

It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:The first thing that we do on the day of Eid is to perform the prayers. Then we go home and carry out our Qurbani.Thus whoever does those acts has conformed to our sunnah. And for those who slaughtered before it, then the meat is for the family members and not as an act of Qurbani. (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 82)

Distribution of the Qurbani meat It is preferable that the meat from Qurbani be divided in three equal parts: one for the home, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. The meat from qurbani can be distributed to the poor, rich, Muslim or non-Muslim.

*Wajib, in the Hanafi school, is an obligation which is almost Fard, except that there is some (margin of uncertainty, which may occur in the form of counter-evidence, which suggests non-obligatory nature of the deed), and the scholars have therefore refrained from pronouncing a decisive verdict of "fard" on it. Nevertheless, for purposes of action, a wajib is treated like a fard, in that it should not be deliberately discarded, and it must be made up if it was missed for some reason. For this reason, 'wajib' of the Hanafi school is also known as "fard `amali" (i.e. an 'action fard') as opposed to fard i`tiqadi ('belief fard'), the normal fard, which one is required not only to act upon, but also to believe with full certainty and conviction that it is without doubt a duty.

Additional Information

(1) Concept of Animal Sacrifice in Islam - Islam Online 20/03/2005
My non-Muslim friends try to pick fault in Islam, saying that Muslims are no different to idol worshippers, who also offer sacrifices to their gods. Please clarify this point. Answer: Click Here!

“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” [Bukhari]

(2) Donate Quarbani online: Muslim Aid

(3) Donate Quarbani online: Muslim Hands

Importance of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

2011-10-29T18:15:00.003+01:00

Eid-ul-Adha Prayer Times 2011

2011-10-29T18:00:00.011+01:00

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced on the evening of Thursday, the 29th of Dhul-Qi'dah 1432 H that by the testimony of several witnesses in a number of provinces tomorrow, Friday, the 28th of October 2011, is the first of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah 1432, standing in Arafat on Saturday, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah 1432, corresponding to the November 5, 2011. Eid al-Adha and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah 1432, will be on Sunday, November 6 2011 - Source Moonsighting.com

The Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque and East London Mosque & London Muslim centre have announced Eid–Ul Adhaa will be celebrated insha Allah on Sunday 6th Nov 2011

The Glasgow Forum of Imams unanimously decided that Friday, 28 October 2011 is the first day of Dhul Hijjah and Eid will be on Sunday, 6 November.

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EID MUBARAK!

Here are the prayer times for London and rest of UK... (Note: Unless stated all the mosques listed below will celebrate Eid on Sunday 6 November 2011. All information here has been collated for you by myself and other kind brothers/ sisters in good faith, please double check with the mosque in case there are any inaccuracies).

LONDON

London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Eid Prayer times:
07:30 AM - Sh. Khalifa Ezzat
08:15 AM - Sh. Babakir Ahmad
09:00 AM - Sh. Suleiman Kibuka
09:45 AM - Ahmad Ibn Saifuddin
10:30 AM - Sh. Siddiqi Fawzi
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/

Brick Lane Jamm Masjid (59 Brick Lane, E1 6QL)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Website: http://www.bricklanejammemasjid.co.uk/

Holborn Muslim Community Association (EC1N 7RR)
Eid Prayer times: 9:00AM and 10:00AM.

Limehouse Mosque & Bangladeshi Cultural Centre (E14 8AE)
Eid Prayer times: 8:30 AM, 9:30AM and 10:30 AM.

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Eid Prayer times:
7.30am - Shaykh Mohammed Ahdash
8.30am - Shaykh Abdurrahman Al Zaedi
9.30am - Shaykh Ahmed Dahdouh
10.30am - Shaykh Ahmed Abdulkhaliq
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

AbuBakar Masjid (Southall - Middx, UB1 1LS)
Eid Prayer times: 7:30 AM, 8:30 Am, 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Website: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk/

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Eid Prayer times: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Eid Prayer times: 7.20AM, 8.30AM, 9.30AM and 10.30AM
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Eid Prayer times:
07.30 AM: Led by Professor Abdul Haleem
09.00 AM: Led by Ajmal Masroor
10.30 AM: Led by Usama Hasan
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Eid Prayer times: 7:30 AM (english talk) and 8:30 (talk in Urdu)
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Eid Prayer times: 7:45 AM, 8:30 AM, 9.15 AM, and 10.00 AM
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/

REST OF UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre
Eid al-Adha Venue: Beach Leisure Centre, Beach Promenade, AB24 5NR.
The entrance to the Sport Hall from the car park. Please bring your prayer mats with you.
Eid Prayer Times: 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre
Prayers will be at Shaftesbury Leisure Centre, 97 Balfour Avenue, Belfast BT7 2EW
Please bring your own prayer mat
Eid Prayer Times: 9.00 AM (Arrival and Takbeer, followed by Eid prayer around 10:00 AM)
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Eid Prayer times:
7:45 am - Dr. Majid Sonkor (Arabic)
8:30 am - Maulana Sarfraz Madni (English)
9:15 am - Hafiz Ahmed Ibrahim Patel (Urdu)
10:00 am - Hafiz M. Imtiaz Dawood (English)
10:45 am - Maulana Talha Bokhari (Urdu)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Eid Prayer times:
Urdu Bayaan Start: 08:00am; Eid Salaat 08:30am

English Bayaan start 09:15am; Eid Salaat 09:45am

Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/

Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/
Tel: 01254 608683

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Eid Prayer times: Bayan will start at 8.40 AM, Eid prayer time will be around 9.00 AM
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.taiyabahislamiccentre.org.uk/
Tel: 01204 535997

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall, Queen Anne Terrace, Cambridge CB1 1NA
Eid Prayer times: Assembly at 9.00 AM, Prayer at 9.15 AM
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Eid Prayer times: 8.00 AM and 10:00 AM
Visit Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Eid Prayer times: 8AM, 9:15AM and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.edmosque.com/ / http://www.edmosquelibrary.com/
Tel: 01316671777

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Eid Prayer times:
1st Jamaat will be at 7:30am
2nd Jamaat will be at 8:30am
3rd Jamaat will be at 9:30am
4th Jamaat will be at 10:30am
(Facilities for brothers and sisters at all jamaats)
Sisters entrance will be through the shop and brothers to the rear of the building.
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Eid Prayer times: 9:30 AM (only one Jammah)
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Eid Prayer times: 7:45am, 8:30am, 9:15am, 10:15am, 11am.
Sisters can join the last two jama'ats
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/
Tel: 0141 331 1119

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/
Tel: 0141 429 3132

Glasgow - Masjid Noor, 79 Forth St, Pollokshields
Eid Prayer times: 8:30am, 9:45am

Glasgow - Jamia Islamia, 275 Tantallon Rd, Shawlands
Eid Prayer times: 8am, 9am, 10am (sisters only)

Glasgow - Andalus, New City Road
Eid Prayer times: 10:15am (plus bring-a-dish party afterwards)

Glasgow - Masjid-e-Khazra, 138 Butterbiggins Rd, Govanhill:
Eid Prayer times: 8:30am, 10am

Glasgow - Masjid-e-Khazra, Albert Rd, Crosshill
Eid Prayer times: 9:30am

Glasgow - Madrassa Zia-ul-Quran, 257 Kenmure St, Pollokshields
Eid Prayer times: 9am, 10am, 11am

Glasgow - Madrasa Taleem-Ul-Islam, 161 Nithsdale Rd, Pollokshields
Eid Prayer times: 8am, 9:15am

Gloucester - Masjid e Noor (GL1 4LY)
Eid Prayer times: 7:35 AM
Website: http://www.masjidenoor.org.uk/
Tel: 01452 416830

Ipswich Mosque (32-36 Bond Street, IP4 1JB)
(also known as Ipswich & Suffolk Bangladeshi Muslim Community Centre and Mosque)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.ipswichmosque.org/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Eid Prayer times: 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
The Khutba, sermon, will start before 9.15 AM.
Eid ul-Adha prayer will be held at 10.00 AM.
Website: http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
8.00 AM: Leiceter Mosque (Sutherland St)
9.00 AM : Leicester Central Mosque (Conduit St)
10.00 AM: Leiceter Mosque (Sutherland St)
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Eid Prayer times:
1st Jamat - Fajr: 6.45 am : Bayan After Fajr: Eid Salaah: 7.30 am
2nd Jamat - Eid Bayan 8.15 am: Eid Salaah 9.00 am
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

Leicester - Spinney Hill Park (East Park Road, LE5 5AY)
Eid Prayer times: Programme Starts: 8.00 am Eid Salaah: 9.00 am

Leicester - Madani Masjid (Evington Valley Road, LE5 5LL)
Eid Prayer times: Fajr: 6.30 am : Bayan: 8.00 am Eid Salaah: 8.30 am

Leicester - Jame' Masjid (Asfordby Street, LE5 3QG)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.45am, Bayan: 7.15am, Eid Salaah: 7.45am

Leicester - Masjid Ali (Smith Dorrien Road, LE5 4BG)
Eid Prayer times: Fajr: 6.45 am : Bayan: After Fajr Eid Salaah: 7.30 am

Leicester - Masjid Ar Rahmaan (Guthlaxton Street, LE2 0SF)
Eid Prayer times: Fajr: 6.30 am : Bayan: 8.30 am Eid Salaah: 9.00 am

Leicester - Masjidus Salaam (Thurnby Lodge Community Centre, Thurnby Road, LE5 2NJ)
Eid Prayer times: Fajr: 6.30 am : Bayan: 7.00 am Eid Salaah: 7.30 am

Leicester - MASJID MU'ADH IBN JABAL (Gamel Road)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.45am, Bayan: After Fajr, Eid Salaah: 7.30am

Leicester - MARKAZ MASJID/MASJID USMAN (Nedham Street)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.45am, Bayan: After Fajr, Eid Salaah: 7.30am

Leicester - MASJID BAYTUL 'ILM (Spinney Hill Road)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.45am, Bayan: After Fajr, Eid Salaah: 7.30am

Leicester - BEAUMONT LEYS AREA (Home Farm Community Centre)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.30am, Bayan: 7.30am, Eid Salaah: 8.00am

Leicester - MASJID AL AMEEN (Sandhurst Street)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.45am, Bayan: 8.00am, Eid Salaah: 8.30am

Leicester - MASJID E USMANI (St Saviours Road)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.45am, Bayan: 8.30am, Eid Salaah: 9.00am

Leicester - MASJID UL BUKHARI (Loughborough Road)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.30am, Bayan: 9.00am, Eid Salaah: 9.30am

Leicester - MASJID QUBA (Burnswick Street)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 5.45am, Eid Salaah: 9.30am

Leicester - MASJID AL HUDA (Brittania Street)
Eid Prayer Times: Fajr: 6.15am, Eid Salaah: 9.00am

Liverpool - Al Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street, L8 2TJ)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.alrahma-mosque.com/
Tel: 0151 709 2560

Maidenhead Mosque (SL6 8AW)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Website: http://www.maidenheadmosque.org/
Tel: 01628 629423

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00AM, and 11:00 AM
Ladies can participate at the last jammah.
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Facebook: http://en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=269498183944&v=wall

Manchester - Makki Masjid (Beresford Road, M13 OTA)
Eid Prayer times:
8:30 AM (Urdu)
9:30 AM (English)
10:30 AM (Arabic)
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/
Tel: 0161 257 2491

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Street, MK2 2LY)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00AM, 9:00AM and 10:00AM
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/
Tel: 01908 367758

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.oldhammuslimcentre.com/
Tel: 0161 633 7586

Newcastle Central Mosque (NE4 6SU)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.newcastlecentralmosque.org.uk/
Tel: 0191 226 0562

Nuneaton - Nuneaton Masjid (CV11 5RB)
Eid Prayer times: Fajr salah is at 5.30am and Eid salah is at 8.00am
Website: http://www.nmsuk.org/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
Eid Prayer times: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM
Website: http://www.bagr.co.uk/
Tel: 0118 950 8860

Sheffield Islamic Centre - Madina Masjid Trust (Wolseley Rd, Sheffield, S8 OZU)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.madinamasjid.org.uk/

Stoke On Trent - Markaz At-Tawheed (Rectory Road, ST1 4PW)
Eid Prayer times: awaiting Jammat timetables
Website: http://www.markaztawheed.co.uk/
Tel: 01782 204 106

Woking: The Shah Jahan Mosque (149 Oriental Road, Woking GU22 7BA)
Eid Prayer times: 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
Website: http://www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk/

Wolverhampton Mosque Trust (197 Waterloo Road, WV1 4RA)
Eid Prayer times: 8:00 Am and 9:30 AM.
Note: Ladies can attend the 9:30 AM Jammat.
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid.com/

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If there are any Eid prayer timetables out there please let me know simply by adding a comment below (no registration required) or email me at info@al-islam.co.uk.

Please ensure you also provide the date the Eid prayer will take place. Jazak'Allah Khair.

Happy Eid. May ALLAH (swt) grant all of us happiness and forgiveness.

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Eid ul-Adha

2011-10-28T20:02:00.001+01:00

Today is 1st Dhul-Hijjah 1432AH and the day of Arafat will be on Saturday 5th November 2011.

This means that Eid ul-Adha, will be on Sunday 6th November 2011.

Fasting Six Days of the Month of Shawwal

2011-09-02T16:03:00.000+01:00

Taken from islamonline.net

Q: What is the significance of fasting in the month of Shawwal?

Answered by Mufti: Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi,
President of the Fiqh Council of North America (29/Oct/2006)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Fasting six days of the month of Shawwal is mentioned in a Prophetic hadith. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:

"Whosoever fasted in Ramadan and then followed up with six fasting days of Shawwal, it is like fasting every day." (Muslim)

The meaning is that the reward is like the reward of a person who is always in fast every day of his/her life. [Note: some scholars may interpret this as like fasting for the whole year rather than whole lifetime]

It is highly recommended to fast six days of the month of Shawwal, but it is not obligatory.

Those who want to fast can fast after `Eid Al-Fitr any six days during Shawwal.

It is not required to fast six days continuously without any interruption. One can fast according to convenience any time during the month.

-------------------------------------

In additon to the above - just to let you know that you can use normal prayer timestables to indicate the start of fasting (make it ten minutes before Fajr) and when to break the fast (when it is time for Magrib).

Further reading:

The Six Days of Shawwal: Click Here!
Taken from Stand For Islam Newsletter, Sept 2010

It's the day of Eidul Fitr

2011-08-30T00:44:00.000+01:00

It's the day of Eidul FitrPoem extracted from http://www.islam4kids.com/

All blessed and good thanks to Allaah!
That all our fasts are done!
And praised be Allaah Whom we worship
He - Most Great, the One!

So now our Day of ‘Eid is here
A time to have some fun!
With smiles and laughter, visits too
While children play and run!

Now in the morning, eat some dates
Our Prophet taught us how
It’s a Sunnah telling others
We’re not fasting now.

And wear your nicest clothes this day
It’s also Sunnah, see
And show the world that we are Muslims
Which we love to be!

Then time to go out for the Prayer
Please leave the car behind!
It’s better walking to the Prayer
And more reward we find!

So off we head to the Musalla
Gathering to pray
There we’ll see our Muslim brothers
Sisters too that day.

We hear the verses of Qur’aan
And glorify Allaah
What joy for every Muslims’ heart!
All praise is for Allaah!

Then time to hear the khutbah speech
And more reminders here
Advising us to love Allaah
- To hope in Him and fear.

Then off we trek back home again
With family and friends
And taste more good and yummy food
Before the ‘Eid day ends.

So what a blessing from Allaah!
His ‘Eid and guidance too
Without Allaah’s perfect Grace
We’d not know what to do!

But Allaah sent a mercy to us
That’s His Messenger, see
Through him Allaah showed the way
Upon that we must be.

That way is only al-Islaam
Just like our Prophet taught
So let’s be strong upon that way
-The Sunnah that he brought.

And let’s have Taqwaa from our fasts
That’s the goal you see
Obey Allaah just as He loves
You and also me!

So great, big thanks go to Allaah
Who guided us indeed!
And last of all I’d like to say…

Have a lovely EID!

Please check the following Useful links on this site..
* Preperation for Eid-ul-Fitr
* Zakat-ul-Fitr & Zakat* Note: Above picture was taken from an eCard selected from islamicity

We at Ramadan4u wish Muslims all over the world happiness, prosperity and all things good; now and forever - Eid Mubarak everyone!

Eid-ul-Fitr

2011-08-30T00:42:00.000+01:00

Taken from missionislam & islamicity.com

Eid

Anas (ra), a companion of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: 'Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Hadith)

EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Playing, recreation, and eating on the day of Eid:
These are permissible as log as they stay within the acceptable bounds of Islam. Anas said: When the Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, came to Madinah, they had two days for amusement. The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, has exchanged these days for two better days:the day of breaking the fast and the day of sacrifice. (Related by An-Nasa'e and Ibn Hibban)

Taking women and children to the prayer area:
The Prophet sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, used to take his wives and daugthers to the two Eids. Umm Atiyah said: "We were ordered to go out with the single and menstruating women to the two Eids in order to witness the good and the supplications of the Muslims. The menstruating women though would stay away from the prayer area." (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Going to the prayer area:
The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, used to go to the prayer area by walking. Jaber narrated: "On the days of Eid, the Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, would go to the prayer area by one route and come back by another route." (Related by al-Bukhari)

Eating before going to the prayer area:Since Eid al-Fitr is the day on which Muslims break their Ramadhan fast, it is preferable to eat before going to the Eid prayer. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, to eat an odd number of dates before going to pray Salat al-Eid. Anas reported: "The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr without eating an odd number of dates."(Related by al-Bukhari.)

Preparation for Eid prayer:
It is preferred to make Ghusl (take a bath), wear one's best clothes and, for men, to put perfume before going to Salat al-Eid. Ibn Al-Qayyim said: "The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, used to wear his best clothes for the Eid prayers and eh had clothes that he reserved for the two Eids and Jumu'ah."

Making Takbeer:
Takbeer starts from the nght of Eid's eve until the Imam comes ot to start the prayer. Allah says (S2 A185): "You should complete the prescribed period and then you should glorify Allah (i.e., say Takbeer) for having guided you so that yo may be grateful to Him." The form of takbeer is related by `Umar and Ibn Mas`ud:
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La illaha illallah.
Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd."
Here is an eid_takbeer
(It's so beautiful to recite on eid day)

Structure of Eid prayer:
Eid prayer is wajib (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory). It consists of two Rakaat (units) with six or thirteen additional Takbirs. It must be offered in congregation. The prayer is followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Sunnah. During the Khutbah, the Imam must remind the community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, fellow Muslims and the fellow human beings. The Imam must encourage the Muslims to do good and ward off evil. The Muslim community must also be directed to the state of the community and the Ummah at large and the feelings of sacrifice and Jihaad should be aroused in the community. At the conclusion of the prayer the Muslims should convey greetings to each other, give reasonable gifts to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims should also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture.

Congratulating each other:
It has been narrated that when the Prophet's companions met each other on the Eid day, they would say to each other: "May Allah accept from us and from you." (Related by Ahmad.)

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## Just a reminder: Don't forget to pay Jakat ul Fitre before the Eid Jammat.
More info: Zakat & Zakat Ul Fitr

Eid ul-Fitr Prayer Times 2011

2011-08-29T22:38:00.003+01:00

Accoridng to moonsighting.com "Majlis al-Qada’ in Saudi Arabia has announced that Eidul Fitr will be on Tuesday, August 30, 2011".

The East London Mosque website has declared that Eid ul-Fitr will be on Tuesday 30th August 2011.

EID MUBARAK!

Here are the prayer times for London and rest of UK... (Note: Unless stated all the mosques listed below will celebrate Eid on Tuesday 30 August 2011. All information here has been collated for you by myself and other kind brothers/ sisters in good faith, please double check with the mosque in case there are any inaccuracies).

London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM, 10:00AM and 11:15AM
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM, 10:00AM, 11:00AM and 12:00 NOON
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/

Holborn Muslim Community Association (33 Brookes Court, Baldwin Gardens, EC1N 7RR)
Eid Prayer Times: 9:00AM nad 10:00AM

Limehouse Mosque & Bangladeshi Cultural Centre (Stock Place, Westferry, E14 8AE)
Eid Prayer Times: 9:00AM, 10:00AM and 11:00AM

Masjid & Madrasah al-Tawhid (Leyton, E15 2BP)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM and 8:45AM
Website: http://www.masjidtawhid.org/

Qur'ani Murkuz Trust (South Woodford, E18 1ED)
Eid Prayer Times: 6.30AM, 7:45AM, 9:30AM and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.qmtrust.org/

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Eid Prayer Times: 6.30AM, 7:30AM, 8:30AM and 9:30AM
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

Hounslow Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre (367 Wellington Rd, TW4 5HU)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:30AM, 8:45AM, 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM
Website: http://www.hounslowmasjid.co.uk/

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM and 10:00 AM
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Eid Prayer Times: 6:45AM, 7:45AM, 8:45AM and 9:45AM
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 9:00AM and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Eid Prayer Times: 6:30AM and 8:00AM
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Other mosques in Hackney: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/localmosque.html

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM and 10:00AM
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/

Rest of UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (164 Spital, AB24 3JD)
Eid Prayer Times: 9:00AM and 10:30AM
Venue: The prayers will take place at the Beach Leisure Centre Address: Sea Beach, Esplanade, Aberdeen, Aberdeen City AB24 5NR
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre (Belfast, BT9 6DN)
Eid Prayer Time: 9:30 AM (Arrival & Takbir), Eid Prayer will start at 10:00AM
Venue: Ozone Complex, Ormeau Embankment, Belfast BT6 8LT
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM, 10:00AM and 11:00AM
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Eid Prayer Times: 8:30AM and 9:45AM
Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/

Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Eid Prayer Times 8:30AM
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Eid Prayer Times: AWAITING DETAILS FOR DATE OF EID
8:45AM
Tel: 07873 563 252
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Eid Prayer Times: 8:30AM
Website: http://www.taiyabahislamiccentre.org.uk/

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque (Mawson Road, CB1 2DZ)
Eid Prayer Times: 9:30AM and 10:30 AM
Venue: Kelsey Kerridge)
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:30AM and 9:45AM
Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Eid Prayer Times: AWAITING DETAILS
Tel: Telephone : 01316671777/ Mobile : 07947778094
Website: http://www.edmosque.com/ / http://www.edmosquelibrary.com/

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Eid Prayer times: 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:00AM and 10:00AM
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Eid Prayer Times: 9:30AM
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Eid Prayer Times: 7:15AM and 9:00AM
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Proposed Eid Prayer Times: 7:00AM and 9:30AM
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/

Other centres in Glasgow:
Madrasa Taleem-Ul-Islam: 6:45am and 8:30am
Madrassa Zia-Ul-Quran: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am
Andalus: 10.15am (including sisters and children). Bring-a-dish gathering after the Eid prayer
Woodfarm Education Centre: 9.30am
Masjid Noor: 7am and 9am
Jamia Islamia: 7:30am and 8:45am. Jamaat for sisters at 9:30am for 10am
Minhaj-ul-Quran International, 8am and 9:30am, 48 Greenhill Road, Rutherglen, G73 2SS

Gloucester - Masjid e Noor (GL1 4LY)
Eid Prayer times: 7:00AM (note there is a 10:00 Jammat at Masjid Umar)
Website: http://www.masjidenoor.org.uk/

Ipswich Mosque (32-36 Bond Street, IP4 1JB)
(also known as Ipswich &; Suffolk Bangladeshi Muslim Community Centre and Mosque)
Eid Prayer Times: 9:00Am and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.ipswichmosque.org/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Eid Prayer Times 2011: 8:00Am and 9:30AM
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
Eid Prayer Times: PLEASE CHECK WITH MOSQUE ON DATE OF EID BUT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE WEDNESDAY
Eid Paryer Times: 10:00AM
Website: http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
NOTE: EID WILL BE CELEBRATED ON WEDNESDAY
Eid Prayer times; 7:00AM - Leic Mosque (Sutherland St), 9:00AM - Central Mosque (Conduit St and 10:00AM - Leic Mosque (Sutherland St)
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Eid Prayer Times: 6:45AM and 9:00AM
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

Maidenhead Mosque (SL6 8AW)
NOTE: EID WILL BE CELEBRATED ON WEDNESDAY
Eid Prayer Times: 8:30AM, 9:30AM and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.maidenheadmosque.org/

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
NOTE: EID WILL BE CELEBRATED ON WEDNESDAY

Eid Prayer Times: 8:00AM, 9:00AM, 10:00AM and 11:00AM
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Eid Prayer Times: 8:30AM, 9:30AM and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.shahjalalmosque.org/

Manchester - Makki Masjid (1 Farrer Road, Longsightm, Manchester, M13 0QX)
Proposed Eid Prayer times: 8:30AM and 9:45AM
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Street MK2 2LY)
Eid Prayer Times: 8:45AM
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/

Other mosques in Milton Keynes: http://www.mkmuslims.org/index.php?p=1_24

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
AWAITING CONFIRMATION OF EID DATE
Tel: 0161 633 7586
Proposed Eid Prayer Times: 9:00Am and 10:00AM
Website: http://www.oldhammuslimcentre.com/

Newcastle Central (Bilal) Mosque (NE4 6SU)
Eid Prayer Times: AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Tel: 0191 226 0562
Website: http://www.newcastlecentralmosque.org.uk/

Nuneaton - Nuneaton Masjid (CV11 5RB)
AWAITING CONFIRMATION OF EID DATE
Tel: 02476 382372

Proposed Eid Prayer times: 8:00AM
Website: http://www.nmsuk.org/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
NOTE: EID WILL BE CELEBRATED ON WEDNESDAY
Eid Prayer times: 8:30AM, 9:30Am and 10:30AM
Website: http://www.readingmosque.com/

Reading Islamic Centre (South Street RG1 4QU)
Eid Prayer Times: AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Tel: 0118 9504756
Website: http://www.readingislamiccentre.com/

Stoke On Trent - Markaz At-Tawheed (Rectory Road, ST1 4PW)
Eid Prayer Times: 8:30AM
Website: http://www.markaztawheed.co.uk/

Swansea Mosque
Eid Prayer Times: 8:00AM, 9:00 and 10:00AM
Website: http://www.swanseamosque.org/

Woking: The Shah Jahan Mosque (149 Oriental Road, Woking GU22 7BA)
NOTE: EID WILL BE CELEBRATED ON WEDNESDAY
Eid Prayer Times: 7:30AM and 9:00AM
Website: http://www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk/

Wolverhampton Mosque Trust (197 Waterloo Road, WV1 4RA)
Eid Prayer Times: AWAITING CONFIRMATION
Tel: 01902 312232
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid.com/

If there are any Eid prayer timetables out there please let me know simply by adding a comment below (no registration required) or email me at info@al-islam.co.uk.

Please ensure you also provide the date the Eid prayer will take place (as most mosque will celebrate Eid on Tuesday whilst others on Wednesday). Jazak'Allah Khair

Happy Eid. May ALLAH (swt) grant all of us happiness and forgiveness.

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)

2011-08-20T01:11:00.000+01:00

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)Article taken from haqislam.org (Original source: Jamiatul Ulama)
Article was forwarded by Nazrul Islam

Crowning Glory

Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the Qur'an Majeed, the last Book of Allah on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance of mankind. The Qur'an Majeed describes this Night.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ

وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ

لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

سَلاَمٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ

"We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by Allah's permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!" (Surah 97)
The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:

"Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person". (Ibn Majah)
"Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven."(Targhib)

Better than a thousand monthsA thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. Fortunate is the person who spends this night in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.

Exclusive
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Laylatul Qadr has been bestowed by Allah to my Ummah (People). It was not given to any people before this." (Dur-Mansoor).

How manifest and replete the special bounties and mercies of Allah Ta'ala are upon this Ummat is quite really beyond imagination. It will therefore be extremely foolish to allow ourselves to be deprived of these great blessings at the expense of sheer laziness and a few hours of extra sleep.

Which Night is it?
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night.

The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but that is not absolutely certain. The traditions indicate that it is to be sought in one of the last ten nights and preferably in the last three odd nights. It was therefore the practice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions to make I'tikaaf in the Mosque for the whole time offering Divine service during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.

Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: "Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan" (Bukhari).

Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:
"I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what should I recite therein?" Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised her to recite:

Al-laa-hum-ma in-na-ka 'afoow-wan tu-hib-bul-'af wa fa-fu 'an-ni.
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).

Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur'an� Dua, Zikr, etc.

The worship and the vigil of the Night of Power are a treat to the soul. The heart tends to melt into tears of heartfelt gratitude. The body is in a state of angelic ecstasy The soul strives to reach nearer to Almighty Allah. In this holy month of Ramadhaan let us strive to seek the Night of Power and its bliss. May Allah reward us with His bountiful blessings. Aameen.

---------------------------------------------

Further reading:
(1) 16 things you can do on the Night of Power
(2) Nawafil (Optional Prayers) for Laitatul Qadr - Leicester Central Mosque

Numbers of rak’ahs in Taraaweeh prayer

2011-08-06T18:54:00.000+01:00

Numbers of rak’ahs in Taraaweeh prayer
Source: Islam Q&A by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (islam-qa.com)

Question:
It has been authentically reported that Muhammad SAAW prayed Taraweeh 3 times in Ramadan and it consisted 11 Rakah. Also the book by Shaykh Naasir-ud-Din Al-Albani (May Allah have mercy on him)، Qiyam and Taraweeh states that Taraweeh should be 11 Rakah. The sunnah is 11 Rakat. Now the question which is confusing and often becomes a discussion among brothers is whether the number of Rakat in Taraweeh should be 11 Rakat or 20 Rakat. People are very sentitive about this issue and those who pray 20 Rakat blame the other groug praying 11 as being wrong and vice vera. This leads to disunity. People always quote that in Prophets Mosque the Imam prays 20 Rakats and also in Masjid-ul-Haraam in Mecca the Imam prays 20 Rakat. Also those who during Ramadan go to Saudi Arabia for Umrah say that the Imam prays 20 Rakat.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

We do not think that the Muslims should be so sensitive with regard to issues that are the matter of scholarly differences or make them the cause of division and fitnah among the Muslims.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, when speaking about the matter of one who prays ten rak’ahs with the imam, then sits down and waits for Witr and does not complete the Taraaweeh prayers with the imam:

It grieves us deeply that we find in the Muslim ummah a group which differs concerning matters in which differences of opinion are acceptable, and they take these differences as a means to cause division. Differences within the ummah existed at the time of the Sahaabah, yet they remained united. The youth in particular and to all those who are committed to Islam must remain united, because they have enemies who are laying in wait.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 4/225

Two groups have gone to extremes with regard to this matter. The first group denounced everyone who prays more than eleven rak’ahs and said that doing so was bid’ah. The second group denounced those who do only eleven rak’ahs and said that they are going against scholarly consensus (ijmaa’).

Let us listen to what Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Here we say that we should not go to extremes or be negligent. Some people go to extremes in adhering to the number mentioned in the Sunnah, and say that it is not permissible to do more than the number mentioned in the Sunnah, and they aggressively denounce those who do more than that, saying that they are sinners.

This is undoubtedly wrong. How can they be sinners, when the Prophet SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), upon being asked about night prayers, said that they are to be done two by two, and he did not specify any particular number? Of course the one who asked him about the night prayer did not know the number, because if he did not know how to do it, it is even more likely that he did not know the number. And he was not one of those who served the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so that we might say that he knew what happened inside his house. Since the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told him how to do it but did not say how many times, it may be understood that the matter is broad in scope, and that a person may pray one hundred rak’ahs then pray Witr with one rak’ah.

With regard to the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Pray as you have seen me praying”, this does not apply in absolute terms even for these people. Hence they do not say that a person should pray Witr with five rak’ahs sometimes and with seven rak’ahs sometimes and with nine rak’ahs sometimes. If we understand it in absolute terms, then we would have to pray Witr with five rak’ahs sometimes and with seven rak’ahs sometimes and with nine rak’ahs sometimes. But what is meant by the hadeeth is pray as you have seen me praying with regard to how to pray not how many rak’ahs, unless there is a text to state what the number is.

Whatever the case, a person should not be strict with people with regard to a matter that is broad in scope. We have even seen some brothers who are strict on this matter accusing the imams who pray more than eleven rak’ahs of following bid’ah, and they leave the mosque, thus missing out on the reward of which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stands with the imam until he finishes (the prayer), the reward of qiyaam al-layl will be recorded for him.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 806; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 646). Some of them even sit down after completing ten rak’ahs, thus breaking up the rows of worshippers by sitting there, and sometimes they start talking and disturb the people who are praying.

We have no doubt that their intentions are good and they are doing their best to come to the right conclusion, but that does not mean that they are correct.

The other group does the opposite. They sternly denounce those who pray only eleven rak’ahs and say that they have gone against scholarly consensus. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell — what an evil destination!”

[al-Nisa’ 4:115]

All the generations who came before you only knew the number as twenty-three rak’ahs, and they denounce anyone who says anything different.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 4/73-75

With regard to the evidence quoted by those who say that it is not permissible to do more than eight rak’ahs in Taraaweeh, they quote the hadeeth of Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, who asked ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “How did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) pray during Ramadaan?” She said: “He did not pray more than eleven rak’ahs in Ramadaan or at other times. He would pray four, and do not ask how beautiful and long they were, then he would pray four, and do not ask how beautiful and long they were, then he would pray three. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, will you sleep before you pray Witr?’ He said, ‘O ‘Aa’ishah, my eyes sleep but my heart does not.’”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1909; Muslim, 738

They said: This hadeeth indicates that the Messenger of Allaah was consistent in his prayers at night in Ramadaan and at other times.

The scholars refuted this use of the hadeeth as evidence by saying that this is what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did, but the fact that he did something does not imply that it is obligatory.

The evidence that there is no set number for prayers at night – which include Taraaweeh – is the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar according to which a man asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about prayer at night. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Prayers at night are to be offered two by two (two rak’ahs at a time). If any of you fears that the time of dawn is approaching then let him pray one rak’ah as Witr.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 846; Muslim, 749)

If we look at what the scholars of the prominent schools of thought said, you will clearly see that this matter is broad in scope and that there is nothing wrong with doing more than eleven rak’ahs.

Al-Sarkhasi, who is one of the imams of the Hanafi school, said:

It is twenty rak’ahs, apart from Witr, in our view.

Al-Mabsoot, 2/145

Ibn Qudaamah said:

The favoured view according to Abu ‘Abd-Allaah (i.e., Imam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy on him), is that it is twenty rak’ahs. This was the view of al-Thawri, Abu Hanfeefah and al-Shaafa’i. Maalik said it is thirty-six.

Al-Mughni, 1/457

Al-Nawawi said:

Taraaweeh prayer is Sunnah according to scholarly consensus. Our view is that it is twenty rak’ahs with ten tasleems, and it is permissible to pray it individually or in congregation.

Al-Majmoo’, 4/31

These are the views of the four imams concerning the number of rak’ahs of Taraaweeh prayer. All of them said something more than eleven rak’ahs. Perhaps the reasons why they said something more than eleven rak’ahs include the following:

1- They thought that the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah did not mean that this was the specific number.

2- A greater number was narrated from many of the salaf.

See al-Mughni, 2/604; al-Majmoo’, 4/32

3- The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray eleven rak’ahs and make them very lengthy, so much so that it used to take him most of the night. Indeed, one night in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) led his companions in praying Taraaweeh, he did not end his prayer until just before dawn, and the Sahaabah feared that they would miss suhoor. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) loved to pray behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and they did not feel that it was too long. The scholars thought that if the imam made the prayer so long, this would be too difficult for the members of the congregation and that might put them off. So they thought that the imam should make the recitation shorter and increase the number of rak’ahs.

The point is that the one who prays eleven rak’ahs in the manner narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is doing well and is following the Sunnah. Whoever makes the recitation shorter and increases the number of rak’ahs is also doing well. A person who does either of these two things is not to be denounced. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:

If a person prays Taraaweeh according to the madhhabs of Abu Haneefah, al-Shaafa’i and Ahmad, with twenty rak’ahs, or according to the madhhab of Maalik, with thirty-six rak’ahs, or with thirteen or eleven rak’ahs, he has done well, as Imam Ahmad said, because there is nothing to specify the number. So the greater or lesser number of rak’ahs depends on how long or short the qiyaam (standing in the prayer) is.

Al-Ikhtiyaaraat, p. 64

Al-Suyooti said:

What is narrated in the saheeh and hasan ahaadeeth is the command to observe night prayers during Ramadaan, which is encouraged without specifying a particular number. It is not proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed twenty rak’ahs of Taraaweeh, rather that he prayed at night, with an unspecified number of rak’ahs. Then he delayed it on the fourth night lest it become obligatory for them and they might not be able to do it. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami said: There is no saheeh report that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed twenty rak’ahs of Taraaweeh. The narration which suggests that he “used to pray twenty rak’ahs” is extremely weak (da’eef).

Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 27/142-145

So you should not be surprised that people pray Taraaweeh as twenty rak’ahs. There have been generation after generation of those imams (who used to pray twenty rak’ahs), and all of them are good.

And Allaah knows best.

Ramadan - Foods that Harm and Foods that Benefit

2011-08-02T09:29:00.000+01:00

Ramadan - Foods that Harm and Foods that Benefit

It is recommended to break the fast with fresh dates, rutub, and in odd numbers, or tamr, regular table or supermarket dates, or water. If dates are not available, any fruit will do. If there is no food or drink to break the fast with, intend in your heart to break fast, and whenever food is available you should eat. Source: usc.edu/MSA

But what about when we are NOT in a fast. What would be a good diet plan? Below is some useful information I obtained a few years ago.

The following has been extracted from Ramadan Health &; Spirituality Guide by the Department of Health &; Communities in Action, UK, 2007. Thanks to Bodrul Ali for forwarding this information. A link to the latest booklet can be found below as well as a kik to the NHS Ramadan webpage.

Health is the key to happiness, and what we consume directly affects our health. Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their health. The blessed Prophet said: “Take advantage of the good health before illnesses afflict you”. He also encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up a healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a balance between material and spiritual needs.

The fasts of Ramadan can improve a person’s health, but – if the correct diet is not followed – can possibly worsen it! The deciding factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed in the non-fasting hours. To fully benefit from fasting, a person should spare a great deal of thought to the type and quantity of food they will indulge in through the blessed month. Overeating can not only harm the body but it is thought also to interfere with a person’s spiritual growth during the month. A diet that has less than a normal amount of food but is sufficiently balanced will keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan. The diet should be simple and not differ too much from one’s normal everyday diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups, as shown below.

Complex carbohydrates are foods that will help release energy slowly during the long hours of fasting. Complex carbohydrates are found in grains and seeds, like barley, wheat, oats, millets, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, basmati rice, etc.

Fibre-rich foods are also digested slowly and include bran, cereals, whole wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin, vegetables such as green beans and almost all fruit, including apricots, prunes, figs, etc.

Foods to avoid are the heavily-processed, fast-burning foods that contain refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar, white flour, etc., as well as, of course, too much fatty food (eg cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets, such as Indian Mithai).
It may also be worth avoiding the caffeine content in drinks such as tea, coffee and cola. (Caffeine is a diuretic and stimulates faster water loss through urination.)

Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, should be a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling and provides enough energy for many hours. It is therefore particularly important to include slowly-digesting foods in the suhoor.

Iftar is the meal which breaks the day’s fast. This meal could include dates, following the Prophetic traditions. Dates will provide a refreshing burst of much-needed energy. Fruit juices will also have a similar, revitalizing effect. The meal should remain a meal and not become a feast! Try to minimise the rich, special dishes that traditionally celebrate the fast and keep to the advice included in the table above.

Many of the foods which are mentioned and encouraged in this booklet are in the Holy Qur’an, and the Sunnah (the Prophetic traditions) also correspond to modern guidelines on a healthy diet and will help to maintain balanced, healthy meals in Ramadan. The most commonly consumed foods by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) were milk, dates, lamb/mutton and oats.

Healthy foods mentioned in the Holy Qur’an are fruit and vegetables, such as olives, onions, cucumber, figs, dates, grapes as well as pulses such as lentils. The encouragement of fish can be seen in the fact that Islamic law spares fish from any specific slaughter requirements, making it easy to incorporate fish in a meal.

Spirituality and Food
Food has a great significance in Islam. It is associated with one’s relationship with God. Chapter 20, verse 81 of the Qur’an states: “Eat of the good and wholesome things that We have provided for your sustenance, but indulge in no excess therein.”

The physical body is a gift from God; it is given to humans as an amanah (in trust) to take care of for a fixed period. How much food is consumed and the choice of food has a direct impact on the physical and spiritual well-being of the person. The food that you consume affects your behaviour and personality. Wholesome, natural and healthy food assists the development of a good personality. Overeating has long been frowned upon in Islam as it is thought to increase worldly appetites and cause sluggishness, thereby ‘dulling’ the soul, hampering spiritual growth and increasing physical ailments.

The blessed Prophet said: “The children of Adam fill no vessel worse than their stomach. Sufficient for him is a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhî)

Islam sees health and ‘well-being’ as much more than just bodily health: well-being or tranquillity requires a strong relationship with one’s spirituality, good physical health, mental happiness, a sense of purpose and good character and relationships. Islam makes a strong connection between food and worship and teaches that all forms of worship have a deeper purpose and impact and contribute in some way to individual and social well-being.

In chapter 7, verse 31 the Qur’an is categorical: “Eat and drink freely: but waste not by excess, for He does not like the wasters.”

The booklet also contains more information on the following* The spiritual side of Fasting and what you gain from fasting ( Heightened consciousness of God, Healthy lifestyle, Compassion and charity, Community spirit, A fast without the spirit is empty of blessing)
* Information on Potential Health Complications and Possible Remedies e.g. Heartburn (Indigestion), Poor Control of Diabetes, Headache, Dehydration, Complications to any Common Chronic Diseases, Constipation, Stress, Obesity)
* There is also a Frequently Asked Questions regarding the health side of ramadan & useful contact list and much more. I would recommend you read this booklet.

# Here is a link to the latest booklet: Click here!

# Also the new NHS Ramadan webpage: Click Here!

What type of dates are you breaking your fast with?

2011-08-01T19:16:00.000+01:00

With the exception of Ajwa dates (those favoured by the Prophet Muhammad - P.B.U.H), Medjool dates are probably the most expensive but also the most delicious dates in the world. They stand out compared to other dates mainly because of their size.

Last Ramadan I ventured to a halal grocery store (in a predominantly Muslim area) and was about to purchase some of these delicious dates until I saw the sign "produce of Israel" on the box – I was really angered and left the store immediately. Again a couple of days ago I ventured to a local supermarket and noticed the same dates – this time labelled produce of West Bank - again I did not purchase these dates.

The reason for this is mainly due to the fact that produce from Israel (fruit and vegetables) such as dates are mainly produced in occupied Palestinian land such as the West Bank (these are some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the Arab world) – but most of these lands are run by illegal settlers who employ Palestinians with some of the harshest working conditions. Investigative reporting by Israeli newspapers such as Haaretz had exposed these findings.

The European Union and some of our largest supermarkets in Europe turn a blind eye towards this. An even greater worry is the ignorance set by owners of halal grocery chains who in one way during the month of Ramadan might have a collection box from charities to help oppressed Palestinians yet at the same time will be financing their oppressors by selling profitable crops such as dates from Israel and occupied Palestine in their shops!

It’s time for an ethical campaign – a campaign on the type of food we buy. Innovative Minds and the Islamic Human Rights Commission are calling on campaigners to create awareness in their communities about the boycott of Israeli goods, and in particular Israeli dates, this Ramadan.

BOYCOTT ISRAELI DATES

Most of the Israeli date crop – up to 80%, is exported, mainly to Europe where it has around 10% market share. In 2005, dates were Israel’s leading fruit export. The two major Israeli companies involved are Agrexco and Hadi-klaim.

Agrexco, half owned by the Israeli government, handles 60-70% of all goods produced in the illegal Settlements. Its dates have brand names Carmel, Jordan Plains and Jordan Valley.

Hadiklaim sells 65 percent of the all dates produced in Israel. Its dates have brand names King Solomon and Jordan River. They also supply Israeli dates to supermarkets and retail chains who market them under their own brand names. These include Marks & Spencer's, Sainsbury's, Tesco's, and Waitrose.

In order to educate our communities on this issue two videos had been produced by Innovative Minds (see below). There are also leaflets and posters available from their website. Click here http://inminds.co.uk/boycott-israeli-dates.php

Boycott Israeli Dates 1 of 2

Boycott Israeli Dates 2 of 2

If you find this information useful please pass this to other brothers and sisters. It’s time to start campaigning with our wallets – its time we stopped trading with these oppressors. Make sure you look before you buy. If you find a halal grocery store that sells dates from Israel then notify them of their error and if they don’t change then find alternative places to shop.

If you want to break your fast with delicious dates from Palestine as well as sample other produce then there are various shops listed on the Zaytoun.org website. Zaytoun is an ethical business established to support marginalized farming communities in Palestine. Zaytoun helps Palestinion farmers access the UK market and ensures that the money made from sales goes back to the right people.

More info: http://www.zaytoun.org/files/2009/03/palestinian-agricultural-relief-committees-media-pack.pdf

Ramadan Mubarak!

2011-07-30T22:30:00.001+01:00

The Coordination Committee of Major Islamic Centres and Mosques of London has announced that the first day of Ramadaan will be Monday 1st August 2011. The first Taraweeh prayer will therefore be on Sunday night.

The committee includes the following Mosques and organisations...
Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque, Mayfair Islamic Centre, East London Mosque, Muslim Welfare House, Al Muntada Al Islami Education Trust, Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Masjid Al Tawhid &; Islamic Sharia Council & West London Mosque Forum

Please check your local mosque for confirmation.

We pray that Allaah 'azza wa jall grants us the ability to make best use of this blessed month, to complete our fasts and to worship Him in the best way we are able to.

Ramadan Timetables 2011

2011-07-30T16:21:00.004+01:00

The Coordination Committee of Major Islamic Centres and Mosques of London has announced that the first day of Ramadaan will be Monday 1st August 2011. The first Taraweeh prayer will therefore be on Sunday night.

Below are a few Ramadan Timetables published by various Mosques and organisations. This page will be updated with more timetables inshallah. If you have any timetables not listed here then please contact me.

You will notice that the timetables are the similar to normal prayer times, so if your mosque has not published the timetable yet - you can use the normal prayer timetable as an indicator. Time to begin fast: just before Fajr begins and Time to end fast: when its time for Magrib.

Some mosque timetable will have a IMSAAK time (usually ten minutes before Fajr). I have been informed by the East London Mosque that we can eat right up to the last second before fajr, insha’Allah. As a precaution - it might be best to finish eating 10 minutes before Fajr so as not to go over the time by accident.

Unified Prayer Timetable for London. Al-hamdulillah, the major Muslim Centres and Mosques in London have agreed a unified prayer timetable. These include the following at time of writing: Islamic Cultural Centre &; London Central Mosque, Mayfair Islamic, Centre East London Mosque, Muslim Welfare House, Al Muntada Al Islami Education Trust, Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Masjid Al Tawhid & Islamic Sharia Council, West London Mosque Forum. More info: Link

London

London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/

Brick Lane Jamm Masjid (59 Brick Lane, E1 6QL)
Download: Awaiting Details

Shahjalal Masjid (Hale Street, Poplar E14 0BF)
Download: Awaiting Details
Website: http://www.poplarsm.org.uk/

Limehouse Mosque & Bangladeshi Cultural Centre (304-306 Stock Palce, E14 8AE)
Download: Click Here!

Qur'ani Murkuz Trust (South Woodford, E18 1ED)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.qmtrust.org/

East Ham Bangladeshi Islamic Community Trust
Download: Awaiting Details
Website: http://ebict.co.uk/

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

AbuBakar Masjid (Southall - Middx, UB1 1LS)
Download: Use prayer timetable: Click Here!
Website: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk/

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Other mosques in Hackney: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/localmosque.html

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Downlaod: Click Here! (JPEG)
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/

Rest of UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (164 Spital, AB24 3JD)
Download: Click Here! (JPEG)
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre (Belfast, BT9 6DN)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Download: Click Here!
Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/

Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.taiyabahislamiccentre.org.uk/

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque (Mawson Road, CB1 2DZ)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Download: Click Here!
Visit Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Download: Awaiting Details
Website: http://www.edmosque.com/ / http://www.edmosquelibrary.com/

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Download: Click Here! (GIF IMAGE)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

Liverpool - Al Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street, L8 2TJ)
Download: Website under Construction - Awaiting Deatils
Website: http://www.alrahma-mosque.com/

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
Download: Awaiting Details, please use normal timetable Click Here!
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Download: Click Here!
Thanks to Brother Khairul for forwarding the timetable.
Website: http://www.shahjalalmosque.org/

Manchester - Makki Masjid (Beresford Road, M13 OTA)
Download: Click Here! (WARNING LARGE DOWNLOAD FILE - 38.3MB)
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Streetm MK2 2LY)
Download: Use normal prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/

Other mosques in Milton Keynes: http://www.mkmuslims.org/index.php?p=1_24

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.oldhammuslimcentre.com/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.bagr.co.uk/
Sheffield Islamic Centre - Madina Masjid Trust (Wolseley Rd, Sheffield, S8 OZU)
Download: awaiting Details
Website: http://www.madinamasjid.org.uk/

If you want to submit a Ramadan timetable from your local mosque (and help brothers and sisters with this useful information) please email me a link or attach a PDF/ Word Document/ Spreadsheet/ JPEG image or any scanned image and I will upload it on the website Insha-Allah. email me: info@al-islam.co.uk JazakAllahukhairan

Vid: The Life of Muhammad: 3. Holy Wars

2011-07-30T14:20:00.001+01:00

In the final episode of The Life of Muhammad, presenter Rageh Omaar continues to chart the story of The Prophet Muhammad. Drawing on the expertise and comment from some of the world's leading academics and commentators on Islam, Omaar analyses and investigates key events during the later part of his life, including the introduction of a moral code known as Sharia and the concept of Jihad. The programme also explores Muhammad's use of marriage to build alliances, and looks at the key messages included in his final sermon.
In line with Islamic tradition the programme does not depict any images of the face of Muhammad, or feature any dramatic re-constructions of Muhammad's life.

Broadcast on BBC Two, 9:00PM Mon, 25 Jul 2011
Available on BBC iPlayer until 9:59PM Mon, 1 Aug 2011

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b012xnfn/The_Life_of_Muhammad_Holy_Peace/

Vid: The Life of Muhammad: 2. Holy Wars

2011-07-19T14:38:00.001+01:00

In this second episode of The Life of Muhammad, presenter Rageh Omaar continues to chart the story of The Prophet Muhammad.

Drawing on the expertise and comment from some of the world's leading academics and commentators on Islam, Omaar assesses and shines a light on key events in Muhammad's life including the Night Journey to Jerusalem, his life threatening departure from Mecca, through to the establishment of the Constitution of Medina and the eight year war with the Meccan tribes.
In line with Islamic tradition the programme does not depict any images of the face of Muhammad, or feature any dramatic re-constructions of Muhammad's life.

First Broadcast on BBC Two, 9:00PM Mon, 18 Jul 2011

BBC iPlayer Link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b012rylw/The_Life_of_Muhammad_Holy_Wars/

Available on BBC iPlayer until: 9:59PM Mon, 1 Aug 2011

Observing Lailatul-Bara'at

2011-07-15T15:13:00.000+01:00

There are many differences in opinion whether we should observe Lailatul-Bara'at also known as Shab-E-Barat, 15th Night of Sha`ban and laylat al-Nisf min Sha'ban (Chapter on the night of the 15th of Sha'ban). I hope the answer below will give everyone a greater understanding of this subject area insha-Allah.
Taken from islamonline

Q: I would like to know if the 15th night of Sha`ban has a special significance and if the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) celebrated it. I would like also to know if there are special prayers or specific invocations recommended during this night.

Answered by Mufti: `Atiyyah Saqr (07/Sep/2006)

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

There is no authentic hadith reported about the 15th night of Sha`ban. The hadiths reported about that night are classified by some scholars as hasan (a hadith which has one reporter in the chain of narrators whose identity is not well known, yet he is not accused of committing great mistakes or lying). Some other scholars have refused these hadiths, calling them unauthentic.

The hadiths considered as hasan are to the effect that it is recommendable to supplicate Almighty Allah during this night and ask Him for forgiveness. But there is no specific supplication reported to be said in this night. Hence, the supplications that some print and distribute among people in some Muslim countries as being recommendable on this night is not correct and has no basis in Shari`ah.

In his response to the question, Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr, former head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, states:
There are three points to be discussed in handling the question in hand: The first point has to do with whether the 15th night of Sha`ban has a special significance; the second concentrates on whether the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) celebrated this night; the third tackles whether there are special acts to celebrate this night or special supplications to invoke Almighty Allah with.

First, there are some hadiths indicating that the 15th night of Sha`ban is significant. Some scholars classified some of these hadiths as authentic. On the other hand, some other scholars considered them as da`if (weak), yet they hold that these hadiths may be acted upon by him who seeks to get closer to Almighty Allah with additional acts of worship.

Of these hadiths is one that is reported by Imam Ahmad and At-Tabarani to the effect that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Almighty Allah descends to the lowest Heaven on the 15th night of Sha`ban and forgives such number of people that is more than the number of the hairs of the sheep of Banu Kalb (a tribe that has a great number of sheep).” But At-Tirmidhi said that Imam Al-Bukhari classified this hadith as weak.

It was also reported on this subject that `A’ishah, Mother of the Believers, said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) offered the night vigil Prayer some night, and while he was praying, he prostrated so long that I thought he had passed away, but he lifted his head and finished the Prayer. Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O `A’ishah (or O Humaira [as he would call her]), have you thought that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would not give you your right?” I said, “No, by Allah, Allah’s Messenger. But when you stayed prostrating so long, I thought you had passed away.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then said, “Do you know what night this is?” I said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “This is the 15th night of Sha`ban. Almighty Allah turns towards His servants on the 15th of Sha`ban and forgives those who ask for His forgiveness, grants mercy to those who ask for it, and delays (punishing or bringing to account) the evil people.”
This hadith was reported by Al-Baihaqi on the authority of Al-`Ala’ ibn Al-Harith, one of the successors (At-Tabi`un), which means that this hadith is mursal (reported by a successor immediately on the authenticity of Mother of the Believers or the Prophet himself without having a Companion in between in the chain of reporters). Al-Baihaqi said this is a good mursal hadith.

Ibn Majah also reported with a weak chain of reporters on the authority of `Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the 15th night of Sha`ban comes, observe night vigil Prayer during it and fast the following day, for Almighty Allah descends after sunset on that night to the lowest Heaven and says, ‘Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness and I forgive him (or her)? Is there anyone who is in need to ask Me and I provide for his (or her) needs. Is there anyone who is in pain and seeks My help and I help him (or her)? Is there…? Is there…?’ until the time of dawn.”

Based on these hadiths and others, it may be said that the 15th night of Sha`ban has a special significance. In fact, there is no religious text that stands against this, especially that the merit of the month of Sha`ban as a whole is established.

Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with both of them) was reported to have said that he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “I have not seen you observe additional fast during any month [other than Ramadan] as you do in Sha`ban?” He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “This is a month that people usually forget about between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which people’s deeds are presented to Allah, so I like that my deeds are presented while I am fasting.” (An-Nasa’i)

The second point to be dealt with is whether he (peace and blessings be upon him) celebrated this night. In this regard, it was established that the way he (peace and blessings be upon him) celebrated this month was by fasting during it.

As to whether the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) observed night vigil Prayer on this night, he (peace and blessings be upon him) would regularly observe night vigil Prayers during nights, and observing night vigil Prayer on this night is like doing so during the other nights.

Hence, observing night vigil Prayer on the 15th of Sha`ban may be recommended, as supported by the hadiths reported above, especially the one in which he (peace and blessings be upon him) advised his Companions to observe night vigil Prayer on it and the one reported by `A’ishah to the effect that he (peace and blessings be upon him) observed night vigil Prayer on it. Though these hadiths are weak, they are dependable in seeking to get close to Almighty Allah with additional acts of worship.

This indicates that he (peace and blessings be upon him) celebrated that night in this way individually, not in congregation with his Companions. Neither he (peace and blessings be upon him) nor his Companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them) would offer celebrations on this night as people do nowadays.

The celebrations seen nowadays on this night began in the era of the followers of the righteous predecessors. According to Al-Mawahib Al-Ladduniyyah, vol. 2, by Al-Qastalani, the successors in the Levant, such as Khalid ibn Mi`dan and Makhul would observe further additional acts of worship on the 15th night of Sha`ban, and, hence, people followed them in assuming special significance to this night. It was even said that those followers would follow Israelite reports concerning the merit of this night.

When this was circulated in the Muslim world, controversy aroused concerning the correctness of such a deed. The majority of scholars in Makkah and Madinah then, including `Ata’, Ibn Abi Mulkyah, the followers of Malik, and others, disapproved of such a deed, considering it an innovation in religion.

Al-Qastalani then said that there were two different views among the scholars of the Levant regarding how to celebrate this night.

The first opinion says that it is recommendable that people congregate in mosques to offer night vigil Prayer as a way of celebrating it. Khalid ibn Mi`dan, Luqman ibn `Amir, and others would dress in their best clothes, wear kohl and perfume, and offer night vigil Prayer on this night.

Ishaq ibn Rahawiyah was reported by Harb Al-Karamani to have approved of this opinion saying that observing night vigil Prayer in congregations in mosques on this night is not an innovation.

The second view is to the effect that it is reprehensible that people congregate in mosques especially on this night to offer night vigil Prayer and supplicate in groups, but it is not reprehensible that one offers night vigil Prayer on this night individually. This opinion was held by Al-Awza`i, the Imam of the scholars of the Levant.

Al-Qastalani also tackled in Al-Mawahib Al-Ludaniyah the opinions of Imam Ahmad on the issue. According to him, there is no specific view reported to have been held by Imam Ahmad with regard to celebrating the 15th night of Sha`ban. His opinions in this regard are concluded from the views attributed to him concerning observing night vigil Prayers on the nights of the two `Eids. He had two points of views in this regard. He was reported to have said that observing night vigil Prayers on the nights of the two `Eids is not recommendable, for neither the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) nor his Companions would do so. However, he was also reported to have considered observing night vigil Prayers on these nights as recommendable, for `Abdur-Rahman ibn Zaid ibn Al-Aswad, a successor, would do so. These views may apply also to the case of the 15th night of Sha`ban.

To sum up what Al-Qastalani said on the issue, scholars have differed concerning observing night vigil Prayer on the 15th night of Sha`ban in congregations in mosques: some are for and some are against. Hence, I see that since the issue is controversial, one may follow one of these opinions without showing extreme opposition against the other view.

However, some contemporary scholars see that the reason for celebrating the 15th night of Sha`ban is mainly to commemorate the change of the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, not any other reason. But the date of this change is not certain to be Sha`ban 15; the exact date of this event is also controversial among scholars. Anyway, commemorating events also has the legal rulings pertaining to it. I see that there is nothing wrong in commemorating this special event so long as there is nothing wrong committed in this regard and it is done for Almighty Allah’s sake.

The third point to be discussed here has to do with whether there are special supplications to be offered on this night and whether it is lawful to observe the night vigil Prayer then with the intention of concentrating on asking Almighty Allah to prolong one’s life and enrich one.

Offering optional Prayer with the intention of doing so as a means of getting closer to Almighty Allah is wholeheartedly recommendable. Furthermore, it is an act of sunnah to offer supererogatory Prayers in the time between Maghrib and `Isha’ Prayers and after the `Isha’ Prayer. But offering an optional Prayer so that Almighty Allah may prolong one’s life and enrich one has no basis in Shari`ah.

An-Nawawi said in his book Al-Majmu`: Ar-Ragha’ib Prayer, i.e., a 12-rak`ah Prayer between Maghrib and `Isha’ Prayers said to be recommendable in the first Friday of Rajab, and the 100-rak`ah Prayer said to be recommendable on the 15th night of Sha`ban are innovations in religion. Their being mentioned in eminent books like Qut Al-Qulubby Abu Talib Al-Makki and Ihya’ `Ulum Ad-Din by Imam Al-Ghazali should not make people believe that they are really recommendable acts of sunnah. Besides, the hadith mentioning these Prayers is not an authentic one, and the eminent scholars who thought that these Prayers are recommendable are wrong in their judgment in this respect.

Moreover, Sheikh Abu Muhammad Abdur-Rahman ibn Isma`il Al-Maqdisi wrote a great book specially to refute these two hadiths (Al-Azhar Magazine, vol. 2, p. 515).

Concerning offering special supplications on this night, there is also no authentic hadith reported in this respect. What is reported in this regard is `A’ishah’s saying: “I heard him—the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)—saying: ‘O Allah! I seek refuge in Your pardon against Your punishment, I seek refuge in Your pleasure against Your displeasure, and I seek refuge in You against You (Your wrath). Whatever great praises I attribute to You, they cannot stand comparison with the praises You, Almighty, has attributed to Yourself’” (Al-Bayhaqi on the authority of Al-`Ala’ ibn Al-Harith).

The supplication circulated nowadays as recommendable to be offered on this night is: “O Allah, Who has favors unto His servants and no one is to have favor unto Him! O Allah, the Owner of majesty and honor. O Allah, the Owner of wealth and enrichment. There is no god but You, the Supporter of the refugees, the Helper of those who appeal for help, and Granter of security for panic-stricken. O Allah, if You had destined in the Preserved Tablet that I be unhappy, or deprived, or expelled, or poor, I beg Your Pardon, O Allah, to remove with Your grace my unhappiness or deprivation, or expulsion, or poverty.”

There are some other words that have been reported to be included in this supplication. These are “O my Lord! By Your greatest turning towards Your servants on the 15th night of Sha`ban, in which every wise command is decided and made clear, grant me such-and-such ...” This addition is made by Sheikh Ma’ Al-`Aynayn Ash-Shanqiti in his book Na`t Al-Bedayat.

This supplication was not reported to have been said by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It was, rather, reported to have been said by `Umar ibn Al-Khattab and `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with both of them). `Umar was one of the rightly–guided caliphs whose tradition the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Muslims to hold fast to.

Besides, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Muslims in another hadith to follow in the footsteps of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also ordered Muslims to follow the guidance of his Companions in general.

But we are not certain that this supplication was really said by `Umar and Ibn Mas`ud and that it was received with no opposition on part of the other Companions. We are also not certain of the authenticity of what Ibn `Umar and Ibn Mas`ud were reported to have said about the significance of this supplication, namely, “To any servant who offered this supplication Allah granted what he wanted.” (Ibn Abi Shaybah and Ibn Abi Ad-Dunyah)

Anyway, whatever supplication one offers, it should not contradict the beliefs and rulings we are ordered to abide by.

There are two points in this supplication discussed by scholars in detail. The first is regarding one’s asking Almighty Allah to remove one’s bad fortunes from the Preserved Tablet (a record that contains Almighty Allah’s established knowledge about His creation).

Explaining this part of the supplication, scholars said that what is written in the Preserved Tablet is what Almighty Allah has destined for His servants. This includes what is conditional on a certain supplication a servant offers or an act he accomplishes, and includes also what is not conditional, i.e., the decided-upon destinies. Hence, supplications and good deeds benefit one as far as the conditional destinies are concerned, while their effectiveness with regard to the unconditional destinies is manifested only in lessening the burden one may bear in this respect, as said in the supplication “O Allah! I do not ask You to change what You have already destined for me, but I beseech You to lessen its burden on me.” It was also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Supplications have positive effects on what has already taken place and what has not yet.”

The Companions asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “For what should we work now, for that which has already been destined or that which is yet to come?” He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “For that which has already been destined.” The Companions said, “Why should we work then?” He (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Carry on doing (good) deeds, for everybody will find it easy to do such deeds as will lead him to his destined place for which he has been created.”

In another version of this hadith, the Companions asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “Shall we not depend upon what has been written for us and give up deeds?” He (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He who is destined to be among the happy (in the Hereafter) will find it easy to do the deeds characteristic of such people, while he who is destined to be among the miserable ones will find it easy to do the deeds characteristic of such people. So carry on doing (good) deeds, for everybody will find it easy to do such deeds as will lead him to his destined place for which he has been created.”

Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) recited Almighty Allah’s words: (As for him who giveth and is dutiful (toward Allah) and believeth in goodness, surely We will ease his way unto the state of ease. But as for him who hoardeth and deemeth himself independent,‏ and disbelieveth in goodness, surely We will ease his way unto adversity. His riches will not save him when he perisheth) (Al-Layl 92: 5-10).

However, according to Al-Alusi and Al-Fakhr Ar-Razi, some scholars did not approve of this explanation of the possibility of removing something from the Preserved Tablet. They say that this may be done in the records that angels write concerning people’s deeds, not in the Preserved Tablet.

The second point discussed by scholars with regard to this supplication is concerning saying that the 15th night of Sha`ban is the night on which every wise command is decided and made clear, quoting this from a Qur’anic verse. This is not right. According to `Ikrimah, he who says so cannot be right at any rate, for the verse referred to here states clearly that the Qur’an was revealed in this night. It is established that the Qur’an was revealed in the Night of Qadr and this night is in the month of Ramadan, not Sha`ban.

There is also a da`if hadith to the effect that the time of death prescribed for one may be postponed from Sha`ban to another Sha`ban to the extent that one might marry and have a child, while his name had been among the dead in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Mawahib Al-Laduaniyyah, vol. 2, p. 260). Though this hadith is da`if, some scholars tried to reconcile between its meaning and the other religious texts that seem to contradict it, saying that what takes place in Sha`ban is copying what is in the Preserved Tablet into the records that angels write, [and therein may occur the change].

But I believe that there is no need for one to resort to such controversial supplications, as there are many other supplications from the Qur’an and the authentic hadiths that one may offer sincerely in one’s prayers.

-----------------------------------

Further Reading:

(1) Laylatul Bara'at - muftisays.com

(2) Significance to 15th of Shabaan - askimam.org

(3) The Fiqh of Voluntary (Nafl) Prayers - sunnipath.com
(4) Sha'ban: Merits, Do's, and Dont's - albalagh.net

Vid: The Life of Muhammad: 1. The Seeker

2011-07-10T23:42:00.001+01:00

Announcement:

In a ground-breaking first for British television, this three-part series presented by Rageh Omaar charts the life of Muhammad, a man who - for the billion and half Muslims across the globe - is the messenger and final prophet of God.

In a journey that is both literal and historical and beginning in Muhammad's birthplace of Mecca, Omaar investigates the Arabia Muhammad was born into - a world of tribal loyalties and polytheistic religion.

Drawing on the expertise and comment of some of the world's leading academics and commentators on Islam, the programme examines Muhammad's first marriage to Khadijah and how he received the first of the revelations that had such a profound effect both on his life, and on the lives of those closest to him.

Date of broadcast: BBC 2 (and BBC HD) 9:00 PM, Monday 11th July 2011

more info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012mkg5

Rare giant 500-year-old copy of Koran to be published online

2011-01-23T19:26:00.000Z

Taken from The Daily Mail, 20/01/2011

A rarely-seen manuscript of one of the world's most important copies of the Koran is to be published online. The hand-written holy book, estimated to be around 500 years old, is so precious and fragile scholars have been unable to put it on display.

The hand-written copy of the Koran, with each page the size of a large plasma screen TV, is to be published online because it is too fragile to be put on display

The fragile 470-page book is kept by in the University of Manchester's John Rylands Library

Photographer Jamie Robinson leafs through the pages of the holy book, which is believed to have originated from Cairo from the library of Kansuh al-Ghuri, one of the last Mameluk sultans of Egypt

The book was written by several scribes some time between the second half of the 14th century to 1500

Experts at the library are using digital technology to photograph each page and publish the book online to enable scholars and students to study it

Now experts at the University of Manchester's John Rylands Library are using digital technology to photograph each page and publish the book online to enable scholars and students to study it.

Analysis of the digital images should aid scholars to date the manuscript more accurately.

It is believed to have originated from Cairo from the library of Kansuh al-Ghuri, one of the last Mamluk Sultans of Egypt.

Known as the Rylands Koran of Kansuh al-Ghuri, it has two missing pages, or leaves, which were discovered in the 1970s at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin.

The missing pages will also be captured in digital images and reunited with the book on the internet.
At least 950 images will be captured - which will be between 80 and 120MB each - allowing their study in intricate detail.

It will eventually be freely available for research, teaching and learning using Turning the Pages technology on a dedicated website.

Project manager Carol Burrows, collection and research support manager at the John Rylands Library, said: 'Because of its size and weight, reading room access has been severely restricted to all but a handful of scholars. It cannot be used in exhibitions, seminars or public close-ups.

'It will certainly be challenging to photograph this enormous manuscript, as it is too large and heavy for the equipment we normally use.

'However, we have constructed dedicated equipment which will achieve this aim.'

Dr Andreas Christmann, senior lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University’s school of Arts, Histories and Cultures said: 'Although one of the biggest assets of the John Rylands Library, this Koran has not been available for either research or teaching because of its delicate state.

'We know it represents one of the finest, most lavishly illuminated and calligraphically significant Qur’an manuscripts from the late Mamluk period.

'Because of its time of writing - 14th or 15th century – it bridges the gap in chronicling Qur’anic calligraphy between the late classical period - 9th-12th century and the early modern period - 16th-18th century.
'By digitising the entire manuscript and adding the missing chapters it will produce an almost complete Qur’anic manuscript of magnificent size and splendid craftsmanship.

'I’m delighted scholars, including students of my class in Qur’anic Studies, will have free access to studying this text, which will provide a great stimulus for further research into Qur’anic calligraphy.'

The Koran was purchased by the library in 1900 as part of the Crawford collection of manuscripts, a collection of artefacts acquired by various Earls of Crawford.

The project has been funded by the Islamic Manuscript Association.

Other info
-----------
# Each of the 470 pages measures 35in by 24in, the size of a large plasma screen TV. # The ornate book was written by several scribes and illuminators for Kansuh al-Ghuri, the penultimate Mameluke sultan of Egypt.
# The paper it is written on was made from bombycine, a silken fabric which after sizing is polished with smooth stones so that the ink sits on the surface rather than being absorbed (similar in properties to vellum).
# Historians disagree on when it was written, with estimates ranging from the second half of the 14th century to 1500.

# It was kept in the sultan's library in Cairo and was eventually acquired by the Earl of Crawford.

# The Koran was one of several manuscripts which formed the Crawford Collection, artefacts acquired by various Earls of Crawford, which was bought by Enriqueta Rylands in 1900 and became part of her husband's library the John Rylands Library.

# The library eventually formed part of the University of Manchester in 1972 which is where it is now.

Forthcoming dates in the Muslim calendar

2011-01-15T16:25:00.001Z

Here is a list of forthcoming dates in the Muslim calendar. The estimated dates have been taken from moonsighting.com - all other information has been taken from the BBC Website.

* Important: All dates here are estimates as they depend on the sighting of the moon. Please check your local mosque for announcement of correct dates.

Tuesday 07 December 2010 *
Al-Hijira - Islamic New Year (1431 AH)
Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and his followers from Mecca to Medina

Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state. The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why Muslim dates have the suffix A.H. (After Hijra). It's a low-key event in the Muslim world, celebrated less than the two major festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

New Year rituals
There is no specific religious ritual required on this day, but Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for 'New Year Resolutions'. The Qur'an uses the word Hijra to mean moving from a bad place or state of affairs to a good one — and so Muslims may think about how their faith helps them leave behind bad ways of living and achieve a better life. The date marks the beginning of Islam as a community in which spiritual and earthly life were completely integrated. It was a community inspired by God, and totally obedient to God; a group of people bound together by faith. By breaking the link with his own tribe the Prophet demonstrated that tribal and family loyalties were insignificant compared to the bonds of Islam.

Thursday 16 December 2010 *
Ashura
Islamic holy day observed on the 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram. Shi'ite Muslims regard it as a major festival marking the martydom of the Prophet's grandson, Hussein.

Ashura has been a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims since the days of the early Muslim community. It marks two historical events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah.

Shi'a Muslims in particular use the day to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet (pbuh), in 680 CE. In Shi'ite communities this is a solemn day: plays re-enacting the martyrdom are often staged and many take part in mourning rituals. Every year in London Shi'a Muslims gather for a mourning procession and speeches at Marble Arch. The procession attracts up to 3000 men, women and children from many different ethinic backgrounds.

Tuesday 15 February 2011 *
Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad)
Shia Muslims celebrate this 5 days later. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation.

Muslim parents will tell stories of the Prophet's life to their children. Those Muslims who celebrate this festival do so joyfully. It may seem strange to non-Muslims, but many Muslims do not believe in celebrating birthdays or death anniversaries because there is no historical evidence that the Prophet Muhammad ever did this.

A blessing for the whole universeDespite this, large numbers of Muslims do commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, which falls on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar. This date is important to Muslims because the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is regarded as a great blessing for the whole of humanity. The Prophet Muhammad is deemed to be the chief of all the Prophets sent on earth and it is to him that the Holy Qur'an was revealed.

A quiet festival
There are only restricted festivities on Eid Milad–Un-Nabi because the same day also marks the anniversary of the death of the Prophet.

Focussing on the Prophet
The event is marked by public gatherings of Muslims. At these meetings religious leaders make speeches about the life of the Prophet. Stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. The most important part of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi is focusing upon the character of the Prophet; on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies. Muslims think about the leadership of the Prophet, his bravery, wisdom, preaching and his final triumph over the Meccan Muslims.Festivities
As well as recounting the Prophet's life, salutations and songs in his praise are recited. In some countries, streets and mosques are decorated and illuminated at night. Some Muslims donate to charity. Families gather together, feasts are arranged and food is served to guests and the poor.

Tuesday 28 June 2011 *
Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens)
The night journey and ascent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the revelation of Salat.

This day is celebrated by telling the beautiful story of how the Prophet Muhammad was visited by two archangels while he was asleep, who purified his heart and filled him with knowledge and faith.

The Prophet travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem in a single night on a strange winged creature called Buraq. From Jerusalem he ascended into heaven, where he met the earlier prophets, and eventually God. During his time in heaven Muhammad was told of the duty of Muslims to recite Salat (ritual prayer) five times a day.

Friday 15 July 2011 *
Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation)

The fifteenth night of the month of Sha’baan, commencing with sunset, is a highly auspicious night. Lailatul-Bara'at (also known as Shab-e-Baraat) – is the Night of Deliverance from sins.

God Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Sha'ban and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart". - Prophet Muhammad
for more info click here!

Monday 01 August 2011 *Ramadan (start)
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting.

Battle of Badr: 17th Ramadan
For more info click here!

Conquest of Makkah: 20th Ramadan
For more info click here!

Friday 26 August 2011 *
Lailat al-Quadr - Night of Power (start)
Lailat al Qadr, or The Night of Power marks the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Allah (SWT).

Muslims regard this as the most important event in history, and the Qur'an says that this night is better than a thousand months (97:3), and that on this night the angels descend to earth.

This is a time that Muslims spend in study and prayer. Some will spend the whole night in prayer or in reciting the Qur'an.

Tuesday 30 August 2011 *
Eid-Ul-Fitr
The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah (SWT) for His help with their month-long act of self-control.

The first Eid was celebrated in 624 CE by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with his friends and relatives after the victory of the battle of Jang-e-Badar. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control. The festival begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky. Muslims in most countries rely on news of an official sighting, rather than looking at the sky themselves.

The celebratory atmosphere is increased by everyone wearing best or new clothes, and decorating their homes. There are special services out of doors and in Mosques, processions through the streets, and of course, a special celebratory meal - eaten during daytime, the first daytime meal Muslims will have had in a month. Eid is also a time of forgiveness, and making amends.

Saturday 05 November 2011 *
Day of Arafaat (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims should complete at least once in their lifetime.
Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and stand before the Kaaba praising Allah together. It is a ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah.

The Hajj makes Muslims feel real importance of life here on earth, and the afterlife, by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth, and pride. In the Hajj all are truly equal. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. During the Hajj the Pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. Mecca is a place that is holy to all Muslims. It is so holy that no non-Muslim is allowed to enter. For Muslims, the Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It occurs in the month of Dhul Hijjah which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the journey that every sane adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lives if they can afford it and are physically able.

Sunday 06 November 2011 *
Eid-Ul-Adha
Festival of Sacrifice marking the day after Arafat. The Day of Arafat is the most important day in the Hajj ritual. This is a four day holiday
The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.

Ibrahim's sacrifice
God appeared in a dream to Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Ibrahim and Isma'il set off to Mina for the sacrifice. As they went, the devil attempted to persuade Ibrahim to disobey God and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Ibrahim stayed true to God, and drove the devil away. As Ibrahim prepared to kill his son God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead.

Celebrations
Ibrahim's complete obedience to the will of God is celebrated by Muslims each year. Each Muslim, as they celebrate, reminds themselves of their own submission to God, and their own willingness to sacrifice anything to God's wishes. During the festival Muslims who can afford to, sacrifice domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibraham's sacrifice. (British law insists that the animals must be killed in a proper slaughterhouse.) The meat is distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share. As with all festivals there are prayers, and also presents.

Saturday 26 November 2011 * Al-Hijira - Islamic New Year (1432 AH)
Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and his followers from Mecca to Medina

Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state. The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why Muslim dates have the suffix A.H. (After Hijra). It's a low-key event in the Muslim world, celebrated less than the two major festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

New Year rituals
There is no specific religious ritual required on this day, but Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for 'New Year Resolutions'. The Qur'an uses the word Hijra to mean moving from a bad place or state of affairs to a good one — and so Muslims may think about how their faith helps them leave behind bad ways of living and achieve a better life. The date marks the beginning of Islam as a community in which spiritual and earthly life were completely integrated. It was a community inspired by God, and totally obedient to God; a group of people bound together by faith. By breaking the link with his own tribe the Prophet demonstrated that tribal and family loyalties were insignificant compared to the bonds of Islam.Lailat al Qadr is a good time to ask for forgiveness. Allah's Apostle said... Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2:34

The date of 27 Ramadan for this day is a traditional date, as the Prophet Muhammad did not mention when the Night of Power would be, although it was suggested it was in the last 10 days of the month.

Because of this, many Muslims will treat the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan as a particularly good time for prayer and reading the Qur'an.

Prayer Timetables 2011

2011-01-01T18:56:00.004Z

Prayer Timetables 2011

The prayer timetables and recommended websites should only be used as a guidance to the times to pray. It is highly recommended that you obtain prayer timetables from your local mosque. Differences in salat times between timetables are due to different locations and the type of methodology used for calculation.

For brothers &; Sisters in London that follow the Hanafi school - East London Mosque has the appropriate ASR times (2 Mithl on their website). If there are any other Hanifi timetables out there please let me know and i'll post them here.

Just a reminder that not all Mosques have updated their timetables on their websites (downloadable/ printable annual timetables) - If downloadable timetables have not changed you can still use previous years timetables as guidance but you must ensure that you adjust the times to reflect British Summer Time (GMT+1) which begins at 01:00 on Sunday 27 March 2011 and ends at 01:00 on Sunday 30 October 2011. Source: direct.gov.uk

I will post updated timetables as soon as they become available in-shaa-Allah.

London

London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Download 2011: Click Here! PDF
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Download whole of 2011 in monthly installments: Click Here! HTML
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/
Note: If the above links don't work: Click Here! for same timetables

Limehouse Mosque & Bangladeshi Cultural Centre (Stock Place, Westferry, E14 8AE)
Prayer Times: Click Here!

Masjid &; Madrasah al-Tawhid (Leyton, E15 2BP)
Download whole of 2011 in monthly installments: Click Here! HTML
Website: http://www.masjidtawhid.org/

Qur'ani Murkuz Trust (South Woodford, E18 1ED)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here!
Website: http://www.qmtrust.org/

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Prayer Times: Click Here! PDF
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

AbuBakar Masjid (Southall - Middx, UB1 1LS)
Prayer Times: November 2011 PDF
Website: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk/

Hounslow Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre (367 Wellington Rd, TW4 5HU)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.hounslowmasjid.co.uk/

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here!
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Other mosques in Hackney: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/localmosque.html

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/

Rest of UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (164 Spital, AB24 3JD)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre (Belfast, BT9 6DN)
Prayer Times: Click Here! PDF
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Prayer Times - Click Here! (HTML & PDF)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/

Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here!
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.taiyabahislamiccentre.org.uk/

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque (Mawson Road, CB1 2DZ)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Visit Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.edmosque.com/ / http://www.edmosquelibrary.com/

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Download whole of 2011: Click Here! HTML
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Prayer Times in Monthly installments - Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Prayer Times shown fortnightly - Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Prayer Times shown fortnightly - Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/

Gloucester - Masjid e Noor (GL1 4LY)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjidenoor.org.uk/

Ipswich Mosque (32-36 Bond Street, IP4 1JB)
(also known as Ipswich & Suffolk Bangladeshi Muslim Community Centre and Mosque)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.ipswichmosque.org/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Prayer Times 2011: Click Here!
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (in PDF)
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (in PDF)
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

For other Leicester timetables: Click here!

Liverpool - Al Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street, L8 2TJ)
Prayer times: Website under reconstruction
Website: http://www.alrahma-mosque.com/

Maidenhead Mosque (SL6 8AW)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.maidenheadmosque.org/

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Prayer Times: Awaiting details
Website: http://www.shahjalalmosque.org/
Facebook Page

Manchester - Makki Masjid (Beresford Road, M13 OTA)
Prayer times: Click Here! (warning large file size 38.3 MB)
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Streetm MK2 2LY)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/

Other mosques in Milton Keynes: http://www.mkmuslims.org/index.php?p=1_24

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
Prayer Times: Awaiting timtable. Timetable on website as not been updated since March 2011
Website: http://www.oldhammuslimcentre.com/

Newcastle Central (Bilal) Mosque (NE4 6SU)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.newcastlecentralmosque.org.uk/

Nuneaton - Nuneaton Masjid (CV11 5RB)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.nmsuk.org/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
Prayer times: See weblink below
Website: http://www.readingmosque.com/

Reading Islamic Centre (South Street RG1 4QU)
Prayer Times: See weblink below
Website: http://www.readingislamiccentre.com/

Sheffield Islamic Centre - Madina Masjid Trust (Wolseley Rd, Sheffield, S8 OZU)
Prayer times: Awaiting timtable.
Website: http://www.madinamasjid.org.uk/

Stoke On Trent - Markaz At-Tawheed (Rectory Road, ST1 4PW)
Prayer Times: see weblink below
Website: http://www.markaztawheed.co.uk/

Swansea Mosque
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.swanseamosque.org/

Woking: The Shah Jahan Mosque (149 Oriental Road, Woking GU22 7BA)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (note this is a Perpetual prayer timetable so please take into consideration British Summer Time)
Website: http://www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk/

Wolverhampton Mosque Trust (197 Waterloo Road, WV1 4RA)
Prayer Times: Novemver 2011, December 2011 (PDF)
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid.com/

Note: I don't have any more printable timetables - it is advisable to avoide some of the common online prayer calculators as they can be prone to errors. It is possible to obtain timetables calculated for you by experienced people. The people behind moonsighting.com provide such timetables. You may wish to contact them BUT read their methodology first.

If you would like me to add a prayer timetable from your local mosque please email me a link or post a comment with the link below.

Hajj 2010 - The Journey of a Lifetime in Pictures

2010-12-08T00:09:00.001Z

Some beautiful images of Hajj 2010 - published in Arab News Online.

Clink on the link to see them all : http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article188297.ece

When you open the link go to the bottom right hand corner of the picture to view the next image. If the image does not have the arrow to view the next image then simply click either side of the numbers to view the next/ previous image.

Also check out the following galleries for equally great pictures....

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/11/hajj_2010.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/gallery/2010/nov/12/mecca-islam#/?picture=368628764&index=0

Eid Mubarak!

2010-11-16T00:39:00.000Z

PRAYER FOR PEACE

Taken from Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, MUIS

Oh Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful, grant us peace and Iman, safety and Islam, and guidance to perform all that you please.

Oh Allah, the Generous, the Gracious, grant all goodness to Muslims, and all blessings to the faithful, and all mercies to mankind.

Oh Allah, guide this Ummah to do the best, bless this Ummah to be loving and compassionate, help this Ummah to spread good and peace to all mankind.

Oh Allah, remove all conflicts and hatred that is happening. Grant peace and restore human dignity in this world. Safe this earth from destruction due to human ignorance, grant our country and the entire world with safety, peace, calmness, tranquillity, progress and development.

Oh Allah, may this day of ours be better than yesterday. May our tomorrow be better than today. Please grant us positive outcomes in all our endeavours. Save us from disappointment both in this world and in the hereafter.

Oh Allah, the Gentle, the Sustainer, may peace and calmness prevail in this world. Guide mankind to uphold justice and equality. Protect our young from misguidance. Give us the strength to spread your true message. Strengthen us to be a blessing to all mankind - Ameen.

I would like to wish Muslims all over the world happiness, prosperity and all things good; now and forever

Eid Mubarak everyone!

Mohammed is top boys' names in England

2010-10-29T00:06:00.004+01:00

Taken from Daily Express, By Sarah O'Grady,
Thursday October 28,2010

MOHAMMED is now the most popular given name for newborn boys in England and Wales

The Muslim name – which means “one who is praiseworthy” in the Islamic religion – outnumbered traditional names like Jack and Harry for the first time last year.

The name, when 12 different spellings were included, was given to 7,549 youngsters in 2009, official statistics reveal.

Oliver was the second most popular and it was given to 7,364 boys in England and Wales. Jack – which had been the top name for baby boys for the previous 14 years – was third, Harry fourth and Alfie in fifth place.

Because official figures did not take into account the variations in the spelling of Mohammed, Oliver was officially named as the most popular boys’ name by the Office of National Statistics.

The official list put Mohammed in only 16th place. But when the other 11 different spellings of the same name are taken into account it is the most popular.

Mohammed was given to 3,300 boys, while Muhammad was given to 2,162 youngsters. There are in fact 14 recognised variations of the spelling – although only 12 of them were given to newborn British boys last year.

The most popular Muslim girls name is Aisha – and was given to 541 girls last year ranking it 101 on the list, up from 110 in 2006.

While Oliver was beaten to first place by Mohammed, in the girls list Olivia came out on top. Ruby, Chloe, Emily and Sophie made up the top five in the list of girls’ names in 2009.

Murtaza Shibli, of the Muslim Council of Britain, said he was not surprised Mohammed had become the most popular boys’ name.

He said: “Parents choose it because of their love of the prophet Mohammed and they believe the name will bring happiness and abundance. Also, there’s a belief they will follow the good example of the prophet.”

More generally, the trend of the past 10 years of the popularity of names common around the start of the 20th century like Evie and Lily continues.

And there were also 16 newborn Kings in 2009, three King Davids, 68 Princes, eight Dukes, 11 Earls, four Barons and four Lords. Amongst the girls, there were 12 Queenies, seven Queens, 109 Princesses and five Ladys.

Mothers of newborn and slightly older babies are urged by the ONS to include their babies’ details in the 2011 Census, taking place in March.

“Babies often go unrecorded in the census as new mothers sometimes don’t realise they need to enter the details of even the very newest member of the household,” ONS spokesman William Mach said yesterday.

“There is a strong link between filling in the census and the authorities being able to plan and provide public services in years to come – for example, in setting numbers of school places.”

What is Halloween and where did it come?

2010-10-20T07:42:00.000+01:00

What is Halloween and where did it come from?
Taken from www.alhudapk.com

Halloween today is defined by children going house to house on the night of October 31st, dressed up in a variety of costumes collecting treats.

Although Halloween may seem like a time for children to have fun carving pumpkins and collecting candy, not many know the origins of this ‘festival’ and its traditions that date back centuries.

The origins of Halloween date back to the time of the Celtics or ‘Celts’. They were a group occupying the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Northern France about 2,000 years ago. This group celebrated their new year on November 1st. This day marked the end of the summer and was reflected upon as a time of darkness and cold as winter approached. The Celtics associated this dark time of year with death.

On October 31st (the Celtic new year’s eve) they celebrated a festival called Samhain. This celebration was supported by the belief that the ghosts of the dead roamed the earth. Priests (‘Druids’) were believed to be able to communicate with these ghostly spirits and tell the future by doing so; by telling the ‘future’ many were given hope for the long, dark winter ahead. The Priests built large fires on this night and the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities/gods. During the festival they wore animal heads and skins as costumes.

Customs
Dressing up in costumes: This was done so that the ‘spirits of the dead’ would not recognize people. It was also done by people imitating supernatural beings that were believed to roam the earth at that time.

Trick-or-treating: The Priests/Druids would go from house to house on October 31st and demand specific types of food (to offer to the spirits in order to calm them). If their demands were not met, it was believed the people and their homes would be cursed with trouble, sickness, and death. Prosperity was promised to those who generously donated (hence the phrase, ‘trick or treat’, implying a demand for treats or else a certain consequence would have to be given).

Jack-o'-lantern: This started off as a legend associated with a man of Irish origin named Jack who supposedly enjoyed playing pranks on the Devil. The legend states that after his death, Jack did not go to Heaven or Hell and therefore, had to wander the earth carrying a lantern, providing him with some light to see where he was going. Pumpkins that were hollowed out and had candles lit inside were representative of this legend. They were also supposed to scare evil spirits away (this is why odd looking faces are carved on the pumpkins).

Bats & Black cats: These animals were believed to communicate with the dead. It is also believed black cats were able to house the souls of witches.

How Halloween came into Christianity
By the 800s A.D., the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st as All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas, (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be known as All-hallows Eve or Holly Eve (because it was the eve of a holy celebration the next day) and eventually, Halloween.

Quick Fact: The word Halloween does not appear in the bible at all. Jeremiah 10:02 clearly warns: “Do not follow the ways of other heathens (pagans)”.

Halloween Today
Each year people spend billions of dollars on candy and costumes at this time of year. A survey conducted by BIGresearch found that an estimated $3.29 billion was spent on this holiday in 2005. In a world stricken with poverty and malnutrition in many underprivileged countries, this amount seems rather Ridiculous to be spent on candy and costumes.

Quick Facts: In 2003, the major pumpkin producing states in America produced an estimated 805 million pounds, valued at $81 million.

United Nations World Food Program
- more than 800 million people go to bed without food everyday
- one child dies every five seconds in the world form hunger and other related causes

Many devil worshippers and occult groups now ritualistically recognize Halloween as the Devil’s Day. Over 60% of costumes are sold to adults who become outrageous exhibitionists.

The Islamic Perspective
“We have sent them the truth, but they indeed practice falsehood” (Quran 23:10)

“You must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, andevery innovation is misleading.” (Bukhari).

In order to save one self from falling into and following the practices of a society, one must have firm knowledge of the teachings and rulings of ones own religion and belief system. Clearly all that deviates from the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) and leads to wrong practices is contrary to the beliefs of Islam.

Halloween is a celebration that rejoices in all things magical and evil. In the Quran Allah says of magic that it only harms and brings no benefit (Surah Al-Baqarah, V.102).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The final hour will not come until my followers copy the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit” (Bukhari).

“Whoever imitates a nation is one of them” (Abu Dawud).

Islam propagates the idea of conscious living, and upon the advent of Islam, it served to cleanse ignorant and superstitious practices. Muslims have been ordered to work for a purposeful, beneficial cause for mankind. Indulging in prehistoric and ignorant practices can only lead to frittering away ones life and thus making one an ultimate loser in the Hereafter.

References:
http://www.agday.org/tc/tc-funfacts.html
http://islam.about.com/library/weekly/aa103098.htm
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/misc/halloween_an_islamic_perspective.htm

What we can do tonight when the children come for candy?
This is an extract of letter response to the above article sent to alhudapk.com

Alhamdulillah, my children never went trick or treating on halloween ever, instead we always tried to educate ourselves and others about this event. We tried different strategies every year.

Couple of times I gathered my children and invited their friends to share the reality of Halloween on that evening that helped them stay away from the influence of this event.

Alhamdulillah, children responded very well and they were shocked as well as disgusted when they found out the reality behind this tradition. They were so exited that they even wanted to tell all this information to the children that were coming to the door for candy.

About the candy giving issue we tried different strategies as well. One year we just went to the Masjid during that time and came home after it was over. One year my children made different signs and put them on the entrance door facing outside. They had different messages like “sorry! No candy, your dentist will be mad! Etc.

Last year we tried a different approach as we are always apprehensive and skeptical whether to give candy or not because generally it is not a good manner to let someone go empty handed when they come to your door for whatever reason. So along side the candy we gave books. The book was “An illustrated guide to understanding Islam”, which we have been distributing in our community for some time now, Alhamdulillah. Tonight, Insha Allah we plan to give the book “One Message” along side the candy. Alhamdulillah, I believe this is a blessing from Allah SWT because the people are already coming to our door so we can do dawah work instead of letting this opportunity slip by or just get mad at them.

We are fortunate in this way that we have a facility here which provides us with books for dawah in large quantity, Alhamdulillah. People can look for similar options in their areas, e.g. masaajid, Islamic libraries or dawah centers to provide them with materials or just print out something good and relevant to the occasion from the internet if possible.

I hope that we can all learn and practice our beautiful Deen the way we are supposed to and help others do the same. I hope and pray that this can be beneficial for others as well. Any ideas or comments to improve our ways further will be greatly appreciated.

Makkah imam urges measures to protect environment

2010-10-15T08:30:00.001+01:00

Taken from ARAB NEWS, Published: Sep 24, 2010 23:30
By P.K. Abdul Ghafour

JEDDAH: The imam of the grand mosque in Makkah on Friday made a strong appeal to governments and peoples to exert all-out effort to protect environment and make the life on earth safer.

“Nobody should ignore the health of people and safety of other living creatures in order to amass wealth,” said Sheikh Saleh Bin-Humaid while giving his Juma sermon to the thousands of faithful thronged the mosque.

The imam urged governments to prevent activities damaging environment: “The plans of governments should be aimed at ensuring people’s happiness, health and safety rather than making money or profit.”

People should not cause environment problems on the earth as it would endanger the life of humanity, the imam said, denouncing the move to spread diseases in targeted countries during wars.

He said people should have faith in God and the Day of Judgment in order to regulate their activities and make them responsible citizens. Closer relations with God makes people truthful and healthy.

Bin-Humaid stressed the responsibility of humans, being the representatives of God on the earth, in engaging in constructive activities, without causing problems for them or environment.
He said God has created the whole universe in a balanced manner and it is man’s duty to keep that balance.

“All creatures on the earth have a role to play on the earth in accordance with the God’s plan,” he said.

The imam said the material resources in the earth should be exploited in a proper manner without affecting its balance. Man’s move to tamper with global balance has been causing dangerous problems including environment pollution.

“The result of this corruption would have its dangerous consequences on men and other animals,” he said.

He denounced the move by some traders to market harmful products in attractive boxes and bottles. He also warned against destruction of rivers and forests and excessive hunting of animals and birds as well as against carbon-emissions from motor vehicles and massive use of insecticides and detergents.

He denounced the move by some traders to market harmful products in attractive boxes and bottles. He also warned against destruction of rivers and forests and excessive hunting of animals and birds as well as against carbon-emissions from motor vehicles and massive use of insecticides and detergents.

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Further Reading: Islam and the planet

Hajj pilgrims to ride first Makkah metro

2010-10-11T08:21:00.005+01:00

Taken from emirates247.com
By Nadim Kawach, Sunday, October 10, 2010

Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims will ride a new railway metro transport system for the first time when they converge on the Saudi holy city of Makkah next month, according to the local media.

The Gulf Kingdom, where millions of Muslims from around the world gather every year for their annual haj (pilgrimage) season, has just completed the first stage of a train that will eventually transport nearly two million people.

Officials said around 170,000 pilgrims would be able to use the Chinese-built metro during this haj season, which is expected to start in mid November.

“The train will have a capacity to transport around 170,000 pilgrims this year, mostly from Saudi Arabia and nearby Gulf countries,” said Prince Mansour bin Mutab bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The Prince was speaking on Tuesday following a 10-minute test trip by the train through Makkah, Islam’s holiest shrine. His trip was apparently intended to refute claims by some Saudis that it was not up to international standards.

Pic Source: ArabNews

Pic Source: emirates247

Pic Source: SaudiPressAgency

The remarks by Saudi businessmen, citizens and newspapers about the train’s risks followed reports that one of its cars fell off the rails during a trial drive in the holy city last week without causing any casualties.

Prince Mansour said his ministry has set up a committee to study transport fees for passengers using the train that will transport pilgrims through Makka’s holy sites during the four-day Haj season.

Saudi Arabia has allocated nearly SR6.7 billion (Dh6.6 billion) for Makkah’s first train project, which will eventually have the capacity to transport around two million Muslim pilgrims when it is completed within two years.

Newspapers said the train would launch services this year for the first time in Makkah’s history, adding that it would largely contribute to easing road congestions caused by the accumulation of thousands of cars near Makkah.

“The train will have the capacity to transport 500,000 pilgrims when the second phase is completed next year and two million when the third and last phase is finished in 2012…its total cost will be around SR6.7 billion,” said Jamil Al Qirshi, Director of the Saudi Haj (pilgrimage) commission in Makkah.

Dubbed the “Holy Rituals Train”, the project is part of a costly programme by Saudi Arabia to tackle massive traffic congestions in and around the city and facilitate access to all sacred sites in Makkah.

The train project, initiated three years ago, followed a series of incidents that have killed thousands of pilgrims in stampedes, building collapses and other accidents during the few days of the Haj season.

More than two million Muslims from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Co-operation Council countries and other nations descend on Makkah every year to perform Haj.

China Railway Construction Corp, part of a Saudi-French-Chinese consortium which won the contract, is carrying out the project, involving nearly 5,000 workers. The train is the Gulf’s second metro system after the Dubai Metro.

"The train project is part of ongoing efforts under the directives of His Majesty the Monarch to alleviate the suffering of the pilgrims and facilitate their holy mission. Several projects have been implemented in this respect and more would be carried out in the future," Alriyadh newspaper said.

The government has spent more than SR20 billion on development projects in Makkah over the past few years following an increase in accidents and criticism over lack of proper services for pilgrims.

The projects involved the construction of buildings on top of a surrounding hill, expansion of the area on top of the holy Mount Arafat, development of the sewage and fire-fighting systems, upgrading health and transportation services and a SR4.2 billion expansion of the space and roads leading to where Muslims perform Ramyi Aljamarat (stoning of the devil), the scene of some deadly accidents over the past few years.

------------------------------------------

It must be noted that the service will officially be open to all pilgrims next year inshallah. This Hajj it is speculated that the service will be trialed by Pilgrims from Saudi and other Gulf countries only.

Hajj in 1953

2010-10-10T14:44:00.004+01:00

Snaps taken during Hajj in 1953
Taken from al-hajjumrahtours.co.uk

Please click on the images to make them bigger. More picture are avalable on the link above.

Pilgrims arriving by air

Pilgrims arriving for Hajj by sea

The Borders of Haram

Salaat at the holy Kaba

View of Mina

Pilgrims cooking in Mina

Stoning of Jamarat

Tawaaf around Holy Kabbah

Pilgrims choosing animals for sacrifice

Head shaving of pilgrim

Short History of Hajj

2010-10-08T08:20:00.000+01:00

Short History of Hajj
Taken from Islamicity.com

Hajj literally means 'to set out for a place'. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet lbrahim [Abraham] and he was the one who was entrusted by Allah to build the Kaba - the House of Allah - along with his son Ismail [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allah described the Kaba and its building as follows:

"And remember when We showed Ibrahim the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.]."[Surah Al-Hajj 22:26]

After building the Kaba, Prophet Ibrahim would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Kaba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Kaba.

During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Kaba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Kaba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbiah [1] was distorted by them with the following additions: 'No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses'.

Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Kaba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Kaba, in the belief that Allah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.

Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendor of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.

Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Prophet Ibrahim. The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim to be answered:

"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the 'Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise]."[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]

Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn 'Abdullaah (PBUH) was born in the very city that Prophet Ibrahim had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years,

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] - the same message that Prophet Ibrahim and all the other Prophets came with - and established the law of Allah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Kaba which once again became the universal center for the worshippers of the one True God.

Not only did the Prophet rid the Kaba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allah's Permission, in the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Specific injunctions in the Quran were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allah's statement:

"There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj."[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen's achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allah told them:

"And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance."[Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]

Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done during the time of Prophet Ibrahim but Allah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:

"So mention the name of Allah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks."[Surah al-Hajj 22:36]

As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Kaba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allah clearly informed them that:

"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him."[Surah al-Hajj 22:37]

The Prophet (PBUH) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Kaba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allah's question:

"Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allah which He has produced for His Slaves?"[Surah al-A'raaf 7:32]

Another custom which was prohibited through the Quran was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allah) would travel to perform Hajj begging for food through the whole journey. They considered this form of behavior a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allah. However Allah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:

"And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety)."[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based on ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reach the Kaba, they no longer find the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there is the remembrance of Allah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (PBUH) said: "The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise."

May Allah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) . Aameen.

-----------------------------------
Footnotes
1 Labbaik Allahumma labbaik... (Here I am present, O' God, I am present...) This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are traveling for pilgrimage.
Source: Invitation to Islam, Issue 1, May 1997

HAJJ - A Brief Introduction

2010-10-03T18:55:00.000+01:00

HAJJ
Taken from Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington DC, USA

Labayk Allahuma Labayk
Labayk. La shareeka laka Labayk.
Innal hamda wannimata laka wal mulk
La shareeka Lak

Here I am at your service, oh Lord, here I am - here I am. No partner do you have. Here I am. Truly, the praise and the favor are yours, and the dominion. No partner do you have.

These are the words chanted by some two million people from across Saudi Arabia and throughout the world heading, as if pulled by a magnet, to one single spot on Earth. As has happened every year for 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims gather in Makkah to perform rituals based on those conducted by the Prophet Muhammad during his last visit to the city.

Performing these rituals, known as the Hajj, is the fifth pillar of Islam and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity. Undertaking the Hajj at least once is a duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah. The emphasis on financial ability is meant to ensure that a Muslim takes care of his family first. The requirement that a Muslim be healthy and physically capable of undertaking the pilgrimage is intended to exempt those who cannot endure the rigors of extended travel.

The pilgrimage is the religious high point of a Muslim's life and an event that every Muslim dreams of undertaking. Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time of the year; Hajj, however, is performed during a five-day period from the ninth through the thirteenth of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Muslim lunar calendar.

In the past, and as late as the early decades of this century, few people were able to "make their way" to Makkah for the pilgrimage. This was because of the hardships encountered, the length of time the journey took and the expense associated with it. Pilgrims coming from the far corners of the Islamic world sometimes dedicated a year or more to the journey, and many perished during it due in part to the lack of facilities on the routes to Makkah and also in the city itself

The circumstances of the Hajj began to improve during the time of King Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Saud, the founder of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Major programs were introduced to ensure the security and safety of the pilgrims, as well as their well-being and comfort. Steps were also taken to establish facilities and services aimed at improving housing, health care, sanitation and transportation.

Today, though the rituals at the holy sites in and near Makkah have remained unchanged from the time of the Prophet, the setting for the pilgrimage and the facilities available to the pilgrims are a far cry from those that existed at any time in history. Hardship was once expected and endured as part of the pilgrimage, and Muslims who embarked on this undertaking traditionally assigned a relative or trusted member of the community as the executor of their wills in case they did not return from the journey.

Muslims today undertake the pilgrimage in ease, receive a warm welcome on their arrival in Saudi Arabia, and are provided with the most modern facilities and efficient services possible. Without the distractions that their forebears had to contend with, today's pilgrims are free to focus solely on the spiritual aspect of the Hajj.

Preparing to welcome the Guests of God
"It is truly amazing," said Rajeeb Razul, a journalist from the Philippines, as he stood on the roof of the Ministry of Information building near the Nimera Mosque in Arafat watching a column of pilgrims that stretched to Mina almost eight miles in the distance make their way past the mosque toward the Mount of Mercy. "To organize a gathering of humans this large, for housing them, for feeding them and for meeting their every need year after year must be a monumental task," he observed.

Saudi Arabia considers serving the guests of God an honor, and dedicates vast manpower and financial resources to the proper conduct of the pilgrimage. Over the past four decades, it has spent billions of dollars to expand the Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, as well as establishing modern airports, seaports, roads, lodging, and other amenities and services for the pilgrims.

The establishment of these facilities by itself does not ensure a successful Hajj. To do so, the Kingdom has put into place a vast organization supervised by the Supreme Hajj Committee, which reports to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, who traditionally is in Makkah during the pilgrimage. The committee seeks to coordinate the activities of various government ministries and agencies and prevent redundancy. Each of these organizations assumes responsibility for projects in its sphere of expertise. For example, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance issues special booklets on the rites of the Hajj in many languages for distribution among the pilgrims. The Ministry of Health oversees medical services while the Ministry of Information hosts journalists and members of the media from other countries to cover the pilgrimage, while at the same time arranging for live transmissions of the rituals by satellite throughout the world.

Planning for each year's pilgrimage generally starts at the conclusion of the previous one and involves evaluating various programs and, if necessary, introducing steps to improve any service that is deemed below par. Once plans for the next Hajj are approved, they are sent to the appropriate government agency, which immediately sets out to implement them. The progress of these plans is reviewed by the committee throughout the year and, once in place, the project is inspected several weeks before the pilgrimage starts.

A vast brotherhood
Performing the Hajj is the spiritual apex of a Muslim's life, one that provides a clear understanding of his relationship with God and his place on Earth. It imparts in a Muslim not only the assurance that he has performed the fifth pillar of Islam by following in the footsteps of the Prophet, but also the realization that he is part of an ummah (nation) that is more than one billion strong and spreads across the globe.

This feeling is brought home upon the pilgrim's arrival in the Kingdom. Most pilgrims arrive by air, and as their planes taxi toward the impressive Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, they pass jetliners with familiar names, but also ones that bear exotic markings such as "Southern China Airlines" and "Daghestan Airlines" and others from every part of the world.

While waiting to be processed through the arrival hall, the pilgrim begins to shed his identity as he stands amidst a sea of people in Ihram, the two seamless pieces of white cotton that men wear and the simple, generally white, attire that women wear. Here no one can tell a person's social or economic status, or his national origin based on the clothes he wears. Suddenly the pilgrim is simply, and above all else, a Muslim, and the realization slowly sets in that he is now focusing more than ever on other people's faces rather than their clothes. These faces represent almost every race or nationality on Earth. As energetic young Saudis move the pilgrims rapidly through customs, he notices Arabs, Indians, Bosnians, Chinese, Spaniards, Africans, Laotians, French, Americans and many others.

Contact with people from such diverse races and nationalities over the days and weeks spent in the Kingdom engenders in the pilgrims a sense of understanding of and trust in total strangers simply because they are performing the Hajj together.

Arriving in Makkah
Before heading toward Makkah, the pilgrims are already dressed in Ihram or may change at Miqat, where special facilities are set up for this purpose. By donning the Ihram, the pilgrim enters a state of spirituality and purity.

On the way from Jeddah to Makkah along the modern superhighway, pilgrims board one of the fleet of 15,000 buses assigned to the Hajj. This vast concourse of vehicles approaches Mina, some four miles to the northwest of Makkah, where most of the pilgrims are housed in the thousands of air-conditioned tents that stretch to the limits of Mina Valley.

Walking through this vast city that has been established for use for only a few days a year, the pilgrim is struck by the orderliness of the place. Food is prepared in hundreds of kitchens spread throughout Mina and distributed among the tents. Thousands of drinking fountains and wash areas are located throughout the tent city. There are hundreds of medical clinics that supplement the hospitals in Makkah and Arafat. Security personnel and traffic police guide and help pilgrims. Despite the clear signs and numbered rows, some pilgrims, particularly the elderly, tend to get lost and need assistance finding their tents or groups. Banks of telephones are located in all the pilgrimage sites, allowing pilgrims to make direct international calls.

The rites of pilgrimage
After sunrise on the ninth of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hajjah, this vast crowd of nearly two million begins to walk some eight miles to the Plain of Arafat, passing Muzdalifah on the way. Many perform the noon and afternoon prayers at the Nimerah Mosque, a tradition set by the Prophet.

Approaching Arafat by midmorning, the pilgrim is amazed to find the vast plain covered by what appears to be a thick fog, even though the temperature hovers around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This optical illusion is created by thousands of sprinklers placed atop 30-foot poles and spaced some 50 feet apart, which spread a fine mist of water to provide coolness. Millions of containers of chilled water are distributed from refrigerated trucks located along the pilgrim route.

Despite these precautions, the wail of sirens is ever present as hundreds of ambulances pick up pilgrims suffering from heat exhaustion and transport them to special clinics for treatment. The more serious cases are evacuated by helicopter to hospitals.

Pilgrims are required to spend the day in the plain, performing what is called the Standing at Arafat. Here they also visit the Mount of Mercy and ask for God's forgiveness for any sins committed and for blessings. Facilities have also been set up here to feed the pilgrims and meet any requirement they may have.

After the sun has set this river of humanity retraces its steps back toward Makkah, but stops at Muzdalifah until the brightness of day appears on the eastern horizon. Here the pilgrims collect seven pebbles and carry them to Mina. As they arrive in the valley, they trek along a two-level pedestrian walkway some 100-yards wide toward the three stone pillars called the Jamarat, which are meant to represent Satan. The pilgrims are required to cast the pebbles they have collected at the Stone Pillar of Aqabah while praising God, in a symbolic rejection of Satan. As the pilgrims approach along the walkway, they join those already at the pillar and, after hurling their pebbles circle toward the exit ramp in the direction of Makkah. Signs in various major languages direct the crowds along the route.

The pilgrims then walk some four miles along pedestrian walkways to reach Makkah, where they perform the tawaf, circling the Ka'abah in the Holy Mosque seven times counter clockwise. They then perform sa'ay, the running between Safa and Marwa in an enclosed, air-conditioned structure. Male pilgrims are then required to shave their heads, although cutting a lock of hair is acceptable for both men and women. At this point the pilgrims sacrifice an animal, donating its meat to the needy. Each year, over 600,000 animals are sacrificed, in modern abattoirs that complete the processing of the meat over the three days of the Eid. Distribution of this sacrificial meat goes to those in need in some 30 countries.

The rites of the pilgrimage are now completed. Pilgrims come out of Ihram and wear their normal clothes, but remain at Mina for the Eid Al-Adha, the festival that signals the culmination of the Hajj. Over the next two days, they stone the three pillars in the Jamarat, before performing the Tawaf Al-Wida', the Farewell Circumambulation of the Ka'abah before their departure from the city.

While not required as part of the Hajj, most pilgrims visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah during their visit to the Kingdom.

A spiritual Journey
Throughout the Hajj, the largest annual gathering of people on Earth, the pilgrimage is marked by a total absence of any disagreements or altercations among the pilgrims. Courtesy and helping others are the norm. Peace, serenity and piety pervade the entire pilgrimage and the pilgrims.

At the conclusion of the Hajj, the pilgrim has a profound feeling of having gone through a life-transforming spiritual experience. He comes away with pride in having successfully performed a ritual dedicated to God and in belonging to a huge family of people that shares the same religious beliefs. And he has acquired a sense of humility, inner calm, brotherhood and strength that lasts a lifetime.

List of Approved Hajj Agents 2010

2010-09-18T09:00:00.008+01:00

List of approved UK pilgrim services agents (for Hajj)

For the last month (18 August to 18 September 2010) I have been looking at the the list of approved UK Hajj Travel agents issued by the Ministry of Hajj (MoJ) in Saudi Arabia (The results can be found below).

The official list of Hajj Agents (that are categorised by All Countries) can be found here: http://www.hajinformation.com/hajj_agents.php

I had taken the list provided by the Ministry of Hajj and using my research skills obtained further information to help UK pilgrims decide which Travel agent to choose (the data is by no means 100% accurate). I have split the agents into its regional areas. If any data is found to be inaccurate please let me know and I will change it immediately.

(1) I have checked to see if these travel Agents have ATOL. It must be stated that not all of the companes listed by the MoH are ATOL registered. ATOL is a protection scheme for air holidays and flights managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All tour operators and travel firms selling air holiday packages and flights in the UK as a principal are required by law to hold a licence called an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL). For More info Click Here!

If an ATOL tour operator fails, the ATOL scheme ensures customers contracted with the ATOL holder for an air package or a flight, do not lose the money paid over or are not stranded abroad. e.g. After the collapse of Luton-based tour operator Go4 Hajj a couple of years ago, pilgrims were refunded £270,000 from the firm's ATOL protection.

Unfortunately there have been many scams played by criminals operating as Hajj agents (whom my family & I have been a victim) and an ATOL registered company is one way of eliminating these vermins (may Allah (SWT) forgive them and show them the right path).

To check if a company is ATOL registered Click Here! If it doesn't have an ATOL then don't book it at ALL!

(2) A reputable travel agent should be part of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) or Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). Before you pay, make sure you have a copy the itinerary in writing and always read the terms and conditions. You should also make sure you receive a full receipt and ATOL confirmation invoice.

If the travel arrangements, accommodation or other service during the pilgrimage fall short of what was paid for, complaints can be made with a view to obtaining a refund under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour (Amendment) Regulation 1998.

I searched the names and office & registered office postcodes of companies within the ABTA members list to determineand if the Travel Agenst listed by MoH were ABTA members. To double check ABTA members please Click Here!

(3) Some Travel agents are IATA accrediated. IATA is an international airline association. Airline agents accredited to IATA are also able to issue tickets. IATA agents can be checked Here! BUT you will need to have their (the Travel Agents) number to validate if they are IATA accrediated. Checking IATA status is not as important as checking ATOL. Due to time constraints I have only briefly checked the websites of agents to see if they are IATA accrediated.

(4) Another way to check for a Travel Agents status is to check how long they have been in operation. Most companies are registered in the UK as Limited companies and you should be able to check their names in the Companies House database. To check Click Here! This will tell you if they are still trading or how long the company has been set up. If they are not registered then you will have to ask yourself if they are a proper trading company. I have listed all the companies that are trading below. Offical company registered address will be the same as their office adrress unless stated.

(5) Ask the Travel Agent if they are the muazzam card holder. This is basically the company which will be providing you with the Hajj visa. If so, ask to see it.

Choosing a Hajj Agents

These are all good indicators in choosing a travel agent – but these indicators does not necessarily mean that they will guarantee you a good experience whilst in the Holy lands – that is why it is best to use reputable agents that other pilgrims have recommended.

There are many criterias you will need to consider before choosing a travel agent.

Items such as the dates of flights, food (if it will be provided), accommodation (will you be sharing rooms with others), proximity to the sacred mosques, languages spoken, group leaders (how involved they will be), Quarbani etc etc.

For more info please read the following links...
(1) http://www.salaam.co.uk/travel/hajj-umrah/travel-issues4.php
(2) http://www.ummah.com/forum/showthread.php?180018-Choosing-an-Umra-or-Haj-Agent
(3) http://www.abhuk.com/events.htm#event6

For those who have intentions of doing Hajj this year – may Allah (SWT) make your intentions come true and protect you throughout your journey and back – Ameen

Here are the list of Approved Hajj Agents 2010 and their contact deatils.

GREATER LONDON

AL-KAWTHER
Address: 408 North Circular Road, Wembley, London, NW10 7PN
Mobile: 00 44 (0)7904 284 945 (taken from MoH website)
Telephone: 020 8998 8966
Fax: 020 8998 8335
ATOL: This company is not registered with ATOL
IATA: The Company does not have a website hence unable to conduct further research.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 05195243, Date of Incorporation: 02/08/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2009 (DORMANT)

AN Travel Ltd
Address: 208A - 210 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ
Telephone: 020 7426 0113 (taken from MoH website) / 020 7247 6256 (taken from CAA website)
Fax: 020 7426 0429
Email: info@an-travel.com
Web Sites: www.an2travel.com / www.an-travel.com
ATOL Number: 6484
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: Their website states that the Company is a member of ABTA – BUT having checked the ABTA website it states that the company is no longer a Member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 05116120, Date of Incorporation: 29/04/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

AFTA Tours Ltd
Address: 85 Coldharbour Lane, HAYES, Middlesex, UB3 3EF
Telephone: 020 8813 6002
Mobile: 07775 601 333
Fax: 020 8813 6455
E-mail: hajj@aftatours.com / info@aftatours.com
Web Sites: www.aftatours.com
ATOL Number: 5713
IATA: 91266302, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA Number: L5467 & Y1186
UK Company Registration No. 04119964, Date of Incorporation: 05/12/2000, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2008 (FULL)

Ahmed Tours & Travels Ltd
Address: 162 Sebert Road, LONDON, E7 0NN
Leyton Office: 275 High Road, Leyton, London E10 5QN
Telephone: 020 8532 8855 / 020 7078 7399 (taken from website)
Mob: 07931 784 928
Email: sale@ahmedtours.com
Web Sites: www.ahmedtours.com
ATOL Number: 9775
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 04787287, Date of Incorporation: 04/06/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Al-Qibla Travels Ltd
Unit 1, 61 Princelet Street, LONDON, E1 5LT
Telephone: 020 7247 2272
Fax: 020 7422 7537
Email: info@alqibla.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.alqibla.co.uk
ATOL Number: 10115
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 05189825, Date of Incorporation: 26/07/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/07/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Imam Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation
(Shia organisation)
Stone Hall, Chevening Road, London, NW6 6TN
Telephone: 020 7372 4049, 020 7244 8112 (taken form MoH website)
Fax: 020 7372 0694
Email: snk@alkhoei.org / yousif@alkhoei.org
Website: http://www.al-khoei.org
ATOL Number: This Company does not hold an ATOL licence.
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether if it was IATA accredited
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered Charity Number: 802000
UK Company Registration No. 05588247, Date of Incorporation: 10/10/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)
Registered address: AL-KHOEI LIMITED, 386C NEASDEN LANE NORTH, LONDON, NW10 0BT

Al-Muntada Al-Islami Trust
Address: 7 Bridges Place, Parsons Green, London, SW6 4HW
Telephone: 020 7471 8282, 0207 471 8280
Fax 0207 471 8281
Email travel@almuntadatrust.org
http://www.almuntadatrust.org/travel
ATOL Number: 4778
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether if it was IATA accredited
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No: This organisation is not registered as a limited company but as a charity regulated by the UK charities Commission.
Registered Charity Number: 293355

Albrek International Ltd
Address: 99 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, LONDON, W12 8NL
Telephone: 020 8749 3877
Fax: 020 8749 5149
Mobile: (UK) 07930 402 295
Mobile (KSA): +9665 6677 9096
Email: info@albrektravels.com
Web Sites: http://www.albrektravels.com
ATOL Number: 9969
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 04958046, Date of Incorporation: 10/11/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Al Ehsan Trust for Hajj & Umrah
ATOL registered under Company Name: Online Holidays (UK) Ltd
Address for Al Ehsan Trust: 71-Sheaveshill Avenue, LONDON, NW9 6SA
Telephone: 020 8201 3057, 020 8205 2042 Mobile: 07776 143 923
Fax: 020 8201 3057
Email: dralbatat@hotmail.com
Web Sites: www.alehsan.com

Address for Online Holidays (UK) Ltd: 2 Alpine House, Honeypot Lane, LONDON, NW9 9RX
Telephone: 0871 666 1347 / 0207 099 6259
Fax: 0871 6661349
Web Sites: www.flightstores.com / www.dubaiholidays.com
ATOL Number: 9805
IATA: The Company (Online Holidays (UK) Ltd) has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
AL-EHSAN TRUST LIMITED: UK Company Registration No. 04344544, Date of Incorporation: 21/12/2001, Status: Active Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
ONLINE HOLIDAYS (UK) LIMITED: UK Company Registration No. 06247875, Date of Incorporation: 15/05/2007, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Al-Kabir Travels & Tours Ltd
Address: 47 New Road, London, E1 1HE
Telephone: 020 7377 9955
Mobile: (Mustafa Kabir Ahmad) 07956 651 212
Mobile: (Md Rahin Ahmad) 07763 122 360
Fax: 023 9275 3266
Email: alkabirtravel@yahoo.com
Websites: http://www.alkabirtravels.com
ATOL Number: This Company has an ATOL logo on it’s website BUT does not hold an ATOL licence.
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 06635098, Date of Incorporation: 01/07/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/07/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Almakay International Ltd
Address: 186 Holland Park Avenue, LONDON, W11 4UJ
Telephone: 020 7354 4189
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9927
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 06678080, Date of Incorporation: 20/08/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Datafine Ltd
Trading Names: Albahisht Hajj & Umrah Tours
Address: 14 Rigg Aproach, Leyton, London, E10 7QN
Telephone: 020 8518 7188
Mobile: 07989 400 720
Fax: 020 8518 7188
Email: albahisht@yahoo.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.albahisht.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6315
IATA: The Company does not mention of having IATA accreditation on its website
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registeration No. 04558147, Date of Incorporation: 09/10/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 09/10/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
Registered address: DATAFINE LTD, 49 GROVE ROAD, WALTHAMSTOW, LONDON, E17 9BL

Dome Tours International Ltd
Other Trading Names: Dome Tours, Go Traviva & Traviva
Address: 363 - 365 Harrow Road, LONDON, W9 3NA
Telephone: 0845 130 6132, 020 8962 6644 (taken from MoH website)
Fax: 020 8968 6934
Web Sites: www.dometours.com / www.gotraviva.com
ATOL Number: 6163
IATA: The Company mentions that it has IATA accreditation on its website
ABTA Number: L4924 & Y1364
UK Company Registration No. 04533133, Date of Incorporation: 12/09/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/09/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Easyhajj Ltd
Address: 62 Bell Street, LONDON, NW1 6SP
Telephone: 0207 7244040
Mobile: 07798 915 615 (taken from MoH website)
Other Mobiles: MOHAMMAD AGHA: 07889 173 973, 07951 761 786
Web Sites: http://www.easyhajj.com
ATOL Number: 6233
IATA: 91266302, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA Number: L5467 & Y1186
UK Company Registration No. 04779031, Date of Incorporation: 28/05/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

El Sawy Travel Ltd
Address: 149 Park Road, London, NW8 7HT
Telephone: 0207 586 7979
Mobile: 07711 746 100
Fax: 020 7586 5747
Email: info@elsawy.com / elsawytravel@btinternet.com
Web Sites: http://www.elsawy.com
ATOL Number: 3520
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA Number: J6254 & W5819
UK Company Registration No. 02917117, Date of Incorporation: 08/04/1994, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

ET Hajj & Umrah Tours Ltd (Elkadi Tours Ltd)
Address: 102 Star Street, LONDON, W2 1QF
Telephone: 020 7402 7338, 020 7724 7223 (provided by MoH)
Web Sites: http://www.et4hajj.com
ATOL Number: 9905
IATA: The website did not mention if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 05114554, Date of Incorporation: 28/04/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/04/2009 (DORMANT)

ELKADI TOURS LIMITED, FIRST FLOOR, 220 EDGWAR ROAD, LONDON, W2 1BH
UK Company Registration No. 04227463, Date of Incorporation: 01/06/2001, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (DORMANT)

Elkadi Trading International Group, Mekkah House, First floor, 220 Edgware Road, London W2 1DH
Telephone: 0870 24 06 249, Fax: 020 7724 2594, E-mail: info@elkaditours.com
36 GORST ROAD, LONDON, NW10 6LE, TEL: 0044 (0)20 8838 6510 FAX: 0044 (0)20 8691 5963
E MAIL: info@elkaditours.com, Old website: http://www.umrahtohajj.com
(NO ATOL LICENCE, NO IATA LOGO ON WEBSITE)

Flight Express Travel Ltd
Address: 19 Blackstock Road, London, N4 2JF
Telephone: 020 7354 8484
Mobile: (Mohammed) 07974 920 396
Fax: 0207 354 2277
Email: webmail@flightexpress.co.uk / Mohammed@FlightExpress.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.flightexpress.co.uk / http://www.flightexpress.org
ATOL Number: 4573
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 05568464, Date of Incorporation: 20/09/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

G A Travel Centre (also known as Great Air Travel Centre)
ATOL registered under Company Name: Arjumand M
Address: 47 Mile End Road, London, E1 4TT
Telephone: 020 7790 9003
Fax: 020 7791 1670
Email: sales@gatravelcentre.co.uk / gatravel@hotmail.com
Web Sites: www.gatravelcentre.co.uk
ATOL Number: 3667
IATA: 91266932, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered Address: G A TRAVEL CENTRE LIMITED, 24 OSBORN STREET,(FIRST FLOOR)
LONDON, E1 6TD
UK Company Registration No. 06662792, Date of Incorporation: 04/08/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Haj & Umra Travel Ltd
Other Trading Names: Middle East Explorers
Address: 308 Elgin Avenue, London, W9 1JU
Telephone: 020 7286 1111 - Contact: Ali Jafari-Fini
Email: info@haj.co.uk / ali@haj.co.uk
Web Sites: www.haj.co.uk / www.ziyarah.co.uk
ATOL Number: 3449
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 02862591, Date of Incorporation: 14/10/1993, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2008 (FULL)

Hasan Hajj Tours London Ltd
Address: 69 Harold Road, LONDON, E11 4QX
Telephone: 020 8558 6552
Mobile: 07949 860 787 / 07940 447 766
Fax: 020 8925 3872
Email: info@hasanhajj.com
Web Sites: www.hasanhajj.com
ATOL Number: 10064
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered Address: HASAN HAJJ TOURS LONDON LTD, 20 NEW ROAD, LONDON, E1 2AX
UK Company Registration No. 04979082, Date of Incorporation: 28/11/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

Hijaz Travel Ltd
Address: 86 Albert Road, Ilford-Essex, IG1 1HW
Telephone: 020 8514 1816
Mobile: Strictly only in Emergency: 07947991904
Fax: 020 8911 8588
Email: sales@hijaztravel.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.hijaztravel.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6530
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 05073306, Date of Incorporation: 15/03/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Holy Makkah Tours Ltd
Other Trading Names: M B Travels
Address: 34 Green Street, Forest Gate, London, E7 8BZ
Telephone: 020 8552 4666
Fax: 020 8552 1118
Email: info@holymakkah.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.holymakkah.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6721
IATA: 91252615, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered Address: HOLY MAKKAH TOURS LIMITED, MOHSIN & CO 24 OSBORN STREET, FIRST FLOOR, LONDON, E1 6TD
UK Company Registration No. 05022262, Date of Incorporation: 21/01/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/04/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
Previous Names: HOLLY MAKKAH TOURS LIMITED (changed on 12/07/2005)

Hujjaj Ridwanulah (London) Ltd
Address: 887 Old Kent Road, LONDON, SE15 1NL
Telephone: 0044 (0)20 7277 7008 (as provided by MoH)
Telephone: 020 8651 5647 (taken from ATOL and website)
Mobile: 07956 264 550
Email: enquiries@hujjajridwanulah.org
Web Sites: http://hujjajridwanulah.org
ATOL Number: 9933
IATA: The Company does not mention of having IATA accreditation on its website
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Ministry of Hajj Authorised: License No. 5939
UK Company Registration No. 05351045, Date of Incorporation: 03/02/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 28/02/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Note: The telephone number provided by MoH belongs to a company called Herald Finance Ltd of the same address. This was headed by Abiola Agbalaya (possibly related to the people running the Travel Company). This company was shut down by the Financial Services Authority in 2009.
More info: http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Communication/PR/2009/052.shtml

Labbaik Ltd
Address: 80 Ben Jonson Road, LONDON, E1 3NN
Telephone: 020 7791 2779
Fax: 020 7790 4735
Email: info@labbaik.co.uk
Web Sites: http://labbaik.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6854
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 05178657, Date of Incorporation: 13/07/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
Previous Name: AL-BASEERA LIMITED (changed on 29/07/2004)

London Islamic Culture and Recreation Society
Address: 272 Highbury New Park, London, N5 2LH
Contact: MR UFUK SECGIN
Telephone: 020 7759 3949 (Provided by ATOL)
Telephone: 020 7359 0494 (provided by Charity commission)
Email: secretary_licars@yahoo.co.uk
Web Sites: None
Related website: http://www.icmg-education.com/
ATOL Number: 10162
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Note: This is a registered UK charity and is not a Limited company. It is regulated by the UK Charites Commission. Charity number: 1057815.
Date of registration: 30 Aug 1996

London Council for Hajj & Umrah
ATOL registered under Company Name: Swati A, Swati N
Address: 83 Broad Lane, London, N15 4DW
Telephone: 020 8880 3366
Mobile: 07956 556 219
Fax: 020 8880 3380
E-mail: londoncouncil@btconnect.com
Web Sites: http://www.londoncouncil.net
ATOL Number: 5171
IATA: 91279075, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA

Note: Could not find the company in the Companies House database – therefore it’s probable that it’s not a limited company. Also could not find it as a registered charity on the Charity Commission website.

NR Ltd
Other Trading Names: Al-Safa, Madina Travels
Address: Unit 3, 86 Brick Lane, LONDON, E1 6RL
Telephone: 020 3246 0020 (provided by MoH)
Telephone: 020 8555 5526 (provided by ATOL)
Web Sites: None
Facebook: http://ca-es.facebook.com/pages/London-United-Kingdom/Madina-Travels/70482151701?filter=2
ATOL Number: 10108
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Company Registration No. 04422542, Date of Incorporation: 23/04/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 09/06/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

Nabil Hajj and Umrah Services Limited
Address: Suite 243, Linen Hall, 162 Regent Street, LONDON, W1B 5TG
Telephone: 0207 7349590
Mobile: 07828146772 any time (for ex-customer only)
Fax: 020 77349925
Email: info@nabiltours.com
Web Sites: http://www.nabil-hajjandumrah.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6988
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
UK Registered Address: NABIL HAJJ & UMRAH SERVICES LIMITED, 37 NORMANTON PARK, LONDON, E4 6HE. UK Company Registration No. 05319552, Date of Incorporation: 22/12/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

Ojee Travel & Tours
Company Name registered at ATOL: Oomerjee, M.
Address: 20 Chepstow Crescent, ILFORD, Essex, IG3 8JJ
Telephone: 0208 590 4411
Mobile: 07956 587 470
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9038
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA
Note: I was not able to find this company on the Companies House website. This could be a sole trader or Partnership company.

Onecall Travels Ltd
Address: 131 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1DT
Mobile: 07956 473 095 (provided by MoH)
Telephone: 020 7377 9385
Contact: Monirul Sardar
Fax: 020 7247 1670
Email: info@onecalltravels.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.onecalltravels.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6342
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 04960861, Date of Incorporation: 12/11/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Note: This Company seems to be somehow associated with a company called Flight Concept, who has the same telephone number. FLIGHT CONCEPT LTD: UK Company Registration No. 06266262, Date of Incorporation: 01/06/2007, Status: Active. Tel: 020 7375 0055, Fax: 020 7375 0575, Email: info@flightconcept.co.uk
ATOL: 3550. It states that they are fully bonded with IATA, ABTA and PATA. But From the ABTA website it was not registered as being a member. BUT a company called Skylord Travel Plc of the same address is a member. ABTA Number: G0553 & W0675

Sky View Travels Ltd
Address: 1-2 Station Bridge, Woodgrange Road, London, E7 8BA
Telephone: 020 8555 2522
Fax: 020 8534 3778
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9077
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 04039020, Date of Incorporation: 24/07/2000, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/07/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)
Previous Names: COSTSAVER 2000 LTD (changed on 26/02/2009)

Sylhet House Travel Centre Ltd
HQ Address: 6 Hessel Street, London, E1 2LP
Telephone: 020 7702 4337,
Fax: 020 7702 3923
Email: support@sylhethouse.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.sylhethouse.co.uk
Branch: 66 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RL, Telephone: 020 7650 8763, Fax: 020 7650 8758
ATOL Number: 6739
IATA: This Company has IATA accredited logo on the website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Registered Address: SYLHET HOUSE TRAVEL CENTRE LTD, MOHSIN & CO
CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS, 24 OSBORN STREET (FIRST FLOOR), LONDON
E1 6TD, UK Company No. 04596791, Date of Incorporation: 21/11/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Taqwa For Haj Ltd
Address: 15 Sonia Gardens, LONDON, NW10 1AG
Telephone: 020 8452 5052
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9971
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 06709822, Date of Incorporation: 29/09/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/09/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Ten to Six Travel Service Limited
Address: 14 Cavell Street, London, E1 2HP
Note: Ministry of Hajj provided a Saudi Arabian Telephone number: +966561658066
Telephone: 020 7790 2244 (taken from ATOL)
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 76992
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 05212867, Date of Incorporation: 24/08/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

The European Hajj Mission Ltd
Address: 22 Estreham Road, LONDON, SW16 5PQ
Telephone: 0845 330 6012
Email: info@eurohajjmission.org
Web Sites: http://www.eurohajjmission.org
ATOL Number: 9897
IATA: This Company website does not mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 06281391, Date of Incorporation: 15/06/2007, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2008 (DORMANT)
Previous Name: EUROPEAN HAJJ MISSION (TRAVEL) LTD (changed on 16/07/2008)

Travelway Ltd
Address: Suite 16, Alperton House, Bridgewater Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 1EH
Telephone: 020 8900 2772
Email: info@travelwayltd.com
Web Sites: www.travelwayltd.com
ATOL Number: 5964
IATA: 91278364 – Checked and confirmed as registered.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
UK Company Registration No. 04512846, Date of Incorporation: 16/08/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

UK HAJJ & UMRAH SERIVICES LTD
Address: 2-10 Court Street Whitechapel, London E1 1DG
Postal Address: 54, Dunbar Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 9NQ
Telephone: 020 7377 6726
Fax: 020 7247 6028
Email: unitedtourism@hotmail.com / u_k_umra@hotmail.com
Websites: http://www.ukhajjandumrah.com
Note: Watch this You Tube Clips:
http://www.youtube.com/user/al1f1n1
http://www.youtube.com/user/VEDOOK
Registered address: HAJJ AND UMRAH SERVICES LIMITED, 220C BLYTHE ROAD, HAMMERSMITH, LONDON, W14 0HH
UK Company Registration No. 06750969, Date of Incorporation: 17/11/2008
Status: Dissolved 04/05/2010 – THIS MEANS THAT THIS COMPANY NO LONGER EXISTS TRADING AS A LIMITED COMPANY.
Last Accounts Made Up To: (NO ACCOUNTS FILED)
Previous Name: HAJJ AND UMRAH TRAVEL LIMITED (changed on 28/08/2009)

Also note that on the website http://www.ukhajjandumrah.com (that had the details for Hajj & Umraj Services Ltd) has it being belonging to a company called United Tourism Limited. This company according to its website is ATOL registered (ATOL Number: 6377) and IATA Accredited. Having checked the ATOL website I can confirm that they are NOT ATOL registered.
Name & Registered Office: UNITED TOURISM LTD, MOHSIN & CO, CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS, 24 OSBORN STREET, FIRST FLOOR, LONDON, E1 6TD
UK Company Registration No. 04727200, Date of Incorporation: 08/04/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/04/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

SOUTH EAST (excluding London)

F & I Hajj & Umra Tours Ltd
Address: 12 The Crescent, SLOUGH, SL1 2LQ
Telephone: 01753 538641
Fax: 01753575454
Mobile(s): 07855 371 917, 07595 939 255
Email: hajjnumra@yahoo.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.al-hajjumrahtours.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9959
IATA: The Company does not mention of having IATA accreditation on its website
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04956013, Date of Incorporation: 06/11/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Haj Tours UK Limited
Address: Stoneham House, 17, Scarbrook Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1SQ
Telephone: 020 8406 4397
Other Telephones: 0845 313 2964 / 020 8406 7254
Mobile: 07947 638898
Fax: 020 8406 7255, 020 8405 2363
Email Addresses: mariam@dreamticket.com / nazma@dreamticket.com
Web Sites: http://www.hajtours.net / http://www.dreamticket.com
HAJ TOURS UK LIMTED, Company Registration No. 06612911, Date of Incorporation: 05/06/2008, Status: Active. Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (DORMANT)

Note: This Company is associated with Selsdon Travel Ltd of the same address and contact details. According to ATOL: Selsdon Travels also trades as Dreamticket.com, Decadent Journeys and expressflight According to ABTA: Holiday Master (ABTA Number: L7458) is also another associated business.

Selsdon Travel Ltd: ATOL Number: 3994: IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further. ABTA Number: K6025 & W9190
SELSDON TRAVEL LIMITED, Company Registration No. 02802216, Date of Incorporation: 22/03/1993, Status: Active. Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2008 (FULL)
Previous Names: HASMAIN LIMITED (changed on 19/01/1994)

Kaleem Hajj & Umra Services Limited
Address: 19 Glanmor Road, SLOUGH, SL2 5LH
Telephone: 017 5352 0006
Mobile: 07957 216 334
Fax: 017 5352 2242
Email: info@kaleemtravels.co.uk / kaleem19@hotmail.co.uk
Websites: http://www.kaleemhajj.com
ATOL Number: 10254
IATA: The Company mentions of being IATA accredited on its website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05287956, Date of Incorporation: 16/11/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2009 (DORMANT)

EAST OF ENGLAND

AFF Travel Net
Company Name: Ahmed U, Haque N, Hussain A
Address: 2 Waldeck Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 1HG
Telephone: 015 8241 1404
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 5589
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered address: AFF TRAVEL NET LTD, 20 LANGLEY ROAD, SLOUGH, BERKSHIRE, UK, SL3 7AB. Company Registration No. 06565693, Date of Incorporation: 15/04/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/04/2009 (DORMANT)

Luton Travel Service
ATOL registered under Company Name: Ashraf M
Address: 182 Dunstable Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8JJ
Telephone: 01582451746 (number provided by MoH)
Telephone: 015 8273 8272 (number provided by ATOL)
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 84335
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Note: This is not a Ltd registered company (could not find it on the companes house website) – mabe it’s a sole trader or a partnership or registered in a different name.

Sky High Travel Ltd
Address: 50 Denbigh Road, LUTON, LU3 1NR
Contact: Haji Muhammad Ikram
Telephone: 015 8249 2384
U.K. Mobile: 07749-130473 / 07973-184676
Saudi Arabia Mobile: 00966-55787-0562
Email: skyhajj@gmail.com
Web Sites: http://www.skyhajj.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9903
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 05982387, Date of Incorporation: 30/10/2006, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Yousaf Religious Tours Ltd
Also Trades as YR Tours
Address: 166 Selbourne Road, LUTON, LU4 8LT
Contact: Al-Haj Mohammad Yousaf Chishti
Tel: 01582 583 103 / 01582 848 335
Mobile: 07951 540 839
Email: info@yrtours.co.uk
Web Sites: www.yrtours.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9906
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 05048510, Date of Incorporation: 18/02/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 28/02/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

EAST MIDLANDS

Al-Shafqat Hajj Ltd
Address: 241 Mere Road, LEICESTER, LE5 5GS
Telephone: 011 6254 3480
Fax: 011 6254 3481
Email: alshafqat@hotmail.com
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 6548
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04618027, Date of Incorporation: 16/12/2002, Status: Active Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Interair Hajj & Umrah Ltd
Also known as Interair Travel
Address: 47 Baggrave Street, Leicester, LE5 3QW
Telephone: 011 6253 2755
Mobile: 07802 944 600
Fax: 011 6253 2756
Email: interair@hotmail.com
ATOL Number: This Company does not hold an ATOL licence.
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04938167, Date of Incorporation: 20/10/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Lala Abdul Malik Khadam-Al-Hajjaj Ltd
Address: 12 Woolmer Road, NOTTINGHAM, NG2 2FB
Telephone & Fax: 01159 865 007
Mobile: 07792 526 418
Email: khadam-al-hajjaj@hotmail.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.khadam-al-hajjaj.com
ATOL Number: 9893
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether they were a member of IATA
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 06633059, Date of Incorporation: 30/06/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (DORMANT)

Moti Tours & Tourism Ltd
Address: Office 6, 27 Copdale Road, LEICESTER, LE5 4FG
Mobile: 07913 780 790 (number provided by MoH)
Telephone: 011 6273 3476 (taken from website)
Fax: 011 6266 4043
Web Sites: http://www.motitours.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9915
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05428438, Date of Incorporation: 19/04/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/04/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

WEST MIDLANDS

Al-Hashmi Hajj & Ummrah Tours Limited
Address: 40 Trinity Road, BIRMINGHAM, B6 6AL
Telephone: 00 44 (0)12 1356 8955 (taken from MoH website)
Telephone: 012 1243 1114 (taken from ATOL)
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9899
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04946720, Date of Incorporation: 29/10/2003, Status: ActiveLast Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2009 (DORMANT)

Al-Hidaayah Travel Ltd
Address: 436 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 0UG
Telephone: 00 44 (0)12 1753 1889 (taken from MoH website)
Telephone: 0845 456 0845, 00 44 (taken from website)
Fax: 012 1753 2422
Email: admin@al-hidaayah.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.al-hidaayah.travel
ATOL Number: This Company does not hold an ATOL licence.
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether they were a member of IATA
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05701597, Date of Incorporation: 07/02/2006, Status: ActiveLast Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Al-Arafah Hajj Services Ltd
Address: 54 Philip Victor Road, BIRMINGHAM, B20 2QD
Telephone: 012 1240 6425
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9889
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04766935, Date of Incorporation: 16/05/2003, Status: Active Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

Educational Hajj & Umrah Ltd
Address: 119 Pershore Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7NX
Telephone: 0845 602 7764 (taken from MoH website)
Telephone: 0121 440 5721 (taken from website)
Mobile: 07831 314207
Fax: 0121 440 5982
Email: info@hajjumrahuk.com
Web Sites: www.hajjumrahuk.com
ATOL Number: 9565
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05712441, Date of Incorporation: 16/02/2006, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

London Prestige Ltd
Also known as London Prestige Travel
Address: 249 Stoney Stanton Road, COVENTRY, CV1 4FR
Telephone: 024 7676 3011
Mobile: 07747 394 788 (Abu Noorah)
Mobile: 07876 470 575 (Siraj Memi)
Mobile: 07747 383 737 (Kamran Khan)
For contacts in Bradford, Peterborough, Cardiff & Glasgow please check their website.
Fax: 02476 763012
Email: infolondon-prestige.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.london-prestige.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9877
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04781226, Date of Incorporation: 30/05/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Pak Travels Ltd
Address: 530 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, West Midlands, B10 0UN
Telephone: 012 1426 1838 (provided by MoH)
Telephone: 012 1772 0542 (taken from website)
Fax: 012 1766 7358
Email: info@paktravels.com
Web Sites: http://www.paktravels.com
ATOL Number: 73636
IATA: This Company has IATA accredited logo on the website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 02005047, Date of Incorporation: 01/04/1986, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (SMALL)
Previous Names: PARK TRAVELS (UK) LIMITED (changed on 18/04/1986)

Qibla Hajj & Umra UK Ltd
Address: 50 Parkfield Road, Alum Rock, BIRMINGHAM, B8 3AU
Contact: Hajji Javid Iqbal
Telephone: 0121 327 9248
Mobile: 0781 329 4163
Email: enquiries@qiblahajjandumra.com
Web Sites: http://www.qiblahajjandumra.com
ATOL Number: 9890
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 05569880, Date of Incorporation: 21/09/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/09/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Shariff Enterprises Ltd
Address: 2 Hollowfields Close, South Crest, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 7NR
Telephone: 015 2754 3366
Mobile: 07860 466 392
Email: ak@shariffenterprises.fsnet.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.shariffenterprises.com
ATOL Number: 5651
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registered No. 04716350, Date of Incorporation: 31/03/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

To Haram Ltd
Address: 138 Norton Crescent, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, B9 5TZ
Telephone: 012 1784 1626
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9875
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Registered Office: TO HARAM LIMITED, 240 LADYPOOL ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, B12 8JT
Company No. 05080114, Date of Incorporation: 22/03/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Umrah & Hajj Specialist Ltd
Address: 495A Coventry Road, Small Heath, BIRMINGHAM, B10 0JS
Telephone: 012 1771 3616 (provided by MoH)
Telephone: 012 1766 5255 (provided on website)
Mobile: 07825 001 255
Fax: 0121 771 0603
Email: umrah@marhabatours.co.uk
Web Sites: www.marhabatours.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9880
IATA: This Company website does not have mention of being IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 04921379, Date of Incorporation: 03/10/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Zam Zam Travels Ltd
Address: 524 Coventry Road, Small Heath, BIRMINGHAM, B10 0UN
Telephone: 012 1773 5101 / 0845 347 2783
Telephone: 0121 243 1114 (provided ATOL)
Mobile: 07737 404 648
Fax: 012 1274 0081
E-mail: info@zamzamtravels.org.uk
Web Sites: http://www.zamzamtravels.org.uk / http://www.hajjtour.net / http://www.hajjandumrahtouroperators.com
ATOL Number: 9798
IATA: This Company has IATA accredited logo on the website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 05257204, Date of Incorporation: 12/10/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER

Al-Noor Travels & Tours Ltd
Address: 66 Killinghall Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 8HN
Telephone: 012 7466 9995
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9766
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05068041, Date of Incorporation: 09/03/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

AR Travel & Tours
ATOL registered under Company Name: Ramzan, R
Address: 1 St Stephens Terrace, Bradford, Yorkshire, BD5 7BY
Telephone: 012 7439 4071
Fax: 012 7477 3588
Email: info@artravels.com
Web Sites: http://www.artravel.co.uk
ATOL Number: 6754
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether they were a member of IATA
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04665856, Date of Incorporation: 13/02/2003, Status: Active Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/12/2008 (DORMANT)

Al-Mustafa Raza Hajj & Umrah Tours Ltd
Other Trading Names: Raza Tours & Raza Travel
Address: 19 Jesmond Avenue, BRADFORD, W Yorkshire, BD9 5DJ
Telephone: 012 7449 4996
Mobile: (Maulana Muhammad Hanif Raza Naqshbandi) 07833 630 560
Saudi Mobile: 0501 358832
Fax: 012 7422 5029
Email: mhraza786@hotmail.com
Web Sites: http://www.raza-tours.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9956
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether if it was IATA accredited
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 06683892, Date of Incorporation: 29/08/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2009 (DORMANT)

Barket Travel & Tours
ATOL registered under Company Name: Ellam G Y M
Address: 42 Wharf Street, Saville Town, DEWSBURY, W Yorkshire, WF12 9AU
Telephone: 00 44 (0)19 2452 1000 (taken from MoH website)
Telephone: 019 2445 6601 (taken from website)
Fax: 019 2445 1533
Email: info@barkettravel.co.uk
Web Sites: http://www.barket.co.uk
ATOL Number: 5131
IATA: Company website states that it is IATA accredited but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Note: This organisation is not registered as a limited company. Possibly a sole trader or Partnership etc.

Bradford Hajj & Umrah Services Ltd
Address: 1 St Stephen's Terrace, West Bowling, BRADFORD, BD5 7BY
Mobile: 00 44 (0)77 3868 7788 (taken from MoH website)
Telephone: 012 7430 2890 (taken from Saudi Embassy in Lonodn website)
ATOL Number: This Company does not hold an ATOL licence.
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05265596, Date of Incorporation: 20/10/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (DORMANT)

Bradford Travel Centre Ltd
Address: 66 Lumb Lane, Bradford, Yorkshire, BD8 7QZ
Telephone: 012 7473 3178, 012 7473 3168 (taken from MoH website)
Fax: 01274 308039
Web Sites: www.bradfordtravelcentre.co.uk
ATOL Number: 5269
IATA: The Company states that it was the first PIA agent to have IATA accreditation. Neither the IATA Logo nor the number is displayed on the website to investigate further.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered address: BRADFORD TRAVEL CENTRE LIMITED, ABRAHAM ACCOUNTANTS, SHER HOUSE 46 HOUGHTON PLACE, BRADFORD, WEST YORKSHIRE, BD1 3RG
Company Registration No. 04257294, Date of Incorporation: 23/07/2001, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Note: Please note the following: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/6564841.stm

Crown Travel (UK) Ltd
Address (Yorkshire branch): 103 Carlisle Road, BRADFORD, West Yorkshire, BD8 8BY
Telephone: 012 7454 4400
Fax: 0044 1274 5 444 22
Email: info@crowntravelukltd.com / jawad@crowntravelukltd.com
Web Sites: http://www.crowntravelukltd.com / www.crown-travel.co.uk (under construction)

Address (London Branch): 12 Electric Parade, Seven Kings Road, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex, IG3 8BY. Telephone: 020 8599 1032, Mobile: 07958 529 293, Email: shaikh@crowntravelukltd.com

ATOL Number: 6575
IATA: 91276091, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04227532, Date of Incorporation: 01/06/2001, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

HS Travel & Tours Ltd
Address: 11 Clarence Terrace, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF13 1HX
Telephone: 01924 439 433 / 01924 439 233 / 01924 454 579
Mobile: 07966 228 896 (Hafz Suleman Ukadia)
Mobile: 07971 726 335 (Haji Mohammed Ukadia)
Email: hstravelltd@yahoo.co.uk
Websites: http://www.hstravel-tours.com
ATOL Number: 10065
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether if it was IATA accredited
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04410504, Date of Incorporation: 05/04/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/04/2009 (DORMANT)

Karwan Al Madinah Tour Operators Ltd
Address: 266 Gibbet Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 4LT
Telephone: 014 2236 3599
Mobile: 07802 151 696 / 07595 701 036
Fax: 014 2233 0502
Web Sites: http://www.karwanalmadinah.com
ATOL Number: 9859
IATA: 9128108, Checked and valid on IATA code checker website.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05270333, Date of Incorporation: 26/10/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Labbaik Hajj & Umra Services (UK) Ltd
Address: Labbaik House, 263 Manningham Lane, BRADFORD, W Yorkshire, BD8 7EP
Telephone: 012 7449 5495
Fax: 01274 495 292
Email: info@labbaikhajj.com
Web Sites: http://labbaikhajj.com
ATOL Number: 9822
IATA: The Company mentions that it is IATA accredited on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 06251907, Date of Incorporation: 18/05/2007, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Madni Hajj & Umrah Ltd
(Also known as Madni Hajj and Umrah Group Bradford)
Address: 76 Duckworth Lane, BRADFORD, W Yorkshire, BD9 5EZ
Telephone: 01274 492992
Web Sites: www.madnigroup.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9845
IATA: Company website were not accessible and therefore not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 05553910, Date of Incorporation: 05/09/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/09/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Makki & Madani Travel Ltd
Address: 10 Lumb Lane, Bradford, Yorkshire, BD8 7QP
Telephone: 01274 393393
Fax : 01274 393311
Email: rathore786uk@yahoo.com
Web Sites: http://www.makkimadanitravel.com
ATOL Number: 9782
IATA: The Company has an IATA accredited logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04587278, Date of Incorporation: 11/11/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Sada E Madina Hajj & Umrah (UK) Ltd
Also trades as: SM Travel & Tours UK
Address: 38 Thorne Road, Huddersfield, HD1 3JJ
Telephone: 014 8451 3080 / 0845 838 9927
Mobile: Hafiz Munir Ahmed: 07899 962 338
Mobile: Hafiz Mansur-ul Aziz: 07973 199 186
Fax: 014 8435 9764
Email: info@smtravels.co.uk / info@sadaemadina.net
Web Sites: http://www.smtravels.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9719
IATA: This Company has IATA accredited logo on the website but number is not displayed to investigate further.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Registered Office: SADA E MADINA HAJJ & UMRAH (UK) LTD, 306 KEIGHLEY ROAD, BRADFORD, WEST YORKS, BD9 4EY. Company Registration No. 05953925, Date of Incorporation: 03/10/2006, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/10/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Sheikh Liaqat Hajj & Umrah Ltd
Address: 3 Alexandra Street, Bradford, BD7 1RS
Telephone: 012 7473 2139
Mobile: 07956 443 038
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9768
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Registered Address: SHEIKH LIAQAT HAJJ AND UMRAH LIMITED, ABRAHAM CHARTERED CERTIFIED, ACCOUNTANTS 46 HOUGHTON PLACE, BRADFORD, BD1 3RG
Company Registration No. 05381566, Date of Incorporation: 03/03/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
Previous Name: SHEIKH LIAQAT HAJJ & UMRAH TOURS LIMITED (changed on 08/04/2005)

Sky Fly Connections Ltd
Also Trades as Sky Fly
Address: First Floor, Airlines House, 66 Lumb Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7QZ
Telephone: 01274 733 168
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 6717
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Registered address: SKY FLY CONNECTIONS LTD, SHER HOUSE, 46 HOUGHTON PLACE
BRADFORD, WEST YORKSHIRE, BD1 3RG. Company No. 04383850, Date of Incorporation: 28/02/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
Previous Names: HAJ UMRA (UK) LTD (changed on 12/07/2002)

Sovereign Travel (Bradford) Ltd
Address: 55 St Paul's Rd, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7LP
Telephone: 01274 499356
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 6852
IATA: This Company does not have a website and hence was not able to confirm if it is IATA accredited.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 05406345, Date of Incorporation: 29/03/2005, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

NORTH WEST

Al-Haramain Hajj & Umrah Tours Ltd
Address: 97 Whalley Range, BLACKBURN, BB1 6EE
Telephone: 012 5429 0101
Mobile: 07831 443 013
Fax: 012 5429 0102
Email: info@haramaintours.com
Web Sites: http://www.haramaintours.com
ATOL Number: 9886
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether if it was IATA accredited
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04958233, Date of Incorporation: 10/11/2003, Status: Active Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/01/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Al Khalid Tours
ATOL registered under Company Name: yourtravelshop.com Ltd
Address: 409 Derby Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL3 6LT
Telephone: 01204 854 130, 0870 755 0786 (Bolton office), 020 8554 7070 (London)
Fax: 0870 755 0717
Email: info@yourtravelshop.com
Web Sites: http://www.yourtravelshop.com
ATOL Number: 6483
IATA: The Company has IATA logo on its website but number is not displayed.
ABTA Number: K9004 & W9985
Registered address: AL KHALID TOURS LIMITED, ABBEY & CO ASSOCIATES 1ST FLOOR UNITY HOUSE, FLETCHER STREET, BOLTON, BL3 6NE Company Registration No. 06699839, Date of Incorporation: 17/09/2008, Status: Active Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2010 (DORMANT)

YOURTRAVELSHOP.COM LIMITED, 409 DERBY STREET, BOLTON, GREATER MANCHESTER, BL3 6LT
Company Registration No. 05093393, Date of Incorporation: 05/04/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Arif Hajj & Umrah Services Limited
Address: Punjab House, 7a Victoria Avenue, Brierfield, NELSON, Lancs, BB9 5RH
Telephone: 01282 721733
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9901
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Registered address: ARIF HAJJ & UMRAH SERVICES LIMITED, 28 DEVONSHIRE STREET, KEIGHLEY, WEST, YORKSHIRE, BD21 2AU. Company Registration No. 06363854, Date of Incorporation: 07/09/2007, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/09/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Ehsan Enterprises Ltd
Address: 23 Wellington Street, St Johns, BLACKBURN, BB1 8AF
Telephone: 01254 264 077
Mobile: 07739 799 949
Fax: 012 5426 4077
Web Sites: http://www.etravelandtours.co.uk
ATOL Number: 9898
IATA: I was not able to identify from the company website whether if it was IATA accredited
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 03427113, Date of Incorporation: 01/09/1997, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/09/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Hashim Travel Ltd
Address: 36 Audley Range, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 1TD
Telephone: 012 5467 5656
Fax: 012 5467 4176
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9873
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTACompany Registration No. 04846694, Date of Incorporation: 28/07/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/07/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

Khaddim-Ul-Hajjaj Ltd
Address: 15 Ruthin Close, BLACKBURN, BB1 8HY
Telephone: 01254 699 618
Contact: Yusuf Hakim
Web Sites: None
ATOL Number: 9910
IATA: Company has no website and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04966930, Date of Incorporation: 17/11/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/11/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

M Zahid Travel Ltd
Address: 41 Victoria Street, BLACKBURN, BB1 6DN
Telephone: 012 546 62222 (Provided by M0H & ABTA)
Telephone: 012 546 63333 (Provided by ATOL)
Fax: 0870 182 6907
Email: info@www.hajj-umrah.net / mzahidtravel@btinternet.com
Web Sites: www.hajj-umrah.net / http://mzahidtravel.com
ATOL Number: 9921
IATA: Company website were not accessible and therefore not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA Number: L5931 & Y167X
Company Registration No. 06625807, Date of Incorporation: 20/06/2008, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION FULL)

Manchester Hajj & Umrah Ltd
Address: 11 Badminton Road, MANCHESTER, M21 0UQ
Telephone: 0161 718 5265
Web Sites: www.hajjpackage.org (under construction)
ATOL Number: 9907
IATA: Company has no website activated and hence was not able to identify if it was IATA accredited.
ABTA: The Company is not a member of ABTA
Company Registration No. 04583711, Date of Incorporation: 06/11/2002, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/03/2010 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Satia Tours Ltd
Address: 45-47 Queens Park Road, BLACKBURN, BB1 1RF
Telephone: 012 5466 3701
Mobiles: 07711 667 876 / 07989 215 920
Fax: 012 5466 3706
Email: enquiries@satiatours.com
Web Sites: www.satiatours.com
ATOL Number: 9846
IATA: 91281002 – Checked and confirmed as registered.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 05124473, Date of Incorporation: 11/05/2004, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/05/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

Usmania Haj Tours Ltd
Also Trades as Usmania Travel
Address: 26 Northleigh Road, MANCHESTER, M16 0EQ
Note: It states on their website: (only for company enquiries, please do not visit this address for tour enquiries) - Therefore not sure if they have a shop front.
Telephone: 0161 860 5824 / 0161 862 0682
Mobile: 07708 730 558
Email: info@umrahtours.co.uk
Web Sites: http://umrahtours.co.uk/ http://www.hajj-umrah.biz
ATOL Number: 10120
IATA: This Company has IATA accredited logo on the website but number is not displayed.
ABTA: This Company is not a member of ABTA.
Company Registration No. 04800557, Date of Incorporation: 16/06/2003, Status: Active
Last Accounts Made Up To: 30/06/2009 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)

MISC

ENGLAND
Telephone: 00 49 221 869 97 99 (provided by MoH)
Note: Not sure why it was put in the UK list by the MoH - as the phone number is based in Germany. Doing some googling I had assocaited the phone number to the following: DITIB - Sosyal Dayanışma Merkezi Social Solidarity Centre
This seems to be a travel agent based in Cologne, Germany. TURK DIYANET ISLERI
Email: cenazefonu@ditib.de , Website: www.cenazefonu.de / http://www.hac-merkez.de/

Useful/ Further information
1. Saudi Ministry of Hajj website, http://www.hajinformation.com/
2. Saudi Embassies and Consulates throughout the World - Click Here!
3. For Saudi Embassy in UK - this is what Copy of Hajj & Umra Visa Form looks like.
4. UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Web: Advice to British Hajjis / (PDF format - 148 KB)
5. Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK - http://www.abhuk.com/index.htm
6. Health Advice to Hajj & Umrah Travellers - London Central Mosque (PDF)

7. Some Hajj advice from me: Click Here!
8. Anyone who has a complaint about travel agents or would like advice on any other consumer issue can get free advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

What After Ramadan?

2010-09-14T21:44:00.001+01:00

Taken from islaam.com
Adapted from "Wa maadha ba`da Ramadaan",
by Dar Al-Watan (120)

AlHamdulillahi wa kafaa, was-Salatu was-salamu `alaa `ibaadihi-lladheena Stafaa

We leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We leave the month of the Qur'an, taqwa, patience, jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire…

Have we fulfilled the requirements of taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the god-fearing?

Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?

Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?

Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.

What Have We Gained From Ramadan?

Ramadan is a school of iman and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year...

For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?

The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall. “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Ar-Ra`d, 11]

If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.

Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it... Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!

This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!

My dear ones,

falling short in one's commitment to Islam after Ramadan is manifested in many ways, including:

Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.
Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.

This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the sign of acceptance of one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness.

These are from signs of one's deeds not being accepted – and Allah's refuge is sought – for one who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.

From signs that one's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in his or her obedience to Allah `azza wa jall. “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7] Increase you in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.

“And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e. death].” [al-Hijr, 99]

The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Sharee`ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she is not of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in one place. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also the Lord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places, so he is steadfast upon the Sharee`ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah ta`ala said, “So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah].” [Hud, 112] And, “So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” [Fussilat, 6] And the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast.” [Muslim]

If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary fasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays and Thursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of `Aashoora and `Arafat, and others.
If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary night prayer throughout the year. “They used to sleep but little of the night.” [Adh-Dhaariyaat, 17]
If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.
Reading of the Qur'an and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan, rather it is for all times.

Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive – O my brother and sister – and beware of laziness. And remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, such as the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.

And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings, food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.

Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. “O Allah, Who turns the hearts, keep our hearts steadfast upon Your Deen.”

I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a better one, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honour and that we truly turn to our Lord… Ameen

Pics: Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations from around the World 2010

2010-09-12T09:49:00.002+01:00

Taken from Daily Mail 11.09.2010

Packed: Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers in front of the Taj Mahal in northern India

Devout: Worshippers in neat rows fill every part of the National Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh

In need of shade: Muslims shield their eyes from the sun at the King Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco

Mountain of prayers: Tens of thousands of Muslims attend the Eid al-Fitr prayers in Dashaping, near Lanzhou city, China's Western Gansu Province

For More Pics:

Awe-inspiring images as millions of Muslims across the world gather together to mark end of Ramadan - Daily Mail, 11/09.2010

The prayer room within the Twin Towers

2010-09-11T11:18:00.002+01:00

There has been a lot of debate about the proposed islamic centre near gound zero as well as the hate pastor of Florida Terry Jones but little has been said of the Muslims that died in the Twin Towers on 9/11 (estimated to be 60) nor about the prayer rooms that existed in the twin towers.

Here is a article taken form The New York Times, Published: September 10, 2010

Muslims and Islam Were Part of Twin Towers’ Life
By SAMUEL G. FREEDMAN

Sometime in 1999, a construction electrician received a new work assignment from his union. The man, Sinclair Hejazi Abdus-Salaam, was told to report to 2 World Trade Center, the southern of the twin towers.

In the union locker room on the 51st floor, Mr. Abdus-Salaam went through a construction worker’s version of due diligence. In the case of an emergency in the building, he asked his foreman and crew, where was he supposed to reassemble? The answer was the corner of Broadway and Vesey.

Over the next few days, noticing some fellow Muslims on the job, Mr. Abdus-Salaam voiced an equally essential question: “So where do you pray at?” And so he learned about the Muslim prayer room on the 17th floor of the south tower.

He went there regularly in the months to come, first doing the ablution known as wudu in a washroom fitted for cleansing hands, face and feet, and then facing toward Mecca to intone the salat prayer.

On any given day, Mr. Abdus-Salaam’s companions in the prayer room might include financial analysts, carpenters, receptionists, secretaries and ironworkers. There were American natives, immigrants who had earned citizenship, visitors conducting international business — the whole Muslim spectrum of nationality and race.

Leaping down the stairs on Sept. 11, 2001, when he had been installing ceiling speakers for a reinsurance company on the 49th floor, Mr. Abdus-Salaam had a brief, panicked thought. He didn’t see any of the Muslims he recognized from the prayer room. Where were they? Had they managed to evacuate?

He staggered out to the gathering place at Broadway and Vesey. From that corner, he watched the south tower collapse, to be followed soon by the north one. Somewhere in the smoking, burning mountain of rubble lay whatever remained of the prayer room, and also of some of the Muslims who had used it.

Given the vitriolic opposition now to the proposal to build a Muslim community center two blocks from ground zero, one might say something else has been destroyed: the realization that Muslim people and the Muslim religion were part of the life of the World Trade Center.

Opponents of the Park51 project say the presence of a Muslim center dishonors the victims of the Islamic extremists who flew two jets into the towers. Yet not only were Muslims peacefully worshiping in the twin towers long before the attacks, but even after the 1993 bombing of one tower by a Muslim radical, Ramzi Yousef, their religious observance generated no opposition
“We weren’t aliens,” Mr. Abdus-Salaam, 60, said in a telephone interview from Florida, where he moved in retirement. “We had a foothold there. You’d walk into the elevator in the morning and say, ‘Salaam aleikum,’ to one construction worker and five more guys in suits would answer, ‘Aleikum salaam.’ ”

One of those men in suits could have been Zafar Sareshwala, a financial executive for the Parsoli Corporation, who went to the prayer room while on business trips from his London office. He was introduced to it, he recently recalled, by a Manhattan investment banker who happened to be Jewish.

“It was so freeing and so calm,” Mr. Sareshwala, 47, said in a phone conversation from Mumbai, where he is now based. “It had the feel of a real mosque. And the best part is that you are in the epicenter of capitalism — New York City, the World Trade Center — and you had this island of spiritualism. I don’t think you could have that combination anywhere in the world.”

How, when and by whom the prayer room was begun remains unclear. Interviews this week with historians and building executives of the trade center came up empty. Many of the Port Authority’s leasing records were destroyed in the towers’ collapse. The imams of several Manhattan mosques whose members sometimes went to the prayer room knew nothing of its origins.

Yet the room’s existence is etched in the memories of participants like Mr. Abdus-Salaam and Mr. Sareshwala. Prof. John L. Esposito of Georgetown University, an expert in Islamic studies, briefly mentions the prayer room in his recent book “The Future of Islam.”

Moreover, the prayer room was not the only example of Muslim religious practice in or near the trade center. About three dozen Muslim staff members of Windows on the World, the restaurant atop the north tower, used a stairwell between the 106th and 107th floors for their daily prayers.

Without enough time to walk to the closest mosque — Masjid Manhattan on Warren Street, about four blocks away — the waiters, chefs, banquet managers and others would lay a tablecloth atop the concrete landing in the stairwell and flatten cardboard boxes from food deliveries to serve as prayer mats.

During Ramadan, the Muslim employees brought their favorite foods from home, and at the end of the daylight fast shared their iftar meal in the restaurant’s employee cafeteria.
“Iftar was my best memory,” said Sekou Siby, 45, a chef originally from the Ivory Coast. “It was really special.”

Such memories have been overtaken, though, by others. Mr. Siby’s cousin and roommate, a chef named Abdoul-Karim Traoré, died at Windows on the World on Sept. 11, as did at least one other Muslim staff member, a banquet server named Shabir Ahmed from Bangladesh.

Fekkak Mamdouh, an immigrant from Morocco who was head waiter, attended a worship service just weeks after the attacks that honored the estimated 60 Muslims who died. Far from being viewed as objectionable, the service was conducted with formal support from city, state and federal authorities, who arranged for buses to transport imams and mourners to Warren Street.

There, within sight of the ruins, they chanted salat al-Ghaib, the funeral prayer when there is not an intact corpse.

“It is a shame, shame, shame,” Mr. Mamdouh, 49, said of the Park51 dispute. “Sometimes I wake up and think, this is not what I came to America for. I came here to build this country together. People are using this issue for their own agenda. It’s designed to keep the hate going.”

Joining Salah in Congression Late (i.e. Jammat)

2010-09-05T11:45:00.006+01:00

The following has been taken form Islam Q&A - Fatwa 49037

Q: How should one who has caught up with the congregation in the last rak’ah of Maghrib complete his prayer?

Suppose we are in Magrib prayer and we joined the salat from the second rakat ie from the Tashahud part., then how shall I complete my prayers. Like I normally stand after the salam complete one rakat sit for Tashahud and then complete the third rakat and complete the Tashahud.

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

If you join the congregation during the first tashahhud of Maghrib prayer, then you should follow the imam in the third rak’ah, and recite the tashahhud, then get up after he says the salaam to complete your prayer. You have two rak’ahs left, so pray the first one with al-Faatihah and another soorah, then recite the tashahhud, which is the first tashahhud for you, then get up for the third rak’ah, and recite al-Faatihah only, and recite the last tashahhud, then say the salaam.

What is stated above is based on the assumption that what the latecomer caught up with with the imam is the beginning of his own prayer, and what he prays on his own is the end of his prayer. This is the opinion of al-Shaafa’i (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Majmoo’ (4/117): If he catches up with a rak’ah of Maghrib he should stand up after the imam says the salaam and pray one rak’ah and recite the tashahhud, then pray a third rak’ah and recite the tashahhud.

Then he said:

We have mentioned that our view is that what the latecomer catches up with is the first part of his prayer and what he makes up is the last part. This is the view of Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib, al-Hasan al-Basri, ‘Ata’, ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez, Makhool, al-Zuhri, al-Awzaa’i, Sa’eed ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez and Ishaaq. Ibn al-Mundhir narrated it from them and said: This is also my opinion. He said: and it was narrated from ‘Umar, ‘Ali and Abu’l-Darda’, but that is not proven. It was also narrated from Maalik and was the view of Dawood.

Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Thawri and Ahmad said: What he caught up with is the latter part of his prayer and what he makes up is the first part of his prayer. This was narrated by Ibn al-Mundhir from Ibn ‘Umar, Mujaahid and Ibn Sireen. They quoted as evidence for that the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Whatever you catch up with, pray, and whatever you have missed, make it up.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim. Our companions quoted as evidence the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whatever you catch up with, pray, and whatever you have missed, complete it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim with many isnaads.

Al-Bayhaqi said: Those who narrated the words “complete it” are greater in number, have better memories and are closer to Abu Hurayrah who is the narrator of this hadeeth, so they are more correct. Shaykh Abu Haamid and al-Maawirdi said: Completing a thing can only be done after doing the first part of it. Al-Bayhaqi also narrated a view similar to ours from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab, ‘Ali, Abu’l-Darda’, Ibn al-Musayyib, Hasan, ‘Ata’, Ibn Sireen and Abu Qilaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them).

With regard to the report which says “make it up.” This may be answered in two ways:

1 – That those who narrated the words “complete it” are greater in number and have better memories

2 – That qada’ (the word translated here as “make it up”) is actually to be interpreted as meaning “do it” and not the usual sense in which the word is understood, because this usage is that of the later fuqaha’, whereas the Arabs used the word in the sense of doing. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So when you have accomplished [qadaytum] your Manaasik (rituals of Hajj)”
[al-Baqarah 2:200]

“When you have finished [qudiyat] As-Salaah (the congregational prayer)”
[al-Nisa’ 4:103]

Shaykh Abu Haamid said: What is meant is: what you have missed of your own prayer, not what you missed of the imam’s prayer; what the latecomer has missed of his own prayer is the latter part of it.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (7/322):
Question: I would like to know more about how a latecomer should pray:
1- If the imam has already prayed one or two rak’ahs of Maghrib
2- If the imam has already prayed one or two rak’ahs of a four-rak’ah prayer.
What should he recite? Should he recite al-Faatihah only or another soorah as well?

Answer:
Whatever the latecomer catches up with of the prayer with his imam is regarded as the first part of his prayer. So whoever catches up with one rak’ah of Maghrib, that is regarded as being the first part of his prayer. So he should stand up after the imam says the salaam and make up what he missed. In the first rak’ah he makes up he should recite al-Faatihah and another soorah or verses, because it is the second rak’ah for him. Then he should sit and recite the first tashahhud. Then when he stands up to make up the remaining rak’ah of Maghrib he should recite al-Faatihah only, because it is the third rak’ah for him. Then he should sit and recite the final tashahhud. If what he missed of Maghrib was one rak’ah, and he caught up with two rak’ahs with the imam, then he should recite al-Faatihah only in the last rak’ah that he makes up after the imam says the salaam, because it is the third rak’ah for him.

If it is a four-rak’ah prayer and he catches up with three or two rak’ahs with the imam, then he should recite al-Faatihah only in the one or two rak’ahs that he makes up, because that is the latter part of the prayer for him, so he does not have to recite another soorah as well as al-Faatihah. This is the correct scholarly view. And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas.

And Allaah knows best.

Rare Quran inscribed by Aurangzeb to be auctioned

2010-09-04T04:27:00.006+01:00

Taken from Gulf News, By Samihah Zaman, Published: September 3, 2010

Abu Dhabi: A 300-year-old manuscript of the Quran, parts of which were inscribed by the son of the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal, will soon be auctioned by its Emirati owner in Germany.

The 14.5x24cm manuscript has lavish golden insets and consists of sheets of paper, handcrafted from rice and natural materials, and inlaid with ruby, lapis lazuli and garnet.

The 14.5x24cm manuscript was part of the collection of the Mughal emperors of India, and was made during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707), son of Emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal.

It will be auctioned at the Auktionshaus Sebök (Seboek aution house) in the German city of Bamberg by its current Emirati owner, who wished to remain anonymous.

The manuscript has lavish golden insets and consists of sheets of paper, handcrafted from rice and natural materials. The script is written in ink made from valuable minerals, and it is inlaid with ruby, lapis lazuli and garnet.

Emperor Aurungzeb is known to have inscribed several passages of the manuscript himself, and he had reserved a special section of his palace for the artists who completed it.

Starting price

Stefan Sebök, an auctioneer at the auction house, told Gulf News that the starting price for the item has been set at 900 euros (Dh 4,221).

"The manuscript is extremely rare and was passed down to the last of the Mughal emperors by Emperor Aurangzeb. So we expect it to receive one of the highest bids at our art and antique auction in October," Sebök said.

Sebök also said that a comparable manuscript was sold to the Sultan of Brunei in 2006 for $10 million (Dh36.7 million), and a similar item went to an anonymous bidder for $4.3 million (Dh 15.781 million).

According to Sebök, the current owner of the manuscript acquired the ancient copy of the Quran from his great-grandfather. The owner's great-grandfather had been governor to Oudh, a northern region in India, and had served the Mughal dynasty.

Before the British Raj had dismissed the last Mughal emperor, the emperor had asked his loyal confidants to select gifts from his collection for themselves.

The great-grandfather of the current owner has personally selected the manuscript, and it has since been passed down through generations of the family.

Other interesting articles:

(1) Record price for 13th-century Quran

(2) 800-year-old key to the Kaaba

Money recovered from Hajj fraudster - Mohammed Faruk Ahmed of Qibla Hajj Kafela

2010-09-02T20:45:00.004+01:00

Taken from The Metropolitan police - Tower Hamlets , 02.09.2010

In November 2008 Tower Hamlets Police investigated claims that a Mohammed Faruk Ahmed had defrauded over 300 intended Hajj pilgrims by falsely offering travel packages to the 2008 Hajj in Mecca.

The value of the fraud was determined by the court as £503,340. Ahmed pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years imprisonment in July 2009. [More info: Click Here! and Click Here! also YouTube Video]

Officers have been in negotiation with Bangladeshi authorities for almost two years in an attempt to recover significant sums of money sent to Dhaka by Ahmed.

As a result, in July 2010 the Bangladeshi authorities ordered the return of funds controlled by Ahmed in several accounts. £274,891.63 has now been received in the UK and will be transferred to Her Majesty's Court Service to satisfy a compensation order made in respect of victims.

The process of returning the money to victims will be undertaken by the court service who will contact victims by letter. This concludes Tower Hamlets Police involvement in the case.

DI Des McHugh from Tower Hamlets Police said: “This has required significant effort and tenacity. As well as the conviction of Ahmed I am pleased that the victims will now receive some financial recompense for this serious crime”

Further reading:

(1) Pilgrims Conned by Qibla Hajj Kafela

(2) List of Approved Pilgrim Services Agents

Last 10 days of Ramadan!!!

2010-08-31T01:18:00.002+01:00

Assalamualikum,

I hope the month of Ramadan is treating you well.

1. Last 10 days of Ramadan
As you are aware we are in the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is not uncommon to find brothers and sisters taking the month of Ramadan or the last 10 days of Ramadan off as holiday. Take a vacation for Allah - We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshiping and thanking our Creator. I did this last year and it was the best 10 days I spent.

If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf. It was a practice of the Prophet (pbuh) to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for Itikaf. Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.

2. Laylatus Qadr
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night. The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but that is not absolutely certain.

Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: "Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan" (Bukhari).

Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:"I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what should I recite therein?" Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised her to recite:

Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).

Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur'an, Dua, Zikr, etc.

Surah Al-Qadr (97) - To Listen (Click Here!)

Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem

1: Transliteration: Inna anzalnahu fee laylatialqadr
Muhsin Khan: Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)

2: Transliteration: Wama adraka ma laylatualqadr
Muhsin Khan: And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?

3: Transliteration: Laylatu alqadri khayrun min alfi shahr
Muhsin Khan: The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, (i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

4: Transliteration: Tanazzalu almala-ikatu warroohufeeha bi-ithni rabbihim min kulli amr
Muhsin Khan: Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,

5: Transliteration: Salamun hiya hatta matlaAAialfajr
Muhsin Khan: Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.

It is best to utilise the last 10 days as much as possible. More information about the Night of Power can be found below...
(please read these two articles)

- Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)

- 16 things you can do on the Night of Power

3. Holy Qur'an
Ramadan has a special relationship with the Qur'ân, of course: "The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'ân was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Soorah al-Baqarah 2:185)

Ibn 'Abbaas( R.A) narrates "That the Messenger of Allah(SAW) was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadan because Jibreel would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Qur'ân with him." (Bukhari)

This Ahaadeeth contains recommendation of the following: * Studying the Qur'ân in Ramadhaan * Coming together for this purpose * Checking (one's memory/knowledge of) the Qur'ân with someone who has preserved it better * Increasing recitation of the Qur'ân in Ramadan * Appreciating that the night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as in (Soorah Al-Muzzammil 73:6).

Further, Fatimah(Ra) narrated from her father(SAW), who told her that Jibreel would rehearse the Qur'ân with him (in Ramadan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death. (Bukhari 6/485)

There are various website you can read, listen and learn to read about the Holy Qur'an. One of the best websites is ...

http://www.quranexplorer.com/Quran/Default.aspx

For those who want to start learning Arabic again - this site is a good start...
http://www.searchtruth.com/arabic/lessons/unit1_writing.php

I have put many other links on the blogsite (right hand side) - so do check it out.

If you have found any of this information useful please make Dua for myself and my family, and all those who contributed to this article, as well as those who contribute to this blogsite and the Ummah in general.